10-day campervan road trip
Balanced adventure - coastlines, castles, and van-friendly camping
Experience everything Albania offers in ten days. This comprehensive loop starts in Tirana, follows the stunning coastline south through turquoise waters and hidden beaches, then heads inland and north to the dramatic Albanian Alps.
Trip Overview
- Total distance: ~900-1000 km
- Total driving time: ~20-22 hours
- Route: Tirana → Golem → Vlorë → Gjipe → Himara → Porto Palermo → Sarandë → Ksamil → Butrint → Gjirokastër → Krujë → Shkodër → Theth → Tirana
- Highlights: Adriatic & Ionian coastlines, Zvernec Monastery, Gjipe Canyon, Porto Palermo, Ksamil & Butrint (UNESCO), Blue Eye spring, Stone city of Gjirokastër, Lake Shkodër, Rozafa Castle, Theth National Park & Alpine hiking
- Overnight style: Wild camping and Campervan-friendly campsites
Day 1: Tirana → Golem / Spille
Pick up your campervan in Tirana and hit the road toward the coast. The drive to Golem is short and smooth, the perfect start to your trip. Golem sits along the Adriatic Sea, known for its wide beaches and golden sunsets.
For a quieter night by the sea, you can also choose Spille Beach, a peaceful spot with flat areas suitable for campervans. Park near the beach, take your first dip in the sea, and relax with a drink as the day ends.
75 km
From Tirana to Spille
~1-1.5 hours
Driving time
Golem
Popular sandy beach and a family-friendly atmosphere
Spille
Wide sandy beach with shallow waters, pine trees, and a relaxed vibe
Wild camping
Coastal camping in Golem
"Denaldo Camping"
Beach side campsite with shaded areas in Spille
Day 2: Golem / Spille → Vlorë
Continue south to Vlorë, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. Spend the afternoon visiting the Zvernec Monastery, connected to the land by a long wooden bridge, or explore the Nartë Lagoon, a peaceful spot for photos and birdwatching.
If you prefer beach time, drive to Radhimë, a few minutes away, for swimming and local seafood.
110 km
From Spille to Vlorë
~1.5 hours
Driving time
Zvërnec Monastery
11th-century Byzantine monastery on a small island, reached by a long wooden bridge
Lungomare Vlora
Seaside promenade with beaches, cafés, and lively coastal views along the bay
Wild camping
Quiet coastal spots in Radhimë
"Eco Camping Valona"
Eco-friendly campsite near Zvërnec, Vlorë, offering shaded pitches and a peaceful natural setting

Day 3: Vlorë → Dukat → Dhermi → Gjipe Beach
After leaving Vlorë, pass through Dukat Fshat and drive through the tunnel. As soon as you exit, you'll be rewarded with one of Albania's most beautiful coastal views. You can stop at Drimadhes or Dhermi Beach for a break.
Both are stunning, especially outside the busy summer months. Continue south to Gjipe Beach. Park at the top and hike about 20 minutes down to the beach — a hidden paradise between tall cliffs. Swim, explore Gjipe Canyon, and enjoy the wild beauty of this spot.
60 km
From Vlorë to Gjipe
~1.5 hours
Driving time
Drymades Beach
Beautiful pebble beach with turquoise water
Gjipe Canyon
Dramatic canyon with cliffs and hiking trails
Wild camping
Campervan-friendly spot at Drimadhes Beach, with direct access to sand and sea
Gjipe beach camping
A small parking fee

Day 4: Gjipe → Himara
Drive south to Himara, one of the most relaxed coastal towns in Albania. Stop first at Himara Castle for incredible sea views, then head down to Livadhi Beach for a swim and a quiet evening by the water.
15 km
From Gjipe to Himara
~40 minutes
Driving time
Himara Castle
Historic hilltop fortress overlooking Himara town and the Ionian Sea
Vuno
Charming coastal village with traditional stone houses
Wild camping
Across Livadhi Beach
"Camping Moskato"
Campsite near the coast with shaded areas and easy beach access

Day 5: Himara → Porto Palermo → Borsh → Lukovë → Sarandë
Follow the scenic coastal road south. Stop at Porto Palermo, a calm bay with Ali Pasha's stone fortress sitting right by the sea — perfect for a short walk and a swim.
Continue toward Borsh or Lukovë, both great for a coffee or lunch by the beach, before arriving in Sarandë.
Enjoy the sunset over the Ionian Sea and take a stroll along the promenade in the evening.
55 km
From Himara to Saranda
~1.5 hours
Driving time
Porto Palermo
19th-century castle on the Albanian coast, built by Ali Pasha
Butrint
UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient Greek, Roman, and Venetian ruins set in a scenic wetland area
Wild camping
Near "Pulëbardha" Beach
"Ksamil Caravan Camping"
Coastal campsite with beachfront pitches and turquoise sea views

