Albania
The Albanian Alps, an unspoilt coast and old towns.
Introduction
To Albania with the family
Albania has become popular with car travellers in just a few years. In the north lie the Albanian Alps with the Theth valley, in the south a coast with bays and beaches, and in between towns like Berat and Gjirokastër with their stone houses.
Overview
In brief
- Travel time
- 10–14 days (our estimate)
- Best time to travel
- jun, Sep (our estimate · Full table)
- Distance from London
- ± 2,600 km to Tirana (approx., via route planner · plus the Channel crossing by Eurotunnel or ferry)
- Driving days
- 4 driving days (our estimate)
- Tolls and vignettes
- No vignette; toll on the Rruga e Kombit (Details and source)
- Paying
- Albanian lek (ALL)
- EU member
- no
Distances were calculated once with OpenStreetMap (OSRM) from London to the capital; your actual route may be longer or shorter. For London, the Channel crossing (Eurotunnel or ferry) is not included. Driving days assume at most about 750 km per day with children (our estimate).
Practical
Good to know
Money and payments
You pay with the Albanian lek (ALL); in tourist places the euro is often accepted too, but you don't always get a good rate (our experience). Cash matters more here than in most other countries: small campsites, restaurants and market stalls often don't accept cards. Withdraw from a cash machine and choose to pay in lek.
Language and handy words
A few words work wonders, even with the campsite neighbour's kids:
- Mirëdita: good day
- Faleminderit: thank you
- Ju lutem: please
- Mirupafshim: goodbye
Documents and border
At the EU's external border your passport or ID card is checked, and often your vehicle registration and insurance papers too. In summer, expect waiting time at the border (our estimate) and make sure the car's papers are in your name or that you have the owner's authorisation. Ask your car insurer whether your green card (international insurance card) is valid for this country.
Health and safety
This country is not an EU member, so the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid here. Ask your health insurer before you leave what your cover is, and take out travel insurance with medical cover. Read the current travel advice of the Dutch government just before you leave; it also lists entry rules and emergency numbers.
Traffic rules that matter
In practice, Albania has an absolute ban on alcohol when driving (officially 0.1 per mille). During the day, dipped headlights only need to be on in poor visibility. Winter tyres are not mandatory but are recommended in the mountains. Must be carried: warning triangle, safety vest, first-aid kit and spare bulbs (not for xenon or LED). Children shorter than 150 cm may not sit in front and must use a suitable child seat.
Source: ANWB
Best time to travel
June and September are ideal: warm sea water and fewer crowds. In July and August the coast is hot and busy (our estimate).
Always check the current rules (tolls, vignette, entry requirements) just before you leave.
On the road by car
Tolls and vignettes
| What | Price passenger car | Where to arrange it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rruga e Kombit (Durrës–Kukës) | current price: see source | Toll gate at Kalimash | ARRSH (Albanian road authority) price checked Oct 2026 |
Buy vignettes only through the official channels: other sites often charge extra. A caravan or camper van may fall into a different class; check this with the source.
Destinations
Most beautiful places in Albania
Theth
Mountain village in the Albanian Alps; the road there is mountainous, so drive carefully.
Where are you going?
Regions explained
Albanian Riviera
The south coast between Vlorë and Sarandë, with clear water, pebble beaches and villages like Himarë and Ksamil. Warm and sunny; ideal for beach holidays.
Source: albania.al
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Berat and Gjirokastër
Two towns with Ottoman stone houses against the hills, together a World Heritage Site. Lovely for a day of culture between beach days.
Source: UNESCO: Berat and Gjirokastër
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
The Albanian Alps (Theth and Valbona)
Rugged mountains in the north with remote valleys. Beautiful, but the roads are narrow and winding; a normal car can reach Theth these days, with a large camper van it is difficult (our estimate).
Source: albania.al
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Butrint and the south
Near Sarandë lies Butrint, an ancient city with Greek and Roman ruins in a nature park on a lagoon.
Source: UNESCO: Butrint
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
On the road
Suggested route by car
A 10 to 14-day route from north to south, possibly entering via Montenegro and returning via Greece (our estimate). Check the driving times in your route planner.
- Days 1-3: Shkodër and, with a suitable car, Theth.
- Days 4-5: Berat.
- Days 6-7: Gjirokastër.
- Days 8-14: the Riviera and Butrint.
Camping
Where do you camp?
Campsites on the Riviera
Along the south coast there are more and more small campsites, often run by a family and close to the beach (our experience).
Source: albania.al
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Campsites near Shkodër
Around Lake Shkodër there are campsites that make a good stopover on the way to or from Montenegro (our experience).
Source: albania.al
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Be careful at the border with Kosovo
Landmines may still lie in the border area with Kosovo; stay on roads and paths.
Source: nederlandwereldwijd.nl (travel advice)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Gear for this region → (tent, gas, mosquitoes, sleeping bag)
Outings
With kids
Butrint
Children can discover a Roman theatre, city walls and an old gate there, under the trees.
Source: UNESCO: Butrint
Gjirokastër Castle
A large castle above the town, with cannons and a view over the valley.
Source: UNESCO: Gjirokastër
Beach at Ksamil
Small bays with clear, shallow water and little islands nearby. Very busy in high season (our experience).
