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Tirana to the Albanian Riviera by Car: A 3-Day Route

Illustration of a silver SUV on a paved road above Albania’s Ionian coast

For a three-day round trip from Tirana to the Albanian Riviera, stop in Vlorë on the way south, spend two nights around Himarë, and use the middle day for Dhërmi or a nearby beach. It gives you one day without a long drive and keeps the last day free for the return to Tirana.

Day 1: Tirana to Himarë via Vlorë

Collect your car in Kashar or at Tirana Airport and head towards Vlorë. Use Vlorë as a lunch or coffee stop before following the coast south. If you want a scenic stop around Llogara, check the route and conditions first and pull over only where parking is permitted. Book accommodation with a confirmed parking space in Himarë so you can leave the car for the evening.

Day 2: Choose a beach or a village

For an easy day, stay around Himarë and visit Potam or Livadh. If you head to Dhërmi, decide whether you want the hillside village or the beach and check the parking for that specific destination. Some coastal access routes are steep or unpaved, so confirm road access before setting off and keep the rental car on paved roads. The Albanian tourism portal’s Potam Beach page lists nearby beaches if you want to compare stops.

Day 3: Return to Tirana or Rinas

Leave a buffer for traffic and breaks. If you are flying out that day, skip a long detour and allow time to refuel, hand back the car and reach your terminal. Check your planned route before leaving, especially when weather or holiday traffic could affect the drive.

What kind of car works for this route?

A compact car is practical for a couple with light luggage and can be easier to park in tighter village spaces. For more passengers or several cases, compare the boot space of a compact SUV. Choose a car that fits the people and bags together, then confirm parking with your accommodation.

Compare Avel’s fleet or search availability for your road trip.

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