Day 6: Sarandë → Ksamil → Butrint → Blue Eye → Gjirokastër
Start your day visiting Ksamil, famous for its white-sand beaches and tiny islands just offshore.
Then explore Butrint National Park, a UNESCO site filled with ancient ruins surrounded by nature.
On your way north, stop at the Blue Eye of Sarandë, a natural spring with crystal-clear water bubbling up from deep underground, a true wonder.
Continue to Gjirokastër, another UNESCO city built entirely of stone. Wander the cobblestone streets, explore the fortress, and soak up the mountain views.
52 km
From Sarandë to Gjirokastër
~1 hour
Driving time
The Blue Eye
Natural spring with crystal-clear turquoise waters and a deep, enchanting pool
Gjirokastër Fortress
12th-century hilltop fortress with stone walls, towers, and a museum
Wild camping
Near "Çerciz Topulli" Square
Camping "Family"
Hillside campsite with shaded pitches, on-site restaurant, and easy access to Gjirokastër town

Day 7: Gjirokastër → Krujë
Leave the south behind and drive north toward Krujë, a city rich in history and perched on the slopes of Mount Krujë. The drive takes you through scenic countryside and small villages, offering a glimpse of Albania's rural life.
Once in Krujë, explore the Old Bazaar, filled with handmade crafts and souvenirs, and visit the Krujë Castle, home to the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania's national hero. The castle's viewpoint offers an amazing panorama stretching all the way to the Adriatic.
235 km
From Gjirokastër to Krujë
~3.5-4 hours
Driving time
Kruja Castle
Historic hilltop fortress with Ottoman-era bazaar, Skanderbeg museum, and panoramic views
Old Bazaar
Historic market with traditional shops, handicrafts, and Ottoman-era architecture
"Krujë Camping"
Campsite near Krujë with shaded pitches, basic facilities, and easy access to the historic town and castle
"Kruja Vista Camping"
Hilltop campsite with olive trees, panoramic views of Krujë, and clean facilities

Day 8: Krujë → Shkodër
Drive north toward Shkodër, one of Albania's oldest and most vibrant cities. On the way, enjoy views of rolling hills and farmlands before reaching the city, set between Lake Shkodër and the Accursed Mountains.
Visit Rozafa Castle, located at the entrance of the city, for sweeping views over the lake and surrounding rivers. In the evening, stroll through the lively pedestrian streets filled with cafés and bars, or relax by the lakeside as the sun sets.
90 km
From Krujë to Shkodër
~1.5 hours
Driving time
Rozafa Castle
Myth-rich medieval fortress
"Gjuhadol" Street
Colorful historic street
"Marubi" Museum
Albania's first photography museum in Shkodër, showcasing historical photographs
Wild camping
Near Lake Shkodra
"Lake Shkodra Resort"
Relaxing waterfront stay
"Camping Legjenda"
Campsite in Shkodër at the foot of Rozafa Castle, with shady pitches, a pool, and a restaurant

Day 9: Shkodër → Theth National Park
Time to leave the lowlands and head into the Albanian Alps. The road to Theth is an adventure itself, narrow and winding, but every turn rewards you with breathtaking views.
Once in Theth, you'll find stone houses, crystal-clear rivers, and endless hiking paths. Visit the Lock-in Tower and the Old Church of Theth, surrounded by green meadows and dramatic mountain peaks. Don't miss the Blue Eye of Theth, a stunning turquoise pool tucked in the forest.
80 km
From Shkodër to Theth
~2-2.5 hours
Driving time
Old Church
Historic Catholic church in Theth village, dating back centuries
Blue Eye of Theth
Crystal-blue mountain spring
Lock-in Tower
Historic stone tower in Theth used for family protection during blood feuds
Wild camping
Free camping spot
"360 Grade Camping"
Mountain camping retreat
"Freskia Camping"
Mountain campsite near Theth with river views, a small restaurant, and a peaceful alpine atmosphere

Day 10: Theth - Hiking & Exploring
Spend a full day exploring Theth National Park. In the morning, tackle the Valbona Pass hike, a rewarding but challenging trek that takes around 4 hours one way. The trail offers panoramic views of alpine valleys, rugged peaks, and the untouched beauty of the Albanian Alps.
In the afternoon, take a shorter hike to Grunas Waterfall, about 1.5 hours round trip, where you can enjoy the lush forest and refreshing mountain air. As the evening settles, relax by a campfire, listen to the river, and admire the starry sky, your final night surrounded by nature before heading back for campervan drop-off tomorrow.
15 km
Valbona Peak
~7-9 hours
Hiking time
Valbona Pass
Scenic mountain pass connecting Valbona and Theth, offering panoramic alpine views
Grunas Waterfall
Theth's iconic cascade
Wild camping
Near lake Theth
"360 Grade Camping"
Mountain camping retreat
"Freskia Camping"
Mountain campsite near Theth with river views, a small restaurant, and a peaceful alpine atmosphere
