Best Places to Visit in Albania by Rental Car

Albania is one of Europe's most underrated road trip destinations. Dramatic mountain landscapes, untouched beaches, and historic cities make for exceptional driving — and with public transport still limited across much of the country, a rental car is the only way to see it properly.

Here's where to go.

1. Albanian Riviera — Coastal Perfection

The Riviera is the undisputed highlight of any Albanian road trip. Begin in Vlora and drive south through Dhermi, Himara, Borsh, and Ksamil, stopping wherever the view or the water calls you. The stretch through Llogara Pass alone is worth the trip — switchback roads climbing above the treeline before opening onto panoramic views of the Ionian coast far below.

Best for: Beaches, sunsets, summer travel.

2. Berat — The City of a Thousand Windows

Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visually striking cities in the Balkans. Its terraced Ottoman houses, stacked tightly up the hillside with rows of wide windows, give the city its famous nickname.

Spend time in the old quarter of Mangalem and make the climb to Berat Castle for views across the Osum River valley. With a car, you can easily extend the day to visit nearby wineries and rural villages that most tourists never reach.

Driving note: Streets inside the old town are narrow and not always navigable — park at the edge and explore on foot.

3. Gjirokaster — Stone City of the South

Another UNESCO-listed city, Gjirokaster feels genuinely untouched. Its cobblestone lanes, Ottoman-era stone houses, and hillside castle give it an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Albania.

Key stops include Gjirokaster Castle, the traditional bazaar quarter, and several well-preserved historic homes open to visitors. It pairs naturally with a southern Riviera route — a worthwhile detour before heading back north.

4. Theth & the Albanian Alps — For Adventure Seekers

For those drawn to mountains over beaches, the Albanian Alps in the north are spectacular. Theth National Park is the gateway to trails, waterfalls, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the western Balkans.

Highlights in the area include the Syri i Kaltër (Blue Eye of Theth), Grunas Waterfall, and a network of hiking routes ranging from easy walks to multi-day treks.

Road conditions: Mountain roads have improved significantly in recent years, but remain demanding outside peak season. A reliable, higher-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.

5. Shkodra — Culture and Lake Views

Shkodra sits at the southern edge of Lake Shkodra, one of the largest lakes in southern Europe and shared with Montenegro. It makes a natural base before heading into the Alps, and a worthwhile destination in its own right.

The main draw is Rozafa Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop above the city with commanding views over the lake, the mountains, and the surrounding valleys.

Why Renting a Car in Albania Makes Sense

Albania's public transport network connects major cities but leaves most of the country's finest scenery out of reach. Buses don't serve coastal back roads, mountain villages, or the narrow passes where the best views are found.

With a rental car, your schedule is entirely your own — you can stop for a beach you spotted from the road, take a detour through a village, or leave early to beat the summer crowds. For families or small groups, it's also the most cost-effective way to travel.

Before You Start

Albania is raw, authentic, and quietly beautiful. With the right car and a loose itinerary, you can reach corners of the country that most visitors never see.