10 day trip albania

The Ultimate 10-Day Albania Itinerary (2024 Update)

We first traveled to Albania in late July – in the midst of a very warm summer and a global pandemic. The pros, things were cheaper than they normally were, places were fairly empty for Albania’s peak tourist season, and locals were always very excited to see us. The cons were that it was very hot (doable while on the coast, but not the best in the capital), and masks were required indoors. However, it allowed us to create the perfect 10-day Albania itinerary.

Honestly, Albania was not our first choice when we moved to Eastern Europe. We had our eyes set on the more well-known parts of the continent, but as Americans during Covid, Albania was the only place that would take us in. And we’re so happy they did – we honestly cannot recommend this country more. It’s a small but stunning and charming place. The food is delicious, the people are incredibly friendly, the country is safe, and the prices are very affordable.

Albania Itinerary Guide

If you only have one week, we would recommend choosing to go either north or south of Tirana. Trying to do the whole country in just one week will require way too much driving to actually enjoy the country. We had 10 days and since it was our first visit, we chose to go south to enjoy a bit more of the coast. However, we can’t wait to go back and explore what the northern mountains have to offer. Below is our suggested itinerary for a 10-day trip – only including things we did and meals we tried and loved across Albania.

Our flight from Belgrade to Tirana was only about an hour, and since the airport is small, we were through with customs shortly after arrival. We chose to rent a car and would highly recommend it. The roads are in pretty good condition and it’s a much easier way to get around.

We booked our car through Discover Cars and had a great experience . The site is very user-friendly and aggregates all types of vehicles and prices to make sure you find the best deal. 

Guide to 10 Days in Albania

Day 1: arrive in tirana.

We chose to make the longest leg of this Albania itinerary first, all the way south to Saranda. There are two ways to make this drive: 1) following the coastline on highway A2; or 2) through the countryside on highway E853. The first option is of course much prettier and the views are stunning, but the second one is about an hour shorter.

Wanting to get there as soon as possible, we chose the quicker route. Despite having lower ratings, this was a beautiful drive as well, and one we would also recommend. The drive takes you through different microenvironments and the majestic Albanian mountains, you’ll be stopped by goat, cow and sheep crossings. The drive flew by for us. Our only regret was we wished we had time to stop and explore the small towns along the way.

The drive was about four hours long. The roads are in good condition, but you will be driving up and down some mountains so you’ll have to manage some narrow bits and hairpin turns.

Day 2-3: Saranda

The bigger, more commercial spot

Saranda is a fairly big town, with more posh buildings than small B&Bs. The town is known for its nightlife, with lots of clubs by the water. Unfortunately, clubs were closed when we were there due to Covid so we can’t really comment on that part. Like most coastal Albanian towns, it’s set up on the slope of a hill, and it feels like buildings shot up with no real design or plan, so it is lacking in culture and it has more of a commercial vibe than that of a small town.

Where to Stay in Saranda

We splurged a bit on this spot and went with an Airbnb rental that had an incredible terrace and a gorgeous view. It was about a 15-minute walk from the beach, but up a pretty steep hill. If you’re going with Aibnb, just keep in mind what floor they’re offering you. If you’re too low, your view will likely be blocked by newer constructions.

Where to Eat in Saranda

Taverna Fish Land (Saranda): We went here for lunch. It’s a bit away from the main boulevard, but worth the walk. It’s tucked away, but make sure to walk all the way down the hill and you’ll see it. They had great outdoor seating with a nice view of boats and the water. The fish is incredibly fresh (they had caught it that morning) and the service is outstanding.

Mare Nostrum Cuisine (Saranda): This is a fancier spot so we went here for dinner. The staff is really friendly and professional, and the menu is simple, but intriguing. The flavours and ingredients used are different from the traditional ones you’ll find in Albania. It had hints of Asian food mixed with their delicious fresh fish.

Guvat Mediterranean (Ksamil): The food is great but the view is what sells this place. It has a big outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean that’s impossible to beat. The natural juices were delicious, as was their seafood pasta.

What To Do in Saranda

Visit Butrint National Park: The park is about 30 minutes away from Saranda. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site made up of about 90 km2 of archaeology, monuments, and nature, giving it a very unique feel. The park also has the ruins of a large ancient city inhabited since prehistoric times, with a well-preserved theater. You could spend all day walking around, but we spent around 4 hours. We recommend going early as it does get very busy during peak season. You can also find all the details here for a proper guided tour.

Stop by the Ali Pasha Castle in Butrint: Once you’re in Butrint, take the boat ride to the Ali Pasha Castle, which dates back to the 17th Century and is only accessible by boat. You’ll notice some fishermen offering to take you out to see it near the parking lot (across from the entrance to the park) and it is well worth it! This spot is generally missed by tourists but it is especially stunning if you can go early, before checking out the park, when no one else is around.

Check out the Ksamil beaches: After exploring Butrint, we recommend driving into Ksamil for some food and time on the beach. The beaches are stunning with crystal clear water, but it is busy and feels very touristy with jet skies and water games all around. We spent the afternoon and had a great time, but honestly didn’t feel like we had to stay any longer.

Explore the Blue Eye : This is a water spring near the village of Muzine, about 30 minutes away from Saranda. Follow the signs, drive over the bridge, and through the rough path for about 5-10 minutes until you reach the parking lot. The spring is surrounded by a dense forest and a turquoise river. You’ll have to follow a very walkable path, and follow the signs to Syri i kaltër to reach the more than 50-meter deep pool that bubbles up.

Divers have tried to calculate the actual depth of the hole, but have thus far been unable to do so. Even though swimming is prohibited, people still jump into this ice-cold pool. If you keep following the path after you’ve reached the Eye, you’ll reach a nice restaurant where you’ll be served refreshing cold water directly from the river.

Day 4-6: Himare

The less-traveled path

After our afternoon in Ksamil, we headed north to Himare – about a 1.5-hour drive. This is a fun drive and it is stunning. The drive takes you up and around the mountains, half the time overlooking the countryside and the other half looking out into the Mediterranean. It is another windy drive, so would recommend doing it during the day, if possible.

Himare is a much smaller beach town, with a more authentic feel than Saranda or Ksamil, and a must in our Albania itinerary. The town is elevated on a hill, but instead of apartment buildings, you’ll see 2 or 3-story homes with terraces that are covered with grapes vines. There are two beaches in the town, one with umbrellas and chairs for rent and one without them.

The town is small and walkable, but what makes it even more special are the areas around it: the mountain trails, the secluded beaches, and the less-traveled paths. There are fewer restaurants than in Saranda, but the dishes are just as good – if not better. We fell in love with this little town and highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore Albania.

Where to Stay in Himare

Beleri House : Himare is known for having a great selection of B&Bs. After some research, we went with Beleri House and have nothing but great things to say about it. You can read more about the property and our experience here , but in short, the place is beautiful and homey, the host is full of wonderful recommendations, and the view overlooks the bay of this incredible town. Just beware that it is a bit tough to find, so make sure to contact them in advance for clear directions.

Parking is also not available by the property, but they’ll be able to guide you to the nearest parking lot as well.

Where to Eat in Himare

Esperia Restaurant : The restaurant is right on Himara’s harbour, next to the pier where fishing boats tie up. It has two outdoor spaces, right above the water and a stunning view. Highly recommend all of their greek and mediterranean appetizers.

Taverna Lefteri : Although it’s not directly on the water, don’t be discouraged! It has a cute outdoor area and the food is incredible. Real taverna with fresh seafood. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the place and the food. Make sure to try the mussels and some of their Albanian liquor at the end of the meal.

Kico Meniko : This is a magical, one of a kind restaurant. It’s not directly in the downtown Himara area, but a 40 minute walk away towards Livadi Beach. You can drive there too, but we highly recommend the hike, which you can read more about here. The food is delicious, and it has to be the best view of any restaurant in Himara. They didn’t really speak English and don’t have a formal menu, but it was by far one of our favorite places. Make sure to try the squid!

Solymar : This restaurant is not in Himara, but in Borsh Beach – about a 30 minute away. We read about this spot so made the drive to try it out, as we’re glad we did! The restaurant has a fun atmosphere and it’s right on the beach. The risotto and the seafood salad were amazing, and the mojitos were nice and strong too. And as in most spots in Albania, our waiter was friendly, attentive and had great recommendations.

What To Do in Himare

Hike to Livadi Beach: This is a fairly easy hike that takes you past our favorite Kiko Meniko restaurant. You’ll want to head to the harbour (by Esperia Restaurant) and then go off the beaten path. You’ll notice some stairs that take you up to the hill and then follow the path to the road. Once you reach a soccer field, you’ll want to take a left. This path takes you along the coast and is more of a nature trail.

If you want to follow the road, take a right. At one point the trail splits off into a few dead ends, but eventually you’ll pass Kiko Meniko and about 20 minutes from there, you’ll run into Livadi Beach. It’s a wonderful hike and at the end you reach a beautiful large beach with plenty of restaurants and bars.

Kayak to Filikuri Beach: Rent a kayak at the main Himare beach and head to the left (if you’re looking towards the water). It’ll take you about 20-30 minutes, but you’ll see this small, hidden bay surrounded by high cliffs that you can only reach by water.

The Albanian coast is rocky so make sure to bring water shoes to make the walk in and out of the water more comfortable. If you want to spend most of the day here, make sure to bring enough food and water because there are no shops on the beach or shade.

Visit Himara Castle: We stopped by the castle and the surrounding ruins on our drive out of Himare since it’s about a 10-minute drive away from the beach. The castle is largely in ruins but it is a picturesque spot with a great view of the coastline and the mountains. It is a bit of a hike up so make sure to wear comfortable shoes, but it is a stop we recommend.

Hike to Gjipe Beach: This beach is between Drymades and Himare, about a 40-minute drive from Himare, and one of our favorites in this Albania itinerary. The only way to get to the beach is either by boat or by foot. We chose the latter and it is a 30-40 minute hike, with some challenging sections so make sure to wear tennis shoes.

The beach is surrounded by cliffs and the Gjipe Canyon which can reach up to 70 meters in some sections. There are a few small restaurants on the beach and some chair/umbrella rentals, but prices are higher than elsewhere in Albania given the challenges to reach the beach. It is a beautiful spot, generally less crowded, and well-known for great camping.

Visit Porto Palermo Castle: It is also known as the Ali Pasha Castle (built by the area’s Ottoman governor who also built the castle on the water in Butrint) and is located in Porto Palermo, about 20 minutes away from Himare. The fortress was used as a Soviet submarine base during Albania’s communist years. It is a small fortress, but there is a great view from the top. There are road signs to point you in the right direction, but the short dirt road to the parking lot can sneak up on you (we missed the first time).

Day 7-8: Berat

The spot where magic meets charm

After a few days on the coast, we headed towards the town of Berat in the mountains. It was a 3-hour beautiful drive through the coast. We made a quick stop in Vlore for some food and found a place right along the water. Fortunately, the cook’s grandfather had brought over some homemade raki, so after a nice meal, they sent us on our way with a small bottle of it. Therefore we have no choice but to highly recommend Piceri Amantia if you’re in Vlore.

Berat is stunning and one of the most memorable points of our Albania itinerary. It’s known as the city of a thousand windows and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. It is a magical spot, on the banks of the river Osum and at the foot of Mount Tomor.

The city is known for its more than 2,500-year-old fortress, where citizens still live, and hundreds of houses on the cliff that look like they stand on top of each other. It was incredibly hot during our visit, but the city’s charm and the incredibly kind people made it one of our favorite spots.

You can even take a day trip to Berat, directly from Tirana. Check out all the details here .

Where to Stay In Berat

In Berat, there are three key areas where you could stay:

Old Town (Mangalem Quarter): This is the heart of the city and the area with the “thousand windows”. From here, you can walk everywhere in the city in about 20-30 minutes, just know you won’t be able to drive up and will need to walk through cobblestone roads. We chose to stay in an Airbnb in this part of the city and loved the spectacular view and central location.

Inside the fortress: If you want an incredibly unique stay, you can stay inside the fortress near the Berat Castle. The area has churches and mosques but is still residential. It is a historic center in and of itself, but it is a bit further away and a hike from the center of the city.

Gorica: This is a quieter district, right across the river from Old Town. It was originally the Christian part of the city and is now full of restaurants and bars. The view is stunning because it looks into the Old City and the thousand windows on the hill.

Where to Eat in Berat

Antigoni Restaurant : Hands down the best view of Berat, overlooking the Old City. The food was traditional Albanian and the service was excellent. Make sure to call ahead and make a reservation if you visit during peak season since their balcony can get pretty busy.

Heaven’s Kitchen : Great place for a fast, simple meal. We got a delicious gyro and enjoyed it in the park across the street.

Cobo Winery : This is a beautiful, family owned winery. We did a tour of the storage area and they walked us through their family history and how they sharpened their skills working in wineries in Italy and eventually made their way back to Albania after the fall of communism. We splurged and did the more expensive tasting, but it was so worth it! We got to try 5 wines, 3 rakis and 1 cognac, and the pours were not small. We were also served some delicious appetizers to pair with our wine. Make sure to make a reservation in advance if you choose to visit.

Kokomani Winery : We checked out Komani Winery on our drive to Tirana since it was on the way. About 10 minutes of the drive is through dirt roads, and about 5 minutes into it we did start having our doubts but it is well worth the off roading. We didn’t do a formal tour, but got to try 4 different wines and had one of our best lunches of the trip. The ingredients were all fresh, the appetizers were delicious (and so many!) and the chicken was the best chicken we’ve ever had.

What to Do in Berat

Walk around the city: The city is unique and has a special kind of charm. We recommend walking around the city, without a map or a set agenda. Make stops to check out the old houses and narrow streets. Talk to locals (they’ll be eager to talk to you!) and answer their many questions (american politics in our case). We were stopped by a 90-year-old man who didn’t speak any English but was curious about why we chose Albania, and were even invited to have some homemade wine by the owner of a hostel who just loved the US. The people of this city are genuine, curious and unforgettable.

Hike up to Berat Castle: The castle is at the top of a hill. You can drive or walk up. We recommend taking the walk, even though it is a bit steep at times. The castle is the biggest castle in Albania and remains mostly undamaged. Families still live inside the fortress, and some spots have been turned into restaurants and hotels. There’s multiple vantage points where you can get birdseye views of the city and the countryside. The 14th-century Church of Saint Trinity and the remnants of the old city are worth exploring as well.

Explore the religious sites: Albania’s relationship with the church is unique. During its decades under communism, religion was banned and churches and mosques were turned into swimming pools or outdoor markets. Today, Albania is one of the most open countries when it comes to religion, and in Berat, you’ll notice Christian churches standing peacefully next to centuries-old mosques. During our walk, we were even invited to hike up the Minaret of the Sultan’s Mosque.

Grab coffee at Bulevardi Republika: This is the main boulevard in the city and it’s surrounded by cute spots to grab coffee or a gyro. You’ll notice locals walking up and down the street, and playing chess in the park. And it’s a perfect spot to get a photo of the thousand windows and the incredibly unique homes.

Day 9-10: Tirana

The city of historic contradictions

No Albania itinerary would be complete without Tirana, the charming capital, and we saved it for the last two days of the trip. Tirana was isolated for decades until 1991, but this city is actually filled with color and music, tons of history and creative museums. Some may be eager to skip the capital in hopes of spending more time in the mountains or the coast, but we strongly encourage spending at least two days in this lively city.

Where to Stay in Tirana

Today, Tirana is an example of that transformation, with buildings that have been painted from grey to bright colors and welcoming citizens, eager to help and show off their nation. In hopes to inspire others to visit, we put together a full list of where to stay in Tirana , including the best neighborhoods and a list of hotels, aiming to suit every type of travel budget. 

Where to Eat in Tirana

Mullixhiu : Albanian fine dining in Tirana, who would have thought? The restaurant is obviously high-class based on its high-end farmhouse decor. Along with the exposed bread milling station, the decorations give this restaurant a lot of character. The service and the food were high quality, but it was oppressively hot, and for that reason, we couldn’t enjoy it as much as we would have liked (no indoor dining due to Covid).

A la Sante : If you’re in Tirana, you have to eat here! It was just amazing. It’s in the Blloku neighborhood, but tucked away in an alley. The location might have you second-guessing, but the pasta is so good. We had the truffles pasta and the spinach ravioli, and they were both delicious and incredibly affordable. The service was great once again.

Uka Farm : Uka Farm was founded by a former Minister of Agriculture who wanted to promote organic farming in the country and built this incredible spot in a small plot of land. We stopped by for a quick bite and a drink before our flight out, and we’re glad we did. The wine and appetizers were delicious. The service was excellent. We mentioned we were in a bit of a rush, and everything came out quickly.

Komiteti : You won’t really find food here, but they have great coffee and dozens of types of Raki. It’s right behind the Pyramid of Tirana and looks like a museum of Communist paraphernalia. You won’t find a spot like this anywhere else.

What to Do in Tirana

Walk around Skanderbeg Square: This is where a lot of Tirana’s key attractions are located, including the Clock Tower, Ethem Bey Mosque and the National History Museum. The Skanderbeg Monument is in the center of the square, commemorating an Albanian national hero for resisting the Ottomans. The monument replaced a statue of Joseph Stalin after the fall of communism.

Several government buildings are located around the square as well. They used to be grey and dark while the country was in isolation, but restoration efforts over the past couple decades have spruced up the buildings with a colorful and unique facade.

Visit the Bunk’Art Museums: Tirana has several incredible museums, but two really stood out to us – in part because they’re located inside old bunkers. The Bunk’Art 2 museum is close to Skanderbeg Square and impossible to miss. The museum showcases the story of the Ministry of Internal Affairs from 1912 to 1991 and highlights the secret of the political police and their harsh persecutions.

Bunk’Art 1 is a bit further from the center of town. This one is much larger and displays a significant portion of Albania’s history from the Italian and German invasions during World War II to the communist days. The history is fascinating, but the feeling of being in a bunker is tough to describe.

You’ll see the decontamination rooms, living quarters, and lack of windows to avoid all sunlight. And you’ll learn that in less than 10 years, the government managed to build over 170,000 bunkers – one for every 11 residents. None of them were ever used.

If you want more information, you can take a communist tour through Tirana, including these museums. Find out all the details here .

Check out the Pyramid of Tirana: This structure was created to honor the former communist dictator, Enver Hoxha, and was considered one of the most expensive structures ever built in Albania. With the collapse of communism, the Pyramid stopped working as a museum. It was a conference center for a while, as well as a broadcasting network and a NATO headquarter.

Though the structure is now abandoned, it is certainly worth making it a part of your Albania itinerary. You’ll see pieces broken and graffitis painted throughout, and people will meet there to drink and hang out.

There were discussions about whether or not to demolish it, but after protests to keep it, the decision was made to turn it into an education center that can offer teenagers training in technology and design. There will also be an open plaza with public spaces, including a library.

Explore the Blloku neighborhood: This is one of Tirana’s liveliest districts, but just a few years ago, only elite communist members were able to enter. Hoxha’s house is still there, closed to the public but visible from the outside. There are many colorful and exciting bars throughout the neighborhood with delicious cocktails. We recommend picking one, having a drink, and working your way around the district. Make sure to check out Radio Bar and Nouvelle Vague !

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Epic Albania Road Trip Itinerary: 1 – 2 Weeks In Albania [2024]

• Post author: Nicoletta
• Reading time: 91 mins read
• Post last modified: February 8, 2024
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Welcome to the  Land of the Eagles . I traveled to Albania alone to explore the country, which was closed for many years due to its regime. That always  fascinates me as a traveler  – going to less-known places and making up my mind about them. People told me, don’t go there; it’s dangerous – which  triggered me even more to explore it .

I saw the entire Albania within 2 weeks  of my travels and quickly  fell in love  with everything it offers. Then, I’ve designed this  Albanian road trip itinerary  from my experience, so you can now also explore its beauties.

Are you ready to experience Albania’s highlights ? Let’s travel together!

✈ Travel Resources For Your Trip ✈

Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.

Overview Of 10-Day Albania Road Trip Itinerary

I’ve designed this itinerary as a basic 10-day road trip in Albania. You can either skip some places or stay more time in each place (particularly in the Albanian Alps in the end), depending on how many days you have.

Scroll down to see a road trip for 7 days and 14 days in Albania .

Here is an overview of the basic 10-day Albanian itinerary :

Albania Road Trip Map

Here is a map of this Albanian road trip itinerary to help you navigate the country. Save it and use it when you travel:

How To Get To Albania

You can get to Albania by plane, bus, or by car . Note that there are no trains to Albania or within Albania.

Flying To Albania

Flying to Albania is the best option as it’s fast and convenient. Reaching Albania by land can be exhausting (whether by bus or car) because the border controls take an insane amount of time.

Albania has 2 international airports , in Tirana (the capital city) and Vlore.

The best way is to fly to the capital city of Tirana , where we’ll also start this itinerary.

➡ Check out flights to Tirana (Albania) with the best deals via Skyscanner here.

Getting To Albania By Bus

If you’re traveling to Albania from nearby countries such as North Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria, or Greece , you can also take a bus. The main bus connections to Tirana (Albania) are from Belgrade (Serbia), Ohrid and Skopje ( North Macedonia ), or Podgorica (Montenegro).

Flixbus and local Balkan bus companies cover most of the journeys to Albania.

The main disadvantage of taking a bus to Albania is the border controls . The Balkan countries, including Albania, aren’t in the Schengen Zone , so the border controls still exist.

Normally, you have to spend many hours waiting (usually takes 2 hours ). You’re crossing 2 borders (the exiting country and Albania), so overall, be prepared to spend almost 4 hours at the border crossings.

When taking a bus, the police force you to exit the bus and take all your belongings and luggage. Then you have to go through a scan ; they check your passport, and the entire bus goes through a scan in some cases, too.

It’s nothing scary, but it takes ages.

➡ Check all the bus connections to Tirana (Albania) via Busbud here.

Getting To Albania By Car

Driving to Albania is great but has the same disadvantages as the border crossing and waiting time.

While it might take a bit less than on the bus, be prepared to wait for a long time at the border controls. But it’s manageable. If you have a van or car, it’s worth driving around Albania .

How To Get Around Albania & Make This Itinerary

The best way to get around Albania is by car . The roads are well-developed, and you can easily reach everything in this itinerary by car. That’s why I’ve designed this trip as a road trip.

So rent a car in Tirana (the capital city), and drive around. You’ll be flexible and can get to all the places.

👉 You’ll  need the car for 9 days , starting on day 2. of this itinerary in Tirana and returning the car on day 10 or 11 in Tirana.

RENT A CAR FOR YOUR ITINERARY

Rent A Car Via Discover Cars – best prices and big selection of car rentals. PRO TIP: Check ratings of the company you choose before booking ( ratings can be off ). Go on Google, see ratings of the car rental company, then book on Discover Cars.

Taking Local Buses In Albania

You can also use  local buses to travel around Albania , but  I don’t recommend it . I did it, and even though it was an exciting experience, you’d have to plan a lot and  depend on the buses .

Moreover, the  buses don’t have a fixed timetable , making planning your trip even more difficult.

Yet, if you want to take  local buses  anyway (because you’re traveling solo or whatever the reason is), it’s manageable. Check out my article about  Albanian buses  to learn how to navigate and pla n.

👉 READ ALSO: Is Albania Safe For Solo Female Travelers? My Exerience

Play Bunker Game While Road Tripping Albania

I have a little fun game for you when you decide to go on a road trip through Albania.

Albania hosts over  750,000 bunkers  all over the country. So you can play a game about who spots the most of them during your road trip. Albanian dictator  Enver Hoxha  built these bunkers to protect the land from invaders. 

0. DAY: ARRIVE IN TIRANA, ALBANIA

Once you arrive in Tirana, take your time and get to your accommodation. In the evening, get your first impressions of this city and its culture.

Tirana has a great  nightlife culture . Many bars are open, where locals sit, drink, and chat. It’s a very  lively city . So try your first Albanian food and drinks. Tomorrow, we’ll head on the walking tour and explore.

How To Get To Tirana Center From The Airport

If you’re flying to Albania and arriving at the airport. In that case, I recommend taking a taxi to the city center of Tirana or booking this airport shuttle .

A taxi ride from the airport to the city center in Tirana costs approx. 15 to 20 EUR . The drivers can ask for a lot more because they take advantage of tourists, not knowing how much it costs. So say you know and negotiate the price .

If you want to take the hassle out of dealing with taxi drivers, book this airport transfer and get directly to your hotel with a reliable company.

➡ Book an airport shuttle to your hotel in Tirana here.

Where To Stay In Tirana: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

RETREAT APARTMENTS – budget-friendly accommodation CAPITAL SUITES CENTER – mid-range apartments MARITIM HOTEL PLAZA – luxury hotel

1. DAY: TIRANA

Good morning to Tirana. Today, we’ll do a  self-guided walking tour  here in Tirana. Follow my suggestions below and explore the city on your own.

If you are a history fanatic and would like more explanations, join this guided walking tour .

➡ Book A Guided Tour Of Tirana Here . / Book a food tour of Tirana with a local guide here .

Brief History Of Tirana

The modern city of Tirana was  founded in 1614 by Sulejman Bargjini Pasha . He built a mosque, bakery, and hammam (Turkish bath). However, the city gained its importance only in  1920 when it became the capital  of Albania (before, it was Kruja city).

Later, Italian architects also contributed to the city’s beauty by constructing the main square, ministry buildings, the national bank, town hall, and Brigades Palace. The main square is named after the  Albanian hero National Hero Skanderbeg  (more about him later in this itinerary).

Tirana was  famous for trading olive oil  in the past, as it had 140,000 oil trees and 400 oil mills.

Between 1944 and 1991, the  Communist regime was ruling Albania . Communists built many factories and destroyed several buildings, which led to a decline in architectural quality.

Nowadays, many buildings are repainted and have a more  colorful style  than in the Communist era. You’ll learn more about the Communist regime in the  Bunk’ Art .

Tirana now remains the capital of Albania, the largest city , and the country’s economic, cultural, and political center .

💡 FUN FACT: Tirana is the only European capital that doesn’t have McDonald’s (except also for the Vatican City).

Sightseeing In Tirana

Tirana has a long history, with influences from various styles and Empires , which results in each monument having its own exciting story. Let’s explore them.

🔅 Skanderbeg Square 🔅 Clock Tower 🔅 Bunk’Art 🔅 Tanner’s Bridge 🔅 Piramida 🔅 Central Park 🔅 Blloku District 🔅 Dajti Mountain

🔅 Skanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg Square hosts many buildings, including the  National History Museum ,  Clock Tower , and  Et’hem Bey Mosque .

The square is named after the national hero, George Castriot ( nicknamed Skanderbeg ), who prevented the Ottomans from spreading their empire further to Central Europe and Western Europe in the 1400s.

Get the best views of Tirana by climbing up the  Clock Tower  free of charge.

🔅 Bunk’Art

Bunk’Art is one of the most unique attractions in the entire Balkan peninsula. These bunkers were constructed for  Tirana’s communist politicians  and military forces to hide and hold meetings in case of a nuclear war.

