Driving in Albania was certainly an experience. On the map it was the way to get from Montenegro to Greece, where the sun was shining. Otherwise it would have been a 4 country detour, through mountain roads and stormy weather. Albania, as a country, was quiet interesting. In my opinion, it is still many years before it becomes a nice tourist destination. So, when driving in Albania, I didn’t stop much. Here is my experience and things to know for you.
I must admit I haven’t really heard or read much about Albania before I decided to drive in Albania. And really, what tourist tours were there to do? None that would be of interest to me.
Driving in Albania
The roads became quite rough, but as long as you stick to the main road, it is not too bad. So please stick to the main roads. They are certainly driving like crazy here, rules are not there to be followed. I saw a police car stopping drivers at least every 30 min. They didn’t stop me, maybe because I had German number plate? Where they looking for easy bribes from locals? Or refugees? My instinct told me there might be a bit of Mafia around in Albania.
Albania, the country
Driving into Albania, the landscape changed again, after Montenegro, and it seemed even more derelict, poor and damaged. Basically very underdeveloped.
Within Albania there is not much to tell or see (I guess in comparison to what I have already experienced). I stopped in a nice city in Shkoder, where I could park the car safely and have a rest. To me, Albania didn‘t have an unsave feeling like Bosnia but I wouldn‘t call it a place to hang around. Close to Shkoder I did a quick stop at a historic Bridge, the Mesi Bridge, which was the only spot I saw, photogenic enough, to take some nice photos.
That said, the country side was actually quite nice. Driving in Albania, past Tirana (definitely don’t stop there), the south was quite picturesque. You could see the hard working farmers (mainly older people), walking their cows through the fields, selling their home grown products, trying to earn a little bit of cash. It reminded me very much of the times in Poland as a child.
Driving in Albania – Things to know
1. I was seriously the only foreign registered car until I was close to the Greek border. I haven‘t seen anyone throughout the whole drive.
2. There was a petrol station every 500m, mostly with unique names. It looked so odd and out of place, my story is that it most likeky is a way of laundering money in Albania. Seriously, what else could it be?There were lots of them! You have to see it for yourself (What about #mafia?)
3) Although there is lots of police around, there is not much point sticking to speed limits too much. Otherwise you’d be driving 20-50km/h in most places. It would take forever! I did an average 70-80km/h (except in city centres of course, especially Tirana, filled with city chaos and crazy drivers) and it was ok. I didn’t get into any trouble.
In addition and as a final goodbye, the Albian customs gave my car a complete search with a sniffer dog, so as you could imagine 24 hours in Albania was enough for me and I was happy to be welcomed into Greece.
Albania might have potential, and driving in Albania is safe enough, but be careful where you’re stopping. And make sure you know all the things there are to know.
Discovering Greece next. Starting at Delphi and Ancient Greece!
