Roads of Albania
Nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, Albania unveils a mosaic of breathtaking routes that blend the majesty of nature with the whispers of ancient tales. Embarking on a journey through its roads is to venture into a realm where each bend reveals unparalleled splendors.
Drive through SH21 Road, and you'll experience the exhilaration of navigating one of Albania's most magnificent mountain routes, culminating in the Thore-Pass. Not for the faint of heart, the road demands respect but rewards the intrepid with views that seem plucked from the heavens. Further south, the serpentine Llogara Pass in the SH8 coastal road beckons. As you weave through its curves, the Ionian Sea stretches infinitely below, its sapphire expanse punctuated only by the white of the beaches and the lush green of the Albanian Riviera.
Yet, for those who truly seek to dance on the edge of adventure, the raw trail to Gjipe Beach and the challenging trek through Cemit Canyon to Nikc await. These are roads less traveled, demanding skill, patience, and a zest for the unexpected.
In Albania, the journey is as mesmerizing as the destination. The stories aren't just in the age-old ruins or the bustling cafes of Tirana. They're etched in the tarmac, gravel, and sands of its spectacular roads. So, rev up your engine, feel the Balkan breeze, and set forth on an Albanian odyssey where history, nature, and adrenaline entwine.
Dare to drive the dangerous Road SH-21
SH21 is a spectacular high mountain road located in the northern part of Albania. The road climbs up the defiant Thore Pass.
Driving the paved SH20 road in Albania
SH20 is a steep and narrow zig-zag road located in the former Kelmend municipality, in Shkodër County, in Albania.
The winding coastal road to Llogara Pass in Albania
Llogara Pass (Qafa e Llogarasë) is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,043m (3,422ft) above sea level, located in Vlorë County, in Albania. It's one of the best coastal drives in the world.
SH8 is a road with spectacular views of the Albanian coast
SH8 is a scenic coastal road with spectacular views along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts of Albania. It’s one of the world's best coastal drives.
Driving the SH75, one of the most demanding Albanian roads
SH75 is the name of a truly amazing road. With beautiful landscapes, it’s pretty challenging and one of the most demanding roads Albania has to offer. The road is to be avoided. It is currently in very bad shape. However, if necessary, it is passable.
Driving the road to Thore Pass is not a piece of cake
Thore Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.691m (5,547ft) above the sea level, located in Shkodër County, in the northwestern tip of Albania. The pass is traversed by the infamous Road SH21.
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the International Qafë Thanë
Qafë Thanë is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 1.000m (3,280ft) located on the border of Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia.
Adventure along the wild road to Gjipe Beach in the Albanian Riviera
Located in the Albanian Riviera, Gjipe Beach is said to be the most beautiful beach of the country. The road is terrifying: steep (up to 9%) with dangerous drop offs. It's best not to look down. One mishap and you plunge off the cliff and into the sea. It’s one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.
The brutal road to Nikc through the Cemit Canyon is pure Albanian adventure
Nikç is a small town at an elevation of 660m (2,165ft) above the sea level, located in the Malësi e Madhe District of Shkodër County in Albania. Be careful: this road is not for the sissies. One mistake can have consequences.
Driving Fir of Hotova National Park Loop Road is an epic adventure
Bredhat e Hotovës Loop Road is an epic adventure in Gjirokastër County, in Albania. The road is in rough shape and requires a 4x4 vehicle.
Qafë Botë is a border paved road in the Albanian mountains
Qafë Botë is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 137m (449ft) above the sea level located on the Albanian-Greek border.
A paved border road to Qafa e Morinës in the Albanian mountains
Qafa e Morinës (Qafë Morinë) is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 563m (1,847ft) located on the border of Albania and Kosovo.
The Albanian SH36 road challenges even the brave drivers
SH36 is a demanding high mountain road situated on the boundary between Lezhé and Dibër counties of Albania. The road's condition leaves much to be desired, making it a challenging route to traverse. Nevertheless, its breathtaking vistas have earned it a formidable reputation.
