travel itinerary for albania

The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Albania Itinerary

Published on October 25, 2023

by Michael Rozenblit

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As one of the more off-the-beaten-path destinations in Europe (and even in the Balkans) planning out the perfect Albania itinerary can seem a bit of a challenge. Figuring out where to go, what to see and how to get around when you only have 5 to 7 days in Albania can seem a bit overwhelming.

Albania is a beautiful country in the southeast of Europe with miles and miles of gorgeous Adriatic coastline to rival that of Croatia and Montenegro, vibrant cities that pulse with youthful energy and life and historic ruins with a fraction of the crowds that you’ll find in neighbouring Greece.

If you are considering a trip to Albania and don’t know where to start, then this itinerary is sure to be a help. In it, we outline a route so you can figure out how to spend five to seven days (or more!) exploring this gorgeous Balkan nation.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Albania?

Before mapping out the details of your route, you’re likely wondering how many days in Albania in order to see a lot of diverse places and also not feel rushed (or spend too much time in transit and not enough time in the destinations itself).

In general, plan to spend at the very least 5 days in Albania if you want to see more than just the capital. Ideally, you would want a week or more if you want to spend time in an array of different locations in the country.

Albania is not a large country, however, it can take a bit of time to get from one point to another so this is something to keep in mind when figuring out how many days to set aside for your itinerary. There are also a surprising amount of great places to visit that really deserve the time, so if you can, try to spend one week in Albania.

Even if you only have 5 days to spend, you will still be able to take in a great deal of sites and historic towns and cities in the centre of the country. While you may not have all the time to see the southern Adriatic coast or some of the ancient ruins the country has to offer, it’s enough time to get a good feel for the nation.

Getting To & Around Albania

If you plan to simply visit Albania as a stand-alone trip, then your best bet is to fly into Tirana’s international airport. There are quite a few connections to Tirana from destinations all over Europe, so it’s easy to get to from abroad.

Many travellers also head to Albania as part of a longer trip through the Balkans or Greece. If you’re coming from elsewhere in the Balkans. you can arrive to Albania via bus from Montenegro, North Macedonia or Kosovo. Most major cities in these areas have connections to Tirana and it can be a great continuation for your trip.

If you’re travelling to Albania from Greece, you can reach the country via ferry from Corfu or overland from the mainland. Regardless, it would make the most sense to do this route in reverse – beginning in Sarande and ending in Tirana.

Once in Albania, it can be tough to figure out how to get around. In the cities like Tirana, you can generally rely on your own two feet while there. And if you want to get around via public transport, this is definitely a viable option.

There is a robust bus network in Albania, however, it can be a bit of a challenge to navigate it and to figure out where there are connections. If you’re in doubt, always check with the reception at your accommodation – they will likely be able to set you in the right direction.

If you are adventurous and want to take the most control over your trip to Albania, then consider hiring a car .

Driving in Albania can be a bit chaotic and it’s best if you feel you are experienced, however, it can be worth it if you want to have the most freedom in your itinerary and want to venture even further off the beaten path. An Albania road trip is a great idea if you’re a confident driver!

5 to 7-Day Albania Itinerary

Day 1 – tirana.

The most logical starting point for any Albania trip is its capital city of Tirana . Located in the north centre of the country, spending a couple of days exploring this dynamic and chaotic city is essential whenever you travel to Albania.

Spend your first day seeing the highlights of Tirana. It’s a pretty compact city and most things are located within easy reach of one another, however, there is a lot packed into a small area. To learn more about the history of the city, consider joining a free walking tour  or  a paid walking tour  of the city.

Begin in Skanderbeg Square, the main gathering point in the city. From there, you can visit the National History Museum and take in the imposing Et’hem Bej Mosque.

Those interested in Albania’s communist history will be interested in the House of Leaves Museum and, of course, you cannot miss a stroll along the pedestrianised Rruga Murat Toptani and exploring the Fortress of Justinian area.

Where to Stay in Tirana

Hotel Antigone – Centrally located in the heart of Tirana, this 3-star hotel has a range of rooms along with breakfast, room service and an on-site restaurant and bar.

Hotel Boutique Vila 135 – This luxury hotel in the centre of Tirana has amenities like breakfast, a restaurant/bar on site, parking included and an airport shuttle. There are several plush rooms on offer.

Trip’n Hostel   – Offering both dorms and private rooms, this hostel is centrally located and has great common areas for guests to enjoy. A perfect option for budget and solo travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Tirana hotels!

Day 2 – Tirana

Your second day should also be dedicated to digging deeper in Tirana and seeing more of what this city has to offer.

Spend some time at the Bunk’Art 2 Museum, a converted communist-era bunker turned history museum. Then, cross the river over the Tanner’s Bridge and take some time to explore the Blloku neighbourhood.

Here, you can take in iconic buildings like the Pyramid of Tirana (built as a museum dedicated to former dictator Enver Hoxha) and take in Mother Teresa Square or visit the Grand Park of Tirana. After taking in this area of the city, it’s time to get a great view.

Ride the cable car (known as the Dajti Express) to the top of Moun Dajti, a mountain overlooking the city. Here, there are plenty of fun activities, such as mini golf and rollerblading.

Day 3 – Durres

After a couple of days exploring Tirana, it’s time to move on and see some other areas of the country. Plan to spend the majority of your day in the coastal town of Durres, however, where you choose to spend the night is up to you.

Especially if you’re travelling around by a rental car, it can be easy to stop in Durres for the day and end in Berat to spend the night.

You could also do this if travelling by bus as the buses from Tirana to Berat stop in Durres, so it is on the way – if you are taking public transport, you will have to find storage for your luggage, which can be an inconvenience. You could also opt to spend the night in Durres and continue onto Berat first thing the next morning.

Durres is located only about 30 minutes drive and 45 minutes on the bus from Tirana. Once you’re there, the best activity is to simply take the time to lounge on the beautiful beach and enjoy the gorgeous Adriatic.

You can also take in historic sites – most notably the Durres Amphitheatre. This massive amphitheatre dates back to the 2nd century CE and is very impressive. History buffs will also love the Archaeological Museum, which houses artefacts from the Hellenistic, Greek and Roman periods.

Where to Stay in Berat

Hotel Bila Nino – This 3-star hotel in Berat has a number of comfortable rooms along with a garden, terrace and bar for guests to enjoy. There is also free parking on site.

Hotel Republika Berat – A good luxury option, this 4-star hotel is located in the centre of Berat. They have a range of rooms to choose from, private parking, an airport shuttle and breakfast each morning.

Berat Backpackers Hostel – Backpackers and budget travellers will love this highly-rated hostel. Located in an old house in central Berat, they have great common areas and both dorms and private rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Berat hotels!

Day 4 – Berat

Day four of this itinerary for Albania is dedicated to exploring the historic town of Berat. Known as the “town of a thousand windows,” this medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to Albania’s largest castle (the Berat Kala), there is a lot of history to take in here and it is absolutely beautiful.

Berat is known for its wide collection of beautifully preserved Ottoman-era houses that decorate the historic Mangalem quarter of the Old Town – this was the traditional Muslim area of the city. The other part of the old town – Gorica, located across the river – was the historic Christian quarter of Berat.

While in this beautiful city, take the time to wander around the old town and feel its living history. Of course, you cannot miss a hike up to the castle – which will provide excellent views of the city below. There is also a lovely, village-like atmosphere around the castle. There are walking tours available if you want to explore with a guide.

If you want to venture a bit outside the city centre, then there are also some wineries where you can sample some locally-made vintages or you can join a cooking class to learn more about traditional Albanian cuisine. You can also head out to the nearby Bogove Waterfall.

In the evening, you can’t miss a stroll along Boulevard Republika – the main pedestrianised thoroughfare in Berat. This provides excellent people-watching opportunities and an unrivalled energy.

Day 5 – Gjirokaster

If you’re seeing Albania in 5 days, this is the final day for you – and boy, is it a great one! Your destination for this day is the beautiful UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokaster. Located in the south of Albania, you’re going to need to have an early start to get here – especially if you’re taking the bus! Getting from Berat to Gjirokaster will take about 3 hours.

Known as the Stone City, Gjirokaster is an absolutely beautiful, historic city that should not be missed when you visit Albania. In modern times, it’s known as the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, the former Albanian dictator, however, there is plenty of other history here as well.

Of course, no visit to Gjirokaster is complete without wandering around the medieval-era castle, which was originally constructed in the 13th Century. Also, make sure to take the time to stroll through the Old Bazaar, where you can browse through artisan shops and maybe pick up some interesting souvenirs from your trip.

While wandering around the old town, take in the historic, Ottoman-era stone houses – these historic homes are part of the reason that Gjirokaster is inscribed on the UNESCO list.

Where to Stay in Gjirokaster

Hotel Bebej Tradicional – This rustic 3-star hotel is located in the centre of historic Gjirokaster. They have several great rooms to choose from, free parking and a restaurant on the premises.

The Stone Sky Hotel – This lovely hotel has a range of comfortable rooms for guests to choose from. There is also breakfast each morning, free parking, 24-hour reception and a restaurant/bar.

Stone City Hostel – A great option for backpackers and solo visitors, this highly-rated hostel has a number of room types to choose from, great common areas and a kitchen and day trips are organised.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Gjirokaster hotels!

Day 6 – Sarande

If you’re seeing Albania in one week, then you don’t need to get as early a start as previous days – especially if you feel there is more to see in Gjirokaster! You can spend your morning here – perhaps visiting somewhere like the Cold War Tunnel Museum. This 800-metre tunnel was built as a bunker during communist times and has now been turned into a museum.

After a morning in Gjirokaster, you don’t have a long journey to the final destination of your Albania travel itinerary – Sarande, a city on the Albanian Riviera. This is one of Albania’s most popular coastal cities and it is only about 1-1.5 hours away from Gjirokaster – there are several buses that depart each day.

If you’re self-driving, consider making a detour to the famous Blue Eye – a gorgeous natural spring filled with crystal-clear water located in between Sarande and Gjirokaster.

Once you arrive in Sarande, take the time to stroll around the lovely seaside and take in the views of the gorgeous Ionian Sea.

There are plenty of beautiful beaches to lounge on along with a ruined castle to walk up to and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea. Plan to spend the rest of your time in Albania with Sarande as a base.

Where to Stay in Sarande

Hotel Kanes – This seaside hotel is great for visitors to Sarande. There are several rooms to choose from – many with sea views. There is a terrace to enjoy along with an airport shuttle and free parking.

Buzë Boutique Hotel – Located right on the beach, this trendy hotel has a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a private beach area, a terrace and an on-site bar to enjoy a drink in the sunshine.

Saranda Backpackers – This waterfront hostel is a great option for budget travellers to Sarande. They have plenty of different rooms to choose from and great common areas.

Day 7 – Ksamil & Butrint

On your final day in the country, take a day trip from Sarande to the areas of Ksamil and Butrint National Park to the south of the city. Both areas are easily reached via bus from Sarande in about 30 – 40 minutes and buses leave frequently throughout the day.

Whether you’re driving yourself or taking the bus, start your day by visiting Butrint National Park, which is located furthest south on the route. This archaeological park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (there are so many in Albania! ) and is filled with fascinating ancient Greek and Roman ruins that will really put into perspective just how old and how long people have inhabited this area of the world.

In the park, you can see ruins of ancient forums, amphitheatres and temples. Set along the backdrop of the Ionian Sea, it is truly a wonderful place to end your trip and visiting here is one of the best things to do in Albania.

After exploring the park, hop on the bus (or get back in the car) and head a bit north to Ksamil . This area is home to some of Albania’s best sandy beaches and it is the perfect place to lounge around in the gorgeous sunshine and swim. You can enjoy views of Corfu not far in the distance, along with seeing some of the picturesque Ksamil islands.

If you’re leaving Albania after this day, the quickest and easiest way is to fly out via the airport on nearby Corfu in Greece, which is easily reached via ferry in about 1.5-2 hours. Alternatively, you can continue on to mainland Greece via bus or car – the closest major city is Ioannina.

Have More Time?

There are lots of different options of places to visit in Albania if you have more time. For instance, if you’re coming from Montenegro or North Macedonia (or continuing on there from Albania), it can be worth spending some time in the north of the country.

The town of Shkoder in the north of the country is gorgeous and has a lovely location on the massive Lake Shkoder – sharing a border with Montenegro.

Those looking to get up in the mountains or who want to add some activity to their trip will love exploring the Albanian Alps in the northeast of the country. Particularly popular is the Valbona to Theth hike, a thru-hiking route that takes about 8 hours to complete from one village to another in some of Albania’s most beautiful national parks.

If you want to experience more of Albania’s coast, then it can be a great idea to add a stop in the lovely coastal city of Vlore in between visiting Berat and Gjirokaster.

Vlore has plenty of beautiful, sandy beaches and is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Albania. Make sure to take the time to stroll through the historic centre of the city while enjoying the vast seaside promenade.

Travelling in Albania is one of the most interesting, challenging and diverse places to head to in all of Europe. Retaining an off-the-beaten-path charm and boasting a broad and varied history, Albania is a destination that no visitor soon forgets.

Are you planning on visiting Albania? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Michael Rozenblit

Michael is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Both solo and with his partner, Maggie, he has travelled to over 50 countries across the globe and has a particular affinity for the Balkans and Eastern Europe. He’s lived in numerous countries worldwide but currently resides in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Read more about Michael

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Home > Epic One Week In Albania Itinerary: 7 Day Road Trip 

Epic One Week In Albania Itinerary: 7 Day Road Trip 

Written by our local expert Guru

Written by a local specialist we know and trust to bring you the most up-to-date travel information.

This is the best Albania itinerary. We list how you can spend 7 days in Albania. Where to go, what to see, and how long to stay in each place. 

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Albania Road Trip Itinerary

Albania should be on top of your list if you are looking for an affordable, offbeat summer destination that combines pristine nature, enchanting castles, idyllic beaches, and recent history together!

Singing cicadas in pine trees, turquoise water, friendly people, and some of the Balkans’ best food —this post will give you ideas on how to spend seven days in this (wrongfully) underrated country!

Albania is a small mountainous country in Southeast Europe that belongs  to the Balkans . It has access to the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines and a Muslim majority. Furthermore, the country’s only Nobel Prize winner (born in the now-capital of Macedonia) , Mother Teresa, was Albanian!

Hiring a rental car is the best option to get the most out of one week in Albania, especially if you like to explore places and want a total road trip. Prices start from as low as 20 Euro per day and include insurance. 

The Albanian public transport system is another option if you are more money-conscious (& adventurous). You mainly find buses and furgons (shared minibusses) that work reasonably well, connecting most cities with each other.

Book your car rental in Albania here.

This 1 week Albania itinerary will provide distances and timings for both options.

One Week Itinerary For Albania

Let us help you make your Albania travel itinerary action-packed and enjoyable.

Experience Diverse Tirana

Tirana, Albania’s capital, is a refreshing city with a mix of colorful Ottoman architecture, street markets, and a hip food scene. Walking within the city center is easy, and there is enough to explore for at least 2-3 days! Many of Tirana’s sights are within close proximity to each other.

How To Get Into Tirana

Tirana can be easily reached by plane from every major European city. The international airport is well-connected and is only 17 km from the city center . A shuttle bus (called Rinas Express) drops you off in the middle of the city. The ride takes roughly 30 minutes and costs 250 leks (2 euros).

Alternatively, you can take a taxi for 2500 lek (20 euros), which would take around 20 – 25 minutes, or get your rental car from the airport.

Tip: Bring some  cash in Euros to pay for the fare and change it later in the city rather than at the airport.

Highlights Of Tirana For Your Albania Itinerary

For a complete list of what to do and see in Tirana, see here . These are my must-see sights, and we suggest you add them to your itinerary in Albania. 

Skanderbeg Square

The central plaza in the center of Tirana covers an area of 40.000 sq. m. and houses many major sights of the city, including the National Opera, the Palace of Culture, the National Historical Museum, the famous Clock Tower, and the City Hall. Join a free walking tour to learn about Albanian history from the source!

Bunk’Art Museum

If you ever wanted to visit a real bunker, you have the chance to do so in Tirana. The Bunk’Art museum is a highlight when visiting the city. Converted from a Cold War bunker, it spreads over 3000 sq meters underground. It lets you discover dark tunnels, private chambers, and exhibitions of contemporary art.

Take the City Centre – Porcelan bus line near the Clock Tower.

Et’hem Bey Mosque

A stunning city landmark, the little Et’hem Bey Mosque depicts waterfalls, trees, and other motifs not usually shown in Islamic art.

Where To Stay In Tirana

Situated in an old 1930s-era villa, Padam Hotel is one of Tirana’s most stylish boutique hotels, with one of the Balkan’s best restaurants on site. For a social and cheap stay, opt for Trip’n Hostel near Skanderbeg Square.

For a full list of places to stay in Tirana, check here.

Where to eat in tirana.

No itinerary for Albania would be complete without information on where to eat.

For some of the luxurious Albanian cuisine sourced directly from small farmers, head to Mullixhiu. Enjoy panoramic views of the town from a rotating restaurant at The Sky Bar, and make sure to try Rakija , Albania’s national drink! If you are after a cheap, traditional meal, go to Oda – Traditional Albanian Cuisine and try their stuffed peppers !

Check here for a full list of our favorite places to eat and drink in Tirana.

How to get out of tirana.

After your week in Albania, the most convenient way to leave town is by rental car . Tirana has no central bus station yet, but three terminals are distributed throughout the city.

Brands We Use And Trust

Day trip to historical shkodër.

Tirana – Shkodër: 1 hour 50 minutes by car | 2 hours by bus

One of the oldest cities in Europe, Shkodër is a real gem that quickly enchants you with its cultural heritage. Many poets, artists, musicians, and photographers were born there, serving as the gateway to the Albanian Alps .

Get Into Shkodër

Get settled into your rental car and make your way up north early in the morning. Buses from Tirana towards Shkodër leave roughly every hour and cost around 500 leks (4 euros). Head to Zogu I Zi, and you’ll find the furgon bus stop nearby.

Highlights of Shkodër

Rozafa castle.

The Rozafa Castle is a special place and a must-see when in Shkodër—a legend accompanying it that a woman had to be sacrificed to finish it.

Price: 200 leks (1.50 euro)

Lake Skadar

On a sunny day, hire a bike to cycle along the shores of the beautiful Lake Skadar . It’s a great half-day trip that leads you past fishing villages and carpet weavers and rewards you with the best scenic views!

Price: 9 euros | Duration: 3.5 hours

Venice Art Mask Factory

If you are after something very unique, go and visit the Venice Art Mask Factory. It has the most diverse and magnificent collection of Venetian masks! Each mask is a unique piece of art that went through the hands of 12 to 13 professionals. Just stunning!

Where To Eat In Shkodër

Settled in a beautiful old villa, Vila Bekteshi offers outdoor seating and outstanding traditional food . For some tasty, reasonably priced seafood, head to Rozafa Sea Food and try their octopus!

Tirana To Berat

Tirana – Berat: 1 hour 45 minutes (123km) by car | 2 hours 15 minutes by bus

To continue your journey towards Berat, take a bus from the Terminali i Autobusave të Veriut dhe Jugut for around 500 leks (4 euro). Berat, “The Town of a Thousand Windows,” as it’s lovingly called, is an absolute  must-visit . A prime example of Albanian architecture, Berat is a UNESCO world heritage site over 2,400 years old.

How To Get Into Berat

Berat: Take a bus from Terminali i Autobusave të Veriut dhe Jugut for around 500 leks (4 euros) to Terminali i Autobuzave të Jugt for buses going to the North and South of Albania. They regularly leave towards Berat and the coast for around 400 leks (3.25 euros).

The bus will stop at Terminali i Autobuzave Berat, from which you will take another local bus to the center.

Highlights Of Berat

Berat castle.

Towering over the city, Berat Castle (or the Citadel of Berat) is a well-preserved fortress with many Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches. You get the city’s best panoramic views and the Osum River from the courtyard.

Unlike other castles, there is still a fully functioning town inside the castle! One with houses, bars, restaurants, churches, and museums. Don’t miss this one!

Price: 300 leks (2.45 euro)

Mangalem Area

Mangalem, a traditionally Muslim area, lies at the bottom of Berat Castle. It’s most famous for its three mosques and the Ethnographic Museum, which features artifacts from the Ottoman period.

Tip: For the perfect photo opportunity of Mangalem’s white Ottoman houses, head over the bridge into the Gorica area.

Where To Stay In Berat

For a cheap stay in a 300-year-old UNESCO house with many original features, book a night in Berat Backpackers. If staying a night in the castle intrigues you, book a room in the traditional Hotel Klea.

For a full list of places to stay in Berat, check here.

Where to eat in berat.

A unique dining experience, Homemade Food Lili is a restaurant run from the owner’s family home. There are only 3-5 tables, so make sure to arrive early – it’s worth it! For a wallet-friendly option serving vegan options , head to Temi Albanian Food.

Adventure Day Trip To Osum Canyon In Çorovodë

Berat – Çorovodë: 1 hour by car

Çorovodë is not only a convenient stopover on your way to the Albanian Riviera , but it also is a must-stop for every adventure and watersport lover! A tour through the Osum Gorge is one of Albania’s most exciting activities. The Osum Gorge is 26km long, with many unexplored caves and underground passages .

One way of exploring this natural attraction is going on a rafting tour. Rafting through the gorge allows you to explore the imposing Bogova Waterfall and impressive vertical slopes ranging up to 80 meters. The rapids are considered a Class II, which means no prior white water experience is needed – perfect!

Another option is to put on your hiking shoes and go on a guided walk through the gorge, with spectacular vistas of the surrounding area guaranteed!

Where To Stay In Çorovodë

To extend your time (and spend a night) in Çorovodë, think about ending your day at the Nurellari Winery Cellar and Guest House. The family-owned winery offers beautiful tours around the winery, followed by a wine tasting . They also serve delicious traditional food! Why not spend a night at their adjacent guest house?

Berat To Sarandë

Çorovodë – Sarandë: 3 hours 15 min or Berat – Sarandë: 3 hours 30 min

Considered the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, Sarandë is the perfect place for a summer getaway . If you are looking for pristine beaches , some vitamin sea, and a thriving nightlife – Sarandë has got all of this and more!

How To Get Into Sarandë

Two buses run from Berat to Sarandë, around 8 am and the other around 2.30 pm from the main bus stop. The bus will take 5-6 hours, with a visit to Girokaster , and costs 1200 lek (9.70 euro).

If you want to rent a car once in Sarandë, check here for tips.

Highlights of sarandë, ksamil beach.

Ksamil Beach, with its clear turquoise water, could easily be mistaken for a beach in a tropical country. This gem on the Ionian Sea is a famous summer destination for locals and tourists alike. The area comprises many small coves wrapped around a jagged coastline.

Butrint National Park

Easily the most romantic of Albania’s ancient sites , a visit to the UNESCO site of Butrint should definitely come onto your list! Settled within a national park , the ruins have been inhabited since prehistoric times. They used to be Greek colony sites and Roman cities. Only 20 km from the city, it takes around 2-3 hours to explore.

Price: 700lek (5.70 euro)

Buses from Sarandë leave outside the ZIT Information Centre on the hour and take 20 minutes.

Price: 100 leks (0.80 euro).

Tip: Try to visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the cruise ship tourists !

Where To Stay In Sarandë

For a hostel with great views, friendly hosts, and 20 meters from the sea, choose Hairy Lemon Hostel. For a top-notch 4-star hotel on the beach, with breathtaking views of the ocean and in proximity to many bars, book at night at Hotel Brilant.

For a full list of places to stay in Saranda, check here

Where to eat in sarandë.

For an authentic meal or coffee next to the ocean, head to Limani Bar & Restaurant. This family-owned restaurant offers fine Mediterranean dining since 1998. Dishes are cheap, and portion sizes are big, a win-win! To see the sunset, try SunSet Saranda Restaurant.

How To Get Out Of Sarandë

The most convenient way to end a fantastic week in Albania is to leave from Corfu, Greece . From Sarande, you can take a ferry (70 minutes) or a speedboat (30 minutes) to Corfu to catch your flight back home.

Whatever option you choose, make sure to leave enough time between leaving Albania and getting to the airport two hours ahead of your scheduled flight!

Depending on the season, 2 – 13 departures are available, and ticket prices range from 18 to 24 euros. Three different companies operate the lines, so check for times for each individually: Ionian Seaways , Finikas Lines, or Joy Lines.

From the Port of Corfu , it takes only 15 minutes to the Corfu airport. An airport taxi costs around 15-20 euros and operates 24/7. Bus Line no. 15 costs 1.5 euros, takes about 20 minutes and runs between 7.50 am and 9.50 pm.

Hopefully, this post gives you enough ideas on how to spend seven wonderful, relaxing, adventurous, and history-packed days in this Balkan gem .

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Driving In Albania Overview

Driving in Albania can be an adventure all its own, and a car in Albania is your ticket to discovering the hidden gems this country has to offer.

Roads vary from the well-paved to the more adventurous types, making a trip around Albania exciting. Google Maps is a trusty companion but be prepared for the occasional detour that turns into an unexpected highlight of your journey.

Renting a car for your trip allows you to explore secluded beaches or quaint villages at your own pace. Remember, driving in Albania means you’ll pass breathtaking landscapes, so keep your camera ready. Just be sure to have travel insurance that covers driving in Albania, as it’ll give you peace of mind while you navigate the roads less traveled.

Is Albania Safe?

When it comes to safety, Albania is one of those underrated destinations that’s much safer than you might expect. Like any trip abroad , common sense is your best travel guide; keeping an eye on personal belongings and staying aware of your surroundings goes a long way.

Albania’s welcoming locals add to the feeling of security. However, don’t skip on travel insurance. It’s not just about safety; it’s about peace of mind. Whether you’re sunbathing right on the beach or exploring the old town of one of the cities in Albania, knowing you’re covered makes all the difference.

Albania’s charm lies not just in its landscapes but also in its ability to make you feel at home. It is a perfect one-week getaway or even a 10-day trip to dive deeper into its culture.

How Many Days In Albania?

Deciding how many days to spend in Albania isn’t easy, given all it has to offer. A perfect itinerary ranges from a compact 7 days to a more leisurely 10 days, allowing you to soak in the best of Albania.

With 7 hours, you can explore the beauty of the Blue Eye or spend an afternoon at the beach in one of Albania’s stunning beach towns. For those with more time, extending your stay to 10 days lets you delve deeper into places like the beautiful old town areas or the serene beaches in Albania, ensuring you experience the ultimate Albania.

Each day brings a new adventure, whether it’s Day 1 in the bustling capital or Day 7 when you find yourself in a great place known for its sensational views . Remember, whether it’s a quick trip or a longer stay, Albania promises to be one of the most memorable parts of your travel diary.

Final Word On Your Albania Travel Itinerary

Wrapping up your 7 days in Albania, it’s clear this trip is the perfect one-week escape to one of the most beautiful corners of Europe, from the serene waters of Gjipe Beach, a favorite for anyone seeking beautiful beaches, to the historical depths.

Your Albania trip will be a blend of relaxation and discovery.

Remember, while seven days can give you a taste of Albania, don’t be surprised if you find yourself dreaming of what 10 days in Albania could offer. This Albania travel guide was just the beginning; the rest of the journey awaits.

• 21 Ideas On Where To Go In Albania
• The Must-See Sights In Albania With Kids
• Guide To Albania’s National Parks
• Ultimate List Of Things To Do In Albania
• Explore The City Of Tirana, Albania
• Hotels Along The Albanian Riviera
• Top Things To Do In Saranda
• Our Top Picks For Albania Accommodation
• Things To See And Do In Albania In Winter
• Guide For The Theth To Valbona Hike

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The PERFECT Albania Itinerary For 1-2 Weeks

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Planning a trip to Albania ? I had an INCREDIBLE trip and can’t wait to share my Albania itinerary with you. This was my favourite new country of the year even though it had destinations like Slovenia and Montenegro to compete with! Albania is so worth visiting thanks to its rich diversity. There are well-known beach towns like Sarandë and Ksamil, lesser-known beach towns like Himarë, incredible hiking near Shkodër and adorable small towns like Gjirokastër and UNESCO-heritage Berat. Then, there’s the capital city, Tirana, with everything from sushi to cocktails and third-wave coffee.

ALBANIA ESSENTIALS Accommodation : Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting there : flight / car / bus Activities : GetYourGuide / Viator

Read next: my Balkans trip itinerary for 2-8 weeks

How long to spend in Albania?

Well, I spent almost a month in Albania but I think that says more about me and my slow, remote working lifestyle! I would recommend at least 2 weeks in Albania to get a real feel for its diversity, visit the key places and eat lots of yummy food! With 1 week in Albania, I would suggest visiting a maximum of 2-3 places.

How to get to Albania (and where to start your trip)

The capital of Tirana is one of the most popular places to start an Albania travel itinerary. Flights from other European cities start from as little as €15. Browse flights to Tirana with Skyscanner , selecting ‘whole month’ (if you can be flexible) to get the best prices. If you’re coming by land, get the Flixbus to Tirana. The other popular way to begin an Albania trip is by flying into Corfu island , Greece and taking the ferry to Sarandë. This is good because you’re starting at the bottom of the country and can travel up. If you start in Tirana, there are attractions both south and north so you may have to pass through the capital more than once.

Getting around Albania

Car – this is your best option for an Albania road trip. I recommend Rentalcars.com for hiring cars abroad; they have agencies in Tirana and Sarandë (consider collecting it in one and returning it in the other so you don’t have to go back on yourself). Bus – if you choose to take public transport like I did, you’ll be taking the bus. However, I will warn you that these can be super crowded and VERY hot in summer. Also, there will often be long, uphill walks between bus stations and your accommodation with no taxis available in small towns. Buses are best paid for in cash (like everything in Albania) usually to a member of the bus company who walks up the aisle collecting fares when the journey has begun. I made the mistake of booking my first journey (Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia to Sarandë) online and, not only did I pay double what other passengers did but the staff were confused by me even having a pre-booked ticket! Getting around towns and cities – most are small enough to walk between the main attractions. Even Tirana is walkable unless you travel to the base of Dajti Cablecar , in which case you can take a city bus. Tirana has taxis but most smaller places don’t… Or at least not ones you can easily hail on the street or via an app.