Source: albania.al
Outings
Fun activities with kids
Water parks, karting, trampolines, bowling, zoos and outings for a rainy day: concrete addresses, chosen with children of about 7 and 9 in mind. We only mention places with their own website, which we checked on 14 October 2026. Opening times and prices change: always check the website.
Our favourites
Dajti Ekspres
Cable car from Tirana to Mount Dajti; at the top there is mini golf, horse riding and a playground, among other things.
Tickets/tour via Viator → Ad · affiliate link
AquaPark Albania (Blue Magic Water)
A water park with four pools and several slides, next to the Citypark shopping centre.
Bunk'Art
A museum in an enormous bunker from the communist era; exciting for children aged 9 and over (but serious history).
Tickets/tour via Viator → Ad · affiliate link
Tirana Zoo (Kopshti Zoologjik)
A small city zoo from 1966, renovated, in the Great Park by the lake: according to the website more than 80 animals of 30 species, such as lions, tigers, bears and farm animals. Free parking at the entrance; then run around in the park.
BO Bowling Tirana
A large bowling centre with 24 lanes, plus table tennis, darts and a restaurant. It is on the same motorway as the water park, so easy to combine or as a rainy-day alternative.
Local cuisine
Food to taste
A few dishes you can try with the whole family:
Show all dishes (4)
Byrek
Savoury pastry with cheese, spinach or meat, sold everywhere for breakfast or lunch.
Tavë kosi
Lamb or chicken from the oven with a layer of yoghurt and egg.
Fërgesë
A warm dish of peppers, tomato and white cheese, to dip bread in.
Fresh fish on the coast
On the Riviera you eat grilled fish and squid, often simply with a salad.
Look further
Discover more
Campsites by name, day trips, events and things you had better avoid, each with a source.
Show all tips (4)
Featured campsites
ACSI Eurocampings lists, among others, Camping Familja (Velipojë), Camping Arbi (Pogradec, on Lake Ohrid) and Berat Caravan Camping (Ura Vajgurore, near Berat). Swimming pools are rare, small playgrounds are often there. The campsite often belongs to a hotel or guesthouse.
Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Albania
Butrint
An ancient city with Greek, Roman and Venetian remains, in a nature reserve near Sarandë. A World Heritage Site and a good morning out; bring water and a hat (our tip).
Source: UNESCO: Butrint
Berat and Gjirokastër
Two Ottoman towns on the World Heritage list: Berat with white houses against the hill and an inhabited citadel, Gjirokastër with stone roofs and a large castle.
Source: UNESCO: Berat and Gjirokastër
Avoid: driving in the dark
ACSI advises against driving in the dark: many roads are unlit, vehicles drive without lights and animals roam freely. There is no roadside assistance, so take some tools and spare parts with you.
Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Albania
Camping & on the road
Rules worth knowing
Passport or ID card
Albania is not an EU member. You need a valid passport or ID card that is still valid for at least 90 days when you leave the country. Read the current travel advice before you leave. Source: Travel advice Albania (NederlandWereldwijd)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Landmines at the border with Kosovo
Landmines or unexploded ordnance may still lie in the border area between Albania and Kosovo, not always marked with signs. Stay on roads and marked paths there. Source: Travel advice Albania (NederlandWereldwijd)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Sources
Where does this information come from?
- Travel advice Albania (NederlandWereldwijd)
- Travel advice Albania (NederlandWereldwijd)
- albania.al
- UNESCO: Berat and Gjirokastër
- UNESCO: Butrint
- UNESCO: Gjirokastër
- ANWB (traffic rules)
- ACSI Eurocampings: Albania
Checked on 14 October 2026. "Our estimate" is personal advice, not official information.
Affiliate disclaimer: Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you book or buy through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Our experiences and tips remain independent.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a vignette in Albania?
No vignette; toll on the Rruga e Kombit. Prices, where to arrange it and the official source are in the 'Tolls and vignettes' block on this page. To tolls and vignettes
Can you wild camp in Albania?
Allowed according to ACSI, but not in national parks, nature reserves or on private land. Ask on the spot. (source: ACSI Eurocampings)
What is the best time to travel to Albania?
June and September are ideal: warm sea water and fewer crowds. In July and August the coast is hot and busy (our estimate).
How far is Albania from London?
From London to Tirana it is about 2,600 km (calculated with OpenStreetMap; check your route planner). The Channel crossing is not included: with the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) it takes 35 minutes according to the operator; a Dover–Calais ferry is the alternative. With children, expect about 4 driving days (our estimate).
What must you carry in the car in Albania?
Must be carried: warning triangle, safety vest, first-aid kit and spare bulbs (not for xenon or LED). Source: ANWB. All traffic rules are on our Traffic rules & equipment page. To traffic rules · ANWB
Which travel documents do I need for Albania?
At the EU's external border your passport or ID card is checked, and often your vehicle registration and insurance papers too. In summer, expect waiting time at the border (our estimate) and make sure the car's papers are in your name or that you have the owner's authorisation. Ask your car insurer whether your green card (international insurance card) is valid for this country. Read the current travel advice just before you leave.