Shtame Pass is a tragic road in Albania
Qafë Shtamë is a mountain pass situated at an elevation of 1,229m (4,032ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Durrës and Dibër counties in Albania.
A hairpinned road to the summit of Leqet e Hotit
Leqet e Hotit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 750m (2,460ft) above the sea level, located in Shkodër County, in Albania.
Driving to Mount Tomorr, the highest road in Albania
Mount Tomorr is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,382m (7,814ft) above the sea level, located in Berat County, in the Southern Region of the Republic of Albania. It’s said to be the highest point in Albania that you can reach by car.
Travelling trhough the unpaved road from Çorovodë to Piskovë
Located in southern Albania, the Çorovodë-Piskovë Road is a rough gravel track through the mountains. It’s said to be one of the most dangerous roads of the country.
Driving the wild Qafë Barit
Qafë Barit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 968m (3,175ft) above the sea level, located in Shkodër County, in northern Albania.
Adventure along Qafë Vranicë
Qafë Vranicë is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.630m (5,347ft) above the sea level, located on the border between Albania and Montenegro.
The Albanian Muhurr bridge is not for the faint of heart
Located in Muhurr, a small town in the Dibër County, northeastern Albania, the Muhurr bridge is 45m long. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
SH74 in Albania: this road is not for timid drivers
Running through the mountains of Central Albania, the breathtaking SH74 road is not a piece of cake. Unless you have a 4×4, avoid it.
The Albanian Road SH40 is the Journey to Hell
Nicknamed the Journey to Hell, SH40 road is an epic adventure in the heart of northwestern Albania. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point.
Krraba Pass, a curvy paved road to the summit
Krraba Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 807m (2,647ft) above the sea level, located in the Elbasan County, in central Albania.
Crossing the challenging Kanionet e Osumit bridge
Located south from the town of Çorovoda in Skrapar district, southern Albania, the Kanionet e Osumit bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Driving the challenging SH71 road in the heart of Albania
SH71 road offers a very challenging drive spanning the Elbasan and Korçë counties of Albania.
A dangerous cliff road to Qafe e Malit Shoshit
Qafe e Malit Shoshit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.213m (3,979ft) above the sea level, located in Shkodër County, in northwestern Albania.
A challenging road from Përmet to Çarçovë
The Përmet-Çarçovë Road is a very exciting drive in the Gjirokastër County, in southern Albania.
Guri i Kalorit, a scary drive
Guri i Kalorit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 866m (2,841ft) above the sea level, located in the center of Albania, on the border between Tirana and Elbasan
The difficult road from Mollas to Petran, only for experienced drivers
Located in southern Albania, the Mollas-Petran road is a very challenging drive, running through mountain passes and canyons. It’s a shortcut from the SH75 Road to Petran.
The road to Qafa e Asters isn’t an easy one
Qafa e Asters is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 937m (3,074ft) above the sea level, located in Shkodër County, in northwestern Albania.
Qafa e Priskes, a sensational drive
Qafa e Priskes is a mountain pass at an elevation of 880m (2,887ft) above the sea level, located in Tirana County, Albania.
The road to Old Tragjas, a heritage in ruins
Tragjasi i Vjetër is an old village in ruins in the Vlorë County, in south-western Albania. The town was bombed in 1943 because of partisan sympathies.
Qafa e Prushit
Qafa e Prushit is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 647m (2,122ft) above the sea level on the border between Albania and Kosovo.
Fusha e Dajtit
Fusha e Dajtit is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.055m (3,461ft) above the sea level, located in Tirana County, in Albania.
Driving the wild road through the Shkopet Gorge
Gryka e Shkopetit is a narrow canyon carved by the River Mat, situated on the boundary between Dibër and Lezhé counties in Albania.
Qafa e Thanes
Qafa e Thanes is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.817m (5,961ft) above the sea level, located in Dibër County, in northeastern Albania.