Albania may be a small country, but it has so much to offer for travelers. As more people discover its charm, scenic drives have become the ideal way to explore. Renting a car in Albania lets you experience the rugged mountain passes and sun-drenched coastlines. Plus, you can visit charming villages, ancient ruins, and panoramic sea views at your own pace.
This coastal drive along the Ionian Sea is one of the best scenic routes in Albania. It stretches south from Vlorë and then traverses the dramatic Llogara Pass. After the pass, the road continues through the Albanian Riviera’s beach towns. The route winds through Llogara National Park.
This rugged alpine route takes you from the northern city of Shkodër into the heart of the Albanian Alps. As you leave Shkodër, you’ll pass Lake Shkodër and climb into the Accursed Mountains range.
Driving to Theth National Park is an adventure. The route winds up steep slopes with towering limestone peaks all around. In spring and summer, waterfalls tumble down the cliffs. You can stop to see the beautiful Grunas Waterfall along the way. The alpine village of Theth greets you with traditional stone houses and wooden-tiled roofs.
Many travelers continue exploring the Valbona Valley on the other side of the mountains. To reach Valbona, you can either hike over a mountain pass or take a longer driving route around. Theth and Valbona offer incredible hiking if you want to park the car and hit the trails. Surrounded by jagged peaks and lush meadows, this drive showcases the wild side of the Albanian countryside.
This short but scenic route connects the historic city of Gjirokastër with the town of Tepelenë. It winds through a valley carved by the Vjosa River. As one of the scenic drives in Albania, it has plenty of scenery and culture in about 30 km.
This route links two of central Albania’s most historic sites. It also offers a pleasant drive through rolling plains and riverside landscapes. It starts in Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows,” and ends at the ancient ruins of Apollonia near Fier.
Leaving Berat, you’ll drive through the Osum River valley. On your right, you might glimpse the winding Osum River and fertile fields along its banks. The road passes villages and farmland, giving you a sense of everyday life in the Albanian countryside. Berat is a UNESCO-listed town, famed for its white Ottoman houses stacked on the hillsides. It also boasts a large hilltop castle district. As you depart, you get a final view of Berat’s picturesque skyline of windows and stone.
The journey to Apollonia takes about an hour or two. Upon arriving at Apollonia Archaeological Park, you can step out of the car and back over 2,000 years. Apollonia was a major Greek and Roman city.
Today you can wander its extensive ruins. Highlights include a beautifully preserved odeon (theater), ancient city walls, and the impressive façade of the Monument of Agonothetes. The site is set amid olive groves and rolling hills. A small monastery on the hill adds to the sense of history.
The drive is not mountainous, but it’s scenic in a gentle way. In spring, wildflowers color the fields. This route is perfect for history enthusiasts and those looking to connect two landmark destinations in one trip.
This tranquil drive connects the shores of Lake Ohrid to the lesser-visited Lake Prespa. It begins in Pogradec, a lakeside city on Lake Ohrid. From there, the road heads east into the mountains toward Lake Prespa on Albania’s eastern border.
This drive gives you a taste of the central Albanian countryside. It runs from the historic town of Krujë down into the lowlands, passing through rural landscapes and ending in the small city of Shijak on the coastal plain.
Krujë is perched on a mountainside about an hour north of Tirana. Begin your trip by exploring Krujë’s medieval castle and bazaar. From the castle’s vantage point, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys. On clear days, you might even glimpse the Adriatic Sea in the distance. As you drive away from Krujë, the road descends through hills dotted with olive groves and small villages.
The scenery transitions from rocky highlands to flatter, lush plains as you approach Shijak. This region is the agricultural heartland of Albania. You’ll see fields of crops and perhaps farmers selling fresh produce by the roadside. The route is relatively short (around 50 km) and easy to drive.
In Shijak, a quiet town between Tirana and Durrës, you’ll experience a slice of local life away from tourist crowds. While Shijak doesn’t have major attractions, it offers an authentic feel of Albanian small-town life.
The journey from Vlorë to Sarandë is the grand tour of the Albanian Riviera. It’s one of the best drives in Albania because it takes you over the famed Llogara Pass, and then down the coast to the vibrant city of Sarandë. It’s one of the best coastal drives in the Balkans, combining alpine twists with seaside bliss.
A road trip through Albania offers you vistas and experiences ranging from high mountain passes to sunny coastal towns. You’ll see unspoiled beaches, dramatic mountains, historic cities, and charming villages. With good roads now reaching even remote areas, an Albania road trip is easier.
To make the most of your journey, consider renting a car with Finalrentals. Our platform lets you easily compare vehicles and prices. Book confidently, whether you're picking up in Tirana or exploring Albania’s southern coast.