It has more than  200 rooms  inside and is a great experience. You’ll learn a lot about the  harsh communist regime , what it looked like, and how they tortured people and kept them within Albanian borders.

It was one of the best experiences for me in Tirana, yet also very emotional .

🔅 Tanner’s Bridge

This bridge reflects the Ottoman times in Tirana. It was built as the main route for farmers who were taking their livestock to the district.

Piramida monument was built to  honor the national dictatorship of Enver Hoxha . It was supposed to be a museum. Yet, some people wanted to tear it down. Others wanted it to stay.

The government has decided to  reconstruct it  and make this beautiful pyramid that you can visit today.

🔅 Central Park

If you’d like to get some rest from the city, go to Central Park in the afternoon and rest. It’s located near the Blloku district , where you can enjoy a great dinner and  nightlife .

In the evening, spend some time in the  Blloku district , which has great bars and street food options. Have a nice dinner and try to chat with the locals.

🔅 Dajti Mountain

If you have more time in Tirana, you can take the  longest cable car  from the city to the Dajti mountain in the Balkan region . It has many restaurants and hotels; you can trek, hike, ride a horse, or even ski in wintertime.

This marks the end of our time here in Tirana . Tomorrow, we’ll start exploring the rest of this exciting country. You can rent a car for this road trip today in the evening or tomorrow morning.

👉 READ ALSO: 12 Best Day Trips From Tirana Albania

2. DAY: TIRANA ⇒ BERAT ⇒ ZVERNEC ISLAND ⇒ DHERMI

I hope you slept well because we are setting off on our Albanian adventure today.

First, we’ll stop in the  city of thousands of windows  before slowly going down to  the Albanian Riviera  with white sand beaches and beautiful landmarks.

Distance Tirana ⇒ Berat: 1 hour & 45 minutes by car (98 km/61 miles)

With its 2500 years of history, Berat attracts visitors thanks to its archaeological area , UNESCO World Heritage site, local monuments, and the mountains around.

It’s known as the  city of thousands of windows , you’ll see why when you arrive.

It became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 1400s. Still, it’s been an attractive place for Christians and Muslims, who all managed to live in one spot together relatively peacefully.

Sightseeing In Berat

🔅 Citadel 🔅 Orthodox Church of St. Mary of Vllaherna 🔅 Lead Mosque 🔅 National Ethnographic Museum 🔅 Iconography Museum 🔅 Bulevardi Republika

Berat is worth walking around and seeing some of the highlights I listed above. Also, don’t forget to try some local delicacies and food, such as  Birek ,  Nocino , and traditional  baklava .

When you’ve seen Berat, we’ll continue driving to Dhermi, a picturesque town on the seaside with many cafes and restaurants, and see a stunning  Zvernec Island  on the way.

Distance Berat ⇒ Zvernec Island: 1 hour & 35 minutes by car (111 km/69 miles)

Zvernec Island

Zvernec is one of the most beautiful places in Albania , and my favorite. Walk through the  100-meter-long wooden bridge  from the mainland towards the monastery on the island. Enjoy the  breathtaking views  of nature around you. 

Apart from its natural beauty, one of the reasons you should visit Zvernec Island is the  local monastery . It holds a lot of religious history and reflects the suffering of Albania during the communist era.

The monastery was closed for over 33 years since the  communist dictator  announced all  religious services and places were illegal  in 1967. Albania then became the first country atheist in the world .

The monastery was reconstructed and reopened after the fall of communism in the country. Nowadays, it’s a pilgrimage site .

💡 PRO TIP: Zvernec Island is located near Vlorë city . Once you drive from Vlorë to the island, you might see some flamingos on the way. When you drive out from the pine forest from Vlorë, pull off the road on the right and see the lake behind a small hill to spot some flamingos.

Drive Through The Llogara Pass

After Zvernec, you’ll drive through the incredible stunning Llogara Pass with spectacular mountains and scenery before descending to Albanian Riviera.

It’s one of the  highlights  of this road trip.

Distance Zvernec Island ⇒ Dhermi: 1 hour & 35 minutes by car (65 km/40 miles)

You now have some of the most beautiful towns on the shores of the Adriatic Sea in front of you, which are part of the Albanian Riviera : Dhermi, Himarë, Borsh, and Sarandë.

Stay Overnight In Dhermi

I highly recommend you stop in  Dhermi  to swim and stay overnight. It’s one of the most beautiful places on the Riviera and a must-visit place in the country.

Enjoy small cafes and a relaxed atmosphere. The advantage of Dhermi is that it’s often less crowded than Sarande and Ksamil in the south, so enjoy the beaches here, too.

PRO TIP: If you don’t like crowds like me, I recommend staying two nights in Dhermi (instead of staying overnight in Ksamil). You can enjoy a beach day tomorrow , and on the next day, visit Sarande with Ksamil & Butrint National Park. Then, continue the itinerary.

Where To Stay In Dhermi: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

WHITE ROCKS APARTMENTS LA BRISA BOUTIQUE HOTEL ESSOS VILLAS

3. DAY: DHERMI ⇒ SARANDA ⇒ KSAMIL

Today, we’ll enjoy the beautiful Albanian Riviera . It has many beautiful spots and famous places to visit.

You can first explore Saranda and then enjoy the beaches of Ksamil .

Distance Dhermi ⇒ Saranda: 1 hour & 45 minutes by car (69 km/43 miles)

Saranda enjoys around  300 sunny days a year . Therefore, it’s one of the most popular spots for Albanian vacation, chilling beside the sea and enjoying water sports. In addition, Saranda has a port from which you can get to the  Greek Island of Corfu .

The city has beautiful beaches,  great nightlife , many historical sites, and restaurants.

Saranda  used to be part of Greece , then fell under the control of the Byzantine Empire and was also ruled by the Ottomans .

Later on, it was occupied by Greece and Italy . Nowadays, a Greek minority is still living here.

Sightseeing In Saranda

🔅 Hasan Tahsini Boulevard 🔅 Ancient Synagogue Complex 🔅 Lekursi Castle

Experience the city, have a coffee, walk alongside the seaside boulevard, and then drive to Ksamil to enjoy the Albanian beaches. Get a Greek iced cappuccino – it’s delicious :).

Distance Saranda ⇒ Ksamil: 30 minutes by car (14 km/8 miles)

Ksamil – Turkoise Pearl Of Albania

White sand beaches, crystal clear water, and a beautiful seaside paradise… you probably wouldn’t think you could find this place in Albania, right?

Welcome to the  Caribbean of Europe  – Ksamil, also called the  Turkoise Pearl of Albania .    

Ksamil has the most beautiful beaches in all of Albania . But be prepared for crowds in the summertime , especially in July and August, as it’s become trendy over the past years.

As I mentioned, you can also have your beach day in Dhermi if you don’t like crowded places . But, in case you don’t mind, you can stay in Ksmail and enjoy the day here.

Where To Stay In Ksamil: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

COLOSSEUM HOTEL – 200 away from the beach DUKA’S HOTEL – 300 away from the beach HOTEL SUNWAY – 500 away from the beach SEAS VILLA – apartments 500 away from the beach

4. DAY: KSAMIL ⇒ BUTRINT ⇒ KSAMIL

Good morning to beautiful Ksamil. Today, we’ll have a chilled day, relax on the beach, and eat great seafood. In the afternoon, you can visit the  Butrint National Park , which is full of history. 

Spend this day enjoying the beaches of Ksamil . As I mentioned on day 2. of this itinerary, you can also make a beach day in Dhermi to avoid crowds in Ksamil.

When you’re in Ksamil, I also recommend visiting the Butrint National Park.

Butrint National Park

Butrint hosts some of the most impressive Ottoman fortifications from the 4th century BC. It used to be an ancient Greek and later on a Roman city .

The fortifications are part of the Butrint National Park. Visit it in the afternoon and return to Ksamil, where you will stay overnight before we start driving north of Albania again.

5. DAY: KSAMIL ⇒ BLUE EYE ⇒ GJIROKASTER

Let’s head back north, visiting some of Albania’s most beautiful historical towns. Before we get to the highlight of this day, Gjirokaster, we’ll stop at the Blue Eye. In the Albanian language, it’s called  Syri I Kalter .

Distance Ksamil ⇒ Blue Eye: 50 minutes drive by car (34 km/21 miles)

Blue Eye – Syri I Kalter

Blue Eye is a natural phenomenon in Albania, which has  natural springs  every traveler should witness. Even though swimming is prohibited with the signs around, people jump into its refreshing water anyway.

You can admire the beauty of the oak trees and the nature around.

After a small excursion of the Blue Eye, let’s head further to explore  Gjirokaster , where we’ll sleep tonight.

Distance Blue Eye ⇒ Gjirokaster: 55 minutes drive by car (35 km/22 miles)

Gjirokaster

The next stop on our road trip is Gjirokaster, the  birthplace of former Albanian communist  leader Enver Hoxha.

He knew why he chose this place to be his hometown – it’s truly beautiful, perhaps my favorite city in Albania . It’s also known as the  city of stones  and thousands of stairs and hosts  the largest castle in Albania .

The city is spectacular, made of stone, and full of history. The town itself has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Just walk through and enjoy its unique atmosphere.

Sightseeing In Gjirokaster

🔅 Gjirokaster Castle 🔅 Cold War Tunnel 🔅 Ottoman House 🔅 Zekate House

Explore the castle, which is the largest one in Albania . It offers stunning views of the Albanian mountains and countryside. Pay attention to the Cold War Tunnel , which was used for transporting goods during the Cold War.

After, stroll through the town and admire its Ottoman houses . Zekate House is one of the most beautiful buildings, so check it out. This city is also a great place to buy souvenirs .

Otherwise, enjoy the vibe and have some delicious food and drinks.

Where To Stay In Gjirokaster: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

KERCULLA RESORT THE STONE SKY HOTEL ARGYROPOLIS BOUTIQUE HOTEL AHMETAJ GUEST HOUSE

6. DAY: GJIROKASTER ⇒ PERMET ⇒ KORCE

Good morning to Gjirokaster. I hope you had the chance to soak up the special atmosphere of this town yesterday. You can still explore it today if you want to.

Then, we’ll continue visiting other beautiful sites in Albania. You’ll experience some of the most breathtaking scenery on the way today.

The first stop will be the  city of roses , where you can buy traditional raki, local fruit brandy, and baths in natural Roman baths .

Afterward, you’ll drive through other spectacular scenery of  the Albanian Canyon  before reaching our destination: Korce, the  cultural capital  of Albania.

Distance Gjirokaster ⇒ Permet: 1 hour & 10 minutes by car (62 km/38 miles)

Permet got its name after the  Albanian hero Premt . The legend says that he chose to take his life rather than lose it in a fight against an enemy. As with other Albanian towns and cities, Permet belonged to the Ottoman Empire , and later on, Greeks took over.

During the Communist period, it was named  ‘The Hero City.’

Nowadays, many locals know it as the city of roses , thanks to the thousands of roses making the town even more charming.

It’s the place to buy  traditional raki  (local fruit brandy), as Permet is where they make it according to the  traditional recipe .

I also recommend trying another Albanian specialty,  ‘Gliko’  (sugary stuff).

Thermal Baths In Permet

Permet is also popular thanks to its  thermal baths  and  Katiu Stone Bridge .

The Katiu Stone Bridge is located 8 km/5 miles from the city, together with the thermal baths. Walk up to the bridge and get stunning views of the surroundings and the gorge.

Afterward, get into the warm  thermal baths  and see if you can benefit from their  therapeutic benefits . Locals say that each of the pots has different benefits for your body, so try it out.

Albanian Canyon

Once you have enough thermal baths, let’s continue to the cultural capital of Albania- Korce .

This  ride is one of the most spectacular on the  road trip. I called this phase  Albanian Canyon . It’s not an official name; I just named it Canyon, lol. The views are stunning, so enjoy it.

Distance Permet ⇒ Korce: 3 hours & 10 minutes by car (133 km/83 miles)

Korce is the  cultural capital of Albania , dating back to the 13th century.

Many people skip the place, and I was considering whether to include it in this itinerary. But then I thought you must really experience the culture here .

I recommend making your way to Korce and enjoying eating on the main square in the old bazaar . It has a special vibe , and the people are super friendly and hospitable. Some people even say it’s the most beautiful city in Albania.

Enjoy the multiple  city bars ,  old bazaars ,  beer gardens , and the culture of this city.

PRO TIP: It’s enough when you just make an overnight stop in Korce . You can spend the morning in Gjirokaster and Permet, arrive in Korce later in the afternoon, and enjoy dinner there.

Sightseeing In Korce

🔅 Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral 🔅 Old Bazaar 🔅 Bulevard Shen Gjergji 🔅 Red Tower – observation deck 🔅 Korce Brewery

If you still haven’t tried  Raki , Korce is also the place. Go to the  Café-Musem Komiteti , where you can taste different types of this traditional fruit brandy.

Between the shots, they’ll serve you passion fruit or rose water , which apparently helps you not getting too drunk .

Where To Stay In Korce: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

BOCCA HOTEL KORCE CHRISTI’S HOTEL BOROVA PARADISE POINT VILLA ESTER & APARTMENTS

7. DAY: KORCE ⇒ KRUJA ⇒ SHKODRA

Today, we’ll drive from Korce to Shkodra, the  gateway to the Albanian Alps . The drive from Korce to Shkodra is the longest on this road trip. So take your time and make some stops on the way.

What I suggest is to stop in the  historic town of Kruja . You can have lunch there and then continue driving up to Shkodra.

In Shkodra, I recommend staying in one of the best and most unique hotels in Albania .

Distance Korce ⇒ Kruja: 3 hours & 35 minutes by car (200 km/124 miles)

Kruja used to be the  old capital of Albania . It’s a significant city, a  place of the national hero  Skanderbeg. Exactly here,  Skanderbeg fought against the Ottomans , prevented them from spreading further through Albania, and even saved the rest of Central and Western Europe from their influence. 

So give honor to this guy next to his monument here in Kruja. Thanks to him, Europe looks as it does nowadays , with its rich history and diverse architectural sites.

Sightseeing In Kruja

🔅 Pazari I Kruje 🔅 Skanderbeg Museum 🔅 Kruja’s Castle

In Kruja, I suggest visiting Pazari I Kruje , one of the most beautiful markets in the Balkans. It has many great souvenirs, carpets, Turkish coffee cups, and more.

Then, you can learn more about the Albanian national hero in the Skanderbeg Museum . And explore the Kruja Castle .

Have lunch before you drive north to Shkodra , where we’ll stay overnight.

Distance Kruja ⇒ Shkodra: 1 hour & 30 minutes by car (84 km/52 miles)

Where To Stay In Shkodra: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

In the afternoon, check in to  Tradita Hotel  and enjoy  a traditional Albanian dinner at the local restaurant with  live music . Rest well and enjoy this amazing hotel.

Tomorrow, you can explore Shkodra and rest.

HOTEL TRADITA – my favorite hotel in all of Albania

8. DAY: SHKODRA

Good morning to Shkodra.

Today, you can  enjoy the city  and, most importantly, the traditional hotel you’re staying in. Walk up to the castle and have some rest.

You’ll need it because afterward, we’ll spend the rest of our trip in the spectacular Albanian Alps.

Welcome to  one of the oldest cities in Europe  and a doorstep to a fantastic hiking area in Albania. You’ll notice one strange fact when driving/walking through the city.

Shkodra  doesn’t have any traffic lights .

That’s because, in 1995, the government introduced a law that  imposed taxes  on citizens to pay for traffic lights in their hometowns. Locals didn’t like it , so they eliminated all traffic lights from the city.

Sightseeing In Shkodra

🔅 Rozafa Fortress 🔅 Shkodra Historical Museum 🔅 Shkodra Cathedral 🔅 Ebu Bekr Mosque 🔅 Lake Shkodra

The highlight of Shkodra is its 4000-year-old Rozafa castle . Go up, walk around, learn about the history, and enjoy the stunning views of Albania. You’ll also see Lake Shkodra and even Montenegro in the distance.

After, spend some time strolling through the city center. See the mosque and its cathedral, have a coffee, and relax.

Or drive to Lake Shkodra , a natural border between Albania and Montenegro. It’s beautiful for hiking and kayaking.

Stay overnight in Shkodra and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Hotel Tradita for one more evening.

Tomorrow, we’ll head to the Albanian mountains for some hiking.

9. DAY: SHKODRA ⇒ THETH & ALBANIAN ALPS

Today, we’ are going to’ll head to the picturesque town of  Theth in the Albanian Alps ; another highlight of this itinerary.

I suggest you  spend 2 full days  in the Albanian Alps. So, your itinerary extends to 11 days. On day 12, you’ll drive back to Tirana.

NOTE: Before 2021, the road to Theth was under construction, and travelers had to take minivans. The road is already fully built , and you can now drive to Theth . Yet, it’s narrow in some sections , so you’ll have to give way sometimes.

Distance Shkodra ⇒ Theth: 3 hours & 30 minutes by car (76 km/ 47 miles)

Check-in to your accommodation in Theth, and after, get around for a nice walk or hike.

I recommend visiting the following places and enjoy the  Albanian Alps  at their fullest:

Grunas Waterfall & Theth

One of the easiest walks you can do here in Theth is to walk towards the  Grunas Waterfall . Depending on where you are staying in Theth, it’s about 50 minutes walking distance (3.8km from the center). It’s a nice and easy hike and a great first activity here.

After you return, spend some time walking around Theth and admiring traditional houses. Have some great food, and experience how locals live here.

Another great excursion is to visit the Blue Eye. It’s slightly far away from Theth, and many people take a jeep towards a restaurant, ‘ Lulash Zelna .’

From the restaurant, it’s only a 45-minute walk to the Blue Eye. You can swim in the water and refresh your body after the hike. Then take a jeep from the restaurant back to Theth.

The jeep drive is an experience on its own, and I’m sure you’ll love it.

Where To Stay In Theth: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

Stay overnight in one of the traditional houses . Enjoy a traditional Albanian dinner with Raki and the fresh air of the mountains.

ROYAL LAND VILLA UJEVARA GURRA FAMILY GUESTHOUSE BUJTINA TINARI THETH

10. DAY: THETH & ALBANIAN ALPS ⇒ TIRANA

Good morning to Albanian Alps. I hope you had a great sleep. Have some wonderful traditional Albanian breakfast .

Today, you can still enjoy the Alps and in the evening, drive back to Tirana.

If you have more time, you can stay a few more nights in Theth and make more excursions to the Vallbona Valley or Komani Lake.

Best Things To Do In Albanian Alps

You can easily spend 5 days exploring the beauties of the Albanian Alps . You can do many other activities and hikes besides the Grunas Waterfall and the Blue Eye.

One of the most popular is the Vallbona Hike across the mountains and crossing the Komani Lake , which is one of the best things to do in Albania .

Or you can simply relax in Theth and enjoy its atmosphere and remoteness.

If you need more inspiration for what to do in those mountains, check out my article about the best things to do in the Albanian Alps by clicking on the image below:

Drive Back To Tirana

This marks the end of our trip. Whenever you want, drive back to Tirana.

Distance Theth ⇒ Tirana: 3 hours & 30 minutes by car (177 km/ 110 miles)

I hope you’ll enjoy your time in Albania with this itinerary as much as I did. As I mentioned, you can customize this 10-day trip , shorten it, or prolong it.

It might seem like a lot to cover in 10 days , but I wanted you to see the best of the country. So feel free to extend it and visit all the places I recommend within 14 days.

Below are the versions for road trips if you have 7 days or 14 days in Albania .

7-Day Albania Road Trip Itinerary

If you only have a week to explore Albania, think about the places you want to see from my basic itinerary.

I suggest either driving to the south and enjoying the beaches. Or if you prefer to visit the mountains, spend some time in the Albanian Alps .

Here is what I recommend you visit on a 7-day trip to Albania to combine the highlights:

14-Day Albania Road Trip Itinerary

If you have 2 weeks to spend in Albania, that’s absolutely perfect. It’s the best time to explore the country. You’ll have enough time to follow the basic itinerary I’ve written above and stay in places you like even more time .

So here is what I recommend doing on a 14-day trip to Albania :

Practical Tips For Visiting Albania

I’ve got some more tips to help you plan your trip to Albania even more. See how many days to spend, the best time to visit, get driving tips, and visa information.

Passport & Visa To Albania

Check the  expiration date of your passport . Most airlines don’t even take you on board if your passport expires in 6 months . Avoid issues with boarding and on the road. Ensure your passport won’t expire in the next 8 months.

Check if you need a Visa to Albania. iVisa will give you detailed information on whether you need a Visa and other necessary documents you might need to travel to Albania.

➡ Click here to see what kind of travel documents you need for Albania . iVisa will help you with Visa.

How Many Days Do You Need To See Albania?

I recommend spending 10 to 14 days in Albania .

10 days is the minimum you’ll need to explore its beauties. And 14 days is the perfect time to enjoy it fully. Albania is one of the most diverse countries in Europe, offering stunning beaches and breathtaking mountains.

It also has an exciting culture and delicious food. So you have to combine it all into your itinerary .

Best Time To Visit Albania

The best time to visit Albania is late May, June, September, and early October . This way, you’ll enjoy more places with fewer crowds, lower prices, and beautiful scenery. The weather is also very pleasant.

The summer months of July and August tend to be the most crowded , especially in the south , where people come for a vacation (Ksamil, Saranda).

I don’t recommend visiting Albania in winter . The landscape is not as pretty, and you can’t go hiking in the Albanian Alps. Winter offers fewer activities and adventures.

Tips For Driving In Albania

I understand that some of you might think Albania’s roads aren’t in good condition, or it’s dangerous to drive around. But let me tell you one thing – driving in Albania is just like in any other Balkan country.

The roads around bigger cities like Tirana, Shkodra, and Sarande can be chaotic . But otherwise, there is nothing to worry about.

Here are my top driving tips for your road trip in the country:

🚔 There is only 1 highway in Albania (A1) , a section from Kosovo to Tirana, where you have to pay a toll – you can pay by cash or card at the toll gate directly on the highway

🚔 Some roads in Albania are very narrow , so you must pay attention and give way

🚔 Most roads are well-developed , only a few in remote areas are in worse conditions, but you can drive through

🚔 Have cash handy (mainly for parking fees)

🚔 Locals sometimes drive super crazy , so be careful

Cost Of A Road Trip In Albania

The budget for a 10-day road trip to Albania per person ( mid-range traveler ) is $895 . This is a very realistic budget for mid-range travelers who want to stay in nice hotels, rent a car and travel conveniently, enjoy the mountains and beaches, and each location’s activities.

Here is a breakdown of this Albanian itinerary budget for each travel category:

Budget Breakdown For Different Traveler Styles

Here is a quick overview of the budget for every type of traveler:

➡ 10-day itinerary budget for backpackers and travelers on the budget: $350 ➡ 10-day itinerary budget for mid-range travelers : $895 ➡ 10-day itinerary budget for luxury travelers : up to $1600

NOTE: This is an approximate budget based on my calculations and spending during my 10-day trip to Albania. The budget will vary based on every traveler’s preferences .

Albanian Official Currency – LEK

Albania uses LEK  as its national currency.  Check the   current exchange rate  for yourself when you visit the country. I always recommend having some LEK cash with you, as many places don’t accept card payments.

Be careful when exchanging money in Albania – only in official places in bigger cities.

💡 PRO TIP: Before exchanging, check the current rate and how much LEK you should get for the amount you want to exchange. Then, exchange the money and count if you were given the right change .

How Much Does A Week In Albania Cost?

A week in Albania costs about $620, including all travel costs , accommodation, rental car, gas, food and drinks, and activities in the country. It’s a realistic budget for a mid-range traveler who wants to enjoy it all in Albania.

Is It Safe To Visit Albania?

Yes , Albania is a safe country to visit. It’s ranked n. 54 in the Safety Index by Global Residence, which is higher than other popular countries like Italy, Germany, Canada, or the Netherlands.

I traveled to Albania as a solo female and felt safe . You’ll be fine if you use your common sense and stay in the touristy areas at night.

People in Albania are friendly and very hospitable. They’re willing to help you if anything goes wrong. So don’t worry; head off to explore this new and exciting culture.

Quick Albanian Food Guide

Albanian agriculture mainly produces corn, vegetables, potatoes, fruits, olives, and grapes and has high cattle breeding. That’s why their traditional food uses mainly meat and  lots of dairy products such as cheese ,  butter , and  yogurt .

They have quite a heavy cuisine but use a lot of fruit, vegetables, and fresh products , which I loved.

Albanians are famous for making their fruit brandy called  ‘Raki.’  They have different types, such as grape, plumb, apple, apricot, etc. You must experience  wine and raki tasting  and try different types of cheese and meat. The best place to do so is Korce .

When you make it to the Albanian Alps , they’ll serve you homemade bread with butter and  homemade marmalades  (the most popular are fig or apricot marmalade) for breakfast.

Dishes & Drinks You Must Try

Here are a couple of dishes and drinks you have to try when traveling to Albania:

🥧 Byrek – typical Balkan food – pastry with spinach and cheese 🥧 Fergese – made from pepper, tomatoes, and cottage cheese 🥧 Tave Kosi – most beloved dish by locals – quiche-like made from lamb, eggs, and yogurt 🥧 Fried Kackavall – yellow salty cheese 🥧 Trilece – the name comes from Spanish – cake from three kinds of milk 🥧 Qofte – grilled meatballs with spices, served with raw onion

Also, don’t forget to try the following local drinks and liquors:

🥂 Raki – traditional alcoholic drink produced from any fruit, most famous is from berries or plumbs – they drink it after or before meals, even in the morning 🥂 Boze – made from corn, wheat flour, sugar, and water 🥂 Dhalle – salty, liquid yogurt, mainly consumed during summer 🥂 Amaro – sweet liquor made from fruits such as blueberry, or cherry 🥂 Beer – try Blonde Beer with a sweet taste in Tirana

FAQs: Road Tripping Albania

I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions. Check my answers below:

Is Albania A Cheap Country To Visit?

Yes , Albania is a very cheap country to visit, one of the cheapest in Europe. As a mid-range traveler , you can spend approx. $80 per day in Albania , including all costs (accommodation, rental car, gas, food and drinks, and activities).

How Long Does It Take To Drive Around Albania?

It takes approx. 20 hours to drive around the entire Albania without stopping . If you want to make a road trip and enjoy the places along the way, it takes approx. 2 weeks to complete .

Is It Easy To Drive In Albania?

Yes, it’s fairly easy to drive in Albania . Some roads are very narrow and curvy , which can be more difficult to navigate. Also, locals drive a bit crazy, so be careful. Yet, most of the roads are well-developed and driving in Albania is easy and beautiful.

Is It Safe For US Citizens To Travel To Albania?

Yes, it’s safe for US citizens to travel to Albania. Despite many people commenting Albania is a dangerous country, I disagree. I spent 10 days traveling around Albania as a solo female traveler and always felt safe. Locals are friendly and you’ll love the experience.

