Albania Road Trip Itinerary: 7 Days in Southern Albania

Albania was never really on my radar as a holiday destination. Often overlooked in favour of more established European destinations, Albania was still something of a mystery to me when a group of friends and I started planning our next trip.

We wanted to explore somewhere in Europe that none of us had visited before, and after considering almost every country on our list, Albania was the one destination we knew the least about. So, we decided to take a chance and plan a one week Albania road trip.

A few months later, we had fallen completely in love with the country. From the turquoise beaches of the Albanian Riviera and the ancient ruins of Butrint to the mountain landscapes of Gjirokastër and the crystal-clear Blue Eye, the south of Albania turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of our travels!

If you’re planning your own trip, this 7-day Southern Albania road trip itinerary covers the best places to visit along the Albanian Riviera and beyond including: Saranda, Ksamil, the Blue Eye, Gjirokastër, Berat, Dhërmi, Gjipe Beach, Himarë and Borsh. I’ll also share practical tips for driving in Albania, renting a car, where to stay, and the best time to visit.

7-Day Albania Road Trip Itinerary: The Ultimate Southern Albania Route

Quick Overview: 7-Day Albania Road Trip

Planning a one-week Albania road trip? This itinerary takes you through the highlights of Southern Albania, combining the Albanian Riviera’s beaches with historic towns, mountain landscapes and some of the country’s most beautiful natural attractions.

🚗 Start & finish: Saranda
📅 Duration: 7 days
🗺️ Route: Saranda → Ksamil → Blue Eye → Gjirokastër → Berat → Dhërmi → Gjipe → Himarë → Borsh → Saranda
🏖️ Best for: Stunning beaches, scenic drives, hiking, history and hidden gems
🚙 Getting around: Rental car

🌊 DAYS 1–2 | SARANDA + KSAMIL
Start on the Albanian Riviera with Saranda as your base. Relax on the beautiful beaches of Ksamil, enjoy sunset by the sea and explore the ancient ruins of Butrint.

🏛️ DAYS 3–4 | BLUE EYE + GJIROKASTËR + BERAT
Leave the coast behind and head into the mountains. Visit the crystal-clear Blue Eye, explore the UNESCO-listed stone city of Gjirokastër and discover the historic city of Berat.

⛰️ DAYS 5–7 | DHËRMI + GJIPE + HIMARË + BORSH
Return to the Albanian Riviera for some of the most spectacular scenery of the trip. Drive along the dramatic coastal roads, hike to Gjipe Beach, explore the seaside town of Himarë and finish at beautiful Borsh Beach before returning to Saranda.

Where You’ll Stay

Days 1–2: Saranda
Day 3: Gjirokastër
Day 4: Berat
Day 5: Dhërmi
Day 6: Himarë
Day 7: Saranda

One Week Albania Road Trip Map

To view the stops listed in order, click the square in the top left hand corner of the map below. To view a larger version of this map, click the square in the top right hand corner to open it in a new window. 

Why Take an Albania Road Trip?

An Albania road trip is one of the best ways to experience the incredible variety of landscapes this small Balkan country has to offer. You can drive through lush mountain valleys in the morning, follow dramatic coastal roads along the Albanian Riviera, and be swimming in the Mediterranean by the afternoon.

The scenery is a major reason to explore Albania by car. The roads between Saranda, Himarë and Dhërmi wind through the coastal mountains, offering spectacular views of the Ionian Sea along the way. It’s easily one of the most beautiful stretches of road I have ever driven.

Albania is also surprisingly affordable compared with many other European destinations. Fresh seafood, traditional Albanian food and local drinks are easy to enjoy without breaking the budget, while you’ll find plenty of unique accommodation options along the route.

Add in friendly locals, a fascinating history, beautiful beaches and some of Europe’s most underrated natural landscapes, and it’s easy to see why Albania is such a fantastic destination for a road trip.

