Albania is one of the last of Europe’s grand travel secrets. While neighboring Italy, Greece, and Croatia are swamped with millions of tourists annually, Albania is but moderately visited, with its stunning virgin beaches, mountainous terrain, and intense mix of history and culture — all at a fraction of the cost of trendier places.
Its diminutive size aside, Albania is tightly filled with diverse landscapes ranging from the Ionian blue waters of the Albanian Riviera to the twisted peaks of the Accursed Mountains. However, even among the highest challenges for the visitor is navigating, as transportation is not something to be trusted, and a number of the nation’s most beautiful sights lie off the trail. That is why the most handy method to travel across the country at your own time and convenience is by availing a car rental albania facility. Websites such as Localrent, which consolidates local car rental agencies, allow us to easily rent a vehicle that would be appropriate for our journey, whether along the coastal highway or mountain highways.
The Unspoiled Splendor of Albania’s Riviera
Ksamil: The Maldives of Europe
Ksamil, the “Maldives of Europe,” is a small coastal resort town surrounded by some of the bluest, most crystalline water in the Balkans. Just a quick drive from Saranda, the beaches at Ksamil are rimmed with white sand and backed by small islands reached by paddleboard or kayak. The nearby Butrint National Park, which is a UN World Heritage Site, is waiting to be discovered, and with a visit there, tourists can experience ancient ruins amidst green forests.
Himara: Where Mountains Meet the Sea
In contrast to the more developed Ksamil and its party scene, Himara is a laid-back, small town. Its sands, including Livadhi Beach and Gjipe Beach, are among the most beautiful in Albania. Gjipe is a secret heaven — only accessible by boat or on a stunning walk through an awe-inspiring canyon. Himara has an ancient castle situated high up above the village with stunning vistas of the Ionian Sea as well.
Dhermi: Albania’s Top Party Place
If what you are in the mood for is relaxation with partying, then Dhermi is where you go. The town’s beaches, such as Drymades Beach, are perfect for soaking up the sun during the day, and at night, beach clubs and bars thump with music and parties that last until early morning. Not so crowded that it has lost its secluded spots, however, Dhermi still gives seclusion where one can escape the bustle and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the Albanian coastline.
The Wilderness of Albania’s Mountains
The Accursed Mountains: A Hiker’s Heaven
Beautiful as Albania’s coastline is, its northern mountains boast some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes. The Accursed Mountains, or Albanian Alps, are a treat for hikers and nature lovers. The most renowned trek is the Valbona to Theth trek, an unforgettable journey that makes its way through alpine meadows, sheer valleys, and remote villages untouched by mass tourism.
The village itself is great, and the Blue Eye, a bright blue natural water source that is situated in the center of a forest. Another place is the Grunas Waterfall, a fairly short hike from the village. These backcountry areas are hard to get around by car, but if you have a rental car, you can visit all of this at your own pace and enjoy the view without having to hurry.
Lake Koman: A Fjord-Like Wonder
Most commonly likened to Norway’s fjords, Lake Koman is one of Albania’s loveliest natural wonders. Seeing it is easiest by taking the Lake Koman Ferry, which travels through twisted gorges cut by sheer walls and foliage. Although many use this route for no other purpose than to end up in Valbona, it’s a worthwhile endeavor solely for the strange beauty and serenity of the experience.
Albania’s Colorful History and Culture
Berat: The City of a Thousand Windows
Lovely as Albanian countryside may be, Albania’s history, and Berat, a city that has earned UNESCO status, is one of its most captivating social landmarks.
A “City of a Thousand Windows”, Berat is unusual because of the beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture, whitewashed houses stacked one above the other up the hillside. The 4th-century-old Berat Castle is still occupied today and is the world’s oldest continually occupied castle.
Gjirokastër: Stepping Back in Time
The other town listed as a UNESCO site is Gjirokastër, with its cobblestone streets and stone houses giving it a unique medieval feel. Gjirokastër Castle, which looms over the town, has an interesting museum and incredible views of the Drino Valley. It is also the birthplace of Albania’s most infamous dictator, Enver Hoxha, and his old residence is now a museum that records Albania’s communist history.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Travel to Albania
Unlike its busier, touristy European counterparts, Albania is still inexpensive and off the tourist trail, even in peak summer. Hotel rooms, food, and attractions cost a fraction of what they would in Greece or Italy, making it an ideal option for those on a shoestring budget.
Also, Albania’s tourism sector is developing at an incredible pace, and even though the country isn’t yet explored by many, this is merely for a moment.
Getting Around: Why Car Rental Is the Best Way
Albania’s beauty and historical sites are dispersed throughout the country, and Albania car hire is the most convenient mode of transport. While there are buses and collective taxis (furgons), they are sluggish, unreliable, and may not cover more remote locations.
By car, you can cruise the Llogara Pass, Europe’s most stunning coastal drive, or go slow along the mountain roads to Theth and Valbona. Localrent is just one of several operators that offer a range of cars suitable to Albania’s varied landscape, from small city cars to rugged SUVs for off-road exploration.
Albania: A Destination Like No Other
Albania is perhaps Europe’s most underappreciated travel location, with dramatic mountains, spectacular beaches, rich history, and warm people — without the crowds and expense of better-known places.
Whatever you choose to do, whether basking in the sun on Albania’s Riviera, trekking the Accursed Mountains, or exploring the cultural heritage of Berat and Gjirokastër, Albania is a journey not soon forgotten. With a hired car, you will be able to truly explore the best-kept secrets of this magnificent country and craft your adventure as freestyle and experiential as you desire.
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