7-day Albania road trip by car: Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër and the Riviera
One week, about 600 kilometres, two UNESCO towns, Butrint and the Riviera: the classic southern route, day by day.
This 7-day Albania road trip brings together what most travellers want to see on a first visit: the capital, two UNESCO museum towns, the Blue Eye spring, Butrint and the beaches of the Riviera. Distances are short, but mountain and coastal roads take time: plan relaxed days, not marathons.
| Day | Route | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tirana | — | — |
| 2 | Tirana → Berat | 120 km | about 2 h |
| 3 | Berat → Gjirokastër | 155 km | about 2 h 40 min |
| 4 | Gjirokastër → Blue Eye → Sarandë | about 60 km | about 1 h 15 min |
| 5 | Butrint and Ksamil | about 40 km | half a day |
| 6 | Sarandë → Himarë → Llogara → Vlorë | 130 km | about 2 h 45 min |
| 7 | Vlorë → Tirana | 150 km | about 2 h |
Days 1–2: Tirana and Berat
Pick up the car in Tirana or at the airport and spend the first day in the city: Skanderbeg Square, the Pyramid and the Dajti cable car. On day two drive to Berat, the "town of a thousand windows". Leave the car below the castle and walk up: the castle is still lived in.
Day 3: on to Gjirokastër
The road passes Fier and the Vjosa valley to Tepelenë. Gjirokastër is a stone town on a mountainside: the Old Bazaar streets are steep and cobbled, so park as soon as you find a space and walk.
Days 4–5: the Blue Eye, Sarandë, Butrint and Ksamil
On the way from Gjirokastër to Sarandë stop at the Blue Eye, the deep blue spring. On day five visit Butrint, one of the most important archaeological parks of the Mediterranean, and relax on the beaches of Ksamil. In summer go early: car parks fill quickly.
Day 6: the Riviera and the Llogara Pass
The most scenic day of the trip: road SH8 passes Borsh, Porto Palermo, Himarë and Dhërmi, then climbs to the Llogara Pass and descends to Vlorë. Many bends, wonderful views and no reason to hurry. Read our guide to the Riviera and Llogara.
Day 7: back to Tirana
From Vlorë the motorway takes you to Tirana or the airport in about two hours. Allow spare time for traffic at the entrance to Tirana and for refuelling before you return the car.
Trip cost calculator
Rental at real platform prices, fuel and road tolls.
Full calculator →How to adapt the itinerary
- 10 days: add Shkodër and Theth at the start, with 2–3 days in the Alps.
- With children: split the Riviera day in two and sleep in Himarë or Dhërmi.
- In winter: avoid Llogara when there is snow and return from Sarandë via Gjirokastër.
When planning, remember that real driving time is longer than on the map: stops for photos, coffee and fuel easily add an hour to the day.
Frequently asked questions
Is one week enough for southern Albania?
Yes, for the main towns, Butrint and the Riviera. For the northern mountains you need another 3–4 days.
Can I return the car in Sarandë?
Many companies allow it with a one-way fee. Ask when booking.
How much will fuel cost on this route?
It depends on the car and the day's prices. Use the trip cost calculator for an estimate with your car and days.