Planning Your Albania Road Trip

How to Get to South Albania

This Southern Albania road trip starts and ends in Saranda, and there are two main ways to get there: fly to Corfu in Greece and take the ferry to Saranda, or fly to Tirana and travel south by car or bus.

For this Albania itinerary, I would highly recommend starting from Corfu to keep things simple and travel time to a minimum.

From Corfu to Saranda

Flying to Corfu and taking the ferry to Saranda is the easiest option, particularly if you’re starting and ending your road trip in the Albanian Riviera. Ferries run regularly between Corfu and Saranda, with the journey taking around 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the type of ferry.

I recommend booking your ferry online in advance, especially during the summer months. You can compare ferry schedules and prices here.

From Corfu Airport, you can take a taxi directly to the New Port for €20 or use the local Corfu City Bus Line 15 for €2. If you’ve already booked your ferry, make sure you head to the correct departure terminal when you arrive at the port.

 From Tirana to Saranda

If flights to Tirana are more convenient or affordable, you can easily travel south to Saranda by car or bus.

The bus from Tirana to Saranda takes around 4.5 hours and costs approximately €17, it’s useful to have Albanian cash ready. Buses depart daily from the regional bus terminal, although I’d recommend renting a car if you’re planning to follow this Albania road trip itinerary. You can compare rental cars in Albania here.

→ Search for cheap flights to Albania or Corfu ←

When to Visit Albania

The best time for a Southern Albania road trip is between May and October, when you can expect warm weather and plenty of sunshine for beach days on the Albanian Riviera.

Late June to August brings the hottest, sunniest weather, with temperatures often reaching the 30s°C, but summer also comes with the biggest crowds. May, September and the beginning of October are quieter, while still offering plenty of warm days for beaches and sightseeing.

For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, I’d choose May, June or September.

Is Albania Safe?

Yes, Albania is generally a safe country to travel and we felt very comfortable throughout our road trip. Locals were friendly and welcoming, and we met several solo female travellers in Albania who had experienced no major safety concerns.

The only issue we encountered was a couple of minor billing scams at restaurants and bars, where an extra item was added or the total was incorrect. These were quickly corrected when we pointed them out.

As always, take normal precautions and keep an eye on your belongings. The biggest challenge we found was driving in Albania, which can be unpredictable at times. I’ll cover this in the next section.

Driving in Albania

I’ve read plenty of horror stories about driving in Albania, but my experience was much more positive. On this Southern Albania road trip, I found the main roads to be generally well-maintained and easy to navigate.

The biggest thing to be aware of is other drivers. Some locals overtake on blind corners or in places where you wouldn’t expect it, so I always stayed alert and was prepared to brake when approaching bends. I never felt unsafe driving through southern Albania, but I’d recommend being a confident and cautious driver.

The mountain roads can be narrow and have fewer barriers than you might expect, so take your time and don’t get distracted by the incredible views!

I used Google Maps throughout the trip and found it reliable. I recommend downloading the Albania map for offline use and getting a local SIM card so you can stay connected while driving.

Renting a Car in Albania

There are plenty of car rental companies in Saranda, with several located near the port and town centre. I’ve rented cars here myself and had smooth experiences with both Leka Car Rentals and Iris Car Rentals, both within walking distance of the port.

Car rentals in Albania typically cost around €25–€35 per day, although prices increase during the summer. I recommend comparing rental cars online and booking ahead if you’re travelling between June and August.

I’ve heard some unfortunate stories about tourists being charged for pre-existing damage, so I always recommend taking photos and videos of the car before driving away and checking the company’s reviews carefully.

If you’d prefer the reassurance of an international rental company, you can also find options such as Enterprise and Avis through Discover Cars. I use Discover Cars when I travel because I find it easy to compare prices and their affordable excess coverage gives me extra peace of mind.

SIM Cards in Albania

I can highly recommend using an e-sim while road tripping in Albania, Airalo is awesome and I’ve used it in many countries around the world. You just have to download the app, make sure your phone is compatible for installing an e-sim and then follow the instructions to set it up.

