What are the most spectacular roads in Albania?

Located in the southeastern part of Europe, Albania features a varied landscape, providing endless options for drivers, with about 50 of the most spectacular roads in the world. When travelling to the country, you can discover mountainous drives and scenic coastal drives. Remember, however, to be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas at night.

When travelling to the country, you can’t miss driving the dangerous Road SH-21, located in the northern part. The road climbs up the defiant Thore Pass.

Albania has many amazing locations to visit and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists. Driving can be hazardous, with aggressive and erratic behavior. Deaths from road traffic accidents are among the highest in Europe. If you prefer coastal drives, SH8 is a road with spectacular views, along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts of Albania. It’s one of the world's best coastal drives. Or the winding coastal road to Llogara Pass, climbing up to 1,043m (3,422ft) above sea level in Vlorë County.

SH-21

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.

Qafa e Llogarasë

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.

Road SH20

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.

SH8 Road

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.

SH75 Road

Driving the SH75, one of the most demanding Albanian roads

SH75 is 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.

Qafa e Thorës

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 sea level, located in Shkodër County, Albania. The pass is traversed by the infamous Road SH21.

Qafë Thanë

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the International Qafe Thane

Qafë Thanë is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 1,000m (3,280ft) above sea level, located on the border of Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia.

Gjipe Beach Road

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 to the beach 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.

Nikç - Cemit Canyon

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 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.

Bredhat e Hotovës loop road

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.

Shtame Pass

Shtame Pass is a tragic road in Albania

Qafë Shtamë is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,229m (4,032ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Durrës and Dibër counties in Albania.

SH 36

The Albanian SH36 road challenges even the brave drivers

SH36 is a challenging mountain road straddling Lezhé and Dibër counties of Albania. The road's condition is not the best, making it a challenging route. Nevertheless, its breathtaking views are worth the drive.

Mount Tomorr

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 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.

SH74 Road

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.

Çorovodë-Piskovë road

How to drive the unpaved road from Corovode to Piskove?

The Çorovodë-Piskovë Road is a rough gravel track running through the mountains of Albania. It’s said to be one of the most dangerous roads in the country.

Leqet e Hotit

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 sea level, located in Shkodër County, in Albania.

Qafë Barit

Driving the wild 4x4 road to Qafe Barit in northern Albania

Qafë Barit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 968m (3,175ft) above sea level, located in Shkodër County, in Albania.

SH71 road

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.

Muhurr bridge

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.

SH40

The Albanian Road SH40 is The Journey to Hell

Nicknamed "The Journey to Hell," SH40 is an epic adventure in the heart of northwestern Albania. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong suit.

Kanionet e Osumit bridge

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.

Krraba Pass

A curvy paved road to the summit of Krraba Pass

Krraba Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 807m (2,647ft) above sea level, located in Elbasan County, in Albania.

Përmet-Çarçovë Road

How to drive the challenging road from Permet to Carcove in southern Albania?

Driving the challenging road from Përmet to Çarçovë in Gjirokastër County of Albania is a very demanding experience.

Qafe e Malit Shoshit

A dangerous cliff road to Qafe e Malit Shoshi

Qafe e Malit Shoshit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,213m (3,979ft) above sea level, located in Shkodër County, Albania.

Mollas-Petran road

The difficult road from Mollas to Petran is for experienced drivers only

Straddling Korçë and Gjirokastër counties, in Albania, the road from Mollas to Petran is a very challenging drive, running through mountain passes and canyons. It’s a shortcut from the SH75 Road to Petran.

Guri i Kalorit

How to get by car to Guri i Kalorit?

Guri i Kalorit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 866m (2,841ft) above sea level, located in Albania.

Old Tragjas

How to get by car to Old Tragjas, the Abandoned Village Destroyed by Bombs

Tragjasi i Vjetër is an old village in ruins located in Vlorë County, Albania. The town was bombed in 1943 because of partisan sympathies. Please beware that this village is structurally dangerous and you should proceed with caution.

Qafa e Asters

The road to Qafa e Asters isn’t an easy one

Qafa e Asters is a mountain pass at an elevation of 937m (3,074ft) above sea level, located in Shkodër County, in Albania.

Qafa e Priskes

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.

Shkopet Gorge

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.

Fusha e Dajtit

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.

Qafa e Thanes

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.

Liqeni i Madh

Liqeni i Madh

Liqeni i Madh is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 1.740m (5,708ft) above the sea level, located in Dibër County, in northeastern Albania.

Liqeni i Balgait

Liqeni i Balgait

Liqeni i Balgait is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 1.748m (5,734ft) above the sea level, located in Dibër County, in northeastern Albania. The average gradient is 11.69%.

Qafa e Qarrit

Travel Guide to Qafa e Qarrit

Qafa e Qarrit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.169m (3,835ft) above the sea level, located in Korçë County, in southeastern Albania.

Liqeni i Kllabekas

Liqeni i Kllabekas, a difficult journey

Liqeni i Kllabekas is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 1.625m (5,331ft) above sea level, located in Dibër County, in northeastern Albania.