Albania Unlocked "The Ultimate 5-Day Campervan Road Trip Around Tirana"

"Albania is quickly becoming the darling of the European vanlife scene... it is raw, incredibly affordable, and offers a diversity of landscapes that is hard to find anywhere else."

If you have five days and a set of wheels, you can trade the city chaos for mountain peaks, turquoise reservoirs, historic castles, and sandy dunes—all without driving more than a few hours at a time. This itinerary starts and ends in Tirana, making it perfect for those picking up a rental in the capital.

Day 1: The Balcony of Tirana (Mount Dajti)

Start your engine in Tirana and look East. That massive wall of limestone towering over the city is your first destination: Mount Dajti National Park.

While many tourists take the cable car (Dajti Ekspres), as a camper vanner, you have the privilege of driving the winding road up the mountain. As you climb, the air gets cooler and the concrete jungle of Tirana fades into a distant hum.

Once you reach the plateau (Fusha e Dajtit), you are surrounded by beech forests and fresh air. Spend the day hiking the trails or simply setting up your camp chairs to watch the sunset over the capital. It is the perfect acclimatization for the trip ahead.

Where to Camp

The large parking area near the upper Cable Car station is a popular spot. For a more private experience, follow the road past the abandoned hotel where several flat clearings offer shelter among the beech trees. Alternatively, ask at Ballkoni Dajtit restaurant if you can stay overnight after dinner.

Day 2: Into the Wild (Shengjergj Waterfall)

Drive deeper into the highlands toward the village of Shengjergj. The drive itself is spectacular, featuring hairpin turns and lush greenery. The highlight is the Shengjergj Waterfall, a hidden gem tucked away in a red-rock canyon.

Where to Camp

Wild camping is excellent near the riverbeds below the village. Just ensure you are parked on high ground if rain is forecasted, as the water level can rise quickly.

Day 3: The Instagram Icon (Lake Bovilla)

Head north from Tirana for perhaps the most visually striking location on this list: Lake Bovilla. This reservoir provides water to the capital, but it provides pure eye-candy for travelers.

Warning: The last few kilometers of the road to Bovilla are gravel and rocky. If you have a large, low-clearance motorhome, proceed with extreme caution. For campervans (especially 4x4s), it’s a fun challenge.

The main activity here is the hike up to the "Gamti Balcony." It’s a steep scramble, but the reward is legendary: a panoramic view of the turquoise lake snaking through the grey limestone cliffs. It looks more like a Norwegian fjord than the Mediterranean.

Where to Camp

Wild camping is the standard here. There are flat, rocky areas near the dam structure itself. For those with 4x4 capabilities and good tires, driving down the track to the water's edge offers a stunning, secluded night.

Note: There are virtually no facilities here, so bring everything you need.

Day 4: History in the Clouds (Kruja)

Leave the wilderness for a bit of culture. Drive North-West to Kruja, a historic city perched on the side of a mountain. This was the stronghold of Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, who held off the Ottoman Empire for decades.

Park the van and walk through the Old Bazaar. The narrow cobblestone street is lined with wooden shops selling antiques, wool rugs, and silver. It feels like stepping back into the 15th century. Hike up to the castle ruins and visit the Skanderbeg Museum.

The views from the castle walls, looking out over the plains all the way to the Adriatic Sea, are magnificent.

Where to Camp

Camping Kruja comes highly recommended for its hospitality, hot showers, and proximity to the bazaar. Alternatively, for a spiritual view, drive up the winding road to the Sari Salltik Tekke at the very peak of the mountain. The views are unmatched, and overnight parking is usually tolerated in the upper lot.

Day 5: Where the Sand Climbs the Mountain (Rana e Hedhun)

After four days of mountains, it’s time to wash off the dust in the Adriatic Sea. Drive towards the coast to Shengjin, but don’t stop at the main city beach. Keep driving north to Rana e Hedhun (The Thrown Sand).

This is a unique geological formation where a massive sand dune climbs up the side of the grey mountain. It is unlike any other beach in Albania. The vibe here is relaxed and bohemian. Park the van near the pine trees, run down the dunes, and jump into the sea. It is the perfect end to an action-packed five days.

Where to Camp

This coastline is dotted with seasonal campsites. Camping Clandestino and Camping Rana e Hedhun offer direct beach access and cool vibes. In the off-season, wild camping near the dunes is possible, but be mindful of soft sand to avoid getting stuck!

Camper Tip: This area is very van-friendly, with several campsites and beach bars that welcome campers.

Practical Tips for Vanlifers in Albania

Road Conditions: While main roads are improving, the routes to places like Bovilla or deep into Shengjergj can be rough. Drive defensively and watch out for livestock on the road.

Wild Camping: Albania is one of the last wild camping paradises in Europe. It is generally tolerated as long as you are respectful, leave no trace, and stay away from private property or military zones.

Water & Supplies: You will find natural springs (burime) all over the mountains where you can fill your water tanks with fresh, cold water.