Albania from Italy: The Complete Travel Guide

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

Albania from Italy: Closer Than You Think

Albania is one of Europe's best-kept travel secrets — and for Italians and those travelling from Italy, it is practically next door. The Adriatic Sea separates the two countries by just 70–100 kilometres at its narrowest point. That is closer than Rome is to Naples by road.

Whether you want crystal-clear beaches that rival the Maldives, UNESCO World Heritage cities carved into cliffsides, wild mountain scenery, or simply a holiday that costs half what it would in Puglia — Albania delivers every time.

How to Get from Italy to Albania

By Plane (Fastest Option)

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

Flight times from Italy:

Airlines flying Italy → Tirana:

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 is a slower but scenic alternative — ideal if you want to drive across Albania and experience the Adriatic at its finest.

Main ferry routes:

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

Con: Travel time is significantly longer. For a short break of 3–5 days, renting a car in Albania on arrival is often more practical and affordable.

Rent a Car in Albania: The Best Way to Explore

Albania's greatest attractions — the Albanian Riviera, the national parks of Theth and Valbonë, the UNESCO cities of Berat and Gjirokastër — are spread across the country and poorly connected by public transport. A rental car transforms your holiday completely.

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 coastline from Vlorë down to Sarandë is Albania's most celebrated asset. Beaches like Ksamil, Dhërmi, Himara, and Palasë feature water as clear and blue as the Caribbean — at a fraction of the cost.

Berat and Gjirokastër: UNESCO Gems

Berat is called "the city of a thousand windows" — its Ottoman-era white houses climb a hillside above a medieval castle. Think of an Albanian Matera, with fewer tourists and lower prices.

Gjirokastër is a dramatic stone city perched on a mountain ridge — a maze of cobblestone lanes, soaring tower houses, and a fortress that dominates the skyline. UNESCO-listed since 2005.

The Albanian Alps: Theth and Valbonë

Few travellers from Western Europe know about the Albanian Alps. The village of Theth, accessible via a winding mountain road, sits in a valley so pristine it has been compared to the Dolomites — without the crowds. The Valbonë–Theth trekking route is among the finest multi-day hikes in the Balkans.

Tirana: A Surprising Capital

Albania's capital has transformed dramatically in the past 15 years. The colourful facades, buzzing Blloku neighbourhood (once reserved only for Communist Party officials), the National History Museum, and a surprisingly good food and cocktail scene 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 containing Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman layers all in one place. Arrive early to beat the heat.

When to Go from Italy to Albania

Budget: How Much Does a Holiday in Albania Cost?

Albania is significantly cheaper than Italy across the board:

A couple spending a week in Albania — including flights from Bari, a rental car, accommodation, food, and activities — can expect to pay €800–1,400 total. The same trip to Puglia or Sardinia would cost two to three times more.

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 are as safe as in any southern European city. Standard travel precautions apply (watch your belongings in crowded areas, don't leave valuables in the car).

Can I use euros in Albania? The local currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL). However, euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and many restaurants. ATMs are common in all cities. The exchange rate is approximately €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 at the time of booking.

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, variable road quality on the coastal road), but the scenery is wilder, prices are dramatically lower, and it feels genuinely undiscovered.

Rent a car for your Albania trip

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

Rent a car in Albania →