Is Croatia Or Albania Cheaper?

Albania is cheaper than Croatia by almost 50% . Albania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe and the Balkans. So, if you’re looking for a cheap vacation or travel adventure, go to Albania, not Croatia.

WRAP-UP: Albania Itinerary

This is my Albanian itinerary and road trip for you. I hope you’ll get the most out of this stunning country. I must admit – after visiting, I’ve put it on my list of the top 3 most beautiful countries in Europe . And I’m sure you’ll love it, too. Take your time, immerse yourself in the culture and natural beauties, and have fun.

If you have any questions or need help planning your trip , contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com . I’ll gladly help you. Or check out my favorite travel resources and plan by yourself.

Happy Travels!

More Tips For Albania Travel

Looking to visit more places in Albania? Check out my related articles:

23 Amazing Things To Do In Albania

23 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Albania

How To Get Around Albania: Local Buses, Taxis & Prices

Albanian Alps: Complete Guide For Your Visit & Itinerary

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About the author: Nicoletta  is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

ALBANIA : Interested in more articles for Albania? Check out my Albania Travel Page :

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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
• 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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10-Day Road Trip Albania – The Ultimate Itinerary

Albania is a hidden gem in the Balkans that is often overlooked by tourists. But what this small country lacks in size, it more than makes up for in natural beauty and interesting history. The best way to visit Albania is by road trip. Albania is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. Between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania has some of the most stunning coastlines in Europe. Inland, you’ll find towering mountains, pristine lakes, and quaint villages. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, Albania is the perfect place for you.

This 10-day road trip itinerary will take you to some of Albania’s most beautiful places. You’ll start in Tirana, the capital city, and make your way down to Saranda on the Albanian Riviera. Along the way, you’ll stop at Lake Ohrid , one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gjirokastra . 10 days’ worth of adventure packed into one ultimate Albanian road trip itinerary. You’ll also get to experience Albanian cuisine, which is a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Ottoman influences. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Albania today!

Before we start, you may want to know some practical information about driving in Albania and the weather or skip straight to the 10-day itinerary to Albania.

What are the Roads like in Albania?

The roads in Albania are generally in good condition, especially the main highways. However, there are some potholes and speed bumps, so you’ll want to take it slow when driving on smaller roads. There are also plenty of scenic stops along the way where you can take in the views.

When is the best time to visit Albania?

Albania is a beautiful country to visit any time of year. However, the best time to visit depends on your travel style and preferences. If you’re looking for warm weather and long days, then the best time to visit Albania is from June to September . These months offer the warmest temperatures and longest days. If you’re looking for cooler weather and shorter days, then the best time to visit Albania is from October to May. These months offer cooler temperatures and shorter days.

Day 1 Explore Tirana

Start your Albanian road trip in the capital city of Tirana. Explore the city’s sights, including the National History Museum, Skanderbeg Square, Clock Tower, Et’hem Bey Mosque , and the Cathedral of Saint Paul . Once you’ve gotten your fill of culture and history, enjoy a traditional Albanian meal in one of the city’s many restaurants.

Day 2: Kruje

Kruje From Tirana , head north to Kruje. Kruje is a medieval town perched atop a hill in Central Albania and is home to the famous Kruja Castle , which overlooks the town below. Spend some time exploring the castle before heading into town to grab some lunch. Krujë is also known for being home to national hero Skanderbeg and for its traditional bazaar where you can buy locally made handicrafts and souvenirs. In the afternoon, visit the Ethnographic Museum to learn more about Albanian culture and History. End your day with dinner at one of Kruje’s delicious eateries.

Best tours from Kurje:

• From Tirana: Kruja castle, the old bazaar and Sarisalltik
• Kruja City & Holy Cave of Sari Salltik Day Tour

Day 3: Kruje to Durres

After breakfast in Kruje, hit the road for Durres . Durres is Albania’s largest port city and is home to some of the best beaches in the country. Spend your day lounging on the beach or exploring Durres’ Roman ruins . Make sure to try some of the fresh seafood available in Durres’ restaurants – you won’t be disappointed!

A great activity is to visit the vinyards and hills .

Day 4: Durres to Berat

Berat is known as the “city of a thousand windows” due to its distinctive architecture. Spend your day exploring Berat Castle and wandering through the old town streets. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on Berat’s beautiful riverfront.

Indulge yourself and book a wine-tasting tour in Berat .

Day 5: Berat to Gjirokaster

Known as Albania’s “stone city”. Gjirokaster , a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town known for its Ottoman architecture, is home to an impressive castle which overlooks the town below. Walk through the castle grounds before heading into town for lunch. In the afternoon, explore Gjirokaster’s old town streets and visit one of its many museums. For something different, visit Belsh Citadel —a Soviet-era military base that has been turned into an open-air museum. Be sure to try some of Gjirokaster’s delicious traditional food – kofta are a must!

Day 6 and 7: Sarande to Ksamil Islands

After breakfast in Sarande , Visit Sarande’s old town, stroll along its promenade and swim at one of its many beaches or take a boat tour to nearby Blue Cave . The next day, take a boat ride out to Ksamil Islands – an archipelago of four small islands just off Albania’s coast. Ksamil Islands are known for their dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and tranquil atmosphere. Spend your day swimming, sunbathing, and exploring these stunning islands before returning to Sarande in the evening. Sarande is a great place to try some fresh seafood.

Day 8: Sarande to Butrint

After breakfast in Sarande, drive south to Butrint – a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on an eponymous island just off Albania’s coast. Butrint was once an important trading port during Roman times, and today it is an important archaeological site. Spend your day exploring Butrint’s ancient ruins, including its theatre, baths, and forum. Make sure to stop by the Butrint museum for an informative overview of Butrint’s history.

Day 9: Llogara National Park

After breakfast in Butrint, continue driving south towards Llogara National Park – a scenic nature reserve located atop Albania’s Llogara Pass. Llogara National Park is known for its breathtaking views, hiking trails, and rare wildlife. Spend your day hiking through Llogara National Park before stopping at one of its viewpoints to enjoy panoramic views of the Albanian Riviera stretching out below.

Day 10: Borsh From Llogara National Park

Drive down winding mountain roads towards Borsh – a small village located on the Albanian Riviera. Borsh is known for its secluded beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. Spend your final day swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying fresh seafood before heading back to Tirana tomorrow.

Albania is an incredible country with so much to offer visitors. There’s something for everyone in Albania. This 10-day road trip itinerary covers all of the must-see sights in Albania and some hidden gems off the beaten path.

Let us know in the comments your favourite part of Albania.

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Amazing post about Albania! I’ve been doing a bit of research and Albania seem to be coming up everywhere. And the more I look, the more interesting it seems. But I’m wondering though if it is possible to travel alone and not do a road trip around Albania? As much as I love a road trip, sometimes its not the best for travelling on my own.

Thank you so much, we didn’t travel solo but we didn’t come across any problems whilst travelling. I guess if you are travelling solo you would need to take some normal precautions like not hitch hiking or travelling at night. In terms of transport buses are the most common form of public transportation in Albania, and they connect many cities, towns, and villages. There are both intercity and local buses, and they can be a relatively inexpensive way to travel within Albania. However, be aware that bus schedules may not always be reliable, and buses may not be as modern or comfortable as in some other countries. Hope this helps, let us know if you managed to go to Albania. 😉

Hello Asha! Thank you for making such a wonderful travel blog. I really appreciate this on point detailed guide.

Thank you we are so happy you find it useful.

Great itinerary. Do you have a list of the hotels you stayed in each place?

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Solo Female Travel – Switzerland, Europe and Beyond

HOW TO SPEND 10 DAYS IN ALBANIA – ITINERARY

ALBANIA ITINERARY FOR 10 DAYS | DISCOVER THIS HIDDEN GEM

Table of Contents

Are you looking for an exciting  Albania itinerary ? Then read on because you will find many travel tips on how to spend 10 days in Albania – one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.

Tucked away in southeastern Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, this relatively small country has a wide variety of interesting towns, natural beauty, and historical attractions to discover. And if you are planning your  Albania itinerary, this post is for you. Here you will find out about the top things to do along with many travel tips for Albania in 10 days.

Until 1991, the country was in relative isolation in terms of tourism due to its turbulent communist history. In recent years though, the country has started to develop rapidly and welcomes visitors from all around the globe. 

Bordering the more popular Greece , as well as Kosovo, Macedonia, and Montenegro , it has a Mediterranean climate and a stunning coastline. Add to that mixture its affordable prices, and you have a very attractive vacation destination. And this post is all about the best Albania itinerary for 10 days.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my link (at no extra cost to you). More about it  here .

TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR ALBANIA

So, here are some of the most important travel tips I can give you for your itinerary.

HOW MANY DAYS IN ALBANIA?

10 days in Albania is a good amount to spend there – two weeks would allow you to add 2-3 more places to your itinerary but even with ten days, you get to see the many different sides the country has to offer. If you have only one week, then you can just skip a few places but you will not regret adding a few extra days in Albania.

If you stay in Albania for 10 days, I suggest changing hotels about 3-4 times so you can stay in one place for 2- 3 nights and do day trips from there before continuing your trip. This itinerary is not possible to follow if you just want to stay in one place – for that, travel time would take too much of your time.

HOW TO GET TO ALBANIA

PLANE:  If you arrive via plane, you will most likely arrive in Tirana – the main international airport , so I only focus on that airport. If you arrive in Albania, you can easily take a bus and get to the city center by bus. Buses run frequently, and there is no need to book train tickets in advance.

If you arrive late at night or very early in the morning, you might want to take a taxi to the city center. Alternatively, you can also pick up your rental car here at the airport. There are many rental companies -just outside the airport.

This is what I did: I arrived quite late at night and thus booked a night at this hotel near the airport. They have a free shuttle bus and picked me up – the next morning they dropped me off at the rental company at the airport and then only my Albania road trip started.

CAR/BUS : Many visitors also come from neighboring countries. There are international buses, e.g. from Kosovo or Macedonia –  riding them might be an experience in themselves (at least that is my experience) but safe and you can get to Tirana and start your trip also from there.

10 DAYS IN ALBANIA – HOW TO GET AROUND

Following this itinerary, the best way to get around is via car. I hate to say it but public transportation in Albania is not that far advanced to allow you to see these places within that short amount of time (yes, 10 days is not a lot). 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOR AN ALBANIA ITINERARY

Public transportation in Albania is still developing , and it varies in quality and availability in different parts of the country. In some areas, there are modern buses and minibusses, while in others, older buses and unmarked cars serve as transportation.

Major cities in Albania, such as Tirana, have public transportation networks, including bus and minibus services. However, outside of these cities, public transportation options can be limited, especially in rural areas. Additionally, while schedules are typically displayed at bus stations, departures tend to be based on a flexible, “when full” model, so it may be necessary to factor time into your travel plans.

Following this Albania itinerary it will be almost impossible (if not impossible) if you just use public transport.

DRIVING IN ALBANIA

Driving a car CAN be a good idea in Albania if you’re an experienced driver comfortable driving in unfamiliar places. 

Driving culture and behavior on the roads in Albania can be somewhat unpredictable , so it’s essential to exercise caution and stay alert while driving.

Driving in Albania is an experience – from being frustrated to being in awe, I experienced all that while driving there. There are some new roads and streets – they are fine – but there are also many streets in terrible condition . This is why a 300km drive will take 7-8 hours (without the breaks). 

Stick to the speed limit (they take it very seriously there) – there is quite a lot of police on the road. I was never stopped by them but I know from friends who were stopped several times – if you do not drive too fast and have the car papers/license, you should not worry about that though.

RENT A CAR IN ALBANIA

Do thorough research in advance, familiarize yourself with local road rules, and ensure that you have comprehensive insurance coverage to protect against any unforeseen incidents.

I rented my car via this site.  While I most often drive in my own van/car, it was not possible for this trip, so I used the site to find a good deal. If I rent cars, I always buy full insurance, so it costs more but it covers all costs in case something happens. After this positive experience, I really do recommend finding your rental car there.

GET YOUR RENTAL CAR HERE

WHERE TO GO IN ALBANIA IN 10 DAYS

Okay, without further ado, here is how I would create my 10-day Albania itinerary. I stayed in the country for about two weeks and saw a few other places that I do not think are must-see places, so I did not include them on this itinerary.

DAY 1 – TIRANA

Drenched in culture, history, and distinctive architecture, Tirana is a fantastic starting point for your Albanian itinerary. It enjoys a central location surrounded by the Dajti mountains and hills to the east and a valley overlooking the Adriatic Sea to the west.

The city is bright and colorful with contemporary street art and kaleidoscopic murals.  

Tirana’s lively and fun atmosphere is perhaps best experienced by strolling through Skanderbeg Square in the center of the city. It’s Tirana’s focal point and home to places like the Et’hem Bey Mosque and Skanderbeg Monument as well as several restaurants.

Bunk’Art 1 sits on the outskirts of town and was initially intended to be a hideout in the event of a nuclear attack. Today, it’s now a museum detailing Albania’s history through conceptual art, preserved rooms, and eerie sound effects.

Tip: If you’re a history buff, consider this communism history tour which includes a tour of several museums and landmarks.

• TRAVEL TIME TIRANA – BERAT: About 2 hours (100 km)

WHERE TO STAY IN TIRANA

DAY 2 – BERAT

One of the highlights of traveling to Albania is undoubtedly Berat, set in the middle of the nation . It is home to stunning buildings, scenic natural surroundings, and vibrant culture.

Berat is a picturesque town often referred to as “ The Town of a Thousand Windows” . This nickname is due to the gorgeous sandstone houses with antique window frames perched side-by-side on a hilltop overlooking the city.

Berat Castle is one of its most iconic landmarks, an ancient fortress with roots dating back to the fourth century . Within its walls, you will find old Byzantine churches mixed in with ruins from other periods. Given its hillside location, the castle offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and its surrounding scenic landscapes.  You can also enjoy a view of the city along the Osumi River . Also by the stream, you’ll find Dimal where remnants date back to 200 BC.

There are a few museums   – the best one might be the National Ethnographic Museum , an 18th-century building that details how life has changed since Berat’s beginnings. However, given your limited time, you might have to prioritize what you want to do in Berat.

TIP: The famous Blue Eyes are a pair of otherworldly water springs in Albania, one in the north and one in the south. The one in the south is beautiful – but not as stunning as the one in the north. With only 10 days in Albania, I would skip this one – it is just quite a detour from Berat, and remember the roads of Albania make distances even longer.

• TRAVE TIME BERAT – GJIROKASTER: Almost 3 hours (180 km)

WHERE TO STAY IN BERAT

DAY 3: GJIROKASTER

Situated on a hillside in the south of Albania lies Gjirokastёr, fondly referred to by locals as “the City of Stones”. This ancient town perfectly illustrates the country’s well-preserved Ottoman architecture and rich history.

Gorgeous cobblestone streets wind their way to the city’s most dominant feature – Gjirokastёr Castle. This eerie 13th-century fortress was initially a communist regime prison. However, it now contains many interesting and unusual artifacts. Inside the castle are two museums, an arsenal collection, crumbling ruins to inspect, and many more unusual communist-era relics.

You can’t leave without exploring the Gjirokastër Bazaar, which features Ottoman-style architecture throughout. Here, you can do some great shopping for new and second-hand treasures and souvenirs.

Gjirokastër is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and enchanting towns on the Balkan Peninsula. It was my favorite town as it is livelier than Berat, so I highly recommend making this a must-see spot. 

• TRAVE TIME  GJIROKASTER – HIMARE: Almost 3 hours (180 km)

WHERE TO STAY IN GJROKASTER

DAY 4 AND 5: ALBANIAN RIVIERA

The Albanian Riviera is a popular seaside destination. The coastline along the Riviera features rocky mountains, white sand, and clear blue waters. As such, it’s a paradise for beachgoers. Albania’s Mediterranean climate is generally pleasant, but it does get rather warm between July and September.

Be sure to check out this guide to help you plan what to pack for Europe in the summer . There are a couple of places you can add to your Albania itinerary.

The stunning coastal town of Himarё was originally a quiet fishing village. But, it has steadily grown into a popular beach holiday destination. There is a lot of natural beauty in the area, from secret coves and golden beaches to crystal-clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming.

Himarё is generally less crowded than neighboring Ksamil, which makes it a great spot if you are looking for relaxation and tranquillity.

TIP: If you do not mind driving, you can also visit Ksamil, which is located a bit more south.

WHERE TO STAY IN HIMARE

Rea Boutique Hotel

Ksamil is a gem of the Albanian seaside with its picturesque beaches and fun water activities. These include jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and speed boat rides. However, the most idyllic experience is swimming to one of the three stunning islands a short distance from the shoreline.

The town is also known for its vibrant nightlife, especially during the summer months (July to September). Its promenade is full of vendors selling local produce and souvenirs to take back with you.

• TRAVEL TIME HIMARE – THETH: About 7 hours (a bit less than 400 km)

DAY 6: THETH

It will be a long drive – from the Albanian Riveria, it is time to head to the north. And believe me – this is heaven. Beautiful. Stunning. Jaw-dropping. Gorgeous as Switzerland.

Up in Albania’s northern reaches is the tiny mountain village of Theth . I consider this to be one of the most stunning destinations in the country. It has only a handful of residents and has the magnificent Albanian Alps in its surroundings. This makes it look like a village out of a fairytale. And it is not only the village – it is the whole region.

The traditional houses in Theth feature stone walls and wooden roofs, adding to the charming scenery. Its most iconic landmark is the small stone church with its astonishingly beautiful backdrop. This quaint, picture-perfect village is one of Europe ‘s best-kept secrets.

Stunning waterfalls and a dramatic canyon await in the surrounding Theth National Park . The park has two fantastic hiking trails leading you to various picturesque viewing points before meeting up at the stunning Grunas waterfall .  Another can’t-miss sight here is the Church of Theth. It’s a small building with an awe-inspiring backdrop of mountains and lush greenery.

• TRAVEL TIME THETH VILLAGE TO BLUE EYE: About 30 minutes

DAY 7: NORTHERN BLUE EYE

Similar to the Southern Blue Eye, this natural spring water pool with magnificent blue colors is a breathtaking sight. What sets the Northern Blue Eye apart is the beautiful small waterfall feeding into it and the many scenic hiking trails around it.

Jagged mountain peaks and a deep river valley surround the pool, which adds even more beauty to the picture-perfect scenery. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the natural landscapes, wildlife, and variety of bird species that frequent the area.  You’ll find the Northern Blue Eye about four miles from Theth Village.

There is an easy hiking trail that starts in the village and leads to the spring. If you’re brave enough to endure its cold temperatures, you’re free to jump in and swim in the azure waters.

I do believe it is so worth it – there were several people along the hike selling some drinks and snacks.

Then it is time to go to my most, absolute favorite place in Albania.

• TRAVEL TIME THETH VILLAGE TO VALBONA: About 6,5 hours (250 km)

DAY 8 AND 9: VALBONA VALLEY

Valbona Valley is a stunning natural area located in the northern region of Albania. It is part of Valbona Valley National Park, established to protect the region’s diverse ecosystem and natural beauty.

Nestled within the valley lies the tiny village of Valbona. It has a long tradition of folk music and dance celebrated with many local festivals that take place throughout the year. It is also home to several ancient churches and monasteries, which offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. 

One of its main attractions is the Valbona Pass, a mountain pass that offers astonishing views of the surrounding landscape. It is particularly popular among hikers, and you can see the peaks of the Accursed Mountains and the Adriatic Sea in the distance. Many people hike from Valbona to Theth – this takes about 6-8 hours one way. While I wanted to do the hike, I just did not know how to organize it.

• TRAVEL TIME VALBONA – TIRANA: About 5 hours (265 km)

WHERE TO STAY IN VALBONE

DAY 10: RETURN TO TIRANA

It is time to say goodbye to the stunning part of Albania and head back to Tirana. The travel time is about 5 hours, so you might have some time left on your last day in Albania to explore the vibrant city of Tirana.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST ITINERARY FOR ALBANIA IN 10 DAYS

From its stunning coastlines to mountainous scenery, many castles , and archaeological sites, Albania is an upcoming holiday destination with a lot to offer. Its affordable prices and lovely climate make it a great choice for a European adventure.

And with 10 days in Albania, you can see some of the most beautiful places. Just keep in mind that things in Albania might still be a bit unorganized at times but the beautiful scenery, friendly locals, and budget-friendly activities make up for all that.

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How To Spend 10 Days In Albania – 2 Epic Itineraries For An Awesome Trip

• Post category: Destinations / Travel Tips

Wondering how to spend 10 days in Albania? Even though Albania is only a small country in the Balkans, it has a lot of biodiversity, history, and great food all packed in.

After living in Albania for a few years, I’ve gotten to really understand how things work, what’s worth visiting, and what’s not.

Plus, even if I haven’t visited certain places, my Albanian friends vouch for some of the more off-the-beaten-path that I suggest and I trust their judgment.

Thankfully, combining this knowledge has helped me put together 2 incredible itineraries for you to spend the best 10 days in Albania.

2 Awesome Itineraries For 10 Days In Albania

Whether you are wanting to be based in the north or just want to see the main attractions of Albania, I’ve put together 2 incredible itineraries for you.

There’s a lot of small things that I included because I think they’re important. This gives you different options to suit what you would prefer.

Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. These help me continue to offer helpful tips – I appreciate the support.

10 Days In Albania – Most Popular Attractions

If you’re coming for the first time and want to see the most popular attractions, this guide to 10 days in Albania will be great for your trip.

There’s so much more you can see besides these places, but I picked these because they are the most famous and pretty accessible even if you want to do public transport.

The only bad thing is that you are at the mercy of the bus schedule (which can be hard to find). Most trips to Albania will be 100 times better if you have the freedom to go wherever you want.

Day 1-2: Tirana

Tirana is the capital of Albania and is a great starting point for your trip. Spend the first two days exploring the city, which has a mix of Ottoman, Italian, and Communist-era architecture.

Visit the National Museum of History, the Bunk’Art Museum, and the Skanderbeg Square. Tirana also has a vibrant nightlife scene, so make sure to experience it!

Check out places to stay in Tirana .

Day 3: Kruja

Located just 30 km from Tirana, Kruja, Albania is a small mountain town that is famous for its beautiful views and the historic market and castle.

Kruja (or possibly somewhere close by) is also said to be the birthplace of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg.

Visit the centuries-old market, explore Kruja Castle, and learn more about Albania’s national hero at the Skanderbeg Museum, which houses weapons and artifacts from that time.

After spending a few hours there, drive north to Shkoder. Check out places to stay in Shkoder .

Day 4: Shkoder

Shkoder is the largest city in northern Albania and is located near the border with Montenegro. There are plenty of cool things to do in Shkoder like visiting Rozafa Castle – an impressive fortress perched on a hill overlooking the city.

The Marubi National Museum of Photography is also quite interesting because it has a collection of over 500,000 photographs portraying Albania’s most recent 100 years of history.

You can also explore the Shkoder Pedonale (pedestrianized boulevard) and enjoy some delicious local cuisine. 

Day 5-6: Theth National Park

Theth National Park is a stunning wilderness area located in the Albanian Alps, and it is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and hikers.

The park offers spectacular landscapes, including towering peaks, impressive waterfalls, and dense forests.

The picturesque village of Theth is a popular base for exploring the park and is known for its traditional architecture and warm hospitality.

It can be a bit hard to access depending on the weather and road conditions, so it’s best to go for two days. Though it’s remote, there’s plenty of nature to explore. Check out places to stay in Theth .

Day 7-8: Berat

Head south to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Berat – known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.”

It is famous for its well-preserved Ottoman-era houses, which are built on the side of a hill overlooking the Osum River.

Spend two days exploring the castle, the Ethnographic Museum, trying wine from local vineyards, and adventure activities in the nearby Osumi Canyon and Tomorri Mountain National Park.

Check out places to stay in Berat .

Day 9: Gjirokaster

Gjirokastra is another UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the best-preserved Ottoman towns in the Balkans.

Explore the castle, which dates back to the 12th century, and the Gjirokastra Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the Ottoman era.

Make sure to take your time enjoying the food here – it’s incredible.

Stop by Restaurant Muço for their incredible qofte and homemade raki and The Barrels-Te Fuçitë for some great wine and traditional appetizers. Check out places to stay in Gjirokaster .

Day 10: Saranda

There are a few different options to choose from on how to spend the last full day of your 10 days in Albania.

If you would like to have a beach day, go to Mirror Beach (Shpella e Pëllumbave) on the way to the Ksamil.

The other option is to stop on the way from Gjirokaster and see the Blue Eye – a natural wonder located near the village of Muzina.

It is a deep, crystal-clear natural spring with water so blue that it looks like it has been photoshopped. Some people take a dip in the chilly water, though I wouldn’t suggest it.

The water is a source for locals downstream and swimming can pollute it for them. After that, head towards the town of Ksamil and go past it to arrive at Butrint.

It’s an impressive UNESCO heritage site where you can see some of Albania’s best ancient ruins. Check out places to stay in Saranda .

How To Spend 10 Days In Northern Albania

Northern Albania is by far the least touristy area to explore. If you’re wanting to see some unusual or lesser-known spots, then this northern guide to 10 days in Albania will be great for you.

Day 1: Tirana

See the Tirana recommendations in the first itinerary. You can see some interesting things in Tirana, but it’s best to leave and more of what Albania has to offer outside of the capital. Check out places to stay in Tirana .

Day 2: Kruja and more

See the Kruja recommendation in the first itinerary. After visiting the charming Kruja, hopefully, you are ready for some great food.

Located on a beautiful lake, stop nearby at the Duka Winery, Vineyard, and Restaurant, for some delicious food and wine.

Another option is to stop at the Lagoon of Patok and have a nice seafood dinner while watching the sunset. There are even charming overwater bungalows at ‘Laguna e Patokut’ restaurant to dine in.

Check out these places nearby to stay .

Day 3: Ulza Regional Nature Park & Lezhe Castle

Head north towards Ulza Regional Nature Park. Enjoy the beautiful drive along Shkopet Lake with the precarious Shkopet footbridge that you can cross if you dare.

Head further to Ulza Lake, crossing the beautiful Ulza Bridge. Stop for some lunch in Ulez and enjoy the lake.

Go back the same way and drive towards Lezhe to visit the historic Lezhe Castle.

Head to the close beach town of Shengjin. Check out some places to stay in Shengjin and make sure to visit Restaurant Detari for great seafood.

Day 4: Beach day at Rana e Hedhun

Spend the day relaxing at this cool sand dune beach known as Rana e Hedhun / Thrown Sand, Albania . This is very close to Shengjin, so it would be good to stay there again for the night.

Day 5: Shkoder

Drive north to the ‘capital’ of northern Albania – Shkoder. Nicknamed ‘Albania’s Ancient City’, Shkoder has been a beacon of music, art, and religious tolerance for centuries.

Spend the day getting to know the city by visiting Rozafa Castle, the Pedonale, and the Marubi National Photography Museum.

