Southern Albania Coastal Road Trip

A 7-Day Driving Itinerary

Crystal-clear water, dramatic mountain roads, and small seaside towns make the Albanian Riviera one of the best driving routes in the Balkans. This is a practical itinerary you can actually follow.

Overview

Day 1 — Tirana → Vlora

Drive: ~2.5 hours

After landing in Tirana, pick up your rental car and head south. Vlora marks the point where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea — a perfect first stop to ease into the trip.

Highlights

• Stroll the Lungomare promenade at golden hour
• Enjoy your first Ionian Sea sunset
• Rest up before the mountain driving ahead

Day 2 — Llogara Pass → Dhermi

Drive: ~1.5 hours

The drive through Llogara Pass is one of the most breathtaking roads in Albania. The switchbacks climb to over 1,000 metres before revealing sweeping panoramas over the Ionian coastline below.

Descend into Dhermi for some of the coast's most beautiful beaches and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Driving tip: Take it slow through the pass. The curves are sharp but the road is in good condition — and every bend has a photo opportunity.

Day 3 — Himara & Hidden Beaches

Drive: ~30 minutes from Dhermi

Head south to Himara, a charming town with a castle perched on the hillside above. The surrounding area rewards exploration:

• Livadhi Beach — wide, sandy, and crowd-friendly
• Jale Beach — popular with backpackers and campers
• Private coves — accessible only by car or boat

Having your own vehicle makes all the difference here — buses simply can't reach the best spots.

Day 4 — Borsh & Porto Palermo

Drive: ~45 minutes

Drive down to Borsh, home to one of the longest and least-crowded beaches on the coast. On the way, make a stop at Porto Palermo Castle — a striking Ottoman-era fortress jutting into the sea, with panoramic views and excellent photo opportunities.

This is arguably the most scenic stretch of the entire drive.

Day 5 — Ksamil & Butrint

Drive: ~1 hour from Borsh

Continue south to Ksamil, famous for its turquoise waters and small islands just offshore that you can swim to. This is the southernmost highlight of the trip.

While in the area, don't miss:

• Butrint Archaeological Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins spanning Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras
• Saranda promenade — the main coastal city of the south, great for an evening walk

Day 6 — Gjirokaster (Optional Inland Detour)

Drive: ~1 hour from Saranda

Instead of heading straight back north, consider a night in Gjirokaster — a UNESCO-listed "city of stone" set dramatically on a hillside.

Stone Ottoman houses, a towering castle, and traditional Albanian bazaars make this one of the most memorable stops in the country — and a completely different side of Albania to the coast.

Day 7 — Return to Tirana

Drive: ~4 hours from Ksamil (or ~3 hours from Gjirokaster)

Head back to Tirana for your departure. A few things to keep in mind for the drive home:

• Plan fuel stops in advance — stations can be sparse in some stretches
• Allow extra time during July and August when summer traffic builds up
• Consider an early start to beat the heat and the crowds

Why Rent a Car?

Public transport in southern Albania is infrequent, and many of the best beaches and viewpoints are completely inaccessible without your own wheels. A rental gives you the freedom to stop whenever you want, explore off the beaten path, and set your own pace.

Without a car, you'll miss half the experience.

Best Time to Visit

Before You Go

• Book your rental car early — availability drops fast in summer, especially for smaller vehicles
• Choose a compact car for easier parking in coastal towns, or an SUV if travelling in a group
• Carry some cash — many beaches and small restaurants are cash-only
• Download offline maps — mobile signal can be patchy on mountain roads

Southern Albania offers one of the most scenic coastal drives in Europe. The road is the destination.