Tip – to check bus timetables, your best bet is the Gjrafa Travel website. I didn’t always find it totally accurate so I’d suggest double-checking with your accommodation before travelling.

Albania map

Albania itinerary overview

1 week itinerary:

• Day 1 – Tirana
• Days 2-3 – Berat OR Gjirokastër
• Days 4-5 – Himarë or Sarandë
• Day 6 – Blue Eye day trip

If taking this itinerary, I’d pick Gjirokastër and Himarë over Berat and Sarandë. But I’d advise doing some research to pick the best one for you.

2 week itinerary:

• Days 1-2 – Tirana
• Days 2-3 – Berat
• Days 4-5 – Gjirokastër
• Days 6-7 – Sarandë
• Days 8-9 – Himarë
• Day 10-11 – Shkodër
• Days 12-13 – Theth hiking.

Slow travel alternation – I did the above itinerary over 3 weeks. Although you can squeeze it into two, if you like slow travel it may be better to omit 1-2 places so you can travel slower and spend longer in places. You could choose between Sarandë and Himarë beach towns; I’ll discuss their differences later.

Tirana: 1-2 days

Tirana isn’t my favourite city but that’s okay. I found a few fun things to do and learnt about the country’s gripping history. I ate at great cafes and restaurants in the Blloku area south of the river which, in my opinion, is the best place to stay. It’s a pleasant and residential neighbourhood with only a short walk required to reach the city centre.

Read next: the best things to do in Tirana, Albania

Where to stay in Tirana:

• Budget – for a fun and social hostel, stay at Trip’n’Hostel or for a quieter more luxurious hostel, pick Vanilla Sky Boutique .
• Mid-range – Deluxe Tirana has breakfast, hot tub, free parking and aircon from €50 a night.
• Splash out – Arte Boutique hotel is a 5* hotel with a reasonable price tag of €170.
• Browse Tirana hostels and apartments on Booking.com and hostels on Hostelworld .

Things to do in Tirana during your Albania itinerary:

• Take a free walking tour – departing at 10am and 2pm daily, this informative walking tour is one of the best I’ve been on. To understand Albania better and its communist past, it’s a must. Give €5-10 if you enjoy it.
• The House of Leaves Museum – easily my favourite attraction in Tirana, this old house is dedicated to mass surveillance technology (aka spy equipment) used during the Communist era. You can learn stories, watch propaganda movies, and see old footage from devices planted in houses, embassies and even fridges!
• Bunk’Art 2 – despite having ‘art’ in the name, this is not a gallery but a museum located in one of the old military bunkers built by ex-dictator Enver Hoxha when he closed borders and communication with the rest of the world. It tells the story of Albania’s harrowing past in a confronting way, underground. Although history is important and I liked the way bunkers have been repurposed, I found it slightly distressing and claustrophobic.
• Dajti Cablecar (and Bunk’Art 1 ) – for the best view of the city, catch a bus to the cable car lower station and board a 20-minute ride to the top of Dajti Hill. You can see for miles! Also, at the bottom is the other Bunk’Art which is bigger and more informative than the city centre bunker with interactive exhibits and even some art. I preferred this one. If you visit both Bunk’Arts, there’s a discounted ticket.
• Shop and eat at Pazari i Ri Bazaar – this market sells fresh produce and has a few popular cafes and restaurants around it. Most of the options are meaty so if you’re veggie, grab lunch in Blloku instead.
• Skanderbeg Square – attractions surrounding the main square include the National History Museum , Et’hem Bej Mosque and Kulla e Sahatit tower offering city views.
• Take a city and food walking tour or a 3-course Albanian cooking class .

Food and coffee in Tirana:

• Gjelber – this healthy cafe has loads of options including avo toast, bowls, salads, wraps, burgers and smoothies. Most of it is vegetarian. It’s open from 7am to 11pm so it’s good for any meal of the day.
• Happy Belly – my first meal in Tirana was the healthiest. The owner is lovely and serves healthy veggie meals with grains and loads of organic veggies, plus great smoothies. It’s a bit expensive for Albania but typical for this kind of food.
• Pastaria Tirana – honestly some of the best and cheapest pasta I’ve ever had. There are so many combinations. The truffle shrimp tagliatelle was so delicious I came back at 11am for another serving before my bus leaving town!
• Antigua Specialty Coffee – this third-wave coffee shop is THE place for coffee snobs in Tirana. From V60 to Chemex and espresso-based coffees, you won’t be disappointed. There are lovely cakes, too.
• Coffee Lab – great coffee and cannoli. Definitely the best coffee in town after Antigua.

Drinks & nightlife in Tirana:

• Radio Bar Tirana – this is a cool place for drinks that gets busy at weekends. The cocktail list is huge with regular and creative options like the basil smash. The bar is full of retro clutter and old movie posters.
• Nouvelle Vague Tirana – this is a nice bar with outside seating and unique cocktail options with an Albanian theme, like iced mountain tea with local honey.

Tirana itinerary

For a 2-day Tirana itinerary, I’d suggest a free walking tour on the morning of day 1 followed by an afternoon exploring the main attractions such as the House of Leaves. For day 2, catch the bus to Dajti Cablecar for fantastic city views, then spend the afternoon in Tirana’s Blloku district enjoying speciality coffee and cocktail bars. Dinner at Pastaria is a must!

Berat: 1-2 days

Tight on time? Take a Berat day tour from Tirana

The UNESCO heritage city of Berat is nothing short of enchanting, although if you only have time for one small city during your Albania itinerary, I’d suggest Gjirokastër (keep reading). Known as the City of a Thousand Windows, the distinctive Berat houses built in the 18th-19th centuries are stacked upon the hillside… If you hate hills, it’s worth checking if your accommodation is near the bottom level! Things to do in Berat:

• Climb up to Berat Castle (make sure to take the shortcut ) and the Holy Trinity Church – if you can handle the hike to the top, there are no better views for miles around.
• Go for an evening walk along Boulevard Republika – summer daytimes are too hot for long walks but, as the sun starts setting, locals come out for a xhiro (walk), bringing the city to life.
• Wine tasting at Alpeta Agroturizem – we had a fun evening (organised by our hostel) sampling Albanian wines and rajika at this beautiful countryside winery surrounded by mountains. It’s also a restaurant and, although we didn’t eat a full meal, I can vouch for the cheese, olives and fresh figs served with our wines. Çobo Winery is another popular one.
• Wander the Mangalemi quarter finding historic buildings and traditional restaurants.
• Cross the bridge over the river to the Gorica quarter known for its tight alleyways. Climb to the top of the hill for the best sunset view in town.

Where to stay in Berat

• Budget – Maya is the most social hostel in town while Mangalem is a nice, chilled base. Both cost around €12 a night.
• Mid-range – Amalia Boutique hotel has rooms from €30 while Berat Castle Hotel has rooms for €40.
• Splash-out – Hotel Colombo is one of the fanciest buildings in town and surprisingly affordable with rooms from €70.
• Browse all Berat hostels and apartments on Booking.com and hostels on Hostelworld .

Day trip to Osum Canyon & Bogove Waterfall

One of my favourite days in Albania was spent exploring the countryside around Berat. From waterfalls to canyons, the captivating landscape is yet another reminder of how beautiful and underrated Albania is! Our first stop was Bogove Waterfal l . After a 30-minute nature walk from the parking area, we reached the 20m waterfall cascading into pools of freezing water. Although I wanted to jump right in, my skin was screaming at me to stop. A few very brave people made it in although I’m not sure how! Next, we stopped at the incredible Osum Canyon where the waters are much warmer. We spent a good hour swimming through the canyon and admiring the incredible views. Around the top level, there are several striking viewpoints and spots for daredevils to cliff jump.

Book a day tour to Osum & Bogove from Berat for €65

Where to eat in Berat

Easily my most memorable meal in Albanian was eaten at Lili Homemade Food . Lili is a character! Not only does he freshly prepare local dishes, but he gives a presentation on them during the two evening sittings held in the garden of his home. There are just a few tables that are always booked a couple of days in advance. I’d suggest going to his place when you first arrive in Berat and securing a table within the next couple of days. We ordered burek, tomato rice, stuffed aubergine, and a rich sheep’s cheese dip, washed down with local wine. It was delicious and affordable.

Getting to Berat

Driving from Tirana to Berat takes around 1 hour 40 minutes. The bus takes approx. 2 hours and costs 400 lek at the time of writing. From Berat bus station, we jumped on a local bus to the city centre.

Gjirokastër: 1-2 days

There’s no doubt about my favourite stop during my Albania itinerary. Gjirokastër took my breath away (in more ways than one: the walk from the bus station to my hostel was a KILLER) and I could have easily spent a week there. The charm of Gjirokastër, also known as Stone City, is its quaint cobblestone streets, colourful craft markets and views of the Gjerë mountains. The regional cuisine made it memorable for me; I tried plenty of dishes not found elsewhere.

Getting to Gjirokastër

The drive from Berat takes 2 hours 40 minutes. There’s an 8am and 2pm bus taking 3 hours. If you’re coming from Tirana, the drive is 3 hours 15 minutes and the bus ride is just under 4 hours with several daily departures.

Things to do in Gjirokastër

• Climb up to Gjirokastër Castle for the best views over the city and mountains. Inside, there are eerie tunnels filled with weaponry and a small museum dedicated to the city’s history. Castle entry and museum entry cost 200 lek each.
• Gjirokastër Bazaar – in the oldest district of the city, the bustling bazaar has over 500 years of history. Colourful goods spilling out of the shops onto the streets include jewellery, rugs, cushions, tapestries, clothing, chinaware and more.
• Skenduli House – one of the most impressive buildings in Gjirokastër is preserved as it would have been in Ottoman days. A ticket includes a guided tour during which you’ll learn about the previous residents, their customs and ways of life. Entry is 200 lek.
• Zekate House – requiring an uphill walk, this period house offers a similar experience to Skenduli with panoramic views and fewer tourists.
• Cold War tunne l – hidden below Gjirokastër lies a maze of 59 rooms connected by 800 metres of tunnel. For a fascinating insight into Cold War history, head to the Tourist Information office beside the tunnel opening and jump on the next tour for 200 lek.
• Hike to Ali Pasha’s Bridge – this countryside hike to a huge aqueduct built is a fun way to get out of the city. Remember sun protection, water and comfy footwear.
• Visit the Bazaar Mosque – pop inside the city’s main mosque and learn how Islam was prohibited during communist rule.

What & where to eat in Gjirokastër

I thoroughly enjoyed the food scene in Gjirokastër. Like most Albanian food, it has Middle Eastern influences using fresh produce like figs and vine leaves. Other Balkan dishes like burek reminded me of my foodie adventures in Split , Zagreb and Ljubljana . Plenty of dishes are veggie-friendly such as stuffed aubergines and spinach borek. A few regional dishes I didn’t see elsewhere in Albania were:

• Pashaqofte – soup with meatballs
• Qifqi – rice balls fried with herbs and spices and served with a sour cream dipping sauce
• Oshaf – yoghurt mixed with fresh figs and topped with cinnamon
• Japrak – grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat.

Some restaurants I can vouch for include Kujtim , Mapo and Odaja . These are all in the city centre with tasty, homecooked food and pleasant surroundings overlooking Gjirokastër’s cobbled streets.

Where to stay in Gjirokastër

• Budget – Stone City comes to mind as one of the best hostels I’ve EVER stayed in… Which is a lot, by the way! The interior looks like a boutique hotel, the beds are comfy, the staff are fantastic (leading informative daily walking tours) and there’s free breakfast.
• Mid-range – Hotel Kalemi has grand, beautiful bedrooms with city views for €45.
• Splash-out – you’ll get a luxury resort with a pool for €90 at Kerculla Resort !
• Browse all Gjirokastër hostels and apartments on Booking.com and hostels on Hostelworld .

Sarandë: 2 days

Sarandë is a popular beach town. Despite its popularity, Sarandë wasn’t my favourite stop on my Albania itinerary. With overpriced beach bars and crowded beaches, it doesn’t have a lot of charm. It’s more a place for holidaymakers than backpackers and travellers. I was happy to move onto Himarë, a beach town I’ll discuss next that I preferred.

Getting to Sarandë

One way is by flying into Corfu and getting a ferry across to Sarandë. If you’re mid-itinerary, arrive by bus or car. Between Sarandë and Gjirokastër, the bus takes 1.5 hours and costs 400 lek. Tip – if travelling by car, you could visit the famous Blue Eye en route between Sarande and Gjirokaster.

What to do in Sarande

• Hike, drive or take a taxi to Lëkurësi Castle for sunset – I walked and it took around an hour. The views of the Albanian Riviera and Corfu are spectacular. You can stop for a sundowner drink at the top although it’s quite pricey. The wine was terrible so I recommend a beer instead!
• Enjoy the Sarandë beaches . There are a few within walking distance of the town and plenty more a short drive away as you head towards Ksamil.
• Soak up the history at 40 Saints Monastery and the Ancient Synagogue remains .

Where to stay in Sarandë

• Hostel – I stayed at the friendly cosy Backpackers SR run by the legend that is Tony. The other hostels in Sarandë are party hostels without great reviews so I would advise booking in advance to stay here.
• Mid-range – Hotel Mano boasts comfy double rooms and beachfront access from €50.
• Splash out – a stay at Hotel Oasis includes bedroom terraces with ocean views and 4* comfort.
• Browse all Sarandë hostels and apartments on Booking.com and hostels on Hostelworld .

About Ksamil

This is the exclusive, upmarket area of the Albanian Riviera located down the peninsular from Sarandë. It’s mainly known for beautiful beaches but, at the bottom, is Butrint Archaeological Park , an ancient city with Greek and Roman influences surrounded by olive groves. Nearby, Ali Pasha’s Castle (Porto Palermo) is an 1800s Ottoman ruin on an island accessed by boat. Entry to the park is 700 lek (€6.10). You could consider staying in Ksamil rather than Sarandë, or spending a night or two in Sarandë then moving here so you can properly experience them both. I didn’t feel I needed THAT much beach time so I chose to just visit Ksamil as a day trip from Sarandë. You can do this by car or local bus.

Although the beaches are undeniably idyllic, I didn’t love Ksamil as I found everything quite expensive and crowded. There’s nowhere to relax on a beach for free as they’re packed with sunbeds charging around 2,000 lek for a set of loungers and an umbrella. Not great value for solo travellers in Albania like myself who don’t need two beds!

Where to eat in Sarandë

• Taverna Fredi – we had fantastic, affordable seafood here including sea bass and grilled shrimp. Even the green veggies we ordered as a side were perfectly seasoned, plus there was great wine. Taverna Laberia is another lovely seafood spot.
• Proper Pizza – there are a couple of these pizza joints around Albania. They serve a huge range of toppings and combos, alongside alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Hashtag2 – as a coffee snob, I was disappointed by the coffee options in Sarande. Your best bet is iced coffee at this place, although sadly everything is served in plastic.
• Baci A Tutti – this is a cute deli with desserts, pastries and iced coffee. Great for grabbing a picnic to-go when heading out for the day.

The Blue Eye – day trip

A 30-minute drive from Sarandë is the Blue Eye , a must for your 2 week Albania itinerary. In unbelievable shades of blue and green, Syri i Kaltër is a natural spring pool with sections up to 50m deep. Due to its popularity, the main viewing platform is very crowded so I suggested walking to the area near the restaurant where you can go for a swim or paddle. I warn you the waters are FREEZING. Getting in up to my knees was the most I could handle! Entry is just 50 lek (€0.50).

Related activity: day tour from Sarandë to Butrint Park & the Blue Eye

Getting to the Blue Eye

My hostel, Backpackers SR , organised the trip for us with a return taxi ride. Do the same and agree a price with a local driver or, alternatively, take an organised trip with GetYourGuide , or hire a car in Sarande . There’s also a local bus but it drops at the road junction, a 2km walk to the Eye. If possible, I would advise going early because it gets very busy and hot in the summer months. The walk from the parking area takes about 20 minutes with no shade.

Tip – there’s nowhere to buy food at the Blue Eye apart from the restaurant which is overpriced with poor reviews. Bring a picnic and enjoy it in nature, or leave Sarandë early and arrive back in time for lunch. You only need a couple of hours at the Blue Eye.

Himarë: 2 days

Himarë is a quieter and lesser-visited beach town on the Albanian Riviera, a 1.5-hour drive from Sarandë. There’s tasty food with Greek influence, beautiful beaches and boat trips around the region. As with Sarandë (and any other beach town), spend as many days here as you need to chill. My Albania itinerary was busy, so I used my time in Himarë to rest and recoup. There are plenty of beaches to find in the area if you’re feeling adventurous. I say adventurous because many not only require a car to reach but also involve a trek down to the beach once you’ve parked.

Where to stay in Himarë

• Budget – the best hostel is Sun Bakers . For €12 a night, you’ll get a home-cooked breakfast each morning. The hostel’s garden area is a great place to meet other travellers, and the sunsets are the best!
• Mid-range – Aphrodite Gardens has fantastic reviews and even better sea views from the balcony bedrooms.
• Splash out – Sea View Hotel is a luxe option with a pool and ocean views.
• Browse all Himarë hostels and apartments on Booking.com and hostels on Hostelworld .

Things to do in Himare

• Visit Himare Castle – take an hour’s uphill walk or hail a taxi for beautiful views of the coastline.
• Take a boat trip – from Plazhi i Himarës , you can book daily boat trips that visit beaches and islands for swimming and snorkelling. Arrive in the morning to reserve a spot.
• Explore the beaches – the main one is Himarë Beach but there are plenty of better beaches if you’re happy to travel. Mateus Beach near the Old Submarine Bunker is a nice spot, a 15-minute drive away (with a 15-minute walk down to the beach).
• Take a trip to Gjipe Beach – although it’s a 30 min drive away, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania. It requires a 2km walk from the car park and there are a couple of restaurants and beach beds for hire.
• Visit Dhermi – this adorable hilltop town has quaint churches and amazing coastal views. Spend an afternoon and stay for sunset. You can drive there from Himarë in 30 minutes or catch a local bus. There are nearby beaches but these require a short drive or 40-minute walk from the town.

Where to eat in Himarë

• Taverna Stolis – my hostel friends and I ate affordable, homecooked Greek food here almost every day. The tzatziki, garlic bread, garlic mash, feta salad, moussaka, fresh fish and stuffed aubergine were all delicious.
• UMI Sushi & Cocktail – for a break from traditional food, try the best sushi and cocktails in town here. It’s not especially cheap but everything was great.

Getting to/from Himarë

It’s easily reached from Sarandë. You can drive or take a bus in 1.5 hours. There are several daily bus departures. If you’re coming to or from Tirana, it’s a 3.5-hour drive or a slightly longer bus ride. You’ll want to be a confident driver because the mountain pass you’ll need to make it over is intimidating. As a bus passenger, I felt VERY sick on this journey! For the next section of this Albania itinerary, you’ll need to take your longest travel day yet. If you have time, you may wish to spend the night in Tirana to break up the journey. Alternatively, take the very windy 4-hour bus from Himarë to Tirana followed by a 2-hour bus to Shkodër.

Shkodër  – 2 days

Shkodër is a pleasant town in the North of Albania near the border with Montenegro. Most people who visit are using the town as a launching point for hiking adventures in the Albanian alps, something I HIGHLY recommend if you have time. The Theth Pass hike is stunning, usually requiring two overnight stays, one in Valbona and one in Theth with a day hike between the two. The accommodation and transport can be organised in Shkodër. Before we get into this, I’ll run through what to do in Shkodër before or after your hike.

What to do in Shkoder

• Take the free walking tour – it begins at City Hall (Bashkia) at 10am daily between mid-June and mid-October and lasts 2 hours. If you enjoy it, give what you think it’s worth.
• Hire a bicycle and cycle to Lake Skadar on the border of Montenegro through beautiful landscape. Swim in the lake, stop for a picnic and spot birds and other wildlife. Hire a bike in Shkodër or take a guided tour for €11 .
• Hike to Rozafa Castle – it takes 30 minutes on foot to reach this 14th-century castle with fantastic views.
• Check out some museums – the History Museum , the Site of Witness and Memory   and Marubi National Photography Museum are worth a visit.

Where to eat in Shkodër 

Stolia Coffeehouse & Brunch – after a lot of heavy (but delicious) Albanian food, I was thrilled to find this healthy cafe with serious Bali vibes. Think excellent coffee, smoothie bowls, salads and avo toast. The cafe is cute with good Wi-Fi and outside seating. I ate there every day! EKO Club – this is another cute cafe with indoor murals, colourful cushions, books galore and even indoor swings! They serve local produce like cheese & meat platters and traditional Albanian desserts. I tried sheqerpare : shortbread soaked in syrup. It was delicious but very sweet! Restaurant Pizzeria Italia – a friend and I had a real feast here of garlic bread, pasta and wine. We paid €15 for two courses and drinks… Not per person. Bargain!

Getting to Shkoder

Every 30 minutes between 6.30am and 5pm there’s a departure from Tirana regional bus station taking 1 hour 45 minutes. If you’re arriving from the Albanian Riviera and getting straight on a bus to Shkodër, you’re in luck because they depart right next to one another. You can also depart and arrive in Shkodër for Montenegro. My hostel ( Wanderers ) organised a shuttle over the border which dropped me at Ulcinj Bus Station but there are also buses to the capital, Podgorica.

Where to stay in Shkodër

• Hostel – Wanderers is easily the best budget accommodation. They organise regular activities like €2 cocktail nights and €2 buffets, plus there’s a bar and ping pong table. Organising the Theth Pass hike is a massive plus.
• Mid-range – Hotel Bicaj   has comfy rooms, free bikes for hire, a shared lounge and garden area for €35.
• Splash-out – Hotel Treva has a terrace, bar and tasty daily breakfast for €60 a night.
• Browse all Shkodër hostels and apartments on Booking.com and hostels on Hostelworld .

Theth hiking – 2 nights

The highlight of my Albania itinerary was hiking in the mountains in the region of Theth. I’d heard little about this area before planning my trip. It’s so underrated and beautiful, much like my other favourite hike in the Balkans , the Rila Lakes trail near Sofia, Bulgaria. Although I started the hike in Valbona and finished in Theth, you can do the hike in either direction. If you do it my way, I’d advise travelling the day before the hike. When you finish the hike in Theth, you can get a bus back to Shkoder (note that the last one is at 1pm so unless you’re super speedy, you’ll need to stay overnight in Theth). Since the Valbona Pass hike I booked included 2 overnight stays in different towns, I left my luggage in Shkodër and trekked with minimal belongings. I packed pyjamas, a couple of lightweight outfits, underwear, suncream, toothpaste and facewash. You’ll also want hiking snacks and a water bottle. There are a couple of points on the hike where you can fill up.

How to organise the hike

It all sounded complicated but I had learned that Wanderers Hostel organise the service for you. I simply paid them the money (I believe around €20) and they gave me the boat and bus tickets for the Shkodër-Valbona leg and the bus ticket for the Theth-Shkodër leg, and booked both my guesthouses for me at €25 a night inc meals. Pick-up was from the hostel so there was no organisation needed. You don’t need to worry if you’re doing the hike solo. If you book with Wanderers, you’ll be in the same group the whole time including at the guesthouses at the start and end of the hike. Whether you decide to hike solo or with the group is up to you. I did most of the hike solo and didn’t find it unsafe or too difficult.

Transport summary

• Shkodër to Valbona leg #1: shuttle taking 1.5 hours
• Shkodër to Valbona leg #2: Komani Lake ferry taking between Koman and Fierze (3 hours)
• Shkodër to Valbona leg #3: shuttle bus to guesthouse (20 minutes)
• Theth to Shkoder: 2.5-hour shuttle bus.

Valbona Pass hike stats

• 800m elevation
• 5-10 hours average (someone in my hiking group did it in under 5 but he was very experienced).
• Difficulty level: medium.
• Best season: June to late September.

Other Theth hikes

After hiking with terrible shoes and getting blisters, I didn’t do any other hikes in Theth but there are several you can do. A few people in my hiking group did these other hikes after the main hike and during the following morning before catching the bus back to Shkodër. Not quite sure where they got the energy! Blue Eye – Albania’s other Blue Eye is much more tranquil than the one near Sarandë thanks to its secluded location. It’s a 2 hour 45 minute walk from Theth or you can hire a driver to take you to the final parking area, then it’s just a 45-minute walk to the eye. Qafa e Pejës – this 7-hour trek is a hard but beautiful one with striking views from the pass. It starts with 2 hours of flat land before a tough 1.5-hour ascent.

Browse all Theth hiking tours with Viator

Other places to visit during an Albania itinerary

If any of the above places don’t appeal to you, here are a couple to swap into your Albania itinerary.

Kruje – just north of Tirana is an adorable medieval village that you can visit as a day trip, or stay overnight for some R&R. Dating back to the 12th century, there are historic sites like the castle, museum, old market and medieval tower offering views over the rolling countryside. Durrës – on the coast close to Tirana, this is an option for a beach break without travelling too far. Durrës is one of the oldest cities in Albania with 3,000 years of history and countless ancient ruins. In a rush? Take a Durrës and Kruje Castle tour from Tirana Vlorë – lodged between the sea and mountains just north of Himarë, this is a popular destination in Albania. I didn’t visit myself because I heard that Himarë and Sarandë were nicer, cheaper and safer… That was enough for me!

Budget for Albania travel

Albania is so affordable! Here are a few average costs: Accommodation in hostels: €8-15 per night. Accommodation in hotels: from €20. Transport: €4-10 per bus journey. Meal in a restaurant: €5-10 including a drink.

Here’s some useful info to help you plan your Albania itinerary…

What’s the best time of year to visit Albania?

The summer months (June-August) have the best weather but it’s also the most expensive and busy time to visit. Shoulder season (April-May and September-October) offers bargains on accommodation and activities, and a better chance of getting the beach to yourself. In the winter, most things will be closed and the weather is cold.

Is Albania worth visiting?

100%! Albania is worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, hiking opportunities in the northern mountains, charming historic towns, affordable prices, friendly people and tasty cuisine. It was my favourite place I visited in 2022 which is high praise because I had a travel-packed year .

Is Albania safe?

Yes, as a solo female traveller , I felt very safe in Albania. The locals are super friendly; I’ll always remember chatting to a shopkeeper about his family and him giving me my groceries for free! I had no problems anywhere in Albania and even felt safe walking in the evenings.

Where next?

Albania shares a border with several other fantastic Balkan countries including Greece, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro. Some fantastic spots I’d suggest are:

Lake Ohrid : this stunning lake borders Albania and North Macedonia but it’s most popular to visit from the Macedonian side. The crystal-clear waters are the perfect swimming temperature in the summer. It’s such a hidden gem! I also enjoyed visiting the Macedonian capital, Skopje , and taking a day trip to Matka Canyon. Bar/Kotor/Budva, Montenegro: the country’s capital of Podgorica doesn’t have a very exciting reputation but the coastal cities are spectacular. I spent a wonderful peaceful time in Stari Grad, Bar . During my Montenegro itinerary , also had an amazing trip to Kotor taking boat trips on the lake and day trips into the mountains.

Thanks for reading my Albania itinerary!

For more Europe content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Read more Balkan & Eastern Europe posts:

• Tried & tested itinerary for travelling the Balkans
• Things to do & places to see in Tirana
• 2 week Romania road trip
• Things to do during 2 days in Sofia, Bulgaria
• 30 things to do in Belgrade, Serbia
• Is Belgrade a good place to visit?
• 32 top attractions in Pristina, Kosovo
• The top things to do in Skopje, North Macedonia
• Things to do in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Reasons why Sarajevo is worth visiting
• What to do in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
• The ultimate Croatia itinerary
• 5, 7 or 10 day Slovenia itinerary

TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING ALBANIA Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner and search by month to see the cheapest dates. Driving in Europ e – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in European countries (and all around the world). For buses around Europe, I use Flixbus . It doesn’t connect cities in Albania but it does connect Tirana to other European capitals. For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide and Viator . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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The Ultimate Albania Itinerary: 1 Week, 2 Week, and 3 Week Options

If you’re planning a trip to Albania, it can be a bit of an overwhelming prospect. The country isn’t large, objectively speaking, but giant mountain ranges throughout the country and winding roads make certain trips that look short on the map look way longer in reality.

The fact that there’s really only one international airport right in the middle of the country means that some backtracking is almost always inevitable, unless you are able to fly out via another country.

Want to save this post for future reference? Pin it below!

One Week in Albania Itinerary: 2 Ways to Spend It

If you only have one week in Albania, it can be a little hard to create a good Albania itinerary without excessive backtracking.

I’ve created two itineraries, one focusing on Northern Albania and one focusing on Southern Albania, as they both offer extremely different things.

For the first itinerary, if at all possible, I recommend starting in Tirana, working your way down the coast, and ending in Saranda by then taking the ferry to Corfu to get your flight out. However, if you have flights in and out of Tirana (or Corfu as the case may be), this Albania itinerary will still be useful to you, you will just to have to add on some extra travel time.

For the second itinerary, it will be easy to just fly in and out of Tirana, but this is also a good itinerary to combine with onwards travel throughout the Balkans such as if you are going onwards to Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Kosovo.

A quick note: While this itinerary is possible with only public transportation – which is how I’ve traveled Albania for the 5+ weeks I’ve spent traveling it – a car will enable you to get even more off the beaten path and visit more remote and pristine beaches, gorgeous hidden hot springs, marvelous ruins, and more. But driving in Albania isn’t for the faint of heart, so it’s only for the experienced driver!

We haven’t been brave enough to drive around Albania… yet. But friends who have had said it’s the trip of a lifetime! Should you choose to rent, we suggest searching via Discover Cars. We’ve rented cars dozens of times in the Balkans through various search engines and have settled on Discover Cars as the best car rental search engine – it searches over 500 trusted rental companies to find the cheapest price for your rental! Compare prices for car rental in Slovenia here.

