The Cape of Rodon is one of the most fascinating parts of Albania. The cape is a rocky peninsula that stretches into the Adriatic Sea. This place combines cultural heritage, medieval ruins, and coastal beauty for travelers. Renting a car in Albania is the most practical way to reach the cape, because public transport does not cover the area. By driving, you can go through rolling hills, small villages, and green landscapes before reaching the sea. Parking is available near the church of St. Anthony, where you can continue on foot. Our Cape of Rodon travel guide will cover essential things to know before visiting.
The road trip to the Cape of Rodon takes you to a place filled with stories from the past. The name itself is connected to Redon, the Illyrian god of the sea and travelers. Statues and coins once showed his figure, holding a trident and often with a dolphin or ship. Today, his memory still lives in the Albanian name “Redi,” and many locals proudly carry this name. The cape has always been seen as a sacred place, where sailors asked for protection before leaving for long journeys.
The cape later became a strategic site for Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, who built Rodoni Castle in the 15th century. The fortress gave him access to the Adriatic and was used to resist Ottoman forces. Although destroyed later, parts of the castle walls remain standing by the sea. These ruins show the importance of the cape in medieval times. St. Anthony’s Church was built close by, first in the 13th century and later rebuilt. You will find fresco fragments with a double-headed eagle and images of riders and birds inside. These details link the church to Albania’s national symbols and history.
Another layer of history comes from the 20th century. During Enver Hoxha’s communist rule, thousands of bunkers were built across Albania, and the Cape of Rodon was no exception. Today, you still see round concrete domes along the coast. Some have been turned into cafés or storage rooms, while others remain hidden in the hills. These bunkers are reminders of Albania’s isolation during the Cold War.
The road trip to Cape of Rodon is one of the most scenic drives in Albania. The drive takes about 1 to 1 hour and 30 minutes if you are starting from Tirana, Durrës, or Krujë. You follow the SH2 road from Durrës to Tirana and turn at Maminas before continuing toward the village of Shetaj. The road becomes narrower from there, with some potholes and rough sections, especially on the last stretch. Even so, you can manage the journey comfortably with a car and enjoy the villages, vineyards, and olive groves.
The final part of the trip requires walking. Cars can be parked near the church, but the castle and further trails are only accessible on foot. You can experience the landscape closely, with the sound of cicadas and the sea breeze following you. Although public buses do not reach the cape, you can arrange a taxi or join a guided tour. Some visitors even choose to arrive by boat from Durrës, which provides beautiful views of caves, coves, and the rocky shoreline.
One of the top things to do at Cape of Rodon is exploring Rodoni Castle. Built between 1450 and 1452 by Skanderbeg, this fortress was a defensive structure against the Ottomans. Its walls once stretched about 400 meters, and round towers marked the perimeter. The strategic location allowed Skanderbeg to control the Adriatic routes. In 1467, however, the Ottomans destroyed much of it. The Venetians rebuilt the castle after 1500, leaving the remains we see today.
As you walk among the ruins, you can see how the walls once stood high against the sea. The view from the castle shows the Adriatic waters, the bays of Patok and Shëngjin, and the rugged cliffs of the cape. The place still carries the spirit of Albania’s fight for independence. Photographers will find endless angles here, with the stone walls meeting the turquoise sea. The castle is also linked to legends about escape routes and hidden tunnels.
Another highlight of the Cape of Rodon road trip is visiting the churches. St. Anthony’s Church, built in the 13th century and later rebuilt in the 15th century, is close to the sea. It was once part of a Franciscan monastery and has been carefully restored with EU support after earthquake damage. Inside, you see fragments of wall paintings, including the famous double-headed eagle and a female rider believed to be Mamica, Skanderbeg’s sister.
Locals celebrate here every June 13, when pilgrims and visitors gather for St. Anthony’s Day. The church has always been important to sailors and fishermen, who prayed for safety before going to sea. The setting is peaceful, with a mineral spring flowing nearby and views of the Adriatic just meters away.
