Renting a Car in Albania: Honest Review

Traveling through Albania is an experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. One of the best ways to explore this beautiful country is by renting a car. In fact, opting for a cheap car rental in Albania allows for maximum flexibility, enabling you to create your own itinerary and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. In this review, I’ll share my experience renting a car during a two-week trip with friends and why it was the most economical, safe, and comfortable option for our travels.

Why Renting a Car is the Best Option

When we arrived in Albania, we quickly realized that renting a car was the best way to get around. We had a group of four, and while public transportation can be an option, it’s often limited in terms of schedules and routes. 

Taxis can get expensive, especially for longer distances, and we didn’t want to waste vacation time waiting for a bus or trying to figure out local transport schedules. With rental prices starting from as low as $30 per day, we were thrilled to snag a great discount since we were renting for two weeks. 

After doing some research, we decided to go with Shehu Rental Cars. Booking was straightforward through their website, and the customer service was really impressive. When we arrived to pick up our Ford Fiesta, the staff were friendly and went through everything with us, explaining the car features and giving us tips about driving in Albania. 

We were impressed by how clean and well-maintained the vehicle was; it felt like we were driving a brand-new car. With our luggage loaded, we were ready for the adventure ahead.

Our Car Trip in Albania

Our first stop was Dajt National Park, a short drive from Tirana. The journey to the park was smooth, with beautiful views of the mountains and countryside. Once we arrived, we took the Dajti Ekspres cable car to the top of the mountain, where we were treated to breathtaking panoramic views. 

It was the perfect way to kick off our trip. We spent the afternoon hiking some trails and enjoying a picnic we packed earlier. The freedom to move at our own pace made the experience even better.

Next, we headed to the historic town of Kruja, known for its medieval castle and vibrant bazaar. The drive was straightforward, with well-maintained roads guiding us through the scenic landscape. We parked near the castle and spent hours wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets, exploring shops, and tasting local delicacies. 

The castle provided stunning views of the surrounding area, and we took tons of photos to capture the moment. The locals were incredibly welcoming, sharing stories about the town’s history and their own lives.

From Kruja, we made our way to Ksamil, a stunning beach destination along the Albanian Riviera. The journey was simply gorgeous, with the coastal views and blue waters giving us a taste of what was to come. We spent our days lounging on the beach, swimming in the clear waters, and trying out various seafood dishes at beachfront restaurants. 

Having the rental car allowed us to visit nearby beaches and islands that we might have missed otherwise. Plus, the gas prices were surprisingly low, which was a relief for our budget.

One of the highlights of our trip was our adventure to Theth National Park. The drive to Theth was more challenging with some winding roads, but the scenery was absolutely stunning. The mountains towered around us, and we stopped frequently to take photos. 

Once we arrived in Theth, we hiked to the beautiful Blue Eye, a natural spring with crystal-clear water, and it was completely worth it. The locals in Theth were friendly and offered us tips on the best hiking routes, making us feel right at home in their stunning wilderness.

The Local Driving Scene

Driving in Albania was an experience in itself. While we had heard stories about local driving habits, we found them to be manageable. At first, it was a bit of a shock; drivers tend to be a little more aggressive than we were used to, and the roads can be narrow and winding, especially in rural areas. However, as we spent more time on the road, we adapted to the local driving culture. 

The Ford Fiesta we rented came with a helpful navigation system that made it easy to find our way, especially in areas with less signage. It also allowed us to explore some of the more remote regions, which wouldn’t have been as easy without a reliable GPS. We appreciated how clean and well-maintained the car was, which made our drives more enjoyable.

Tips for Travelers Considering Renting a Car in Albania

If you’re thinking about renting a car during your trip to Albania, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:

Familiarize Yourself with Local Driving Rules: Before hitting the road, take some time to learn about Albanian traffic rules. For instance, speed limits are generally lower in urban areas, and seat belts are mandatory. It’s also common for drivers to use their horns more than you might expect.

Choose the Right Vehicle: Depending on your travel plans, make sure to pick a car that suits your needs. If you plan to visit remote areas or do some off-roading, consider an SUV or a car with good ground clearance. For city driving and coastal trips, a compact car like the Ford Fiesta we rented is perfect.

Plan Your Routes: While GPS can be a lifesaver, having a general idea of your routes and destinations can save you time. Some areas might not have clear signage, so it’s good to have a backup plan, like downloading offline maps.

Take Advantage of Low Gas Prices: Fuel prices in Albania are quite reasonable compared to many Western countries, so take advantage of this and explore more places without worrying too much about the cost.

Embrace the Adventure: Be prepared for winding roads and occasional surprises, like livestock crossing or unexpected detours. Albania’s beauty often lies in its less-traveled paths, so don’t hesitate to stop and explore!

Engage with Locals: The people in Albania are incredibly friendly and willing to help. If you have questions or need directions, don’t hesitate to ask. You might even get some great recommendations for hidden gems!

Final Thoughts

Overall, renting a car in Albania turned out to be one of the best decisions we made during our trip. The flexibility it gave us allowed us to create our own itinerary and explore beautiful spots at our own pace. The car, helpful staff, and budget-friendly gas prices made everything so much easier.

If you’re planning a trip to Albania, I highly recommend looking into renting a car. It’ll give you the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich culture of this beautiful country. We had an unforgettable adventure, and I can’t imagine it being the same without the ability to drive and explore at our leisure. Happy travels!