Albania

I wasn’t sure about Albania before I visited – Was it dangerous? Was it difficult to get around? What the heck is in Albania? But I quickly changed my tune after my first road trip through this Balkan gem of a country!

If it’s your first time, absolutely take a week or two to explore north to south, but I’ll be honest – I love the south Albanian Riviera. From Himarë down to Ksmail, you could really just spend your entire summer bouncing from beach to beach, club it up Balkan style, and eat grilled fish with hand-cut fries all day.

What To Expect

  • Favorite Places: Himarë, Ksamil, and Saranda
  • Best Time to Visit: May, June, and September
  • Language: Albanian, although most people will speak English.
  • Capital: Tirana
  • Packing Tip: Bring water shoes, as most beaches are pebbly (a few have sand).
  • ATMs: will accept foreign cards but the fees are super high (like €7 per transaction).
  • Credit Cards are accepted in a few places, but this is a cash-forward country. Have some LEK (local currency) on you.
  • Tipping: Not expected, but welcome. If you get good service, round up the bill.
  • Fun Fact: Dua Lipa is Albanian. Also, the original club life we all remember from watching raves on MTV is thriving on the Albanian Riviera, especially Sarandë.
Me watching the sunset in Albania - this is in Himare.

10-Day Albania Road Trip

✔️ 3 Days – Theth National Park & hiking Albanian Alps
✔️ 3 Days – Himarë & Gjipe Bay
✔️ 4 Days – Albanian Riviera, Sarandë and Ksamil Islands
✔️ Road trip route, FAQs, and cultural tid bits on what to eat, how money works, and fun facts.

When it comes to which is better - Saranda or Ksmil, I prefer Saranda for the nightlife and Ksmil for the lazy beach vibes.

Sarandë or Ksamil: Which is Better?

✔️ Saranda: Better beach clubs, more lodging options, tours/boats start here, bigger town, 20 min drive from Ksamil.
✔️ Ksamil: Better beaches, small beach town vibe, more luxury
✔️ Best things to do and beaches to see in each town.

There are some pretty amazing day trips from Saranda that I love.

7 Day Trips from Sarandë & How To Get There

✔️ Day Trips I Love: Ksamil Islands, Pulebardhes Beach (local gem), Kakome & Koreza Boat Trip, Gjorkaster Old Town, Corfu, Himarë & Gjipe Bay, The Blue Eye
✔️ Day Trips I Don’t Recommend
✔️ Logistics & how to get to each location
✔️ Where to Stay & Packing List per day trip

The ferry from Corfu to Saranda.

Complete Guide: How to Get To Sarandë, Albania

✔️ Best Way: Fly to Corfu, Ferry to Sarandë
✔️ Road Trip: Fly to Tirana, Drive to Sarandë
✔️ Big Groups: Fly to Tirana, Private Transfer to Sarandë
✔️ Cheapest: Fly to Tirana, Take Bus to Sarandë
✔️ FAQ on time, effort, and cost of each option

From this viewpoint, you can see Corfu from the Albanian coastline.

One-Day Trip from Corfu to Sarandë, Albania

✔️ Logistics of booking the ferry from Corfu to Albania – required documents, costs, schedules
✔️ 1-Day Itinerary for Sarandë, Albania
✔️ Pro Tips about traveling to Albania for the first time.

Renting a car in Albania is super easy.

Renting A Car In Albania

✔️ Driving rules & requirements in Albania
✔️ Best & worst rental car companies
✔️ Safety and road conditions in Albania
✔️ My experiences and little tidbits you need to know before you go on a road trip.

There is no Uber in Albania.

Is There Uber In Albania?

✔️ Best Uber Alternatives in Albania
✔️ The two taxi apps I recommend
✔️ Safety concerns, costs, and logistics of booking a taxi

Travel Planning Services