►See more about setting up your Airalo account here◄

Alternatively, you can buy a regular sim card on arrival in Albania. Vodafone provides great mobile coverage around the country and there are shops all over Albania. You can get 30gb of data for 2000 lek (€20) and that will be more than enough data to get you through this road trip. 

Travel Insurance for Road Tripping in Albania

I never travel without solid travel insurance, and it’s especially important on a road trip where you’ll be driving, hiking and exploring remote areas!

I’ve personally used Nomad Insurance by SafetyWing several times while travelling in Turkey and living in Albania. When I spent a week in an Istanbul hospital with severe pneumonia, my medical bills would have been around $55,000 USD without insurance. Thankfully, my claim was approved quickly and I was able to continue my travels.

I particularly like SafetyWing because it’s designed for flexible, long-term travel. It provides coverage in 180+ countries, includes emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation, and you can sign up even after you’ve left home.

For longer trips, automatic monthly renewal means I don’t have to worry about buying a new policy every time I cross a border. For shorter trips, you can simply choose the dates you need.

If you’re planning an Albania road trip, get covered with SafetyWing Nomad Insurance and enjoy the adventure knowing you’re covered if something unexpected happens.

►Get covered with SafetyWing Nomad Insurance◄

One Week Southern Albania Road Trip Itinerary

Days 1–2: Saranda + Ksamil

Day One – Saranda

Saranda is the largest town on the Albanian Riviera and the perfect base for the first two days of this itinerary. With a lively beachfront promenade, plenty of great restaurants and easy access to Ksamil and Butrint, I recommend staying here for both nights rather than changing hotels.

On your first evening, take a walk along the promenade and head up to Lekuresi Castle to catch the sunset. The views over Saranda and the Ionian Sea are stunning at this time of day. Afterwards, I recommend having dinner at Haxhi, one of my all-time favourite restaurants in Saranda.

You’ll spend the following day exploring the highlights of Ksamil and Butrint by car, before returning to Saranda for your second night. For more ideas, restaurants and the best places to visit, check out my complete guide to the best things to do in Saranda.

Day Two – Ksamil + Butrint

Pick up your rental car in Saranda

Pick up your rental car in Saranda in the morning and start driving south towards Ksamil. The coastal road is beautiful, winding through the hills with spectacular views over the Ionian Sea, mountains and small cliffside beaches along the way.

The towns are only 30 minutes apart by car but it’s worth stopping at one of the dramatic cliffside beaches along the drive.

Stop for a swim along the way

Before reaching Ksamil, stop at Shpella e Pëllumbave (Pigeon’s Cave Beach) or Pulëbardha Beach for a swim. Both are beautiful spots to experience the crystal-clear water and break up the drive.

These are two of my favourite beaches on the Albanian Riviera and I would advise to pick only one since both require a bit of a hike/walk to access. See more info to plan your visit on my detailed blog post about beaches in Albania. 

Lunch in Ksamil

Hop back in the car and continue to Ksamil for lunch. For a meal with a gorgeous view, I can highly recommend Guvat Restaurant, where I’ve eaten several times and really enjoyed the food/vibe. The best part is their private beach where you can also take a refreshing dip.

Bar Restorant Korali Ksamil next door is another great lunch option, with equally beautiful views overlooking the beach.

Visit Butrint National Park

After lunch, drive south for 10 minutes to Butrint National Park, one of the highlights of this road trip and best places to visit in Albania. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains remarkably well-preserved Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian ruins surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.

Allow around 1–2 hours to explore the archaeological site, soak in its fascinating history, and visit the small on-site museum.

Entry: 1,000 lek per person

Opening hours: 9am–7pm daily

Afternoon at the beach in Ksamil

Head back to Ksamil for the afternoon and spend a few more hours swimming and relaxing on the beach. Ksamil is one of the most popular destinations on the Albanian Riviera, so don’t expect it to be quiet in summer, but the turquoise water and beautiful setting make it well worth visiting.