You will also find St. Ndou’s Church in the same region, dating from the late 13th century. It is built in Romanesque-Gothic stle and has pointed arches showing Byzantine construction techniques. Like St. Anthony’s, it was restored after the 2019 earthquake. Today, it is open again for worship and visitors.
The cape has sandy beaches and rocky shores. The Adriatic waters here are the cleanest because the rocky coastline prevents pollution, creating ideal conditions for swimming. Services are limited outside the main beaches, so bring towels, sun protection, and water if you plan to spend the day exploring.
Rodoni Beach is the most famous swimming spot on the peninsula. Its golden sand and calm waters make it ideal for families and casual swimmers. Entrance to Cape Rodon costs 100 ALL per adult. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for around 1000 ALL. There is a beach restaurant built creatively from an old bunker, where you can enjoy fresh meals with sea views. Just a few meters from the Church of St. Anthony, you will also find a smaller, quieter beach where you can relax after exploring the monastery ruins.
On the southern side of the peninsula, you will come across Iliavik Beach and Resort Arbeni, which offer summer refreshments and organized beach services. These are convenient if you want a comfortable stop with umbrellas and drinks.
Further south lies the long stretch of Lalëz Beach, a several-kilometer-long sandy shoreline that has become very popular, especially among Albanians. Here, you will find large hotel complexes, luxury resorts, and plenty of bars and restaurants. The sea near Lalëz can sometimes appear murky, and the beach occasionally struggles with litter. However, it remains one of the busiest seaside areas near Cape Rodon.
From the church, you can follow a narrow track uphill past bunkers and through evergreen forests. The walk to the tip of the cape takes about 40 minutes and rewards you with panoramic views on both sides. This path requires good shoes and confidence with heights, as it is rocky, steep, and sometimes slippery.
Other marked trails include the Mediterranean Trail, a 4-kilometer walk with views of nearby islands, and the Panoramic Trail, a 3-kilometer hike leading you to the cape's highest point. The Coastal Trail follows the shoreline, giving you constant sea views. Each trail has sections with thorny bushes, so long trousers are recommended.Wildflowers add beauty, while cicadas create a natural soundtrack as you walk. Nature lovers will also enjoy the area's biodiversity. The holm oak forests are untouched because the land belongs to the church, protecting it from logging. Along the way, you may notice endemic plant species, olive groves, and vineyards.
One unusual part of visiting Cape of Rodon is exploring Cold War bunkers. Enver Hoxha built thousands of concrete bunkers across Albania between the 1960s and 1980s. At the cape, they were part of a military base and coastal defense system. Some are hidden under vegetation, others stand by the shore. Walking through them gives you a glimpse of life during those years of fear and isolation.
Today, some bunkers have been turned into cafés or restaurants, like the Bunker Café near the beach. Others are used as storage rooms by local families. You can walk inside, see the narrow passages, and imagine how soldiers once stayed here. For travelers, this creates a striking contrast between the blue Adriatic Sea and the grey concrete domes. The bunkers are now part of Albania’s tourism identity.
The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is warm and the sea is inviting. July and August are the busiest months, while May, June, and September have quieter conditions with mild temperatures. Always wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring water, and plan for limited facilities once you arrive. The roads leading to the cape are not in perfect condition, so drive carefully. Overnight stays are possible in nearby villages, guesthouses, or resorts at Lalëz Beach. However, many travelers choose to come just for the day.
The Cape of Rodon wraps up your trip, filled with history and sea views. You explore castles, churches, and beaches while walking along trails filled with wildflowers and stories from the past. The rocky peninsula gives you culture and nature in one visit, making it a worthwhile road trip. To make your journey smooth, rent a car with Final Rentals. You can book budget-friendly cars online with instant confirmation and choose from compact vehicles to roomy SUVs. Pick-up and drop-off are easy at Tirana Airport or downtown Tirana.
