Albania from Italy: The Complete Travel Guide

By Klajdi Sharka · · Updated

Albania is closer to Italy than Rome is to Milan: just 55 minutes by plane from Bari. This guide covers flights, ferries, car rental and what Italian travellers should know before visiting.

Albania from Italy: closer than you think

Albania is still one of Europe's lesser-known destinations, and for Italians it's practically next door. The Adriatic Sea separates the two countries by just 70-100 kilometres at its narrowest point, closer than Rome is to Naples by road.

Whether you're after clear-water beaches that hold their own against the Maldives, UNESCO World Heritage towns built into cliffsides, wild mountain scenery, or a holiday that costs half what the same trip would in Puglia, Albania has it.

How to get from Italy to Albania

By plane (the fastest option)

Flying is the quickest and most affordable way to reach Albania. Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) is the country's only international gateway, with year-round connections to Italian cities.

Flight times from Italy:

Wizz Air is usually the cheapest, with fares from €10-20 in low season on routes from Bari, Rome, Milan, Venice, Bologna, Catania, Naples and more. Ryanair offers competitive fares and reliable schedules. Air Albania, the national carrier, has good connections especially from Rome and Milan. ITA Airways costs more but is comfortable, useful if you're travelling for work. EasyJet runs seasonal routes from northern Italy.

Ticket prices: Bari-Tirana can cost as little as €15-25 one way if booked 4-6 weeks in advance in low season. In July and August expect €60-150. September is the sweet spot: prices drop but the sea stays warm.

Tip: Set fare alerts on Kayak or Google Flights for Bari-Tirana or Rome-Tirana. Flash sales from Wizz Air can bring fares below €20 even in summer.

By ferry (best if you want to bring your car)

The ferry crossing takes longer but it's scenic, and it's the way to go if you want to drive across Albania and see the Adriatic properly.

Main ferry routes:

Pro: you can load your car onto the ferry and drive across Albania. The coastal road from Vlorë to Sarandë is one of the most scenic drives in Europe, and you can stop overnight on the ship and save a night's hotel cost.

Con: travel time is much longer. For a short trip of 3-5 days, renting a car in Albania after you land is usually more practical and cheaper.

Rent a car in Albania: the best way to explore

Albania's biggest draws (the Albanian Riviera, the national parks of Theth and Valbonë, the UNESCO towns of Berat and Gjirokastër) are spread across the country and poorly served by public transport. A rental car changes what your trip can look like.

With RidePrise you can:

Browse available cars and book online at rideprise.com/cars.

What to see in Albania: top picks for travellers from Italy

The Albanian Riviera

The stretch of coast from Vlorë down to Sarandë is Albania's best-known feature. Beaches like Ksamil, Dhërmi, Himara and Palasë have water as clear and blue as the Caribbean, at a fraction of the price.

Berat and Gjirokastër: two UNESCO towns

Berat is known as "the city of a thousand windows": its Ottoman-era white houses climb a hillside above a medieval castle. It's often compared to Matera in Italy, but with fewer tourists and lower prices.

Gjirokastër is a stone city built on a mountain ridge: a maze of cobblestone lanes, tower houses, and a fortress that dominates the skyline. It has been UNESCO-listed since 2005.

The Albanian Alps: Theth and Valbonë

Few travellers from Western Europe know about the Albanian Alps. The village of Theth, reached via a winding mountain road, sits in a valley that's been compared to the Dolomites, minus the crowds. The Valbonë-Theth trekking route is one of the best multi-day hikes in the Balkans.

Tirana: a surprising capital

Albania's capital has changed a lot over the past 15 years. Colourful building facades, the lively Blloku neighbourhood (once reserved only for Communist Party officials), the National History Museum, and a food and cocktail scene that's better than most visitors expect make Tirana worth at least two full days.

Butrint: ancient ruins by the sea

Just 22 km south of Sarandë, Butrint is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman layers all in one place. Get there early to beat the heat.

When to go from Italy to Albania

Budget: how much does a holiday in Albania cost?

Albania is cheaper than Italy across the board:

A couple spending a week in Albania (flights from Bari, a rental car, accommodation, food and activities all included) can expect to pay €800-1,400 total. The same trip to Puglia or Sardinia would cost two to three times as much.

Frequently asked questions

Do Italians need a visa to enter Albania? No. Italian citizens (and all EU/Schengen citizens) can enter Albania with a valid ID card or passport for stays up to 90 days, no visa required.

Is Albania safe for tourists? Albania has a very low rate of violent crime against tourists. In tourist areas (Tirana, the Riviera, Berat, Gjirokastër) you're about as safe as in any southern European city. The usual precautions apply: watch your belongings in crowded areas, and don't leave valuables in the car.

Can I use euros in Albania? The local currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL), but euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels and many restaurants. ATMs are common in all cities. The exchange rate is roughly €1 = 100-102 ALL.

Can I drive a rental car across the Albanian border from Greece or North Macedonia? Most Albanian rental companies, including RidePrise partners, allow cross-border travel. Confirm this when you book.

Is the Albanian Riviera better than Puglia? It depends what you value. The water quality in places like Ksamil is exceptional, arguably clearer than most of Puglia. The infrastructure is less developed (fewer lifeguards, uneven road quality on the coastal road), but the scenery is wilder, prices are much lower, and it feels far less discovered.

Rent a car for your Albania trip

Ready to explore at your own pace? Browse RidePrise's verified fleet, from €15/day, with transparent pricing, no hidden fees and free cancellation. Pick up in Tirana or at Rinas Airport and drive anywhere.