How to Plan Your First Albania Road Trip in 7 Days
Planning a 7-day road trip through Albania is a great way to experience its diverse landscapes, from mountains to beaches, and explore its historic towns. This guide focuses on traveling by camper van, offering flexibility and access to remote areas. Here's what you need to know:
- Start in Tirana: Pick up your camper van hire in Albania and visit landmarks like Skanderbeg Square and Bunk'Art 2.
- Travel Essentials: Get a local SIM card (€15 for 40GB), Albanian Lek for cash-only spots, and apps like Park4Night for camping locations.
- Driving Tips: Roads vary from smooth highways to challenging rural routes. Stick to speed limits, avoid night driving, and use offline maps.
- Costs: Camper van rentals start at €120/day, campsites cost €10–€20/night, and meals range from €10–€15/person.
Quick Itinerary:
- Day 1: Tirana → Berat (UNESCO town, Ottoman architecture)
- Day 2: Berat → Zvërnec (Monastery, lagoon views)
- Day 3: Zvërnec → Himarë (Coastal drive, beaches)
- Day 4: Himarë → Gjirokastër (UNESCO town, cobblestone streets)
- Day 5: Gjirokastër → Përmet (Thermal springs, local cuisine)
- Day 6: Përmet → Pogradec (Lake Ohrid, nature trails)
- Day 7: Pogradec → Tirana (Return via SH3, optional stops in Elbasan or Apollonia).
Traveling by camper van in Albania offers freedom to explore its scenic and historic spots. With some preparation and awareness of road conditions, this adventure can be both enjoyable and affordable.
7-Day Albania Road Trip Itinerary Map
ALBANIA by Campervan part 2 | Blue Eye, Gjirokaster, Benjë hot springs and more!
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Preparing for Your Albania Road Trip
Before hitting the road, focus on three key steps: choosing the right camper van, packing smartly, and familiarizing yourself with Albania's driving conditions. Here's how to make your journey as seamless as possible.
Selecting Your Camper Van
WildGoat Albania offers two camper van options tailored to different needs. The Dhia (€120/day) is a compact Fiat Ducato from 2022, perfect for couples navigating Albania's narrow coastal roads. For families or small groups, the Vjosa (€125/day), a spacious 2024 Peugeot Boxer, provides extra room. Both vans come equipped with 4 seats, 4 beds, a kitchen (including a fridge, 2-burner stove, and sink), a bathroom (shower, sink, toilet), and solar panels for off-grid power - a must given Albania's limited motorhome service areas.
A security deposit of about €500 is required at pick-up. Be sure your rental includes unlimited mileage, basic insurance, and the international "green card" insurance, which is mandatory. WildGoat Albania also offers 24/7 support, a useful safety net given Albania's unpredictable road conditions. Choosing the right camper van is the first step to enjoying Albania's diverse landscapes, as outlined in the 7-day itinerary.
What to Pack for Albanian Roads
Packing thoughtfully can save you a lot of hassle. Start with Albanian Lekë for fuel, local shops, and campsites. ATMs typically charge around 600 Lekë per withdrawal, so always select "Continue without Conversion" to avoid extra fees.
For internet access, grab a local SIM card at the border or in Tirana - expect to pay around €15 for 40GB of data. Essential apps like Park4Night can help you find camping spots, including wild camping locations, while Google Translate with the Albanian language pack is great for offline communication. Bring an LPG adapter for refilling cooking gas, a first aid kit, high-SPF sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a reliable torch. A water filter is a smart choice, though you can also buy 6-litre water bottles for about €1 at supermarkets.
With your essentials packed, you'll be better prepared to tackle Albania's unique driving conditions.
Albanian Roads and Driving Conditions
Albania's road network is a mix of smooth highways and challenging rural routes. Coastal motorways are generally well-maintained, but roads in the north, especially toward Theth, can be rough. The Llogara tunnel, completed in 2025, has significantly reduced mountain travel time from 40 minutes to just 5.
Driving in Albania requires vigilance. As Nigel and Sue Adventures noted:
"They will overtake ANYWHERE – on a blind corner, going up or down hills, solid lines in the middle of the road mean nothing"
. Be prepared for livestock (goats, cows, sheep), stray dogs, pedestrians, and unlit vehicles on the road. Night driving is best avoided due to poor lighting and unmarked roadworks. Offline maps like Maps.me are invaluable, as mobile signals can be patchy in mountainous areas, and Google Maps often underestimates travel times.
Stick to the speed limits: 40 km/h in towns, 80–90 km/h on national roads, and 110 km/h on motorways. Albania enforces a strict blood alcohol limit of 0.01%, so avoid drinking if you're driving. Legally, you must carry a warning triangle, first aid kit, reflective jacket, and (from November to April) snow chains. When refuelling, ask specifically for "Euro Diesel" or "Diesel Blue" at reputable petrol stations to protect your camper van's engine.
