For families, Albania checks an unusual number of boxes at once: warm shallow beaches, dramatic castles to climb, low prices, kid-friendly Mediterranean food, and locals who genuinely fuss over children. The best way to experience it all is with a rental car. Here's a guide to family travel in Albania, organised by activity.
1. Easy beaches
Ksamil is the headline. Tiny islands, white sand, water you can wade in for 50 metres. Calm enough for toddlers; clear enough for snorkelling with older kids. Borsh is similar but quieter and longer. Avoid Dhërmi in peak August — it gets very busy.
2. Castles to climb
Albanian castles are big, mostly free, and almost always lightly supervised — let kids run. Best for families: Krujë Castle (close to Tirana, well-organised), Berat Castle (a lived-in fortress with an entire neighbourhood inside the walls), and Rozafa Castle in Shkodër (great views and a moody legend involving a woman entombed alive — older kids only).
3. Soft adventure: Komani Lake ferry
The Komani Lake ferry is a 3-hour boat ride between sheer canyon walls — it consistently shows up on lists of the world's most beautiful ferries, and it's a hit with kids. Drive to Fierza, board the ferry with the car, disembark at Komani village.
4. Family-friendly Vjosa rafting
You wouldn't expect "family-friendly" and "Europe's last wild river" in the same sentence, but the half-day Vjosa rafting trips really do work for kids over 8 in summer. The classic Përmet section is mostly class II — gentle whitewater with calm pools in between. Wetsuits, helmets and life jackets are provided. Book through vjosarafting.com and ask for the family/beginners option. Full guide: Vjosa Valley rafting.
5. Wildlife and nature
Albania is unusually rich in wildlife for Europe. The Karavasta Lagoon south of Durrës is home to thousands of flamingos. Llogara National Park has eagles and vultures. The Blue Eye spring near Saranda is a freshwater geological oddity — a deep blue circle of impossibly clear water — that kids love.
6. Easy food
Albanian food is an easy sell with kids: bread, cheese, grilled chicken, fresh tomatoes, olive oil, salty feta. Pizza and pasta are everywhere thanks to the country's strong Italian influence. Picky eaters will be fine.
Practical tips for families
- Car seats: rent them with the car — most rental suppliers on RentalX offer infant, toddler and booster seats as add-ons.
- Driving distances: Albania is small but mountainous. Don't plan long days — 3 hours of mountain driving is enough.
- Pharmacies: well-stocked in cities; bring your usual kit if you're heading into the Alps or remote Vjosa villages.
- Where to stay: family guesthouses outside the big tourist beaches are usually friendlier and cheaper than hotels.
Sample 5-day family itinerary
- Day 1: Tirana — Bunk'Art 2, Skanderbeg Square, dinner outdoors
- Day 2: Drive to Berat — castle visit and an early dinner
- Day 3: Drive to Saranda — beach time at Ksamil
- Day 4: Butrint, Blue Eye, second beach day
- Day 5: Drive back to Tirana via the Albanian Riviera
