albania travel log

Albania Travel Guide 2024 – Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on March 1, 2024

This Albania travel guide is updated every month to give you the best and most up-to-date information on travelling Albania .

Not only that but I’m also a full-time resident on the ground and run the leading Albania travel blog so you get everything from a local perspective.

As Albania’s tourism is slowly increasing the demand for information is increasing too.  Unfortunately, as tourism is still so new, it can be hard to come across factual and up-to-date information. 

For example, bus timetables can change with a click of the fingers, and the only people who would know would be the locals.

Therefore, I have created this full Albania travel guide with all the information you need if you plan to visit Albania for the first time, or the next time! 

💾 Albania is full of beautiful surprises.

I have lots of great information for you to use during your travels to Albania so make sure you bookmark this page so you can come back to it again and again.

Here’s your full Albania Travel guide!

Why should you trust my information?  I have lived in Albania since 2017, so I have a great knowledge of the dos the don’ts, the best local spots to visit and the ones you should avoid! 

Also, I have an extra local insight as my partner is Albanian.

Every month, I try to update this Albania travel guide, sometimes more often as new information comes up or as I explore new places.

If you like this Albania travel guide, then go grab a physical copy of my 170+ page comprehensive downloadable Albania guide here.  

Read more: 11 lessons I have learned from living in Albania

Where is Albania?

Great question, and one that I’m often asked when talking to foreigners outside of Albania.  Where the heck is Albania?!

Albania lies in South-Eastern Europe.  Its neighbours are Greece to the south, Montenegro to the north and Kosovo and Macedonia to the east(ish).

Albania sits on the coast of the Adriatic Sea and is home to some of the best beaches in Europe.

Some of the best beaches are found in the Albanian Riviera which stretches from the city of Vlora (Vlore in Albanian) and the popular tourist city of Saranda (Sarandë in Albanian), where I have lived for 5+ years.

How to get to Albania

Albania can be reached in many ways by air, bus and ferry.

Flying to Albania

There is one international airport which is Tirana International airport, also called the Rinas International Airport or Nënë Tereza.

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There is another currently being built in Vlora but who knows if/when that will be finished.  I’ll keep you updated!

Flights in and out of Tirana can be expensive, however, Wizz Air and Ryanair have started a service which means sometimes you can grab budget-friendly flights to and from Tirana throughout the year which is great news for tourism.  Check the latest prices and availability of flights to Tirana here.

Overland from Greece

You can easily catch a bus from Athens to Saranda .  

It takes about 9 hours and costs around €35.  You can also catch a bus from Ioannina which stops at Gjirokastër from there you can catch a bus elsewhere in Albania.

I have caught this bus a dozen times.

If you take snacks and download some entertainment on your phone, it’s not that bad. They do also stop a few times for snacks, lunch and coffee so it really isn’t that bad.

Ferry from Greece

Another incredibly easy way is Corfu!  The island of Corfu is only a 25-minute ferry ride from Saranda.

The prices and times will vary depending on the season. You can find them here.

If you do decide to catch the ferry, especially in the summer, make sure you book a few days before because they can get booked fast and you may miss out.

Corfu does direct flights to a bunch of other European countries.  If I want to fly to the UK I will fly out of Corfu as EasyJet does cheap and direct flights from there!

This can be a great way to get to Albania with a quick stopover in Corfu. 

Usually, you will have to stay in Corfu the night depending on when your flight is but it’s a good excuse to explore the island as it’s very beautiful too.  Check the prices and availability of flights to Corfu here.

Read more : How to get from Corfu to Saranda

Overland from Montenegro

If you’re coming from Montenegro there are buses between Kotor and Podgorica to Shkodër and Tirana. If you want to head towards the south, you will have to change buses in Tirana.

Overland from Macedonia

There are 3 buses from Skopje to Tirana (8:10am, 8:45am and 9pm).  Please check with your accommodation that these are still the times that the bus leaves as in the Balkans bus timetables frequently change!

Overland from Kosovo

If you are coming from Kosovo there are regular buses from Pristina to Tirana.  Then if you want to visit other places around Albania you can go to the regional bus station and catch a 2nd bus to wherever you want to go.

Boat from Italy

You can catch a boat from Durres to Bari and Ancona. 

There are several crossings per week but it’s best to contact the ferries themselves as crossings and prices change from month to month.

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If you can weirdly transport yourself to Albania using time travel then I don’t have any information for you, but congratulations, that’s an awesome skill to have!

Recent History of Albania

Albania’s history is beyond fascinating compared to some other countries in the world. 