Your 7-Day Albania Road Trip Plan
Get ready for an incredible week exploring Albania’s stunning landscapes, from bustling cities to serene coastlines and mountain retreats. This 7-day itinerary is designed for first-time camper van travelers, offering a mix of scenic drives, cultural landmarks, and plenty of time to soak in the surroundings. Most drives range from 1.5 to 3 hours, giving you plenty of flexibility to enjoy each destination. Campsites typically cost between €10–€20 per night, and rural spots often require cash payments in Albanian Lekë. Start early each day to avoid the midday heat and secure your campsite.
Day 1: Tirana to Berat
Kick off your journey in Tirana by picking up your camper van and exploring Skanderbeg Square and the Et'hem Bey Mosque, two iconic landmarks. Don’t miss Bunk'Art 2, a fascinating museum housed in a former anti-nuclear bunker. After a two-hour drive, you’ll reach Berat, famously known as the "City of 1,000 Windows." Visit the 13th-century Berat Castle (Kala), where families still live within its ancient walls. Then, wander through the Mangalem and Gorica quarters to admire Ottoman-era architecture. For the night, park at Berat Caravan Camping, which boasts great views and full amenities.
Day 2: Berat to Zvërnec
Head southwest toward the Zvërnec Monastery, a 13th-century Byzantine site connected to the mainland by a picturesque wooden footbridge. The surrounding lagoon offers tranquil views, though camping near the Zvernec Lighthouse is restricted due to a "No Camping" sign. Continue south to Radhimë and set up camp at a seaside spot that’s perfect for van travelers.
Day 3: Zvërnec to Himarë
Today’s route takes you along the breathtaking SH8 coastal road, part of the Albanian Riviera. Take a break for a swim or simply enjoy the incredible views. Be aware that during peak summer months, many beaches charge for sun loungers. Arrive in Himarë by late afternoon and stay overnight at Eco Camping Himara, which offers easy beach access.
Day 4: Himarë to Gjirokastër
Leave the coast and journey inland to Gjirokastër, a charming hillside town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 2.5-hour drive winds through scenic mountain roads. Explore Gjirokastër Castle, which provides panoramic views, and stroll the cobblestone streets lined with Ottoman-era houses. A visit to the Skenduli House, an 18th-century mansion, offers a glimpse into traditional Albanian life. Stay at Camping Gate of Gjirokastra, located conveniently near the historic center.
Day 5: Gjirokastër to Përmet
Drive northeast to Përmet, a town famous for its thermal springs and delicious food. The 1.5-hour journey leads you to the Benja thermal springs, where you can relax in natural hot pools beneath a stone bridge in the Langarica Canyon. While in town, try local dishes like byrek at a family-run eatery, with meals costing around €4–€10 per person. For the night, camp at Benja Camping, just a short distance from the springs.
Day 6: Përmet to Pogradec
Make your way to Pogradec on the shores of Lake Ohrid, a 3-hour drive through mountainous terrain. Spend time at Drilon National Park, known for its freshwater springs and peaceful walking trails. Pogradec is also renowned for its koran trout, a delicacy unique to Lake Ohrid - perfect for a lakeside dinner. Settle in at one of the small campsites along the lake for a quiet evening.
Day 7: Pogradec to Tirana
Wrap up your trip with a 2.5-hour drive back to Tirana via the SH3. If you have extra time, stop in Elbasan to see the Ottoman fortress walls or visit the Apollonia ruins, an ancient Greek city featuring a well-preserved theatre and columns. Return your camper van in Tirana and look back on a week of unforgettable experiences, from mountain retreats to coastal adventures and everything in between.
Making Your Camper Van Trip Safe and Smooth
To enjoy the perfect Albania road trip, it's important to combine safe driving practices with smart camping choices and easy access to local assistance. Albania’s roads offer breathtaking views, but they also come with challenges that require preparation and attention. From winding mountain passes to picturesque coastal routes, being aware of local driving conditions and knowing where to set up camp will help you have a hassle-free adventure.
Driving on Albanian Roads
Driving in Albania requires attention and adaptability. Vehicles drive on the right side, and headlights must remain on at all times, even during the day. Speed limits vary: 40 km/h in towns, 80 km/h in rural areas, 90 km/h on expressways, 110 km/h on motorways, and 130 km/h on the A1 motorway. However, local drivers often ignore these limits, overtaking on blind curves and disregarding road markings.
