Best Albania Self-Driving Tour – 10-Day Itinerary

You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel for a smooth start to your trip. After settling in, you can begin exploring Tirana, a colorful and lively capital known for its mix of modern energy and deep history. You can walk around the center, enjoy local cafés, and get a first taste of this 10 day Albania self-driving tour.

Main things to see in Tirana:

• Skanderbeg Square – the heart of the city.
• National History Museum – Albania’s largest museum with iconic mosaics.
• Pazari i Ri – the new bazaar filled with fresh produce and local products.
• Bunk’Art 2 – a bunker-turned-museum showcasing Albania’s Recent history.
• Blloku District – the trendy area with cafés, art, and nightlife.
• Grand Park of Tirana – perfect for an easy walk around the lake.

You will receive your rental car at your hotel, so there’s no need to drive today unless you want to explore further.

Today you start your journey north toward Kruja, a historic city set on the slopes of Mount Kruja. Known as the hometown of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, the city is famous for its fortress, museums, and charming cobblestone bazaar. It’s the perfect place to dive into Albania’s medieval history while enjoying panoramic views.

Main things to see in Kruja:

• Kruja Castle – perched on a hill with sweeping valley views.
• Skanderbeg Museum – dedicated to Albania’s national hero.
• Ethnographic Museum – showcasing traditional Albanian life.
• Old Bazaar – a charming cobblestone market street with crafts and antiques.

After exploring Kruja, continue driving north to Shkodra, one of the oldest and most culturally rich cities in the country. Known as the “city of art and culture,” Shkodra sits beside a beautiful lake and is full of history, Venetian architecture, and lively streets.

Main things to see in Shkodra:

• Rozafa Castle – offering some of the best views in northern Albania.
• Marubi National Museum of Photography – featuring an impressive historic photo archive.
• Museum of Communist Resistance – insight into Albania’s modern history.
• Shkodra Lake Promenade – beautiful for

Spend a full day exploring Shkodra, a city renowned for its cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and lakeside charm. Today is perfect for discovering local crafts, enjoying authentic cuisine, and immersing yourself in the city’s relaxed atmosphere.

Main things to see in Shkodra:

• Venetian Masks Factory – learn about the local tradition of handmade Venetian masks.
• Shkodra Historical Museum – detailing the city’s rich history.
• Rozafa Castle – revisit if desired for a different perspective of the city.
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral – the largest Catholic church in Albania.
• Pedonalja Street – enjoy a relaxed walk through cafés, shops, and local life.
• Lunch at Mrizi i Zanave – a must-visit farm-to-table restaurant considered among the best in Albania.

Today you will leave Shkodra and drive south toward Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage city famously known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Berat is celebrated for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, white-washed houses climbing the hillside, and rich cultural history.

Main things to see in Berat:

• Berat Castle – an impressive fortress with panoramic views over the city.
• Mangalem Quarter – the historic hillside neighborhood full of traditional houses.
• Gorica Quarter – connected to Mangalem by the Osum River, offering charming streets and riverside views.
• Onufri Iconography Museum – located inside the castle, featuring unique religious art.
• Wine Tasting at Local Wineries – optional but highly recommended to sample the region’s excellent wines.

Depending on your choice of accommodation, you can stay at a scenic winery or a boutique hotel with stunning views over Berat, perfect for relaxing after the day’s drive.

Leave Berat in the morning and drive south toward the Albanian Riviera, passing through Llogara National Park. The route offers breathtaking mountain views, winding roads, and opportunities to stop for photos. Your final destination for the day is Himara, a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and historical old town.

Main things to see along the way and in Himara:

• Llogara Pass Viewpoint – dramatic mountain vistas and panoramic coastline views.
• Dukat Valley – a scenic area perfect for a short stop or walk.
• Old Himara Town – historic streets and traditional houses.
• Himara Beach – relax and swim in crystal-clear waters.
• Porto Palermo Castle – a small fortress located near Himara, worth a short detour.

