Albania: a dream road trip between nature, history and beautiful beaches

Its fame is constantly growing, but it still remains one of the most unexpected destinations in Europe: Albania . Located north of Greece and south of Montenegro, this incredible Balkan country boasts centuries-old traditions , an enchanting coast and delicious cuisine , as well as a perfect mix of sea and mountains , satisfying the desires of every type of traveler.

How to best explore this destination? We recommend a road trip , whether by car or camper, the perfect way to discover it independently, at your own pace and in all its facets. Also because, if you want to see more areas, public transport is not always available and reliable.

If you are thinking of taking a road trip in Albania , these are the stops you can't miss.

Tirana, the capital

To appreciate Albania , a relatively young tourist destination, it is necessary to know its history. Where to begin the journey, then, if not from its capital? Tirana has an important legacy that allows visitors to delve into the country's past: the bunkers , or what remains of the paranoia that enveloped the thoughts of Enver Hoxha , the dictator who reigned from 1944 until his death in 1985. These were built after the Second World War in strategic positions such as cliff tops, but also in fields, on street corners and along the coasts to prevent enemy incursions .

Today, many of these bunkers have been transformed into social, cultural spaces and museums, such as Bunk'Art 2 , a 24-room museum that reconstructs the history of the Ministry of Internal Affairs from 1912 to 1991, recreating its interrogation cells and exhibiting vivid images and art installations.

Among the things to see we also highlight the small Et'hem Bey Mosque dating back to the 18th century and located in Skanderbeg Square. It is an incredibly unique place of worship, as well as one of the oldest mosques in the country and among the few to survive the communist regime.

Berat, the city of a thousand windows

The immersion in Albania's past continues in the characteristic city of Berat , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just two hours away from Tirana. This time, however, we are going to discover the Ottoman period that lasted 600 years here. The signs of its presence can be glimpsed especially among the architecture of Berat, also called the "city of a thousand windows" thanks to the many beautiful windows that overlook the Osum River.

This divides the city into two districts, connected by several bridges that allow you to move easily between the two areas. Head to the Byzantine Church and the ruins of the castle , both located on the top of the hill, for a splendid view of the valley below.

Gjirokastër, the stone city

An unmissable stop on your road trip in Albania is definitely Gjirokastër which, with its steep cobbled streets and imposing castle, has been nicknamed “the city of stone” . Climbing up the castle, one of the largest in the Balkans, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Gjerë Mountains and the Drino Valley . The center, on the other hand, is full of houses with white facades, complete with wooden balconies and stone roofs, built in the typical Ottoman style .

Everything in its streets is meticulously preserved: the city, in fact, has obtained the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site . Spend your day in Gjirokastër wandering among the characteristic houses and browsing in the pretty shops selling carpets and ceramics, as well as trying some typical specialties such as qifqi , rice and egg balls, often enriched with aromatic herbs, especially mint and pepper, usually fried or cooked in special pans.

Ksamil, stop on the Albanian Riviera

After visiting some of the most characteristic towns, it is time to go and discover the coast. The seaside resort of Ksamil, located on the Albanian Riviera , is home to incredible beaches, sandy and with turquoise water. There are also four small islands here, perfect for exploring with a kayak or a SUP so you can discover the rocky outcrops and dive in whenever you have the chance!

If you want to relax, you can choose a public or private beach , where you can rent a sunbed with an umbrella or where you can sip cocktails prepared in the beach clubs . In the evening, instead, take a walk along the seafront and choose one of the many restaurants there.

Butrint National Park

From Ksamil, hop in your car and drive to Butrint National Park, a national park full of Roman ruins , Roman arches and Byzantine mosaics, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The stone monuments are protected by lush trees that, together with the turquoise waters of the river, create a splendid contrast.

The park covers over 200 hectares so, if you are short on time, head straight for the statue of the goddess , which you will immediately recognize because it is present on almost all the postcards and magnets in the country, and the ancient theater used every summer as a location for events and festivals.

Himarë, splendid coastal town

Another gem of the Albanian Riviera is Himarë, home to the most beautiful sea in all of Albania . What was once a fishing village is slowly becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. It boasts crystal clear turquoise waters , sandy beaches and hidden coves: exactly what you need when road tripping in Albania!

In addition to enjoying the beaches, also go and discover the castle perched on top of a hill. This archaeological site dates back to the 5th century BC and is one of the most beautiful things to see in Himarë, not only for the remains of what was once an important stronghold and its history, but also for the beautiful views of the old town, the beaches and the waters below.

Kruje and its bazaar

If you want to include another town in your itinerary, we recommend Kruje. Small and with a medieval charm , it boasts one of the most colorful and ancient bazaars in Albania. This is your chance to buy some souvenirs among fabrics , antiques and handmade carpets .

Nestled at the foot of the Albanian Alps, Kruje exudes a special charm also thanks to its history. During the Roman era it was inhabited by an ancient Balkan tribe that transformed the area into one of the most important cities of that period so much so that, during the Middle Ages, it became the first capital of the Albanian state. However, Kruje is best known as the birthplace of the national hero Skanderbeg , the military commander who repelled the Ottoman forces for 25 years before his death in 1468.

After exploring the small town, also climb up to the castle , used as an operational base in the 15th century by Skanderbeg and his 3000-man army.

Theth and the beauty of Albanian nature

The last stops that we recommend for your road trip in Albania will allow you to discover another soul of the country: the one linked to the mountains . The village of Theth, located in the heart of the Albanian Alps, at the end of a winding road, is home to just a few houses surrounded by imposing mountain peaks and meadows full of wild flowers. And that's exactly what's beautiful about it. Here you can observe the slow flow of typical village life, stroll along country roads and take some of the most beautiful hikes in the area, such as Valbona .

This is a long hike through the mountains , considered one of the most beautiful hikes to do in Albania. During your journey you will walk through different sceneries, not only mountains, but also forests, pastures, babbling streams and meadows full of flowers.

If you are looking for a shorter hike, just 45 minutes from the village of Theth is the stunning 25-meter-high Grunasi waterfall , which cascades down an impressive limestone cliff. The hike will take you along rocky paths and a mountain river before entering the forest. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the mountain peaks.

Finally, among the natural beauties of Albania you cannot miss the Blue Eye , similar to the one in Saranda : a deep pool of water set in limestone rock. It is called this way because, when admired from above, it resembles a blue eye due to its bright color in the center that slowly fades into lighter blue and green tones. This incredible color and clear water is due to the depth of the water and the surrounding vegetation, a contrast that makes it one of the most idyllic places to swim. Furthermore, to make it all even more magical, there is also a waterfall !