The Balkan country is just under 2,000 kilometers from Berlin and is (still) one of the insider tips among camping fans: Albania offers untouched nature, long beaches, impressive mountain ranges, rivers and gorges as well as vibrant cities, making it the perfect vacation region for couples, solo travelers and families with children with and without dogs. What should you know before a camping trip to Albania? We have compiled the most important information about one of Europe’s lesser-known (camping) regions.
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Albania as a travel destination – an overview
Travel time
The best camping season in Albania is from spring to fall, with the peak season clearly being in the summer months of July and August. The sea is at its warmest during this time, the sunny days are the longest and the camping temperatures are the most pleasant. If you mainly want to go hiking or sightseeing, spring or fall are also suitable, as the temperatures are somewhat cooler and there are fewer tourists – although there is no mass tourism compared to other countries.
Entry requirements
Albania is not (yet) in the EU, so you need a valid identity card or passport that is valid for at least three months to enter the country. For campers: take the green insurance card with you – and of course the vehicle documents.
Entering Albania with a dog
If you want to enter Albania with your four-legged friend, the same regulations apply as in the EU countries. You therefore need an EU pet passport and a microchip as well as a valid rabies vaccination. You can find detailed information in our article Camping with a dog in Albania.
Traffic rules and tolls
The speed limit on Albanian roads for camping vehicles up to 3.5 tons is 35 km/h in urban areas, 70 km/h outside urban areas and on expressways and 80 km/h on freeways. Cars may drive at 40 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h outside urban areas, 90 km/h on expressways and 110 km/h on highways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.1. You do not have to pay a toll on Albanian highways and do not need a vignette, only a small fee is charged for the Kalimash tunnel.
On the subject of general traffic rules… Well, let’s just say that there are road signs with speed limits, warnings, etc. These tend not to be adhered to at all. That’s why you should always drive defensively and with foresight and not rely on other road users to observe speed limits and overtaking bans or use indicators.
Security
Albania is generally considered a safe country to travel to, including for camping. According to the travel advice issued by the German Foreign Office, cases of violent petty and street crime are rare, while pickpocketing, car and camper van break-ins have increased slightly in the summer months.
Our CamperStyle colleagues Nele and Jalil, who visited Albania years ago, felt safe and well looked after at all times on their road trip lasting several weeks. They report that no other country they have visited has shown as much hospitality, generosity and interest in their well-being as Albania. Nevertheless, you should of course take the usual precautions: don’t leave any valuables open in the vehicle and always lock everything well, keep an eye on your surroundings, don’t necessarily parade around with expensive jewelry or equipment and generally listen to your gut feeling, especially when looking for a parking space. Just like everywhere else.
Arrival by van, motorhome and caravan
- Travel by land: You have various options here, one possible route is via the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia and North Macedonia. The second option via Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina is also possible, but in the experience of travelers it is probably busier and involves longer waiting times at the borders.
- Arrival by ferry:
The following ferry connections are available from Italy:
▪️ Ancona, Bari and Trieste -> Durrës
▪️ Brindisi -> Vlora
There is a ferry connection from Corfu to Saranda.
The roads in Albania – myth or truth?
You may have already wondered when reading the speed limits – but the relatively low figures can be explained by the often challenging driving conditions. For one thing, you will occasionally come across animals such as cows, donkeys, sheep or goats, and there are also various stories and opinions about the condition of Albania’s roads. Some say that the roads are mostly good, especially the main connecting roads, while other campers report passages that are only passable with four-wheel drive and that numerous potholes and unpaved verges are not uncommon. If you want to check the road conditions in advance, a look at the maps on Google Maps may help in some cases.
Excursion destinations and sights – with tips for pitches and campsites
Coast around Saranda – white beaches and turquoise sea
The southern coastline of the Albanian Riviera from Saranda to the Greek border is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Here you will find lively beaches and quiet bays in equal measure, although the width of the beaches here is limited and they are rather narrow, as the mountains rise directly out of the crystal-clear water in many places.
