Albanian Riviera road trip
How to plan a drive along Albania's southern coast, from Tirana down to Sarandë.
The Riviera is the trip most people ask us about. It works as a long weekend or as a slow week, and the route is straightforward: leave Tirana, head south, and follow the coast.
The usual route
- 01Tirana
- 02Vlorë
- 03Himarë
- 04Sarandë
Most people break the drive rather than doing it in one go. Vlorë is the point where the coast road really starts; Himarë is the common overnight stop; Sarandë is the southern end, and the base for Ksamil and Butrint.
What to think about before leaving
- Book the car for the whole trip rather than day by day — availability on the coast in summer is tight.
- An automatic makes the coastal sections easier if you are not used to mountain roads.
- Plan the return leg with time to spare; the coast road is not a motorway.
We hand over the car in Tirana and confirm availability on WhatsApp. Pickup details are agreed when you message.
Car or motorcycle?
With luggage or more than two people, take a car. Two people travelling light can do the same route on a motorcycle, and it is a good ride — but the luggage limit is real.
RENT AUTOKTON · 2026-08-09
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