ROAD TRIPPING THROUGH ALBANIA WITH WIZZ AIR

How Europe’s hidden gem surprised me with coastal charm, mountain roads, and unforgettable

hospitality.

A New Way to See Europe

There’s a new kind of European escape that’s quietly capturing travellers’ hearts and it’s not

where you’d expect. Affordable, authentic, and breathtaking, Albania has become one of

Europe’s best-kept secrets. And thanks to Wizz Air, getting there has never been easier.

Flying direct from London, our journey began with the kind of travel experience that feels

effortless from the start. Wizz Air may be a low-cost airline, but the quality speaks for itself.

Smooth boarding, comfortable seats, and even a window seat to see the mountains on the way

in. With the airline flying across Europe and beyond, and boasting the lowest emission intensity

rates in the European aviation industry, it’s no surprise Wizz Air carries more passengers than

some of the industry’s biggest names.

The Drive Begins

Landing at Tirana International Airport, my road trip buddy Carmen Roberts and I collected our

Fiat, booked easily through Wizz Air’s partner, CarTrawler. Within minutes, we were on the open

road, ready to explore a country where rugged coastlines, mountain passes and UNESCO cities

unfold.

Day One: Wine, Castles, and Character in Berat

Our first stop was Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows.” With its cobbled streets,

whitewashed houses, and views that glow gold at sunset, it’s a town that feels frozen in time. A

dinner at Alpeta Winery offered an authentic taste of Albania - home-grown wine, local olive oil,

and the kind of hospitality that turns a meal into a memory.

Later, wandering the ramparts of Berat Castle, we looked out across the Osum River valley and

realised how untouched Albania still feels. It’s a rarity in Europe to not stand shoulder to

shoulder with other tourists.

Day Two: Vlora’s Coastline and Mountain Roads

The next morning, we drove south to Vlora, a sunlit coastal city where the Adriatic and Ionian

Seas meet. After a walk along the waterfront, we stopped for seafood at Coral Hotel, then

visited the Vlora Naval Base, where ongoing excavations reveal layers of Albania’s maritime

history.

As the afternoon light shifted, we wound our way up into Llogara National Park, one of the most

scenic drives in the Balkans. From the parks viewpoint, we watched the sun melt into the sea, a

view that felt cinematic, wild, and entirely ours. From here you can spot the Greek Island of

Corfu.

Day Three: Tirana’s Colour and Complexity

Back in Tirana, Albania’s capital, history feels alive in every corner. We spent the morning

exploring the city’s colourful facades, buzzing cafés, and monuments that tell stories of

resilience and renewal. What struck us most were the war bunkers, scattered like quiet

reminders of the past. Built during the Communist era under Enver Hoxha, when the country

was isolated and fearful of invasion.

Today, many have been transformed into art spaces and museums. The most powerful of them,

BUNK’ART 2, sits in the heart of Tirana. A cold War bunker turned immersive museum

dedicated to the nation’s journey through dictatorship and beyond. Walking through its tunnels,

surrounded by haunting photographs and recorded testimonies, was both moving and

eye-opening.

That evening, we enjoyed dinner at Juvenilja Castello Restaurant, a castle serving rustic

Albanian dishes across cosy tables. We ended the trip with a visit to the Albanian night show -

a joyful wedding style celebration of dance, music, and national pride. You also have the

opportunity to dress up in colourful costumes and dance with the cast.

What Surprised Me About Albania

Every journey has its surprises. For me, it was how much Albania defies expectations. It’s a

country that offers coastline and mountains, modern cities and ancient ruins, all with a warmth

that feels instantly familiar.

Travelling with Wizz Air made the entire trip seamless - from booking our flights to renting our

car, every step was smooth and stress free. For a low cost airline, it delivers something

priceless: the ability to travel more often, see more places, and experience Europe’s hidden

corners with ease.

So pack light, bring your curiosity, and get ready for a road trip that feels like a discovery.

Because Albania isn’t just an affordable adventure, it’s a reminder of why we travel at all!

“With Wizz Air, low-cost travel doesn’t mean compromise - it means possibility.”
Wizz Air