Albania is one of Europe’s most exciting yet underrated destinations, offering unspoilt beaches, dramatic mountains, traditional villages, and rich cultural history. For French travellers seeking a crowd-free escape, a road trip is the best way to discover Albania’s hidden beauty at your own pace. Driving lets you stop where you like, whether it’s a quiet beach, an ancient castle, or a mountain pass, without the limits of bus tours or group schedules. With car rental now easier and more affordable, there’s never been a better time to explore Albania by road. Here’s how to plan the perfect self-drive adventure.
Albania is the perfect destination for a road trip, especially for travellers from France. Unlike Europe’s more crowded hotspots, Albania offers peaceful drives, quiet beaches, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Albania offers a wide range of experiences within a compact area, so you can easily explore different regions without spending too much time driving.
You’ll find pristine beaches along the Albanian Riviera, historical towns like Berat and Gjirokastër, and natural wonders such as Theth National Park. The food is another highlight, with fresh and flavourful dishes influenced by both Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines. Best of all, distances are short, so you can drive from the coast to the mountains in just a few hours, allowing you to experience the country’s diversity without long hours on the road.
If you’re visiting from France and planning to drive to Albania, it’s important to have the right documents. The good news is that French driving licences are accepted in Albania, so you do not need an International Driving Permit as long as your licence is in the EU format with a photo ID. Here’s what you should carry when driving in Albania:
Remember to keep these documents in the car when you are driving. Albanian police may ask to see them at checkpoints, which are common but usually quick and friendly.
Final Rentals makes it easy for French tourists to experience the best of Albania by car. Renting a vehicle opens up the entire country, allowing you to travel at your own pace without being tied to bus schedules or organised tours. Here’s what travellers need to know about car hire in Albania:
For a smooth rental experience, consider using Final Rentals, where you can compare car options, book online, and find clear rental terms with no hidden fees. For more detailed tips on hiring a car, including driving rules and local advice, check out What You Need to Know Before Renting a Car in Albania.
Driving in Albania is generally safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Road conditions vary. While highways and main roads are in good shape, some rural or mountain roads can be narrow or bumpy. Here are some key driving tips for French tourists:
Albanian drivers can sometimes be unpredictable, especially in busy city centres. Stay alert, drive defensively, and take your time, especially when driving in unfamiliar areas.
Here is a 7-day road trip itinerary that covers the best of Albania for first-time visitors from France. You can adjust it to fit your schedule.
Start your trip to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Pick up your rental car at the airport or in the city. Spend your first day exploring Tirana’s colourful streets, cafés, and museums. Visit Skanderbeg Square, the Et'hem Bey Mosque, and the Bunk'Art Museum to learn about Albania’s communist past. For a relaxing evening, take a walk around the Grand Park of Tirana, or enjoy dinner at one of the traditional restaurants in the Blloku District. For more inspiration, check out Your Travel Guide to Tirana Albania’s Vibrant Capital.
Drive from Tirana to Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” The journey takes about two hours. Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its white Ottoman houses stacked on the hillside. Visit the Berat Castle, where people still live inside the fortress walls, and explore the Onufri Museum, which displays Orthodox icons painted by Albanian artists. Stroll along the Gorica Bridge and take photos of the city’s unique architecture. Don’t forget to try local dishes like byrek and tavë kosi (lamb baked with yoghurt).
Drive south to Gjirokastër, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trip takes about three hours. Gjirokastër is known as the “Stone City” because of its grey stone houses and cobbled streets. Visit the Gjirokastër Castle, which offers amazing views of the Drino Valley. Inside, you’ll find a military museum and even an old US Air Force plane from the Cold War period. Walk through the Old Bazaar, where you can shop for traditional crafts, silver jewellery, and souvenirs.
Next, drive to the coastal town of Saranda. This part of the journey takes you through beautiful mountain landscapes before reaching the sea. Saranda is a great base for exploring the Albanian Riviera. Relax on the beach, swim in the clear waters, or take a walk along the seafront promenade. From Saranda, you can also visit the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 30 minutes away. Butrint is an archaeological park with Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins surrounded by nature.
For more ideas on self-drive adventures, see A Swiss Tourist’s Guide to Hitting the Road in Albania. It’s packed with extra tips and scenic routes to help you make the most of your road trip.
Spend the day driving along the Albanian Riviera, one of the most scenic coastal routes in Europe. Stop at beaches like Ksamil, Borsh, Himara, and Dhermi. The road between Saranda and Himara is full of winding curves and stunning views of the Ionian Sea. You’ll pass olive groves, small fishing villages, and hidden coves perfect for swimming. Try fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Riviera.
Continue your road trip north through the Llogara Pass, where you’ll drive up into the mountains before descending back to the coast. The pass offers panoramic views and is a popular spot for taking photos. Arrive in Vlora, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. Vlora is also an important historical city. it’s where Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. Visit the Independence Museum and take a walk along the modern seafront.
On your last day, drive back to Tirana, stopping at the ancient city of Apollonia along the way. Apollonia was once a major Greek and Roman city, and today you can explore its ruins, including a theatre, temples, and a monastery. The drive from Vlora to Apollonia takes about 45 minutes, and from Apollonia to Tirana, it’s about two hours. Return your rental car to Tirana and enjoy one last evening in the capital before flying home.
To help you prepare for your journey, here are a few extra tips that will make your Albanian road trip smoother and more enjoyable:
The best way to experience Albania’s coastline, mountains, and historic towns is with the freedom of your car. Rent a car in Albania with Final Rentals to make the most of your journey. Booking is simple, transparent, and hassle-free. Compare prices online, choose the right vehicle for your adventure, and enjoy clear rental terms with no hidden fees. Whether you need a compact car for city drives or an SUV for mountain roads, Final Rentals has you covered.
You can pick up your car in major cities across Albania, with convenient locations and customer-friendly support to help you get on the road. Start your adventure today and discover Albania on your schedule!