You can drive or rent bikes to cycle to the charming village of Shiroka on Shkodra Lake. Make sure to stop at Blue Notte or the further away Pelikani Kaçurrel for great fish or eel from the lake.

Check out these places to stay in Shkoder , or if you want a full breakdown, read my article on the best hotels in Shkoder .

Day 6: Shala River

Take a day trip from Shkoder to the beautiful Lumi i Shales (Shala River). This place has been nicknamed the “Thailand of Albania” because of how lush the greens look and how blue the water looks.

It’s quite remote so it’s best to stay in Shkoder and just do a day trip. You’ll also get to see the famous Koman Lake on your way to Shala since the river runs into Koman.

You can book the day trip to Shala River here or wait until you are in Shkoder and try to arrange it the day before.

Sometimes the Shkoder hostels or hotels will be able to arrange it. The main downside is that if you are visiting during the busy season, tickets could be sold out if you wait till the day before.

Day 7: Prekal Canyon

Take another day trip out of Shkoder, but on the way out of town, make sure to stop at the interesting Venetian Mask Museum. Then drive towards the beautiful Ottoman architecture of Mesi Bridge.

This bridge is one of the largest Ottoman bridges in the region. Keep following the directions towards Prekal Canyon , but make a slight detour to visit the ancient Drishti Castle ruins.

Though there’s not much left of the ruins, it’s a nice place to hike up to get a good view. Start driving to Prekal Canyon and find a spot along the road (there are many) to park.

Enjoy a few hours of exploring the area, swimming, and jumping from the canyon walls. If you want a preview, check out my YouTube vlog about Prekal . Return to Shkoder to stay one last night.

Day 8: Malesia e Madhe Road Trip

This is one of the lesser-known regions in Albania, but it holds so much beauty and history.

Malesia e Madhe was where many people hid in resistance to the Ottoman invasion, which helped to protect Albanian culture and religious independence for future generations.

On the way out of Shkoder, drive north on the E762 towards Koplik. If you’re up for experiencing something alternative, stop at the Keq Marku Tattoo Art Studio which is housed in an old communist bunker.

If you’re itching to take a dip in Shkodra Lake, stop at Syri i Sheganit. Even if you’re not keen to swim, it’s still a nice place to enjoy and there’s a restaurant nearby that had a nice view.

Drive about an hour to Tamare, Albania, though it’s a beautiful drive so you want to stop and take photos for sure.

Plus, you might want to stop at yet another scary but beautiful here at a spot marked on Cemit River .

There are two guest houses in Tamare to book with (both with great ratings) check them out here .

Day 9: Hiking & Waterfalls In Malesia e Madhe

All along SH20 there are places to stop to swim, hike, and take pictures. Take your time here and enjoy nature. Make your way to Selce, and hike to the waterfall of Selce .

Keep driving to Lepushe, where you will stay the night, and check out some guesthouses to stay .

If there’s still daylight and you’d like to explore, there’s plenty of hiking to be done, and you can go check out the Lepushe Waterfall .

Day 10: Vermosh

Before driving back to Tirana, take a few hours to explore the valley of Vermosh. There are two waterfalls to check out, the Baskimit Waterfall and Gjanve Waterfall , plus plenty of hiking.

There are also lots of nice guesthouses in Vermosh so you could always stay here before heading back to Tirana if you’d want.

Final Thoughts On Spending 10 Days In Albania

I hope you found these two itineraries helpful in planning your 10 days in Albania!

Whether you’re interested in exploring the rich, cultural heritage of the country, or immersing yourself in its breathtaking natural beauty and delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone.

From the vibrant capital city of Tirana to the picturesque towns of Berat and Gjirokastra, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Don’t forget to take some time to interact with the friendly locals and learn about their unique customs and traditions. I’m sure you will also get a healthy dose of Albanian hospitality too.

With so much to see and do, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Albania just as much as I have!

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Roads We Take

• Aug 25, 2021
• 24 min read

Albania Road Trip - The Perfect 10-Days Itinerary!

Our trip videos.

Albania, a little country in the Balkan regions in South Europe, is a highly underrated and often misunderstood destination. A lot has to do with the way Albanians have been portrayed in movies like 'Taken', and of course, the brutal communist regime of about half a century post World War 2 that locked away this beautiful gem from the rest of the world! But in reality, the country boasts some of the most enchanting landscapes, a rich history from the Illyrian and Ottoman times , a vibrant culture with the influence of its neighboring countries, and most importantly - unparalleled Albanian hospitality :)

Traveling to Albania was a very spontaneous decision. We wanted to visit an off-beat destination, but at the same time get a little bit of the 'European' experience. After a quick research, we decided to drive across the country for 10 days to get a taste of both - the Albanian Alps in the north, as well as the Albanian Riviera in the south. And then of course, we traveled to some of the most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites spread across the country.

So here are our TRIP HIGHLIGHTS >>

Day 1 - Explore Tirana Land in Tirana and explore the city

Day 2 - Cobo Winery, Berat - Town of a Thousand Windows Drive to Berat, spend the night at a guesthouse Next morning, visit Berat castle and the museum

Day 3 - Gjirokaster - Silver City Drive to Gjirokaster, spend the night at a guesthouse Next morning, visit the Gjirokaster fortress and museum

Day 4 - Syri-i-Kalter, Drive along the Albanian Riviera Drive along the riviera, stop by the Blue Eye of Sarande, Stay overnight at one of the beach towns. We stayed at Ksamil but we would recommend Sarande or Himare instead

Day 5 - Butrint National Park, Gjipe Beach Visit Butrint National Park in the morning Drive further north along the riviera, hike to Gjipe beach and camp overnight

Day 6 - Drive to Shkoder through the Llogara Pass After lunch at Gjipe beach, drive further north to Shkoder (around 6 hours drive) and stay overnight

Day 7 - Valbone Leave the car in Shkoder Ferry ride along Lake Koman to Fierze Stay overnight in Valbone

Day 8 - Hike from Valbone to Theth National Park Hike from Valbone National Park to Theth National Park, 14km, about 6-7 hours. Stay overnight in Theth

Day 9 - Kruje Jeep ride to Shkoder to pick the car Drive south to Kruje. Explore the town and stay overnight

Day 10 - Tirana Drive to Tirana post lunch. Explore the city or drive to Lake Boville

Day 11 - Fly back home

If you're in a hurry, you can skip the Q&A below and head straight down to the I TINERARY.

The Theth Church, North Albania

When is the best time to visit Albania?

We visited Albania in the beginning of July. The peak season is from July-August, when it tends to get crowded in certain spots, and the weather in the coastal areas can get really hot (the mountains in the north are still cool though). We recommend visiting the country in the shoulder seasons, that is between April-June and September- October. However, do note that some of the hiking trails in the north (most importantly, the Valbone to Theth trail) are closed to tourists in the winter months up until late-May because of snowfall!

How many days do I need in Albania?

Ideally, you would need at least 10-14 days to fully explore the country (if you have your own rented vehicle). But if you are short of time, then we recommend at least one week where you choose to do either only the north, or the south. Tirana, the capital is situated somewhere in the middle of the country, and this can be your starting point to head towards the north or the south.

The north is known for its mountainous topography - the Accursed Mountains, also known as the Albanian Alps, as well as the ancient capital, Kruje, a very culturally-rich, medieval town.

The south is known for the Albanian Riviera and all the beaches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, as well as some of the UNESCO heritage towns of Berat and Gjirokaster.

Flights & Visas

*Please note that this article was written in August 2021. Rules related to visa applications are subject to change*

Please check the website of the Albanian Embassy in your country of residence, to check for visa requirement and the application process. As UAE residents, we can obtain a visa-on-arrival for a maximum stay of 90 days. At the immigration check at Tirana International Airport, we were asked to present any one of our hotel bookings, and a proof of a return or onward ticket. Please note that passports must be valid for a minimum of 3 months from the arrival date.

We traveled via FlyDubai Airlines that has direct flights between Dubai to Tirana. We recommend running a quick search on Skyscanner to check for flight routes and rates based on your location. It takes about 30 minutes to travel from Tirana airport to the centre of the city. By bus it costs 300 Lek (€2.45), and by taxi it costs somewhere around €20-€25.

Do I need to take a COVID-19 RT-PCR test for Albania? Where can I get tested in Albania?

*Please note that this article was written in August 2021, and rules related to COVID-19 protocol are subject to change*

Please check the IATA Travel Centre website before your flight to get the latest updates on the requirements of the country you are traveling from and arriving to. At the time we traveled (July '21), Albania was open to all tourists with no requirement of an RT-PCR test nor any proof of vaccination. However, we required a negative RT-PCR test to fly back into our home country.

Tirana International Airport has its own testing facility , where you can get your results within 90 minutes! Passengers are advised to reach the airport at least four hours before their flight in order to get the PCR test results in time before their departure. There are several other testing centers in clinics across the country, but from our research, the Tirana airport provided the cheapest and quickest option of all.

RT-PCR Test Cost - €35 per person

How do I get around in Albania?

Roads leading to Gjirokaster Castle

Public transport - There is no rail system in Albania, and it's mostly buses or 'furgons' (shared mini-vans). We had heard that they do not run on any fixed time-table, so we are not too sure if they are reliable. However, we did meet a few travelers on our trip who were getting around only using public transport.

Driving or Hiring a Driver - We rented a car and drove ourselves, which gave us so much flexibility and freedom to explore areas we would have otherwise never seen. Driving in Albania.....is quite an experience! The highways are great, the direction signages are straightforward, and the views are absolutely stunning. Expect a lot of hairpin bends too, especially around the mountain regions. However, watch out for some really crazy, dangerous drivers inside the major cities, like Shkoder and Tirana, where people (and pedestrians!) tend to flout traffic rules. But it was definitely not impossible to drive, and as long as you stick to the speed limits and practice safe driving, you should be fine :)

GPS Apps - Google Maps is the usual go-to navigation app, BUT in Albania you can't completely rely on it! It did take us on crazy detours, so we highly recommend using Maps.Me side-by-side to cross-check your route. Maps.Me was also useful during our hikes in the north as it identifies hiking trails as well.

Google Translate - This is hands down, one of the the best inventions ever! English may not be widely spoken or understood in Albania, but with an app like this, you can manage to have a somewhat-complete conversation with the locals.

Where can I rent a car from?

Our rental car! The only one that was left in all of Tirana - what happens when you travel during peak tourist season

There are many car rental offices right outside Tirana airport. You have options from Avis, Europecar etc. to local companies as well. The advantage of renting your car from the airport is that you can drop it off there at the end of your trip. However, we arrived during peak season when all the affordable cars were sold out, and we had no choice but to look for options inside the city centre.

During peak season , a basic sedan (such as a Nissan, or a VW Polo) starts at €25 per day for a manual, and €30 per day for an automatic car. It was quite a challenge finding a car at this price point, but we finally managed to do so. THE ONLY one car that was left available in all of Tirana - a bright, yellow Nissan sedan 😂 We found it at a local rental company called Makina Me Qera Danieli (which translates to Danieli Rental Cars) and you can contact them on WhatsApp at +355 693191919. You may find trouble communicating with them in English, but we used the Google Translate app and copy-pasted our translations and managed to converse. :)

Budgeting for the trip

The Lek (plural Leke) is the official currency of Albania, although the Euro is widely accepted. The money exchange centers in Dubai did not have any Albanian Lek, so we carried Euros with us and converted some of it to Lek at a local exchange centre in Tirana.

1 Euro = 120.97 Albanian Lek (dated August 2021)

Food, accommodations, and getting around in Albania, in general, is so much more affordable when compared to other mainstream destinations in Europe. Listed below are our average expenses on our trip (we travelled during peak season), but your final budget would also depend on your travel style and preferences.

Average price for a 2 or 3-Star hotel/guesthouse, inclusive of breakfast - €35 per night

An average meal for one person (main course + drink) - €4

Average rate for a basic, automatic rental car (not including fuel) - €30 per day

Accommodations in Albania

One of the best hotel experience ever at Vila Dini, Valbone

Finding an accommodation in the country is very easy, and they are quite affordable as well. From hostels and guesthouses, to AirBnBs and luxury star hotels, there is something to fit into any type of budget! We traveled during peak season, and we were mostly staying in either hotels or guesthouses, spending an average of €28-€35 per night for a spacious double-bed room, inclusive of breakfast. There are plenty of group hostels too, but we chose not to stay in shared-spaces as precaution during the pandemic.

NOTE : *We have listed the exact names and costs of accommodations under the relevant headings in the itinerary below this Q&A.*

Food in Albania

At Homemade Food Lili's , treating ourselves to some traditional Berat cuisine

We would return to Albania just for the food! Albania's rich gastronomical scene has its roots in the Ottoman empire, and Turkish influences are quite noticeable too. Modern day dishes are hugely influenced by Greek and Italian cuisines. THE BEST PART - quite a few of their traditional dishes are completely vegan , and that made our dining experiences so much more enjoyable and easier than in other countries we have visited.

Some of the MUST-TRY Albanian dishes are

Byrek (Savoury crepes with a spinach filling)

Imam Bayldi (Stuffed Eggplant)

Stuffed Bell Pepper

Bamje (Okra stew)

Yaprak (Stuffed vine leaves like the Greek 'Dolmas')

Qifqi (Stuffed rice balls) - a dish native to the town of Gjirokaster

Grilled Vegetables (seared in olive oil)

Good food is very affordable in most restaurants across the country. A dish from the main course is priced at an average of 300 Lek (approx. €2.47!)

NOTE - *We have recommended restaurants for each city we visited under the relevant headings in the itinerary below this Q&A.*

Day 1 - Explore the capital city of Tirana

Tirana may not be the prettiest European capital city, and is not the best example of what Albania has to offer, but it has a few gems and pockets of culture and history that are worth exploring. We landed here on a weekend evening and wanted to set off on our road trip the following morning. So we decided to explore more of Tirana at the end of our trip ( Day 10 ). But we did get to experience the bustling night life and restaurant scenes on our first day.

We highly recommend staying around Skanderbeg Square , the public plaza in the city centre. This place has got a nice chilled vibe, with locals walking and cycling around, or just chit-chatting away to glory. The square is named after Skanderbeg, the 'national hero' of Albania who successfully resisted the Ottoman invasions during the mid-1400s. You can also find Skanderbeg's famous statue on his horse in the center of this Square.

If you've got more time on your hands, we recommend visiting Bunkart 2, which is actually an anti-nuclear bunker built by the Communist dictator Enver Hoxha, now converted into a fascinating museum! It is open on all days of the week, from 9 am to 8 pm. You could also explore the surrounding hipster neighborhood of Blloku , which used to be the centre of the communist rule, but is today very popular among the locals for its trendy restaurants and cafe scenes.

Where we stayed in Tirana

We stayed at Urban Rooms , perfectly located close to the main city sights yet nestled away from the noise and bustle. The rooms are spacious, and very tastefully designed with contemporary elements. The owner Armand, an architect, designed the property himself! He is a wonderful person to chat with and will also help give useful recommendations on things to see and places to dine at.

COST - A double-bed room with a private bathroom cost us about €35 per night. Super worth it during peak season considering the quality of our stay and its prime location!

Restaurant recommendations in Tirana

On our first night we stepped out for dinner quite late when most restaurants were already shut (post 10 pm on weekends), although the bars and cafes were still open and buzzing! We did manage to grab a bite at a local eatery serving Greek food. However, we recommend that you visit Oda Restaurant which is highly rated and serves some of the best traditional Albanian cuisine in Tirana.

Day 2 - Visit Cobo Winery, Explore Berat - Town of a Thousand Windows!

On Day 2 early in the morning, we checked out of our hotel in Tirana and set off on a hunt for our rental car ! You can scroll up to this section for more details on the costs and process of renting a car in Albania.

By mid-day we set off to Berat, which is about 100 km from Tirana, a two-hour journey by road. On our way we stopped by Cobo Winery , a family-run business that has a long tradition of producing wine from native Albanian grapes, dating back to the early 1900s. We were offered a tour by their lovely daughter, Ermi who showed us around the vineyards, wine cellars, followed by a fantastic wine-tasting session. We were also introduced to the famous ' Raki', which is the most popular alcoholic drink consumed in Albania . In fact, Cobo has its own version of the 'walnut raki' besides its signature red and white wines!

We stayed back at the winery for a couple of hours, spending time with the warm and hospitable Cobo family. After the alcohol wore off 🙈 we finally drove to Berat! Famously known as the 'town of a thousand windows', Berat is a 2400-years old museum city , known for its white stone Ottoman houses with dark mahogany stucco roofs, all stacked up along a beautiful hillside. It has rightly earned its place on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites! While Tirana lacks the old-world charm due to Communism, Berat makes up for it with its picturesque landscapes and strong traditional vibe.

We recommend staying AT LEAST one night in Berat. There's so much you can do - from exploring the countless stone alleys, to enjoying a traditional Berati meal in one of the many cute restaurants adorning the town. But our FAVOURITE part was the Castle of Berat , situated atop a hill, where every corner seems like a picture-perfect postcard from the medieval times!

Early morning views of beautiful Berat - the cute little old Ottoman houses adorned with countless windows and chestnut colored roofs makes it a picture-perfect postcard!

Views of Kalajat-e-Berat (Castle of Berat) - This was easily our most favourite part about Berat

Cobbled streets and houses with chestnut-colored roofs cascading gently along a hillside - These views are timeless!

Where we stayed in Berat

We stayed at Timo's Guest House and we HIGHLY RECOMMEND this beautiful traditional home, hosted by the most adorable couple, George and Maria. ❤ They welcomed us with some fresh bread and berry jams along with some 'Raki', and we had some of the most touching and heartwarming conversations with them on their terrace (thank you, Google Translate 😊) The rooms are incredible, and the views from our room and the breakfast terrace were simply the BEST!

COST - A large double-bed room (with an additional single bed) plus private bathroom cost us around €37 per night, inclusive of breakfast. Super worth it on a weekend especially during peak tourist season!

Restaurant recommendations in Berat

If we have to recommend just one restaurant in Berat, then it has to be Lili Homemade Food! This family-run restaurant is the epitome of Albanian hospitality. The owner, Lili, is the friendliest soul with a big smile on his face. And the food, oh you won't be disappointed AT ALL! We had some of the best stuffed eggplant here, also known as Imam Bayldi! Some other dishes that we recommend are stuffed bell pepper and byreks.

Day 3 - The Silver City of Gjirokaster

The next day we drove off to Gjirokaster, which is hands-down, our MOST FAVOURITE part of Albania! We took the SH4 highway from Berat, around 120 kilometers long or two-hours by road, but the views are just gorgeous!

Gjirokaster, like Berat, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and although both are historical Ottoman towns , they are both unique in their own ways. We liked Gjirokaster as the city is more compact which renders it a small-town vintage charm. But we still recommend not skipping either of the cities! 🙈

The streets of Gjirokaster are some of the most beautiful we have ever seen. Silver limestone cobbled streets with traditional colourful shops on either sides, sometimes with items spilling onto the streets, is such a wonderful sight to behold. We also highly recommend visiting the Gjirokaster Fortress and the museum (a part of the castle has been converted into a museum). The museum is so beautifully done, and was an eye-opener to the challenging history of Albania!

It's pretty clear why Gjirokaster is called the Silver City ❤

Two joyous backpackers in the bazaars of Gjirokaster!

Stone Ottoman houses with cute-little arched windows make the perfect backdrop for pictures!

The attention to detail is just outstanding! With cute signages, wooden window frames, and plant baskets lined along a cobbled stone street, Gjirokaster transports you to a medieval fairytale

Stunning Gjirokaster from a bird's eye view

The Castle of Gjirokaster

Where we stayed in Gjirokaster

We stayed at Stone House Obelisk , a beautiful guesthouse right next to the famous Obelisk of Gjirokaster, yet situated in a quiet, secret corner away from the hustle and noise of the centre. The host is a beautiful, old mother who manages the property and we shared an incredible bond in the little time that we were there.

COST- We got a massive room (almost like a junior suite) that cost us only about €25 for the night, inclusive of a splendid breakfast prepared by the host herself.

Restaurant recommendations in Gjirokaster

We had some of the most mouth-watering Albanian food in Gjirokaster! Do try out the 'Qifqi' which are these traditional stuffed rice balls and are native to Gjirokaster (we had a hard time finding Qifqi in other parts of Albania!). For restaurants, we highly recommend these two :

Restaurant Tradicional Odaja - This is a highly rated venue, and the food and quality ingredients justifies so! We loved their Imam Bayldi (stuffed eggplant), stuffed bell pepper, and this is also where we tried our first Qifqi!

Kujtimi Tradicional Restorant - This place has one of the most beautiful and romantic setting, under a canopy of ivy leaves and fairy lights! We went for dinner here, as recommended by our host, and had a 'vegan' version of the moussaka (which the chef kindly customized for us) along with some traditional stuffed vine leaves called Japrak!

Day 4 - Drive along the Albanian Riviera (Syri-i-Kalter >> Sarande>>Ksamil)

After spending the first few days of our trip in the cultural parts of the country, it was then time for the much-awaited drive along the great Albanian Riviera !

We left Gjirokaster by mid-day and our first stop on the way was, Syri-i-Kalter , also known as the Blue Eye of Sarande . Located around 37 km south of Gjirokaster, it took us about an hour to get here. Syri-i-Kalter transported us to a tropical forest, with its clear blue waters shimmering under the sunlight seeping through a dense green canopy! Do note that Syri-i-Kalter can get crowded in the peak summers, so it was a little challenging to find a quiet spot all to ourselves.

The Blue Eye of Sarande (Syri-i-Kalter). The water here is unreal!

We then continued our journey to the coastal town of Sarande. We were mesmerized throughout the drive, with our jaws dropping after every few kilometers on the riviera. There are plenty of beaches that you can stop by along the way. We went to Plazhi Pasqyrave (Mirror Beach) in Sarande , a stunning pebble beach with beautiful blue waters surrounded by white stone cliffs.

We spent the evening at the beach watching the sunset, and we stayed overnight at the nearby coastal town of Ksamil . Staying in Ksamil was not a good idea as it felt extremely touristy and chaotic. But the advantage is that it's an easy start point to get to the amazing Butrint National Park. But if you want to give Butrint a miss, we would recommend staying further up-north on the riviera, in a town like Dhermi or Vlore.

Views along the Albanian Riviera

Magical sunset at Plazhi Pasqyrave, also known as the Mirror Beach

Day 5 - Visit Butrint National Park >> Drive up north>> Camp overnight in Gjipe Beach

The following morning we drove to Butrint National Park , one of the highlights on the south of the riviera. This UNESCO protected archaeological site is situated on an island and is a delight for history lovers like us! The ancient port city offers a remarkable journey through the ages of history, which dates back to 8th century BC. The old city and its heritage retain a unique testimony of Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman cultures and civilizations. We spent around two hours exploring these ancient ruins, and the sea views around the park made it the most scenic history tour ever.

The Great Basilica, built in the 6th century AD, marks the establishment of the early Christian period in this region

A Roman amphitheater from the 3rd century BC. Further right is the Venetian Castle of the 14th and 16th century. Butrint has seen the rise and fall of several empires and civilizations in its time.

Closer views of the ruins around the Roman amphitheater from the 3rd century BC

Closer views of the Great Basilica from the 6th century AD

We then had a quick lunch in Sarande to fuel ourselves for the next leg of the journey. We set off towards the north of the riviera to get to Gjipe Beach , which many describe as the best beach of the country. Getting to the beach is a bit of a challenge, with the single-lane endless roads that lead to the parking bay, and a short 30-minute hike to get to the beach . But, Gjipe is worth ALL the effort! The beach is phenomenal and the water is SO blue and clear. And because we went on a weekday, there were not too many people which was such a refreshing change for a European beach during summer!

The BEST part was we spontaneously decided to camp overnight at Gjipe! We found a place behind the beach from where we could rent little tents. It was such a magical experience to sleep under the stars to the sound of the gushing waves. It cost us just €9 per person, inclusive of a humble breakfast (How cool is that!). The beach also has a little restaurant shack from where you can grab a bite and a couple of drinks, and there is also a portable toilet facility.

Gjipe is almost hidden in a little cove on the Albanian riviera

There's a short hike to get down to Gjipe, and the views along the way only gets better!

The waves of the Ionian Sea are some of the craziest we've seen!

Soaking in the last few rays of the sun before it sets

Morning swim views. Also, this was our first pebble-stone beach ❤

We spontaneously decided to camp overnight at Gjipe!

Moonlight by the beach, whilst listening to the sounds of the gushing waves. The experience was truly magical. ❤

Day 6 - Drive to Shkoder along the Llogara Pass

We woke up to some of the best views you can imagine in our camping tents at Gjipe beach. We had a little morning swim and by mid-day we left Gjipe to drive to the north of Albania - ALSO the last leg of our trip! It was a long drive of about 290 kilometers to a city called Shkoder, and it took us about 5 hours. But the views along the way, especially at Llogara Pass , were just breathtaking!

Shkoder is the gateway point to travel around the north of the country , especially the Albanian Alps, as well as a convenient stopover for people traveling to Montenegro. As a city, Shkoder felt a little chaotic in terms of crowded streets, road traffic, and undisciplined driving. You will find many people commuting on bicycles, which is nice, but they get into the car lanes which can get a little frustrating if you're driving. Finding a parking spot in the city is a lot more difficult than it is in Tirana, so you might want to be prepared for that as well :)

If you've got more time on your hands, there are sights that you can explore around Shkoder, such as the Rozafa Castle overlooking Lake Shkoder. But we decided to give it a miss and just relax that evening to take it easy before our big hike in the coming days.

Where we stayed in Shkoder?

We stayed at Oda Aparthote l, and we really liked its clean and simple aesthetic. T he host, Naira, is very friendly as well and helped us with a lot of recommendations within the city.

Restaurant recommendations in Shkoder

Since we were in Shkoder only for the night, we just dined at Bar Restaurant Elita , which was walking distance from our hotel. We ordered their vegetarian risotto, tomato spaghetti and baked potatoes. The food is good and the restaurant itself has a nice, modern vibe.

Day 7 - Ferry Ride along Lake Koman to Fierze >> Stay overnight in Valbone

We were to spend the next two days in the Albanian Alps, so we left our rental car parked beside our hotel in Shkoder . The host said that the car would be absolutely fine (and so it was!) and that there are no parking tickets charged in the city.

NOTE - We only carried the necessary items for the next two days in our backpacks (hiking gear + passports + other essentials)and left the rest of our luggage in our car, because you will have to hike with all your stuff from Valbone to Theth. You could even choose to leave behind the main luggage at your hotel reception in Shkoder in case you do not have a rental car.

Our hotel host got us in touch with a representative of Berisha-Komani Lake Explore via WhatsApp (+355 69 680 0748) to arrange for our ferry ride along Lake Koman. The ferry ride is an EPIC experience! Literally two-hours of magnificent views of silver mountains soaring out of a gorgeous blue green lake. It reminded us of our island-hopping trips in South East Asia! The cool winds were also a peaceful respite from the hot weather in the south.

