Is Albania Safe for Camper Vans?

Here’s What We Learned While Driving Through

So, you’re thinking about exploring Albania in a camper van and wondering — is it actually safe? We had the same question before we packed up and hit the road. Turns out, it’s safer and friendlier than we expected… but like any road trip, there are a few things to keep in mind.

We Felt Safe — Like, Really Safe

From the coast to the mountains, people were super chill. Locals smiled, waved, and even pointed out free places to park for the night. We never felt uneasy, not even when wild camping by a lake or driving through small villages.

If anything, Albanians seemed more curious than cautious when they saw our van. One guy even brought us fresh tomatoes just because he liked our camper setup.

(If you’re renting, we went with GoVan — super helpful team and the van was fully prepped.)

Road Conditions? Not Bad at All

Okay, some roads are rough — potholes, random goats, the usual. But if you’re used to camper travel, you’ll be fine. Stick to main routes when possible, especially if you’re not into surprises. We drove from Tirana to the Albanian Riviera and up to the mountains near Theth. No problems, just slow driving in some areas.

Here’s a guide to the Riviera with a van if you’re heading that way.

Campsites vs Wild Camping

There are official campsites — clean, cheap, with Wi-Fi and all that. But honestly? Wild camping is part of the fun here. Just don’t camp in the middle of someone’s field or near a national site without asking. Locals don’t mind, but respect goes a long way.

We found some awesome spots using Park4Night and GoVan’s blog helped us plan too.

Some Quick Advice

• Carry some cash — ATMs are around but not everywhere.

• Download offline maps.

• Don’t speed — traffic rules are… flexible, let’s say.

• Smile. People notice that stuff here.

Would We Do It Again?

In a heartbeat. Albania felt like one of the last hidden gems in Europe for van travel. It’s raw, real, and honestly refreshing compared to tourist-heavy places.

So yeah, if you’re asking “Is Albania safe for camper vans?” — our answer is a solid yes. Just go with a bit of common sense and a love for the open road.

Want to try it for yourself?
Check out GoVan’s rentals — they’ve got everything ready, including local advice if you need help with routes or parking spots.