Albania Van Life: Exploring the Land of Friendly Locals, Wild Camping, and Untouched Nature

Van Life in Albania

Van life in Albania is something special, and that’s an understatement. Having spent close to three months in this small country, it was incredibly hard to leave. It’s hands-down the friendliest place we’ve ever been. We chose Albania for the simple reason that we knew nothing about it. Well, we had heard a few things, but usually, those weren’t great and often from people who had never visited! So, we had to check it out for ourselves.

Albania has mountains that touch the sea, providing a picturesque backdrop for a swim or a stunning view from up high. If wild camping is what you love, you’re in luck park anywhere, and it’s okay! Maybe a shepherd will pass by with a flock of goats in the morning, but that’s about as stressful as it gets.

Parking and Camping

You can park and camp almost anywhere. You’ll always find a spot near the sea or in the mountains, and locals often pitch up in these areas too. It really has that free spirited feeling. However, around Ksamil and Sarande, it might be a bit more challenging, but it’s still possible. Worst case, you might have to pay around €10 to stay at a restaurant or bar.

Designated camper spots aren’t really a thing in Albania, and if you're traveling with a chemical toilet, you may struggle to find places to empty it. Some campsites offer these services. For those who want to dive deep into nature, a 4x4 is preferred but not necessary we managed without one, though it would’ve made life easier at times.

Van services are available at most campsites, but don’t drink the water unless you’re told it’s safe. We found it best to carry a few bottles of water and top up from fresh water sources. There are so many of them, and locals often collect water from there, too.

Driving and Mechanics

The roads in Albania are usually fairly good, with many new ones built recently. There are no tolls that we came across, and we traveled the entire country. Every now and then, you’ll come across the odd pothole that appears out of nowhere. Mountain roads can take time to navigate, but that’s just an excuse to take it slow and enjoy the view.

Fuel is a bit pricier than we expected. You can expect to pay €1.77 to €1.86 per liter of diesel. City access is fairly straightforward, and parking isn’t much of an issue except maybe in Tirana (the capital), but even there, you can find reasonably priced parking.

Don’t worry about breakdowns in Albania there’s always someone friendly nearby to help, and garage prices are pretty good. We had our fair share of visits to mechanics. In Vlore, we stopped here a few time. Once with warped discs from the mountain roads. Instead of replacing them, the mechanics ground them down. It saved us money, and though we’re not sure if this is standard practice, it worked for us!

Shopping

If you're used to big supermarkets from Western countries, expect a bit of a culture shift. You’ll find smaller markets, butchers, and bakeries instead. Don’t worry you’ll find everything you need, it just might take some getting used to. You may also need to adapt your meals slightly to what’s available locally.

Money

Cash is king in Albania. There are a few exceptions where you can use a card, but these are rare. Our advice: get euros before you cross the border and exchange them in the country. ATMs here have high withdrawal fees, ranging from €5 to €8. Euros are widely accepted, and there are plenty of places to exchange them for LEK.

Best Time to Travel

We arrived in early June, and temperatures were already hitting above 30°C. Fast forward three months, and we experienced temperatures over 45°C. In a van, it can get uncomfortable, so just be aware. We’ll share tips on surviving the scorching summer in Albania in another post!

Language Barriers

Not everyone speaks English in Albania, but plenty do, and we also met German and Greek speakers. Don’t worry if you can’t communicate verbally people here will always find a way to help. We never had any issues, and if all else fails, there’s always Google Translate.

Here are a few basic Albanian phrases that go a long way:

• Hello: Përshëndetje

• Thank you: Faleminderit

• Goodbye: Mirupafshim

Places to Visit: From North to South

For City Lovers:

• Shkoder – A historic city near the lake with a vibrant atmosphere and cultural attractions.

• Lezhe – Known for its castle and being the final resting place of Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg.

• Tirana – The capital city, full of life, with a mix of modern culture and communist history.

• Durres – A port city with ancient ruins and beautiful beaches.

• Elbasan – Famous for its castle and Ottoman-era architecture.

• Fier – A city close to the archaeological site of Apollonia.

• Berat – Known as the "City of a Thousand Windows," with well preserved Ottoman architecture.

• Vlore – Where the Adriatic meets the Ionian, a great seaside city.

• Himare – A small beach town along the Albanian Riviera with stunning views and crystal clear water.

• Gjirokaster – A UNESCO World Heritage site with its charming stone houses and fortress.

• Permet – Known for its natural thermal baths and untouched nature.

• Korce – A cultural hub in southeastern Albania, famous for its beer and traditional music.

• Sarande – A lively beach town close to the Greek island of Corfu.

• Ksamil – Known for its turquoise beaches and small islands, a must-see in the summer.

For Nature Lovers:

• Theth National Park – Breathtaking alpine scenery and hiking trails.

• Shkoder Lake – The largest lake in the Balkans, perfect for water activities.

• Dajti Mountains – A quick escape from Tirana, offering stunning views and great hiking.

• Shebenik National Park – Remote and rugged, perfect for adventurers.

• Lake Ohrid – A beautiful lake shared with North Macedonia, ideal for relaxing.

• Tomorri National Park – Home to one of the most sacred mountains in Albania, great for hikers.

• River Vjosa – One of the last wild rivers in Europe, great for camping and cooling off.

• The Blue Eye – A stunning natural spring near Sarande, famous for its clear, icy blue water.

• Qeparo Beach – A peaceful seaside escape with calm waters and a laid back vibe.

Friends on the Road

We met quite a few van lifers in Albania, including some younger people. You can run into fellow travelers in the most random places garages, mountains, beaches. The van life community here is strong, and the beauty of being able to park up almost anywhere helps with meeting others. The locals may seem a little hard nosed at first, but they are incredibly friendly and kind. We made some great friends, and the locals love to share their culture and history, which is always fascinating.

Is Albania for You?

If you love nature, great conversations, learning about different cultures, and meeting some of the friendliest locals, then yes, Albania is for you. It comes with some navigational challenges and extreme summer heat, but you’ll quickly overlook these. Just be prepared for a goat invasion, make sure you have a way to collect fresh water, keep cash on you, and bring a positive attitude.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Looking for more van life tips and Albanian adventures? Don’t forget to check out Our Adventure for more insights and stories from our journey.