Magnificent views of Lake Koman on the ferry to Fierze

The entire trip cost us a mere €16 per person for the following :

- Minivan pick-up from our hotel in Shkoder at 7 am

- 1.5 hour ride to the ferry station at Lake Koman

- 2 hour ferry ride along Lake Koman to Fierze

- Minivan transport from Fierze to Valbone (drop-off to your doorstep in Valbone)

Where we stayed in Valbone

We HIGHLY recommend Vila Dini - one of our best hotel experiences ever! The location is a 10/10 (the pictures below speak for itself!) Everything about the hotel, from the epic balcony views, to the spacious rooms and humble service, was the highlight of our time in Valbone.

COST - A spacious double-bed suite room on the top floor with the best balcony view cost us only €45 for the night, inclusive of a breakfast buffet. A similar experience in the Swiss Alps or Austria would cost yo u 10 times the price or even more!

Vila Dini, in all its glory, tucked under the Albanian mountain ranges. We cannot recommend this place enough! ❤

Restaurant recommendations in Valbone

We actually didn't have to step out of Vila Dini as it had its own little restaurant on the ground floor terrace. Overlooking the valley, these are some of the best views you can get while devouring a meal. We enjoyed the lentil soup, vegetarian risotto, and the spaghetti pomodoro.

Lunch views at Vila Dini.

Some warm soup and linguini makes the most comforting meal in the cool breeze atop the mountains.

Day 8 - Hike from Valbone to Theth National Park

Here comes the big day - the most enchanting hike from Valbone to Theth National Park! We checked out of our hotel in Valbone right after breakfast to start the hike at 8 am. The host at your guesthouse in Valbone can help arrange for a drop-off to the starting point of the hike.

A 14 km stretch through the Albanian Alps, this hike is absolutely breathtaking! We were amazed at the sheer beauty of those snow-capped peaks, winter vegetation, and the sweet sounds of nature - a much needed respite from our busy lives. ❤ The hike is not too difficult as long as you have a minimum level of fitness. The trails are also well marked with red+white paint on tree barks/rock surfaces after every few meters, so you don't really need a guide on this hike.

You should be able to arrive at Theth in around 7 hours but we took a little longer as we stopped a couple of times on the way to take pictures and some epic drone shots. We also met two wonderful travelers from Portugal who were such great company on this long hike, and we didn't realize how time passed. Note that upon reaching Theth, you will have to walk all the way to your accommodation , so it will be nice to factor in that distance as well.

Hiking trails in Valbone National Park

Stopping mid-way to soak in the majestic views of the Albanian Alps

All smiles on this beautiful hike :)

Is this even real? The Accursed Mountains of Albania are enchanting, to say the least!

One of the highlights of Theth is the Instagram-famous cute, little church against the mountain backdrop - definitely a rewarding sight after a long, tiring day. We had the pleasure of meeting Carla & Lili, two wonderful Portuguese travelers, on our hike.

Where we stayed in Theth

We stayed at Bujtina Tirani Theth which is right next to the famous Theth church. We had booked this place at the very last minute when most accommodations in Theth were already sold out. The rooms are neat and clean, and the hosts are really kind. Although we would still recommend choosing another guesthouse that serves lunch and dinner, because there are only a few handful of restaurants in Theth and these might not even be in the vicinity of your accommodation. Also there aren't any taxis here, so you will have to rely on walking yourself.

COST - A double-bed room with a shared bathroom cost us around €30 per night, inclusive of breakfast.

Restaurant recommendations in Theth

There are only a few restaurants in Theth, and most people dine at their own guesthouses, so make sure to choose one that serves food. Ours unfortunately didn't, so we ended up dining at Bar Jezerka. We did not have the most pleasant experience here in terms of both, service and quality of food. But it was the only option we had in our vicinity.

Day 9 - Return to Shkoder >> Drive to Kruje

The host at our guesthouse in Theth arranged for a jeep and driver to drop us to Shkoder early after breakfast. (Your host can help arrange for this the night before.) We paid €10 per person for a 2.5 hours long ride. Leaving early in the morning was a good decision as we reached Shkoder before mid-day. This gave us ample time to pick up our car and have lunch before driving off to our next destination - Kruje - which is just 80 kilometers from Shkoder, about 1.5 hours by road.

We absolutely LOVED Kruje! This charming medieval village boasts a rich historical significance. It was once the ancient capital of Albania , and the birthplace of Skanderbeg, the country's national hero. The town sits at the foot of Mt Kruje, overlooking the beautiful peaks and green valleys stretching all the way to the Adriatic coast. Kruje was very surprisingly not touristy, and is still quite authentic compared to the other historical towns across the country. Our favourite part was the Bazaar , where the locals sell vintage artefacts and traditional crafts on either sides of a narrow, cobbled street leading all the way up to the Castle of Skanderbeg , and a museum dedicated to him.

Peaceful sunset views from our hotel in Kruje

The Bazaars of Kruje

At the Castle of Kruje, which once belonged to Skanderbeg - the historical national hero of Albania

Where we stayed in Kruje

We highly recommend staying at Hotel Panorama . The rooms and service are amazing, plus their balconies have got the most picturesque aerial views of Kruje. The thing we liked the most was the open-to-sky restaurant on the top-most floor, where you can enjoy a traditional meal with a stunning sunset view in the evenings.

COST - A large double-bed room with a private modern bathroom and balcony, cost us €36 for the night, inclusive of a breakfast buffet.

Restaurant recommendation in Kruje

We had a lovely lunch at Bar Restorant Eli , situated at the end of the Bazaar, right before you enter the Castle. We had their grilled vegetables, Japrak (stuffed vine leaves), and traditional spinach Byrek.

We also enjoyed dinner at the open-to-sky restaurant on the top-most floor of Hotel Panorama (where we stayed). The food was great, and the prices were extremely reasonable. We had the Spaghetti Aglio-e-Olio, Tagliatelle with Tomato, and traditional Japrak (stuffed vine leaves).

Day 10 - Drive back to Tirana & Explore Lake Boville

The following day, we checked out of our hotel in Kruje to head back to where it all started from - Tirana! Tirana is just an hour's drive from Kruje , and on the way we decided to take a little detour to Lake Boville .

We literally stumbled upon Lake Boville when playing with the Google Street Views feature on the Albanian map during our trip research! The images of a dense green island plopped in the middle of a sea-green lake looked SO stunning and we were determined to find this place in real. Simply search for 'Bovilla Restorant' on Google Maps which is the closest navigable coordinates to the lake's view point. There is a small fee of 100 Lek per person if you want to do a short climb to a hill-top for the best views. *A little disclaimer though* - the roads to this location are some of the roughest, and do expect a lot of hairpin bends. But in all honesty, the final views made it worth all the effort!

Overlooking beautiful Lake Boville after navigating through some crazy roads to get here.

But the spectacular views makes it all worth it!

Where we stayed in Tirana?

After our little adventure in Lake Boville, we drove back to Tirana and stayed at Urban Rooms , the same hotel as Day-1 of our trip. It is perfectly located close to the main city sights yet nestled away from the noise and bustle. The rooms are spacious, and very tastefully designed with contemporary elements. The owner Armand, an architect, designed the property himself! He is a wonderful person to chat with and will also help give useful recommendations on things to see and places to dine at.

Day 11 - Return the rental car, Fly back home

This was our last day in Albania :( After checking-out of our hotel in Tirana, we had a couple of hours to run errands before catching our flight in the evening. We had our last 'brunch' in the country, re-fueled our rental car, gave it a little wash at a local garage, and finally returned it to the rental company.

We then took a taxi to the airport, which is also where we did our RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 . YES! Tirana Airport has its own testing facility where you can get your results within 90 minutes. It is advised to reach at least four hours prior to your flight departure time. The test costs €35 per person* , which is also one of the cheapest and quickest you can find in all of Albania.

* (Please note that this article is dated August 2021 and this information is subject to change with time)

And THAT'S A WRAP to an unforgettable road trip in beautiful Albania! We hope this itinerary has been informative and useful. And in case you have any questions on details we may have missed out, PLEASE drop us a comment under this article and we will see you there :)

Also, do FOLLOW US on our Instagram page @roads.we.take for our video highlights of our Albania trip! 😊

Awesome details about Albania trip. I came here after seeing your two amazing videos on youtube and got hooked till complete reading this blog.

Great details of everything and I am going to follow this for my Albania trip.

Keep up the good work of sharing your travel experiences.

Great description about Albania which will inspire anyone to travel to this land. Even the minutest of the details to be looked into has been narrated interestingly. The photographs are all exquisite and a treat to the eyes.

Excellent narration. You have a great future in writing travelogues.

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Efficient Albania Road Trip Itinerary – 10 Days in Albania + Map

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Super efficient Albania travel itinerary for your 10 day Albania road trip.

We went on a road trip in Albania and fell in love. Maybe our itinerary will help you to do the same.

Our Albania itinerary brings you to all the highlights as well as many hidden gems like

• the Albanian Riviera.
• the Albanian Adriatic Coast (don’t skip this part of Albania!).
• the Albanian Alps.
• the capital Tirana.
• cute villages like Berat and Gjirokastra.

and more in just 10 days.

Quick disclaimer: We have crafted a super efficient Albania 10 day itinerary which means that you have to

• Move most days.
• Drive most days.
• Use your transfer days for sightseeing.

Albanian Road Trip Itinerary Map

Day 1: tirana, day 2: theth, day 3: theth – valbona hike, day 4: shkoder, day 5: berat, day 6: gjirokastra, day 7: borsh (via blue eye, butrint, ksamil), day 8: himare and beach hopping on the albanian riviera, day 9: vlore (via llogara pass), day 10: durres, albania itinerary 10 days.

Like every capital city, Tirana is the heart of the country. Like in every major city, we recommend you go on a free walking tour as it’s the most efficient and convenient way to see all the major sights.

Additionally, we really enjoyed

• The Bunk Art 2 Museum .
• Relaxing in a cafe at Tirana Castle .
• Having a drink in the hip Blloku area.

Sleep: Tirana

Distance: /

Today is a driving-heavy day which is why we have not included any fix stops along the way. While the road is nowadays paved all the way to Theth and you don’t need a 4WD car anymore, the road does get very small and windy after Koplik so keep that in mind when planning your day.

Once you arrive in Theth, you can have a walk in the super picturesque town – don’t forget to check out the Defence Tower .

Sleep: Theth

Distance:  172 km (106 mi)

Yes, theoretically, this is not quite the famous Theth Valbona hike as you just hike to Valbona Peak and back down. The scenery is still stunning.

The hike is quite tough with about 1000 m or 3280 ft of ascend. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360° views of the Albanian Alps.

After your windy drive from Theth to Shkoder, you’ll have roughly half a day to explore the city which has been continuously inhabited since the Early Bronze Age.

Make sure to stroll down the pedestrian street of Rruga Kole Idromeno . Maybe have a drink at the rooftop bar at Hotel Colosseo or visit a museum like the Marubi National Museum of Photography .

We loved Rozafa Castle . Also known as Shkoder Castle, it rises on a rocky hill 130 metres (430 ft) above sea level.

We have written a whole blogpost about Shkoder if you want more inspiration:

Travel Ideas

22 Things to Do in Shkoder + Travel Guide

22 things to do in Shkoder from the city centre to the outskirts and from day trips to multiple day tours.

Sleep: Shkoder

Distance:  76 km (47 mi)

Berat is dubbed the Town of a Thousand Windows. To be honest, this was our favourite city in Albania. We loved getting lost in the cobbled alleys as well as the scenic views across the Osum River .

Berat Castle comes not only with great views but also with interesting ruins including a mosque, a church, and a cistern. There’s even a residential area on the castle premises with some accommodation options.

Don't miss your chance to stay overnight! The Republic Boulevard boasts many amazing cafes and we found the atmosphere to be lively, authentic and amazing.

Sleep: Berat

Distance:  199 km (123 mi)

If you don’t have a 4WD car, do yourself a favour and drive the long way around via Qark Fier and Tepelena. We have marked a cute little rest spot on the Vjose River on the map.

The city centre of Girokastra is quite small so half a day was enough for us to explore it. You can visit

• The Cold War Tunnel .
• The obelisk for a view over the city and the castle.

Sleep: Gjirokastra

Distance:  157 km (97 mi)

Today is the day you’ll make your way to the Albanian Riviera.

If you want to, you can make a quick pit stop at the famous Blue Eye (or Syri i Kalter). If you ask us, it’s nice to have but not a must-see.

Butrint on the other hand is a must-see in our opinion. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features ancient Greek and Roman ruins. Additionally, the setting in the national park is very picturesque.

This might be a controversial opinion, but we recommend you leave Ksamil behind and drive further to Borsh Beach . We found Ksamil very overcrowded, overrated, and overpriced. Borsh on the other hand still felt like a hidden gem with a much less crowded (and expensive) beach.

There’s not a ton going on in Borsh besides the beach but it’s perfect for some relaxation. We have written a whole guide about Borsh Beach:

Travel Guides

Quick Borsh Beach Travel Guide with Map 2023

Comprehensive travel guide for Borsh Beach Albania.

Sleep: Borsh

Distance:  119 km (74 mi)

Day 8 is the day to explore some amazing beaches along the Albanian Riviera. If you only make it to one beach, we suggest Aquarium Beach as it is still a complete hidden gem.

Here’s our Jale Beach and Aquarium Beach travel guide:

Jale Beach and Aquarium Beach Honest Travel Guide 2023

No frills travel guide for Abania Jale Beach and Albania Aquarium Beach.

Himare is a great base on the Albanian Riviera. You can find

• 6 beautiful beaches .
• A lovely beachfront promenade with loads of food and drink options.
• A castle with a view.

Other highlights in Himare are the old submarine bunker and Porto Palermo Castle .

Here’s our complete Himare Beach travel guide:

Quick Himare Beach Travel Guide With Map 2023

No frills Himare Albania Guide.

Sleep: Himare

Distance:  25 km (15 mi)

Today will be your most scenic driving day. Make your way to the Albanian Adriatic Coast. To get there, make sure to drive along the coast and take the Llogara Pass . Plan plenty of time for photo stops!

In Vlore, make a beeline to the scenic St Mary's Monastery which is located on an island in a lagoon and can only be reached by a boardwalk.

Vlore itself has a cute little old town full of colourful houses as well as a great beach.

Everybody always talks about the beaches of the Albanian Riviera which are stunning with their turquoise blue waters. In our opinion, the beaches the the Albanian Adriatic Coast have a lot of advantages. They are

• Sandy which makes swimming and lounging more comfortable.
• Less crowded.

Sleep: Vlore

Distance:  75 km (46 mi)

Durres is the second largest city in Albania. It is only 30 km (18 mi) away from Tirana and hence the perfect last stop for your Albanian road trip.

To be honest, Durres is a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it place. Some people say it's too crowded because all the inhabitants of the capital go on holiday there. We personally enjoyed the city and the beach a lot.

We thought the  amphitheatre  and the  Venetian Towe r were lovely sights – and who doesn't like strolling through  cute alleys ?

Yes, the beach is quite touristy, but the further you go the south, the fewer people you'll see.

Sleep: Durres

Distance:  123 km (76 mi)

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Albanian Road Trip: An Epic & Flexible 7-10 Day Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Pack your bags and join us on an Albanian road trip, where breathtaking scenery, Ottoman architecture, exceptional food, and off-the-beaten-path places await.

From the stunning Albanian Alps to the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, our journey will take you through charming villages, ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and UNESCO sites. Get ready to taste delicious local cuisine, meet friendly locals, and discover hidden gems along the way.

In this Albania road trip planner, we’ll share the best Albanian road trip itinerary, insider tips, must-see destinations, and practical advice to help you plan your own epic adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, a road trip in Albania is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Where is Albania?

The Republic of Albania is a small, mountainous country in south-eastern Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, bordering the Adriatic Sea to the west, the Ionian Sea to the south, and with land borders to Greece in the south, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the east and Montenegro and Kosovo in the north.

Albania’s landscape ranges from the snow-capped mountains in the Albanian Alps and the Korab, Skanderbeg, Pindus, and Ceraunian Mountains, to the almost tropical hot and sunny beaches and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

Is It Safe to Visit Albania?

Albania is geographically in Europe but not in the EU, and a bit off the beaten track. This makes the country a great place for adventure and you’ll still find a real sense of wilderness.

Unfortunately, Albania has gained a somewhat unfair reputation as a crime-ridden nation but in fact, it’s relatively safe to travel in Albania. There are mild threats, but nothing that should stop you from visiting and having an amazing time.

Do pay attention to personal and vehicle security and avoid any political rallies or demonstrations, which can flare up quickly. Crime and violence do occur in some areas but are not typically targeted at foreigners.

We felt very safe for the whole three months we spent in Albania.

Getting to Albania

Whether you’re traveling to Albania in a car, motorcycle, or campervan from Europe, or picking up a hire car, self-driving is absolutely the best way to explore this fantastic Balkans country.

You can stop whenever you want, try new activities, visit places you see along the route, and have the freedom to change plans at the last minute.

Fly into Albania’s Tirana International Airport (Nënë Tereza) . With direct flights from Europe, it’s easy to connect with the States, Middle East and the UK. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Are you planning to rent a car in Albania? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental car prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a road trip.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Albania. We recommend AutoEurope for their large range of fully equipped vehicles, competitive pricing and great customer service. Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites along the route.

Best Time for Visiting Albania

Spring in Albania lasts from mid-February until mid-April. The early spring weather is mostly rainy and cold, with temperatures starting to warm up from mid-March. The wildflowers begin to bloom and the mountain landscape comes alive, making late spring one of the best times to visit Albania.

Summer months in Albania often bring heat and drought. During the summer the sky is usually very clear and rain is pretty much non-existent except for some mountain areas, where the average July temperatures are a pleasant 23ºC / 73ºF.

Autumn in Albania is quite short and begins in late October, lasting little over a month. It often rains in the fall, but it’s not cold, with the average temperature being a mild 18ºC / 64ºF. The fall colors will be spectacular and Albania’s autumn fruits and nuts are at their peak during this harvesting season.  

Winters in Albania are seriously cold and wet. It snows and rains right across the country and the coldest month of January only manages average daily temperatures of 7ºC / 45ºF at sea level and between minus 12-20ºC / 10 to -4ºF in the mountains! Winter is definitely not our favorite time to road trip Albania!

Road Trip Albania Map & Route

This 7 to 10 day road trip from Tirana hits all the highlights, with charming towns and cities, communist and Ottoman history, castles and palaces, and natural wonders on the itinerary.

This Albanian itinerary will easily stretch to two weeks if you prefer to slow travel and take in more sights as you go. Why not spend longer in your favorite places, and check the interactive map for attractions and landmarks nearby? 

• Get the Travel Guides
• Bradt Albania Travel Guide
• Lonely Planet Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia
• The Ultimate Guide to Albania Travel: 2023 Update
• One Week Albania Itinerary

Tirana – Durrës – Berat – Vlorë – Porto Palermo – Sarandë – Ksamil – Muzinë – Përmet – Pogradec – Kruje* – Theth* – Shkodër*

*optional stops on the 10 day itinerary

• Distance: 683 miles / 1099km
• Duration: 7-10 days
• Drive Time: 21 hours

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Albania Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: tirana to durrës.

Tirana   is the capital of Albania, a city known for its Ottoman, Fascist, and Soviet-era architecture, recent communist history, and lively social scene, and is the perfect starting point for your Albania road trip itinerary.

It is best to start your visit to Tirana in Skanderbeg Square. You can walk here to the National History Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and Bunk’Art 2 Museum . The latter is a museum housed in a former nuclear bunker and offers a fascinating insight into Albania’s communist past. 

From the main square, you can also see the clock tower and the statue of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, a medieval Albanian feudal lord and military commander who led a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire in 1450, which made him a savior in the Western world.

Visit the Enver Hoxha Pyramid . This pyramid-shaped building was built as a mausoleum for Albania’s former communist leader, Enver Hoxha. It currently serves as a cultural center and popular tourist attraction.

Go shopping at the Pazari I Ri, Tirana’s primary market. Here you can find everything from fresh produce to crafts and souvenirs.

Take a cable car to Mount Dajti . It offers stunning views of Tirana and the surrounding countryside. Enjoy lunch on the edge of Dajti Mountain at Restaurant Ballkoni Dajtit which offers superb food, excellent service, and exceptional views at over 3,280 feet / 1,000 meters above sea level.

Less than two hours south of Shkodër is Durrës , a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and lively atmosphere. 

First on your list of places to explore should be the Durrës Amphitheater . This historical landmark dates back to the 2nd century CE and is one of the largest theaters in the Balkans, with 20,000 seats.

The impressive 5th century Venetian Tower of Durrës Castle is near the theatre. This historic fortress is a great place to explore and offers beautiful views of the city and the sea.

Follow it up with a visit to the Archaeological Museum , home to a collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Dyrrhachium, including pottery, jewelry, and statues.

Enjoy the seaside promenade in Durrës, a popular place to walk, jog, or bike. Or relax on the beach for an hour or two. Durrës Beach extends over six miles and boasts soft sand and crystal-clear waters. 

Treat yourself to dinner at Cosmo Restaurant or Restaurant Arberia for great beach views.

Durrës is known for its cultural events, including the Durrës International Film Summer Festival , which takes place every August – it’s worth planning to be in Durrës for the festival if you’re traveling in summer.

RELATED POST: Things to Do in Albania: 18 Amazing Highlights

• Where to Stay in Durrës

Upmarket: Hotel Villa Pascucci – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Hotel Kloest – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Old Town Villa – Booking.com | Agoda

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Albania . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Day 2: Durrës to Vlorë

Berat is a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site city 60 miles south of Durrës, known as the ‘Town of a Thousand Windows’.

Explore the Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods in Berat on either side of the Osum River. They are known for their historic architecture, narrow streets, and colorful houses, giving rise to the town’s nickname.

Go to the National Ethnographic Museum located in the historic Mangalem neighborhood to learn about the traditional way of life in the region, including traditional clothing, tools, and household items.

Visit Berat Castle , a historic fortress on a hill in the city’s center. It dates to the 4th century and offers beautiful city and countryside views. Explore the Onufri Museum inside the Berat Castle. It houses a collection of icons and religious artifacts dating from the 1500s.

Afterward, walk along the Osum River to see the 18th century Gorica Bridge, a historic Ottoman-era bridge in the Gorica neighborhood that offers beautiful views of the river and the city.

En route to Vlorë, make a stop to see the ancient Apollonia Archaeological Park . Apollonia was an ancient Illyrian city set on rolling hills on the right bank of the Vjosa River. Surrounded by olive groves, the highlights in this off-the-beaten-path place include the theatre and the elegant pillars of the restored facade of the city’s 2nd century BCE administrative center.

Once in Vlorë , visit the Independence Museum. This historical landmark commemorates Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. Here you can learn about the country’s struggle for freedom and the prominent figures that played a vital role in the liberation.

Afterward, head to Muradie Mosque . This ancient mosque, built in the 1500s, is an important religious site for Muslims and non-Muslims and features intricate design and glorious architecture.

Another notable landmark is the 4th century Kanina Castle . Visit this historic site on the outskirts of Vlorë to learn about its vital role in the country’s history and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Back in Vlorë, take a walk along the promenade that stretches along the coastline or enjoy the sunset at one of the famous beaches, like Radhima Beach, Orikum Beach, or Dhërmi Beach.

Visit Flag Square, a large square in the center of Vlorë that houses a giant flagpole with the Albanian flag. It’s a popular spot for taking pictures and watching the sunset.

Afterward, dine at Te Fabio or Les Amis Restaurant for the best coast views.

RELATED POST: Beautiful Albania: 16 Most Scenic Places to Visit

• Where to Stay in Vlorë

Upmarket: Hotel Aross – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Mazarine Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Maxi Room – Booking.com | Agoda

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Day 3: vlorë to sarandë , porto palermo.

Drive to  Porto Palermo  via the Llogara Pass, a famous Albania coastal road that connects the Dukat Valley in the north with the Albanian Riviera in southern Albania. The pass sits within the Ceraunian Mountains and runs along the Albanian coast, peaking at 3,422 feet / 1,043 meters above sea level.

A Top Gear favorite, the Llogara Pass is widely held to be the most scenic road in Albania and one of the best driving roads in Europe and is on many travelers’ bucket lists.

The SH8 road is now fully paved but requires caution as the road is narrow in places, needs constant braking and frequent gear changes due to steep ramps at 11% gradient, and there are tight hairpin bends and a lack of barriers in some areas.

Porto Palermo is a small village with a beautiful bay and a historic castle. Upon arrival, visit the 19th century Porto Palermo Castle. This historic landmark is on a small peninsula overlooking the bay. The castle was initially used as a military base during World War II. Today, it is a popular attraction and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

You can visit two bunkers that have survived the Cold War, the Old Submarine Bunker , and the Porto Palermo Tunnel.

The beautiful beach at Porto Palermo is secluded and rocky with clear blue water. It is a great place to swim and sunbathe, and there are a few small bars and restaurants nearby where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat.

Take a boat tour from Himarë, about twelve minutes from Porto Palermo. Most tours will take you to the bay, beaches, and coves. This is a great way to see the area from a different perspective and explore some of the hidden gems only accessible by boat.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at Porto Palermo Restaurant before heading to Sarandë.

Sarandë is a beautiful coastal town an hour from Porto Palermo, known for its pebbly beaches, vibrant nightlife, and ancient archaeological sites.

Catch some afternoon sun at Mango Beach or Gjiri I Midhjeve Beach, or stroll through Sarandë town and explore the Synagogue Complex , a historic site showcasing the region’s Jewish heritage. It includes a synagogue, a Jewish cemetery, and a museum.

Next, visit the Sarandë Archaeological Museum to learn more about the region’s history and culture. It features artifacts from the ancient city of Butrint in the Butrint National Park and other nearby sites.

Another historical landmark worth visiting is the Lekursi Castle . This medieval castle is on a hill overlooking Sarandë, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Afterward, dine at Hera Restaurant or Balbi 34.

• Where to Stay in Sarandë

Upmarket: Hotel Butrinti & Spa – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: ArtNest Luxury Hotel & Suites – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Sunset Suites – Booking.com | Agoda

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or check out our Europe road trip ideas .

Day 4: Sarandë to Muzinë  

Ksamil is a picturesque village a 20 minute drive south of Sarandë, known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Start your exploration of the area by visiting the Ksamil Islands, a group of four small islands located off the coast of Ksamil in the Ionian Sea. Here you can enjoy pristine beaches, translucent waters, and stunning views.

In Ksamil, you can sunbathe or swim on Pasqyra Beach, Puerto Rico Beach, or Lori Beach where you can also enjoy watersports like swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. There are quite a few places to rent equipment and take lessons.

Visit the Ali Pasha Castle, a 19th century fortress on a hill overlooking Ksamil. It offers visitors stunning views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Another notable historical landmark is the Butrint Ancient Theater . It dates back to the third century and includes several inscriptions carved on its stones.

Walk in the charming village with narrow streets and traditional houses to better understand local life. 

