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.

Travel route

75 km

From Tirana to Spille

~1-1.5 hours

Driving time

Must visit

Golem

Popular sandy beach and a family-friendly atmosphere

Spille

Wide sandy beach with shallow waters, pine trees, and a relaxed vibe

Parking

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.

Travel route

110 km

From Spille to Vlorë

~1.5 hours

Driving time

Must visit

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

Parking

Wild camping

Quiet coastal spots in Radhimë

"Eco Camping Valona"

Eco-friendly campsite near Zvërnec, Vlorë, offering shaded pitches and a peaceful natural setting

Golem Pines
The scenic pine forests of Golem, stretching along the Adriatic coast and offering a peaceful getaway. © THEVANSURFERS

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.

Travel route

60 km

From Vlorë to Gjipe

~1.5 hours

Driving time

Must visit

Drymades Beach

Beautiful pebble beach with turquoise water

Gjipe Canyon

Dramatic canyon with cliffs and hiking trails

Parking

Wild camping

Campervan-friendly spot at Drimadhes Beach, with direct access to sand and sea

Gjipe beach camping

A small parking fee

Drimadhes Beach
Drimadhes Beach, a hidden gem along the Albanian Riviera with turquoise waters and pebbled shores. © THEVANSURFERS

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.

Travel route

15 km

From Gjipe to Himara

~40 minutes

Driving time

Must visit

Himara Castle

Historic hilltop fortress overlooking Himara town and the Ionian Sea

Vuno

Charming coastal village with traditional stone houses

Parking

Wild camping

Across Livadhi Beach

"Camping Moskato"

Campsite near the coast with shaded areas and easy beach access

Livadhi Beach
The picturesque Livadhi Beach near Himara, known for its crystal-clear waters and pebbled shoreline. © THEVANSURFERS

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.

Travel route

55 km

From Himara to Saranda

~1.5 hours

Driving time

Must visit

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

Parking

Wild camping

Near "Pulëbardha" Beach

"Ksamil Caravan Camping"

Coastal campsite with beachfront pitches and turquoise sea views

Porto Palermo landscape
The tranquil bay of Porto Palermo, home to Ali Pasha's fortress and crystal-clear waters. © THEVANSURFERS

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.

Travel route

52 km

From Sarandë to Gjirokastër

~1 hour

Driving time

Must visit

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

Parking

Wild camping

Near "Çerciz Topulli" Square

Camping "Family"

Hillside campsite with shaded pitches, on-site restaurant, and easy access to Gjirokastër town

Ali Pasha's Castle in Butrint
Ali Pasha's Castle in Butrint, overlooking the calm waters of the Vivari Channel. © THEVANSURFERS

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.

Travel route

235 km

From Gjirokastër to Krujë

~3.5-4 hours

Driving time

Must visit

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

Parking

"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

Castle of Gjirokastër
The Castle of Gjirokastër, perched above the historic stone city with panoramic views of the Drino valley. © THEVANSURFERS

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.

Travel route

90 km

From Krujë to Shkodër

~1.5 hours

Driving time

Must visit

Rozafa Castle

Myth-rich medieval fortress

"Gjuhadol" Street

Colorful historic street

"Marubi" Museum

Albania's first photography museum in Shkodër, showcasing historical photographs

Parking

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

Rozafa Castle landscape
Rozafa Castle overlooking Shkodër, offering panoramic views of the city, Lake Shkodër, Drini river and surrounding mountains. © THEVANSURFERS

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.

Travel route

80 km

From Shkodër to Theth

~2-2.5 hours

Driving time

Must visit

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

Parking

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

Grunas Waterfall
Grunas Waterfall in Theth, cascading into a serene pool surrounded by lush alpine forest. © THEVANSURFERS

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.

Travel route

15 km

Valbona Peak

~7-9 hours

Hiking time

Must visit

Valbona Pass

Scenic mountain pass connecting Valbona and Theth, offering panoramic alpine views

Grunas Waterfall

Theth's iconic cascade

Parking

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

Blue Eye of Theth
The mesmerizing Blue Eye of Theth, a hidden turquoise spring surrounded by alpine forest. © THEVANSURFERS