Albania is genuinely underrated for family vacations. Think about it: stunning natural scenery, affordable food and accommodations, authentic experiences, and surprisingly few tourists to navigate with kids in tow.
Planning a family road trip in Albania doesn’t require expensive hotels, fancy restaurants, or crowded tourist attractions. Instead, you get beaches where children can swim safely, mountains for gentle family hikes, local ice cream shops that blow the mind, and genuinely welcoming locals who adore children.
This guide is designed specifically for families renting cars and exploring Albania together. We’ll cover:
- Safe driving practices with kids (combating boredom, managing safety)
- Kid-friendly attractions that actually engage children
- Family-friendly restaurants and accommodations
- A complete 7-day itinerary tested with real families
- Vehicle recommendations for family comfort
This isn’t theoretical. These recommendations come from families who’ve actually done it—combining productivity, parental sanity, and genuine childhood memories.
Which Vehicle is Best for Your Family? Vehicle Recommendations
For Families with Young Children (3-8 years):
Recommended: VW Passat or similar mid-size sedan
- Spacious backseat (kids need room to move)
- Good trunk space for luggage, strollers, beach equipment
- Comfortable suspension (rough roads less jarring)
- Air conditioning essential for summer heat
- Decent sound system (keeps kids entertained)
Avoid: Tiny economy cars (cramped for multiple kids)
For Families with Teenagers:
Recommended: VW Tiguan or similar SUV
- More headroom and legroom
- Better views for bored teens
- Spacious trunk (teens have tons of gear)
- Higher seating position (teens enjoy viewing landscape)
- Powerful enough for mountain driving
For Larger Families (5+ people):
Recommended: 7-seater van if available or rent two vehicles
- One vehicle can be cramped; two provides escape
- Kids benefit from personal space
- Better luggage accommodation
- Reduces family tension during long drives
Essential Family Amenities:
Regardless of vehicle type, request:
- Air conditioning (non-negotiable in Albanian summer)
- Tinted windows (kids’ comfort, sun protection)
- Good audio/Bluetooth (distraction for kids)
- USB charging ports (kid devices)
- Spacious trunk (beach/hiking equipment)
- Recent safety features (airbags, ABS, stability control)
Entertainment & Strategies for Long Drives With Kids
Pre-Drive Preparation:
- Audiobook strategy: Download 2-3 engaging children’s audiobooks (Puffin Classics, Percy Jackson, Wings of Fire series for older kids). Audiobooks make time disappear.
- Snack arsenal: Pack:
- Dried fruit, nuts (healthier than candy)
- Crackers, cheese
- Chocolate as “special surprise” midway
- Chewing gum (keeps mouths occupied)
- Water bottles (hydration + distraction)
- Activity backpack for backseat:
- Notepads/colored pencils (drawing)
- Sticker books
- Magnetic puzzle games
- Travel-size board games
- Kids’ magazines
- Movie option: If all else fails, tablets with downloaded movies. Use as “nuclear option” only.
During the Drive:
- Start early (kids sleep longer distances)
- Schedule 15-minute stops every 1.5 hours (bathroom, stretching)
- Turn bathroom stops into adventure (explore small towns)
- Sing together (corny but effective)
- Play car games (“I Spy,” license plate bingo)
- Let kids help navigate (give them map, ask about landmarks)
Best Driving Times:
- Early Morning (6-9 AM): Kids drowsy, roads clear
- Late Afternoon (3-6 PM): Halfway through day, end by dinner
- Avoid 12-2 PM (lunch time, hot, kids tired)
- Avoid evening drives (kids overstimulated, darkness creates anxiety)
Expected Driving Hours with Kids:
- Morning: 2-3 hours realistic
- Afternoon: 2-3 hours realistic
- Total daily: 4-5 hours maximum
Plan accordingly. What takes 3 hours with adults takes 6-7 with kids when including stops, bathroom breaks, food purchases.
Best Kid-Friendly Activities & Attractions in Albania
Beaches (For All Ages)
- Durrës Beach (45 min from Tirana)
Safe, organized beach with lifeguards. Shallow entry perfect for young swimmers. Beach umbrellas, chairs, restaurants. Avoid July-August peak season; visit May-June or September. - Ksamil Islands Beach (4.5 hours south)
Gorgeous turquoise water, tiny islands, incredibly clear. Kids love exploring. Less crowded than main beaches. Bring good snacks; limited food options. - Himara Beach (2.5 hours)
Calm water, friendly locals, good restaurants. Less developed than northern beaches; more authentic. Families often stay multiple days.
Mountain Activities (For Older Kids)
- Valbonë Valley (3.5 hours)
Easy valley hikes, stunning scenery, guesthouses with families. Kids find rocks, streams, and adventure. Moderate difficulty for 7+year-olds. - Lake Ohrid (3 hours)
Largest Balkan lake, crystal clear, boat rides available. Kids enjoy water exploration. Swimming, paddling, boat tours. - Koman Lake (2 hours)
Scenic boat journey through canyon. Kids love boat rides. Cable cars descend to lake level (adventurous kids enjoy).
