Car Rental in Sarandë, Albania

Where to drive

• Butrint National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, just a 20-minute drive (≈18 km) south of Sarandë. Explore ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins nestled in a beautiful natural landscape.
• Ksamil Islands and Beaches: Often called the 'Pearl of the Ionian,' Ksamil is about a 15-minute drive (≈14 km) from Sarandë, famous for its crystal-clear waters and small islands accessible by swimming or boat.
• Gjirokastër: Drive inland for about 1.5 hours (≈55 km) to visit the 'Stone City,' another UNESCO site known for its unique Ottoman architecture, impressive castle, and fascinating ethnographic museum.
• Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër): A natural phenomenon with incredibly clear, deep blue waters, located approximately 30 minutes (≈22 km) drive from Sarandë on the road to Gjirokastër.
• Lekursi Castle: Just a short 10-minute drive uphill from Sarandë, this 16th-century castle offers panoramic views of the city, the Ksamil Islands, and even Corfu, especially stunning at sunset.
• Borsh Beach: The longest continuous beach in Albania, about an hour's drive (≈45 km) north of Sarandë. Ideal for a relaxed day by the sea, with plenty of beachfront restaurants.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Albania, you generally need a valid driving license from your home country, a passport or national ID card, and for non-EU/EEA citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is usually required or strongly recommended. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old and to have held their license for a minimum of 1-2 years.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Sarandë vary significantly by season and car class. Economy cars might start from around 20-25 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium models could be 50 EUR or more. During the peak summer months (July-August), prices can easily double or even triple due to high demand, with economy cars often starting from 40-50 EUR per day.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Albania, you drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and 110 km/h on highways, though these can vary and are often poorly marked. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is very low, close to 0.01%, so it's safest not to drink any alcohol if you plan to drive. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for children up to 36 kg or 12 years old, whichever comes first.

Parking

In Sarandë, finding parking can be challenging, especially during the busy summer months. There are designated paid parking areas, often managed by attendants or parking meters, particularly near the promenade and city center. Expect to pay a few hundred LEK per hour or for a full day. Free parking can be found further away from the main attractions, but availability is scarce. Always check for signs or ask locals if you are unsure.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are readily available in and around Sarandë and along major routes. You will find both petrol (benzinë) and diesel (naftë). Prices are comparable to other European countries and can fluctuate, but expect to pay approximately 180-200 LEK per liter. Most stations accept cash and credit/debit cards, but it's always wise to carry some local currency for smaller transactions or in case card machines are not working.

Which car to choose

For exploring Sarandë and its immediate surroundings, a compact or economy car is often sufficient and easier to navigate through narrow city streets and find parking. If you plan to venture into more rural areas, particularly towards the mountains or less-developed beaches, a car with higher ground clearance, like a compact SUV, would be beneficial due to varying road conditions. Manual transmission cars are more common and generally cheaper to rent.

Frequently asked questions