In the south of the country, directly opposite the Greek island of Corfu, Pulëbardha Beach north of Butrint National Park. Here, in a small, green bay, there is a wonderfully quiet stone beach with two cozy restaurants serving local dishes on its right flank. The approach is a little steep, but doable for cars and small vans, and you can park overnight in the public parking lot above the beach, watch the beguiling sunset over the Greek island of Corfu and jump straight into the sea in the morning.
Tip
Ksamil Caravan Camping
This campsite is located at the entrance to the small coastal town of Ksamil, just 200 meters from the sea. Restaurants and stores are also within walking distance.
Koman reservoir – jewel in the Albanian Alps
In the northern part of the country, almost 50 kilometers east of the town of Shkroda, lies the Koman reservoir and is considered a real jewel in the Albanian Alps: the river Drin is dammed here for 34 kilometers between the towns of Koman and Fierze, the valley is surrounded by steep, green mountain slopes and is also described as fjord-like, as the gorge is only up to 400 meters wide at the narrowest points. The ferry ride is an absolute highlight and takes around two and a half hours.
Tip
Natura Camping, Koman
This idyllic campsite with restaurant and bar, including access to the lake for swimming, is located directly on the Koman reservoir.
Osum Gorge – canyoning, rafting and hiking
The Grand Canyon of Albania: The turquoise Osum River meanders for almost 13 kilometers through the gorge of the same name along steep walls up to 80 meters high. The gorge is just under an hour and a half’s drive south of the city of Berat. In spring, after the snow has melted, rafting and canoeing tours are possible on the river, and later in the summer you can go hiking and canyoning. There are numerous places to camp along the gorge, although these are more suitable for smaller vans and tents.
Berat – City of a thousand windows
North of the gorge is the town of Berat in the mountains of central Albania. The typical white houses from the Ottoman period with their “thousand windows” facing south-east have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the castle. The old town buildings are excellently preserved and characterize the historic cityscape together with the many mosques and churches. Berat Castle stands on a hill above the River Osum, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the city – certainly one of the highlights of a tour of Albania.
Tip
River Side Camping
In the town of Berat, directly on the Osum River, this campsite offers fantastic views of the water and the idyllic garden. There are cooking facilities and a cozy fireplace for a traditional Balkan evening.
Tirana and Durrës – vibrant cities with flair
If you want a little more action, you can visit the capital Tirana and the coastal town of Durrës to the west.
Tirana, the lively and fascinating capital, combines tradition and modernity in a unique way. Skanderbeg Square, named after the Albanian national hero of the same name, is located in the heart of the city. This spacious square is surrounded by important buildings such as the Palace of Culture, the National Historical Museum and the Et’hem Bey Mosque, a magnificent building with Ottoman architecture.
Another striking landmark of Tirana is the colorful bell tower, which offers visitors a panoramic view of the city. Just a short walk away is the iconic Tirana Pyramid, which once served as a museum for the former dictator Enver Hoxha and is now used for cultural events.
Tirana is also known for its colorful facades, especially in the Blloku district, which was once reserved for high party officials. Today, Blloku is the heart of Tirana’s nightlife with numerous bars, cafés and restaurants.
Tip
Camping Tirana
This small but lovely family-run campsite is located outside the city, overlooking a small lake. It is perfect for walks and excursions into the surrounding countryside.
Durrës, the second largest city in Albania, is located in the middle of the Adriatic coast. The historic port city is a place full of history and Mediterranean joie de vivre. As one of the oldest cities in the country, Durrës offers a rich cultural and historical backdrop. One of the main attractions is the Roman Amphitheater, the largest of its kind in the Balkans. This impressive building from the 2nd century AD forms the heart of the ancient sites and bears witness to a glorious past.
