7-day campervan road trip

Your journey begins in Tirana. Stock up on food, and head north toward Shkodra, one of Albania's oldest cities and its cultural heart. The drive is smooth and easy.

Shkodra sits between Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Balkans, and the Albanian Alps. The vibe here is creative and relaxed, full of artists, bicycles, and coffee bars. Wander through the pedestrian streets, visit the Marubi Photography Museum, and climb up to Rozafa Castle for sunset views that stretch over the lake and surrounding mountains.

Today you'll enter the heart of the Albanian Alps. The drive to Theth is a small adventure, a winding mountain road with jaw-dropping views at every turn. Take it slow, enjoy the scenery, and stop often.

Once in Theth, you'll feel completely off the grid. The valley is surrounded by dramatic peaks, rivers, and stone houses. Hike to the Blue Eye of Theth, a deep turquoise pool hidden in the forest, or visit the Grunas Waterfall.

Evenings in Theth are magical, clear skies, campfire warmth, and the sound of the river nearby.

Wake up with mountain air in your lungs and begin the journey south. After returning through Shkodra, continue toward Berat, one of Albania's most beautiful towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Berat is known as the City of a Thousand Windows for its hillside houses stacked along the Osum River, each with rows of elegant windows that seem to watch over the valley. Stroll through Mangalem and Gorica, the two historic quarters, and cross the old stone bridge that connects them.

Inside the Berat Castle, you'll find small churches, cobbled streets, and locals selling homemade wine and jam from their doorsteps. Stay overnight nearby — the sunsets here turn the white houses golden.

Continue your trip south through rolling hills and olive groves until you reach Gjirokastër, another UNESCO city but with a totally different atmosphere.

Known as the Stone City, Gjirokastër is built entirely from grey limestone — from its steep cobblestone streets to its rooftops. The centerpiece is the Gjirokastër Fortress, one of the largest in the Balkans, offering panoramic views across the Drino Valley.

Spend some time wandering through the old bazaar, where artisans still carve wood, sell traditional rugs, and roast Albanian coffee. Try a local dish like qifqi (fried rice balls) or oshaf (fig dessert with goat milk).

Leave the stone city of Gjirokastër and head south toward the Albanian Riviera. The drive takes you through scenic mountain roads before reaching the coast at Bunec Beach, a quiet and less crowded spot surrounded by rugged hills and turquoise water. Spend the afternoon swimming in crystal-clear waters or just relaxing by the shore with the sound of waves. Bunec is also one of the best places to enjoy a peaceful sunset by the sea — perfect for unwinding after days of exploring inland Albania.

Start your day by leaving Bunec and heading north along the scenic Riviera road. Make a stop in Himara, a lively coastal town with beautiful beaches and seaside cafés. Don't miss the climb up to Himara Castle, where ancient stone walls and olive trees overlook the Ionian Sea, the views are absolutely worth it.

Continue your journey toward Vuno, a charming mountain village known for its whitewashed houses and slow-paced atmosphere. Stop for a coffee at a local bar and take a short stroll through the quiet cobblestone streets before hitting the road again.

Your final destination is Gjipe Beach, a hidden gem tucked between dramatic cliffs. You can park your campervan at the parking area above the canyon and hike about 20 minutes down to the beach, a peaceful paradise with turquoise water and the entrance of Gjipe Canyon waiting to be explored.

It's time to head back north toward Tirana, but there's no rush, the Albanian countryside is full of small villages, rolling hills, and scenic stops along the way.

For your last night, instead of returning directly to the city, you can camp along the coast near Golem, Durrës, or Gjiri i Lalëzit. These spots are perfect for campervans, flat parking, easy access, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Enjoy your final sunset by the Adriatic, watch the waves, and feel the calm after a week of adventures.

Take a last swim in the sea, prepare a simple meal in your van, and soak in the peaceful coastal vibe before returning your campervan the next day.