City & Summer Fun: 1 Week Albania Itinerary

If you’re traveling in summer and want to make the most of Albania’s beaches – while also getting to see a bit of city culture – this is the ideal Albania itinerary for you!

Day 1-2: Explore Tirana

Tirana is hands-down one of my favorite cities in the Balkans, full of incredible restaurants, cafés serving up perfect coffee for less than $1, funky museums, interesting open-air markets, and vibrant street art.

Spend your first day in Tirana getting aquainted with the area around Skanderbeg Square, visiting Bunkart 2 and/or the House of Leaves, checking out the socialist mural on the National History Museum, visiting the newly renovated Pazar I Ri market area, and walking around the hipster neighborhood of Blloku which used to be the center of Communist rule during Enver Hoxha’s murderous reign.

This is a great area to go out at night: I strongly recommend Colonial Cocktail Academy for inventive mixology, Radio Bar for chilled-out drinks in a funky vintage-inspired settling, Nouveau Vague for one of the most photogenic terraces in Tirana, and Kino for a lovely summer garden and fabulous mixed drinks.

For your next day in Tirana, get a little green in your life. I strongly recommend heading out to Bunkart 1, which is quite different from Bunkart 2 and even more interesting as it used to be  Enver Hoxha’s nuclear bunker and a lot of it has been kept just as-is. As a bonus, it’s right next  to the Dajti Express cable car, where you can zoom up to the heights of Mount Dajti and have a fabulous view over Tirana.

Afterwards, when you return to sea level, take a walk through the Grand Park of Tirana near Blloku with its gorgeous artificial lake and stop for drinks at one of the lakeside bars (I like Black Sheep). You can also check out the the Cloud installation (Reja) in front of the National Arts Gallery of Tirana, which is also worth a visit.

While there, don’t miss Piramida (the abandoned Pyramid of Tirana, built in homage to Enver Hoxha and since abandoned) and the Peace Bell installation which was made of melted-down bullets from the crazy post-communist years of the 1990s. You also should check out the “Postbllok – Checkpoint” installation near the Pyramid, which has a piece of the Berlin Wall, a leftover bunker from the paranoia-days of Hoxha’s rule, as well as the iron supporting beams of a copper and pyrite mine from one of Albania’s forced labor camps.

After all that, be sure to check out some of Tirana’s fantastic restaurants – there’s something for everyone!

Day 3: Take a day trip to Berat or Kruja

If I had to pick one or the other, I would opt for Berat as it’s one of my favorite places in Albania and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with good reason. It’s extremely impressive and really beautiful to walk around, and its small size (and only two-hour minibus distance from Tirana) means that it’s quite easy to visit for just a day trip.

When in Berat, be sure to cross the bridges to get a sense for both sides of the town, as they are a bit different (one is protected by UNESCO and prevented to make any changes, and the other has been allowed to make some adaptations to be better suited for guesthouses and the like).

And of course, don’t miss the gorgeous Berat Castle up on the hill, the crowning glory of any trip to Berat. Getting up can be a bit of an effort – it’s not the most well signposted so you can easily find yourself getting in the back way with some struggle, especially if it’s hot when you visit!

If you opt to visit Kruja, it’s most famous for its excellent castle remains – one of the best-preserved remains of a castle in Albania. It’s also well-loved for its fabulous ethnographic museum, as well as the National Museum Gjergj Kastrioti, a beloved 1400 military figure.

Day 4-5: Head to the coast (basing in Himara or Dhermi)

I love the Albanian Riviera so much, and if you’re visiting in the summer, you’ve got to have some beach days on your Albania itinerary. I have a detailed guide to the Albanian Riviera which you can reference if you want more explanation, but I’ll go into it a bit here as well.

Personally, I loved basing myself in the chill beachside town of Himara. The main city beach isn’t so phenomenal, but there’s a “secret beach” you can hike to or hire a boat to take you to that is one of my favorite in all of Albania. It’s also quite close to several of my other favorite Albanian beaches, including Jale, Gjipje, and Porto Palermo.

Dhermi also makes another fantastic base, although I didn’t get a chance to experience it for myself on my Albanian Riviera trip a few years back. Dhermi is a little more posh whereas Himara is a little more low-key, so it depends what the vibe you’re looking for it. Dhermi has Drymades beach, which is phenomenal, and it’s closer to the Karaburun peninsula which has some of the most untouched beaches in Albania.

Either make a great base so I suggest picking based on your travel style and what accommodations are available.

Day 6-7: End your trip in Saranda, exploring Butrint & Ksamil

Saranda is a fantastic base for further explorations in southern Albania, in addition to just being a great town to relax in as well. Saranda has some quite nice beaches once you get away from the ferry area which is a bit polluted, but the really beautiful beaches are down just a 15-minute drive from Saranda in Ksamil.

I’d spend a half-day exploring Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the least-crowded Roman ruins you’ll ever come across in your life, before spending the afternoon in Ksamil Beach enjoying the sun and relaxing.

On your final day, you can either chill in Saranda, eating delicious seafood from waterfront restaurants, taking a brisk hike up to the Lëkurësi castle which has gorgeous views over the city, or returning to Ksamil for a lovely day of relaxing.

Nature & Hiking Focus: 1 Week in Albania Itinerary

Day 1: explore tirana.

It takes a while to really get into the mountains of Albania, so you’re going to have to cut your city time close if you only have one week in Albania on your itinerary and you really want to do some epic hiking and nature escapes.

I’d roughly follow the outline I recommended above for Tirana but skip some parts of Day 2, particularly Bunkart 1 and Mount Dajti which will take the better half of a day.

If you walk strategically and get an early start in Tirana, you can cover the following: either Bunkart 2 or The House of Leaves, Skanderbeg Square, Pazar I Ri and the revitalized Kalajes I Tirane area as well as the pedestrian street of Toptani, visiting the Piramida complex, seeing Reja and the National Arts Gallery, and Postbllok – Checkpoint park area, followed by checking out Blloku by night for its fabulous restaurants and nightlife.

Day 2: Head north to Shkodra

Shkodra is one of my favorite cities in Albania – it’s quiet and calm in a way that is sorely missing in Tirana, mostly due to the fact that it’s one of the most bicycle-crazy cities in Albania.

It has a great pedestrian walkway with lots of wonderful coffee shops which is an easy place to while away half an afternoon. I recommend renting bikes and heading out to Rozafa Castle, where you can get phenomenal views over Lake Shkodra, and if you’re extra ambitious you can even bike to the shores of the lake and sunbathe there for a bit or even go for a dip.

You can also check out the phenomenal photography museum there, the Marubi National Museum of Photography, the beautiful central mosque, and the old bazaar.

Day 3: Head to Lake Komani for the Valbona to Theth trek

The best thing about staying in Shkodra for a night before your hike is that you have the ability to leave the majority of your luggage behind. I stayed at Wanderers Hostel in Shkodra and they had secure luggage storage. This way you can just pack a smaller day pack for what you’ll need for your Valbona to Theth hike.

Start your day heading to Lake Komani, which is the gateway to the Albanian Alps, and take the gorgeous ferry across the waters to Fierza, from which you can head onwards into the Alps. Here’s a guide to taking the Komani ferry .

You’ll end up making your way to Valbona by the end of the day, which is a fantastic place to rest up before your epic hike tomorrow or the following day.

Day 4-6: Enjoy Valbona & Theth

The hike from Valbona to Theth is one of the most popular in Albania. I actually have wanted to do this hike for ages and have planned two twice – only to have my first trip derailed by freak thunderstorms and flash floods and my second attempt derailed by the first snowfall in early October… so, while I know from photos and friends’ experiences that this is a must-do in Albania for hikers, I can’t personally speak to it.

Instead, I refer you to my friends Rohan and Max who know Albania super well and have done this hike and written about it in great detail – their Valbona to Theth guide is easily the best out there (as other guides have just copied it without adding anything of their own to it), so use that as your reference point.  

Once you arrive in Theth, it’s worth spending some time exploring Theth National Park and making the hike out to the Theth blue eye, which is one of the most beautiful places in Northern Albania.

Day 7: Head back to Tirana

The journey back from Theth is a long one, so I recommend leaving the better part of a day for it. You’ll need to go back to Shkodra via an incredibly bumpy road (which keeps hearing promises of repaving, yet no dice so far as of 2019). From there, you’ll need to catch a bus back to Tirana.

At that point, you’ll probably only have an evening left, so check out the Tirana bar and restaurant scene and enjoy your last few meals and drinks in Albania!

Two Weeks in Albania Itinerary : Extension Ideas

If you have two weeks in Albania, now you’re open to plenty more options that will make your time spent there even more rewarding. Personally, I think that two weeks is a way better amount of time to spend in Albania, but I understand people sometimes only have one week and that’s better than nothing.

With a two weeks in Albania itinerary, you’ll be able to cover the majority of the main sights, squeeze in both beach time and mountain time, and even get to see all of Albania’s UNESCO sights.

To save time, this Albania itinerary has you arrive in Tirana, explore the North, then head south and catch a ferry out of Corfu. If you need to return to Tirana from Saranda by bus to catch a flight, factor that into your Albania itinerary.

I’m not going to re-write these entirely as it is mostly combining both of the one-week itineraries with a few extra which I’ll mark with a NOTE . Other than that,  I’ll just lay it out and you can refer above to my suggestions.

Day 1-2: Tirana

Day 3-4: Berat

NOTE: Spend your extra day in Berat visiting the nearby Cobo winery, one of the best in Albania, or cooling off in the fabulous Bogove Waterfalls.

Day 5: Shkodra

Day 4-6: Lake Komani & arriving in Valbona

Day 7: Return to Tirana for a rest day before making your way down the coast

Day 8-11: Albanian Riviera, using Himara or Dhermi as a base

Day 12-14: Saranda, Butrint, Ksamil, Blue Eye, Gjirokastra, etc.

NOTE: The Blue Eye is right on the way to Gjirokastra, so you can simply take a furgon from Saranda, get off at the Blue Eye and visit it for an hour or two, then wait back where you exited the bus to then go onwards to Gjirokastra, a “Stone City” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site about an hour and a half from Saranda. There, you’ll find a castle with a unique amphitheater as well as the ethnographic museum which was the birthplace of Enver Hoxha.

Three Weeks in Albania Itinerary : Even More Extension Ideas

If you have three weeks in Albania, now you can really start exploring and getting off the beaten path!

Follow the two week itinerary, but add one day in Tirana and use it for a day trip to Kruja Castle, which is a wonderful stop on your Albania Itinerary. From Berat, you can add a side trip to Korca and/or Pogradec to enjoy some time on the Albanian side of beautiful Lake Ohrid.

Here are a few other places you can add to your Albania itinerary, so you can mix and match it to suit how much time you have there:

• Rana e Hedhun sand dunes in Shengjin, near Lezhe on your way to or from Shkodra.
• Karaburun peninsula and the Llogara Pass on your trip around the Albanian Riviera
• Elbasan between Tirana and Berat for a non-touristy Albanian city
• Durres to visit Apollonia, a UNESCO-tentative sight
• Permet, some beautiful hot springs in Southern Albania which make a great diversion from Gjirokastra

More Albania Resources

First, start by reading our post on planning a trip to Albania . It covers everything from visas to vaccinations to what to pack, so it’s a great jumping-off point for your travel plans.

If you’re curious about the currency used in Albania and how tipping works, we recommend our Balkan currency guide to learn all about the Albanian lek and tipping culture.

If you’re looking for even more places to add to your Albania itinerary, we have a bunch of ideas for you from us and other bloggers in this collaborative post about the 15 best places to visit in Albania !

We are working on all of our Tirana guides, but for now, we have posts on the best restaurants in Tirana and the best Instagram spots in Tirana .

We add new content almost daily! We recommend you bookmark our homepage , our Albania page , or our general Balkans page to refer to when planning your trip.

Finally, Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that  travel insurance  is a great idea for Albania and for travel in general! This is especially true when you’re talking about hiking in remote areas where help is far away, or relaxing on the beach or traveling around cities where you can be a potential target for theft.

Stephanie and I have both been paying customers of  World Nomads  for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption.

While Albania is perfectly safe to travel around, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel, so it’s better to play it safe.

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

Originally from California, Allison has been living in Bulgaria for the last two years and is obsessed with traveling around the Balkans. She has been published in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, Matador Network, and the Huffington Post. She loves befriending dogs, drinking coffee, geeking out about wine, and cooking food from around the world.

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Albania Itinerary: Mountains, Beaches & Culture in 10 Days (+ Map)

This 10-day itinerary for Albania will take you from the mountains in the north to the beaches in the south. It will bring you to the country’s highlights and help you plan your trip.

Albania is one of my favourite destinations in Europe. From the Albanian Alps to the Albanian Riviera and everything in between, this diverse country is full of beautiful places to explore.

If you only have 10 days in Albania, I highly recommend renting a car in Tirana for the second part of this itinerary. This will help you save some valuable time.

But without further ado, here’s the perfect 10-day Albania itinerary for first-timers!

Albania Itinerary for 10 Days: Overview

Day 1: Tirana & head to Shkoder Day 2: Komani Lake Ferry (Shkoder to Valbona) Day 3: Valbona to Theth Hike Day 4: Theth Day 5: Theth to Berat Day 6: Berat Day 7: Gjirokaster Day 8: Gjirokaster & the Blue Eye Day 9: Ksamil & Butrint National Park Day 10: Himare & back to Tirana

10 Days in Albania: Day by Day Itinerary

You will find a detailed guide including what to do and how to travel between places below. I started my trip in Albania in the north and then headed to the south, but you can easily turn this around if you want to.

Note that this itinerary is quite packed so that you can see the best of what Albania has to offer in just 10 days. If you would like to take it more slowly, you can always skip your least favourite destination.

Day 1: Tirana & head to Shkoder

Most people will start their Albanian journey in Tirana, the capital, and it’s worth exploring this city for a couple of hours before heading to Shkoder.

Make sure to start early to make the most out of your day, as there are quite some things to see and do in Tirana .

I started my visit at Skanderbeg Square , the city’s main square and visited the beautiful Et’hem Bej Mosque next. Apart from that, I visited the Tirana Pyramid , Namazgjah Mosque and Toptani Castle complex too.

Tirana is also home to the famous Bunk’Art 1 and Bunk’Art 2 museums . These are housed in underground bunkers and will teach you more about Albania’s turbulent history.

It’s good to know that while Bunk’art 1 tends to be most people’s favourite, Bunk’art 2 is a better option if you’re short on time. This museum is located close to Skanderbeg Square and it’s smaller than Bunk’art 1. I visited Bunk’Art 2 and can recommend it to history buffs or anyone who wants to learn more about the country’s history.

🚌 Make sure not to miss the last bus to Shkoder. There’s a bus every 30 minutes and the last one leaves at 5 pm. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to travel between these cities.

🏨 Where to stay in Shkoder

• Budget: Mi Casa es Tu Casa
• Mid-range: Hotel Tradita
• Luxury: Hotel Golden Palace

Day 2: Komani Lake Ferry (Shkoder to Valbona)

Shkoder is the gateway to the Accursed Mountains or Albanian Alps . If you only have 10 days in Albania, it’s better to skip a visit to this city (trust me, there are more interesting ones included in this itinerary) and head straight to Valbona on day two.

The journey from Shkoder to Valbona is a beautiful one. You will have to take the bus to Komani Lake first. It leaves from Shkoder at 6:30 am and will drop you at the lake around 8:30 am. Here, you can take the 9 am ferry on Komani Lake . This is a relaxing 3-hour ride with spectacular landscapes.

The ferry will drop you off in Fierze, a 30-minute drive from Valbona. Usually, you can either take the bus or a taxi here, however, when I arrived in Fierze, the bus wasn’t operating so I had to take a cab for €20 ($21,90).

You should arrive in Valbona around 1 pm, which will give you some time to explore the region in the afternoon. The surroundings are really beautiful and it’s worth going for a little walk.

🏨 Where to stay in Valbona

• Budget: Guest House Hyrmet Demushi
• Mid-range: Mountain Oasis
• Luxury: Valbona Resort & Spa

Tip: I recommend leaving your big backpack in Shkoder while heading to Valbona and Theth. Keep in mind that you will have to carry all of your stuff during the hike from Valbona to Theth on day 3, so it’s a good idea to bring the necessary stuff only.

Day 3: Valbona to Theth hike

The hike from Valbona to Theth was the absolute highlight of my trip to Albania, and if you love the mountains as much as I do, you might just fall in love with it too.

This is a moderate hike that takes an average of 7 to 8 hours and it’s good to know that hiking is the only way to get from Valbona to Theth or the other way around as there’s no road connecting these villages.

The landscapes along the way are truly magnificent and the path is easy to follow. It took me about 9 hours to complete this hike because I stopped a million times to enjoy the scenery and take pictures.

It’s good to know that this hike starts in Rragam and many of Valbona’s hotels are quite far from here, so depending on where you’re staying, you might have to take a taxi to the trailhead.

If hiking is not an option for you, I recommend spending the day in Valbona and heading back to Shkoder on day 4. Theth is an amazing place to visit but the best way to explore it is also by hiking, so I would recommend visiting Shkoder instead.

🏨 Where to stay in Theth

• Budget: Guest House Rrashkadoli
• Mid-range: Guest House Hyrmet Demushi (close to the trailhead)
• Luxury: Vidis Chalet Hotel

Day 4: Theth

Theth is a charming mountain village surrounded by breathtaking scenery. This is one of my favourite destinations in Europe and I would love to visit it again one day.

There are plenty of beautiful places to visit in and around Theth . Apart from its incredibly picturesque church and mysterious lock-in tower , the Grunas Waterfall and the Blue Eye of Theth are worth visiting too.

Another thing I love about Theth is the organic food. Here, meat and dairy products come from local cattle and sheep, while vegetables are grown on the land.

All in all, Theth is the perfect place to unwind, hike and enjoy nature, and if you’re asking me, it cannot miss from any Albania itinerary!

Day 5: Theth to Berat

To see the best of Albania in just 10 days, you will have to spend some time on the road too, and that’s what today is all about.

To get to Berat, you will have to take the mini-bus from Theth to Shkoder first. It leaves every day at 11 am and takes about 1,5 hours to reach Shkoder.

Once you’re in Shkoder, you can catch a bus to Tirana. It leaves every 30 minutes and takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Tirana, so you should arrive here around 3 pm.

I highly recommend renting a car in Tirana for this itinerary, as this will help you save a lot of time. Make sure to book one in advance so that you can simply pick it up once you reach the capital.

Driving from Tirana to Berat takes a little under 2 hours, so you should arrive in this town in the early evening.

🏨 Where to stay in Berat

• Budget: Hostel Mangalem
• Mid-range: Hotel Klea
• Luxury: Hotel Ansel

Day 6: Berat

Often nicknamed the City of a Thousand Windows , Berat is famous for its historic Ottoman architecture. Many of the buildings in this UNESCO World Heritage site date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. If you’re a culture, architect or history lover, this is a place you will love!

Apart from visiting Berat’s historical centre full of white houses, Gorica Bridge , St. Michael’s Church and the National Ethnographic Museum are other places that cannot be missed during a visit to this town.

Head to the 13th-century Berat Castle for sunset. Not only will you have a spectacular view of the surroundings from here, but this castle also boasts impressive landmarks including a citadel and church.

Day 7: Gjirokaster

🚗 Gjirokaster is a 2.5-hour drive from Berat, so make sure to leave early so that you will have enough time to explore this beautiful town.

This city’s historic centre is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its beautiful Ottoman houses, colourful bazaars and cobblestone streets, Gjirokaster is one of Albania’s most charming cities.

When you finish exploring the historic centre and bazaar (you might find some great Albanian souvenirs here), I recommend visiting Zekate House , a traditional Ottoman house that’s open to visitors.

If you would like to learn more about traditional life in Albania, it’s worth heading to the Ethnographic Museum , which stands on the site where the house of communist dictator Enver Hoxha once stood.

Finally, head to Gjirokaster Castle and its fascinating museum. This castle is perched on top of a hill and it’s one of the largest in the Balkans. In the castle’s museum, you can learn more about the city’s fascinating history.

🏨 Where to stay in Gjirokaster

• Budget: Stone City Hostel
• Mid-range: Yuri Guest House
• Luxury: Hotel Kalemi

Day 8: Gjirokaster & the Blue Eye

Before heading to Albania’s Blue Eye, it’s worth hiking to the Ali Pasha Bridge , which is right outside of Gjirokaster.

This bridge was once part of an aqueduct system commissioned by Ali Pasha of Tepelenëv. It was built at the beginning of the 19th century and before that, the Gjirokaster Castle didn’t have a reliable water source.

The Ali Pasha Bridge is a 30-minute walk from the Gjirokaster Bazar. If you’re short on time, you can park your car near the bridge, though, it’s only a 10-minute hike from the road.

If you didn’t have the time to do everything you wanted yesterday, you can visit more places today.

🚗 Keep in mind that it’s a 50-minute drive to get to the Blue Eye and that you will need about an hour to visit it.

Once you finished visiting Gjirokaster, it’s time to head to the famous Blue Eye near Sarande, which is a 50-minute drive from this city. Albania’s Blue Eye or Syri I Kalter is a water spring that got its name thanks to its beautiful blue colour.

One of the things that makes the Blue Eye so fascinating is that no one knows how deep it is. Divers have attempted to descend into it multiple times to calculate its depth, but they didn’t succeed. The reason is that due to the high water pressure of the spring, you get pushed to the surface immediately when you attempt to jump into it.

It’s good to know that although you can swim in the Blue Eye (and many people do), the water is extremely cold! I dipped my feet in it for a few seconds and had to hurry out.

🚗 After visiting the Blue Eye, it’s time to head to the Albanian Riviera . Ksamil is home to some of Albania’s most beautiful beaches and it’s just a 50-minute drive from the Blue Eye.

🏨 Where to stay in Ksamil

• Budget: Vila Ronaldo
• Mid-range: Marku Palace
• Luxury: Villa White

Day 9: Butrint National Park & Ksamil

Butrint was another one of my favourite places to visit in Albania and if you’re a history buff, this is a place you absolutely cannot miss!

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a 10-minute drive from Ksamil and it once was one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire . Here, you will find ruins that date back to as far as the 4th century BCE.

After being struck by an earthquake in the Middle Ages, this city was abandoned, and it’s one of the most important historical sites in Albania today.

Apart from its magnificent ruins and rich history, something I really love about Butrint is that it’s an archaeological site and nature park at the same time. The park is full of greenery and it’s famous for its immense diversity of flora and fauna.

It’s good to know that it takes 1,5 to 3 hours to visit this park, it all depends on your personal pace.

After all that travelling, it’s nice to spend the rest of the day simply relaxing at the beach. Ksamil’s beach is often called the Maldives of Europe due to its white sand and crystal clear water.

This being said, Ksamil is not a place everyone will like (I actually hated it). If you don’t mind being among other tourists, you will be able to enjoy this beach. If you’re like me, however, and prefer more tranquil and offbeat places, I recommend heading to another beach instead.

What I did when I travelled along the Albanian Riviera was to check the area using Google Maps’ satellite view. This allowed me to find remote beaches where not too many people head to.

Day 10: Beaches & Back to Tirana

On the last day of this 10-day itinerary for Albania, it’s time to head back to Tirana, which is a little under 4 hours from Ksamil. I recommend splitting this journey in two and stopping at one of the beaches near Himare or Vlore.

Although the beaches of Himare and Vlore are beautiful, I wanted to visit a more remote one and hiked to a small, secluded beach that I found while scanning the area using Google Maps’ satellite view.

I recommend checking out the best beaches in Albania or scanning the area with Google Maps like I did to find a beach that suits your personal taste.

Albania Itinerary for 10 Days: Map

Best Time to Visit Albania

The best time to visit Albania is from mid-June to September , as this is when the Valbona Pass is accessible. It’s different every year, but if you visit in early June or October, it might not be possible to hike from Valbona to Theth (which is a highlight on a trip to Albania) because of the snow.

It’s good to know that July and August is peak season in Albania, so there will be more crowds (and accommodation will be more expensive) at this time of the year.

For the best overall conditions, I would recommend visiting Albania during the two last weeks of June or in September. I visited Albania in mid-June and the weather was perfect.

Read more about Albania:

• Is Albania Worth Visiting? 11 Reasons to Visit
• Best Things to Do in Gjirokaster
• 9 Epic Things to Do in Theth, Albania
• Valbona to Theth Hike: How to Hike Valbona Pass
• Blue Eye in Albania: Ultimate Guide
• 21 Souvenirs from Albania That Don’t Suck

Albania Travel Planning Guide

🛫 Find the cheapest flights to Albania on  Skyscanner . 🏨 Find the best accommodation via  Booking  or  Agoda . 🚃 Use  Omnio  to book public transportation in Albania. 💰 Get travel insurance via  Visitors Coverage , one of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies. 📋 Don’t forget to  check if you need a visa   to visit Albania.

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

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The Perfect 2-Week Albania Itinerary

There are few places left in Europe that can truly be considered off the beaten track, but in Albania , you can still forge your own path. Long considered the Wild West of Europe, Albania is fast becoming the hottest ticket on the continent.

This little-visited Balkan nation has an unusual mixture of Ottoman and Mediterranean influences, a testament to Albania’s long history at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This is one of Europe’s only Muslim-majority countries, and you’ll be fascinated by the sight of minarets rising above the towns and cities and the sound of the call to prayer in the mornings. 

But Albania is only just re-finding its sense of identity after decades spent under the cruel rule of Enver Hoxha, a paranoid communist dictator who was shunned by the rest of the world. Next to mosques, along beaches, and even in public parks and city centers you’ll see the unusual sight of concrete bunkers, hundreds of thousands of which were built on the orders of Hoxha. 

They litter the landscape, and while many are just concrete scars of a time Albanians would rather forget, many more are being turned into art pieces and memorials in an attempt to understand the past rather than simply forget. 

Your 14-day Albania itinerary will take you to famous sights in Tirana , the capital, and onto the beautiful nature and wildlife of Lake Shkodër. From the wild mountain passes and timeless villages of the Albanian Alps, you’ll explore ancient Roman ruins and Ottoman fortresses as you work your way south for a relaxing stay on the Albanian Riviera. 

Albania can satisfy the tastes of beach lovers and adventure travelers, you’ll revel in the blend of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisines , and you’ll quickly fall head over heels for the stark and uncompromising beauty of the land and the culture. 

Be quick about it, though, because Albania won’t stay so untrodden for long. If you’re planning a Balkan break, then keep reading as we explain how to spend a perfect 2 weeks in Albania! 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Two Weeks in Albania

Preparing for albania.

There are a few things to know as you prepare to visit the must-see places in Albania during your 2-week vacation. First of all, your planning will be made easier knowing that Albania has a fairly loose immigration policy for citizens of 88 nations, including passport holders from the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union. 

Passport holders of these countries can stay in Albania visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days. It’s the same visa policy that the Schengen Zone has (but Albania is not in the Schengen Zone), and if you’re staying in the country for longer, you’ll need to secure a longer-term visa from a consulate. 

The Albanian Lek is the currency in circulation, but given the weak status of the Lek, many prices in tourist areas are often quoted in Euros. Hotels and tour operators often prefer taking Euros over Lek, as the Euro is more stable, but be careful as you could end up with a poor exchange rate. US Dollars and British Pounds are typically widely accepted, with the USD being roughly equivalent to 100 Lek. 

There’s no reason not to use Lek, though, and indeed, costs will likely be lower if you do. You can change money at exchanges, or better yet, just withdraw cash at ATMs. While cards can be used in Tirana and other tourist hubs and towns, you’ll need cash for local transport and in remote mountain villages.  

While Albania is nominally a Muslim nation, decades of communist rule mean that the religion is no longer particularly widespread. In rural destinations, traditional customs often supersede religion anyway, and you’ll find it fascinating to delve into a Balkan culture that’s been lost in the cities. 

Albania did have a reputation as a lawless, Wild West, and while this was true immediately following the fall of communism in the 1990s, the country is now developing quickly. Things are modernizing, and it’s getting far easier to travel around Albania than it was even a few years ago!

The Best Time to Visit Albania

Albania is located in the southern section of the Balkans, and with a coastline that stretches along the Adriatic Sea, rest assured that much of the country enjoys a beautiful Mediterranean climate. In fact, the weather in Albania is just as sunny as in neighboring Greece to the south, Montenegro to the north, and Italy across the sea to the west, but there are far fewer tourists around to get in your way!

If you love scorching hot weather, this means that the best time to visit Albania is in the summer months. Temperatures often reach highs of 31°C (88°F) in June, July, and August, which is perfect weather for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling all along the Albanian Riviera. Prices remain competitive even in the peak season (and a fraction of the cost of a holiday to Greece), and tourist numbers are comparatively low. 

If you prefer your weather to be a little cooler, we recommend visiting in spring or autumn, when the most popular destinations are also a little quieter, too. In April and May, temperatures still reach above 20°C (68°F), as they do in September and October as well. Even in winter, the coast sees highs hovering around 11°C (52°F) in January and February, although parts of the country can be considerably colder and very rainy. 

If you’re interested in hiking in the mountains, the best time to visit is from March to June or September to November. The climate is cooler, and Albania’s nature and wildlife are simply glorious. Tirana has enough interesting sights to be a city-break-worthy destination all year round, although again, the capital is best enjoyed in spring or autumn when it’s not too hot or too cold. 

Getting Around Albania

If you’re flying into Albania, the vast majority of international flights land in Tirana. The international airport is a half-hour taxi ride away from the city center, or you can jump on the airport shuttle buses, which have hourly departures. You may also arrive overland or by ferry, depending on where you choose to start your itinerary. 

Albania has a land border with Montenegro to the north, and while there are few buses on this route, you can take shared taxis over the border to Shkodër and then travel onwards to Tirana or Durres. 

From Macedonia to the west, there are bus connections to Tirana, Durres, and even Saranda in the south of Albania. From Greece, you can travel north to Saranda by bus or take the ferry from Corfu. There are overnight ferries from Bari in Italy to Durres, from where you can connect to most other destinations in Albania. 