Just a short walk away is the Archaeological Museum of Durrës, which houses a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts and takes visitors on a journey through the city’s turbulent history. Another highlight is the Venetian Wall with its impressive remains of the medieval fortifications.
Durrës is also known for its lively beaches, which attract both locals and tourists. The long sandy beach stretches along the coast and offers numerous opportunities for chilling out and sunbathing. The promenade of Durrës is a popular meeting place to enjoy the salty sea breeze and the picturesque sunsets during a stroll.
Tip
Camping Pa EmerKarpen
Right by the sea and just a 30-minute drive from the city of Durrës, this campsite offers an oasis of peace on an area covered in pine trees. A highlight: the nearby artificial island with a restaurant.
Gjirokastra – important cultural center of Albania
One of the oldest cities in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005: Gjirokastra lies in the wide Drino river valley and is surrounded by the Mali i Gjerë mountains. The houses are built into the steep slopes, so you will encounter many stairs on a sightseeing tour, but you will always be rewarded with a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding area.
Often known as the “city of stones”, Gjirokastra enchants visitors with its unique charm and well-preserved Ottoman architecture. One of the most impressive landmarks is the imposing Gjirokastra Fortress, which towers high above the city. It houses a military museum and offers breathtaking views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. Another highlight is the birthplace of the famous Albanian writer Ismail Kadare, which now serves as a museum and offers an insight into the life and works of the author.
The cobbled streets of the old town are lined with traditional stone houses with characteristic slate roofs that convey an authentic sense of history. The Gjirokaster Bazaar is a lively meeting place where handicrafts and local products are on sale. Here you can feel the hustle and bustle of the city and have the opportunity to strike up a conversation with the locals.
Tip
Camping Gjirokaster
This small, family-run campsite is surrounded by vineyards and overlooks the Wide Mountain valley. The town center of Gjirokastra is about two kilometers away. In addition to all service areas, the campsite also offers a bar, a restaurant and a wine cellar.
National parks – untouched nature and diverse landscapes
15 national parks, two examples: Valbona Valley National Park in the north-east of the country is “pure high mountains” and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts: lonely mountain peaks, wild animal species such as brown bears, wolves and lynx, numerous waterfalls and the opportunity to hike hundreds of kilometers through this nature. The Qafë Shtama National Park is located just north of the capital Tirana and offers a varied landscape covering a good 2,000 hectares: pine forests, high mountains, rivers and steep gorges.
Camping in Albania – Tips & Things to know
Free standing and wild camping
Free camping is always one of those things, but in Albania it’s quite simple: it’s allowed – if you behave well and respect nature. You can find out about possible pitches and parking spaces in the relevant apps, always make sure you don’t end up on private property and avoid spending the night in national parks. Otherwise: free standing in Albania is part of the adventure!
Campsite infrastructure
Tourism in Albania is growing, and yet this destination in the Balkans is still an underrated vacation and camping country. The infrastructure for pitches and campsites is good, you will find plenty, even if the facilities are certainly not comparable to those of the 5-star resorts in Croatia – but you certainly don’t want that when you travel to Albania by camper. Rental accommodation on campsites is also not as common as in other countries, but tents, caravans and motorhomes are generally welcome everywhere.
If you are traveling with a larger caravan, take a look at the access road and preferably the campsite itself beforehand. There is not always enough space for caravans with towing vehicles. Smaller motorhomes or campervans, on the other hand, are no problem.
Prices for pitches and campsites in Albania
The Balkan country is currently still one of the cheaper destinations for camping vacations. On average, you should expect to pay between 1,400 and 2,000 Albanian lek (the equivalent of around 15 to 20 euros) for an overnight stay. Of course, you can save even more on your travel budget if you stay on private pitches or free pitches.
Conclusion
Camping vacations in Albania certainly mean exciting adventures, new perspectives, beautiful nature experiences, sincere hospitality and appreciative encounters with the locals – if you open your heart, it usually comes back to you!
Cover photo: © Dudlajzov/ Depositphotos.com