Cultural Experiences (All Ages)
- Berat Old Town (2 hours)
UNESCO site, charming streets, local restaurants. Kids enjoy exploring ancient town, climbing fortification walls. Good cafes for breaks. - Gjirokastër Castle (3.5 hours)
Dramatic fortress overlooking town. Kids love climbing ramparts, imagining medieval battles. Museum has interesting exhibits. - Butrint National Park (4.5 hours)
Ancient ruins in park setting. Archaeological interest for older kids. Short hikes through woods. Unique learning experience.
Unique Experiences
- Waterfall hikes (Grunas, Theth area)
Easy walks to waterfalls. Kids swim in natural pools. Refreshing activity for hot days. - Local markets (Tirana, Durrës)
Sensory experience. Kids fascinated by unfamiliar produce, animals, local culture. Safe, family-oriented. Inexpensive snacks. - Ice cream shops: Albanian ice cream is legitimately exceptional and inexpensive (€1-2 per scoop).
Where to Eat With Kids: Safe, Good, Affordable Options
Restaurant Tips:
- Avoid high-end restaurants (kids uncomfortable, costs high)
- Seek family-oriented tavernas (casual, welcoming, kids expected)
- Ask hotel/accommodation staff for recommendations
- Waterfront restaurants (scenic, relaxed, forgiving if kids get loud)
- Avoid seafood specialty restaurants (limited kids’ options)
Safe Food for Kids:
- Grilled chicken with rice: Available everywhere, kids recognize it
- Pasta with tomato sauce: Familiar, affordable
- Souvlaki (meat skewers): Kids love eating with hands
- Fresh fruit: Inexpensive, abundant, healthy
- Pastries/local bread: Affordable snacks
Avoid:
- Extremely spicy dishes (Albanian food can be spicy)
- Unfamiliar organ meats (experimentation at kids’ expense inefficient)
- Expensive tourist restaurants (overpriced, mediocre, stressful)
Budget Reality:
Family meal (4 people): €15-25 at taverna vs €80-120 at tourist restaurant. Significant difference.
Hydration:
- Tap water safe to drink in major towns
- Bottled water readily available (€0.50-1 per bottle)
- Kids stay better-behaved when well-hydrated
7-Day Family-Friendly Albania Road Trip: Complete Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Tirana Exploration
- Arrive Tirana Airport morning
- Pick up rental car (mid-size or SUV with AC)
- Settle into accommodation (central Tirana preferred)
- Afternoon: explore Tirana’s main square, local park
- Kids get familiar with rental car
- Early dinner at family taverna
- Overnight: Tirana
Day 2: Tirana to Durrës Beach
- Morning: Explore Tirana more thoroughly
- Midday: Drive to Durrës (45 min)
- Afternoon: Durrës Beach swimming, relaxation
- Dinner: Waterfront seafood taverna
- Overnight: Durrës
Day 3: Durrës to Himara
- Morning: Beach time at Durrës
- Early afternoon: Drive south along coastal road (2.5 hours)
- Stop: Lezhe (15 min detour) for castle exploration (kids enjoy)
- Afternoon: Arrive Himara
- Swimming and relaxation
- Overnight: Himara
Day 4: Himara Adventure
- Full day: Explore Himara area
- Gjipe Beach hike (15 min walk): kids manageable
- Lunch at taverna
- Explore Old Town shops, restaurants
- Ice cream time
- Overnight: Himara
Day 5: Himara to Sarandë
- Morning: Final Himara beach time
- Drive south to Sarandë (2 hours)
- Stop: Stop at Borsh village midway (lunch, exploration)
- Afternoon: Sarandë arrival
- Explore Sarandë town, beaches
- Overnight: Sarandë
Day 6: Sarandë Day Trip to Ksamil
- Short drive to Ksamil islands (15 min)
- Full day: Swimming in clearest water in Albania
- Boat ride around islands
- Seafood lunch
- Return to Sarandë evening
- Overnight: Sarandë
Day 7: Return Journey
- Drive back to Tirana (4.5 hours with breaks)
- Multiple stops (bathroom, food, exploration)
- Arrive Tirana evening
- Return rental car next morning
Total Driving: Approximately 10-12 hours spread over 7 days (realistic with kids)
Cost Estimate: €700-900/week including car rental, food, accommodations
Conclusion
Family road trips in Albania create memories that money can’t buy elsewhere. Your kids will remember swimming in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, hiking to natural waterfalls, exploring ancient ruins, and the genuine warmth of Albanian hospitality.
Planning a family-friendly road trip requires choosing the right vehicle—spacious, comfortable, reliable. TiRental offers family-approved vehicles from €20-35/day, plus free Tirana Airport pickup, unlimited mileage, and 24/7 support if any issues arise.
Ready to create unforgettable family memories in Albania?
Book Your Family Adventure Vehicle Now
Questions about family travel? Contact our team: +355 69 478 9157 or [email protected]