Albania is one of the most beautiful countries to visit in Europe, but it’s not the easiest country to travel around. This is one destination that’s best enjoyed by seasoned travelers, and it’s important to be flexible when you’re planning your itinerary because not everything is going to go as planned!

Much of this is down to a lack of reliable public transportation, and it’s often difficult finding out accurate information about departure times or even departure points when you’re getting around. In Tirana, there’s a central bus station just outside the city center, which has timetabled departures to most major cities and towns. 

In other destinations, the timetables might be a bit looser, and smaller buses and minibuses often depart only when they are full. Ask at your hotel or speak with local tour guides for up-to-date info on routes and times when you’re on the ground. While unreliable, transportation in Albania is excellent value!

Albania Itinerary: 2 Weeks to Explore the Highlights of the Country

Tirana – 2 nights.

If you’re flying into the country, then the best place to start your 2-week trip to Albania is in Tirana , the capital. However, if you’re arriving overland or sea from neighboring European countries, you may find it more appropriate to move around the itinerary below to suit your direction of travel. 

For example, if you’re traveling south from Montenegro, it makes more sense to start in Shkodër and then travel to Tirana. If you’re traveling from Greece, you can reverse the itinerary and start in Saranda and then end in Tirana or Shkodër. 

Skanderbeg Square

In Tirana, we recommend spending at least two nights in the city. Start by exploring the city center, a compact area that’s focused on Skanderbeg Square, a pedestrianized public square surrounded by many of Tirana’s most important sights and attractions.

In the middle of the square, you’ll find a statue of Skanderbeg, a historical character you’ll hear much more of during your stay in Albania. Skanderbeg was immortalized after resisting the Ottoman invasions in the 15th century. Although he was ultimately unsuccessful (the Ottomans would go on to rule Albania until 1912), Skanderbeg has become Albania’s defining national hero. 

You can then visit the Palace of Culture and the National Historical Museum , two very communist-looking buildings which are in stark contrast to an old Ottoman-era bridge, and the Et’ Hem Bey Mosque, which are also found in the same square. Nearby, you can explore Tirana Castle and see the Albanian Parliament, then stop for lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants on the pedestrianized Rruga Murat Toptani street (try Millennium Garden or Noki).

Bunk’Art 2

Next, you’ll want to head underground into Bunk’Art 2 , an old nuclear fallout shelter built during the communist era. The old bunker is now an art gallery and museum, and you’ll have a harrowing look at the reign of Enver Hoxha. 

Continue to the unusual “Pyramid of Tirana” (now being refurbished, but originally built as a monument to Hoxha), then round up a day of sightseeing with a visit to the Sky Tower , where you’ll have excellent views of Tirana from the revolving restaurant and bar. After a drink, head to Artigiano Vila or Oda for dinner!

On Day 2, you can take the cable car to the top of Mount Dajti, where you’ll have uninterrupted views across Tirana. This is a chance to escape to the countryside, and you can spend the morning hiking in Mount Dajti National Park or just taking in the views. 

In the afternoon, you can either head back to Tirana to visit a few more museums (such as the House of Leaves or the Grand Park) or visit Bunk’Art 1 . This is the original Bunk Art Museum, and it’s located inside a nuclear bunker built into a mountainside. 

Explore the City of Tirana

Lake Shkodër – 2 nights

Your next stop is Lake Shkodër, one of the most beautiful places to see in Albania. It’s a two-hour drive north from Tirana to the city of Shkodër, which sits on the banks of southern Europe’s largest lake.

Lake Shkodër is so large it spans the border between Albania and Montenegro. You’ll have two days to explore the history and nature of the city and the lake, and you might find it helpful to rent a bicycle to get around quickly.

Rozafa Castle

Start by hiking or cycling to Rozafa Castle, an Ottoman-era castle that looks out across the lake from a hilltop high above Shkodër. You can visit Shkodër Historical Museum to learn more about the local history, then visit the Site of Witness and Memory to better understand the lasting legacy of the communist era in Shkodër. 

We recommend spending the next day exploring the lake. You can hike or bike around the lakeside, rent a kayak or canoe, or join a boat tour. In Shkodër, you can enjoy some excellent cuisine for excellent prices at Fisi Restaurant and Vila Bekteshi .

Day Trip to Shkodër

Kolman Lake/Valbona/Theth – 3 nights

By now, you’ll be settling into the Albanian rhythm. That’s good because from Shkodër, you’re going to be getting well off the beaten track, as your adventure really begins in the Albanian Alps. 

Lake Komani

Make your way from Shkodër to Koman, where you begin one of the most beautiful yet little-known ferry journeys in the world. You’ll be making the two and half hour ferry ride across Lake Komani, a spectacular voyage that cruises across azure waters and past tall cliffs on its way to Fierza. 

Valbona National Park

This is only the start. You’re taking the ferry because it’s the best way to reach Valbona National Park, where stunning mountains and alpine views to rival anywhere in Austria or Italy await you. From Fierza, take a minibus to Valbona, where you’ll then start exploring.

Theth National Park

If you’re feeling fit, then one of the best things to do in Albania is the Valbona to Theth hike. The stunning hike takes around 9 hours (it can vary dramatically depending on your fitness and the weather, so allow yourself the entire day), and you’ll spend the night in Theth, which is the main settlement within Theth National Park. 

You can arrange logistics with local guides in Valbona, who can organize luggage transfers and book homestays. From Theth, you’ll then take a minibus back to Shkodër. You’ll need three nights to make this roundtrip journey. If you’re not up for a tough full-day hike, you can also opt to stay in Valbona and then take the minibus and ferry route back to Shkodër. 

Wander around Komani Lake, Valbona, and Theth

Durres – 2 night 

From Shkodër, it’s a two-hour drive to Durres, although you’ll need to transfer through Tirana if you’re traveling by bus. 

Durres is a large port city on the Adriatic Sea, and with a history dating back to 700 BC, it’s one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean. It was also one of the most important because, during the Roman era, this is where the Via Appia met the Via Egnatia. 

Romans would travel along the Via Appia from Rome to Brindisi, where they’d jump on a boat to Durres and then continue along the Via Egnatia to Constantinople (now Istanbul). Many Roman ruins still remain in Durres, including a magnificent Roman amphitheater that could hold some 20,000 spectators. You can visit the ruins before exploring Durres Castle, the remains of a Byzantine Forum, and the Archeological Museum. 

Durres Beach

Durres isn’t just a stop for history lovers. The surrounding coastline is known for its beaches, and it’s a popular spot for a sunny coastal getaway. You’ll only need one day to see the city’s sights, but we’ve factored in an extra day in case you’re delayed traveling from northern Albania or just want to enjoy a beach day. 

Discover the City of Durres

Berat – 1 night

Beautiful Berat sits on the banks of the River Osum, where the steep sides of a beautiful valley inland offered protection in ancient times. The Illyrians first settled the valley as far back as the 7th century BC, before the city came under the control of Macedonians and then Romans. 

Berat is a one and half hour’s drive from Durres, and while it’s possible to visit on a day trip, Berat is also a much nicer place to spend the night. Durres is a big port city, while Berat is a charming small city with UNESCO World Heritage status (feel free to spend one night in Durres and two in Berat if you’re ahead of schedule!).

Many of the ruins and the great citadel on the hill that you see today were built by the Byzantines, who controlled the region after the fall of the Roman Empire. The Byzantines were replaced by the Ottomans, who are responsible for the marvelous architecture and mosques you now find in the stunning Old Town today (Berat is also known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”). 

Experience a Full-Day Berat Trip

Gjirokaster – 1 night

Keep traveling south along mountain roads away from the coast, and you’ll reach Gjrokaster. This is one of the top places to see in Albania, and you’ll soon fall in love with the Ottoman architecture and mountain scenery.

Gjirokaster has several claims to fame in Albanian history. The city, like most in Albania, dates back to the time of the ancient Greeks, while the Romans and Byzantines left much behind after Gjirokaster was conquered by the Ottomans (visit the staggering citadel on top of the hill to learn more). It was the Ottomans who then left their mark on Gjirokaster and many of the Old Town buildings and the Bazaar debate to this long period in the city’s history, which only ended in 1912. 

Explore the city, and you’ll also learn that this is the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, the paranoid dictator who cordoned Albania off from the outside world for much of the 20th century. The city then became the scene of riots and protests in 1997, which led to the Albanian Civil War, although these days, you’ll find Gjirokaster to be a peaceful place to visit. 

Visit the Old Bazaar and Cfaka

Saranda – 3 nights

Your Albania Itinerary is nearing the end as you depart Gjirokaster along winding roads that traverse the high mountains. You’re heading southwest, and the mountains end dramatically as they swoop down toward the Ionian Sea.

Your final destination is Saranda, a coastal city that sits at the heart of the Albanian Riviera. We recommend 3 nights here, not just because there are lots of fantastic things to do, but to give you a well-earned day at the beach club sipping on cocktails before you head home. 

Take a stroll along the seafront boulevard during the day, and you can pop into bars for a refreshing Korca (Albania’s national beer) or soak up the sun on the public beach. You’ll find a few Roman ruins dotted around the town, alongside the odd communist-era bunker looking forlornly along streets now busy with holidaymakers. 

On either side of the main boulevard are Albania’s best beach clubs, including Lost Seaside and Crystal Island . Prices are low compared to Greece (which you can see from the shoreline) and Italy. 

If you’d rather not spend your last days in Albania as a beach bum, then fear not, because we’ve got many an activity for you to sign up for. Scuba divers and snorkelers can explore the many wrecks that lie at the bottom of the bay, including the SS Probitas (a sunken hospital ship from WWII) and Antonio Shipwreck (a car ferry that sunk in the bay). 

Butrint National Park

You can join a trip to Butrint National Park, explore Ottoman castles in the mountains above Saranda, and visit local wineries and mussel farms for a culinary adventure. You can even take a day trip on the fast ferry to Corfu , in Greece , where you can compare one of Europe’s most visited and well-established destinations with its underrated neighbor!

Stroll the Streets of Saranda

There you have it! That’s our perfect 2-week Albania itinerary. Where will you be traveling on your trip to Albania?

Planning a trip to Albania? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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About the Author:

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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Albania Itinerary: An Epic 2 Week Albania Road Trip from Alps to Riviera & Ohrid Lake

This 2 Week Albania Itinerary covers the Albanian Riviera, historical Ottoman-era towns, the capital Tirana and gorgeous off-the-beaten path destinations in the South and East of Albania (including lake Ohrid) . My Albania road trip route also includes the best places to see and things to do in each location, accommodation options, transportation, driving times and distances, places to eat, and other handy Albania travel tips.

If you have more time to travel in Albania, I also provide an extended 3 week in Albania route which includes the Northern side of the country- the Albanian Alps with the Valbona-Theth hike . Two alternative routes are also included in this guide: a 2-week itinerary from Albanian Alps to Albanian Riviera and 2 weeks in Albanian Alps all the way to Lake Ohrid .

Albania is not yet under many tourists’ radar. However, a good word is spreading and interest in visiting Albania is growing faster each year. Underdog of the Balkans, having been closed from the rest of the world for more than 40 years, Albania is probably one of the most understated countries in Southern Europe. It is no surprise that mentioning Albania as my travel choice, made many eyes roll. Despite that, I have visited Albania twice so far.

Albania will be a dream place for those of you seeking an authentic, a little rustic, untouched by social media, and also a very affordable travel experience in Europe that combines lots of beautiful nature, culture, history, and adventure. 

The country is still in the transition period. From being chained by the communist regime for several decades, completely closed from the outside world to suddenly being exposed to it, there is definitely a lot to take in and figure out for the Albanian people. Nonetheless, Albania is extremely welcoming to foreign visitors and surprisingly easy to travel around. 

Located in south-eastern Europe, Albania is scarred by dramatic history but blessed with incredible nature- from turquoise waters of Adriatic and Ionian coasts , deep canyons, refreshing lakes, and gushing rivers, to breathtaking Albanian Alps inviting for some of the best hikes in the Balkans.

Meanwhile, the UNESCO-listed Berat and Gjirokastër towns are perfect places for those who love traveling back in time, history, and beautiful old architecture. 

Based on my traveling in Albania experience, here is my modified itinerary, part of which can be done using public transport (buses and minivans) and the rest of it as a road trip in a rental car . Although public connections are available to all the places mentioned in this guide, they are not as frequent and convenient as self-driving. 

RELATED READS: Driving in Albania- everything you need to know before renting a car.

Keep on reading this day-by-day Albania Itinerary for the best places to see, things to do , and what to skip. Plan your own perfect trip to Albania with my practical traveling in Albania tips, including recommended accommodation in Albania, how to get around, as well as driving times and distances between each leg of the trip, and last but not least- great places to eat in each destination. 

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). This helps to keep my blog running and growing by creating more awesome free content for you.

2-week Albania Itinerary for a Perfect Road Trip (extendable to 3 weeks)

Albania itinerary overview.

• Day 1: Tirana
• Day 2: Tirana-Berat
• Day 3: Berat
• Day 4: Berat-Himara
• Day 5: Himara (visit Dhermi and Gjipe) 
• Day 6: Himara (visit Borsh) 
• Day 7: Himara- Gjirokaster
• Day 8: Gjirokaster
• Day 9: Gjirokaster- Permet
• Day 10: Permet – Korca
• Day 11: Korca- Lin
• Day 12: Lin
• Day 13: Lin-Tirana
• Day 14: Tirana

Extended 3-week Albania itinerary

• Day 15: Tirana – Shkodra (Shkoder) 
• Day 16: Shkodra-Komani Lake Ferry-Valbona
• Day 17: Valbona Pass hike to Theth
• Day 18: Theth
• Day 19: Theth-Shkodra
• Day 20: Shkodra- Kruje
• Day 21: Kruje-Tirana

Albania Itinerary Map

Albania travel essentials

• My TOP TIP : The best way to explore Albania is by self-driving. Look for the best rental car rates at Localrent or Discover Cars .
• Best flight deals: Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Albania from your location.
• Accommodation: book your perfect stay using Booking.com .
• Before You Go: 90-day tourist visa is free for most nationalities; if not apply for an Albania visa easily at iVisa .
• Travel insurance : for safe traveling in Albania. Get a quote at SafetyWing or World Nomads .
• Guided tours: look for the best-rated Albania tours on Viator .
• Local SIM Card: Get a sim at the Tirana airport arrivals hall. The best coverage is provided by Vodafone. A tourist pack with 70 GB of data and free local calls costs 2000 LEK (17 EUR).

Recommended guided day tours in Albania:

• Tirana Walking Tour with Food Tasting (5/5 Viator)
• Rafting in Osumi Canyons (5/5 Viator)
• Kayaking and hiking Valbona Pass in 4 days from Tirana (5/5 Viator)
• Pearls of Albania in 8 days (5/5 Viator) – for those who prefer everything organized this tour covers almost all the main highlights of Albania .

About this Albania road trip itinerary

How much time to spend in albania.

This Albania itinerary is created based on my two separate trips. One of them covered 2 weeks of exploring the central, southern, and eastern parts of the country, while the other was focused on visiting the Northern side of Albania for one week.

To see all the places mentioned in this guide you will definitely need 3 weeks in Albania. 

The first two weeks in Albania route is planned as a loop starting and finishing in the capital Tirana. Meanwhile, an extended itinerary adds one week in Albania coving the Northern side-Shkoder and the Albanian Alps.

If you do not have 3 weeks to spare for your trip to Albania and feel like mixing and matching some of the places, or cutting off some time spent in one of the locations and adding more time to the other, you can definitely do so.

My main advice is- do not try seeing the whole country in a short period of time. Logistically and in time wise it would be simply impossible. You can modify this Albania route depending on what you love exploring the most- is it mountains, beaches, historical towns, or bustling cities?

By reading the details about each location on my Albania itinerary route, you will get a good idea if the place is your cup of tea (or coffee).

To give you more inspiration on how to best schedule the trip, I have created two alternative 2-week in Albania route suggestions, where I mixed around parts of the original route. I share those at end of this post.

Also, bear in mind the time of the year that you choose to travel to Albania. For example, the Valbona-Theth hike is seasonal and can be done from late May to early October. Outside these months trail might not be passable, so you have to take this into account when planning.

RELATED READS: Read my detailed post about Valbona-Theth hike in Albanian Alps.

How to get around Albania? Transportation used in this Albania route

Although the whole trip could be completed using public transport only I would strongly recommend renting a car for visiting the Albanian Riviera. Also, the southern and eastern parts of Albania have a lot of beautiful corners reachable only by car, while public transport is sparse. Meanwhile, you can absolutely get away without a car in the section of the route covering the Northern side of Albania. 

On my two-week trip to Albania, I picked up the rental car a few days later into the trip as I did not need it for Tirana and the mountain town Berat which I reached using public transport.

Instead of Tirana airport, I hired a car from the port town of Durres because it was more convenient for continuing the trip to the Albanian Riviera. However, this choice might not be for everyone and usually, travellers rent a car at Tirana Airport upon arrival. If you don’t want the hassle of using public transport I would advise doing just that. 

Renting a car in Albania

My recommended place to get the best car rental deals in Albania is Localrent search aggregator. It caters to local car providers and therefore terms and conditions for hiring a car are much more favorable. The deposit is in cash and can be as low as 50 EUR, sometimes none. I rented a car using Localrent and had a great experience. 

The other website I also use when travelling is Discovercars as they also have some of the best deals on the internet (in case Localrent runs out of supply).

• Click here for the best car rental deals with Localrent
• Click here to compare prices with Discovercars.

RELATED READS: Also read my guide to driving in Albania for all the information and questions you may have about hiring a car in Albania. 

Where to stay in Albania- quick links

For your reference, below is a list of recommended accommodations in each location of this Albania itinerary. Please refer for more details under each destination.

• Where to stay in Tirana: Maritim Plaza Hotel (high-end); Galeria Apartment (mid-range); Tirana Backpaker Hostel (budget).
• Where to stay in Berat: Timo’s Guesthouse (boutique homestay); Hani I Xheblatit (boutique hotel); Berat Backpakers Hostel (budget).
• Where to stay in Himara: Prado Luxury Hotel (luxury); Amphora Guesthouse &Apartments (mid-range); Filikur Hostel Himare (budget).
• Where to stay in Gjirokaster: Kerculla Resort (high-end); Boutique Hotel Musee (boutique); Konaku Guest House (mid-range); Stone rooms 1850 (budget)
• Where to stay in Permet: Villa Permet (high-end); Traditional Guest House Permet (mid-range); The Mozaik House (mid-range)
• Where to stay in Korca: Hani I Pazarit Boutique Hotel (luxury boutique); IN Gallery & Spa (high-end); Villa Domenico (mid-range); Petro’s Apartment (budget).
• Where to stay in Lin: Guest House Lin (mid-range); Rosa B&B (budget)
• Where to stay in Shkoder: Hotel Tradita (boutique); Hotel-Legjenda (mid-range); All Seasons Apartment (mid-range); The Wanderers Hostel (budget).
• Where to stay in Valbona: Villas Jezersca (mid-range).
• Where to stay in Theth : Guest House Bec Villi (guesthouse); Guest House Marashi (mid-range).
• Where to stay in Kruja: Hotel Panorama Kruje (high-end); Rooms EMILIANO (mid-range)

Albania Itinerary Day-by-Day

Day 1: tirana (overnight in tirana) .

Tirana is the capital of Albania and it is also the only city that has an international airport. Therefore, it is likely your entry point will be Airport Nënë Tereza , also often called Rinas International Airport (TIA). 

Tirana is an up-and-coming European city known for its colorful buildings, street art and murals, vibrant coffee shop, and bar scene. Although not a pretty city, but definitely with a distinctive character and turbulent history, Tirana is worth to be explored for at least a full day.

All main sites in Tirana are within walking distance and most of them are located around Skanderbeg Square . 

I recommended joining 2 hours free walking tour which starts in Skanderbeg Square in front of the Opera house daily at 10 AM. The guides are knowledgeable and will give a good insight into Albania’s past and put many things into perspective. 

• If you prefer a more in-depth and smaller group tour, you may want to check out this 6 hours Tirana Walking Tour which combines food experience and includes breakfast and lunch.

The most important and interesting places to visit in Tirana are:

– BunkArt1 and BunkArt2 museums set up in real communist era bunkers. Detailed exhibitions explain the dark history of Albania during the communist regime. 

– Blloku District- a former compound for important communist politicians now turned into to coolest area filled with trendy cafes and bars.

– Spot the colorful buildings and beautiful murals of Tirana which are dotted all around the city. The initiative to awaken the grey apartment blocks by re-painting them in funky colorful patterns was Tirana’s Mayor idea. This makeover makes the capital of Albania stand out as one of the most colorful European towns. 

– Take a cable car ride to Dajti mountain 1600 meters above sea level. The elevated views over the city of Tirana and the surrounding mountain range are unbeatable.

READ MORE: make sure to check my Tirana city guide- a n itinerary of the best things to do in Tirana for 1-2 days .

Where to eat in Tirana

• Traditional Albanian food at restaurant Oda is reasonably priced and makes delicious stuffed eggplants.
• For the best coffee and funky art deco interior go to Coin, and try guarida- cinnamon-infused sweet espresso macchiato. 

Where to stay in Tirana

• High-end: Maritim Plaza Hotel – one of the newest hotels in the heart of Tirana, offers a luxury 5-star hotel experience, sauna, and baths overlooking the city. Click here for prices and availability.
• Boutique: La Suite Boutique Hotel -modern and sheek boutique hotel close to Blloku, Pyramid of Tirana, and Lana River. Click here for prices and availability.
• Mid-range: Hotel Restaurant Bujtina e Gjelit – featuring a courtyard with a pool, an in-house restaurant serving local and international dishes, an art gallery, and traditionally decorated rooms, this hotel will make you feel like you left the city. Yet it is in close proximity to the center. Click here to check prices and availability.
• Apartments: Galeria Apartment – an airy self-contained apartment that can host up to 6 people, with private free parking, a beautiful terrace overlooking central Tirana, walking distance from all main attractions in town, including a modern shopping mall. Click here for prices and availability.
• Apartments: Bujtina Shqiptare – I stayed here and loved the huge size of the self-contained apartment that has everything you need-fully equipped kitchen and washing machine, also a balcony overlooking Tirana and the mountains. Only 700 meters from Skanderbeg square, with shops and restaurants around, it is a perfect place to stay in Tirana for a few days. Click here for prices and availability.
• Budget: Tirana Backpaker Hostel -laid back and cozy hostel offering mixed dorms and private rooms, a 10-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square. Click here for prices and availability.

Day 2-3: Tirana- Berat (2 nights in Berat)

• Distance: 120 KM from Skanderbeg Square
• Driving time: 2 HRS

UNESCO heritage-listed Berat is a charming Ottoman-era town. Also, called a town of “thousand windows” due to its unique architecture, Berat features two historical neighborhoods divided by the river Osum.

Gorica , the Christian side, and Mangalem , the Muslim side that extends up to the castle quarter, form the old part of Berat. 

Berat is possibly the most magical historical town in Albania. Wandering the maze of narrow cobblestone streets, watching locals ride old school bicycles and play chess, climbing up the Berat castle to catch panoramic views at sunset, and last but not least eating the best foods at Lili’s home-made food restaurant are some of the wonderful things you can do in Berat. 

If you have more time to spare, there are a few fantastic natural attractions to explore outside the city. Osumi canyon and the waterfalls , or even hiking the mighty Tomorri summit .

Where to eat in Berat

• Lili’s Homemade Food Restaurant is hands down the best restaurant in Albania- the food is unbeatable, while the host Lili is one of a kind. Make sure to reserve well in advance as the word had already spread and the restaurant has only 5 tables.
• Pasticeri Tori Berat – best ice cream and ice cream-based desserts in town.
• Gimi Café – serves fantastic coffee and pancakes.

Places to stay in Berat

• Boutique Home Stay: Timo’s Guesthouse – a homestay in a traditional Ottoman house in Mangalem area features unbeatable terrace views over the Gorica quarter, the best breakfast you can expect, and, of course, unmatched hospitality from the hosts. I stayed here twice and would do it again. Click here for prices and availability.
• Boutique Hotel: Hani I Xheblatit – located in Mangalem area, boasting a restaurant, bar, and beautiful shared terrace this hotel provides nicely decorated traditional Albanian family rooms, exceptional breakfast, and free parking also included. Click here for prices and availability.
• Budget: Berat Backpakers Hostel – Located in Gorica quarter, this nice hostel provides mixed dorms and family rooms, a shared kitchen, and a terrace. Click here for prices and availability.

Getting to Berat from Tirana by bus: frequent buses and minibusses (every 30-60 minutes) are available from South and North Tirana Bus Terminal ( Terminali i Autobusave të Jugut dhe Veriut ), the exact location here . The ticket price is 500 LEK, and the journey takes 2 hrs 15min or longer depending on the traffic. In Berat, the final stop is Berat Bus Terminal ( Terminale i Autobusave ) located 3 kilometers from the old town. From the station, across the road, you can catch a city bus for 30 LEK per person or a taxi for around 400-500 LEK.

Day 4-6: Berat to Himare and Albanian Riviera (3 nights in Himare) 

• Driving distance: 155 KM
• Driving time: 3.5 HRS

The drive from Berat to Himare ( Himarë ) is going to be long but very scenic. You will be driving along the Albanian Riviera coast which starts from Vlore-the third biggest town in Albania and stretches all the way to Saranda.

Be ready for the breathtaking views opening up while traversing the dramatic Llogara Pass serpentine road. Crossing Llogara National Park and Ceraunian Mountains, this adventurous road winds up to 1027 meters above sea level and drops down parallel to the shores of the shimmering Ionian sea. 

On the way make sure to stop at Llogara Pass panoramic viewpoint to admire the scenery. The wind at this point is quite wild, so if you, like me, are planning on flying a drone, be careful. 

Albanian Riviera is an up-and-coming seaside destination currently mostly frequented by locals and a number of foreign visitors. Featuring a kaleidoscope of blue waters of the Ionian sea, and pebbly beaches backed by endless rolling hills, Albania Riviera is a sunseeker’s playground. 

While the main beaches in Vlore, Saranda, Dhermi, and Himare are covered with sunbeds and umbrellas during the peak season (July and August), you will still find serenity at many hidden coves dotted along the Albanian Riviera. For that exact reason, I strongly suggest having your own vehicle so you have the flexibility to stop anywhere along the road and stroll down to one of the hidden bays. 

Base yourself in Himare

I recommend Himare ( Himarë ) as a base in Albanian Riviera. Ideally, if you are driving, your best bet is to pick accommodation in the atmospheric old town ( Himare Fshat ) perched atop the hill. You will be treated to gorgeous views and silence at night as opposed to the busy and noisy new part of Himara. 

The historic castle ruins in old Himare are well worth a visit, especially for wonderful unobstructed sunset views over the Ionian coast. 

Moreover, Himare is strategically situated providing convenient access to the best Albanian Riviera beaches located North and South of the town.

Where to stay in Himare

• Luxury: Prado Luxury Hotel -located a few steps away from Livahdi beach this hotel offers modern rooms (wooden floors, marble bathrooms), a private beach area, a gym, and a seasonal pool area, breakfast and private free parking are included. Check for prices and availability here.
• Mid-range apartments: Amphora Guesthouse &Apartments – self-contained apartments and rooms in old Himare. Some of the units are located in ancient buildings, while some are in new ones. We stayed in one of the new-building apartments which had a fantastic terrace with sea views. The guesthouse has a lovely terrace cafeteria where you can have homemade cake and coffee. Click here for prices and availability.
• Mid-range hotel:   Sonar en el Mar – minimalist style modern bright rooms feature balconies with sea views, only a 1-minute walk from the main Spille beach in Himare town, exceptional breakfast, and free parking are included. Click here for prices and availability.
• Budget: Filikur Hostel Himare – a 10-bed and 4-bed mixed dorm located 200 m from Potam beach, has a garden, shared kitchen, and private free parking. Click here for prices and availability.

Which beaches in Albanian Riviera should you visit and which skip?

Gjipe beach.

Located 20-minute drive North of Himare town, followed by a short hike down the dirt track with fantastic coastal views, secluded Gjipe beach lays sandwiched between the steep rocks. Although not as secret and not completely wild as it used to be some years ago, Gjipe is still one of the most beautiful beaches on the Riviera.

From the parking lot paid at 300 LEK for a day, reaching the beach requires a relatively easy 20 to 30min trekking through a sandy and rocky path. Taking into account the effort required to reach the beach, there won’t be too many people visiting it. A campsite and three rustic bars selling refreshments and snacks are also available.

Make sure to wander into Gjipe Canyon which cuts inland a few hundred meters from the beach. 

Location: when driving along SH8 coastal road look for the turn to Manastiri i Shën Theodhorit (St Theodor’s Monastery). You can also put “Gjipe beach parking” on Google Maps to direct you. 

Livadhi beach

Just a short 5-minute drive down the hill from old Himare, or North of new Himare, Livadhi beach is quick to access and easy to park (for free). Part of the beach is covered in umbrellas but it still has plenty of space to stretch your towel on the pebbly shores. You can also find a couple of nice beach bars on the right side of the beach to sip a cocktail or have a snack. 

Potam beach

Located at the south end of new Himare town, this pebbly beach is easier to park at than the main Himare beach and also has refreshing cold water streams making it a perfect cool down spot during a hot summer day. 

Borsh Beach

Driving down south from Himare towards Sarande in around 30 minutes you will reach the longest beach on the Albanian Riviera called Borsh. You can find some completely empty spots even during the busy months.

For the most remote locations, skip the busy stretch of the beach, and walk all the way southwards. Look up Ohana’s Restaurant on Google maps. It is a wonderful place to spend a day or even catch the sunset. The rustic beach bar/restaurant just above the shore offers a shaded retreat and has Sri Lankan café vibes.

Note that Borsh beach is around 7km long. Unless you are up for a long stroll along the coast, you might want to park at the south end of Borsh town.

Other beaches on the way to Borsh

Llamani beach -beautiful cove between dramatic cliffs, however, fully covered with umbrellas. We looked at it from above, expressed our regrets about overdevelopment, and moved on.

