Albanian Road Trip – Self Driving through the less known Albania

Arrive in Tirana and pick up your rental car. After settling into your hotel, start exploring the colorful and energetic capital — the perfect warm-up to your Albania road trip.
Interestingly, Tirana is home to one of the largest car-free main squares in the Balkans, Skanderbeg Square, which gives the city an unexpectedly open and spacious feel. In addition, its blend of Ottoman, Italian, and modern influences makes your first walk through the city especially unique.

Optional activities:

• City & Food Tour
• Traditional Albanian Cooking Class

Leave Tirana early and begin your journey north toward the Albanian Alps. Along the way, you will experience a breathtaking boat trip through Lake Koman and the turquoise Shala River, a route often compared to the Norwegian fjords for its dramatic cliffs and emerald waters. In fact, many travelers describe this cruise as one of the most scenic journeys in the Balkans.

After returning around 15:30, continue to Zogaj, a peaceful lakeside village on Lake Shkodra. Its quiet waterfront setting and traditional stone houses create a calm and charming atmosphere for your overnight stay.

A flexible day on your Albania road trip, with three options:

1 – Relax in Prekal
Cold-water springs, rivers, and a peaceful landscape.

2 – Hike in Lepushe (Maja e Vajushes)
A Dolomite-like alpine panorama.

3 – Explore Theth
A balance of nature and culture, plus a visit to the iconic Lock-in Tower.

Return to Shkodra for the night.

Drive from northern Albania toward the highlands of the Mat region. This untouched and authentic area is ideal for kayaking, hiking, biking, and connecting with local families. Interestingly, the Mat region is known for its centuries-old stone towers and for being one of Albania’s most historically significant tribal areas, which adds a cultural depth to the landscape you explore.

Stay the night at Kulla Hupi, a beautiful example of traditional Albanian stone architecture. The guesthouse is also well known for its local cuisine, offering a warm and genuine introduction to regional flavors.

Continue your Albania road trip east toward Shebenik National Park. The area offers scenic drives, remote mountain villages, and a peaceful lunch stop at Trofta Borove. In addition, Shebenik is home to rare wildlife such as the Balkan lynx, which makes the park one of Albania’s most important protected habitats.

Later, relax at Studen Lake, a quiet spot that is especially loved by photographers for its mirror-like reflections.

Finish the day in the lakeside village of Lin, a charming settlement known for its early Christian basilica mosaics that overlook Lake Ohrid. The village is an excellent base for mini camping, kayaking, or biking.

Lin, located on Lake Ohrid, is officially Europe’s oldest lake settlement — over 8,000 years old. After exploring the village and its mosaics, drive south to Farma Sotira, surrounded by dense pine forests and pristine nature.

At the farm, you can:

• Participate in daily farm activities
• Go horseback riding
• Fish
• Visit a local enterprise

Overnight at the farm.

Start the day with a relaxing visit to the natural hot springs of Benja, known for their turquoise pools. Continue to Gjirokaster, a UNESCO stone city famed for its historic houses, narrow alleys, and rich traditions.

Optional experiences:

• Cultural tour of Gjirokaster
• Visit to pastoral shepherd communities
• Cooking classes
• Visits to monasteries & hermit caves
• Hikes to Peshtura Waterfall or Ali Pasha’s Aqueduct

Drive south toward the Albanian Riviera and explore the archaeological park of Butrint, one of the most important ancient sites in the Balkans. The park features ruins dating back to Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian times, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s long and layered history.

Afterward, continue to Saranda or one of its peaceful surrounding villages for your overnight stay, where the coastal atmosphere and stunning Ionian Sea views make for a relaxing evening.

Spend the day discovering hidden beaches, scenic coastal villages, bays, and viewpoints along the Riviera.

Optional activities:

• Boat tours to caves & secret bays
• Kayaking
• Biking in mountain villages
• Mussel farm tour

Overnight in Saranda or in a scenic hillside/coastal property.

Leave the coast and drive toward Berat, famously known as the UNESCO city of a thousand windows. Its hillside Ottoman-era houses and well-preserved castle make it one of Albania’s most picturesque towns. Interestingly, Berat has been continuously inhabited for over 2,400 years, which gives every street and building a deep historical character.

Finish your day with a stay in a local winery, where you can enjoy regional wines and traditional dishes — a perfect way to celebrate the end of your Albania road trip.

Return to Tirana, where your Albania road trip officially ends. Drop off the car and enjoy a final walk through the city before departure.