Ksamil is known for its seafood, so treat yourself to some on the beachfront at Abiori Bar Restaurant Pizzeria or The Mussel House Restaurant .

Muzinë is a small village at the foot of the Gribe Mountains. En route there, stop at the Manastiri I Shën Nikollës monastery to admire its impressive exterior and interiors.

The most popular tourist destination near Muzinë is the  Blue Eye water spring or Syri i Kaltër – not to be confused with the one in Theth, there are two official Blue Eyes in Albania!

The blue water of the river forms part of the Blue Eye Nature Preserve and is over 164ft / 50m deep. It is about an hour’s walk from the Blue Eye parking lot and back, so put at least two or more hours aside for the hike and time spent in the spring.

While Muzinë is a small village, several restaurants still serve traditional Albanian dishes. Try Taverna Mouzina for Greek and Mediterranean dishes.

RELATED POST: Blue Eye Albania: Visit Sarandë & Theth Natural Pools

• Where to Stay in Muzinë

Mid-Range: Margaret’s Guest House, Mesopotam – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Hotel Mesopotami – Booking.com | Agoda

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Albania.

Day 5: Muzinë to Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër.

About an hour from Muzinë is the popular town of Gjirokastër and prepare to be transported in time! Perched above the town of Gjirokastër is a majestic fortress that not only offers panoramic views of the surroundings but also allows you to immerse yourself in centuries of brutal history.

The intricate architecture and the stories that echo within its walls make this castle a must-visit. In the old town below the fortress are distinct cobbled streets lined with handicraft shops and restaurants serving the local delicacy of tavë kosi , a mouthwatering baked dish of lamb and yogurt that’s unique to Gjirokastër.

The well-preserved Ottoman town is one of the most historic and architectural sites in Albania, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the castle dominating the city and the old wooden houses of the bazaar enticing you in, there’s lots to do in the birthplace of communist leader Enver Hoxha.

• Where to Stay in Gjirokastër

Upmarket: Kerculla Resort – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Palorto Traditional Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Aria Guesthouse – Booking.com | Agoda

Day 6: Gjirokastër to Përmet

Përmet , nicknamed ‘The Hero City’, is a charming town 55 miles north of Muzinë. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, hot springs, and one very large stone!

The City Stone is a prominent rock formation that measures 138 feet / 42 meters high with a top surface of 650 square meters, upon which is an archeological site that is thought to date back as far as the 4th century.

Stories about the City Stone have been passed down in Përmet from between generations and many believe that the town of Përmet was named after a hero from the Middle Ages who was called Premt.

According to legend, Premt was the ruler of the fortress on top of the City Stone and when the town was invaded Premt threw himself from the Stone rather than suffer death at the hands of the enemy.

Make sure to explore the Old Bazaar. This is a great place to discover the town’s traditional culture and crafts and purchase souvenirs. You can find jewelry and textiles and try traditional Albanian delicacies and snacks here.

The magnificent Kisha e Shën Kollit or St Nicholas Church is a stone’s throw from the old city. Admire its stonework and stunning views.

Enjoy dinner at Bar Restaurant Sofra Permetare or Villa Permet Restaurant for local cuisine.

Langorica Canyon

A popular activity among visitors is the Bënja thermal baths , located a few kilometers outside town at the entrance to the magnificent Langorica Canyon, which is guarded by an ancient Roman bridge. The natural hot springs are known for their healing properties and are surrounded by stunning mountain views.

There are several pools close to the bridge but venture on foot into the canyon for secluded hot spots at the bottom of the towering walls.

Adrenaline hunters can also pick up rafting expeditions on the mighty Vjosa River from Përmet. Try Albturist Eco Camping for an unforgettable experience.

• Where to Stay in Përmet

Upmarket: Hotel Hymeti’s Palace – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Mosaic House – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Vila Culli – Booking.com | Agoda

Day 7: Përmet to Tirana

Pogradec is a beautiful town located just over 100 miles from Përmet. On your way there, stop at Villa Teo for a break and refreshments.  

The lakeside promenade is a great place for a walk to enjoy the view of Lake Ohrid. Afterward, you can explore Pogradec’s history by visiting one of the 13th century Saint Naum Monastery or The Monumental Tombs Of Lower Selca, about an hour’s drive from Pogradec center.

If you have time, hike up to the Pogradec Panoramic Viewpoint for breathtaking views of the town and its surroundings.

About an hour north of Tirana is the historic city of Kruj ë . It is known for its castle, bazaar, and association with Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti, commonly known as Skanderbeg. 

Visit the impressive 5th century Krujë Castle for stunning views of the surrounding area. It is one of Albania’s most visited historical sites, housing a museum dedicated to Skanderbeg and the resistance against Ottoman rule. 

Head to the Ethnographic Museum on the castle grounds to learn more about Albania’s traditional lifestyle and architecture.

Explore the Old Bazaar and Dollma Teqe at the foot of Krujë Castle. The bazaar offers a glimpse into traditional Albanian life through handmade crafts and souvenirs like hand-woven carpets, hand-thrown ceramics, and traditional Albanian food.

The Dollma Teqe is a Bektashi shrine known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Try traditional Albanian cuisine at Rooms & Restaurant Emiliano (Krujë Castle) or Restaurant Bardhi and eat byrek , a meat and cheese-filled pastry, tave kosi , a lamb and yogurt dish, and baklava , a sweet treat made with honey, filo pastry, and nuts.

If you’re following the seven day itinerary, here is where you head back to Tirana for your flight home. If you’re following the ten day road trip, read on!

• Where to Stay in Krujë

Upmarket: Kruja Albergo Diffuso – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Rooms Merlika – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Villa Duka – Booking.com | Agoda

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Day 8: Kruj ë to Theth

The historic city of Shkodër is known for its rich culture and beautiful natural surroundings. 

Explore Shkodër’s historic center and admire the beautiful Ottoman-era architecture. From there, visit attractions like the Ebu Beker Mosque and the Marubi National Museum of Photography . The latter has over 500,000 photographs on exhibit, including many historical images of Albania.

Head to St. Stephen’s Catholic Cathedral , known simply as Shkodër Cathedral, to admire its impressive neoclassical architecture.

Afterward, visit Rozafa Castle, a fortress on a hill overlooking the surrounding area. The castle is named after Rozafa, who, according to legend, agreed to be buried alive inside the walls – you can find out more about the bizarre legend when you visit and see the statue of Rozafa erected on site.

Enjoy lunch or dinner at Bar Restaurant Elita or Puri for local cuisine.

Theth is a two hour drive from Shkodër, located high in the Albanian Alps, known as the Accursed Mountains.

The drive to Theth from Shkodër is dramatic and picturesque. You no longer need a 4×4 to take this journey, as the new road is asphalt all the way, but you will need to take it slowly as this mountain route has many twists and turns, switchbacks, and steep drops.

Due to poor weather conditions during the winter months, the road to Theth is closed between November and May each year. If you are planning a trip to Theth make sure you go during the summer or early autumn.

• Where to Stay in Theth

Upmarket: Hotel Kulla e Bajraktarit, Bogë – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: North Alpine Villas, Bogë – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Molla Guest House – Booking.com | Agoda

Day 9: Theth

The mountain village of Theth is a playground for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The stunning natural features like the Blue Eye of Theth and the Grunas Waterfall are nothing short of a spectacle, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a moment to connect with nature. 

Make sure you visit the Church of Theth, Kisha e Thethit , which is an architectural gem that, with its dramatic mountain backdrop, creates an idyllic view you won’t soon forget!

You should also visit the well-preserved Lock-in or Blood Tower of Theth. It is a traditional 17th century Albanian tower that offers visitors a glimpse into the local culture and life and is known for having imprisoned all of those who had committed serious crimes against the  Kanun of Lekë Dukagjin , a set of oral traditional Albanian laws codified in the 15th century.

The famous Theth Blue Eye is fed by a waterfall on the Limi i Zi or Kaprreja River, which flows into the limestone pool. The Theth Blue Eye is fast becoming as popular as the Sarandë Blue Eye, although it is a bit more off the beaten path and does take a bit more effort to visit.

Most hikers take the 9.7 mile / 15.6km trek to the famous waterfall, which takes approximately six hours there and back, following the nearby river as you go. It is not a difficult route with little elevation gain, but it is long, so make sure to take a water bottle with you.

You can also hire a taxi from Theth to Nderlysaj instead. From there, it is only a 30 to 40 minute hike to the Blue Eye one way. 

At the trailhead, there are a few restaurants and bars overlooking the river, before you cross the Ndërlysaj Bridge to pick up the 30-40 minute Vaskat Ndërlysaj hiking trail through the woods that surround the whole area.

The 2.5 km route is well-traveled and follows a flat path for a kilometer or so before you start to gain elevation on a narrow dirt track through the trees. This track undulates a fair bit, and there are rocks, steps, and tree routes to negotiate, and if it’s been raining it can be slippery so wear decent walking shoes or sturdy trainers.

Try some local cuisine at Villa Gjecaj Restaurant or Jezerca Restaurant for food with an Italian flair.

Day 10: Theth to Tirana

The final day of your road trip sees you heading down the mountain. Stop at Shkodër if time is a bit tight on the way through, or take more time to explore Tirana before heading to the airport.

If you have more time and your own or a hire car, the countries of Montenegro, Greece , Serbia, Kosovo, and even Italy are all within easy striking distance.

Albania Road Trip Essentials

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Albania.

• Search for affordable flights to Albania with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Albania with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Albania with Pitchup
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in Albania with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Traveling & Driving in Albania

If you are a confident driver, you shouldn’t find it too difficult to drive in Albania. However, you should be aware that Albanian drivers can be quite erratic, and not all of the roads are paved or kept in good condition, especially in rural areas, although their motorway network is reasonably well maintained.

Whether you’re traveling in your own car, touring Albania in a motorhome, or flying in and renting a car for a driving tour, you need to follow these rules on your Albania roadtrip.

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport at your intended departure date from Albania.
• British and EU citizens can enter and remain in Albania for a maximum of 90 days in every 6 month period without a visa. American citizens are generally allowed to stay in Albania for up to one year without a visa.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle. Not all insurers cover driving in Albania so check before you go and make sure you’re covered.
• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an International Driving Permit for driving in Europe . You can check whether you need an IDP here .

Rules of the Road

• Albania drives on the right and overtakes and passes on the left.
• You must carry a warning triangle and first aid kit by law. We also recommend that you carry at least one reflective jacket within the passenger compartment of your vehicle and a fire extinguisher.
• Snow chains are compulsory to carry if you’re driving between 1st November and 30th April.
• Vehicles from the right and emergency vehicles have priority.
• If you drive at night, watch out for unmarked roadworks, potholes, and unlit vehicles on the roads.
• Speed limits vary across Albania, so always check the signposts for maximum speeds. In urban areas, the limit is usually 40km/h unless otherwise signposted and 80km/h – 90km/h outside these areas. On the motorway, the limit is 110km/h.
• If you’re involved in any sort of collision, you must wait until the police arrive.
• There are no toll roads or low-emission zones in Albania.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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My recommended 10 day itinerary for Albania

Our 10 day itinerary for Albania allows you to see a mixture of historical sites, beaches and cities. We followed this route during our holiday to Albania with kids. We really enjoyed it as we felt like it gave us a good balance of exploring the country, while still finding time to relax. 

Albania is such a beautiful country, with so much to see and do. In my opinion 10 days is a perfect amount of time to spend in Albania. It will give you time to get a good feel of the country and I have no doubt that you’ll be planning a return visit afterwards!

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Albania , I have all of the info in this post. And, without further ado, here is my recommended 10 day itinerary for Albania:

Table of Contents

Day 1-2: Berat

Visiting Berat is a gentle introduction to your 10 day itinerary for Albania. Berat is a great gateway to understanding some of the country’s history. It’s easy to access from Tirana which is a 2.5 hour drive away. One of the reasons we chose to head straight to Berat from the airport is so that we could get used to driving in Albania , before we hit the capital. Berat is a quiet and relaxed town, so is the perfect place to begin your trip.

Berat is more than 2,400 years old and is under the protection of UNESCO. It is known as both the City of a Thousand Windows and the City of the Floating Windows. This is due to the white Ottoman houses that line its hillside slopes. 

I would recommend beginning your visit at Berat Castle, known locally as Kala. The castle compound is large and offers amazing views of the city. You can walk along the edges of the wall to experience different viewpoints and there are also parts of the building which can be climbed onto. The site is a great example of Albania’s rich history, with a large number of churches and mosques dotted around.

Afterwards make sure you explore Berat’s Old Town, which is lined with traditional Ottoman houses. Although be aware that the narrow cobbled streets are very steep in some parts!

Of course, you must head down to Gorica Bridge, which crosses the Osum River. I’m sure it must be one of the country’s most photographed bridges. Built in 1780, it links the two neighbourhoods, the more touristy Mangalemi and Gorica, which is more residential.

You can easily spend two days in town. However, if you only have 24 hours in Berat , check out my highlights.

Day 3: Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra, also known as the Stone City, is definitely worth a visit. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the town has an interesting history, including one of the biggest castles in the Balkans. It also has a unique architecture, with many of its buildings made from stone, hence its name. You can either choose to stay the night here, or stop by for lunch on the way to the coast like we did. 

Because we were travelling with young children and didn’t want to check in and out of too many different accommodations we decided to just have lunch and a wander around. However you could easily adapt our itinerary to stay here one night and have one less night on the coast. 

Gjirokastra is famous for its  castle , which was built in the IV century AD. You can walk around its walls to take in the view and also check out the museum, which explains some of the town’s history. The town is also well-known for its Bazaar known as Qafa e Pazarit, where you can buy lace, wooden carvings and traditional Albanian outfits. Our little adventurers were also fascinated in one shop to see an old well, which had been discovered when the foundations were being built. It was covered with a clear plastic cover to allow customers to see down into it. Although it was closely guarded by the shopkeeper, who would only switch on the light for people to look down if they bought something!

Gjirokastra is also known for its food, and we had a fantastic lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the town. We tried the Gjirokastra’s famous speciality of qifqi (rice balls made with fresh mint), which was delicious.

If you have more time in Gjiokastra you can also check out the Ethnographic Museum, which is located in the house where the country’s former communist dictator Enver Hoxha was born.

One thing I would say to be aware of in Gjirokastra is its extremely steep narrow cobbled streets. I found it quite stressful being a passenger in the car as we navigated the tight turns. So I can only imagine what it was like for poor Mr A who was driving. Also, do not blindly follow your sat nav as ours tried to direct us down a flight of stone steps!

Day 4-7: Ksamil

You should definitely include some beaches in your 10 day itinerary for Albania. If you want a busier resort head to Sarande, which is an hour away from Gjirokastra. However, we decided to travel a little further down the coast as we really wanted to check out Ksamil Islands. Plus we wanted to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint.

Our beach holiday in Ksamil was one of the highlights of our holiday to Albania. We found it to be a really friendly, relaxed beach town. Although it did get busy it didn’t feel too overcrowded and there are plenty of different beaches to explore. We also loved taking a boat trip out to the four islands.

Visiting Butrint from Ksamil is also an easy trip, as it is just 5km away. Butrint is a really special place and is a great way to learn more about the varied history of the country.

Day 8-10: Tirana

Tirana is the capital of Albania and it is definitely worth spending a minimum of two days here, or more if you can. Exploring Tirana with kids is also really fun. 

The drive from Ksamil to Tirana is five hours, but the first part is quite scenic as you travel along the coast. I’d recommend stopping for lunch on the beach along the way.

Make sure you check out Bunk’Art 1 and Bunk’Art 2 during your visit. The former bunkers have now been given a new lease of life as art galleries.

Also take the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car up Dajti mountain for the best views of the city.

I hope you found this 10 day itinerary for Albania helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions!

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2 Responses

Is it possible to travel through Albania if you do not drive? Are buses an option?

Hi Angela, yes buses are an option. I have not used them personally, and have heard mixed reviews about the timetables etc. But is is definitely possible to get between the major cities via bus. You can look up different routes here: https://etransport.al/RrjetiLinjave/StacioneDheTerminale If you have any more questions about Albania, please do let me know!

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Northern Albania: a 10 day itinerary

• Northern Albania itinerary

It is easy to get lost in the wonders of Northern Albania. Rugged mountains, caves, waterfalls, and beaches provide the adventurous traveller with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Those who are also fascinated with bygone times will revel in the crumbling castles and fortresses set in gorgeous locales. In fact, several of the most beautiful places in Albania are in the north.

Plentiful chestnut forests dot the northern Albanian landscapes that also host native wineries and enticing farm-to-table eateries. With bountiful agricultural areas, it’s no surprise that Albanians love good food and wine .  

The northern part of Albania is full of historical monuments, enticing beaches and compelling vistas… here’s an itinerary that takes you through the highlights of the region that you won’t want to miss.

How much time should I spend in Northern Albania?

How much do you love the out-of-doors, exploring historic ruins and enjoying sandy beaches? You could easily spend a few weeks jaunting through Northern Albania, but if you’re pressed for time you can hit the highlights in about 7-10 days.

Of course, that also depends on how you travel around Albania. There is ample, inexpensive public transportation in the country , but buses don’t always show up as scheduled (or at all!), can be crowded and generally cause travellers a lot of frustration. For this reason, I’d suggest renting a car to tour Northern Albania. 

The rates aren’t unreasonable, and the country is relatively small. This itinerary, never has you driving more than two hours without reaching a spot to stop for sightseeing or arriving at the next overnight destination.

If you really want to splash out, hire a personal driver to drive you around Northern Albania in style. There are excellent English-speaking drivers - our favourite driver is friendly and never fails us! A personal driver will go out of the way to make your trip amazing – that includes helping you find hidden gems to visit in the key areas, lugging your bags, and negotiating better rates along the way.

Although there are gorgeous mountain hideaways and ski resorts to enjoy in winter, the best time to tour Northern Albania is in late spring, summer or very early autumn. The roads are also free from dangerous winter conditions in these seasons. 

You’ll also be able to go on hikes that are not possible in winter, and comfortably relax in the Albanian countryside or at the beaches under the glowing Ionian sun and azure skies.

Now, on to the itinerary...

Tirana (1 night)

For travelling purposes, the country is roughly divided from north to south from Tirana, the capital city. As international flights to the country arrive in Tirana, it’s the perfect point to start off your northern Albania tour.

Depending on when you arrive, you might choose to relax and take a day to tour the eclectic city, by taking a walking tour to take in the highlights. You’ll want to see the famous Communist-era bunkers scattered around and visit the Et'hem Bey Mosque, with its colourful frescoes and mosaic work. 

You can also take the gondola ( Dajti Ekspres ) in town up Mt Dajti for the fantastic views over the city. Be sure to have a meal of local cuisine and enjoy a coffee at one of the many trendy cafes in the capital.

Stay at the Crown Boutique Hotel , within walking distance of Skanderbeg Square

Durres (2 nights)

Head out of Tirana and take a short 40-minute drive to Durres, a large modern city on the Adriatic Sea. Durres’ long, beautiful, white sand beach with its inviting sapphire-blue water is ever-popular among foreign and Albanian tourists. 

With an unbelievable amount of reasonably priced high-rise condos and high-quality hotels, you can have an upscale beach holiday in Durres without breaking your budget. The city also features a shopping promenade with boutiques, historical mosques, ruins of a Roman amphitheatre, and lively nightlife.

Enjoy your time sunbathing, kite surfing, or windsurfing, among other water sports. Excellent cafes, seafood restaurants and beach bars round out the offerings of this dynamic city with its own captivating beach. Most hotels include beach umbrella rentals in the price; check when making reservations.

If you’re really into beach time, just a short drive south of Durres is the popular Golem Beach, with an enchanting pine forest as a backdrop, deep blue waters and a charming renovated beach promenade. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and snack bars right on the beach, with lots of space for everyone, even in summer. 

If you’re a fan of agritourism , don’t miss a trip to Agroturizëm Huqi , about 19 minutes outside Durres, near the town of Rade. This is a family-friendly property that offers fabulous regional cuisine, along with separate cozy cabins set on stilts for (optional) comfortable overnight stays). 

The speciality of the house is a traditional preparation of lamb, along with chicken dishes, salads, Albanian savoury pies, homemade cheeses and fresh garden vegetables. Explore the ample gardens, too, and pet the farm animals on the inspiring 15-hectare property where you can fish, and paddle-boat on the lake. Onsite camping is also possible.

Stay at the Relax Inn Durres near the beach and within walking distance of the city centre.

Lezhe (1 night)

After a night in the countryside (or a continued stay in Durres) your next stop should be the awe-inspiring rocky peninsula known as the Cape of Rodon (about an hour from Durres or 45 minutes from Rade). The cape is one of those ancient places that’s all the more beautiful because it is yet mostly undiscovered. 

You can peacefully enjoy the glorious views from the forested hiking trails on the narrow slice of land that reaches into the Adriatic. In springtime, it’s covered with flowers and in summer, the clear deep blue waters are perfect for a swim.  

Also located on the historical peninsula are the ruins of the Castle of Skanderbeg, (sometimes known as Castle Rodoni) built in the 1400s. Near the base of the peninsula is the quaint ancient Church of St. Anthony, a cultural monument built in the 17 th century. The ruin contains remains of frescoes and is a beautiful example of Romano-Gothic architecture.

After the cape, head on to the distinctive Lezhe Castle, which sits high above the attractive town of Lezhe on the Adriatic coast.

One of the most important castles in Albanian history that served as a major defence against outside attacks, the grand stone fortress reflects Illyrian, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences. Roam through the ruins and enjoy the views of Lezhe town, the River Drin and the Adriatic below. 

Then, stroll the stone-tiled streets of Lezhe, an art lover's dream of galleries, museums, and exhibitions, and host to numerous cultural festivals, along with scrumptious regional cuisine.

Or, if you’re into artisanal wines and tranquil country environments, you’ll probably enjoy a tour of an Albanian vineyard. Although great wine is produced throughout the country, Kallmet Winery is a great option for a happy afternoon of wine tasting:

Located near the town of Lezhe in Kallmet Village, this winery welcomes all visitors on every weekday, without prior appointment. Once there, you can visit the wine and brandy facilities, view olive oil production, and of course, try the wine for yourself.

Stay at Hotel Liss for comfortable rooms near the castle.

Shkoder (2 nights)

Next up is Shkoder, a lovely small city located on the vast Plain of Mbishkodra, less than one hour from Lezhe. Not only is the city prized for its history as one of the oldest settlements in the country, but also for being the perfect access point for visiting the exalted Albanian Alps and impressive Lake Shkoder (Skadar).

The town itself is charming, with eco-minded cyclists, a lively walking promenade, and beautiful historic cathedrals and mosques. Here you’ll find other travellers enjoying everything from coffee to Albanian specialties to pizza, while they take in the surroundings and plan their ventures to outlying mountains, caves, lakes, and rivers. 

Shkoder is also known for its enthusiastic and helpful trip guides and excellent customer service.

While in Shkoder, take a tour of the absolutely fascinating Venice Art Mask Factory , an easy 20-minute walk from the city center. This artisanal workshop of 160 employees creates stunning Venetian carnival masks by hand, using the Italian cartapesta papier-mâché technique. 

If you’re a lover of beautiful things, you’ll be thrilled to browse the gallery filled with thousands of exquisitely painted and embellished masks and wall hangings for sale, plus intricately beaded costumes on display. There's an entry fee of approx. €3.50 (no purchase required).

A 6-minute drive (or 20-minute bike ride) outside Shkoder will take you to Rozafa Castle for expansive views of the city, the Drin and Buna Rivers, and Lake Shkoder, while you wander the ruins.

Spend the night in Shkoder and plan to visit the nearby natural and cultural sites before heading up to Lake Koman, which is a must-not-be-missed point on this itinerary.

Just beyond Shkoder is the wondrous Kir Valley, a spectacular natural environment for enjoying warm spring, summer and autumn weather. The impressive landscape, encircled with steep cliffs, makes the area perfect for cycling trips, swimming, hiking and nature photography. 

In summer, when water levels of the river are low, you can explore the 104-meter Zhyla Cave system, via several water openings to the cave along the river bank. Nearby Prekal village provides some infrastructure (a few bars and cozy restaurants) as a resting point, among lush greenery and stunning views.

Stay at Çoçja Boutique Hotel with stylish rooms in the city centre.

Mesi Bridge and Drishti Castle

While you’re in the area, you’ll want to stand on the iconic Mesi Bridge, about 6 kilometres outside Shkoder. This grand relic is Albania’s largest remaining Ottoman Bridge - over 108 meters long – and is a testament to Albania’s ancient roots. 

The bridge’s fifteen impressive arches span the luminous blue water of the Kir River. Mesi Bridge was constructed in the late 1700s to connect bustling trade roads between Albania and the ancient Serbian Empire.  It's best in spring and autumn when the river is fullest.

In the same area as Mesi Bridge, you’ll find the medieval Dhristi Castle. Built in part by Byzantines during the 13th century, and by Venetians in the 14th, the castle and fortress became one of the strongholds (along with Rozafa Castle) that protected Shkoder from Ottoman control.

You can peruse the ruins and examine the remnants of several houses within the fortress’ ruined walls.

Lake Koman (2 nights)

While in Shkoder, make your plans to visit gorgeous Lake Koman. The expansive and stunning lake, about one and a half hours from Shkoder, is a wonder to behold. The happy result of a hydroelectric dam project, the sparkling emerald and teal lake and surrounding mountains are often referred to as “Albania’s Switzerland.”

Taking a ferry from the small town of Koman, you’ll slip between towering cliffside canyon walls, the lake twisting, as if a river, then opening to wide sweeping views across the glittering water. The ferry pauses at various little hamlets along the way, which also serve as stepping-off points for hiking the famous Valbona and Theth alpine trails . 

If you hike the Theth trails, be sure to visit another of northern Albania’s wonders, The Blue Eye of Theth. Nourished by the Black River, this captivating cold-water spring is deep, set amidst green foliage and a small waterfall. The pool’s luminous lapis blue and turquoise water is perfect for a refreshing dip after a long and strenuous hike. 

The ferry ride and hiking trails are best experienced during late spring and early autumn, as hiking is not possible after the snows set in. You can also join the throngs in summer… it’s very hot then, but a trip into the mountains will cool you off, for sure…

There are several active tour companies lining the touristic Gjuhadol walking street in central Shkoder who will be happy to reserve your ferry seats or guide you there themselves. It’s possible to do a day trip if you forego hiking, but if you have time, the hikes are amazing!

Stay at Kulla e Vjeter , a comfortable guesthouse with an onsite restaurant near the lake.

Lake Shkoder (1 night)

When you return to Shkoder after your Lake Koman adventure, take a day afterwards to soak your weary muscles in the healing Velipojë Beach sands.

Located on a small bay about 30 minutes from Shkoder town, Velipojë is Albania’s northernmost beach. Velipojë Beach is truly a hidden treasure that is nestled near a protected area with surrounding tall pines and green vegetation.

The unique attraction of Velipojë is its curative dark sand, full of natural minerals, such as iodine. Many visitors come for a walk along the beach or to immerse themselves in the sand as a free therapy for rheumatism, asthma and cardiac issues. 