Porto Palermo- located between Himare and Qeparo town, it is an unspoiled bay mostly known for Ali Pasha’s Porto Palermo Fort. The area lacks facilities, therefore, you can find a few small coves along the SH8 road completely empty and great for a short swim break in crystal clear waters.

Qeparo beach- a narrow strip of pebbly shore in front of a new part of Qeparo town. The bay is surrounded by rolling hills and the beach is facing west, making it a good spot not only for swimming and tanning but also for sunset views. Since it is located close to the new town, there are lots of bars, small restaurants, and supermarkets just a short walk away.

Visit quaint mountain towns Dhermi and Vuno

Dhermi town.

White-washed Greek-style houses characterize polished and pretty Dhermi ( Dhërmi ) old town. Situated atop the hill, Dhermi, is a little bit more posh compared to Himare when it comes to accommodation.

Nonetheless, since Dhermi is located only a 25-30 minutes drive from Himare, it is worth visiting for a few hours to explore its narrow steep, as common in this area, streets.

Only 10 minute drive North of Himare, and South of Dhermi, Vuno is a tiny atmospheric mountain village. Its steep cobblestone streets are still walked by donkeys like back in the olden days. It seems that the time in Vuno stands still. The only new era sign is a few satellite plates sticking out of the balconies.

Even a small section of stone pavement on the main SH8 coastal road remained untouched. While driving, the ride gets really bumpy and makes you slow down and pay attention to the town.

Once in Vuno, make sure to stop for a quick lunch at the outdoor bar/cafeteria Lula located just on the side of SH8 road. They serve delicious byrek and petula (a huge pancake served with cheese and jam on the side). 

Skip Dhermi beach and Drimadhes beach

Advertised as some of the best beaches on the Albanian Riviera, both Dhermi and Drimadhes beaches were a disappointment. Covered by hundreds of umbrellas (pricey by the way) and backed by some random ugly buildings and unfinished construction sites, load crowd, and even trash, both had everything that I don’t like about the beach. We stopped at both no more than 2 minutes each before we left.

The surrounding nature is unquestionably beautiful, and it is heartbreaking to see the area being “uglified” with all those terrible and useless developments (likely some horrific big hotels).  If you read reviews on Google, you will find more people confirming the above.

Skip Saranda

Saranda (Sarandë) is a hotspot in Albanian Riviera. It is the busiest town on the coast and a place where the majority of local and foreign holidaymakers head to. If you are not a fan of high-rise buildings, traffic, and a loud party scene, I suggest skipping Saranda. I have done my research and seen enough images and reviews that convinced me not to waste my time on this part of the Albanian Riviera. Even my host in Himare advised against staying in Saranda. 

Nonetheless, there are a few well-rated beaches in the area like Ksamil , for example, which might be nice to visit off-season. 

Getting to Himare from Berat by bus: this might be a less straightforward and long journey as it requires multiple transfers. From Berat, you can catch a bus to Fier or Vlore (Vlorë), and then from there another bus to Himare. The guaranteed way, though, with many connections available throughout the day, would be going back to the Tirana bus terminal and taking another bus directly to Himare. Tirana to Himare bus costs around 1000 LEK and takes 4 hours.

DAY 7-8: Himare to Gjirokaster (2 nights in Gjirokaster)

• Driving distance: 100 KM
• Driving time: 2 HRS 15 MIN

Drive from Himare to Gjirokaster ( Gjirokastër  ) continues south along the scenic coastal road before you turn into equally stunning hinterlands. On our way to Gjirokaster, we made one more stop at Borsh beach to enjoy a couple of hours by the sea. 

If you are interested in seeing more castles, make a pit stop at the 17th-century Porto Palermo fortress also known as Ali Pasha Castle located on a small island (accessible through a land strip). 

Gjirokaster-the stone city of Albania

Characterized by rooftops made of stone plates, Gjirokaster is a distinctive Ottoman-era town that landed on the Unesco heritage sites list in 2005. From the moment you reach Gjirokaster, you will be swept away by the old-world charm pulsating through narrow cobblestone streets, frozen in time age-old buildings and local people conducting a slow-paced mountain village lifestyle. 

The landscape of Gjirokaster is dominated by a well-preserved 4th-century castle overlooking Drino valley. Meanwhile, the old town seamlessly merges with the new modern part. 

Strategically built on the slopes of mount Gjere ( mali i Gjere ), the distinctive fortified houses of Gjirokaster are interconnected by a maze of narrow steep cobbled streets. Be ready for a good leg day exploring this magical historical place of Albania.

The central nerve of the old town is a bustling New Bazaar area with all the coffee shops and souvenir stalls. Although it is an intersection of only 4 streets, there are lots of other nearly vertical pathways to take, including the ones leading all the way up to Gjirokaster Castle- a must-visit place for history and fantastic views. 

If you are staying for a couple of nights, it is also worth taking a short hike to Ali Pasha bridge -an elegant arched aqueduct built over the ravine. It takes only 40 min of hiking up the steep streets and then descending the rocky path down to the bridge. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, flip flops are not recommended. 

Where to eat in Gjirokaster

• Taverna Tradicionale Kardhashi – located on the slopes of the castle, a traditional Albanian food restaurant run by laud and energetic family serving fantastic stuffed eggplants and other delicious specialties.
• Antigonea Furre Buki Pasteceri in the new town of Gjirokaster is a fantastic local bakery where you can buy huge delicious byreks for no more than 80 LEK per piece, and some of the best ice cream in town for only 50 LEK per scoop. 

Where to stay in Gjirokaster

I would strongly suggest staying up in the old town of Gjirokaster for the atmosphere and to reduce the number of steep hills which you would still have to tackle even inside the old town.

• High-end: Kerculla Resort – perched atop the mountain this resort boasts fantastic panoramic views, offers a huge private pool (quite handy during hot summer days), and beautiful traditionally decorated rooms, exceptional breakfast is also included. Click here for prices and availability.
• Boutique hotel: Boutique Hotel Musee – located in the heart of old town, next to Skenduli house, this traditional house converted into a hotel offers rooms set up in traditional Gjirokaster style, a cozy terrace, an exceptional breakfast, and free parking. Click here for prices and availability.
• Mid-range homestay: Konaku Guest House – I stayed here-unique rooms in a classic fortified Gjirokaster house, one of the best terraces in town with the castle view, steps away from the bazaar, close to the castle, free parking, and breakfast included. Click here for prices and availability.
• Budget: Stone rooms 1850 – located in one of the fortified 200 years old houses, simple but beautifully arranged rooms, property located a bit higher up above the castle, means dome extra climbing up and down. Click here for prices and availability.

Getting to Gjirokaster from Himare by bus: you must first take a bus running to Sarande and then catch another bus going to Gjirokaster. Expect the journey with bus changes to last at least 3 hours. Thus, start early. The approximate trip price could be around 600-900 LEK.

Day 9: Gjirokaster-Permet (overnight in Permet) 

• Driving distance: 60 KM
• Driving time: 1 HR

Our journey continues to less explored parts of Albania. Permet ( Përmet ) is locally known and most visited for the Benja ( Bënja) thermal baths, beautiful arched Ottoman era Kadiut bridge, mysterious Langarica Canyon, and white water rafting in Vjosa ( Vjosë) river. 

Thermal baths, Kadiut bridge, and Langarica Canyon

Sulfur springs are spread all across Langarica canyon which is located only 20 minutes drive from Permet town. Locals believe in thermal waters’ healing power. There are 6 thermal pools that can be used free of charge. Different pool when used in moderation brings different benefits to health. Springs can improve skin conditions, stomach, and kidney diseases.

You can see locals spending hours in the thermal baths. However, our host advised us to stay only 10 to 15 minutes in one pool and then take 2 hours break before repeating the procedure.

When overused, sulfur springs can have a negative impact on your health. 

Dating back to the 18th century, still, in perfect condition, Kadiut Bridge is located in the same place as the baths. It is definitely beloved by photographers due to its elegant shape and mountain backdrop. 

Top tip: if you want to take a dip in thermal baths, make sure to arrive early in the morning before the crowds. It gets really busy during the day, especially in summer. Note that thermal waters are not as hot as you would expect. Thus, if visited in winter, they won’t be hot enough to keep you warm from the cold. 

My favorite part of our time in Permet, and one of the highlights of this Albania trip, was exploring Langarica Canyon . Not many ventures that far but those who do will be rewarded with an avatar movie scene-worthy place.

Surrounded by high limestone cliffs, the narrow canyon is reachable within only 200 meters walk following the gorge and the river after the Kadiut bridge. Unlike in Gjipe, there is water inside the Langarica Canyon. Bring water shoes as you will not only have to cross the river a few times before reaching the canyon but also if you want to continue further, the only way to walk is through the muddy stream. 

During the rainy season, the water can reach waist up. If you are up for an adventure, you can follow the canyon for 4 kilometers one way until you reach a dead end. 

Be careful when walking as the ground under the water is very slippery. Also, due to the muddiness, holes, and rocks are invisible, so take one step at a time. It would also be a good idea to take a waterproof back if you have camera equipment.

Permet town

The town of Permet is situated on the banks of the Vjosa river and is not specifically impressive in terms of architecture. Nonetheless, this small town is very well looked after, including the new road that leads to it.

The main attraction in Permet is the 40 meters height rock. You can climb the metal staircase and see the town of Permet from above. The best time to do so is during sunset. 

Where to eat in Permet

• Restaurant Familjari – a family-run restaurant that serves slow food and is probably the second best or the same level as Lili’s in Berat. Also, the lady host is super funny- she told us to stop ordering the food after our third dish request as it would have been simply impossible to finish everything for 2 people (portions are huge). Try stuffed eggplant (classic) and cottage cheese with bell peppers dish, finish up with gliko -traditional one spoon sweet.

Where to stay in Permet:

• High-end: Villa Permet -spacious rooms with wooden furniture and floors, bar, restaurant, garden, fabulous breakfast, and private parking included. Click here for prices and availability.
• Mid-range: The Mozaik House – fabulous homestay with exceptional hospitality, beautiful air-conditioned rooms, generous and tasty breakfast, and a garden. Click here for prices and availability.
• Mid-range: Traditional Guest House Permet -perched on the hill in beautiful natural surroundings, this accommodation offers nicely decorated traditional rooms, a restaurant, a garden, and a terrace, some rooms have a private kitchen. Click here for prices and availability.

DAY 10-11:Permet- Korca (2 nights in Korca) 

• Driving distance: 130 KM
• Driving time: 3 HRS

Wishing to have had more time in beautiful Permet, we continued our journey further to the East of Albania. The final destination of this leg of the journey is Korca (Korçë) – the town of serenades, as locals call it. 

It takes around 3 hours of driving to reach Korca from Permet, passing close by to the Greek border. However, the drive is probably the most scenic of all 2-week Albania road trips .

If you have read online about the terribly bad road condition on the SH75 section along the Vjosa river between Permet and Leskovik village, disregard it.

The road has been fixed in 2021, and the panoramic drive is now buttery smooth. Although it does have lots of twists and turns around the face of the mountain, the road is brand new and a joy to drive. Take your time when driving and make sure to stop at the scenic point at Vjose river bend. 

The remaining section from Leskovik to Korca, however, is a bumpy slow drive through an old road with many potholes. This explains the amount of time needed to reach Korca.

Nonetheless, there are barely any cars passing by, thus it is not a complicated drive. The only thing that could be a bit of a challenge is if you have a small-engine car. My rental car was a 1.5 L 2008 ford that struggled a little on steeper turns, but it made it all the way without any problem. 

Important tip:   make sure to top up your gas tank when leaving Permet. Unlike everywhere else on this road trip, there were not too many petrol pumps in this particular section. You should also be able to refill in Leskovik town as well but don’t bet on driving with the empty tank as it can be a while before the next station appears. 

Korca- the city of serenades and little Paris of Albania

Korca town is located in the southeastern corner of Albania close to the Greece and Macedonia borders. Surrounded by Morava mountains, the town dates back to the 13th century. Over the years it carried the influence of Greeks and Aromanians and eventually evolved into a dynamic city enriched with important cultural and historic sites, and also significant cuisine elements. 

Although it doesn’t fall on a classic Albania travel route and is often overlooked by foreign visitors, Korca will undoubtedly offer you an authentic experience. Recognized as an unofficial cultural capital of Albania, Korca has several world-class museums, significant architectural monuments and historic districts, cultural festivals, and events happening on a regular basis. 

Korca, also nicknamed as Paris of Albania , (although it is quite a bold statement) does have a mix of distinctive architecture. It is not as unified or following one style as in Ottoman towns Berat and Gjirokaster, but rather a mix of buildings from different eras-old Ottoman houses, Greek-influenced structures, and more recent bizarre modern communism period apartment blocks.

The town is very walkable, lively, and filled with lots of green spaces, and as usual in Albania-coffee shops and bars. The trendiest bar scene can be experienced in the Old Bazaar area Pazari I Vjeter ( Pazari i Vjetër) . 

Top things to do in Korca

• The most notable landmark in town is the biggest in Albania Orthodox Resurrection of Christ Church located strategically in the heart of Korca. 
• For panoramic 360 degrees views over the town, head to the RED viewing tower. Admission is 50 LEK. 
• Visit the impressive National Museum of Medieval Art showcasing a collection of over 7000 Orthodox icons crafted from wood, metal, and stone and decorated with intricate details. To me, Orthodox medieval art had always been some of the most impressive, and seeing such a collection in one place has its “waw” effect.

Places to eat in Korca

• Traditional Byreks- almost unnoticeable eatery selling freshly baked delicious byreks over the counter for takeaway or eat at a table outside. Located in Old Bazaar next to Hani I Pazarit hotel.
• Find Four- recommended by many blogs, it is a nice trendy multi-level restaurant with terrace and balcony seating, serving a variety of food, including lakror (typical for Korca, but made seasonally, layered byrek type of pastry, available in winter, as the waiter explained)

Where to stay in Korca

• Luxury & Boutique: Hani I Pazarit Boutique Hotel – located in Old Bazaar, boutique hotel in a historical building featuring a beautiful courtyard, and characteristic luxurious rooms. Click here for prices and availability.
• High-end: IN Gallery & Spa – located in front of the Cathedral, the hotel itself is an experience, featuring not only tasteful and unique interior design, but also a wellness and spa center, an exquisite rooftop restaurant, and providing free bicycles which are great for touring around Korca. Click here for prices and availability.
• Mid-range: Villa Domenico -located in Old Bazaar in a traditional Ottoman-style building, this cozy hotel features tastefully decorated rooms with wooden floors and brick walls, has a lounge area, restaurant and bar, free parking, and delicious breakfast are included. Click here for prices and availability.
• Budget: Petro’s Apartment – we stayed here- a cozy modern apartment, more like a mini hotel, with a kitchenette for coffee and tea, fantastic hosts are very responsive and ready to accommodate, and the place has some of the food basics like milk, dry bread, cookies, tea, and coffee, as well as a handful of fruits ready for your arrival. Click here for prices and availability.

How to get to Korca from Permet (or Gjirokaster) by bus

There is once a day bus running from Gjirokaster via Permet to Korca. The bus in Gjirokaster departs at 6 AM and stops at Permet at 7 AM, then reaches Korca at 10:20 AM. To make sure the timetable is accurate, the best is to ask locals, ideally at the bus station for exact departure times. I used th e Gjirafa website as a reference for this information, however, it is not always accurate. Expect to pay around 1000 -1300 LEK for the journey.

DAY 12-13: Korca-Pogradec-Lin (2 nights in Lin) 

• Driving time: 1 HR 20 MIN

Spend a remaining couple of days by the beautiful Ohrid Lake shared between Albania and Macedonia. On the Albanian side, the biggest town on the shores of Ohrid lake is Pogradec. It is often chosen as a base for the Eastern Albania vacation due to its many amenities, hotels, restaurants, and a large public beach. 

However, when looking for our accommodation at lake Ohrid, I pulled a wild card and picked a homestay in the nearby Lin. A tiny village of Lin is situated on the small peninsula on the north side of Ohrid lake.

It was probably one of the best and most unique experiences in Albania. Surprisingly there were quite a few foreign tourists who also managed to discover this little gem. 2 days were spent laying on the sunbed and swimming in the refreshing waters of the lake Ohrid, hiking up the peninsula for the sunset and eating as much byreks as our stomachs could handle. 

If you are up for more action or sightseeing, you can always head to Pogradec, rent a bicycle, and cycle around the lake (even cross the Macedonian border if your passport allows visa-free entrance). 

Where to eat in Lin

• Make a pit stop for lunch in Tushemisht: on the way from Korca to Lin, stop for lunch in Tushemisht-a small village on the east side of Pogradec. Tushemisht seemed like a delightful small holiday town where locals spend their summer days by the lake. The village has many fish restaurants serving koran- a local fish common to the area which can be ordered grilled or as casserole (baked in a sauce).  Shtëpia e Vjeter was our pick in Tushemisht and it didn’t disappoint. The food was great served at the terrace by the water. The restaurant also has private parking which is useful in the tiny old town.
• Restaurant Leza – this restaurant has a large terrace with magnificent lake Ohrid views stretching as far as Macedonia shores. The menu is not huge but has great local specialties, including fresh grilled fish. Come for dinner during sunset- it is simply amazing.

Where to stay in Lin

• Mid-range: Guest House Lin – guesthouse offers wonderful rooms, some with dreamy balconies overlooking the water, a beautiful waterfront garden with sun lounges, and direct access to the Lake. It is quieter than its neighboring guesthouses, and probably one of the best choices for your stay in Lin. Click here for prices and availability.
• Budget: Rosa B&B – I stayed here-charming waterfront guesthouse that feels like you are at grandma’s, run by a very welcoming and hardworking family. The terrace in front of the lake is lovely, but the sunbeds are limited and the guesthouse gets quite full during peak season. Breakfast is included, and homemade food on request is offered. We spent all day there without leaving the place. Click here for prices and availability.

Getting to Lin from Korca by bus

There is no direct bus to Lin village from Korce. First, you would have to embark on the bus going to Pogradec and from there catch a taxi or a minibus to Lin. Allow a couple of hours to reach Lin with changes. Journey from Korca to Pogradec should take just over an hour.

DAY 14: Lin-Tirana (optional night in Tirana) 

• Driving distance: 120 KM
• Driving time: 2 HRS 10 MIN

Depending on your departure from Tirana schedule, or if you continue your Albanian trip, or maybe heading to Montenegro or another Balkan country, you can spend one more day in Tirana and catch up with activities you might not have time to finish on your first day. 

To us, it was the end of a two-week (15 days) road trip in Albania. However, if you have more time in Albania, below is an extended route that focuses on the Northern side of the country and includes the epic Valbona to Theth hike in the beautiful Albanian Alps. 

Extended 1-Week Albania Itinerary 

Adding an extra week to your Albanian trip will cover almost all the highlights of the country. Continue your trip in Albania with this suggested 1-week route in Central and North Albania. 

For this route, you do not need to have a car. You can get around using public transport. In fact, if you are planning on doing the Valbona Theth hike, it is even more convenient to use public transport than driving, as you can avoid complicated logistics of where to leave your car and how to pick it up after the hike. 

• More details on Valbona-Teth hike logistics are below , and you can also read the complete guide here .

Day 15: Tirana-Shkoder (overnight in Shkoder) 

• Driving distance: 90 KM
• Driving time: 2.5 HRS

Shkoder ( Shkodër )  is located in Northern Albania at the banks of Balkan’s largest Lake Skadar, part of which is shared with Montenegro. 

Shkoder usually serves as a jump-off point for Albanian Alps treks, including the well-known Valbona-Teth hike . 

Nonetheless, there are some fantastic things to do in Shkoder before embarking further North into Albanian Alps. I recommend spending a couple of nights in Shkoder to enjoy its laid-back atmosphere. 

Top things to do in Shkoder

As soon as you are in Shkoder town you will immediately notice that people here ride bicycles more than in any other place in Albania (apart from Korca probably). 

It is a great idea to rent a bicycle and explore not only Shkoders’ cozy old town with an old bazaar area but also head south towards Lake Skadar and ride along its shores. Head toward Shiroka village and you will find some atmospheric waterfront restaurants where you can have romantic dinner by the lake. 

Also, don’t miss Rozafa castle located on the way-only 4 kilometers south of the old town of Shkoder. Rozafa dating back to the 9th century BC is a beautiful historical fortification set in a perfect location allowing to watch magical sunsets. 

Places to stay in Shkoder

• Boutique: Hotel Tradita – set in Ottoman style old house, traditionally decorated with Albanian textiles, this boutique hotel is also offering local Albanian specialties at their restaurant, photography museum, and souvenir shops. Click here for prices and availability.
• Mid-range: Hotel-Legjenda – we stayed here-an artsy vibe chalets with exceptional quiet surroundings, garden, pool, ground for campervans, walking distance to Rozafa Castle, 4km from Shkoder city center, the hotel also allows you to keep your big luggage for Valbona Theth hike for an extra 1 EUR fee. Click here for prices and availability.
• Apartment: All Seasons Apartment – we stayed here- centrally located in a quiet street self-contained 2 bedroom apartment with all amenities, including a washing machine, and Italian coffee machine. A fantastic host is ready to help you out any time you have a request. Click here for prices and availability.
• Budget: The Wanderers Hostel – a highly rated popular hostel featuring a lively courtyard, cozy 4 -bed dorms, and private ensuite rooms. Click here for prices and availability.

Where to eat in Shkoder

• Villa Bekteshi Restorant – locals love to dine here, especially for special occasions in big groups. A restaurant in a villa has tables on a couple of levels inside and in a beautiful courtyard. Food is fantastic local Albanian cuisine; rates are also great. Reservation in advance is recommended.

Getting to Shkoder from Tirana by bus

Buses from the North and South Bus Terminal in Tirana leave regularly to Shkoder. The trip takes around 2.5 hours and costs around 400 LEK.

DAY 16: Shkoder-Komani Lake Ferry- Valbona

• Shkoder to Komani Lake Ferry: distance 55 KM, minibus driving time around 2 HRS.
• Komani Lake Ferry: 3 HRS.
• Fierza to Valbone: distance 45 KM, minibus driving time around 1 HR.

Today you will be travelling north to the Albanian Alps – arguably the most beautiful part of the country. The final stop for the day is Valbona- a peaceful mountain village where you will spend a night before embarking on an epic Valbona-Theth hike.

The commute to Valbona is exciting as it involves not only travelling by scenic road but also taking the Koman ferry which passes through emerald blue Komani lake and river Drin.  Because of turquoise waters flowing through an incredibly scenic gorge, Komani is often dubbed with Norwegian fiords. 

3 hours on a boat will pass like 3 minutes while admiring the awe-inspiring scenery of Komani lake. The ferry ride finishes in Fierza village from where you will take a minibus ( furgon ) to Valbona. 

Although it may sound like a lot of logistics, don’t worry it is quite straightforward and the whole transfer from Shkoder all the way to Valbona, including ferry tickets, can be prearranged in advance.

RELATED READS: Click here to read my post with detailed instructions on how to get from Shkoder to Valbona, including taking the Komani lake ferry. 

Top tip: Komani ferry ride is quite popular, therefore, if you are travelling in summer, I strongly recommend booking everything a week or even two in advance. 

Once you reach Valbona- a scenic and very quiet Alpine village, you can enjoy a relaxed evening surrounded by breathtakingly mountain scenery. You can even hear the wolves haul far in a distance. Don’t worry though, they don’t come close to where people are. 

Where to stay in Valbona

• Mid-range: Villas Jezersca – cozy chalets with fantastic mountain views, delicious food, and amazing hospitality of the family running this accommodation. They prepared us takeaway food for the hike and dropped us closer to the trail at the end of Valbona free of charge. Click here for prices and availability.

DAY 17-18: Valbona- Theth hike and time in Theth (2 nights in Theth) 

Today is an epic day hiking from Valbona to Theth mountain village. This iconic hike in Albanian Alps follows a well-marked medium difficulty 17-kilometer hiking trail. Part of the famous Balkan trail, the route goes along the dry river bed before ascending up to the gorgeous Valbona pass.

The hike is moderate although there are enough steep sections which together with the views will surely take your breath away. Pace yourself as it will take at least 6 hours to complete the trail. 

• Read all the information you need to prepare for Valbona-Theth hike in my post . 

Theth Alpine village was my favorite compared to Valbona. Surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks, rural Theth is simply a majestic place. One of the most visited landmarks is a very pretty little church dating back to the 19th century. Visit before sunset or at sunrise for the best lightning casting over the Theth church. 

I strongly recommend spending 2 nights in Theth to have a good rest after a long leg day hiking Valbona pass. For those of you who still have some energy left, trek to Theth Blue Eye-another well-known trail in the area featuring a crystal clear water pool enclosed between the mountains. The trail is no shorter than the Valbona hike but is said to be way less demanding. 

Where to stay in Theth

• Guesthouse: Guest House Bec Villi – lovely traditional village guesthouse featuring a beautiful garden, serving delicious homemade food. They also can help organize minibus back to Shkoder. For prices and availability click here.
• Mid-range: Guest House Marashi – a bit more upscale instagramer-loved stylish wooden rooms, some of which have bathtubs inside the room overlooking the mountains and/or lovely private terraces. Great homemade food is also served at this guesthouse. For prices and availability click here.

Day 19: Theth – Shkoder (1 night in Shkoder) 

• Driving distance: 80 KM

Getting back from Theth to Shkoder by minibus

The ride in a minibus from Theth to Shkoder is around 3 hours and is also extremely scenic.  

In order to catch a minibus from Theth to Shkoder, you have to request a homestay to prebook it for you. Usually, minibusses have set departure times during the first half of the day. Schedules are not written in stone, so the best is to inquire as soon as you arrive at Theth after the Valbona Pass hike. 

We booked our seats in a furgon a night before, however, it was only the start of the season.

Message your hotel beforehand to find out and try reserving earlier. 

When in Shkoder, you can rest up and catch up with the activities you may haven’t had time to complete on the first day. 

Also, if you are traveling further to Montenegro, as I did on my first trip to Albania, Shkoder is a great place to catch a bus to Podgorica or another town. 

DAY 20: Shkoder-Kruja (overnight in Kruje) 

• Driving distance: 75 KM
• Driving time: 1 HRS 50 MIN

For the last bit of the Albania trip, I recommend visiting Kruja (Krujë)- the first capital of Albania . 

Kruja is a medieval historic town and possibly one of the most well know because it used to be the home and base of operations for a national hero Skanderbeg who fought and won against the Ottomans back in the 15th century. 

Located at the base of Kruja mountain, this small and charming ages-old town is only 1 hour away from Tirana. Due to such close proximity to the current capital, Kruja is usually visited on a day trip.

However, it is a much better choice is to stay there overnight. Pick accommodation inside Kruja castle walls to have the most authentic experience. 

The main attractions in Kruje are the 5th-century castle, where you can also find an informative Skanderbeg museum, and the 400-years old Bazaar ( the Bazaar of Derexhik ). 

Stroll the narrow pedestrian cobbled streets along the many authentic stalls in the old bazaar, interact with friendly locals, and as usual enjoy Albanian homemade food and coffee. 

Where to eat in Kruja:

• Bardhi restaurant is set atop the hill within the castle ruins offering fantastic panoramic views stretching as far as the Adriatic sea. The food served is a traditional Albanian and European mix. 
• Restaurant Alba is another great alternative also within castle walls and with great views. This restaurant is serving traditional food and dishes of Mediterranean cuisine made of organic homegrown produce. 

Where to stay in Kruja

• High-end: Hotel Panorama Kruje – centrally located, with great views of the castle, this hotel also offers a private pool, a huge common terrace, underground parking, restaurant, and bar. Click here for prices and availability.
• Mid-range: Rooms EMILIANO – this homestay offers a unique experience of staying within the castle ruins, homemade food, and a fantastic terrace with a view where you can have breakfast and dinner. Click here for prices and availability.

Getting to Kruja from Shkoder by bus

Regular hourly buses from Shkoder to Tirana also stop in the new part of Kruje (Fushë-Krujë). The bus stop location is here . The ticket price is around 300 LEK. You must inform the driver to let you out in Fushe-Kruja. You will have to catch a minibus from the new part to the old part of Kruje from the George W Bush statue. The ticket price is around 100 LEK.

DAY 21: Kruje-Tirana

• Driving distance: 30 KM
• Driving time: 40 MIN

This is the last day of your Albanian journey. Depending on your departure time, you can still spend a few chilled hours in Tirana or head straight to the airport.

If you are not driving, you will first have to get to the South and North Bus Terminal of Tirana and then catch a taxi from there to the airport. Account for enough time to do so.

Plenty of buses and minibusses from Fushe-Kruje to Tirana leave regularly and take around 40 minutes to one hour to reach depending on the traffic. Ticket costs around 100-150 LEK.

At Tirana bus station, you can catch a cab to the airport or the Tirana city center. They are just lined up on the street. Or you can call Merr taxi to send you a driver- those guys are really good and reliable at organizing quick rides.

Alternative 2-week Albania itineraries: from Albanian Alps to Albanian Riviera and from Albanian Alps to Lake Ohrid

I have lined up different Albania itinerary suggestions for those of you who only have 2 weeks in Albania and prefer to visit:

1. The Albanian Alps and the Riviera. This itinerary excludes the eastern and most of the southern part of the country covered in my original route. In fact, if I was visiting Albania for the first time, the Albanian Alps to Albanian Riviera route is what I would have taken. It includes both Unesco towns Berat and Gjirokaster, hiking in the Albanian Alps and swimming in gorgeous Albanian Riviera beaches, as well as some time in Tirana and Shkoder.

2. The Albanian Alps and the Lake Orchid. This route excluded the seaside but adds the southern part of the country. It would be suitable for those of you who are not keen on beaches and prefer more off-the-beaten-path travel. The southeastern part of Albania is definitely still off-the tourist radar.

Since I have already written about each of the locations above, please refer to the specific place by coming back up to the post.

