Roads of Albania

Nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, Albania unveils a mosaic of breathtaking routes that blend the majesty of nature with the whispers of ancient tales. Embarking on a journey through its roads is to venture into a realm where each bend reveals unparalleled splendors.

Drive through SH21 Road, and you'll experience the exhilaration of navigating one of Albania's most magnificent mountain routes, culminating in the Thore-Pass. Not for the faint of heart, the road demands respect but rewards the intrepid with views that seem plucked from the heavens. Further south, the serpentine Llogara Pass in the SH8 coastal road beckons. As you weave through its curves, the Ionian Sea stretches infinitely below, its sapphire expanse punctuated only by the white of the beaches and the lush green of the Albanian Riviera.

Yet, for those who truly seek to dance on the edge of adventure, the raw trail to Gjipe Beach and the challenging trek through Cemit Canyon to Nikc await. These are roads less traveled, demanding skill, patience, and a zest for the unexpected.

In Albania, the journey is as mesmerizing as the destination. The stories aren't just in the age-old ruins or the bustling cafes of Tirana. They're etched in the tarmac, gravel, and sands of its spectacular roads. So, rev up your engine, feel the Balkan breeze, and set forth on an Albanian odyssey where history, nature, and adrenaline entwine.

SH21 is a spectacular high mountain road located in the northern part of Albania. The road climbs up the defiant Thore Pass.

SH20 is a steep and narrow zig-zag road located in the former Kelmend municipality, in Shkodër County, in Albania.

Llogara Pass (Qafa e Llogarasë) is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,043m (3,422ft) above sea level, located in Vlorë County, in Albania. It's one of the best coastal drives in the world.

SH8 is a scenic coastal road with spectacular views along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts of Albania. It’s one of the world's best coastal drives.

SH75 is the name of a truly amazing road. With beautiful landscapes, it’s pretty challenging and one of the most demanding roads Albania has to offer. The road is to be avoided. It is currently in very bad shape. However, if necessary, it is passable.

Thore Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.691m (5,547ft) above the sea level, located in Shkodër County, in the northwestern tip of Albania. The pass is traversed by the infamous Road SH21.

Qafë Thanë is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 1.000m (3,280ft) located on the border of Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia.

Located in the Albanian Riviera, Gjipe Beach is said to be the most beautiful beach of the country. The road is terrifying: steep (up to 9%) with dangerous drop offs. It's best not to look down. One mishap and you plunge off the cliff and into the sea. It’s one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world.

Nikç is a small town at an elevation of 660m (2,165ft) above the sea level, located in the Malësi e Madhe District of Shkodër County in Albania. Be careful: this road is not for the sissies. One mistake can have consequences.

Bredhat e Hotovës Loop Road is an epic adventure in Gjirokastër County, in Albania. The road is in rough shape and requires a 4x4 vehicle.

Qafë Botë is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 137m (449ft) above the sea level located on the Albanian-Greek border.

Qafa e Morinës (Qafë Morinë) is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 563m (1,847ft) located on the border of Albania and Kosovo.

SH36 is a demanding high mountain road situated on the boundary between Lezhé and Dibër counties of Albania. The road's condition leaves much to be desired, making it a challenging route to traverse. Nevertheless, its breathtaking vistas have earned it a formidable reputation.

Qafë Shtamë is a mountain pass situated at an elevation of 1,229m (4,032ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Durrës and Dibër counties in Albania.

Mount Tomorr is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,382m (7,814ft) above the sea level, located in Berat County, in the Southern Region of the Republic of Albania. It’s said to be the highest point in Albania that you can reach by car.

Leqet e Hotit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 750m (2,460ft) above the sea level, located in Shkodër County, in Albania.

Located in southern Albania, the Çorovodë-Piskovë Road is a rough gravel track through the mountains. It’s said to be one of the most dangerous roads of the country.

Qafë Barit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 968m (3,175ft) above the sea level, located in Shkodër County, in northern Albania.

Qafë Vranicë is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.630m (5,347ft) above the sea level, located on the border between Albania and Montenegro.

Located in Muhurr, a small town in the Dibër County, northeastern Albania, the Muhurr bridge is 45m long. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Running through the mountains of Central Albania, the breathtaking SH74 road is not a piece of cake. Unless you have a 4×4, avoid it.

Nicknamed the Journey to Hell, SH40 road is an epic adventure in the heart of northwestern Albania. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point.

Krraba Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 807m (2,647ft) above the sea level, located in the Elbasan County, in central Albania.

Located south from the town of Çorovoda in Skrapar district, southern Albania, the Kanionet e Osumit bridge is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

SH71 road offers a very challenging drive spanning the Elbasan and Korçë counties of Albania.

Qafe e Malit Shoshit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.213m (3,979ft) above the sea level, located in Shkodër County, in northwestern Albania.

The Përmet-Çarçovë Road is a very exciting drive in the Gjirokastër County, in southern Albania.

Guri i Kalorit is a mountain pass at an elevation of 866m (2,841ft) above the sea level, located in the center of Albania, on the border between Tirana and Elbasan

Located in southern Albania, the Mollas-Petran road is a very challenging drive, running through mountain passes and canyons. It’s a shortcut from the SH75 Road to Petran.

Qafa e Asters is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 937m (3,074ft) above the sea level, located in Shkodër County, in northwestern Albania.

Qafa e Priskes is a mountain pass at an elevation of 880m (2,887ft) above the sea level, located in Tirana County, Albania.

Tragjasi i Vjetër is an old village in ruins in the Vlorë County, in south-western Albania. The town was bombed in 1943 because of partisan sympathies.

Qafa e Prushit is an international mountain pass at an elevation of 647m (2,122ft) above the sea level on the border between Albania and Kosovo.

Fusha e Dajtit is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.055m (3,461ft) above the sea level, located in Tirana County, in Albania.

Gryka e Shkopetit is a narrow canyon carved by the River Mat, situated on the boundary between Dibër and Lezhé counties in Albania.

Qafa e Thanes is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.817m (5,961ft) above the sea level, located in Dibër County, in northeastern Albania.