What is it like to drive in Albania? Driving in Albania doesn't have to be difficult, but you have to be a bit more careful than in Sweden, which is perhaps true in general on Balkan roads. Loose horses, cows, road construction, hay transport, fruit sales by the motorway or loose manhole covers - you never know what you'll encounter. We tell you about a road trip after dark, and we list what you need to consider when driving in Albania and on many other Balkan roads.
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ShareDriving in Albania after dark
We got away from Saranda later than expected with our motorhome and suddenly we were surrounded by dense darkness. We drove north along the coast and the road was good (with reflectors along the edges), but it was mountainous and winding. We had heard that hiking down to the beaches in this area would be fine, but how would we find a suitable route down to a beach in the dark?
On roads in the Balkans
We have travelled on many roads in the Balkans and although the roads are often good, there are differences from Sweden. I Croatia the roads are wide and very nice, but sometimes without lighting. I Montenegro in some places the roads are narrower and sometimes unlit, so you have to be a bit careful. In Albania, there are sometimes good roads and sometimes bad roads, and there is no lighting at night, so it gets very dark.
Driving in Albania
As mentioned, the roads in Albania can be both better and worse, but either way, it's a good idea to pay a little extra attention. So, what should you consider when driving in Albania? Here are some things to consider:
- New roads are being built all the time, but they don't have the same warnings as in Sweden, that the new road construction is finished and now there will be a gravel road that you can drive for a maximum of 30 kilometres.
- There are no street lights at night and you don't know the condition of the road around the next bend.
- Peaceful animals such as horses and cows may appear on the roads.
- Even when driving on a nice new motorway, a fruit vendor will appear on the side of the road and you have to be prepared for everyone to stop.
- It is not uncommon to see hayseeds or donkeys pulling carts. You may even see this type of vehicle on motorways.
- If you are driving in a big city, look out for manhole covers that may be loose. You'll notice that other cars are zigzagging and doing the same thing.
- Driving in Albania is excellent. Drive carefully, keep your distance and enjoy this beautiful and interesting country!
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Ruth in Virginia says:
What a wonderful, pleasant and unexpected event! Fun when that happens!
From your description, it almost sounds as if they could have given you...
paid to eat there. 🙂
19 August 2015 - 21:34
Åsa says:
Sometimes things get right when they get wrong! That's great! Now I almost want to travel, just for the sake of these unexpected events...
19 August 2015 - 22:27
Marie says:
So cosy! Driving "wrong" is quite often a hit!
19 August 2015 - 22:36
BP says:
Unbelievable! So unexpected and so incredibly hospitable - not to mention the price! So when I think of my "today's" today, which was indeed incredibly good but still consisted of only rice, chanterelles, vegetables, a little pesto, a glass of water and various salads and cost 105 kroner. No beer there not to mention a raki that does not even exist here.
Oh my God - you have ended up in paradise:-)
PS. Checked Apollo. The last charter trip there goes on 31 August. Unfortunately, only hotels - no apartments, which does not work for us. Checking further. DS.
19 August 2015 - 23:00
Frankie & Co says:
Ah - it was just meant for you to go there and eat and rest 🙂 Lovely story - could almost feel the calm in the quiet restaurant, what service you got wow!
20 August 2015 - 6:50
Lennart says:
Now that's what I call affordable!
Live well!
20 August 2015 - 7:47
solan says:
...and now for something completely different. I read that Benidorm has applied for World Heritage status. Why we like it: One of the first major charter destinations to remain on the famous list.
...and on to something completely different....did you think the prices in Italy were a bit too high? It must feel good to face a completely different situation and all the kindness that flows to you.
20 August 2015 - 8:11
Maggan and Ingemar says:
Oh, I forgot to warn about the darkness. We avoided driving in the dark as the nature of the roads is very unreliable. Watch out for all street wells, because they are usually without lids. Albania is at least as interesting as Morocco, but unfortunately not as warm in winter. Have an exciting journey.
20 August 2015 - 8:35
Mr Steve says:
What an experience! Something to remember forever.
Albania, rugged and powerful, soft and friendly. And what a price level !
Albania was never on my 'places to visit' list, but would definitely be high on it if it were today.
20 August 2015 - 9:05
admin says:
Ruth in Virginia, haha, yeah the prices here are so low you wouldn't believe it!
Åsa, that's one of the best things about travelling! 🙂
Marie, of course it can be! 😉
BP, well if you start comparing prices with Sweden it's completely unlikely!!! Ok, I understand. Charter here is new, so there may not be many options ...
Frankie & Co, sometimes it feels like it's meant to be 😉.
Lennart, everything in this country is affordable!!!
Solan, haha, I find it hard to believe that Benidorm will get through that application! But... freshly dared... 😉 Yes, Italy is expensive. Especially to go out and eat. Even in France there are 3-course menus with ok prices. In Italy you pay separately for everything and it gets out of hand no matter what you do ...
Maggan and Ingemar, we probably realised ourselves that it was a bit stupid... but it just happened 😉 We just talked about it, that it might be a bit too cold here in the winter...?
Steve, I like your description of Albania! In the past it was not possible to visit this country, but today it is possible!
20 August 2015 - 9:14
Ama de casa says:
Absolutely incredible! What an experience - that's the kind of thing you remember the most 🙂 !
20 August 2015 - 9:45
admin says:
Ama de casa, I agree! These things are often remembered more than different sights! 🙂
20 August 2015 - 10:20
anita wag agrimanaki says:
haha, maybe it was not even a restaurant but you ate at someone's home... I do not understand how it can be sooo incredibly cheap there. Sounded cosy in any case.
20 August 2015 - 11:12
admin says:
Anita, it was really cheap! Though they had a menu... so it should be a restaurant 😉.
20 August 2015 - 12:36
Birgitta in Umeå says:
Wonderful description of the restaurant!
We experienced something similar in Kemer, Turkey. We took a local bus to "some" village outside of town. Only Turks on the bus. Got off in a village and the bus driver said there was a restaurant. We sat down there. About twenty Turks also sat there, it was probably the entire village population. We asked to eat something grilled because it looked like they were preparing it.
Immediately they started to build a fire in a large fireplace. When the charcoal was ready for grilling, the charcoal was transferred to several small grills and placed at the tables. When it came to our grilling, one man stood by us and grilled our food. At the other tables you had to do it yourself. The dinner was not expensive and you got a whole "on the house".
When we then wanted them to order a taxi for us, it was "no problems". "My brother will drive you when you want to go home" !!!!
21 August 2015 - 8:37
admin says:
Birgitta in Umeå, what a wonderful experience you had in Turkey! Fantastic with a ride!!! Thanks for telling us! 🙂
21 August 2015 - 14:44