I personally enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at Blue Diamond Bar on Lori Beach, which has a laid-back vibe. For something livelier, head to the main Ksamil Beach, where you’ll find plenty of beach bars, restaurants and a buzzing atmosphere.

If you want to explore the small Ksamil islands, you can also rent a kayak, paddle boat or book a boat trip from one of the beach bars. When you finish your afternoon relaxing on the beach and drifting in the crystal-clear water, drive back to Saranda for your second night.

Where to Stay in Saranda

For the first two nights, I recommend using Saranda as your base for exploring this area. This gives you an easy starting point for your day trip to Ksamil and Butrint, while also putting you within walking distance of Saranda’s promenade, restaurants and sunset spots.

For more options across different budgets, check out my complete guide to the best hotels in Saranda. Here are two popular and highly-rated options that offer good value without going overboard on price:

Hotel Pini – A highly rated option right on the Saranda waterfront, with comfortable rooms and beautiful sea views. Its central location makes it easy to explore the promenade and restaurants without needing the car.

Hotel Brilant – A popular mid-range choice with modern, cozy rooms and a great location close to the beach and promenade. It’s a good option if you want something comfortable and well located without paying luxury prices.

Days 3–4: Blue Eye + Gjirokastër + Berat

Day Three – Blue Eye → Gjirokastër

• Route: Saranda → Blue Eye → Gjirokastër
• Overnight: Gjirokastër
• Driving Time: ~ 2 hours total

The Blue Eye 

Start your day early and drive inland from Saranda to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), one of southern Albania’s most famous natural attractions. This incredible natural spring is known for its intensely blue and turquoise water, with a depth of at least 50 metres.

I recommend arriving early, as the Blue Eye is a popular day trip from Saranda and can get busy with tour groups later in the morning.

There is a small entrance and parking fee, so bring some Albanian lek cash with you. And while the crystal-clear water may look inviting, the temperature is only around 10°C, so swimming isn’t for the faint-hearted!

Gjirokastër

Continue to Gjirokastër, the beautiful UNESCO-listed “Stone City” of Albania. I loved wandering through the old town, with its distinctive Ottoman-era stone houses, cobbled streets and mountain views.

Make your way uphill through the old town towards Gjirokastër Castle, which is well worth visiting for its fascinating history and spectacular views across the valley. Allow some time to simply wander around and enjoy the atmosphere, this is one of those places where it’s worth slowing down.

Stay overnight in Gjirokastër: Spend the night in Gjirokastër so you can explore the old town at a relaxed pace and enjoy its atmosphere after the day-trippers have left.

Where to Eat: Gjirokastër is home to some fantastic traditional restaurants with outdoor patios, particularly around the Old Bazaar. For lunch or dinner, Vojsava Restaurant is a highly rated gem that I really enjoyed having a slow meal at.

Another popular place located a little closer to the castle is Taverna Tradicionale KARDHASHI, this gem is known for its high quality, home-cooked Albanian food with a cozy, family-run vibe to it. 

Driving tip: When driving from the Blue Eye to Gjirokastër, the road becomes more mountainous with plenty of hairpin bends and tight curves as you climb towards the Muzinë Pass. The road is paved and generally in good condition, but be sure to take your time, especially if you’re not used to mountain driving.

I found the route perfectly manageable in a normal rental car, just slow down for the sharper bends and don’t feel pressured to match the speed of local drivers. Also, don’t forget to take in the amazing scenery as it gets better and better as you go!

 

Where to Stay in Gjirokastër

For an authentic Gjirokastër experience, I’d recommend staying in a traditional guesthouse in or around the Old Bazaar rather than a standard hotel.

Stone Pazar Guest House – I loved this guesthouse for a comfortable and memorable stay. The welcoming hosts made us feel right at home, and the amazing traditional breakfast was a real highlight of our stay. The location is excellent too, just a short walk from the Old Bazaar and castle, making it easy to explore the town on foot. 

