Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, the journey begins with renting a car directly from the airport - an ideal choice for you to explore the southern coast of Albania with maximum flexibility.

After picking up the vehicle, the first stop is a smooth check-in at the selected hotel in Tirana. This day is intentionally left light to recover from the trip and prepare for the upcoming road adventure through Albania’s diverse landscapes and coastal gems.

Exploring the capital of Albania, discovering its unique blend of culture, history and modern life, the city invites visitors to experience its many contrasts. 

Getting around the city is remarkably easy and affordable. Despite having a rental car available, taxis/Uber are often the preferred choice for moving within the city, thanks to their low cost and wide availability.

The beginning of the road trip towards southern Albania, with Vlorë (Valona) as the next destination. Although the distance between Tirana and Vlorë is not particularly long, breaking up the journey with a stop in Durrës is highly recommended. Located along the Adriatic coast, Durrës offers the perfect setting for a relaxing lunch break by the sea. The city is known for its long sandy beaches and a variety of beachfront restaurants where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood or traditional Albanian dishes with a sea view. After lunch, there’s time for a short stroll along the promenade or a quick visit to the historic amphitheater before getting back on the road towards Vlorë.

The continuation of the road trip, with Saranda as the next destination along Albania’s stunning southern coast. The drive between Vlorë and Saranda is considered one of the most scenic routes in the country, following the SH8 coastal road, which offers breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea, rugged cliffs, and picturesque villages along the way. The journey can take a few hours, but the beauty of the landscape and the variety of viewpoints along the route make it worth taking the time to enjoy each stretch.

Exploring one of the most famous beach destinations in southern Albania: Ksamil. Reaching the village by car from Saranda takes only a short drive, making it an easy and popular day trip.

The sixth day marks the beginning of the return journey northward, with Tirana as the final stop of the road trip.

After leaving Saranda in the morning, the drive retraces part of the scenic coastal route, passing through familiar landscapes and small towns along the way. The journey takes several hours, so it’s advisable to plan for a few short breaks to rest and enjoy the scenery. Once back in Tirana, there’s time for a final walk through the city center, visiting any spots that were missed earlier or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere of the capital.

This last day is perfect for shopping for souvenirs, exploring local markets, or enjoying one last dinner in one of the many restaurants or rooftop bars that offer views over the city skyline. For those with evening energy, the nightlife in Tirana offers plenty of options, from trendy cocktail bars to more traditional venues with live music.

Final day begins with check-out and the drive to Tirana International Airport. If you have time before flight you can enjoy last moments in Tirana. Before catching the flight, there’s time to return the rental car at the airport, completing the road trip loop that covered much of southern Albania.