14 days in Albania-from Alps to Riviera itinerary

• DAY 1: Tirana-Shkoder
• DAY 2: Shkoder-Komani Lake-Valbona
• DAY 3: Valbona-Valbona Pass hike-Theth
• DAY 4: Theth
• Day 5: Theth-Shkoder
• Day 6: Shkoder- Tirana (pick up a rental car in Tirana) – Himare 
• Day 7: Himare
• Day 8: Himare (visit Borsh beach) 
• Day 9: Himare-Gjirokaster
• DAY 10: Gjirokaster- Berat
• DAY 11: Berat
• DAY 12: Berat-Kruje
• DAY 13: Kruje-Tirana
• DAY 14: Tirana (return rental car)

2 weeks in Albania- from the Alps to Lake Ohrid itinerary

• Day 6: Shkoder- Kruje
• Day 7: Kruje – Tirana (pick up a rental car in Tirana)- Berat
• Day 8: Berat 
• Day 9: Berat- Gjirokaster
• DAY 10: Gjirokaster-Korca
• DAY 11: Korca- Pogradec-Lin
• DAY 12: Lin
• DAY 13: Lin-Pogradec-Tirana

I hope this post had inspired you to visit Albania and will be helpful when planning your Albania itinerary. If you have more questions, please feel free to comment below, and I will get back to you.

Have a great journey to Albania!

More Albania Travel Resources

• Driving in Albania: everything you need to know before renting a car .
• Valbona to Theth hike in Albanian Alps- everything you need to know.
• Find the best things to do in Albania’s capital with my Tirana itinerary for 1 or 2 days.

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Hi! I am a freelance photographer & videographer as well the creator of www.theroadreel.com. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently for over a decade. I created The Road Reel to share my passion for travel and photography through detailed road trips and city itineraries, and hiking guides, along with regular and drone photogragraphy tips.

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Albania Itinerary: 1 Week in Albania (7 Days)

Last Updated on March 30, 2024

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If you decide to come to the beautiful Mediterranean paradise that is Albania, then I would recommend coming for as long as possible.

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But if you only have 1 week to explore the country, then here’s a collection of 1-week Albania itinerary options, seeing some of the best sights that there are in Albania.

Because planning a trip to Albania can be overwhelming for first-time travellers, I have put together the best itinerary for Albania.

However, if you’ve already visited, or if you just want to try something different, I have also included several alternative Albania travel itinerary options below.

You can use this one-week Albania itinerary as strict or loose guidelines depending on personal preference and travel style.

It can be your off-the-grid Albania backpacking itinerary, your tight and efficient Albania tour itinerary, or a super luxurious Albania holiday itinerary. It’s up to you!

What’s the best way to travel around Albania?

By car, if you want the flexibility of stopping at random spots along the way – there are a lot of great ones to see on your one week Albania itinerary!

If you don’t feel comfortable driving (Albanians can be unpredictable drivers by the way), or you’re on a budget, you can also use the public transport system .

There are many buses that can take you to various cities and towns.

Ditch the outdated guidebook and instead get your hands on the only Albania travel guide you’ll need , including the best places to visit and things to do from a local living there for 6+ years!

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Make sure you consider when you will be visiting.  Albania’s tourism is very much seasonal .

July and August are by far the busiest times so that’s when more buses are put on, which will help you on your Albania travel plan.

During the other seasons, bus schedules turn to a more skeleton timetable and in the winter, tourism in the likes of the Albanian Riviera is dead.

How to get to Albania

There are many ways that you may enter the country for your Albania 1 week itinerary. One would be into the only airport in Albania, Tirana airport (or Mother Teresa airport).

You could also enter from Greece. The Greek island of Corfu is only a 25-minute ferry ride to the Southern city of Saranda.

If you are coming from Montenegro, you will probably catch a bus to the southern city of Shkoder or to Tirana. There are lots of options!

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If you’re only coming for one week in Albania then your itinerary will depend on where you are coming in and out from.

This Albania 7 day itinerary is made to be flexible because that’s how travel should be in Albania.

There are places that people instantly fall in love with and places where people want to move on from within a day or two.

Take this 1 week Albania itinerary and use it as a draft for your trip instead of having a rigid plan. Because honestly, rigid plans don’t work well in Albania!

Main points of interest in Albania

You can follow along on this map of the best places to visit on your one week in Albania itinerary.

For more inspiration, check my post on the most beautiful places to visit in Albania .

1 week in Albania

When planning how many days to spend in Albania, I recommend as long as possible. But I recognise this isn’t always practical, and working out how long to spend in Albania can be tricky sometimes.

So, 7 days in Albania is a pretty good option for a first time visit. In one week, you could fit in at least 3 places on your Albania itinerary.

If you visit more than that you will just be scratching the surface but luckily Albania isn’t that big so if you do have time constraints then feel free to try and see more.

South Albania Itinerary: Starting/Ending in Tirana

Check out the map of this route here . The following key will help when planning:

Yellow Pointers = Night stopovers

Black pointers = Great stopover points if travelling by car

2 nights in Tirana/Tirane

If you are flying into Tirana, then I recommend spending a couple of days exploring the city.

As most international flights do go through Tirana, it is hard to imagine an Albania trip itinerary without the capital city.

Tirana is a vibrant young city with plenty of interesting museums such as the House of Leaves and Bunk art 1 & 2. There’s also some great restaurants and other nearby points of interest.

Make sure you read my big list of things to do in Tirana here for more details on what to do in the city.

2 nights in Saranda/Sarandë

The seaside city of Saranda is one not to be missed – it’s one of the best places to visit in South Albania. It’s a great base to explore and there are tonnes of great things to do.

I always recommend people to stay at least 3 nights in Saranda so you can see some of the best nearby attractions.

Make sure you have time in the city as well as hop on a bus and visit Ksamil and Butrint , a UNESCO site. Here’s my full guide on what to do in Saranda .

I might be biased because I live here, but no best Albania itinerary is complete without the inclusion of this amazing city.

💡 PACKING TIP: Make sure you bring a good snorkel , water shoes and a fast-drying towel for all of the beach-going you’re about to do!

2 nights in Dhermi

Dhermi is another favourite for travellers coming to Albania. Especially those looking for what to include on a Albania summer itinerary.

With its beautiful beaches like the main beach in Dhermi or Drymades (my personal favourite), adventure activities and lots of great sites nearby (like Gjipe, Palase beach, Vuno and Llogara national park), Dhermi is a great place to stopover for a couple of nights.

Travelling back to Tirana (via car) will take around 4 hours.

*If you are starting from Tirana and ending in Saranda then go from Tirana – Dhermi – Saranda

Other examples of South Albania itineraries

I have put together a few more ideas for a 1 week Albania itinerary to help you decide just how many days in Albania you want to spend.

You can find a google map of this route here .

• 2 nights in Tirana
• 2 nights in Vlora
• 2 nights in Saranda or Ksamil

Option 3 (If you want to see more during 1 week)

• 1 night in Himara
• 2 nights in Saranda
• 1 night in Gjirokastër
• 1 night in Berat
• 1 night in Vlora
• 1 night in Dhermi

Option 5 (off the beaten path)

• 1 night in Tirana
• 2 nights in Himara
• 1-night in Qeparo
• 1-night in Borsh

Option 6 (not a beach person but want to visit some beautiful historical cities?)

• 2 nights in Korce
• 2 nights in Berat

North Albania Itinerary: Starting/ending in Tirana

Check out a google map of this route here .

Stay 2 nights exploring Tirana then head straight to Shkoder. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Tirana!

• 2 nights in Shkoder

From Tirana, you can catch the bus or drive to the northern city of Shkoder. Shkoder is a charming city and a gateway into the Albanian Alps.

You will love the north if you are more into the mountains than the beach. There are a lot of things you can do in Shkoder including visiting Rozafa Castle.

If you like museums then you can check out Shkoder history museum, the site of witness and memory (which is set in a communist prison) or the Marubi Photography museum.

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1 night in Theth

Once you have had some time to explore the city of Shkoder, it’s time to do some hiking! The Theth to Valbona trail is the most popular and most beautiful in Albania.

To get to Theth you can take a shuttle or taxi from Shkoder. Usually, you can ask your accommodation and they can organise one for you or go to the nearest tourist agency. If you prefer to drive yourself, there’s also a nice road you can access Theth with all types of cars now.

Once you arrive in Theth you can relax at one of the beautiful guesthouses and get ready for your hike tomorrow.

The hike take 7-8 hours and you need a medium level of fitness. The total distance of the hike is 17km.

Note: You do not need a guide to do this hike. The trail is relatively easy to follow. You can also do an extra hike to the Blue eye from Theth. You may opt to do this the day you arrive into Theth or you can stay an extra night to complete this one too. You won’t be able to do both hikes in one day.

1-night Valbona & Komani Lake Ferry ride

You will walk for 7-8 hours until you reach the beautiful village of Valbona! You will want to spend a night here to relax after your intense hike up the mountains.

There are also some great guesthouses to relax in.

From Valbona you can take the Komani Lake Ferry to Komani and from there they will take you back to Shkoder.

The ferry ride is about 3 hours long and is a beautiful ride, one that has become increasingly popular due to how beautiful it is!

Other examples of North Albania Itineraries

• 1-night in Cape of Rodon
• 2-nights in Shkoder
• 1-night in Kruja
• 1 night in Kruja
• 1-night in Durres
• 1-night in Shëngjin
• 1-night in Velipoje

Option 5 (for people who want a slower pace)

• 3 nights in Shkoder (do Komani lake ferry as a day trip)

As you can see you have lots of options if you only have a quick week in Albania. Obviously, I recommend you spend longer as there are just so many more beautiful places!

Can you travel the north AND south in 1 week?

I’m often asked how many days do you need in Albania, and while you can see a lot of Albania in 7 days, I personally think you need a lot more time to see the whole country.

Technically you can see both the North and South on a 1 week in Albania itinerary, but you will certain feel rushed if you try to fit in too much.

It will be easier if you have your own car as relying on public transport on a short time frame can be a bit annoying.

If you have limited time and want to see the main places then try visiting places like Tirana, Berat, Saranda, Vlora and Shkoder.

Take note that driving from the southern city of Saranda to the most northern city Shkoder takes approximately 6 hours according to Google that is.

It may take you a little longer than that, especially if you want to stop along the way (which you will!).

So ideally, how long do you need in Albania? Well, I’ve been living here for years and I still haven’t see everything!

But this Albania one week itinerary will certainly let you see some of the best the country has to offer to help you fall in love with this country, as well!

📚 P.S. Grab access to my Travelling Albania Guide on Amazon to get a comprehensive insight into the best places to visit in Albania (including secret spots that are not recommended in the usual guides!)

Frequently Asked Questions

One week in Albania is the minimum I would recommend if you want to explore more than one city. While you won’t see all of Albania in one week, you can see a lot of the best parts of the country in that time.

Exploring Albania for a week isn’t a lot of time, and if you can spend more time you should. However, you can see a lot of Albania in a week, especially with a solid Albania week itinerary. And 1 week is still a good amount of time to explore this beautiful and unique country.

Yes, absolutely! Albania is one of my favourite countries in the world! Whether you do Albania in 7 days or 7 weeks (or more!), this is a country you wont want to miss!

I hope one of the 7-day Albania itineraries helped you plan your quick trip to Albania. Let me know if you have any questions below and be sure to join my Facebook group ‘ Travelling Albania ’ to connect with other travellers coming to Albania!

Other articles you will love:

• Albania Travel Guide for First Timers: Everything You Need to Know!
• Important Tips Before You Travel to Albania
• Albania Beaches: The Best Beaches in Albania

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The Comments

Boris barel.

THanks, it is a great read, me and my lady are planning to visit Albania in the beggining of october, hopefully water is still good for a swim )

Raj Bhide, Pune , India

Hi!, I, am from India, planning 10 days in Albania, visiting places, Saranda first as arriving from Corfu, Gjorokastra, Berat, Kruje, Tirana, Shkodar,1 day every city =6 days, pl. suggest balance 4 days for nearby cities excursions, last should be Shkdar, as on way to Ulcinj, Montenegro. Your experience should help me to decide also how much would be the cost of hiring a taxi to cover, what I, intend to see.

Quain Karina

Amazing! Making plans for our trip next week. Very helpful! Don’t know what I would do without you! Thank uou

My son and I are planning a visit to Albania in late April. We were planning to fly to Tirane and have the city as our base. We wanted to take day trips from the city of Tirane and wondered if it is easy to book from there or should we book from here (Canada). Thanks in advance and also thank you for your travel tips. Sincerely, Theo Byrne

Hi, where would you recommend if we want to spend a week in Albania in February and some of the time we will be remote working please? So we’ll want to explore but it will be on a limited schedule + hopefully with a car.

Erin, I would recommend Tirana. They have a thriving expat community and it’s a great centre to explore from in Feb 😊

You should update this as some of your information is not accurate. You can drive to Theth yourself if you have a car. The road is windy and has many twists and turns, but if you are a careful driver it is no problem. You do not need to hire a taxi unless you want to.

Thanks so much, Mire. I’ve added this in 😊

Great info! We are looking to go at the end of March, where will be good to go and will the coast be warm?

Hi Alice – That’s so exciting! March is definitely the best time to visit Albania as the weather is still cool there. Checkout the blog post as we cover this in more detail: https://www.anitahendrieka.com/albania-weather/

Hope this helps!

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Albania Travel Guide

Albania is Europe’s underrated destination with Ottoman villages, pristine beaches, hikes, great food, and warm hospitality.

Best time to visit Albania

Best places to visit in albania, 7 best things to do in himare, albania, krujë: albania’s famous historic castle and village, ksamil, albania: things to do in 2024, berat, albania: the city of a thousand windows, map of albania, weather in albania.

Albania sees a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Sunshine graces the coast full of hotspots like Ksamil, while the mountains bring in a cool breeze, perfect for hiking.

Stunning villages

8 best things to do in gjirokaster, albania, all destinations, butrint national park: the complete visitors guide, 11 best things to do in tirana, albania, theth: most beautiful mountain village in albania, close to nature, how to rent a car in albania, best travel insurances.

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find Hostels via Hostelworld
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Albania via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
• Get a Visa via iVisa
• How to pack light for your trip
• How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Albania worth visiting?

Though only recently climbing on the tourist charts, Albania brims with ancient history and stunning landscapes. Explore sun-soaked beaches, unique UNESCO villages, and vibrant cities. It’s a true hidden gem in the heart of the Balkans.

Is Albania cheap to visit?

Albania is a budget traveler’s dream destination. Experience the country’s beauty without breaking the bank with hearty meals for just $5 and scenic accommodations for $20. For very little, you can have an incredible Albania holiday.

Can I drink tap water in Albania?

Although tap water is generally safe, the locals prefer to drink bottled water for extra safety. Bring a reusable bottle and top up at restaurants, staying hydrated while reducing plastic waste.

Do I need a visa for traveling in Albania?

Most travelers from the EU, the US, and many other countries can visit Albania for up to 90 days without a visa. Plenty of time to explore all the country’s beauty! Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival.

What language do they speak in Albania?

The country’s official language is Albanian. English is also widely spoken, though mostly among the younger generations. But this doesn’t take away from the Albanian kindness, as everyone is willing to help out or have a conversation with you!

Do I need travel insurance for Albania?

Travel insurance is what gives you peace of mind on your trip while you make unforgettable memories. Whether it’s a canceled flight or an accident, insurance protects you against unexpected events, ensuring you can do exactly what you want to do on your vacation in Albania.

Is Albania safe?

Albania’s kindness and warm hospitality make it a safe destination for travelers. Crime levels and the risk of natural disasters are generally low, with very few reports of crime aimed at tourists. In busier centers, like in Tirana , petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen.

What power plug type does Albania have?

Albania uses Type C and F power plugs, so it’s recommended to bring an adaptor for both types when traveling in Albania. Both power plugs have two round pins, though Type F is slightly thicker and has two earth clips on the side.

Why do people love Albania?

With amazing food, stunning cities, and beautiful beaches, Albania has a similar appeal to its neighbors Italy and Greece, but without the price tag. From sunbathing on the shimmering coast to exploring ancient Roman ruins, the country offers something for everyone.

Travel to Albania

Albania is full of beautiful moments. It’s the aroma of strong coffee shared among friends, the savory ‘byrek’ pastries, and the joyful encounters on historic squares that make your Albania holiday . Venture through vibrant streets that blend modern with history, like in Tirana , and marvel at nature’s wonders, like the rugged mountain peaks and turquoise waters. All this beauty is bound to make you fall in love with the country.

How to Plan Your Trip to Albania

Follow our Albania travel guides to plan your perfect holiday for this underrated gem! Whether you’re hopping from one beach to another, exploring historic villages like Krujë , or hiking in the mountains, we’ve got you covered. Discover our complete 2-week Albania itinerary for inspiration and tips for your trip.

Best Time to Visit Albania

Albania is a stunning year-round destination, but choosing the best time to visit depends on your preferences. 

Spring: This is when Albania’s landscapes burst out in color, with wildflowers carpeting the hillsides and the countryside coming alive. Visit archeological sites like Butrint National Park and enjoy hiking in the serene valleys of Theth , witnessing the reawakening of nature.

Summer: Beautiful sun-soaked days with turquoise waters and vibrant festivals, perfect for beach lovers. Explore the Albanian Riviera, full of secluded coves and lively beach towns like Himare. Spend your days in the crystal-clear sea and indulge in the delicious Mediterranean cuisine. 

Fall: A quieter charm falls over Albania with pleasant weather. This is a really good time for hiking and exploring Albania’s rich cultural heritage. Discover UNESCO sites like Gjirokaster without crowds and join one of their annual wine festivals.

Winter: For more of a unique experience, with snow-capped peaks perfect for skiing and holiday magic in charming towns.

Coastlines and Beaches

With over 450 kilometers of coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania boasts many incredible beaches, each more enchanting than the last. But it’s more than just a destination; it’s a journey. Whether you’re looking to relax on soft sand, adventure beneath jagged cliffs, or glimpse the country’s history, you’ll find it all if you travel through Albania .

The Albanian Riviera is the jewel on the coast, with pristine beaches, hidden coves, and lively beach towns. From the idyllic Ksamil with white sands to the vibrant nightlife of Himarë , it’s perfect for sun-seekers.

Because Albania remains relatively unknown as a holiday gem, the beaches are unspoiled, with secluded bays and serene spots all along the coast. Hopping from one beach to the next is one of the best things to do in Albania . 

Explore Dhermi’s soft sands, or head out to Castle Palermo’s neighboring beach dotted with umbrellas – there are so many great options to choose from. That, and the warm hospitality of the Albanian people who live on the coast, is the icing on the cake. Locals welcome travelers with open arms, sharing the traditions, cuisine, and beauty of their homeland. 

Food, Culture, and Religion in Albania 

Albania is a diverse country with an incredibly rich cultural heritage. Every meal is full of new flavors, every little village a glimpse into its past, and every church bell a reminder of peacefulness. 

Food: Albanian cuisine is full of flavor, fusing Mediterranean and Balkan influences. From rich meats, fresh seafood, and colorful vegetables, no meal disappoints. Stroll along the vibrant local markets, where piles of fresh produce and dairy stand next to one another, and enjoy a cup of strong coffee. 

Culture: Albania’s culture is a celebration of ancient traditions that come together, from spirited folk music and dance to the Roman, Ottoman, and Venetian remains. Explore UNESCO towns like Gjirokaster and Berat , where multiple influences come together. Synonymously, the people’s warm hospitality reflects Albania’s culture. Locals are incredibly welcoming and eager to share their traditions and stories.

Religion : There’s religious harmony in Albania, where faiths coexist peacefully. The country is predominantly Muslim but also has a significant Christian population. Because of this, during your Albania travel , you’ll find mosques, churches, and monasteries all throughout the country.

Why You Should Travel to Albania

As a true hidden gem in the Balkans, Albania is the perfect destination for every type of traveler. From lazing on dazzling beaches to climbing between the lush green valleys in the mountains or exploring its historic cities, there are many places to visit in Albania . 

Explore its diversity, hopping around the gorgeous coastline, only stopping to dive into the rich cuisine. Later, roam through the rugged peaks of the mountains, exploring untouched nature, stunning rivers, and serene lakes. In between, you’ll find ancient cities like Berat , known as the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’. Roman, Ottoman, and Venetian influences come together in architecture, art, and traditions, all eagerly introduced to you by Albania’s warm and friendly people. 

Safety and Travel Advice in Albania

Although Albania is a safe destination to travel to, it’s always good to be up-to-date about safety measures and tips for traveling to the country.

Natural disasters: Though the risk of earthquakes and tremors is common, serious earthquakes are less frequent. During the winter months, Albania sometimes experiences heavy rain, which can cause flooding. Stay informed by monitoring local and international news for the latest information and register at an embassy for emergency updates.

Landmines: If you’re visiting towns on the northern border with Kosovo to go hiking, always watch for signs regarding unexploded landmines. Though Albania declared its landmine-free status years ago, some areas remain clearly marked as dangerous zones. 

Crime and safety in Albania : The public security in Albania is generally really good, especially in Tirana , and Albanians are very hospitable to visitors. Crime and violence do happen, but rarely include foreigners. Keep your valuables secure and leave any important belongings at home. 

Learn more about travel safety

Traffic: If you’re renting a car in Albania , always keep an eye on the road and traffic. Road conditions can be poor, especially in rural areas, and Albanian driving can sometimes be a bit erratic. Follow traffic signs and use a 4×4 if you plan on off-roading.

Travel Insurance: One of the things we always recommend for your Albania holiday is purchasing travel insurance. Whether it’s lost luggage or an accident – travel insurance gives you more peace of mind on your travels. Check out these best travel insurances .

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Albania | along coastal roads, canyons & clear blue rivers

Imagine cruising along winding serpentines while you gaze at the loud blue sea, the windows down, and the breeze of the Ionian Sea dancing through your hair. A sun-salt smell runs up your nose. As you stretch out your hand you can feel the freedom! Soon, you’re driving next to turquoise rivers and can’t believe your eyes as you see the massive canyon right beside you. You’ll be surprised at what spectacular nature awaits you on your Albania itinerary.

Table of contents

Cities to visit on your Albania itinerary

Todo in tirana:.

• Join a free walking tour – The best way to learn about Albania’s and Tirana’s history and some fun facts
• Visit a bunker museum – Further out of the city there’s BUNK’ART 1, and BUNK’ART 2 right in Tirana’s center. Both are important museums that deliver insight into the dark past of communism and war in Albania (BUNK’ART 1 giving a broad overview of the history, and BUNK’ART 2 displaying a dark human point of view).
• Skanderbeg Square & the old Mosque – A historical place named after the Albanian national hero during Ottoman times. On the square, you can find the beautiful old Et’hem Bej Mosque, one of the few that had survived war times.
• Pazari i Ri – The large bazaar full of groceries in one of the oldest parts of Tirana.
• Tirana Castle – A medieval castle of which only a wall from the Ottoman era remains today, nowadays housing handicraft stores & cafes.
• Hoxha Pyramide – a lost place right in Tirana that used to be the most expensive building in Albania (named after the dictator) that’s currently under construction to become a museum.

Stay in Tirana:

• Hotel/Apartment: Rooftop Tirana   – Beautiful, modern apartments in the heart of Tirana with everything you need (especially parking which is important on an Albania itinerary by car).
• Hostel: Tirana Backpacker Hostel   – The perfect place to meet fellow travelers with a funky backyard and awesome breakfast.

Hotel recommendation for Tirana: Rooftop Tirana

These small but modern apartments in the heart of Tirana have everything you need (especially with parking, which can be tricky on a road trip in Albania’s capital). From here you can walk everywhere and enjoy the view over the city in the evening. In my opinion, also an unbeatable price! But be sure to contact the host before you arrive, because the apartments are hard to find.

Contrasts in Tirana

ToDo in Berat:

• Castle – Walk up to the castle and enjoy the view
• Stroll through the old town and cross the bridge – for a great view of the old town and its windows
• Join a free walking tour   – for great insights into the history and myths of this town
• Head to the beautiful vineyard Alpeta – for a wine tasting and a tour for only 15 Euros
• Osumi Canyon – A perfect day trip into Albania’s most stunning nature

Eat in Berat:

• Temi Albanian Food – Authentic, homemade food in an old alley up the hill with many vegetarian options and unbeatable prices
• Lili Homemade Food – A great place to try traditional food close to Berat’s center

Stay in Berat:

• Alpeta Agroturism   – A short drive from Berat you can stay in the vineyard’s lovely rooms in the middle of hills covered with olive trees
• Xho’s Forest – A small B&B with four rooms close to Berat’s historical center with a lush garden where you can have breakfast in the shade of the trees among many cute cats and extremely welcoming owners
• Berat Backpackers Hostel – It was the second hostel in Albania and has a beautiful outdoor area in a traditional building
• Maya Hostel – Another gem with a lovely garden right in the center of Berat

Hotel recommendation for Berat: Alpeta Agroturism

Just a short drive from Berat, you can stay in the beautiful rooms of this winery set amidst hills covered with olive trees. A super beautiful, authentic experience in the middle of the vineyards of Albania. Don’t miss to join a Wine Tasting there in the evening – when the welcoming father joins in, it can quickly turn into a Raki Tasting as well. We had a super nice evening there that felt like a vacation at friends’ homes.

If you’re short on time you can visit Berat on a day trip from Tirana.

Berat & its surrounding vineyards

Gjirokaster

Todo in gjirokaster.

• The castle – for a spectacular view across Gjirokaster
• Old Bazaar – Climb the steep alleys around the old Bazaar and stroll through the carpet and handcraft shops
• Ali Pasha bridge – an abandoned bridge in the countryside just a short hike (around 20 minutes) from town
• Day trip to Lengarica Canyon & Bënjë thermal baths – one of my favorite spots in Albania

Stay in Gjirokaster

• TeArra   – A bit up the hill, but led by a loving host Adi who loves to bake treats for her guests and prepares a large breakfast on her beautiful cozy terrace
• Grandpa’s Home   – A guesthouse that awaits you with the warmheartedness you’d expect from this name. With a beautiful garden and terrace and view of the castle.
• Stone City Hostel – a lovely hostel in a traditional house right in the center of Gjirokaster with a garden, roof terrace, and great breakfast

Hotel recommendation for Gjirokaster: TeArra

Located a bit further up the hill, this little guesthouse is run by the lovely hostess Adi, who loves to bake goodies for her guests and prepare a great breakfast on her cute, cozy terrace. The view from up here is really great and it’s easy to walk into the center. The picture shows her sweetly furnished terrace.

Gjirokaster & Ali Pasha Bridge

Albanian Riviera

Places to see in the albanian riviera.

• Dhermi old town & the church (Manastiri i Shën Marisë) – with amazing sea view
• Vuno – A cute, small hillside village
• Butrint National Park – Ruins of an ancient city (with an old Roman theatre, old church, gates, a castle, and many more) in the southernmost part of Albania
• Heads-up: In my opinion, avoid Saranda and Ksamil which are the most touristy places in Albania with one hotel bunker next to the other

Hotel recommendation for Dhermi: Roots

What a beautiful hotel in the sweet old town of Dhermi! The location is truly unique. And the rooms are stylish and modern yet authentic with a stunning sea view from their balcony. What else could you ask for? In my eyes, the dream accommodation on the Albanian Riviera!

Dhermi & ruins of Butrint

Beaches in Albania

• Gjipe Beach – Maybe one of the best beaches in Albania, but still kind of hidden gem in Albania (maybe not so hidden, as there are also sunbeds down there) but an extremely beautiful bay that you can reach after around 30 minutes walk from the parking
• Gjiri i Akuariumit – Just a 20-minute walk from Livadi beach (where you can park) you reach this small bay which is a natural paradise
• Borsh Beach – A super long beach (over 7 km!) that will never seem crowded, as there’s enough place to find a private spot for you.
• Grama Bay – Far away from any other beaches, it’s best to take a boat to Grama bay (e.g. from Himare). It’s also a very historic place where sailors used to escape storms and left inscriptions on the walls.

A bay near Ksamil & Borsh Beach

Stay in the Albanian Riviera

• Roots (in Dhermi) – Located in Dhermi’s cute old town, this small hotel offers beautiful rooms with a stunning view from their balconies
• Guesthouses Luiza (in Borsh) – An authentic guesthouse with lemon trees in their garden and walking distance to the beach

Hotel recommendation at the sea in Borsh: Guesthouses Luiza

An authentic, simple guesthouse, where you can relax among lemon trees in the garden, enjoy the sea view from the balcony and even walk to one of the longest beaches in Albania in just a few minutes. Here you don’t need much more to get to know and love a slightly less touristy part of Albania.

Eat in the Albanian Riviera

• Green Life Market – The first all-vegan restaurant in Albania, run by warm-hearted owners who basically cook in their home. Great atmosphere and even better food that is organic and as local as possible. Highly recommend visiting (probably the only place worth visiting in Saranda)!

Vegan food at Greenlife Market & Albanian Fruit stalls

Canyons, rivers, and lakes

Osum canyon (kanion osumi), lengarica canyon (kanioni i lengarices).

Lengarica Canyon

Bënjë Thermal Baths

Syri i Kaltër (Blue Eye)

Blue Eye & its clear river

Albanian Alps (Prokletije)

Theth and valbona valley, todo in theth:.

• Calm down – The area around the cute village Theth with its iconic church, free-roaming horses and cows and scenic mountain landscape is truly a place to recharge
• Waterfall hike – You can take a bus that brings you close to the waterfall. Then it’s just a short hike
• Blood Rage Tower – It used to be a safehouse for those who had to hide and can be visited nowadays
• Blue Eye – Yes, there’s also a well with the same name as the spring in southern Albania
• Hike to Valbona or even Montenegro – If you’re a fan of hiking further, there are several routes that cross through Valbona and even Montenegro. But you should be an experienced hiker and willing to walk around 20 km a day for these tours.

Stay in Theth National Park:

You can find many authentic, family-run guesthouses in traditional stone houses in the village Theth. This is also the perfect starting point for many hikes and day trips.

• Guesthouse Gjin Thana – A small, family-run guesthouse with mountain views and a lush garden
• Guesthouse Marashi  – Perfectly located right by the river (what a view to wake up in the morning!) and run by warm-hearted hosts

Hotel recommendation in Theth: Guesthouse Marashi

With its unbeatable location directly on the river, you have a stunning view as soon as you wake up in the morning! In addition, you do not have to go far to the waterfall. The beautiful wooden guesthouse is also run by super warm hosts who will make your stay in Theth very special. A place you will always want to come back to!

