Arriving in Albania? A week behind the wheel lets you taste the country’s most authentic flavors, from mountain stews to Mediterranean seafood, while enjoying the freedom of your own rental car.
Day 1 – Southern Albania Culinary Road Trip: Berat’s Slow‑Food Delights
After landing at Tirana Rinas (TIA), collect your rental car from AutoConnect Rental and head south along the SH4. The 130 km drive to Berat takes about two hours, winding through the Skanderbeg Mountains and offering views of olive groves. In Berat, explore the historic Mangalem quarter and stop for a lunch of byrek with local cheese and a side of fërgesë, a traditional pepper‑tomato‑cottage‑cheese stew. The town’s slow‑food restaurants let you taste home‑cooked lamb and fresh vegetables, giving a perfect start to your southern albania culinary road trip.
Day 2 – Gjirokastër’s Stone‑Built Kitchens
Day two takes you east on the SH4 to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO‑listed stone city about 90 km away. The drive climbs the Përmet pass, so a reliable car is essential. In Gjirokastër, try qifqi – rice balls seasoned with herbs and fried in olive oil – and the hearty local soup called tave kosi. Don’t miss the rooftop restaurant overlooking the castle, where you can sample grilled lamb with rosemary and a glass of regional raki. The town’s market also offers fresh figs and walnuts, perfect for an afternoon snack before heading to the coast.
Need a reliable car for this route?
We deliver to Tirana Airport and any hotel. Pay on pickup.
Day 3 – Himarë to Sarandë: Mediterranean Sea Flavors
From Gjirokastër, follow the coastal road (SH8) through the dramatic cliffs of Himarë. The 70 km stretch is dotted with tavernas serving grilled sardines, mussels in white wine, and seafood linguine tossed with locally harvested herbs. Stop in Himarë for a quick lunch of petulla drizzled with honey, then continue south to the turquoise bays of Sarandë. Here, the evening meal often features baked fish wrapped in parchment with lemon and oregano, paired with a crisp Albanian white wine. The sea breeze adds a fresh note to every bite.
Day 4 – Ksamil, Beachside Bites and Return to Tirana
Your final day leads you to the sparkling beaches of Ksamil, only 15 km from Sarandë. After a morning walk along the promenade, enjoy a brunch of fresh octopus salad and citrus‑infused olive oil. Before returning to Tirana, consider a quick stop at the ancient city of Butrint for a bite of traditional çorba, a hearty broth that reflects the region’s mixed influences. The drive back to the airport covers roughly 260 km, mostly on the SH4, allowing you to reflect on the flavors you’ve discovered across southern Albania.
Fuel and Parking Tip
Fill up in larger towns such as Berat or Gjirokastër, where fuel stations are 24 h and prices are lower than on the coast. In coastal villages, parking can be tight in the summer; arrive early or use the designated municipal lots to avoid fines.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- 01
What are the best traditional foods to try on a Southern Albania road trip?
Sample byrek with local cheese, fërgesë (pepper‑tomato‑cottage‑cheese stew), qifqi rice balls, petulla served with honey or cheese, grilled sardines, mussels in white wine, and fresh seafood linguine. Don’t miss regional specialties like tave kosi, lamb roasted with rosemary, and the sweet baklava found in mountain villages.
- 02
How is the driving route for a culinary tour of Southern Albania?
The itinerary follows the SH4 from Tirana to Berat and Gjirokastër, then switches to the scenic SH8 along the Ionian coast through Himarë, Sarandë and Ksamil. Expect mountain passes, narrow coastal bends and distances of 70–130 km between major stops, so a reliable rental car is essential for flexibility and safety.
- 03
Where can I pick up a rental car for a food trip starting in Tirana?
Pick up your vehicle at Tirana Rinas (TIA) airport. AutoConnect Rental operates a desk in the arrivals hall, offering a range of compact and SUV models suited for the varied terrain of southern Albania.
