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Tirana, Albania
Pick up your rental car here and use the time to get your bearings. Explore the colourful Blloku district for great food and nightlife. A quick visit to Skanderbeg Square is worth it before hitting the road south.
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Kruja, Albania
A short drive north of Tirana, Kruja sits dramatically on a hilltop and is perfect for a half-day hike up to the old castle. The views over the plains are spectacular and the bazaar is great for snacks and souvenirs. Keep it brief and push south toward the coast.
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Vlora, Albania
Vlora is your gateway to the Albanian Riviera and has a lively seafront promenade. The nearby Karaburun Peninsula is ideal for kayaking, snorkelling and wild swimming in crystal-clear waters. Try fresh grilled fish at one of the harbour restaurants.
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Dhermi, Albania
Dhërmi is one of the most stunning beaches on the entire Riviera, with turquoise water and a relaxed vibe. The drive down the winding mountain road from the Llogara Pass is breathtaking and worth stopping for photos. There are beach bars, snorkelling spots and hiking trails into the hills behind the village.
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Himara, Albania
Himara is a relaxed coastal town surrounded by several gorgeous coves and beaches like Livadhi and Potami. It's a great base for boat trips to hidden sea caves and paddleboarding in calm bays. The old hilltop village above the town is worth a short easy hike for panoramic sea views.
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Saranda, Albania
Saranda is a buzzing resort town with a sweeping bay and great beaches right in town. Use it as a base to visit the nearby Ksamil beaches, which rival anything in the Mediterranean, and the ancient ruins of Butrint in their lush lakeside setting. Day trips by boat to the Greek island of Corfu are easy and fun from here.
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Gjirokastra, Albania
On your way back north, stop in Gjirokastra, a dramatic UNESCO-listed stone city perched on a steep hillside. The huge Ottoman castle is impressive and offers sweeping valley views, and the old bazaar has excellent traditional Albanian food. It's a manageable half-day of sightseeing before an easy drive back toward Tirana to return your car.