Theth National Park (pictures by my friend Jule )

Route along the Black Drin

Albania itineraries, how many days do you need for an albania road trip, more on slow travel, how to get to albania.

The ferry from Bari to Durres

How to get around Albania?

Ferry to Durres & driving in Albania

Driving around Albania

Suggested Albania itineraries

2 weeks albania itinerary.

• drive Tirana ⇨ Berat (1.5h / 100km)
• drive Berat ⇨ Gjirokaster (2.5h / 180km)
• drive Gjirokaster ⇨ Blue Eye ⇨ Riviera (1.5 – 2.5h / 90 – 115km)
• drive Riviera ⇨ Kruje ⇨ Koman Lake (5.5h / 320 km), add a night in Kruje if you’d like to avoid the long drive
• Koman Lake & Albanian Alps (3-4 days)

2 weeks Albania itinerary (click for interactive map)

10 days Albania itinerary

3 weeks albania itinerary.

Llogara Pass & Riviera

Llogara Pass

Good to know

When is the best time to visit albania, where to sleep on your albania road trip.

Accommodation in Albania

How expensive is traveling in Albania?

Is traveling in albania safe.

What about Internet? Can you use EU roaming in Albania?

Food in albania.

• Stuffed vegetables (e.g. eggplant, peppers, or pumpkin) – often stuffed with rice, mixed vegetables and sometimes cheese on top
• Ferges – Like a vegetable casserole with cheese
• Pispili – Spinach cake
• Byrek – Like a pie with a soft pastry
• Qifqi – Rice balls (A special from Gjirokaster)
• Sarma – Stuffed wine leaves
• Qofte – Fried vegetable balls
• Petulla – The typical Albanian “pancakes”, but they’re fried, more like donuts
• Raki – There’s no way of leaving Albania without having some Raki (locals often even drink a glass with their coffee in the morning)

Byrek | Stuffed peppers | Albanian “pancakes”

The Albanian language

• Yes – “Po”
• No – “yo”
• Hello – “Pershendetje”
• Thank you – “Faleminderit”
• Good night – “Naten e mire”
• Cheers – “Gezuar”

Sustainable travel in Albania

Why does albania have such a huge trash problem.

Albania’s nature & animals drowning in trash

What can we do as travelers?

• Avoid any plastic packaging (say no to any plastic bags but bring your own tote bag instead)
• Buy fresh fruit or freshly prepared snacks instead of packed snacks like chips or cookies
• Bring your own cosmetics instead of using the shampoo samples in any accommodation
• Say no to plastic straws, plastic cups etc.
• Bring a water filter bottle , so you don’t have to buy any plastic bottles

More about reducing waste during your trip

Lost places & bunkers.

Bunkers & lost places in Albania

Bunkers everywhere in Albania

Albania – a wrap-up

Albania in three words: Byrek | canyons | trash (yes, sadly that’s one of the things that left a mark)

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Sustainable travel in France

You’re quite right, Albania is definitely a beautiful country worth spending time in and exploring. A road trip sounds ideal. It is a pity about the litter but hopefully that will be addressed soon.

Yeah, in my opinion a roadtrip is the perfect way to explore Albania, and especially to get off the beaten path. However, the country needs to manage their litter problem soon. Otherwise this will result in worse problems. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Alma!

Hello! Thank you for making such a wonderful travel blog. I really appreciate this on point detailed guide. I wanna share the website https://www.holidayhare.com/country/albania I use to check info about countries, cities, weather, visa req. etc before I travel hope this helps :)

Thanks for your great feedback. I’m happy to hear that you like my content about an Albania road trip!

Hello. Thanks for the post. I want to share a website i came across, for cheaper holiday rentals, directly from local owners: https://www.rentfromlocals.al

thanks for the great article, keep up the good work

Thanks so much for your lovely comment!

Could you recommend any guided tours or travel tips for exploring the canyons and clear blue rivers in Albania?

You can find my tour recommendations within the article ;)

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The Ginger Wanderlust

Albania Road Trip Itinerary Ultimate Guide (1-2 weeks)

I had never really thought about visiting Albania until I was planning a summer road trip in Europe . I wanted to visit a country that was budget friendly and off the usual tourist radar. After a bit of research I decided to discover Albania & Montenegro in the Balkans. I was curious about Albania’s history and wanted to see for my self if Albania was really ‘unsafe’ as some people claimed. I spent 12 days exploring Albania and was blown away by the cities, coastline and mountains. In this post I will share my Albania Road Trip Itinerary Guide which includes all the top places to visit.

1 – 2 week Albania Road Trip Itinerary – what to see

If you are hoping to visit the top sites in Albania you will need at least 7 days. My Albania road trip itinerary is for 9 days, but you could do it in 7 days by spending less time in each place. Read on to find out the top things to do in Albania.

Day 1 – Tirana

Start your Albania road trip in Tirana, the capital of Albania. It’s the perfect place to learn more about the history of Albania before exploring the rest of the country.

Top things to do in Tirana: – Walk around the city and admire the colourful Ottoman-, Fascist- and Soviet-era architecture. – Join a tour of Tirana to learn more about the history. – Visit the National History Museum . It’s 400 LEK (€3.26) and covers prehistoric times through to Communist rule and the anti-Communist uprisings of the 1990s. – Marvel at the colourful government buildings (notably the intstagrammable Ministry of Agriculture and the ones at Skanderbeg Square). – Spot the many decorated electric boxes (I saw a Pikachu, Salvador Dali and Angry Birds). – Visit the Pyramid of Tirana (Originally built to celebrate the life of ex-communist leader Enver Hoxha. It is currently abandoned. – Admire the art at Bunk Art2. An old bomb shelter that has been converted into a history museum and contemporary art gallery. – Join a cooking course and make a 3 course Albanian meal. – See the beautiful historical Et’hem Bey Mosque – Walk around the trendy area of Blloku, here you’ll find lots of cool cafes! – Go up the Sky Tower for a drink and beautiful views over the city. – Day trip to Lake Komani and Shala river

Where to stay in Tirana – We stayed at the Villa 27 Apartments . It was just €14 a night for a double room! They had free parking just outside and are within walking distance to the town centre.

Day 2 – Drive from Tirana to Ksamil with a stop in Gjirokaster

Your second day will be a long driving day whilst you road trip down 300km to Ksamil in the far south of Albania. The drive will take just under 5 hours, you can break it up by making a slight detour to the charming town of Gjirokaster.

Gjirokaster’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town. The city is overlooked by Gjirokastër Fortress, the ruins of which you can visit and enjoy a nice view over the city and valley. The roads near the Old Town are steep and cobbled so I would avoid driving near here if you can (I saw one car sliding backwards down a hill!). Park just outside and walk in.

I would recommend leaving Tirana in the morning so you get to Gjirokaster by lunchtime. You’ll can stop to enjoy some local food before exploring the Old Town. I ate at the Taverna Kuka, which had a super cute terrace and tasty food! You can also join a walking tour for under €15.

You’ll then need to drive 1 hour 20 minutes to reach your final destination of Ksamil.

Where to stay in Ksamil – I stayed at the Vila Renato . They offer little studios with a kitchenette and private bathroom, within walking distance of the main beaches. Our room slept 4 and was just €30 a night during the summer holidays.

Day 3 – Ksamil

Ksamil (pronouned Kuh-sar-mil) is a beautiful coastal town on the Albanian Riviera . It’s one of the cheapest beach holiday locations so is very popular with backpackers. It has beautiful crystal clear waters as well as 4 rocky Islands to explore, making a super instagrammable photo spot . If you are a strong swimmer you can swim to the closest two islands at low tide. Otherwise you can hire kayaks or pedalos.

Ksamil can get very busy in the summer holidays, so I would recommend going off season in June or September to avoid the crowds. If you are unable to avoid visiting during the summer holidays I would recommend booking a sun lounger the day before. There is hardly any ‘free space’ on the beaches in Ksamil and the sun loungers sell out very quickly. You can also escape the crowds by visiting the beautiful nearby Pulëbardha Beach.

Enjoy your time chilling out on the beach in Ksamil, as well as trying out the many rooftop (sea view) bars and restaurants.

Day 4 – Ksamil, Butrint National Park and continuing your Albanian Riviera road trip

If you are staying in Ksamil for a few nights then make sure to check out Butrint National Park, just a 20 minute drive south of Ksamil and one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania. Butrint National Park contains different artefacts and structures, dating from the Iron Age up until the Middle Ages. Numerous monuments are still extant including the city walls, a late-antique baptistery, a great basilica, roman theatre and two castles. The entrance fee is 700 LEK (around €6) and there is a free parking there if you drive, otherwise you can get the local bus from Ksamil.

After visiting Butrint National Park you can continue your Albanian Riviera road trip . Head north 30 minutes to the seaside town of Sarande where you can stop for lunch and to enjoy the beach a bit.

Next, follow the coastal road just over an hour north to Himare, another beautiful town on the Albanian Riviera. If you are backpacking on a budget you might want to consider staying in Himare, it is considerably cheaper than the nearby town of Dhermi, and the beach is mostly open space (no parasols to rent taking up all the place). If you’re in Himare make sure to grab some pizza at Pizzeria La Famiglia for the best view over Himare beach.

Where to stay – We decided to treat ourselves and stay at the luxurious Vila Kristi in Dhermi. We had a really nice clean and modern room with breakfast included for €80 a night. If you’re on a tighter budget you should look for accommodation in nearby Himare.

Day 5 – Dhermi, Himare and Gjipe Beach

Spend the day exploring more of Albania’s beautiful beaches including my favourite, Gjipe Beach.

Gjipe Beach is not accessible by car so it is one of the least busiest beaches in Albania. Even during the summer holidays there weren’t too many people here! You can either park near the top and walk down a beautiful panoramic path for 30 minutes like in the picture below (but it’s very steep) or you can drive to the parking at the bottom of the road and walk for 25 minutes along a less steep road (but it’s not as scenic).

I would also recommend checking out both Palasa Beach and Dhermi Beach in Dhermi. Picture beachside bars, colourful parasols and epic mountain landscapes!

Day 6 – Drive from Dhermi to Shkoder via Kruje

Today will be another long driving day whilst you road trip 4.5 hours to Shkoder in the north of Albania. You can break up the drive by stopping at the Medieval town of Kruje. The bazaar selling lots of brightly coloured souvenirs makes for a great instagram photo opportunity.

If you have more time, you might want to consider a detour to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with very unique architecture. You could even sign up for a cooking class there!

Once you arrive in Shkoder, be sure to head to Rruga Kolë Idromeno (a super cute street) and grab some food at the Rooftop Bar Restorant Piceri Chicago. Here you can enjoy a very reasonably priced pizza with a beautiful view, perfect for people watching!

If you want to go to Theth the following day you will need to book it today (we booked the jeep via our hotel).

Where to stay in Shkoder – We stayed at the Hotel Kurtabeg , it was super cheap at only €17 a night for a double room with a private bathroom, but the rooms were very old and basic.

Day 7 – Theth

One of the highlights of my Albania road trip itinerary was my time in the beautiful mountain village of Theth in the Albanian Alps.

How to get to Theth

The road into the valley is thin and broken so you will need a 4 x 4 to drive here. Most people opt to book a €10 per person jeep there and leave their cars in Shkoder (we left ours at our hotel). These jeeps tend to leave Shkoder around 7:30am arriving in Theth around 10:30-11am. They will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at your Guesthouse in Theth.

Alternatively you can book onto a group tour which will organise all of the transport for you. Or book a day trip if you’re low on time.

Where to eat in Theth

Theth is very rural so make sure to bring a packed lunch with you, as there aren’t many restaurants (or shops) around. You can book to have dinner and breakfast at your guesthouses.

Most popular hike

Today will be your longest day in Theth so I would recommend heading off for a hike as soon as you can. The most popular hike to do in Theth is to the Blue Eye . It takes about 6-7 hour to hike there and back (or you can walk there and hire a jeep back). The hike will take you past sound beautiful waterfalls and scenery, find out exactly how to get to the Blue Eye .

Theth Church

Try to get back to Theth for sunset so you can enjoy the beautiful light on the mountains at Theth Church (the cutest church ever!). Find out the best photo spots of the church in my Ultimate Guide to Theth .

Where to stay in Theth – Theth has a number of charming guesthouses which are all around €40-50 a night. We stayed at the  Marashi Guesthouse  as it is located right near Theth church (which I wanted to photograph at sunrise and sunset), had good reviews and was also one of the cheaper guesthouses.

Day 8 – Theth

Today you can either decide to go hiking, then back to Shkoder with the jeeps that leave at 11am. Or you can hike from Theth to Valbona . If you do the latter make sure to not bring too much luggage with you as you will be carrying it!

The hike from Theth is to Valbona takes around 8-9 hours (one way) and you will stay for one night in Theth and one night in Valbona (at least), you can then get a boat along the Komani Lake and back to Shkoder. You will need at least 3 full days to complete this loop from Shkoder.

If you go back to Shkoder from Theth you should arrive back around 2pm. Be sure to check out Rozafa Castle, an incredible ancient fortress that has really stood the test of time.

If you wish to visit Komani Lake and Lumi i Shales the following day you should book it today through your hotel.

Day 9 – Komani Lake and Lumi i Shales

Lake Koman (or Komani Lake) is a reservoir in northern Albania. It is located in a narrow valley surrounded by dense forested hills on vertical slopes. Sailing down the Komani Lake makes you feel like you’re in the Lord of the Rings, it really is a unique landscapes and worth a visit!

A minibus picked us up from our hotel around 8am and dropped us off at the Komani lake (€5 one way), they then helped us to get onto a boat (€5 each way). This boat took us on the most magical ride along the lake towards Lumi i Shales .

You can also visit Komani lake as part of your 3 day itinerary to Theth and Valbona . Or a day trip from Tirana .

As we were there during a very dry summer the water levels were very low, which meant the boat wasn’t able to take us the whole way to Lumi i Shales. So we were dropped off and then walked up the river for about 45 minutes. At the time we had no idea where we were going or what was going on, but it was definitely worth it! Lumi i shales (or Shala River) is located in a lush green valley, with crystal blue water, it is absolutely breath taking! There are 2 basic restaurants there offering BBQ food, just be sure to bring cash.

You will then need to walk back to the boat (keep an eye on when your boat-mates are leaving) and from there you’ll be able to get the minibus back to Shkoder.

For more information getting here check out my blog post on how to get to Lumi i Shales .

I hope you enjoy this Albania road trip itinerary. My guide will allow you to discover all the must see sites in Albania. After Albania you might consider continuing your road trip in Montenegro .

Albania Road Trip Itinerary FAQ

Driving in albania, what are the road conditions like.

I was very impressed with the condition of the roads in Albania. The main roads are all paved and a pleasure to drive on. You’ll only need a 4×4 if you decided to visit more rural parts of the country, like the road to Theth (you can also pay to take a taxi jeep there). My Albania road trip itinerary only includes covered roads that are in good condition.

Driving safety in Albania

The roads in Albania are in a good condition, the main safety issue of driving in Albania is with the local drivers, who can be a bit crazy. In general I had no problem driving in Albania, there was just the odd moment when cars would overtake me incredibly fast (once when a car was coming in the other direction). As long as you stay alert whilst driving you will be fine.

Crossing the border from Albania to Montenegro

We hired our car in Montenegro and after spending a few days exploring the bay of Kotor we crossed the border by car into Albania.

There are two places where you can cross the border from Albania into Montenegro: – Border Crossing Hani i Hotit – Bozhaj (north of Lake Skadar) – Border Crossing Muriqan – Sukobin (south of Lake Skadar)

The border can get quite busy, so be prepared to wait (sometimes 1-2 hours). I recommend going early if you can to avoid the main bulk of cars.

If you want to drive across the border, you need to inform your car rental company in advance, as well as purchase a Green Card when you pick up the car. A Green Card is an international certificate, that shows you are covered by insurance. The price of a Green Card for one car is €42.35 (including VAT).

In order to avoid this cost and hassle you can also take a bus from Albania to Montenegro .

How much to budget for Albania

Albania’s currency.

Albania is not currently in the EU however it is a “potential candidate country” and hopes to join soon. For this reason the euro (€) is widely accepted, even if the Lek (plural lekë) is Albania’s official currency. 100 Albanian Lek equals 0.81 Euro.

ATM’s are widely available in Albania, however we sometimes struggled to find ATMs that accepted Mastercards (they were Visa only).

Daily Costs

Albania is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. You can enjoy a road trip around Albania from just €20 a day per person. It’s a great destination for budget backpackers.

• Dorm bed: €5–15 a night
• Double room: starting from €15 a night
• Meal in a restaurant: €1–6 per person (we had a number of good pizza’s for just €5)
• Car rental: starting from around €15 a day
• Petrol: €1 – €1.40 / L
• ESIM around €8-15

My 12 day Albania road trip itinerary cost around €500 per person.

Is Albania safe to visit?

Due to it’s history of communism and war, Albania does not have the best reputation. However, most western governments advise that crime and violence against foreigners is extremely rare. I personally found Albania to be very safe to travel around with the locals being very friendly and welcoming.

Best time to visit Albania

The best time to visit Albania is during the warmer weather from April to October. Peak season is during the summer holidays in July and August, the temperatures get quite high so you’ll find a lot of people by the Albanian Riviera . If you wish to enjoy the sunshine without the crowds I would aim for June or September.

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring Albania. It is definitely one of the most underrated countries in Europe, and well worth a visit! You might want to check out the 21 most instagrammable photo spots in Albania to help plan your trip some more.

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19 comments.

madhuonthego

Albania is definitely a lovely place with such a rich culture and colours..loved your post ,it’s so informative .hope to visit one day

Whaooo that looks so beautiful ! I never though about Albania as a holiday destination. I am saving this for later!

It really took my breath away! Especially all the amazing beaches!

Suvarna Arora

I was already impressed by the pictures of Albania from your IG but this guide definitely insisted me on putting it at the top. I will be referring to it in future when I can travel.

I’ve only been to Tirana so far but I would love to go back to Albania and discover the rest of the country! Such an amazing itinerary, thank you for sharing!

limitlesssecrets

I am so surprised to discover the beauty of Albania through your lens! And it’s great to know that this country is very cheap, makes it even more interesting to visit! Thanks for all the tips!

Yes it’s the perfect country to visit on a budget! You could easily do it cheaper than me too, we went in the summer holidays and didn’t always go for the cheapest hotels

thebornwanderess

Albania is such a pleasant surprise. I can’t wait to get back, maybe when it’s a bit warmer next time

lostwithjen

I’ve never been here but I would love to do this as a road trip! Theth looks so beautiful and as always your photos are stunning! Thanks for sharing ?

OMG Love you photos girl! Thanks for helping me realise how beautiful Albania is! Adding it to my bucket list.

Urban Wanders

I had no idea Albania was so beautiful! I’m especially impressed with its beaches! Thanks for shining light on less traveled destinations 🙂

I have wanted to go to Albania for ages, thanks for the informative post!

Drive from Tirana to Ksamil looks stunning. Albania looks amazing!

What beautiful photographs. Albania was never on my list until now. Thanks for the great post ?

Antonia Hiesgen

Wow! Albania has been on my list for so long! It’s still kind of a hidden gem, so hoping to be able to travel there soon!

Wow, your photos are amazing! May I ask what camera & lenses you used here?

Aw thank you! They were taken on my Canon 5d mark iii and a couple on my iphone 🙂 I share all my photography tips in my ebook on How to Take Better Photos for IG if you want to learn more about photography 🙂 https://thegingerwanderlust.com/product/how-to-take-better-photos-for-instagram/

Absolutely love this post Ellie! I am dying to visit Albania and would really love to do a road trip across eastern Europe! These tips are super helpful!

Sooo many places to see in Eastern Europe!! I really want to go back!

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The Perfect One Week And Two Weeks Travel Itinerary For Albania

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• Last Updated On: September 8, 2023

Albania is one of those countries that gets brushed aside when planning travel to Europe. Most travelers not in the know would think what is even in Albania and opt instead of Greece or Croatia. I’m here to say that there’s definitely no reason to skip through Albania anymore as it offers some of the most diverse landscapes of any country in Europe!

I spent three weeks traveling around the South Balkans visiting Albania, Macedonia, and Kosovo . I spent the majority of my time in Albania because it has the most to see. From dramatic mountain ranges to beautiful blue beaches, Albania has everything. Not to mention the cultural diversity among its people is surprising with Albanians, Montenegrins, Greek, and Macedonian all living within the borders.

Albania is quite a diverse country and Tirana is inconveniently located in the middle of the country. It’s divided into two parts, the north and the south and while I’ve visited both, it might be too much to do both unless you have at least 1.5 weeks to dedicate.

Where I went in Albania

I saw most of all the highlights of Albania during my trip there. In total, I spent about 10 days visiting the country which I think is enough. However, if you have two weeks, you’ll be able to see everything I think.

If you only have a week, then I’d recommend splitting the trip into itineraries either for the southern part of the country or the north.

Here is a map of my itinerary:

Rent a car in Albania

For this itinerary to work in the allotted time, then you must rent a car. While public transportation is widely available and there are buses that connect Tirana to locations all over the region, it just is not as efficient as renting a car.

In addition, a lot of the charm in these countries is visiting smaller towns that are not well connected or a mountain viewpoint over the Adriatic or Lake Ohrid.

Renting a car is very cheap in the region. I started my trip in Tirana and a rental car could be had for as cheap as €10. I ended up paying about €18 a day for full insurance coverage and from a more reputable company. The car insurer was very easy to work with.

The roads in the these countries are plenty good when you’re on the main freeways.

Should I see the north or the south of Albania?

Albania has a very diverse set of landscapes. The north is characterized by huge mountain ranges that are dramatic and stunning. These mountains really remind me of the Italian Dolomites which are the most beautiful mountains in my opinion. The south has more of the traditional villages as well as a beautiful coastline the more you approach Greece.

It really depends on what you want to see and what you’re looking for. Are you after sunny beaches or epic hiking? There are just too many variables. Just brainstorming the pros, I can think of these:

South Itinerary:

• Beautiful beaches
• Epic drives along the coast
• Beautiful medieval villages like Berat and Gjirokaster
• Lots of Greek and Roman ruins

North Itinerary:

• Amazing mountain ranges
• One of the most epic hikes from Valbona to Theth
• Lake Koman Ferry (even more epic)

What would I do?

If I had to choose between these two, I would probably take the north itinerary. As beautiful as the Albanian coast is, I think you can see even more beautiful places in Greece like Kefalonia nearby. I think the north is particularly unique and you don’t see mountain ranges like that often. As well, the Lake Koman ferry is just breathtakingly epic.

As Tirana is located in the middle of the country, you will have to choose which area to go to if you only have a week. If you have two weeks (or even ten days), then it’s feasible to not have to decide and be able to see everything. I will break down the itineraries at the end of the post for those that want to get an idea how to plan a trip with regards to which part of the country.

For the purpose of this post, as I saw both the north and the south, I will write about all the areas that I went to and how many days I spent there. Afterwards, I will include ideas on how to structure your trip depending on the amount of time you have!

Albania Trip Summary

All trips in Albania will likely start in Tirana. From Tirana, I spent two nights exploring the capital before driving south to the old city of Berat. From Berat, I drove south further to explore the coast where I stayed three days in Himare. I used Himare as a base to explore nearby seaside sights like Butrint National Park, Dhermi, Gjipe Beach and more.

From Himare,, I drove to Gjirokaster to see the old city where I stayed one night high up in the town. This pretty much summarizes the southern part of the trip. Thankfully, Albania is not too large and driving from the south to the north can be done in short time.

From Gjirokaster, I drove next to the town of Shkoder where I prepared for the famous north Albania hike circuit that traverses through Valbona and Theth national parks. This takes about four days in total to complete before finally ending back in Tirana.

Start in Tirana – Days 1&2

Tirana is hands-down one of my favorite cities in the Balkans, full of incredible restaurants, cafés serving up perfect coffee for less than $1, funky museums, interesting open-air markets, and vibrant street art.

Spend your first day in Tirana getting acquainted with the area around Skanderbeg Square, visiting Bunkart 2 and/or the House of Leaves, checking out the socialist mural on the National History Museum, visiting the newly renovated Pazar I Ri market area, and walking around the hipster neighborhood of Blloku which used to be the center of Communist rule during Enver Hoxha’s murderous reign.

This is a great area to go out at night: I strongly recommend Colonial Cocktail Academy for inventive mixology, Radio Bar for chilled-out drinks in a funky vintage-inspired settling, Nouveau Vague for one of the most photogenic terraces in Tirana, and Kino for a lovely summer garden and fabulous mixed drinks.

Berat – Day 3

From Tirana, the first stop on this epic road trip is to the old town of Berat. Whereas Tirana didn’t have really any “old towns” to speak of due to Communism, Berat is exactly what you’re thinking of when it comes to old European villages.

Having spent a lot of time in Albania, I think Berat is probably the most impressive traditional town in the country. Known as the city of 1000 windows, this old town was heavily influenced by the Ottoman empire and you can see the same architectural prowess as you do in certain parts of Turkey.

Picturesque stone houses with dark mahogany stucco roofs are built along the hillside. Don’t forget the fortress at the top of said hill just to add perspective. The town is incredibly photogenic and you will get some of your best pictures of the country here.

For the best views, visit the new bridge and take the photo head on. In addition, the views from the main town square that is adorned with numerous cafes is amazing.

Last but not least, if you just have one night here like I did, make sure to absolutely go eat dinner at Homemade food Lili located right in the old town. The owner is incredibly energetic and I’ve never seen a happier soul. Coupled with some of the best Albanian food you’ll find and this is a must visit.

Where I stayed in Berat

There are countless places to stay in Berat and all for very affordable prices. I stayed at Guesthouse Arben Elezi which had comfortable rooms and modern finishings. However, the best part of this guesthouse was its rooftop terrace with dead on views of Berat’s old town. Having breakfast here with these views was an absolute treat.

Himare and the Albanian Riviera – Day 4-6

After one night in Berat, I drove south towards the Albanian coast to enjoy beaches and sea. The Adriatic coastline of Albania is totally underrated in my opinion. It combines dramatic mountain peaks with that beautiful Ionian sea that you can’t get enough of. Driving down the coast reminded me of Crete in some parts, mixed in with Kefalonia , Greece at others. It is spectacular and not to be missed!

There is a steep ascent up the mountains but as it dips down to sea level, the views of the mountains towering over the sea is breathtaking.

There are many towns and destinations to visit on the coast. The main towns of interest are:

• Butrint National Park

There are many smaller villages that are also beautiful but these are the main ones. It is not so big of an area to cover so I would recommend to just choose a town and base yourself there for a few nights.

After reading a lot of blogs, I settled on Himare which is mostly in the middle of the southern coast and is known to be a bit more laid back but with beautiful views. Dhermi is next door but seemed to be a place that specialized in high end accommodations which wasn’t what I was after. Sarande in the very south is a bigger beach town that had a very Southern California OC vibe (as well as Vlore). In the end, I was very happy with my decision of staying in Himare.

Drop in at the Appollonia Ruins

On the way from Berat to Himare, you’ll pass through the old Greek ruins at Appollonia. Here you’ll find a small acropolis type of building with breathtaking views of the nearby valleys. There is a small entrance fee here but it is a nice little stop along the way to the coast.

Visit Gjipe Beach

All the Albanians I met told me a visit to Gjipe Beach was a must. It’s one of the nicest beaches in the coast and I would have to agree. Located between Dhermi and Himare, this beach is a bit of a mission to get to. It involves driving down a small road (it is paved at least), parking your car, and walking 20 minutes down rocky roads to the beach.

It is not difficult by any means but just keep in mind you will want to pack lots of water for this trip. In the end, the beach is absolutely beautiful and has all the qualities of an Ionian sea beach you can expect.

Having visited in late April, I was able to enjoy beautiful weather (25C+) and zero crowds. However, in the summer months, expect this beach (and every other one) to get super packed.

Visit Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park is located south of Sarande and is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to perhaps the least crowded Greek and Roman ruins you’ll find.

The Amphitheatre here was completely empty and I was able to just chill here by myself for quite some time. There is also a very nicely preserved fortress with views of the surrounding bay.

After getting your history in, make sure to have lunch in Ksamil. Guvat Bar and Restaurant is located right on the beach with stunning views of the turquoise water below. As this region is so close to Greece, expect delicious Greek food which is my favorite European cuisine.

Staying at Beleri House

Beleri House in Himare was an amazing option to stay! It was right in front of the beach and had great ocean views. The town of Himare is much more chilled and a great place to base yourself to explore the nearby areas.

Gjirokaster – Day 7

After a very relaxing few days in Himare soaking up the sun and sea, it was time to continue onwards to Gjirokaster, which is another beautiful medieval mountain town in the heartland of Albania. The drive from Himare to Gjirokaster is quite scenic and just over two hours.

Blue Eye of Sarande

Along the way, stop at the Blue Eye of Sarande which is a natural pool with ultra clear water coming from depths of 50 meters below. It’s possible to swim in these waters and it is a popular tourist attraction.

Gjiroskaster Town

Upon arrive in Gjirokaster, you will be undoubtedly taken aback by the natural beauty of the town. Like Berat, there is an old town and a new town but of course, you’ll want to stay the night in the old part of the village on the hills.

Gjirokaster is known as the stone city and is another beautiful display of Ottoman city planning. It is similar but also not that similar to Berat, even though both towns share the same history. Both towns are incredibly beautiful and I’d say Gjirokaster is as beautiful as Berat. Both towns are absolutely worth visiting.

Gjirokaster feels a bit more touristy than Berat as its main streets are filled with shops that sell souvenirs and restaurants. However, visiting in late April during COVID meant neither town felt touristy whatsoever.

Where I stayed – Stone Rooms

I found a hotel called the Stone Rooms at the top of Gjirokaster with complete panoramic views of the city for 20 euros a night. It was a bit of a mission to get here but the views were totally worth it.