The 5-kilometre beach has inviting sapphire blue water, a shallow entry, and is calm enough for families, children, and seniors, who all enjoy swimming there. 

Beach access and amenities are available to everyone (beach umbrellas €6). 

Spend the night near the beautiful, shimmering Lake Shkoder (also known as Lake Skadar). The largest lake in the Balkans is just a quick taxi or bike ride from the centre of Shkoder. The lake is great for picnicking, kayaking, fishing or just having a restful meal in one of the many inviting restaurants ringing the lakeside.

Before you leave Shkoder, take in Shkreli Regional Nature Park, a 2000-hectare nature area located between Lake Shkoder and the Theth National Park.  With numerous hiking trails, caves, horseback riding and farm-to-table destinations, it’s a haven for adventure lovers.

You can easily spend a day or enjoy an extended visit. Clean air and stunning views are the signature elements that bring visitors to the area for rejuvenation.

Villages in the area are popular for their organic produce. Be sure to check out the abundant chestnut forests, especially in September and October, when chestnuts are ripe and local autumn celebrations take place.

Stay at the Four Generation Hotel with stunning views of the lake.

Driving back to Tirana

As you end your tour of Northern Albania, there are still a couple of sites to enjoy. 

Before you head south, located only about 15 minutes north of Shkoder, is Kantina Mani , another great winery where you can take a tour and have a wonderful lunch. After living in Italy for some years, Fatjon Mani returned to his family land and decided to plant grapes. With the help of a few of his Dutch friends, Faton began wine production in his small facility.

The winery now produces a few varieties of select wine, plus homemade rakija. In 2020, they used natural materials from his family’s original homestead to build a kantina, so they could invite visitors to partake in wine tastings and delicious traditional meals in the beautiful surroundings. 

Today this humble kantina offers (by reservation) wine tastings, meals, vineyard tours, pick-your-own grapes, and traditional cooking and raki-making workshops - all at very reasonable prices, with friendly personal service.

On your way back to Tirana, be sure to stop at the Castle of Krujë (Kru-yeh), the ancient fortress of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, Albania’s beloved national hero. 

You’ll find the castle about an hour and a half outside Shokder, set on a lofty hilltop above the small town below.

The castle remains are now home to a small museum, but the main attraction is the incredible breathtaking view from the stronghold. With one glimpse, you’ll understand why Skanderberg chose this location for his home, as he struggled to protect his homeland from invaders. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Adriatic Sea in the distance. 

If you want to take the time, Krujë village is a charming place to wander. he Stroll through the Old Bazaar, stop for a coffee (because there’s always time for coffee in Albania !) or have a delicious local-style lunch with a view overlooking the area.

From  Krujë, it’s just an hour's drive back to the capital city of Tirana. If you have more time, head south to relax on the beaches of the Albanian Riviera .

Planning a trip to Albania? Read our travel guides .

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Author - Maysie Dee

Maysie Dee is a freelance writer, content editor, and recipe creator. She and her husband have travelled across the world for decades as natural product consultants, collecting stories along the way.

Last Updated 18 February 2024

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10 Day Albania Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 10 day Albania tour with TourRadar. Choose from 44 trips with 130 customer reviews, that range from 8 up to 10 days.

44 Albania 10 day tour packages with 130 reviews

Cycle Tour In Albania - UNESCO 10 Day Tour

great trip- my guide Erlis and driver, Tonny were awesome at taking care of everyone while keeping things very chill. Good and plentiful food, and incredible scenery too.

• Hiking & Trekking
• Walking Adventure
• Mountain Hikes
• In-depth Cultural

Walking Albania

The Albania walking holiday was absolutely fantastic - excellent, friendly and knowledgable guide (Erenik), challenging and interesting walking, stunning scenery and great food.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

Albania Explorer “Red Route”

Peaks of the Balkans Tours in 10 days – Classic Route

Albania Expedition

Highlights of Albania

We enjoyed our tour in general. Erion was a knowledgeable guide whose deep love of Albania imbued our tour with a delightful spirit. Some of the hotels were better than others, but none were truly horrible. We feel that there was one too many ethnographic museums. Goshi was an awesome driver.

Cycling Albania: From Lakes to Mountains, Vineyards to Riviera

Peaks of the Balkans tour in 10 days – Choose Balkans Route

It is hard to express how close I feel to the people at Choose Balkans. I got in touch with them about this hike 3 years ago before the pandemic limited all my travel for an unfathomably long time. We finally got to go in sept 2022. Throughout those years I stayed in touch, often trying to plan again and never being able to. Every time they were kind, patient and honoured my initial deposits! We we finally got there (me and 9 other hikers) we had a meet up with the Choose Balkans team and they are all kind, funny, and well informed. My great thanks to Alban for his generousity and local knowledge on that night out especially. From then on it was hiking time! Our guide Erwin has global hiking and mountain climbing experience but it was clear his heart is in the balkan alps. He is a tough, capable guide but also a caring, intelligent, funny teammate. I cannot reccomend him enough. The hike was hard but exceptionally beautiful and I plan to go back another time as the changing scenery, weather, flora and fauna mean you would need years to see and do all there is to see and do. We have hiked mountains around the world, and these ones, while lower, are just as tough and in many ways more beautiful and mysterious. With choose balkans, and Ervin as your guide, you are in good hands no matter what happens on tbe trail, or off it, unrelated to them i needed to make some itinerary changes and despite our remoteness, transport, accomodation, opportunities were magicked out of this air. A really flexible and versatile team In short, i cant reccomend them enough. They bring trust, calm and humour, you just need to bring a sense of adventure

• Sightseeing

Classical tour of Albania

An exceptional tour in every way. Mrs. Myzejen Curri is the best tour guide we could ever imagine. She ihasa an encyclopedic knowledge of Balkan history and culture. She and our driver Vinnie attended to every tiny detail of the tour for our comfort, enjoyment and safety, even down to making arrangements for the transfer of a phone charged I'd left in a hotel room. The hotels were of a very high standard and when there was a problem, Mrs Curri intervened fast and effectively. Albania is a beautiful and fascinating country, and it is possible to eat out there very inexpensively indeed (although it can be a little challenging for vegetarians). This tour is exceptional value for money and we highly recommend it. Vinnie the driver is 100% safe and reliable eveno n the most challenging mountain roads and the vehicle was clean, air-conditioned and comfortable.

Best of Albania Explorer 10 days Tour - Guaranteed Departures

Peaks of the Balkans – Small Group Tour in Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro

We want to thank you and Adventure & Fun Albania for the wonderful opportunity we had to travel with Ben on our Hiking and sightseeing tour in Northern Albania. The trip was really amazing and we felt so relaxed and well looked after. We were delighted with each accommodation and the meals were delicious. Thank you for your assistance with all of our needs and the excellent communication with the company.

• €29 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Hidden Valley Trek: Homestay Trekking & Southern Albania's Cultural Highlights (8 days)

Highly enjoyable trip with a strong sense of being well away from the more popular areas and seeing something of a hidden Albania. People were incredibly hospitable and the walking wasn't too strenuous. Highly recommended.

Self – Guided Peaks of the Balkans tour in 10 days

Albania Explorer “Illyria Route”

We covered so much ground and could never have seen so much or get such an insight to Albania trying to do it on our own or without such a diligent guide. Erjan was an excellent, safe driver and manoevred the route and roads expertly, he was also able to tailor the itinerary to our interests. The hotels exceeded expectations and ranged from good to excellent. The Albanian people were friendly and helpful. We loved our tour, without a doubt the cloudless skies throughout played a big part.

Albania: South Albania Trekk - 8 days

What people love about 10 day albania tours.

Well organized trip through beautiful and challenging conditions and climbs

The Wandering Whites

• Family Travel

10 Day Itinerary in Albania with kids

Check out our 10 day itinerary in Albania with kids for your next European family holiday. Albania has fast become a top family holiday choice due to its stunning beaches, rugged countryside and let’s be honest – budget prices! Albanians understand how beautiful their country is and the Albanian Riviera can get booked up quickly. Book well in advance if you are planning to travel during peak summer months.

Are you looking to visit the Albanian Riviera? Or take an Albanian family holiday? Read on for our 10 day itinerary in Albania with kids.

Why go to Albania?

Albania was off the tourist trail until fairly recent years due to Communist power, economic collapse and unrest with neighbouring countries. However, today Albania is in a stronger economic position and welcomes tourists worldwide. It is a safe country and we had no problems when travelling with our kids.

The Albanian Riviera is stunning, a true selling point of the country and should not be missed during a 10 day itinerary in Albania with kids. The countryside and towns like Gjirokaster with old traditions, markets, food and beautiful buildings should also be included in an Albania holiday. The Mediterranean climate and food also make choosing Albania for a family holiday a great idea!

As well as the beauty of the country another huge plus point is the cost. Albania is a very cheap country to visit and you can eat out like a king on a small budget.

How to get to Albania

Tirana is the capital of Albania and where the airport is. If you are flying from the UAE you will find flights to Tirana with Emirates but also with Fly Dubai and Wizz Air from Abu Dhabi. If coming from the UK or other European destinations, major airports will fly to Tirana . We always recommend checking Skyscanner for the best deals.

The other option, which is what we did, is to fly into Corfu and take the 30 minute ferry ride to Saranda in Albania. This option means that you start your visit on the south coast on the Albanian Riviera which was perfect for us beach lovers!

Check out our Corfu to Albania Ferry post for all the information you need for a seamless journey to the Albanian Riviera.

How to travel around Albania

Unfortunately public transport in Albania is not the best! If you are travelling to Albania with kids we would definitely recommend hiring a car. You can easily pick up a rental car in Tirana airport.

However, if you opt to fly into Corfu and get the ferry across with Finikas Ferries then there are many car rental options in Saranda also. We used Saranda Rent a Car who were the cheapest we found.

Driving around Albania is easy, we did it in a little Fiat for 10 days and managed fine! Just beware of the speed limits as there are a lot of police on the road.

Read here for our post and information on an Albanian road trip around the Albanian Riviera.

How many days in Albania?

You could easily go to Albania for a week or less and have your typical beach resort family holiday. However, if you want to explore the country and experience some of the other sides of Albania we recommend 7-10 days. Changing hotels around 3 times so that you can travel around. For our itinerary below you will need to travel around and can not stay in one place. It is best to be arriving to Albania from Corfu t o follow this itinerary.

Where to go in Albania in 10 days

This itinerary is perfect if you want to optimise beach time and see a bit of what Albania has to offer. There is A LOT more to Albania than what we saw during our 10 days in Albania. However, we were travelling with young kids and wanted to relax as well as adventure during our time. So if you fancy a relaxing holiday with a bit of adventure chucked in then this 10 day itinerary in Albania with kids is for you!

Days 1-2 – Saranda

Arriving on the ferry from Corfu into Saranda . The ferry is a fast 30 minute service and you can buy tickets in advance with Finikas Ferry . From Corfu airport it is just a 10 minute taxi to the ferry terminal, there is a small cafe if you have any waiting time.

When arriving in Saranda there will be a queue of taxis waiting to pick you up. Make sure to arrange a price before you get in, if you are staying in Saranda for the first few nights then a taxi should be no more than 10 Euros. Ask for a meter, but they will probably say it doesn’t work. Or better still, pre-arrange a pick up with your hotel.

Saranda is the port town but it has a nice sandy beach, lots of large hotels and beach clubs and many restaurants and bars. It is lively in the evenings but not rowdy at all.

Some popular Saranda hotels are:

• Demi Hotel – a nice 4* Hotel in a good location
• Hotel Butrinti and Spa – a beachfront 5* hotel
• Hotel Dodona – a good 4* hotel on the beach
• Hotel Sole – another good beachfrom 4* hotel

As well as these there are many cheaper, apartments available. We stayed at a lovely place called Villa Skenderi which was a little out of the centre of Saranda. We had a little sea view villa/apartment, private beach and many restaurants and shops in walking distance. It was a perfect, quiet escape!

Whilst you are in Saranda check out:

• Lekursi Castle – a favourite tourist spot in Saranda which offers amazing views over the town and has a cafe/restaurant.
• 40 Saints Monastery – it is ruins but offers great views over the city.
• Butrint – an ancient city in a National Park that has a lot of wildlife too.
• Haxhi Restaurant – traditional Albanian food and decor
• Saranda Terrace – a Grecian looking restaurant with wonderful sunset views

Choose whether to base yourself in Saranda or Ksamil during your few days in this area. It is about a 10-15 minute drive between the two beach towns.

For more information check out our post Saranda with kids .

Day 3-4 – Ksamil

You can choose to stay at the same hotel in Saranda or Ksamil for 3/4 nights and travel between the two. There is a local bus that runs along the road between the two although we never worked out how to use it. Alternatively you can get a taxi for around 15 Euros.

Read our list of Finding the Best Beaches in Ksamil to Visit for all the information on where to go during your time in Ksamil.

Ksamil is the highlight of the Albanian Riviera with beaches straight out of a travel brochure. To spend the day on the beach you will need to rent a sunbed from one of the restaurants. It is a beach destination where you can kick back and relax for your time on your Albanian family holiday. Be aware that it does get busy especially in peak summer months. Our advice, as always, is arrive early for the best sunbeds.

Boat hire is available to explore the uninhabited 3 islands which offer even more beaches but can get pretty busy.

Eat lunch at Guvat Bar , a beachfront restaurant offering elevated views of Ksamil. The mussels and feta were incredible!

For more information about Saranda and Ksamil check out our post Saranda with kids .

Days 5-7 – Gjirokaster

Continuing on your 10 day itinerary in Albania with kids, next up is Gjirokaster. It is about a 1.5 hour drive to Gjirokaster through the beautiful Albanian countryside.

Gjirokaster is like something straight out of a fairytale. It is known as ‘The Stone City’ and is a UNESCO Heritage Town. With cobbled streets, hilltop castles and bustling markets you will feel yourself stepping back in time. Be aware that Gjirokaster is steep and hilly with many cobbled streets so pushing a pram could be difficult. It would also not be a good option for anyone with mobility issues. The streets of the old town are narrow and many pedestrianised so taxis are not an option.

We stayed in the lovely Hotel Gjirokaster which has an amazing location in the old town. It is also budget friendly, charming and run by lovely people. They also give a great breakfast!

Check out this blog on 11 Best Things to Do in Gjirokaster for more information on Gjirokaster.

Also, make sure you try out The Barrels vineyard and restaurant when in Gjirokaster. Read here for why we think it is the best restaurant Albania.

• Blue Eye Albania

Either on the way from Saranda to Gjirokaster or from Gjirokaster to Dhermi make sure to visit the Blue Eye Albania . I cannot stress enough – GET THERE EARLY!

We arrived around 9.30am and managed to park OK but by the time we left around 11.30am it was completely packed. There were cars blocking each other in and all sorts of beeping and tooting of horns going on.

Be prepared to walk a good 30-40 minutes from the car to the actual Blue Eye pool . It is on a well made path along some stunning views but in the middle of the summer it can be hot! There is an option to rent electric scooters which would be a good idea.

When you arrive at the Blue Eye the water is incredible, colours I have never seen naturally before. However, you cannot swim in the water. So don’t bother dragging towels and swimming stuff with you. There is a view-point and we did sneak in and paddle in one part – the water is freezing!

It is worth stopping off for a look, a little walk around and a coffee or ice cream to break up the drive. We were glad we did it on the way from Gjirokaster to Dhermi as it is quite a long drive (3.5 hours) so it broke it up a bit. There’s a little gift shop, a cafe and some toilets there. Make sure to have cash as there’s a small nominal fee of 50 lek or 100 lek if you have a car as you walk in.

Days 8-10 – Dhermi

The final part of your 10 day itinerary in Albania with kids will be spent on Dhermi Beach . Dhermi is on the South East coast so to access it from Gjirokaster you have to pass back through Saranda. Take your time and enjoy the stunning, winding roads along the coast. We pulled in at a few little villages along the way to admire the beautiful coastline.

Dhermi has one of the longest stretches of beach along the coast. Although pebbly, it is designed for beachgoers with boardwalks to aid walking along the way. These help you to get through the sunbeds and back onto the promenade.

We loved Dhermi for the long promenade littered with restaurants, small shops and bars. We happily spent 3 days simply on the beach relaxing, eating and drinking after a busy few days in Gjirokaster. The sea is the clearest we have ever seen on our travels and were perfectly happy to while away our days here.

We stayed in a budget hotel just off the beach called Aphrodite Hotel as we booked quite late. Summer accommodation in this small town gets booked up quickly. There are some stunning hotels on the beachfront that are worth checking out like the Ionian Pearl Hotel and Hildon Eco Hotel as well as the Splendor Hotel & Spa .

For more information on Dhermi Beach check out our post.

Day 10 – Leave Albania

On your final day in Albania you will need to make your way back to the ferry terminal in Saranda. It is around a 2 hour drive from Dhermi Beach to Saranda with multiple ferries leaving for Corfu throughout the day.

We left Albania and went on to spend a few days in Corfu before flying back to the UK to see family. Check out our post on Corfu Town – is it worth visiting? here to see if you want to include some time in Corfu as part of your trip.

Last say on a 10 day Itinerary in Albania with kids

Albania is an up-and-coming holiday destination. As it becomes more popular the prices will hike and the tourist spots will become more and more popular. Get over there as soon as you can before it gets overrun with tourists and spoilt! A perfect, budget-friendly family holiday with a great mix of things to do.

More links for your 10 day itinerary in Albania with kids

• Skyscanner for flights
• Booking.com for hotels
• Finikas Ferry
• Saranda Holiday Car Rental
• Guide to Albania for information on food, weather, currency etc.

Other Albania Inspiration

• Guide to Albania
• 5 Reasons why you need to travel to Albania
• 10 day Itinerary in Albania
• Albanian Road Trip in the Albanian Riviera
• Corfu to Albania Ferry
• Saranda with kids
• Best things to do in Gjirokaster
• Dhermi Beach Albania
• Best Restaurant Albania
• Are the Beaches in Ksamil Worth Visiting?
• Finding the Best Beaches in Ksamil to Visit

Disclaimer:  This post  10 Day Itinerary in Albania with Kids,  has affiliate links  and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you

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10 Day Albania Itinerary with Kids

Albania might be a small country but it’s a great place to travel to. If you are planning a family trip this 10 day Albania itinerary with kids is the perfect way to see the best of the country and still ensure that everyone has a great time.

Still relatively unknown to tourists, Albania is a friendly and welcoming place, with stunning mountain scenery, idyllic beaches and fantastic food. People are friendly and welcoming and there is lots of things for kids to do.

We spent ten days in Albania, but easily could have spent much longer.

If you only have a week in Albania, I suggest you shorten the itinerary below and stay only 1-2 days in Tirana , 1-2 days in Berat , 1 day in Vlore and 1 day in Durres.

If you have two weeks or more, you can easily follow our Albania itinerary with kids and add a few extra places in (I’ll be envious, as there were places we wish we’d been able to see!).

Suggestions for extending your itinerary can be found at the end of the post.

Before you go…

Albania is great to visit all year round. Being on the Mediterranean, it is warm in the summer and mild in the winter. We visited in November and it was still mild – maybe not beach weather, but mild enough to wear light sweaters and pants (even shorts on some days).

Albanian currency is the lekë. ATM’s are widely available in most towns and cash is preferred by most places. VISA is accepted in a few places, including grocery stores but not all restaurants, so best to have some cash on hand.

Before we arrived in Albania, we had been warned that driving there was a little crazy. In fact, almost everyone told us that. But after doing a road trip in Romania, through some crazy roads, and renting a car in Bulgaria, where the signs are in Cyrillic, we figured we could manage in Albania.

I didn’t attempt to drive in Tirana itself, although it didn’t seem that bad, just A LOT of traffic. After a few days in Tirana, we took the bus to the airport and picked up our rental car there, which we had for the rest of our time in Albania.

Transport is different in Albania. Instead of a reliable bus or train service, the main mode of transport is furgons, or small mini vans. Most of the time, they wait until the van is full, and then will depart. We did see some inter-city buses, but to be honest, I had a hard time finding the schedules. Everything operates a bit differently in Albania.

But let’s get on to our itinerary!

Day 1-3: Tirana

Most people start their visit to Albania in Tirana. It’s the capital city, home to the international airport and the destination for most international buses, so chances are if you don’t start here, you’ll pass through it at some point on your travels.

You can easily spend a few days exploring the capital. Check out our post on exploring Tirana with kids for some ideas. If you only have a week in Albania, I’d suggest spending only a day in Tirana.

Tirana’s main square is Skanderberg Square , and a great place to spend some time in Tirana.

Along the edges of the square, you’ll also find the National History Museum , the National Art Gallery , the Palace of Culture , Ethem Bey Mosque , a large monument of Skanderberg and of course, the Clock tower , which you can climb for a fantastic view of the square.

Stop for a coffee, snack or drink at any of the cafes surrounding the square.

Albania only emerged from communism in the early 90’s. The Blloku area, just south of the square, Postbllok monument, Bunker Art 1 and the House of Leaves museum are some great monuments and museums reflecting on the communist times.

Dajti Mountain

If you have more than one day in Tirana, head up to Mount Dajti on the Dajti Express cable car.

Along with a great view of the city, Mount Dajti National Park is a great place to hike and walk.

Bunker Art II is also located close to the base of the cable car.

Before we left Tirana, we picked up a rental car to use for the remainder of our trip.

You can still get around Albania using public transportation, but transport isn’t as reliable or as frequent as it is in other countries.

As we only had a short amount of time in Albania, we wanted to be able to make the most of our time and thought a rental car was the best decision for us.

Day 4-5: Berat

From Tirana, we headed south to Berat . It’s about a 2 hour drive and not too busy on the highways. Honestly, I thought it was a lovely drive!

Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the City of 1000 Windows . 

We stayed at a hostel up on a hill overlooking the city. It was definitely an experience trying to find the hostel , but once we were there, the view was fantastic.

Berat’s river divides the town, with the Mangalem quarter on one side and the Gorica quarter on the other. One was traditionally Muslim and the other was Christian; it’s interesting to walk around and explore both sides of the city, as they may look similar but feel very different.

Berat Castle is perched high above the town. Climbing up to it is a steep hike, but it’s all along a paved road which makes it easier for the kids.

You can also drive up and park at the top – but we didn’t realize this until after!

The castle is still inhabited, with shops, cafes, houses, restaurants and churches. Wander the grounds and walk along the walls, but be cautious as some of the areas are the safest for children (My guys loved climbing and exploring, but you know your kids best!).

Day 6-7: Vlore

***If you have extra time, this is a good spot to add in a few more days and head south to Gjirokaster or Sarande . **

Vlore is a 1 ½ hour drive from Berat. (Along the way is Cobo Winery , a family run offering tours and fantastic wine, but the tours are 4 hours in length and not a great kid-friendly activity).

Vlore is a popular beach town in the summer, with beaches stretching down the coast for a few kilometres.

Along the waterfront, there’s a paved path (with stairs in some spots that go down to the water) that makes for a great place to walk with kids.

And the sunsets from the beach are stunning!

Vlore is also the place where Independence was declared and there’s Flag Square and an independence monument in the center of town.

If you’re there around the end of November, it’s a pretty important celebration!     

Day 8-9: Durres

Durres is a former capital of Albania and known for it’s Roman amphitheater . Throughout the town you can see remains of the Durres Castle and parts of the old wall .

Head to the waterfront and climb the Sphinx of Durres , a large set of steps at the seaside. It’s also a great spot to see the sunset.

A short drive from Durres is the Castle of Kruje, also known as Kruja Castle . It was the center of the rebellion against the Ottoman empire and birthplace of the Albanian hero, George Skanderberg. The Skanderberg Museum is located inside the castle and worth seeing.

Unfortunately, we arrived in Durres a day after a fairly major earthquake, which damaged buildings and even parts of the old walls in Durres. A few hotels and buildings collapsed and there were quite a few people fatally injured.

The celebrations for Independence Day had been cancelled, and the mood in the town was somber, with funerals taking place. Most businesses closed, and a state of emergency was declared in several affected towns so we weren’t able to do everything we had planned.

We stayed at a fantastic apartment, Vila Olympia , that was just a short walk from the beach and the amphitheater. The bottom floor of the building was a public gym, which was free for us to use while we stayed at the apartment.

Day 10: Last Day on your Albania Itinerary with Kids

On your last day in Albania, head to the airport if you have a flight booked or continue your adventure from Tirana. Buses travel to Pristina, Kosovo several times a day and are very inexpensive. Train and bus connections also connect to Skopje, North Macedonia .

Buses run from the airport to the centre of Tirana, or alternatively you can take a bus from Durres to Tirana.

If you are returning a rental car at the airport, it’s fairly easy to do, but be aware that some of the gas stations closest to the airport don’t accept VISA. If you’re like me, with very little cash left, you might have to drive back to the turnoff from the highway to find a gas station that takes VISA.

The rental car drop off is at the far end of the parking lot and it’s a bit of a walk from there to the terminal (there’s no shuttle like there is in bigger airports). It’s not too far though, and my kids made it without a problem.

Two Week Albania Itinerary with Kids

If you have more than 10 days, here are some suggestions to extend your Albania itinerary with kids.

If you have two weeks , you could easily stop in Gjirokaster after Berat, then head to the coast and spend a few days in one of the other cities on the coast before continuing with our itinerary and visiting Vlore and Durres.

From Berat, head south to Gjirokaster . Similar to Berat, it’s a UNESCO heritage site and some say is even lovelier than Berat. It’s about a 3 hr drive from Berat.

From Gjirokaster, the Benja Thermal Baths and the Blue Eye are great spots to visit as well.

If you feel like spending more time along the coast, Himare , Dhërmi , and Sarande , are all great places to spend a few days. Butrint National Park , just south of Sarande is a large archaeological site, UNESCO World Heritage Site and said to be absolutely stunning.

Northern Albania was also highly recommended, especially Valbona Valley National Park in the Albanian Alps.

In fact, quite a few national parks kept coming up in Albania travel recommendations. If you have a chance, be sure to visit a few!

We found it hard to try and fit both the south and the north in our trip though, especially with young kids. We try to spend at least a few days in each place, otherwise we all get burned out. But if you like to move faster, or your kids are older, you can probably visit the south and the north in two weeks (or at least a few places in each).

I hope you found this Albania itinerary with kids useful! If you have any questions or comments, please let us know in the comments below!

Related Posts:

• What to do in Tirana with Kids
• Top Things to Do in Berat, Albania
• Why You Should Visit Albania
• 6 Weeks: A South Eastern Europe Itinerary

Erin Martin is the founder and sole writer for Wanderlust with Kids. Together with her twin boys, they have travelled to over 20 countries and five provinces within Canada. Erin is responsible for planning and facilitating all of her family's travel itineraries and adventures, whether locally or internationally. An explorer at heart, Erin aims to make any travel adventure kid-friendly and shares all her favourite family-friendly things to do, both in Canada and abroad.