►Browse more rooms in Gjirokastër here◄

Day Four – Gjirokastër → Berat

Route: Gjirokastër → Berat
Overnight: Berat
Driving time: Approximately 2.5–3 hours

Breakfast in Gjirokastër

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Gjirokastër before setting off for Berat. This is the longest drive of the itinerary, but most of the route is on main roads and is straightforward to drive.

Driving tip: Follow the route recommended by Google Maps. There may appear to be shorter routes, but from my experience these can take you onto some very rough and challenging mountain roads.

Stay in Berat Castle

Aim to arrive in Berat around lunchtime, giving you plenty of time to check into your accommodation and explore the 13th-century Berat Castle during the afternoon. Staying inside the fortress was one of my favourite experiences in Berat, and I highly recommend it.

The guesthouses here are full of character, with beautiful views over the surrounding mountains and countryside. Rooms are limited and often book out during summer months, so I recommend reserving your room ahead.

Wander through the fortress

Take some time to wander around the fortress and get lost in its winding old stone streets. Don’t miss the main viewpoint overlooking the town below, your guesthouse owners can point you in the right direction if you can’t find it.

You can walk along the walls to find panoramic viewpoints over Berat and visit the 13th-century Holy Trinity Church, which is built into the hillside. One of my favourite memories of Berat was walking around this church at sunset, the views were truly breath taking. 

Visit Berat’s Museums

If you’re interested in history and culture, Berat has two excellent museums worth adding to your visit. The Onufri Iconographic Museum is housed inside the Church of the Dormition of St Mary and displays an impressive collection of Byzantine religious icons and artwork.

The National Ethnographic Museum is set inside a traditional Ottoman-era house and offers a fascinating glimpse into how local families lived in the past.

Explore Berat Old Town

Berat’s historic centre is divided between the fortress (Kalaja), Mangalem on the riverbank and Gorica across the Osum River. The white Ottoman-era houses climbing the hillside are what give Berat its distinctive appearance and have earned it the nickname “City of a Thousand Windows.”

It’s not hard to see why Berat is often referred to as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Albania.

Walk down from the fortress into Mangalem and cross the historic bridge to Gorica for some of the best views back towards the old town. I had a lovely dinner at a restaurant in Gorica called Tradita e Beratit, the food was amazing and the vibe was magical.

Optional: Visit an Albanian Winery

If you have extra time, consider adding a winery visit to your Berat itinerary. Cobo Winery is a convenient option if you’re continuing towards the coast the following day.

Alpeta Agritourism & Winery in Roshnik makes a great half-day trip from Berat, if you have the time to squeeze it in of course. 

For an easier option, you can also book a wine tasting tour from Berat that combines local wine, traditional food and sightseeing.

More things to do in Berat

If you decide to add an extra night to your Albania road trip, there are plenty of ways to explore beyond Berat’s historic centre. A guided walking tour is a great way to learn more about the city’s history from a local guide, while the surrounding countryside is home to waterfalls, a huge canyon and caves worth exploring.

Where to stay in Berat

For this itinerary, I’d strongly recommend staying inside Berat Castle. It’s a unique experience and means you can enjoy the fortress after the day-trippers have left.

Guest House Iljesa – This is where we stayed, and I absolutely loved it. The guesthouse has a beautiful terrace perched on the edge of the fortress walls, with sweeping views over the mountains and countryside. The rustic rooms, friendly staff, all-day bar service and amazing breakfast made this one of my favourite stays in Albania.

Hotel Klea– Another lovely option inside the castle. We ate here several times and loved the beautiful garden, fresh food and warm hospitality from the family who run it. I enjoyed our meals here so much that I’d definitely consider staying here on my next visit.

I cannot stress enough how amazing it was staying in the 13th century fortress high above Berat. Many people don’t realize you are able to stay up there and so miss out.

