Albania with a Baby: Our Four Week Family Adventure
From mountain roads to the sparkling Riviera: how we explored Albania’s hidden wonders with our little one in tow.
Albania might not be the first place you think of for a family holiday, but after spending four weeks exploring this beautiful country by car with my husband and our six-month-old son, I can honestly say it stole our hearts. Our road trip revealed a tapestry of tranquil lakes, ancient castles, breathtaking coastlines, and welcoming locals. If you are dreaming of an adventure that beautifully blends culture, nature, and family-friendly experiences, our Albanian journey might be just the inspiration you need.
Exploring Albania over four weeks with my husband and our six-month-old son in June 2023 was a journey full of adventure, discovery, and genuine warmth. Starting in vibrant Tirana, we picked up our hire car, embarking on a scenic loop that let us take our time and soak up everything this incredible country has to offer.
Our first destination was Lake Ohrid and the peaceful town of Pogradec. We enjoyed the serenity of the lake and sampled some delicious local fish. One of the memorable highlights of our trip was hiking along the rocky Lin Peninsula to a historic concrete bunker, one of an estimated 173,000 scattered throughout Albania. The views from the end of the walk were simply breathtaking.
With plenty of time to explore, we journeyed through mountain landscapes to Leskovik before heading south to the UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokastër. Known as the "City of Stone," Gjirokastër impressed us with its Ottoman houses, cobbled streets, and a majestic hilltop castle. Our little one loved the climb to the castle, the colourful market stalls, and the sweeping views over the city.
Our four-week adventure also gave us the chance to unwind by the sea in Sarandë and the idyllic village of Ksamil. The Albanian Riviera was every bit as stunning as we had imagined, with its turquoise waters and gentle beaches perfect for families. Finding a sunbed by the shore was both easy and affordable. A particularly magical evening was spent at Ledi’s Restaurant, overlooking the lake, where we enjoyed Albanian barbecue, fresh salads and cheeses, and even discovered a little treehouse with a swing for our son.
We continued our journey north along the dramatic Llogara Pass, one of the most scenic routes we have ever driven, each bend revealing another spectacular view of the Ionian Sea. We also explored the charming towns of Vlorë and Berat, famous for their elegant white Ottoman houses and winding, picturesque streets.
Driving in Albania for four weeks was a real adventure, with winding mountain roads, energetic local drivers, and the occasional mountain goat making every day interesting. However, for those preferring to relax, the country is well served by buses and shared minibuses, so travelling without a car is very possible. No matter how we got around, we were met with friendliness everywhere, particularly towards our little boy.
Albania welcomed us with open arms and surprised us at every turn with its beauty and hospitality. From hidden bunkers to sparkling beaches, ancient cities to quiet mountain trails, our month-long family road trip left us with so many special memories. We are already dreaming of our next visit and can whole-heartedly recommend Albania to anyone looking for a truly unique family adventure.
