Albania Self-Drive Tour: 10 Days of Mixed Discovery

Arrive in Tirana and pick up your rental car, marking the beginning of your Albania self-drive tour. After settling into your hotel, take your time to explore the lively capital—a colorful mix of cafés, street art, wide boulevards, and vibrant local energy. Tirana’s blend of Ottoman echoes, Italian architecture, and modern design makes every corner feel fresh and full of character.

Optional activities:

City & Food Tour – Discover Tirana’s flavors and stories with a local guide.

Traditional Albanian Cooking Class – Prepare regional dishes with homegrown ingredients.

Leave Tirana in the morning and drive north toward the remote village of Theth, nestled in the Albanian Alps. The journey itself is a scenic introduction to Albania’s dramatic landscapes, with winding roads, rivers, and verdant valleys. Arrive in the village in the afternoon, where traditional stone houses and the surrounding peaks create an unforgettable alpine atmosphere.

Activities:

Explore Theth village on foot, wandering its charming lanes and historic landmarks.

Short hikes around the village to waterfalls, alpine meadows, and panoramic viewpoints.

Interact with local families and experience the authentic rhythm of mountain life.

Overnight in Theth, immersing yourself in the calm and pristine nature that defines this hidden corner of Albania.

Spend your morning soaking in the serene beauty of Theth with a few more hours for exploration. Then, drive toward the mesmerizing Blue Eye spring, a natural wonder famous for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters and lush surrounding forest—a perfect spot for photos and a brief walk.

After visiting the Blue Eye, continue your journey to Shkoder, one of Albania’s oldest cities, rich in culture and history. Here, you can revisit optional experiences from previous days or simply enjoy the city’s lively cafes and riverside promenade.

Optional activities:

Additional hikes or village walks around Theth

Leisurely exploration of Shkoder’s historic streets and local markets

Overnight in Shkoder, where rivers, mountains, and history converge in a charming northern Albanian setting.

Leave Shkoder in the morning and head south to Mrrizi i Zanave, a celebrated slow-food restaurant often compared to Noma for its innovative use of local Albanian ingredients. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and savor traditional dishes prepared with a modern twist, surrounded by lush countryside.

Continue your drive to Berat, famously known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Here, Ottoman-era houses cling to the hillside, and cobbled streets lead to the majestic Berat Castle. Explore the historic center with its churches, mosques, and museums, or simply wander through its atmospheric lanes.

Optional accommodation:

Stay in a traditional Berat city hotel for convenience and charm

Choose a nearby wine estate for a scenic and indulgent experience

Overnight in Berat, where history, culture, and gastronomy combine for a memorable stop on your Albania self-drive tour.

Depart Berat and drive southeast toward Korça, a city renowned for its rich artistic heritage and vibrant cultural life. Along the way, consider optional stops at Maligrad Island and Lake Prespa, where kayaking offers a peaceful way to connect with Albania’s untouched natural beauty.

Korça itself is famous for Byzantine art and is closely linked to the village of Voskopoja, often called “the small Constantinople” for its historical churches and cultural significance. Explore the city’s cobbled streets, local markets, and cafés, or join a beer tasting tour to experience modern Albanian flavors.

Overnight in Tirana after returning from Korça, completing a day that blends natural wonders with cultural discoveries.

Leave Korça and head southwest toward Përmet, a town celebrated for its natural beauty and warm hospitality. This region offers both adventure and relaxation, with options to immerse yourself in Albania’s rivers, mountains, and local traditions.

Optional activities:

Rafting on the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last wild rivers

Biking through scenic valleys and villages

Staying in an authentic 19th-century house with a welcoming local family

Overnight in Përmet, where the combination of natural landscapes and traditional Albanian architecture creates a perfect blend of exploration and comfort on your Albania self-drive tour.

Depart Përmet and drive toward Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its stone-built houses, narrow cobbled streets, and rich history. The town’s Ottoman-era architecture and hilltop castle create an atmospheric setting that feels frozen in time.

Optional activities:

Explore traditional houses and local museums

Visit nearby shepherd communities for an authentic cultural encounter

Cooking classes featuring regional specialties

Hikes to Peshtura Waterfall or historic landmarks

Overnight in Gjirokastër, where history, culture, and the dramatic landscape make every corner a story to discover.

Leave Gjirokastër and head toward the coast, stopping at the scenic Peshtura Waterfall for a refreshing walk and photo opportunity. The cascading waters and surrounding greenery make it a hidden gem of southern Albania.

Continue to Saranda, a vibrant coastal town along the Ionian Sea. Enjoy the Mediterranean breeze, explore local beaches, or stroll along the promenade lined with cafés and restaurants. Saranda is the perfect base for discovering the southern Albanian Riviera and its picturesque villages.

Optional activities:

Swimming or relaxing at nearby beaches

Visiting local cafés and seaside markets

Short coastal hikes to scenic viewpoints

Overnight in Saranda, soaking in the tranquil seaside atmosphere on your Albania self-drive tour.

Spend the day exploring the charming villages along the Albanian Riviera, where secluded beaches, dramatic cliffs, and colorful seaside towns await. This day is all about soaking in the natural beauty and authentic coastal culture at your own pace.

Optional activities:

Boat tours to hidden coves and sea caves

Kayaking along the turquoise coastline

Biking through hillside villages

Visiting local artisan shops and sampling regional delicacies

Overnight in one of the Riviera’s scenic villages, offering the perfect combination of tranquillity and charm for a memorable coastal experience on your Albania self-drive tour.

On your final day, leave the Riviera and make a meaningful stop at the historic Ardemica Monastery, a serene spiritual site that reflects Albania’s rich religious and cultural heritage. Explore the monastery’s frescoes, peaceful courtyards, and surrounding landscapes before continuing your drive back to Tirana.

Once in Tirana, return your rental car and enjoy a last stroll through the capital, revisiting favorite spots, grabbing a coffee, or picking up souvenirs. This marks the end of your unforgettable Albania self-drive tour, filled with mountains, lakes, historic towns, and the sparkling Ionian coast.