Valbona with a Camper Van: Our Favorite Mountain Escape in Albania

If you’re planning a camper van trip in Albania, trust me—Valbona with a camper van is something you don’t want to miss. It’s one of those places that feels totally untouched. You’re deep in the mountains, surrounded by silence, clean air, and views that actually make you stop and stare.

Getting There

Valbona is about 6 to 7 hours north of Tirana—so yeah, it’s a bit of a drive, but it’s a beautiful one. If you’re already thinking about hiring a camper van in Albania, the drive itself is half the adventure. You pass through tiny villages, forests, and mountain roads that get more dramatic the closer you get.

And if you’re up for something extra cool, take the Lake Koman ferry. You literally load your camper van onto a boat and float between steep canyon walls for a couple of hours. It’s like a mini fjord cruise.

Where We Camped

We stayed at Valbona Camping, which is super chill. Nothing fancy, but you’ve got what you need—flat ground, electricity, bathrooms, and fresh mountain water. It’s quiet, and the views are insane. You wake up with these massive peaks all around you and birds chirping instead of city noise.

Honestly, it was one of the most peaceful places we parked our van. If you’re into nature and being offline for a bit, this place hits different.

What You Can Do There

Hike the Valbona Pass

This is the big one. It’s a solid day hike over to Theth (another beautiful village), and the views are unreal. If you’re not up for the full trek, you can just explore some of the trails around the valley—there are plenty.

Chill by the River

The river running through Valbona is straight-up glacier water. Super cold, super clear. We spent an afternoon just lounging by the water with snacks and dipping our feet in. Zero regrets.

Just… Be There

It sounds cheesy, but Valbona is one of those places where you don’t need to “do” a ton. Just being there is the vibe. Coffee outside the van in the morning, maybe a walk, maybe a nap in the shade. That kind of slow travel is what made this part so special.

Why a Camper Van?

Having the van made everything easier. No stressing about hotel bookings, no rushing around. We had everything with us—our bed, our snacks, our pace. If you’re thinking of exploring more of the country, Govan.al has some great camper vans for rent, and they’ll help you figure out routes, campsites, and all that stuff too.

Also, check out their destinations if you’re building a whole route—we went from Valbona down to Shala River and then the Riviera. Totally worth it.

Final Thoughts

Valbona with a camper van? 10/10 would do it again. It’s quiet, wild, and just absolutely beautiful. If you want a break from crowds, phones, and busy schedules, this place is for you.

We left with sore legs, full hearts, and way too many photos of mountains that all look the same but somehow don’t.

Thinking about hitting the road yourself? Check out Govan and start planning your own camper trip. You won’t regret it.