Hi All,

We plan to cross by motorcycle into Albania from Greece through Sagiada (Greece) - Qafe Bote (Albania) in about a week time. My questions are:

a. is the border open and if yes, is it a good road to travel to Tirana in terms of road condition, traffic, interesting places to see along the routes etc.

b. we have about a week to stay/travel in Albania, any suggestion which places to visit.

Our next destination after Albania is Montenegro.

Appreciate your advise.

Cheers,
Borneoman

Hi borneoman,

We did the crossing a year ago. The border will be open unless Albanian/Greek relations take a turn for the worse in the next few days . If you're heading to the border via Igoumenitsa then you'll need to follow signs for Mavromati, as the crossing isn't in Sagiada. You'll need all your vehicle docs including your green card. Don't forget to get your money changed for Lek.

After the crossing, you have two choices of route; the coast road via Sarande or the SH4 which is the main route to the north and Tirane. The main roads are mostly ok and metalled. Beware of the usual things like fallen rocks, potholes, animals, etc, but as you've already travelled across Asia then you won't have any problems riding in Albania. Also remember that car ownership wasn't allowed until about 20 years ago so the overall standard of driving is poor. Before we went, we were warned that the police targeted foreigners and to expect to pay the odd 'fine'. We passed through plenty of police checkpoints (most on the entrance to the larger towns) but we weren't stopped once! Perhaps they've been told to stop hassling tourists? You'll never run out of fuel.....on the main routes there's a petrol station (and car wash) every mile or so......and, although it sounds like a cliche, everybody is really friendly.

We only spent two days in Albania (only 12 days to get from Corfu to the UK) so unfortunately didn't do much sightseeing so can't advise on places to see. At the Montenegro border you'll be asked for passports and green card although if you're non-EU they may want to see more.

Best of luck,

Pete.

Hi Pete,

Thanks for sharing the info, your information help us to have a better understanding about riding in Albania. Since we like the beach, we will take the coastal road. My wife and I are looking forward to visit Albania.

I am a non EU citizen and I bought the Green Card to travel Europe and if I am not mistaken, the card does not cover Albania. My understanding is that I need to purchase a separate coverage when I enter Albania, is it correct?

Cheers,
Borneoman

Hi again borneoman,

I can't comment on buying insurance at the border but a quick Google search suggests that it's possible. Someone on advrider says that they paid 12.40 euros for 15 days back in 2012.

Cheers,

Pete

Hi,
I am Greek and crossed the borders like a month ago, no problems from either side.
I can't recommend any places since I did not stay (crossed to Montenegro and then Croatia), road conditions depend on the area, we were unfortunate to hit road works in Lake Ohrid, Elbasan is no more required if you need to quickly cross Albania and move to Montenegro (in case you choose the road from the right side border).
Take care of cars, turn signals etc are not always used (like in Greece) and you might see a lot of cars turning left or right on unexpected places (highways with cars turning into fields).
Most Albanian drivers will signal you (lights) in case there is traffic control ahead of you, we had no problems with them since most of the times we were alerted. Speed can be really slow, especially this time of the year that everyone is moving around for summer vacations, so be prepared for heat and slow speeds.
I don't know about the insurance, but there should be something available there.

Hi Pete,

It seems that it is possible to purchase the insurance at border, so we will just do that.

Cheers,
Borneoman

Hi Petkostas,

I hear the same about driving condition in Albania and definitely have to be extra careful when riding there. Sometimes, due to other inconsiderate drivers attitude, you unfortunately got involve in an accident. This is what I do not want to get into with.

I am still in Greece, in Lefkada (still enjoying Greece especially the seaside) and is heading to Corfu in a few days time and later on to Albania.

Thanks for the tips.

Cheers,
Borneoman

You can buy insurance at the border if your green card doesn't cover Albania (check it!)

Albania is a really beautiful country: if you have 7 days to cross it, I suggest you to visit at least one beach on the cost north of Saranda (Himara-Dhermi), one historical city (Berat would be my choice) and maybe some of the mountains.
If you like some off road, take the track to Theth, in the north, and you'll be happy...

Skip Vlore and Durres as they don't have much to offer..

Like Crisidsto wrote, I couldn't agree more on the suggestion he made.

I like offroad so I would rather stay in the northern part of the country. If you happen to be in the region during may/june some of those beaches you can have only for yourself, and the beaches are amazing

I did had a nice evening in Durres once, I've stumbled on a live open show on some terrace

ride on

Dooby

Depending on which bike you're riding you could do lots of off-road riding in AL. But you mentioned that you're travelling with your wife, probably pillion? Then of course the back-roads in the eastern mountain region are not recommendable. That is just lovely for enduros or crossers ;o)

After crossing into AL at Sagiada stop at the historical site of Butrint, just a few kms north of the border. On the esplanade in Sarande a nice address is Hotel Kaonia. Along the beach front here are lots of nice restaurants.

Berat is certainly an interesting place to visit with its old town centre and the fortress. Shkoder is not very interesting, but has a lively night scene. From here you could ride out to Kukes in he east. A very scenic road.

When leaving AL for MNR I'd suggest to exit AL along the road going along the western side of the big lake, on he SH-41 and stick as close to the lake as possible. he landscape is stunning!

Enjoy!

__________________
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