From 1941 to 1992 Albania was under the strict communist regime of the leader Enver Hoxha. 

Everything was controlled, from food to housing and jobs.

Some compare it to North Korea, but only those who lived through communism will know. 

There were labour camps where political prisoners were sent if they said something that the communist leader did not like. 

The prisoners built the infrastructure that Albania sees today.

After the collapse of communism, Albania saw itself as a democracy.

Unfortunately, in 1997 the government collapsed after a dodgy pyramid scheme. 

Over 2/3rds of the population invested their life savings into this scheme which meant most people lost everything they had worked hard for all those years.

The civil unrest saw a lot of anger and violence from the citizens of Albania, many fled from the country for a better life.

The civil unrest went on for 6 months and when visiting Albania, you will see for yourself that Albania is still recovering.

There is still a lot of corruption within government sectors today. It seems every day there is a new person whose corruption has been exposed.

Ancient history of Albania

Many only discuss communism and the civil war as the history of Albania but the real history dives way older than that. 

If you move to Albania, you will find yourself in many conversations with locals about ancient Albania and the Illyrians who many believe are older than the ancient Greeks.

There is so much that hasn’t been uncovered and publicized about Albania’s ancient history.

The ancient site of Apollonia which is in Fier and is a popular site to see if anyone who loves ancient history, is less than 5% excavated.

One of the biggest ancient graves have been found near Korca in 2018 which archaeologists believe are more than 5000 years old!

Butrint National Park is also a great UNESCO site to visit if you want to learn more about the rich history in Southern Albania.

Read more: 5 Best Albania UNESCO Sites to Visit

Language of Albania

Shqip is one of the most fascinating languages I have come across and one of the hardest to learn (in my eyes!).  It’s an Indo-European language that relates to no other language in the world, it has its own roots.

The North and South speak different dialects.  In the south they speak Tosk, and, in the north, they speak Gheg.

Usually, the two different parts can understand each other a little. 

I found myself in a hostel in Kosovo with a girl from the north and a girl from the south and they were speaking English together because they could not speak Albanian together!

The younger generation in Albania mostly knows some English as they are taught in school.  The older generation you will find speak none such as the adorable Albanian grandmothers.

You don’t have to worry about the language barrier when you travel to Albania as you can always get past it with some English and sign language.

If you really want to impress the locals when you come to Albania it’s a great idea to learn a few words.  Albanian people love it when people try and speak the Albanian language. 

It’s always met with a smile and a little giggle.

• Pershentdejte – Hello
• Faleminderit – Thank you
• Gazuar – Cheers or Salut!

Capital of Albania

The capital of Albania is Tirana. 

There’s a lot to see and do in Tirana and it’s fast becoming a tourist mecca of trendy cafes and bars and a great place to learn about the recent history of Albania.

I have a full Albania travel guide on the best things to do in Tirana as well as my recommendations on restaurants and hotels below.

The capital city is a great place to base yourself while doing the odd day trip around the local area because there’s SO much to see in this part of the country. Click here to read about the best daytrips from Tirana.

Read more: 19 best things to do in Tirana

When should I visit Albania?

I have a full article on the best times to visit Albania below. 

My favourite time is spring because in the south especially, the beach bars start to open, the sun is out and in full swing, and it’s just a little quiet.

Plus if you’re on a budget, then this is a great time before the prices rise in the summer.

Albania has the ol’ Mediterranean climate so during the summer it can get very hot and dry.

Below I go into detail on the pros and cons of travelling at any time of the year.

Read more: The best time to visit Albania

Travel insurance in Albania

If you’re going to travel in Albania, I personally would look into SafetyWing Travel Insurance, you can read more about it here .   They have two great plans whether you are on a budget or want a more comprehensive insurance plan. 

No matter where in the world you are from, or where you are going, they can hook you up with the best deal!

➡ Get an instant travel insurance quote here

Albania Holidays and celebrations

1st January – New Year’s:   As Albanians generally don’t celebrate Christmas like elsewhere in Europe and other parts of the world, they go all out for New Year’s!

They usually gift presents and see the New Year in with their family then go out and party until the sun rises.

Apparently, this tradition came from communism as all religion was outlawed and the only holiday that isn’t religious is New Year’s.  So, because of that, Albanians only could celebrate one holiday a year.

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14th March – Dita e Verës (Summer Day): This is one of my favourite days in Albania, as it’s the start of spring, is always a great day!

This is the biggest pagan holiday and an important holiday for Albanians and throughout the Balkans.  It celebrates the first day of the Albanian ancient calendar as well as the end of winter and the start of summer and the rejuvenation of nature.

