Hi everyone!

I'll be visiting Albania for the first time this August and I'm planning to rent a car to explore the country. I'd really appreciate any suggestions or tips, especially regarding driving, parking, and car rental companies.

✈️ Flights

• 14 August
  • Tbilisi (TBS) → Tirana (TIA)
  • Departure: 04:55
  • Arrival: 08:40
• 19 August
  • Tirana (TIA) → Baku (GYD)
  • Departure: 09:40
  • Arrival: 21 August, 03:40 (overnight connection)

📅 14 August – Tirana & Berat

I'll land at Tirana International Airport at 08:40, pick up my pre-booked rental car, and start the trip.

Plan:

• Explore Tirana for a few hours:
  • Skanderbeg Square
  • Bunk'Art Museum
  • Grab a coffee and walk around the city center
• In the afternoon, drive to Berat (UNESCO World Heritage Site, the "City of a Thousand Windows").

🏨 Overnight: Berat

📅 15 August – Berat → Gjirokastër → Blue Eye → Sarandë

Early morning departure from Berat.

Stops:

• Gjirokastër (Old Bazaar & Castle)
• Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
• Continue to Sarandë in the evening.

Walk along the seaside promenade at night.

🏨 Overnight: Sarandë

📅 16 August – Ksamil

A full beach day.

Plans:

• Relax in Ksamil
• Swim and explore the small islands
• If time allows, visit Butrint National Park.

🏨 Overnight: Sarandë

📅 17 August – Albanian Riviera Road Trip → Vlorë

Drive north along the famous SH8 coastal road.

Possible stops:

• Himarë
• Dhermi
• Llogara Pass viewpoints

Enjoy the scenic drive and spend some time at the beaches.

🏨 Overnight: Vlorë

📅 18 August – Vlorë → Tirana

Drive back to Tirana.

Plans:

• Last-minute shopping
• Explore Blloku
• Nice farewell dinner.

🏨 Overnight: Tirana

📅 19 August – Departure

Flight departs at 09:40, so I'll leave Tirana around 07:00, return the rental car, and head to the airport.

🚗 Car rental advice?

I'm looking for a reliable rental company with:

• Full insurance (or good coverage)
• No hidden fees
• Fair fuel policy
• Easy airport pickup/drop-off
• Good customer service
• Automatic transmission preferred

I've seen mixed reviews about many companies.

Which rental companies would you personally recommend (or avoid)?

Also:

• Is driving the SH8 coastal road comfortable for someone with moderate mountain-driving experience?
• How is parking in Tirana, Berat, Sarandë, and Vlorë?
• Any hidden gems worth adding without making the trip too rushed?

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to exploring Albania