Albania is a country that still feels like a secret. You can cross it in just a few hours, yet every region feels completely different. Mountains, lakes, castles, ruins, and some of the clearest waters in Europe all fit inside this small country. The best way to experience it is by renting a car and letting the journey shape itself day by day. This 10-day road trip begins in the north and finishes on the beaches of the south before heading back to Tirana.
Day 1: Arrival in Tirana and Drive to Shkodra
Start your trip by landing in Tirana. It is strongly recommended to reserve your car in advance to avoid any delays. From the airport, drive north to Shkodra, one of Albania’s oldest and most charming cities. Enjoy the pedestrian streets, lakeside views, and Rozafa Castle. Shkodra is a relaxing place to begin your journey.
Day 2: Shkodra to Thethi via Qafa e Thores
The drive to Thethi takes you into the heart of the Albanian Alps. The road climbs through mountain passes and offers dramatic views. Thethi is a quiet village surrounded by sharp peaks and dense forests. It is the kind of place where you can hear the river from your guesthouse window. In summer, a regular car can handle the road if driven with care.
Day 3: Explore Thethi
Spend a full day in Thethi to enjoy the outdoors. You can hike to the Grunas Waterfall, visit the historic Lock-in Tower, or take the longer trail to the Blue Eye. Locals offer fresh food and warm hospitality, and time feels slower here. It is a place that stays with you.
Day 4: Drive South to Berat
Return from Thethi and head south toward Berat. The landscape changes completely as you leave the mountains behind. Berat is known for its white Ottoman houses, narrow alleys, and hilltop castle where people still live. Walk along the Osum River in the evening and try the traditional local dishes in the old town.
Day 5: Discover Berat
Take your time in Berat. Visit the castle and the Onufri Iconography Museum. Cross the Gorica Bridge and explore the other side of the city. It is a place full of small details, old doors, stonework, and blooming gardens.
Day 6: Berat to Gjirokaster
Continue south through open countryside until you reach Gjirokaster, the city of stone. Built on a steep hill, it is full of character and history. The fortress on the top offers wide views of the valley, and the old homes show how families lived generations ago. It is a quiet city with strong identity and excellent local food.
Day 7: Gjirokaster to Saranda
On the way to the coast, stop at the Blue Eye spring. It is a deep, ice-cold natural pool that rises from the ground with bright blue colors. After that, reach Saranda in time for a seaside dinner. Saranda is lively in summer and is a good base to visit the southern coast. If you plan to stay longer, you can find car rentals near Saranda.
Day 8: Ksamil and Butrint
Spend the day in the far south. Ksamil is a small beach town known for its white sand and shallow turquoise water. It is great for swimming and relaxing. Visit the nearby ruins of Butrint, an ancient city surrounded by lakes and forest. The site is quiet and peaceful and gives you a completely different view of Albania’s past.
Day 9: Along the Riviera to Dhërmi
Drive north along the Ionian coast and stop in some of the best Riviera spots. Pass through Borsh and Qeparo, or take a break for a swim in Jale. Reach Dhërmi by the afternoon. This is one of Albania’s most beautiful villages, with a long beach, clear water, and great food. You can visit the upper village for views and old churches or stay by the beach for a sunset dinner.
Day 10: Dhërmi to Tirana
On your final day, drive back to Tirana. The road climbs through the Llogara Pass, where mountains meet the sea, and gives one of the best panoramic views in the country. You can stop at the top for fresh air and lunch before continuing the journey north. Arrive in Tirana in the afternoon, drop off the car, and spend your last evening in the capital with a walk through the Blloku district or a visit to the main square.