If you want to celebrate this day then head to Elbasan.  Here is the centre of celebrations with concerts and festivities for the day. People also make and eat ballakume – a sweet cookie.

You will notice people wearing a 2-string red and white bracelet named ‘verore’ which many start to wear March 1st.  After dita e vere is over they then tie the bracelet to a tree for good luck.

28th November – Flag and Independence Day: This is the day that Albania declared its independence from The Ottoman empire.  It was proclaimed in Vlore in 1912.

Only 6 days later the first government of Albania was created and led by Ismail Qemali.

A prominent moment was when Ismail waved the first flag of independent Albania from the balcony of the assembly of Vlora.  This flag was inspired by Skanderbeg’s (a national hero) flag which had been used 400 years beforehand.

29th November – Liberation Day: The day after Independence Day Albanians also celebrate liberation day.

This day celebrates when the country was liberated from Nazi Germany during World War 2.

25th December – Christmas Day: Albanians don’t celebrate Christmas day like other countries.  New Year is more celebrated.

On Christmas day all the shops run as normal and the day continues like any other day.  However, New Year’s is a different story.

Read more: Festivals in Albania

Prices in Albania

Albania is an incredibly affordable destination.  This is the reason why many choose Albania as their holiday destination.

You can grab a beer for about €1-2 and a meal between €5-10.  A hostel bed with breakfast and a beer can cost as low as €10 and a hotel room for around €20-50.

There are many great options for all budgets, whether you’re a backpacker and want to stay in the best hostels , are in the mid-range and want nice hotels that don’t break the bank or prefer a more luxurious holiday within these must-stay luxury Albania hotels .

If you want more of an adventure and plan to hike around the country, here are the top campsites in Albania to stay in!

If you are thinking of a more permanent move then you check out my article where I go through the prices of renting, food and utilities.

It’s also helpful if you are just visiting as it gives you an idea of what you should pay for different things.

Read more : Cost of Living in Albania

Read more: Getting a long-term visa in Albania

Best places to stay in Albania

There are several accommodation options for travellers coming to Albania. 

In each of my destination Albania travel guide, I recommend the best places to stay in that city or town.

You can book easily through Booking. 

Here are some quick links to destination, hotel and activity guides that will be helpful during your stay in Albania:

Tirana travel guides

• The Most Incredible Hotels in Tirana
• 15 best bars in Tirana to check out
• 16 best restaurants in Tirana
• Top 12 day trips from Tirana to try

Saranda travel guides

• 20 Incredible Hotels in Saranda
• Best things to do in Saranda
• Best restaurants in Saranda

Ksamil travel guides

• 17 best Ksamil beaches to visit
• 10 best hotels in Ksamil

Berat travel guides

• 12 hotels in Berat to stay in

Northern Albania travel guides

• Things to do in Theth, Albania – Home to the famous Albanian Alps
• Kruja Guide
• Cape of Rodon (Durres) Guide

Southern Albania travel guides

• Best things to do in Gjirokaster
• 7 best hotels in Dhermi to stay in
• Qeparo Guide
• Himara Guide
• 13 Amazing Things to do in Korca, Albania
• 8 Things to do in Permet, Albania – Full Travel Guide
• Ali Pasha Castle (Butrint)
• Visiting the Beautiful Blue Eye, Albania (Syri i Kalter)

What it’s like to travel to Albania

Travelling in Albania is something you may have never expected. 

Many expect Albania to be dangerous, not friendly and ugly but people are surprised that none of those is true.

Albania is safe for tourists.

The Albanians are some of the friendliest and most welcoming locals in the world.  They will treat you like one of their own.

Albania is far from ugly. The pristine beaches, mountains and people confirm that. Albania tourism is thriving!

When you travel to Albania, you shouldn’t plan too far ahead.  Everything is flexible, from bus timetables to itineraries.

I would suggest having a rough plan but the option to be a little flexible with it.

Read more: 35 Unique Things to do in Albania

Where to go in Albania

Albania is full of scenic, historic and interesting places to visit. 

You can see the article below which goes into detail of the best places to visit including tourist and local spots which most tourists don’t even know about.

• Read more: 24 Incredibly beautiful places to visit in Albania
• Read more: 10 incredible cities to visit in Albania
• Read more: Theth- Valbona hike: Best hike in Albania!
• Read more: 14 most must-visit castles in Albania
• Read more: 5 best hikes in Albania

The best beaches in Albania

My favourite part of Albania are the beaches.  It’s what made me fall in love with Albania in the first place.