→Browse more accommodation options in Berat←

Days 5–6: Dhërmi + Gjipe + Himarë 

Day Five – Berat → Llogara Pass → Dhërmi

🚗 Route: Berat → Llogara Pass → Dhërmi
🛏️ Overnight: Dhërmi 
⏱️ Driving time: ~ 3 hours, without stops

Begin the drive toward the coast

Today will see you driving one of the most stunning roads I have ever seen. Departing Berat after breakfast, there are a couple of optional stops to visit along the way. After this you will wind your way through verdant mountain landscapes, with towering peaks on one side and spectacular ocean views on the other.

Optional stop: Apollonia

If you’re interested in ancient history, consider making a short detour to see Apollonia, an impressive ancient Greek and Roman archaeological site on the way to the coast. Allow around 1 hour to explore before continuing towards Llogara Pass. If you’re more interested in beaches and scenery, you can easily skip this stop and head straight to the coast.

Llogara Pass

This mountain pass is the final hurdle you must cross before descending down to the world class beaches of the Albanian Riviera. Driving this stretch of road was one of the most enjoyable experiences of any road trip I have done. The views are simply sublime.

When you reach the top of the pass there are three restaurants where you can stop for a well-earned lunch. All the restaurants have outdoor patios with incredible panoramic views where you can enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery before beginning the descent towards Dhërmi.

Afternoon in Dhërmi

Continue down to Dhërmi, one of my favourite sections of the Albanian Riviera. Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing at either Dhërmi Beach or nearby Drymades Beach.

I personally prefer Drymades Beach for its laid-back vibe and unique rock formations, while Dhërmi Beach has a livelier selection of beach bars and restaurants.

If you still have energy left after a long day of exploring and driving, take a wander through Dhërmi Old Town before settling in for sunset and dinner.

Dinner in Dhërmi

After watching the sunset, head to Noah On The Beach for dinner. This highly rated beachfront restaurant is popular for its fresh seafood and Italian-Mediterranean dishes, a perfect way to round off your first day on the Albanian Riviera.

Where to Stay in Dhërmi

I suggest spending the night in Dhërmi which makes an ideal base for this section of the Riviera. You’ll be close to the beaches, restaurants and beach bars, while also being perfectly positioned for tomorrow’s drive towards Gjipe and Himarë.

Penelope’s Rooms – A charming family-run guesthouse that offers a comfortable stay in Dhërmi. It has an excellent 9.5 rating on Booking.com with incredibly welcoming hosts, spotless and cozy rooms, peaceful garden and beautiful mountain views.

The location is also ideal for this itinerary, with Dhërmi Beach around an 8-minute walk away, while still being far enough from the main road to enjoy a quiet night’s sleep. The lovely breakfast is the perfect way to start your morning before getting back on the road.

►Browse more rooms in Dhërmi here◄

Day Six – Gjipe Beach → Himarë

Route: Dhërmi → Gjipe Beach → Himarë
Overnight: Himarë
Driving time: ~ 1 hour, excluding the Gjipe detour

Gjipe Beach

Continue this Albania road trip south from Dhërmi to Gjipe Beach, a beautiful secluded cove tucked between dramatic cliffs. The beach isn’t accessible by car, so you’ll need to hike around 30 minutes down the trail from the parking area but the views are incredible and the hike down is worth it.

 Afternoon in Himarë

Drive to Himarë in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day enjoying the waterfront. The main beach can get busy during summer, so if you’re looking for somewhere quieter, Livadhi Beach just north of town is a great alternative. Lamani Beach, south of Himarë, is another beautiful option for a refreshing swim.

If you’re in the mood for more adventure, head up to Himarë Castle to catch the sunset; otherwise, stay by the beach and enjoy a relaxed happy hour by the sea.

Spending the night in Himarë is ideal as you’ll have the best choice of restaurants, bars and places to enjoy the evening. Take a walk along the seafront, explore the old town and finish the day with dinner overlooking the Ionian Sea.