Hi, sounds like a great trip. May I ask a few questions? what months did you travel and in which year? How old were your kids then? I heard about Vlore being quite ugly. What would you recommend for a beach stay?

We were in Albania in 2019 during November, so it wasn’t quite beach season! We didn’t mind Vlore, the waterfront area was quite pretty but Dhermi, Himare, Sarande and Ksamil are on our list for our next visit (during beach season!).

Great post! Thank you very much for the helpful itinerary. Hoping to go there next year my two young kids 😊

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• Travel Planning Guide

10 Days in Albania: The Best Tours

Ready for a 10-day journey to Albania that combines relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery? We've sifted through a wide range of guided tours, meticulously analyzing them based on service, price, guest ratings, and activities. These 10-day tours to Albania are the absolute best based on these criteria, so that your trip planning can be easy and fun. They offer the perfect balance between a leisurely holiday and thrilling escapades, allowing you to immerse yourself in the essence of each destination. From exploring iconic landmarks to savoring the local cuisine, every moment of these tours is designed to provide an enriching and unforgettable experience. Get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and make the most of your 10-day escape with one of these amazing tours below.

• Peaks of the Balkans tour in 10 days – Choose Balkans Route 10 Days, $1238.89
• Cycle Tour In Albania - UNESCO 10 Day Tour 10 Days, $1334.19
• Highlights of Albania 10 Days, $1800.00

Which 10-day tour options are available in Albania?

Here are the important factors:

• 3 trip options analyzed
• $146 average price per day (USD)
• 4.57 of 5 average rating
• 15 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of tours lasting 10 days in Albania, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.57 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 15 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. With our thorough analysis of 3 tours lasting 10 days, we've found the best. So rest assured that Albania has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 3 Best 10-Day Tours in Albania

Peaks of the balkans tour in 10 days – choose balkans route.

• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for tours lasting 10 days.
• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

This 10-day trip, visiting Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo, is ideal for guests from 2 to 90 years old. And priced at only $124 per day, it's a great value, too. Experience a trip that takes you to 7 remarkable destinations, including Doberdoll, Shkoder, Vusanje, and Theth. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Tirana. It's offered by Choose Balkans , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

• Hiking & Trekking

Cycle Tour In Albania - UNESCO 10 Day Tour

Priced at just $133 per day, this terrific 10-day voyage is ideal for guests from 16 and up. Explore 9 incredible locations on this trip, including Korca, Sotire, Benje, and Gjirokastra. Your journey starts off in Tirana and finishes in Vlore. Organized by the reputable Cycle Albania , this is one of the best tours on this list.

Highlights of Albania

Check out this incredible trip that has received a 3.9 out of 5 rating from previous guests. With a duration of 10 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 16 people, and is good for guests from 16 and up. Discover a journey that spans 17 destinations, with notable stops in Voskopoje, Erseke, Benje, and Permet. Your journey will begin in Tirana and end in Krujë. This fantastic option, organized by Exodus Travels , presents an unbeatable value at just $180 per day.

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Albania , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Albania , The Best Historical Tours in Albania , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Albania , The Best 3-Day Tours in Albania , The Best Bicycle Tours in Albania , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Albania , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Albania , The Best Adventure Tours to Albania , The Best Eco Tours in Albania , The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Albania , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Albania , The Best Cultural Tours in Albania , The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Albania , The Best Camping Tours in Albania , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Albania , The Best Walking Tours in Albania , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Albania , The Best Budget Tours to Albania , or The Best Tours for Seniors to Albania for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Tirana , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tirana , The Best 10-Day Tours from Tirana , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Tirana for more package tour options.

How much do 10-day tours to Albania cost?

Travelers to Albania will have a large number of terrific options for tours lasting 10 days at a variety of great prices. The price of tours lasting 10 days here can vary by type, destinations, length, and travel style. Based on thorough data from 3 tours lasting 10 days, their average daily price is a very reasonable $146 per day. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Albania .

And for more information on Albania, see Albania Travel Costs and Albania Hotel Costs .

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Albania

Day trips from albania.

• Albania to Berat
• Albania to Kruje
• Albania to Gjirokaster
• Albania to Durres
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Hiking to Gamti, Bovilla Lake and Kruja Day Trip from Tirana

2. Private Tour of Riviera from Tirana – Ksamil Saranda and Blue Eye

3. Day tour of Theth from Tirana

4. Prizren, Kosovo Day tour from Tirana

5. Private Day Tour of Pristina & Prizren from Tirana including UNESCO Sites

6. Private tour to Butrint Antic City/Blue Eye Spring/Lekursi Castle

7. Bovilla Lake and Kruja City Day Tour from Tirana

8. From Tirana: Kruja castle, the old Bazaar and Sarisalltik

9. Berat & Durres and Belsh Lake Day Tour from Tirana

10. Berat city tour, the castle and Belshi lake - From Tirana

11. Berat Full-Day Tour from Durrës with English Speaking Guide

12. Day Tour of Kosovo from Tirana, Pristina and Prizren

13. Day Tour of Gjirokastra UNESCO City and Blue Eye from Tirana

14. Private day tour of Ohrid North Macedonia from Tirana

15. Full Day Private Tour from Tirana, Prizren and Prishtina

16. Full-Day Tour in Berat and Wine Tasting

17. Day Tour of Kruja and Shkoder - Discover North Albania Heritage

18. Saranda Ksamil day Tour From Tirana,Durres or Golem.

19. 1-Day PRIVATE TOUR in South of Albania (Blue Eye, Gjirokaster, Lekures, Ksamil)

20. Private Full-Day Montenegro Budva and Kotor Tour from Tirana

21. From Tirana: Shala river and Komani lake - Daily tour

22. Full-Day Private Bovilla Tour in Albania

23. Osum Canyon & Bogove Waterfall/ offered by Berat City Tours

24. Full-Day Private Lake Ohrid and Albania Tour from Ohrid

25. Kruja and Shkodra Day Trip from Tirana (3-6 Pax)

26. Bogove waterfall and Wine Tasting /By Vato

27. Berat Cultural Tour

28. 1 Day Tour from Tirana Explore Prizren and Kosovo

29. Osum Canyon & Bogove Waterfall Tour/By Vato

30. Private Day Tour of Saranda Gjirokaster and Butrint from Tirana

What travelers are saying.

The Best of the Balkans: Ultimate Itinerary for 10 days in Montenegro & Albania

Published by joanne on october 4, 2023 october 4, 2023.

Having explored many of the tried-and-true countries in Europe ( Spain , France   and Italy I’m talking to you!), we decided to break into new territory for our first post-covid European vacation: Montenegro and Albania were calling! We were celebrating our 25 th wedding anniversary so instead of a ten day vacation, we took a little over two weeks and added Corfu, Greece as well. While we definitely could have stayed longer, our 10 days in Montenegro and Albania were perfect!

Montenegro and Albania are just now making it on mainstream tourist itineraries. In 5 years, I bet they’ll be as popular as their northern neighbour Croatia. Now is the time to get hopping and visit these unexplored beauties before they’re overcome with hoards of tourists.

Having only 10 days in Montenegro and Albania we just barely scratched the surface of everything these incredible countries have to offer.  It was definitely fast paced as we wanted to fit in as much as we could but our 10 days in the Balkans were unforgettable. I’m so proud of the kids for keeping in such great spirits as we hopped from destination to destination. They enjoyed the fast pace as much as we did.

Why visit Montenegro and Albania?

Unless you’re visiting Kotor on a cruise ship day, Montenegro and Albania are quiet and peaceful locations with very few tourists.

Cheap Prices

Travelling as a family of five, we often have sticker shock when the price of hotels, guides and food get added up. This is absolutely not the case for our 10 days in Montenegro and Albania.

We slept in six different places during our 10 days in the Balkans and most of them were half or even quarter the price of accommodation in other European destinations. It isn’t easy travelling as a family of five, especially when the two boys are over 6ft tall. Accommodations that can sleep five are few and far between. In fact, in Montenegro and Albania, the accommodations were so reasonably priced that having two rooms was easy; we were able to get rooms for less than 100 euros each!

We booked several guides during our 10 days in Montenegro and Albania and they were honestly some of the best private guides we’ve ever had. Being able to pay 200 euros for a one day private tour of the Bay of Kotor and 50 euros for 4 hour long walking tours of Berat or Gjirokaster in Albania was incredible.

Amazing food

The local cuisine in Montenegro and Albania is simply fantastic. From byreks (stuffed phylo pastry) and black risotto to the most amazing seafood, everything was delicious and incredibly inexpensive.

Incredible Beauty

Both Montenegro and Albania are stunning. Whether you’re seeking mountain peaks, coastal seascapes, or classic historical architecture of the old town, Montenegro and Albania have it all.

*Disclaimer: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you purchase products or services through these links, we may earn a small commission. But don’t worry, this will never cost you any extra. As always, all views and thoughts are our own.

How to get around during your 10 days in Montenegro and Albania

You have several options for getting around. Neither country has strong public transportation or train service so you can either take the bus, rent a car, or hire a driver.  We didn’t want to drive everywhere so while we rented a car for our last few days in Albania, we opted to have a driver for most of our 10 days. Private drivers are inexpensive in both countries and it was really nice to be able to enjoy the incredible views.

If you’re looking for a driver/guide in Montenegro we highly recommend contacting M Tours . Mladen was a great help when we were planning our trip and our driver Milos was a joy to travel with. We learned so much about the past and present of Montenegro from him and he got along incredibly well with the kids. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to you and your families.

The Weather in Montenegro and Albania

We visited in July and it was astonishingly hot. We had several days of temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius so if you visit in summer, be prepared for hot temperatures. We were fortunate and didn’t have any rain at all.

The normal temperatures in Montenegro are from 25-30°C in summer, 10 – 15°C in autumn and spring, and 5-10 °C in winter. Albania differs slightly with temperatures averaging 10-20 °C in spring and autumn and 18-32 °C in summer. The average temperatures in the mountain areas of Albania do drop significantly lower all year round with winter averaging between -2 and 5 °C.

Precipitation varies dramatically throughout the year with the wettest months being November and December in both Albania and Montenegro.

What to pack for your 10 days in Montenegro and Albania

Not having travelled to Europe is several years, I really wanted to update most of my ‘travel’ clothing. We usually visit Europe in summer and I love to wear dresses and skirts. They’re always appropriate wherever you visit and they’re cool and light. We also needed to update our electronics such as a travel adapter with a USB-C outlet, automated selfie stick (yeh, I know, but otherwise I’m not in any photos!), etc. I plan to do a full post on all my favourite items but as a small taste, here are some of my favourite outfits and must have travel items from this particular trip.

        My favourite outfits for Albania and Montenegro

Summer Casual Flutter Short Sleeve Smocked Tiered Midi Dress

Boho Long Skirt Split Ruffle High Low Maxi Skirt

Short Sleeve Ruched T Shirt Dress Tie Waist Summer Mini Dresses

Su mmer Casual Short Sleeve V-Neck  Dress with Pockets

Long Boho - Bohemian Maxi Summer Skirt

Skechers Women's Bobs B Cute Sneaker

        A Few of Our Must Have Travel Accessories

Portable Charger with Built in Cables

Digital Luggage Weight Scale

Portable Cordless USB Charger for Apple Watch

All in One Worldwide Travel Adapter

Airfly Pro 

Extendable 3 in 1 Aluminum Selfie Stick with Bluetooth Remote and Tripod Stand

If you want to check out more, visit our Amazon store

10 Day Itinerary for Albania and Montenegro

While you won’t be able to see everything during your 10 days in Montenegro and Albania, you will get a wonderful taste of each of these beautiful Balkan countries.

For more detailed information on our 10 day itinerary, check out our posts on 5 days in Montenegro and 5 days in Albania .

   Brief Summary of Montenegro and Albania 10 day itinerary

Days 1-4: Kotor, Montenegro

Day 5: Budva, Montenegro

Day 6: Kruje, Albania

Day 7: Berat, Albania

Day 8: Himare, Albania

Day 9-10: Sarande and Gjirokaster, Albania

Day 1: Your Arrival in Montenegro

There are several options when choosing flights to Montenegro. The country has two international airports: one in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, and one in Tivat, a short distance from Kotor. Many also choose to fly to Dubrovnik since it’s less than 100 kilometres from Kotor.  

If starting in Kotor, as we suggest, Tivat will be your best arrival point. If planning to start your visit in the Durmitor National Park area, it will be best to fly into Podgorica.

Spend some time settling in to your apartment or hotel. Drop in to Old Town Kotor in time for dinner and have an early evening.

Day 2: Day trip around the Bay of Kotor

After a nice night sleep and breakfast, it’s time to get out and enjoy a day around the Bay of Kotor with your rental car or with a driver.

The Bay of Kotor is breathtaking Thanks to a short ferry service, it’s easy to travel around the entire bay and we highly recommend that you do. Leave Kotor and head toward Prcanj and explore the villages along the coast as you head toward the car ferry in Lepetani. The ferry is only 20 minutes long and has nice views of the bay.

Once on the other side, head towards Herceg Novi, stopping first at the Savina Monastery on the hill. Afterward, visit the hilly town of Herceg Novi. It's definitely one of the best places to visit in Montenegro. We suggest starting at the top and working your way down the stairs to the Pet Danica Walkway along the coast. Continue to Risan, home of incredible Roman mosaics, and Perast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and perhaps one of the most popular sights in Montenegro. By visiting late in the afternoon, you can avoid the cruise ship guests that most often visit in the morning. Make sure to take one of the small boats to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks.

After returning to Kotor, head to Old Town and wander until dinner. Enjoy the evening lights of the fortress on the hill as you return to your hotel.

For more information on places to visit around the bay, check out our upcoming post on our daytrip around the Bay of Kotor.

Day 3: The Grand Montenegro Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Montenegro it won’t take long before you read about the Grand Montenegro Tour . Almost every tour company offers it either as a private or group tour. We decided to tweak it a little and remove the boat tour around Skadar Lake but you may decide otherwise.

Birds eye view of the Bay of Kotor from the serpentine roads

The day was amazing as we tackled the serpentine road, enjoyed breakfast in Njegusi, visited the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos in Loven National Park, explored the former capital of Montenegro, Cetinje, all before lunch! Make sure to stop for magnificent views over Lake Skadar before continuing your day.

Mausoleum of Njegoš

There are so many options for late afternoon. You can choose to do a two hour boat ride around Lake Skadar, which is usually part of the  Grand Montenegro Tour, or, you can wander off the beaten path and visit a winery or Sveti Stefan or even further south to an old pirate haven, Ulcinj.

Rijeka Crnojevića Bridge

Day 4: Boat Ride of the Bay of Kotor and exploring Old Town Kotor

Taking a boat ride around the Bay of Kotor is a very popular daytrip. Depending on your budget, you can book a group tour or private tour that can last anywhere from 2 hours to 8 hours. We found that four hours was the perfect choice as it allowed plenty of time to make a few stops that weren’t available on your earlier daytrip around the bay.

Mamut Island Kotor

Rose, Montenegro

We recommend visiting the ex submarine tunnel, tour around Marmota Island, visit the luxury yachts at Porto Montenegro and go swimming at the Blue Hole. You can even stop for lunch at a small village such as Rose!

Spend your afternoon climbing to the Kotor fortress or shopping for souvenirs in Old Town Kotor.

Day 5: Travel to and Explore the Old Town of Budva

While you could visit Budva as a daytrip from Kotor, we recommend spending a night. There is so much to do that two hours simply isn’t enough and it’s en route to Albania so you won’t be backtracking.

Even though Budva is known for its party atmosphere, that doesn’t seem to enter its charming old town which is smaller than that of Kotor and much easier to explore without getting lost. After a nice lunch (like all of Montenegro, the seafood is amazing!), visit the old town churches, the Citadella and make sure to check out the incredible views from the city walls. Consider heading to one of the nearby beaches even if just to visit Budva’s famous dancing girl or hop on a bus to explore the beautiful Sveti Stefan.

Day 6: From Budva to Kruje Albania

If you haven’t visited Sveti Stefan yet, this is your last chance so don’t miss it! This stunning outcropping of land was once a small village until taken over by a, now closed, hotel for the rich and famous. It’s a beautiful spot for photos and to wander the beach. For an even more impressive view, take a short visit up the hill to St. Sava Church before continuing on your way for your next 5 days in Albania.

The roads from Budva to Kruje are very good and the drive to Kruje is about three hours, depending on the border crossing.

You’ll likely be hungry on arrival so after checking in, grab a quick lunch and explore the souk (market). The Kruje souk is said to be one of the most authentic in Albania. We had a wonderful time chatting with the grand daughter of a woman who makes silver filagree jewellery and Albania rugs.

The road through the souk leads to the Kruje castle grounds where you’ll enjoy the rest of your day. Visit the Skanderbeg museum and the ethnographic museum, then have a wonderful dinner at one of the delicious restaurants on the castle grounds.

Day 7: Kruje souk and Berat

Staying overnight in Kruje means that you can enjoy time exploring the souk area before tourists arrive on daytrips from Tirana.   The trip from Kruje to Berat is only two hours so there is plenty of time before you need to leave in order to arrive in Berat by lunch time.

Depending on whether you get lost looking for your hotel, you should be ready for your prebooked walking tour with the Berat Tourism Office. Spend the next several hours exploring everything this wonderful medieval town has to offer: the picturesque mosques, the incredible castle area and of course, the amazing town itself … it isn’t hard to understand why Berat is known as the town of a thousand windows.

Day 8: Berat to Himare

It’s about time for some stupendous sea views and beach time on the Albanian Riviera. We recommend spending your first night in Himare because it isn’t near as busy as Sarande and surrounding areas.

The route from Berat to Himare is not for the feint of heart. The roads are fairly good but they are twisty and many people don’t actually adhere to the rules of the road. While you could rent a car, we really recommend hiring a driver for at least this part of your trip.

Break up the long drive with a few stops. Consider stopping at the roman city of Apollonia, visiting St. Mary’s Monastery on Zvernec island and/or stopping to enjoy the views on the Llogora Pass.

Zvernec Monastery

Archaeological Museum of Apollonia

On arrival in Himare, check in and either explore the Himare castle on the hill, or, if you’re ready for some downtime, grab a chair on the beach and enjoy listening to the waves. There are a number of beaches in or near the town and some are busier than others. We stayed at a small hotel across the road from Prinos Beach and loved the location. Whichever you choose, wander into Himare town itself for dinner. There are a number of really good options.

Day 9: Sarande

While Himare may be a much nicer area than Sarande, it isn’t near as conveniently located. Consider renting a car for the next day as the driving is fairly easy and we found it hard to find private drivers for a reasonable price here. It also gives you some flexibility over booking group tours.

On your way to Sarande, stop at Porto Palermo. Visit the castle of Ali Pasha and see the World War II submarine tunnels. Drop your luggage at your hotel and head directly to the ancient city of Butrint, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’ll be honest, my family crashed on arrival in Sarande so we decided to have a nap and skip Butrint. It’s blasphemy to say that but sometimes, you just have to do what works for your family. I definitely regret not seeing Butrint and the beaches of Ksamil but it’s a great reason to return.

Have a wonderful dinner, try Haxhi , and wander the boardwalk in Sarande.

Day 10: Gjirokaster

After breakfast, you have a few choices. You could visit Butrint if you didn’t yesterday or you could hop in the car and drive less than two hours to the medieval village of Gjirokaster.

If you visit Gjirokaster,  try to pre-book a walking tour with the Gjirokaster tourist office. At the time of our visit it was only 50 euros for several hours and well worth it. Wander the Old Town and bazaar, visit the Castle of Gjirokaster, explore the castle grounds, and enjoy at least one of the historic homes.

Once back in Sarande, return the rental car and enjoy your last night in Albania. Maybe take advantage of the jumping ledge just off the Sarande city beach and go for a quick swim before dinner!

Final thoughts on our 10 days in Montenegro and Albania

If you have more time, check out our more detailed posts in our Montenegro Travel Guide and our Albania Travel Itinerary for other places to visit in each country. Also consider adding on to your 10 days in Montenegro and Albania by taking the morning ferry and visit Corfu as its quite easy to fly in to Montenegro and fly out of Corfu. In fact, Corfu airport is much closer to Sarande than the international airport in Tirana.

Have you visited Albania or Montenegro? What was your favourite place? Let us know in the comments below.

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Hi! I'm Joanne. I'm a Canadian mom of three wonderful kids who love hockey, swimming, cheerleading and, of course, travel.

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Last summer John and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. We thought of taking a trip on our own, which we’ve never done, but couldn’t imagine celebrating without the kids. Instead, we planned a longer Read more…

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She's from Green Bay. He's from the United Kingdom. On their wedding day, they went head over heels at Kwik Trip.

GREEN BAY - When James McKenzie-Brown came to Wisconsin from the United Kingdom, he didn’t just fall head over heels for Pati Holschbach.

He fell in love with  Kwik Trip , too.

It was Holschbach first, mind you, and the popular Wisconsin-based convenience store chain second. That’s important to note in a love story that spans 3,903 miles, two and half years and countless Big Buddy fountain drinks.

When it came to their wedding day on March 29, it just seemed right that it was all three of them — a nurse from Green Bay, an armed police officer from London and Kwik Trip store No. 827 on Lombardi Avenue — together in their photos.

Love, Wisconsin style.

To appreciate the sweetness of the photo shoot, at a gas station on the happiest day of their lives, you have to first get to know the couple.

“To tell people our story of how we began, if anybody else would tell me this story, it would sound kind of, I would say, crazy,” Holschbach said.

The two met on Tinder. She was living in Milwaukee at the time and had the distance for potential matches on the dating app set to within 80 miles. He was in Twickenham, just outside London, and had his set to 10 miles. There were 3,903 miles and a whole big pond between them. Their profiles should never have crossed paths but somehow they did.

Love works in mysterious ways.

Within 24 hours, they were talking. Eighteen days later, on Dec. 8, 2021, he flew to Wisconsin to see her. From the moment they said hello to one another, it felt different.

“We both just knew,” Holschbach said.

They felt incredibly comfortable around each other and discovered they had similar senses of humor. They had both chosen the careers they did, because they wanted to help people. They both enjoyed going to estate sales and looking for antiques.

“But one of the things that really attracted me to him and him to me was we both absolutely love animals, like we’re obsessed with dogs and cats,” she said. “We’re the kind of people where anytime we see a dog, we have to point it out, like it’s our first time seeing a dog.”

It was Holschbach’s elderly 15-year-old rescue pitbull, Minnie, who sealed the deal. An excellent judge of character but leery of men due to her past, the first thing she did when McKenzie-Brown came to visit was climb right into his lap and snuggle in.

“She wouldn’t even climb in my lap and I was her mom,” Holschbach said. “Then I just instantly knew. ‘Yep, this is the one.’”

They were engaged on April 13, 2022 — four months and five days after they met.

Big Buddy drinks are their go-to, but you can't beat the fried chicken

Before they could marry, they had to secure a K-1 visa , which allows a U.S. citizen to bring a fiancé or fiancée to the country for the purpose of marriage and becoming a lawful permanent resident. It was a process that stretched across nearly two years and required many back-and-forth trips.

That’s where Kwik Trip enters the story.

McKenzie-Brown found himself “enthralled with all that is Midwest culture” whenever he came to visit. Potluck staples — can’t-miss fare like walking tacos, scotcheroos, Snickers salad and especially beer dip — fascinated him. Being from the U.K., where people love nothing more than to talk about the weather, he also appreciated Wisconsin’s four seasons, sometimes all in the same week, as a goldmine of conversation.

More local flavor YouTuber Nick Johnson spent 3 days in Green Bay, discovered a 'uniquely American' city, super nice people, lots cheese

Holschbach grew up in Green Bay and graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1996. She was well acquainted with the joys of Kwik Trip and its status as a Wisconsin institution. She knew her future husband had to experience it for himself.

“He was like, ‘You want to take me to a gas station?’” she said. “I’m like, ‘Yes! But you just wait, you just wait.’”

He was immediately smitten. He loved it all, from the feeling that he had just walked into a little city all onto itself to the signature “see ya next time” from the clerk on his way out the door.

During the couple’s many trips back and forth to the airport or on the drive up to Green Bay to see Holschbach’s parents, Kwik Trips became a part of their lives. Their go-to is the Big Buddy fountain soda, but the Glazers doughnuts, Cinnabon cinnamon roll-flavored cappuccinos and the cheesy chicken casserole are also among their favorites.

“And you can’t beat their fried chicken,” Holschbach said. “Their fried chicken is really good.”

After the ceremony at the Brown County Courthouse, it was off to Kwik Trip on Lombardi Avenue

One of the conditions of being issued a K-1 visa is that once the fiancé comes to the United States, the couple has just 90 days to get married. That makes planning a large, elaborate wedding nearly impossible, so Holschbach and McKenzie-Brown opted for a small, intimate ceremony with family and a few friends.

There were two things they knew they wanted to be part of the day.

One was a hand-tied bridal bouquet of five dozen white carnations from Petal Pusher Floral Boutique in the Broadway District. Holschbach had worked for owner Nichole Campbell years ago and adored that same bouquet Petal Pusher had created for a wedding expo. She never forgot it.

The other was to have photos taken at Kwik Trip by Erika Krause Photography . Holschbach has known her for 14 years, ever since she was the labor and delivery nurse assigned to the birth of her second child at Aurora BayCare and then again for her third child. Krause was excited to do her first bride-and-groom-at-Kwik Trip photo session.

More: 'See ya next time': How a neighborhood grocery store grew into today's Kwik Trip phenomenon

After the couple exchanged vows in a civil ceremony at the Brown County Courthouse, they headed to a Kwik Trip, where the employee in charge told them not only was it OK to shoot photos inside the store but that it happens all the time.

“They were just the nicest bunch of people,” Holschbach said.

They even gave them a complimentary doughnut as a prop. There are shots of the happy couple with intertwined arms with Big Buddy cups, sharing a smooch in one of the aisles and standing by a cooler door that reads “Cold Beer Enter Here.”

Two of their favorites portraits were taken outside, with Holschbach’s bouquet and McKenzie-Brown’s mini Union Jack flag outshone only by the smiles on their faces.

You might be wondering if there was a Kwik Trip-themed wedding dinner with fancy three-tiered plates of Glazers, platters of fried chicken and barbecue pork rib sandwiches and baskets of reasonably priced bananas. There was not. They did their dining at Italian restaurant Angelina in downtown Green Bay.

Years from now, when they look back at the photographs taken at store No. 827, what might they think?

“I’m sure we’ll probably say, ‘Oh my God, we really had our pictures taken at a gas station.' But that’s just part of our personality,” Holschbach said. “We’ll just more so, I think, remember it for how much fun it was and just how happy everyone was and how supportive they were. It was a great day. It was a very joyous day ... and that’s conveyed in the pictures.”

The couple, who just moved to Kimberly, already know how they’ll celebrate their anniversary each year: a fountain drink at Kwik Trip and dinner at Angelina.

Kendra Meinert is an entertainment and feature writer at the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at 920-431-8347 or k [email protected] . Follow her on X @KendraMeinert .