Certain routes, like the Llogara Pass between Zvërnec and Himarë, are particularly tricky, with gradients as steep as 11%. Drive cautiously in your camper van, and be prepared to encounter livestock on rural roads. Avoid driving at night since many roads lack streetlights and may have large potholes. In mountainous areas, offline maps are essential because mobile signals can be unreliable. Navigation apps like Waze can also help by providing real-time updates on traffic and police patrols.
Keep cash in Albanian Lek for tolls and small purchases. For instance, the A1 Kalimash tunnel toll is around €5,00, while the Lezhë to Kukës toll costs about 660 Lek (approximately €6,50). Fuel prices, such as diesel at roughly €1,70 per litre, are higher compared to nearby Balkan countries. Always carry your passport (valid for at least six months), driver’s licence, International Driving Permit, vehicle registration, and insurance documents. Note that most European insurance policies don’t cover Albania, so you’ll need to buy third-party border insurance, which costs about €49,00 for 15 days or €65,00 for a month.
Safe driving is just one part of the equation - choosing the right camping spot is equally important.
Where to Camp with Your Van
Albania offers a mix of official campsites and opportunities for wild camping. While wild camping is generally tolerated, staying at official campsites provides added security, essential facilities, and a chance to interact with locals. These sites often include amenities like water hookups, electricity, and waste disposal. Many campsites only accept cash, so it’s wise to carry enough Lek. If you’re unsure about water quality, ask the campsite hosts - some mountain springs have high calcium levels, requiring boiling or filtering.
For example, Riverside Camping in Berat offers modern facilities and stunning views of the Osum River. Livadhi Beach in Himarë provides easy access to the coast, while Camping Gate of Gjirokastra in Gjirokastër is conveniently located near the historic centre. Some campsites, like Camping Legjenda in Shkodër, go the extra mile with amenities like pools and restaurants, with rates around €25,00 per night.
Even with a great campsite, it’s crucial to know where to turn for help if something goes wrong.
Getting Help When You Need It
For emergencies, WildGoat Albania offers 24/7 WhatsApp support, assisting with travel issues, mechanical problems, or navigation questions. This service connects you directly to local experts, which can be a lifesaver. To ensure reliable communication, consider purchasing a local SIM card from providers like Vodafone or One. Packages with unlimited data and calls typically cost between 1,300 and 1,600 Lek. Avoid international roaming in the Balkans, as it can be prohibitively expensive.
Additionally, always have your rental provider’s contact information readily available. Drive cautiously to account for unpredictable road conditions and erratic local driving. Keep your vehicle registration and insurance documents on hand, as they’re often required at border crossings and during police checks.
Conclusion
After all the preparation, you're ready to dive into an unforgettable journey through Albania. This 7-day road trip takes you from the bustling streets of Tirana to the UNESCO-recognized Ottoman towns of Berat and Gjirokastër. You'll navigate the breathtaking Llogara Pass, relax on the turquoise shores of Himarë, soak in the thermal springs of Përmet, and find peace by the serene Lake Ohrid. Each day reveals a new side of Albania, from its ancient fortresses and hidden beaches to the genuine warmth of its people.
Traveling by camper van gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and uncover Albania's wild camping spots. Companies like WildGoat Albania, a family-run local business, offer fully equipped vans with kitchens, bathrooms, solar panels, and 24/7 WhatsApp support to ensure a smooth adventure.
"Albania is one of the best countries to travel in a campervan or Motorhome!" - Nigel and Sue, Nigel and Sue Adventures
This trip not only showcases Albania’s stunning landscapes and rich history but also highlights the importance of being well-prepared for the road. With a minimum booking of five days, you’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the country’s beauty. Meals are budget-friendly, typically ranging from €10.00 to €15.00, and most attractions cost €10.00 or less for entry.
Start planning your Albanian road trip today and discover one of Europe’s most exciting travel experiences.
FAQs
When is the best time for this 7-day Albania camper van road trip?
The ideal time for a 7-day camper van road trip in Albania is during May, June, or September. These months offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and great conditions for outdoor adventures and exploring. This makes sightseeing and camping much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Albania?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly advised when driving in Albania. While your national driving licence might suffice in some cases, many rental companies and local authorities could ask for an IDP as it serves as an official translation of your licence. Keeping an IDP on hand can save you from unnecessary complications during your journey.
Can I wild camp in Albania, and how do I stay safe?
Yes, wild camping is widely permitted across much of Albania, including along its coastline and in its remote mountain areas, with only a few restrictions. To ensure your safety, it's best to avoid driving after dark due to potholes, always lock your vehicle in cities or towns, and stick to local traffic regulations - such as keeping your headlights on during the day. Police checkpoints are frequent, so be prepared for stops. Carrying a basic Albanian dictionary can be helpful, particularly when traveling through rural regions where English may not be commonly spoken.