Albania 4-Day Road Trip: Tirana, Shkoder, Valbona, Kruje & Saranda
Journey Through Albania
Take a lovely road trip that pulls you into the bright streets of Tirana, the old world charm of Shkoder and Kruje, and the peaceful beauty of Valbona and Saranda. From the lively capital to quiet mountain villages and calm coastal towns, this route blends culture and nature in the best way, offering memorable sights, untouched landscapes and views that stay with you long after the drive ends.
Cultural Sites
Natural Beauty
Perfect For All
About This Road Trip
Mixing the energy of busy cities with ancient sites and calm natural spots, this Albania road trip is perfect for culture lovers who enjoy being outdoors. From Skanderbeg Square in Tirana and Rozafa Castle in Shkoder to the quiet trails of Valbona Valley National Park, the proud walls of Kruja Castle and the clear Blue Eye spring in Saranda, this route gives you a gentle taste of everything that makes this lesser known corner of Europe so special.
View route on map
Starting Station: Tirana Airport (TIA)
Trip Duration: 4 days
Mileage Distance: 580 km
Perfect For: History Enthusiasts, Photography, Culture, Nature
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Reddit Reviews
· In Albania, consider visiting Tirana, Berat, and Thethi for a diverse experience of city life, historical architecture, and natural beauty.
· Shkoder is considered a suitable location for including in road trip itineraries, especially for those interested in hiking and meeting friends.
· The activities planned for Valbona include hiking around the area, especially attempting the pass between Theth and Valbona.
· It's challenging to find a rental company that allows you to pick up a car in Venice and drop it off in Shkoder, as many companies do not prefer this itinerary.
· Yes, there are concerns about the road trip being too fast and having too much mountain time, as questioned by the traveler.
· Renting a car in Tirana for a multi-country road trip can be challenging due to different rental policies across countries, and alternatives might need to be considered.
· This road trip through Albania offers a rich blend of cultural and natural attractions, with each city providing its own unique contributions to the journey. The challenges of car rental logistics and the pace of travel are noted, but they are small compared to the overall experience.
👍 88 % positive|👎 30 % negative
Begin Your Albania Adventure
Rent a car from Abbycar in Tirana and head out on a memorable road trip across Albania, starting in a capital full of life, colour and history. Feel the energy of Skanderbeg Square, wander through Tirana’s bright streets and enjoy the warm, easygoing vibe of the city. It’s the perfect starting point for discovering Albania’s stunning landscapes, small mountain villages and rich culture, giving you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace with comfort and ease.
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Where To Stop
Road Trip Stops
Discover the unique attractions and natural beauty of each stop on this Albania road trip.
1
First stop
Tirana
Skanderbeg Square is the vibrant heart of Tirana, showcasing historical monuments and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore museums and enjoy lively urban experiences, making it a rich starting point for the roadtrip.
Based on 1562 reviews
(4/5)
2
Second stop
Shkoder
Rozafa Castle stands majestically above Shkoder, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Albania’s rich medieval history. The site is a cultural highlight and an excellent stop for history enthusiasts.
Based on 895 reviews
(4.4/5)
3
Third stop
Valbona
Valbona Valley National Park offers stunning natural beauty with hiking trails and pristine wilderness. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking tranquility and breathtaking mountain views.
Based on 39 reviews
(4.7/5)
4
Fourth stop
Kruje
Kruja Castle offers a fascinating journey through Albanian history, with museums and stunning views from its hilltop location. This stop delivers cultural depth and historical insight for travelers.
Based on 639 reviews
(4.3/5)
5
Fifth stop
Saranda
The Blue Eye near Saranda is a mesmerizing natural spring with vibrant blue waters, perfect for nature lovers and photographers. Saranda itself offers a welcoming coastal ambiance and rich archaeological sites.
Based on 2066 reviews
(4.2/5)
All you need to know before you go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Must-see places in Albania during a road trip include Tirana, Berat, and Thethi.
Yes, you can plan a roundtrip from Tirana to Sarande as part of your road trip in Albania.
Yes, Tirana can be feasibly included in a Balkan road trip itinerary, along with other cities like Sofia, Skopje, Pristina, and Podgorica.
In Shkoder, you can hike around if the Theth-Valbona pass is not open.
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