Dinner in Himarë

Himarë has plenty of excellent restaurants right on the waterfront, so this is a good evening to simply wander along the promenade and choose somewhere that catches your eye. I can personally recommend Himara ‘28 Restaurant for their delicious, fresh food and beautiful patio views. 

Where to Stay in Himarë

Staying in Himarë town offers convenience of having restaurants, bars and the waterfront right on your doorstep. If you’d prefer a quieter beach setting, Livadhi is only a short drive away.

Amazing Sea View Rooms – If you want to wake up to beautiful views of the Ionian Sea without spending a fortune, this is the perfect option. The room has a fantastic sea view and an excellent location close to Himarë’s beaches, restaurants and waterfront, making it a great base for exploring the area.

Villa Calliope – If you’d prefer more space and a quieter setting, these self-contained apartments on Livadhi Beach are a lovely alternative. It’s a peaceful spot with beautiful views while still being only a short drive from Himarë.

→Browse more accommodation options in Himarë←

Day 7: Himarë + Borsh + Saranda

Route: Himarë → Borsh → Saranda
Overnight: Saranda / continue your journey home
Driving time: ~1.5 hours, excluding stops and beach time

Morning in Himarë

Enjoy a slow final morning in Himarë. Grab breakfast by the waterfront before having a final swim at Himarë Beach, or head to nearby Livadhi Beach if you’d prefer somewhere a little quieter.

Borsh Beach

Continue south along the spectacular coastal road towards Borsh, stopping along the way whenever you see a viewpoint or beach that catches your eye.

Borsh is home to one of the longest beaches on the Albanian Riviera, making it a great place to stop for a swim and lunch. I found it much more spacious and relaxed than some of the busier beaches further north, so it’s the perfect final beach stop of the trip.

Borsh to Saranda

After lunch, continue south towards Saranda. The drive takes around an hour, but I’d allow extra time for spontaneous photo stops and viewpoints along the way, this is one of those roads where you’ll want to pull over more than once!

Once you arrive in Saranda, return your rental car and either spend your final evening in town or continue on to your next destination. If you’re heading straight to the airport or ferry, make sure you allow enough time to return the car and reach your departure point. 

Finish the trip in Saranda

If you’re staying overnight, enjoy one last happy hour sunset in Saranda to celebrate completing your 7-day Albania road trip. 

For your last night, head up to Kristiano’s Wine Bar to enjoy a nice glass of wine with a magical sunset over Saranda. This hidden gem is tucked away in the hills of Saranda and often overlooked by tourists in favour of the more popular Lekuresi Castle. 

To maximise this road trip and enjoy your final day, I would plan to spend one last night in Saranda and continue your onward travel the following day. 

Albania Road Trip Summary

This one week Albania road trip packs some of the best of southern Albania into one epic week, from the turquoise beaches of Ksamil and the Albanian Riviera to the mountains, historic towns and UNESCO cities of Gjirokastër and Berat.

If you have more time, you can easily extend this road trip by a night or two. Spending an extra night in Berat or slowing down along the Albanian Riviera will give you more time to enjoy the beaches, explore at a relaxed pace and discover some of the stops you might otherwise have to rush through.

However you choose to do it, this route is a fantastic introduction to Albania and one of my favourite ways to experience the country’s incredible mix stunning beaches, mountains, history and adventure.

Want more Albania travel inspiration? Be sure to check out my Albania section on the blog and follow along on Instagram for more!

Read More Albania Travel Guides

• 12 Amazing Things to do in Tirana, Albania
• Ksamil vs Saranda – which town is better to stay in?
• 23 Best Places to Visit in Albania
• How to Day Trip From Saranda to Himarë
• 12 Amazing Things to do in Saranda, Albania
• The Best Beaches in Saranda and the Albanian Riviera
• The Best Ksamil hotels for every budget
• Day Trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik – The Ultimate Guide
• The Best Hotels in Saranda, Albania
• The 12 Best Day Trips from Saranda, Albania

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