Optional seasonal boat tours can be taken along the coast, or you can simply enjoy the peaceful beaches and local restaurants in Himara.

Enjoy a slow morning along the Albanian Riviera, driving through small coastal villages, hidden beaches, and scenic bays. Today is all about soaking in the natural beauty, stopping for photos, and experiencing the peaceful rhythm of the coastline. Your final destination for the day is Saranda or Ksamil, popular seaside towns known for turquoise waters and relaxing beaches.

Main things to see along the way and in Saranda/Ksamil:

• Gjipe Beach – a hidden beach accessible by a short hike or boat.
• Jale Beach – one of the Riviera’s most picturesque beaches.
• Borsh Waterfall – a scenic stop along the coastal drive.
• Lekursi Castle (Saranda) – historic castle with panoramic views of Saranda and the Ionian Sea.
• Ksamil Islands – small islands perfect for a swim or boat excursion.

Today you can explore some of southern Albania’s most iconic sites. Start by visiting Butrint National Park, the country’s most important archaeological site, and then continue to the stunning natural spring, Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter), before heading inland to Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage “stone city.”

Main things to see today:

• Butrint National Park – ancient ruins surrounded by wetlands and forest.
• Ksamil Islands – optional short boat trips for swimming or sightseeing.
• Blue Eye Spring – crystal-clear natural spring with striking turquoise water.
• Gjirokaster Old Town – cobblestone streets and traditional Ottoman architecture.
• Gjirokaster Castle – historic fortress offering panoramic views over the city and Drino valley.
• Ethnographic Museum – located in a traditional Ottoman house showcasing local life.

Spend the day exploring Gjirokaster, the “Stone City” famous for its unique Ottoman architecture, cobblestone streets, and rich history. Today is ideal for walking around the city, visiting historic houses, and enjoying local culture at a relaxed pace.

Main things to see in Gjirokaster:

• Skenduli House – a well-preserved Ottoman-era house with period furniture.
• Zekate House – a traditional mansion with panoramic views of the city.
• Gjirokaster Castle – visit the castle museum and military exhibits if you didn’t on Day 7.
• Ethnographic Museum – learn about the lifestyle and culture of the region.
• Old Bazaar – explore local crafts, souvenirs, and cafés.
• Peshtura Waterfall (optional) – a short trek outside the city for nature lovers.
• Nepravishta Village (optional) – experience a quieter, traditional village atmosphere.

Leave Gjirokaster and head southeast along the wild Vjosa River toward Permet, the center of Slow Food in Albania. The route offers scenic mountain and river landscapes. After a short stop, continue to Korca, a charming city known as the “City of Serenades” and famous for its cultural and culinary heritage.

Main things to see along the way and in Permet/Korca:

• Permet Old Town – explore the small streets and traditional architecture.
• Benja Thermal Baths – natural hot springs perfect for a relaxing stop.
• Local jam-making workshop (optional) – taste artisanal preserves.
• Korca Old Bazaar – a lively square with cafés, shops, and cultural landmarks.
• Korca Cathedral – beautiful Orthodox church in the city center.
• National Museum of Medieval Art – optional visit for art and history enthusiasts.

On the final day, explore Korca and its surroundings before heading back to Tirana. Optional visits include Prespa National Park and a boat ride to Maligrad Island on Lake Prespa. You can also stop for lunch along the shores of Ohrid Lake in Pogradec or Lin, enjoying the scenic lakeside views before returning to the capital.

Main things to see today:

• Korca City Center – explore its charming streets and local cafés.
• Birra Korca Brewery (optional) – taste Albania’s first beer.
• Prespa National Park (optional) – natural reserve with lakes and wildlife.
• Maligrad Island (optional) – a small island in Prespa Lake with historic ruins.
• Pogradec Promenade – relax along the shores of Lake Ohrid.
• Lin Village – peaceful lakeside village ideal for a short stop before the final drive.

After returning in Tirana you will check in at the hotel where this 10 day Albania tour will end.