Shkoder Town – Day 8

Shkodra is much more chilled out than Tirana. It’s one of the most bicycle friendly cities in Albania which is a far cry from the chaos of Tirana.

It has a great pedestrian walkway with lots of wonderful coffee shops which is an easy place to while away half an afternoon. I recommend renting bikes and heading out to Rozafa Castle, where you can get phenomenal views over Lake Shkodra, and if you’re extra ambitious you can even bike to the shores of the lake and sunbathe there for a bit or even go for a dip.

You can also check out the phenomenal photography museum there, the Marubi National Museum of Photography, the beautiful central mosque, and the old bazaar.

Valbona and Theth – Day 9 to 12

From Shkoder, it is time to start the infamous Valbona to Theth hike.

The journey to the alps is a bit of a process but every step is worth it. The first of those steps is taking the most epic ferry ride you’ll ever have.

Koman Lake Ferry

Seriously, you cannot leave Albania without at least going on this ferry ride.

Picture towering Norwegian style Fjords on all sides of you as you sail across a turquoise river. It’s something special and no pictures do it justice!

From Shkoder, it’s a 1.5 hour drive to the port town of Koman. There is nothing here really except some restaurants and this ferry. The ferry runs once a day between Koman and Fierza (round trip). The cost is only €6 per person and about €40 for a car.

The ferry ride is only two hours but you’ll wish it lasts longer. After arriving in Fierze, it’s an easy drive to Valbona.

I wrote about the Lake Koman ferry ride in detail so make sure to read that if you are considering this trip!

Valbona to Theth Hike

It is absolutely stunning in its beauty and the dramatic rocky peaks will convert any lowland lower. One of the most popular things to do in Albania is to make the Valbona to Theth hike. Valbona and Theth are two national parks located next to each other in Albania’s north. Valbona to the East and Theth to the west. They are  only connected by foot meaning there are no roads connecting these two national parks. Therefore, many travelers make the trek by foot and it’s one of the most epic hikes you can do.

However, this is only possible in the summer months as snow often blocks the way. This 6-7 hour hike can only be done between the months of May-September. I visited in early May and sadly, the pass was closed. Therefore, I went straight to Valbona from Kosovo instead of doing the typical “route” for this trip.

If you are visiting and the pass is indeed open (just message one of the guesthouses in Valbona to know about the conditions), then this is the itinerary you will follow:

• Start in Shkoder (overnight)
• In the morning, your guesthouse or hotel will arrange a transport to the Koman Lake Ferry, which is in itself extremely epic (more details on this shortly)
• Take the two hour ferry ride from Koman to Fierza
• From Fierza, take another transport to your guesthouse in Valbona where you will spend the night
• The next day, make the 6-8 hour hike from Valbona to Theth, spend the night at your guesthouse in Theth
• The following day, take a transport to Shkoder

For the above itinerary, you can leave your rental car in Shkoder for the 3 days no problem. You can’t take the car with you on this trip because there is no way to get back to Valbona after you finish your hike unless you want to walk back! Therefore, it’s much easier to just do this trip without your rental car.

Valbona National Park

Since I couldn’t do the above hike, I decided to just spend some time in Valbona without going to Theth. While the pass was closed, there are still hikes to be done without much issue. The  Maja e  Rosni  hike is the one that many people do. It’s 2600m to the top and takes about 7 hours round trip. However, it’s only about 1600m to get to the first viewpoint which affords you panoramic views of the valley.

This is what I ended up doing and it was incredibly beautiful. The views stretch for many kilometers down the valley as you get the same jagged peaks that I saw in the Dolomites. It’s truly breathtaking here.

Staying at Margjeka Hotel

The most popular guesthouse that I read about was Margjeka Hotel . It’s located at the very end of the road in Valbona and it is located on a hill which gives it views of every mountain surrounding it. The rooms are comfortable and the food was delicious. Most importantly, waking up to these views was something special.

I would highly recommend staying here!

Day by day breakdown of Albania

Here is a day by day breakdown of my itinerary:

Day 1: Tirana Day 2: Tirana Day 3: Berat Day 4: Berat to Himare Day 5: Himare (explore Butrint National Park) Day 6: Himare (Relax at beaches) Day 7: Gjirokaster Day 8: Gjirokaster to Shkoder Day 9: Shkoder to Lake Koman Ferry to Valbona where you spend the night Day 10: Valbona to Theth Hike, stay in Theth Day 11: Stay a second night in Theth Day 12: Theth to Shkoder Day 13: Flight out of Tirana

One Week Itinerary for Albania

If you only have one week to dedicate to Albania (7-8 days), then I will break down my day by day play for you here.

Again, since Tirana is in the center of the country, I would choose to either do the north or the south as part of my one week trip. I will break it down accordingly:

South Albania for One week

This trip will focus on places south of Tirana and is the longer of the two trips. It is centered around beaches and old towns.

Day 1: Tirana Day 2: Tirana Day 3: Berat Day 4: Berat to Himare Day 5: Himare (explore Butrint National Park) Day 6: Himare (Relax at beaches) Day 7: Gjirokaster Day 8: Gjirokaster to Tirana

North Albania for One week

This trip will focus on places north of Tirana and is the shorter of the two trips. It is centered around hiking through the alps (and of course enjoying the views). Note that this itinerary is really only possible in the summer months between May and October as the pass between Valbona and Theth will not be covered in snow. If it is snowed in, you will not be able to do this famous hike.

Day 1: Tirana Day 2: Tirana Day 3: Shkoder Day 4: Shkoder to Lake Koman Ferry to Valbona Day 5: Valbona to Theth hike Day 6: Full day in Theth Day 7: Theth to Tirana

Continue Reading:

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• Visiting Beautiful Berat, Albania: The Town Of A Thousand Windows
• The Perfect Travel Itinerary For Madagascar
• The Ultimate Kosovo Travel Itinerary: Pristina, Prizren, Peje
• The Ultimate Road Trips To Take Around The World
• The Perfect Two Week Itinerary For The Balkan Countries
• The Perfect Ionian Islands Travel Itinerary
• The Perfect Travel Itinerary For Mozambique
• Singapore Island Hopping: Visiting St John’s and Kusu Island
• The Ultimate Thailand Travel Itinerary: 1 To 4 Weeks (North And South)
• The Perfect Travel Itinerary For Slovenia: Ljubljana, Lake Bled and More
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Thanks for your wonderful post. We just booked flights and I’m busy getting planning our trip.

We fly into Tirana on 21st September very late and leave 2nd October. So in total have 10 full days and 2 days where we are flying.

I’m really keen to go to Theth and am wondering if we went straight there on the 22nd then backed on ourselves to Tirana and then went to the south after before flying out from Tirana. Would that work ?

What would you suggest ?

Hi Sarah, i think that is definitely possible! Are you planning to do the full hike? Because that will take at least 2-3 days. Would skip Shkoder area and just go straight south to Berat and then do all the things there. Enjoy!

Thanks for your reply.

Yes the plan was to do the full hike which would mean about 5 days in the north 2 in the capital and then 3 in the south.

If you do the full hike, would you not need to stay in shkoder ?

Hey! Sat in Shkodra now after enjoying the Lake Komani ferry trip 🙂

Thanks for your useful information – it really helped me plan!

Amazing! Glad it helped and isn’t it so beautiful??! So underrated.

Great info on travelling around Albania

This is by far the most helpful blog I’ve read on a trip to Albania, thank you so much! I’ll be going over Easter so won’t be able to do the hike either but I’m still so excited. I was hoping I could please have your advice on the following- (i) it seems like the best way to get around is to hire a car. I’ll be traveling as a solo female and I’m used to driving on the left side of the road (I’m South African) – were the roads quite intense/scary/dangerous? I’ve read some blogs saying driving in Albania can be quite chaotic but I just love the idea of having that freedom and the coastal drive, which looks like it may be a bit like the Cape Town drives. (ii) I have 8 full days in Albania and was looking at doing the southern riviera but is also really love to do the ferry after you wrote about it. Do you think this is doable? What was the weather like when you went in April? As mentioned I’ll be there mid-April. Thanks again for the information, I can’t wait to stay in Stone Rooms!!

Hi Inge! Thanks for the kind words. I think you are fine as a solo driver. The city traffic can be hectic but it’s really not that bad. Once you get to the countryside it is super chilled and laid back. Driving in gjirokaster up to the hotel was tricky though because the streets are so small. Weather in April was great for me but of course always variable.

Thanks for this post Johnny! I was originally going to do Zakynthos, Corfu and Albania but we had some flight hiccups with Greece. The good news is that we will have more days in Albania (a total of 15).

We are supposed to head to Greece on September 1st, stay 1 night in Corfu and then take the ferry to Saranda. Do you think its still feasible to hit these areas but starting from the south? Or would it be better to head straight to Shkoder, do the Alps and then work our way south to the Riviera? Either way, our last 2 nights will definitely be in Tirana since that is where we are flying out of.

Also, I dont know where you found such a cheap car rental but do you drive stick shift? I can only drove automatic and so far the car availability is limited and expensive. I was thinking of only renting a car for the Riviera portion of the trip and hiring a taxi or taking mini bus for the other destinations.

I appreciate any advice you have. We love beaches and historical towns but we also love those mountain views from the north.

Hi Cal, SInce you’re already going to be in Sarande, I would probably rent a car for the area like you nentioned and hten take a bus from Sarande to Tirana or Shkoder and then do the alps from there. It doesn’t make sense to go to Tirana, rent a car, and then go back down to the south and then go back to Tirana. From Shkoder, you can just do the 3-4 day Valbona to Theth route and you don’t even need a car.

As for the car rentals, yes I drive manual so it definitely makes a big difference. Most places in these parts don’t do much automatic so you’re always paying the premium!

Thanks Johnny! Do you think it’s feasible to still do Gjirokaster and Berat? Gjirokaster is not far from Saranda but Berat would be out of the way a bit. I was debating whether to head north to Shkoder from Berat instead.

Acutally I think there are buses between Sarande to Berat every day. This way, you can work your up north slowly without having to reverse course. Perhaps rent a car to explore the south, take a bus from Sarande to Berat, then Berat to Shkoder, and back to Tirana?

Cool thanks for that tip too!

I have a couple of more questions. My partner doesn’t care much for the history/UNESCO status and to him, Gjirokaster and Berat are very similar so he is wondering why see both. I would love to visit both but are there any things that stood out to you more than the other if you could only choose 1 to visit?

If you could do the North portion all over again, would you still stay 2 nights in Theth or do you think you would rather do 1 night in Theth and 2 in Valbone?

I know its so many questions but this is really helpful since I’m tightening up this itinerary 🙂

I’d see berat over gjirokaster I think. And I’d do 2 nights in theth! But I think one night in each is enough as well .

Hi what company did you rent your car from? Wonderful, informative blog btw.

Hey thanks pradeepa! I used easy drive rent a car and can recommend!

Wander-Lush

22 Travel Tips for Albania: Useful Things to Know Before You Go

My top travel tips for Albania to save you money, time and stress. Read this before you go travelling in Albania.

When I embarked on my 6-month overland journey through the Balkan countries, Albania was definitely the country I was most nervous about visiting.

I had read all about the rugged beaches , high mountains and historic towns and castles – so I had no trouble deciding where to go and what to do . But the people, the culture, the food and all the practical details such as transportation, WIFI and accommodation – well, I had absolutely no clue what to expect.

On the ground, I discovered that most negative stereotypes about the country are untrue. In my experience Albania is safe, affordable, friendly, diverse, tolerant and above all else, incredibly beautiful .

At the same time, I learned that Albania does present some particular challenges , even for those well-practiced at travelling in the region.

Without spoiling any of the country’s special secrets or revealing too many of the quirky things about Albania that are fun to figure out as you go, I want to share a couple of things that will make your travel experience smoother and more fulfilling.

Here are 22 practical travel tips for Albania that I think every traveller should know.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

What is travelling in Albania really like? 22 useful travel tips for Albania

Albania is quite unlike any of its neighbours.

It’s tempting to think of the Balkans (particularly the western Balkans) as a monolith. But I don’t need to tell you that every country is its own entity. Within this tapestry, Albania is perhaps the most distinct nation in terms of both its culture and history.

An obvious example: The Albanian language, Shqip , is unlike anything else spoken in the region (or anywhere else in the world for that matter). It’s thought to be descended from an extinct Illyrian tongue, but its exact origins are still a mystery to linguists.

After months of being able to follow the rough contours of a shared speech in Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina , hearing the curious chatter of Albanian on the streets of Tirana was quite a contrast.

Albania’s cultural and religious traditions are also very distinct. And although you can find local variations of cevapi and burek, the cuisine is totally different too!

With the exception of Kosovo where almost 93% of the population are ethnically Albanian, it’s hard to draw a comparison between Albania and any of its neighbours. In many ways Albania feels more like Georgia – slightly chaotic but imminently beautiful, with the furgon the local equivalent of the marshrutka.

Learn a bit about the history before you go

Of course this runs much deeper than just food and minivans. Albania wasn’t part of Yugoslavia and doesn’t have the same ‘baggage’ as its northern neighbours. That’s not to say the nation wasn’t impacted by the Balkan Wars and genocide – it certainly was – but in a different way. No fighting took place on Albanian soil.

Instead, Albania was subjected to its own private horrors, namely 45 years under an oppressive political regime including 30 years with despotic communist dictator, Enver Hoxha, at the helm. Hoxha’s ideology was so hardline, he viewed Yugoslavia and the USSR as too lax. It’s very difficult for an outsider to try and comprehend how this period of history impacted Albania and its people. But I felt compelled to at least try.

One of the most interesting things I found is that Albanians embrace their whole history – the good and the bad. The communist regime only fell in the 1990s so for the majority of the population, it’s not a distant memory but something that’s still very fresh. But it’s never glossed over. Most people we met were happy to chat politics and share their experiences.

For example: There are 173,000 disused nuclear bunkers sprinkled around Albania, each a monument to Hoxha’s paranoia. Instead of destroying them, people decided to either leave them be or repurpose them as museums or galleries. (Now there’s even a Cold War military base that’s being rebranded as an island destination .) Tirana’s collection of Communist-era statues and busts are displayed in a courtyard behind the National Art Gallery. And Blloku, once an exclusive neighbourhood where the party members lived, has been reclaimed as a vibrant cafe and street art district. Even Hoxha’s old house is still standing.

Some might think of Albania as a dark tourism destination. To me, this is a nation of light and colour. While visitors have an obligation to familiarise themselves with the nation’s recent history, it’s important to do so in a respectful, thoughtful way. The Bunk’Art museums in Tirana are a great place to start and will enrich your experience immensely. 

The man atop the horse is General Skanderbeg

On a lighter note, here’s a bit of trivia for you. If Hoxha is Albania’s villain, then the nation’s hero is definitely Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, AKA General Skanderbeg. 

It took me far too long to learn who Skanderbeg is and why he’s so beloved in this part of the world. As I travelled around the Balkans, I kept seeing the same statue of a warrior – including in squares in Skopje and Prishtina – and started referring to him simply as ‘the man atop the horse’. It wasn’t until I got to Albania that I was finally able to put a name to the face.

Skanderbeg was an Albanian military commander who lived during the early 15th century. He’s famous for leading a campaign against the Ottomans which freed Albania and several neighbouring countries from being vassal states. His penultimate battle was launched from the town of Kruja north of Tirana, now the location of Skanderbeg’s castle-museum. It’s a popular day trip and the place to go if you want to learn more about this chapter of history.

The only other person held in similar esteem is Albania’s heroine, Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, AKA Mother Teresa. Born to Albanian Kosovar parents in Skopje – then part of the Ottoman Empire and now the capital of North Macedonia – she’s beloved in all three countries (though each claims her as their own!).

Albania is overwhelmingly a safe country for tourists

One of the biggest misconceptions about Albania is that it’s unsafe for tourists. In reality, foreigners are very rarely the target of violent crime, and although pickpocketing and scams do happen, they’re not as widespread as in other countries in Europe.

Generally speaking, Albania is overwhelmingly safe for travellers of all types (including solo females) provided you exercise common sense and caution.

My one negative experience in Albania was being fleeced by a taxi driver in Gjirokaster . It was my mistake for not doing my research – I was unfamiliar with the location and agreed to a price without understanding just how short the distance to my hotel was. To avoid misunderstandings within the cities, it’s best to download a taxi app .

The biggest thing to watch out for in Albania is road safety. (Here we find another similarity to Georgia: The driving style.) More on that later.

As a side note: It’s not advisable to drink the tap water in Tirana or other cities/towns.

Avoid visiting in July or August

The best time to visit Albania in my opinion is any time except summer. I travelled during June. As the month went on and my trip was coming to an end, I found most places were getting a little too warm and dry – and much too crowded – for my liking.

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, thus winters are mild but wet. The best time to visit Albania is shoulder season (late March to early June or September through October) when the weather is pleasant both on the coast and in the mountains.

July and August are hot and busy, especially on the riviera, and should be avoided. That’s unless you plan to stick to the mountains, in which case summer is the best time for trekking.

Consider flying into a neighbouring country

Most people arrive in Albania via the country’s main international airport, Tirana Airport Nënë Tereza. This makes sense if your itinerary starts in the capital or in the northern part of the country.

A second international airport opened in July 2021 in Kukës (KFZ), 150km north-east of Tirana (and just 45-minutes from Prizren in Kosovo ). It’s a suitable starting point for the Albanian Alps, but international arrivals are so far limited to flights from Zurich and Istanbul.

If you’re travelling around the south of Albania, it might be more convenient (and more affordable) to fly into a neighbouring country instead. Corfu International Airport in Greece is a short ferry ride from Saranda, for example, and a logical place to arrive/depart if you’re mainly focusing on the Albanian Riviera.

Also read: My top tips for visiting Montenegro .

Lek is the official currency, but Euros are widely accepted

The official currency in Albania is the lek. Although Albania is not part of the EU, the Euro is widely used as well.

Lek is common currency in convenience shops, at restaurants and among taxi drivers – i.e. for small purchases. You’ll find that most hotels and guesthouses list their prices in Euro, and it usually works out far better to pay for big-ticket items such as hotel bills and rental cars in Euro rather than lek. If you try to pay in lek, you risk losing a big chunk of cash due to the conversion rate.

At the time of writing, 1 Euro is equivalent to 121.5 LEK.

Always have cash on you

Albania is very much a cash society so you need to make sure you have plenty of bills on you at all times. You can get by in Tirana using card only, but outside the capital, cash is still king.

Lek is a closed currency so you’ll have to wait until you arrive in-country to get your hands on some. Remember that lek is only good for small purchases and meals, so only withdraw as much as you need.

ATMs are easy to find in Albania (even in rural areas). Most banks charge a 300-700 lek withdrawal fee, but Credins Bank and Alpha Bank are among those that are fee-free (at the time of writing). Remember to check for any extra charges issued by your home bank.

Albania is extremely affordable – even by Balkans standards

Accommodation, restaurants and activities in Albania are all extremely good value for money. We easily got by on 40 USD per person per day – and you could spend a lot less by taking advantage of the hostel scene and sticking to free activities. One of our biggest expenses was museum tickets, something we don’t tend to skimp on.

A generous meal in a restaurant in Albania might cost you 500-1000 lek per person, while cheap snacks such as burek are perfect for breakfast and will only set you back around 100 lek.

Expect to pay 1,600 lek for a local sim card with data, around 200 lek for a cup of coffee, and anywhere from 400-1,000 lek on average for an intercity bus fare.

Buy a sim card when you arrive

Majority of hotels, bars and restaurants in Albania have WIFI, while many beaches and archaeological sites are now serviced by a free public network. Still, if you want unfettered access to the internet for things like booking taxis and navigation, you will need a sim card.

ALBtelecom is the preferred mobile provider in Albania. It’s very easy to buy and register a sim card at one of their shops in Tirana using your passport/ID card. A sim card and internet package (20 GB with 30 days validity) will set you back 1,600 lek.

While coverage in Tirana is good enough to support a burgeoning digital nomad community, reception is still fairly limited in remote areas and non-existent in the mountains.

Don’t put your faith in Google Maps

If you’re getting around Albania with public transport and only using Google Maps for general navigation within the cities, then you have nothing to worry about. But if you’re driving in Albania and using Google Maps to plan your road trip route , you need to watch out for a couple of things.

It seems Google Maps hasn’t quite been able to keep pace with Albania’s rapid infrastructure developments. Missing roads and non-existent turn offs are common encounters, and you’ll find you’re constantly being forced to re-route. Take directions with a grain of salt and always budget extra time to account for detours.

The same goes for finding addresses – street names and house numbers often don’t correspond to what’s on the map. Even major landmarks are sometimes pinned in the wrong spot.

Furgons are your friends

Albania has a limited railway network connecting Tirana with Shkoder in the north, Durres and Vlore on the coast, and Pogradec on Lake Ohrid in the east. Domestic flights are now available from Tirana to Kukës, and flying can certainly save you time getting from the capital to the far-north.

Travelling around the centre and south of Albania, you’ll be relying on road transport. Renting a car is a great option if you’re a confident driver. Otherwise, furgons are your friends.

Furgons are intercity minivans similar to marshrutka vans used throughout the former Soviet countries . They run on a flexible schedule, stop on demand, and are extremely budget-friendly. The downsides: Road safety is not exactly a priority, luggage space (and legroom) is very limited, and you can forget about AC. Furgons depart when full so it’s important to always arrive at the bus station well ahead of schedule.

An upgrade on the furgon is the coach bus. You’ll find large air conditioned coaches running on most popular routes during the warmer months, including between Tirana and Berat , Kruje, Gjirokaster, Korca , Durres, etc.

Gjirafa Travel is a terrific website for checking bus schedules and timetables online in English. Whenever possible, I recommend cross-checking times locally at the station.

Speaking of bus stations – there are multiple bus terminals in Tirana and trying to figure out which one you need can be extremely confusing! Pogradec and Shkoder have their own stations, while other buses depart from the Regional Bus Terminal – North and South Albania.

Take extra care on the roads

Albanians have a reputation for their maniacal driving style and for flouting the rules of the road. Combined with poor road conditions in many parts of the country (although the major highways are in good nick) and the proliferation of old and worn-down cars on the road, it’s a recipe for disaster.

Be careful when crossing the road, especially in the city. Take precautions whenever you travel by road, and only hire a car if you’re very confident. Try to avoid being out on the road after dark, and never get into a car with someone who’s been drinking. I also recommend capping your road journeys to a couple of hours per leg.

Albanian cuisine is a revelation

Albania is not exactly known as a foodie destination , but it should be. Regional cuisine, traditional Albanian dishes and the country’s super-popular farm-to-table fresh food movement all combine to create a fascinating culinary scene.

Albanian food is so diverse, you can find something new to try every day. I was quite satisfied eating only Albanian food for the entire duration of my stay. I found Albanian food fresher and less meat-oriented than in some other countries in the region. Most restaurants have plenty of vegetarian options.

Northern, central and southern Albania all have their separate culinary traditions , and within that towns and villages have their own specialties. Balkan, Italian, Turkish, Greek and even ancient Roman influences can all be identified, while you’ll find many similarities to other Mediterranean cuisines (especially Greek and Italian).

Seafood reigns supreme on the coast, while in the south, food choices reflect the pastoral landscape: Dairy, citrus and olive oil are all prominent. Garlic and onions are ubiquitous.

Some of my favourite Albanian dishes include: Tavë Kosi , a meal of lamb, eggs and yogurt traditional to Elbasan; Gjirokaster qifqi (arancini-like rice balls flavoured with mint and black pepper); ‘Berati schnitzel’ (pork stuffed with hard cheese) and pispili (spinach pie with a cornbread base), both traditional to Berat; and Korca’s famous savory lakror pie.

Watch out for raki

One thing Albania does have in common with its Balkan compatriots is the proclivity for alcohol. Sipping spirits in particular is a huge part of the culture.

The drink of choice in Albania is raki or rakia , a potent clear spirit distilled from grapes. Commercial versions are up to 45% proof, but homemade raki is much, much stronger. If you’re at a small restaurant or guesthouse and a recycled plastic soft drink bottle comes out, brace yourself.

It can be difficult to get out of these drinking sessions. I found it much easier to decline as a woman. Remember you can always step away if you feel uncomfortable. Otherwise, take small sips and make sure there’s always something left in your glass to avoid unwanted top ups!

Raki isn’t all bad. In Northern Albania in particular you’ll find lovely varieties of fruit raki made from cherries.

Every day ends with a xhiro

The xhiro is an Albanian tradition and the perfect way to put a full-stop on your day. Essentially a xhiro is a sunset stroll: It involves heading to the nearest pedestrian street and walking laps.

For locals, it’s a way to catch up with friends and neighbours, learn the latest goss and socialise. Ice cream stalls and popcorn vendors set up to cater to walkers, and sometimes entire streets close to traffic for a couple of hours to accommodate people.

This is the ultimate people-watching activity and a terrific opportunity to mix and mingle. But don’t be surprised if people let their glance linger a little bit too long – staring is not considered impolite in Albania, neither whilst out on a xhiro or in everyday life (at restaurants, at the supermarket – I’ve experienced it all). It can be awkward but try not to take it personally – in most cases, people are just curious.

Albanian people are incredibly hospitable

Hospitality is serious business in Albania (yet another point of similarity to Georgia). In Albania, people are bound by Besa , a code of honour that dictates how others – especially strangers – should be treated. According to Besa, if someone approaches you for help, you accommodate them. If someone comes to you hungry, you feed them. This creed has shaped Albania into an immensely tolerant and welcoming nation.

After WWII, Albania was one of the few nations to emerge with a larger Jewish community – the nation protected its own and offered sanctuary to families fleeing from elsewhere in Europe. In the 1990s, Albania sheltered refugees from Kosovo displaced by conflict.

Today that same kind of generosity is extended to tourists. Kanun , the customary law of Albania, says that the master of a house should always have a spare bed ready for unexpected guests. While I wouldn’t recommend showing up on someone’s doorstep unannounced (Albania has Booking.com for a reason!), the takeaway is that Albanians will extend you a helping hand if and when you need it.

English is widely spoken, but not ubiquitous

Albanian is the official language in Albania but many people – especially those born after the fall of communism – speak a second language. As one person described it to me, Albanians are ‘thirsty to know the world’, and learning a foreign language is seen as a pathway to knowledge, experience and more opportunities.

English is the most popular second language and is taught in schools. At last count, around 40% of Albanians speak English. In my experience, anyone working in tourism or hospitality has at least a basic understanding of English. We got by in all the major cities and tourist destinations without any issues.

Albania is one of those countries where the language is so much more than a means of communication, it’s part of the culture and identity and a massive source of national pride. Learning a few words of Albanian will earn you big props.

Here are a few basic words:

• Hello – Përshëndetje (per-shen-det-ye)
• Bye – Mirupafshim (mi-ru-paf-shim)
• Yes – Po (po)
• No – Jo (yo)
• Thanks – Faleminderit (fal-e-min-der-it)
• Cheers – Gëzuar (ge-zu-ar)

There is a strong Italian and Greek influence

Albania is just across the pond from Italy and very close to Greece (especially Corfu). There were Italian colonists in Albania from 1926 onwards, and the country was actually invaded by Italy in 1939. Italy especially has a big influence in Albania – to such an extent that I noticed it right away.

You’ll see Italian cars, Italian coffee culture – and yes, pizza on almost every restaurant menu! Pizza is so popular in Albania, if you ever tire of local fare there’s always a Napoletana to fall back on.

Almost a third of Albanian people speak Italian and a quarter of the population speaks Greek. Many areas are officially bilingual Albanian-Italian, with road signs in both languages. If you know either of these languages, communication will come even easier to you.

Tirana is one of the coolest cities in Europe – so don’t rush it!

Unlike a few other capital cities in the Balkans that are all cold concrete, Tirana is a warm, green, welcoming city that’s bristling with creative energy. I’ve said before that it’s probably the most liveable capital in the region in my opinion. There’s a park, dining precinct, cool museum or street art district around almost every corner.

One day in Tirana is enough for the must-sees, but I really recommend slowing down and spending a couple of nights here, getting into the rhythm of the city with morning markets and nightly xhiros.

We stayed in Tirana for a full week and still didn’t see everything.

Hiking in Albania is a must

I fell in love with Albania’s cities and towns, but even I agree that the country’s natural beauty is its biggest asset.

Albania has 15 national parks, each offering incredible scenery and hiking opportunities. As I recently discovered, Albania has more than 3,200 species of plants, accounting for a whopping 30% of the flora in Europe. One of the best places to appreciate this ecology is Llogara National Park, known for its wildflowers. Others, notably Butrint National Park, combine surreal landscapes with valuable archaeological sites.

Even if you’re an anti-hiker like me, there is one day trek in Albania you at least have to consider: Valbona to Theth . Walking between two alpine villages across two jaw-dropping national parks in the country’s far north, the trail takes you through the heart of the picturesque Albanian Alps or Accursed Mountains as they’re also known. The hike is tough going in spots, but it’s absolutely the best way to experience this side of Albania.

The lakes are just as impressive as the beaches

Albania might be famous for its beautiful beaches, but the unsung heroes of the landscape are the country’s lakes. Komani Lake, Lake Ohrid (shared with North Macedonia) and Skadar Lake in the north (shared with Montenegro ) are all beautiful and worth visiting.

Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans. Boat trips on the marshy wetlands are popular on the Montenegrin side; on the Albanian side, you can cycle around the periphery from the lakeside city of Shkoder, visiting Rozafa Castle at the same time.

Albania’s share of Ohrid Lake is similarly smaller and with fewer points of interest to the North Macedonian side, yet charming villages such as Lin – a little red-roofed settlement on a natural peninsula – make it worth a visit. Lake Koman is my favourite. The ferry ride through the dramatic river gorge to reach Valbona and the starting point for the aforementioned hike was one of the highlights of my time in Albania.

There are more stunning water features around the country, including cascades and river canyons in the centre (Osumi and Begove near Berat are great), hot springs, and of course the famous Blue Eyes. All offer some much-needed reprieve in the hot summer months.

Have you been to Albania? Are there any extra travel tips for Albania you’d like to add? Leave your best advice in the comments below!

Albania Travel Guide

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