There’s something special about traveling without a strict plan, especially in a country like Albania. For us, the idea was simple: take a camper van trip to Albania, chase some castle views, and let the road decide the rest. It turned out to be one of the most surprising and peaceful adventures we’ve had.
Rozafa Castle – A Peaceful Start in Shkodra
Our first stop was Shkodra, up in the north. Rozafa Castle sits proudly above the city and feels like a perfect welcome into Albania’s layered history. The climb is a bit steep, but totally worth it. Once you’re at the top, it’s quiet, peaceful, and the view stretches forever — lake, river, and mountains all at once.
We found a small area near the base where we could park overnight, cooked dinner in the van, and watched the castle glow in the fading light. Not a bad way to begin the journey.
Kruja’s Cobbled Streets and Clifftop Views
Driving south to Kruja was an adventure in itself. The roads twisted through the hills, past farms and sleepy villages. Kruja Castle is perched high on a ridge and is full of charm — cobblestone paths, old wooden shops, and a museum dedicated to Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg.
We wandered the bazaar, picked up a few handmade gifts, and stayed at a nearby camping spot with mountain views.
Berat – The City of a Thousand Windows
Then came Berat. This city feels like something from a fairytale — all white houses with red roofs stacked on the hillsides. The castle here is huge and still alive with local residents. We spent hours wandering its narrow paths, petting stray cats, and taking in views of the Osum River.
By evening, we parked in a quiet area just outside the old town and stayed the night under a sky full of stars.
Gjirokastër’s Stone Streets and Surprises
Our journey continued toward Gjirokastër. The town itself is built from stone — the streets, rooftops, even the houses — and its castle is massive. Inside, we found a military museum and even an old U.S. fighter plane parked inside the walls (weird but cool).
We made friends with other van travelers, swapped stories, and learned some helpful tips about wild camping in the south.
Porto Palermo – Ending by the Sea
We ended our camper van trip to Albania on the coast, at Porto Palermo. This little fortress sits right on the edge of the Ionian Sea, surrounded by clear blue water and almost no people. We parked by the beach, cooked a simple meal, and just relaxed as the sun dropped behind the hills.
No crowds, no schedule — just peace and sea air. Honestly, it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.
If you’re thinking about a camper van trip to Albania, go for it. Don’t worry too much about the details. Let the road surprise you. There are castles in the clouds, stories in every village, and so many moments you’ll remember just because you said yes to something different.
