Albania by Campervan: Everything You Should Know

Albania might not be the first place that pops into your head when you think about campervan travel, but honestly, it should be. Between rugged mountains, hidden beaches, and villages that seem frozen in time, Albania by campervan offers a kind of freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere in Europe.

Why Explore Albania by Campervan?

For one, the public transport here is… well, let’s just say it’s not super reliable if you’re aiming for remote places. Having a campervan means you can go wherever, whenever — no timetables, no rushing for buses that may or may not show up.

Also, Albania is one of the few places left where wild camping is generally accepted. That’s a huge win if you’re the type who prefers waking up to mountain views or hearing the sea at night. Plus, you’re cutting down on hotel costs, which — let’s face it — adds up fast.

(If you want a few suggestions, check out our favorite campsites in Albania).

Where to Go in Albania with a Campervan

Here’s the thing: almost everywhere you go feels like an adventure, but a few spots really stand out.

• The Albanian Riviera
  Picture winding roads along cliffs, with turquoise water down below. Beaches like Himara, Dhermi, and Jale are campervan-friendly, especially outside the peak of summer. We wrote a full guide about exploring Riviera Albania with camper van if you’re curious.

• The Albanian Alps
  If you’re up for mountain driving, head north to Theth and Valbona. Roads can get rough — no sugar-coating that — so sometimes a 4×4 is a smarter bet. You might want to glance at our slow travel in Theth Albania Alps

• Historic Cities
  Places like Berat and Gjirokastër are packed with history. Parking near old towns can be a bit tricky, but there’s usually a solution a few blocks away if you’re willing to walk.

Campervan Life: What You Should Expect

Albania is still pretty laid-back about camping. Wild camping is usually fine unless you’re right in the middle of someone’s land (locals are friendly, but still — always ask). Organized campsites are growing in number too, offering showers, electricity, and in some cases, decent little cafes.

A few real-world tips:

• Stock up on cash; card machines are not a given.

• Fill your water tanks when you can — not every village will have a refill station.

• Don’t expect gas stations on every corner, especially inland.

(By the way, our full camping in Albania guide covers these in more detail.)

Renting a Campervan in Albania: What to Know

Not all campervan rentals are created equal. Some come fully loaded (beds, cooking kits, even mini showers), and some… well, not so much. At GoVan, we make sure you get the full setup — just a heads-up in case you want to browse our camper vans here.

Make sure your rental includes:

• Unlimited mileage (trust us, you’ll rack up the kilometers)

• Basic insurance

• 24/7 support, just in case you get stuck somewhere weird (it happens!)

Bonus Tips for a Smoother Campervan Trip

Best Time to Go

Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September) are the sweet spots. Fewer crowds, cooler temps, and cheaper camping — what’s not to love?

Driving in Albania: Be Ready

Roads are generally okay, but you’ll hit potholes, unexpected livestock crossings, and the occasional “wait, is this even a road?” moment. It’s part of the charm though.

• Toll roads are rare but bring some small cash just in case.

• Driving is on the right side of the road.

• Always double-check your route; GPS is helpful but not perfect out here.

Wild Camping vs Campsites

It’s honestly a toss-up. If you love privacy and don’t mind roughing it, wild camping is amazing. If you want showers, bathrooms, and a tiny bit of civilization after a few days… organized campsites are popping up more each year.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Albania by campervan is probably one of the best ways to experience the country’s wild, untamed beauty. No two days feel the same, and the freedom you get — waking up to mountains, beaches, or olive groves — is something that’s honestly getting harder to find in Europe these days.

Just remember: stay flexible, plan loosely, and let Albania surprise you.