I have tried and tested just about all the beaches in Albania and all the beaches located within the Albanian Riviera .

Below you can check out the ones I recommend visiting.

Read more: 17 of the most beautiful beaches in Albania

Holiday Itineraries for Albania

Below you can read how to spend 1 week in Albania and how to spend 10 days exploring the country! You can get more holiday itineraries in Albania by purchasing my itinerary pack here.

Read more: How to spend 1 week in Albania

Read more: South Albania Itinerary: 10 Days in the Albanian Riviera!

What to pack for Albania

If you’re stuck on what to pack for your trip to Albania, check out my Albania packing list before you start jetting off on your holiday!

Otherwise read below for my must-have top picks for any holiday.

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Facts about Albania

There are many interesting things to learn about Albania. 

I have included them all in the article below.  Click to check them out!

Read more: Facts about Albania

Health and safety in Albania

Is Albania safe?  This is such a popular question and one of my most viewed articles on Albania answers just that and goes into detail (read below).

Yes, Albania is a safe country to travel whether you’re a family, couple or a solo traveller (female and male).  Petty crime like pickpocketing is non-existent.

You will notice that Albanians have the best hospitality, maybe in the world!  Everyone is very helpful and if you’re very stuck in a situation there will most likely always be someone to help you.

If any other Albania travel guide tells you otherwise, they’re wrong!

The only thing you have to watch out for is taxi drivers as most of the time they will try and charge you 2 or 3x the regular price.

Read more: Is Albania safe?

Wi-Fi in Albania and getting a sim card

Believe it or not, I have found Albania to have better Wi-Fi than in New Zealand. It’s fast and reliable.

As I now live in Albania, I have a Wi-Fi router which was free to set up and cost me 2000 lek per month.  Most accommodation options and restaurants will have Wi-Fi.

If you would like to get a sim card you can do so at any of the Vodafone shops around.  There’s one at the airport if you fly into Tirana. 

They will get you set up on a local sim fast and easily.

For under €10 you can get 5MB of data and I have found that you will most likely get another 5MB free!

Can you drink the water in Albania?

I wouldn’t recommend drinking the water in Albania.  The water throughout the country has high levels of chloride and heavy metals. 

I used to drink the water myself but noticed after a couple of months I started to experience bad stomach pains. 

Then, I found that none of the locals drink the water, that’s when you know to not drink it!

Cultural norms in Albania

Staring: In Albania, it’s totally normal and encouraged to stare.  You may find at the start it might be a bit uncomfortable, but you will have to get used to it!

I have had old men stop in the middle of the street to just stare at me.  Nowadays I just try and laugh and give a good old stare back!

Expressing: Albanians are very expressive.  They love to move their hands when they talk.

Albanians are also very loud.  Most of the time they are just having a conversation but sound like they are arguing.

The headshake: In some parts of Albania, they will shake their head side to side for a yes and up and down for a no.

They also shake their head side to side when they are listening in a conversation.  It can get very confusing, especially if you’re asking a question and the answer is yes but their head is saying something else.

Grunting: Upon my observations, while living in Albania, I have noticed that Albanians grunt a lot.

In fact, I have listened to a whole conversation once with just grunting and noises instead of words.  Super interesting.

Communication: If you want to know about how your weight is doing, ask an Albanian.  Don’t be offended if Albanians say that you look thin or fat.

Weight is not something that’s a taboo subject to them.  I still struggle with this if I’m honest.  Although, when I’m having a skinny day, it’s the best confidence boost.

Dress:   you’re welcome to wear whatever you like during your time in Albania.  The women make a big effort when it comes to dressing up.

They love to wear big high heels and dresses that I would only wear once in my lifetime, to the local club.  I always feel underdressed at a club or sometimes even walking down the street.

The older men usually wear suits, yes suits!  Just for having a coffee!  Pretty impressive huh.

You may notice that most of the older women in Albania are wearing all black. There is a reason for this.  This is to pay respects to loved ones that have passed.  They usually wear this for as long as 10-20 years after that person has passed away.

Greetings: Albanians will usually greet you with a kiss on each cheek or a handshake.

When older women greet younger women, you will normally get a million kisses, a pinch on the cheek and squeezed until you can’t breathe.

Dating:  Some families still arrange marriage but nowadays this not common at all.  Sometimes the family will be open to their son/daughter dating a foreigner.  I have only heard from one girl I met that it was a problem for her, and she wasn’t accepted into the family.

From personal experience, I have an Albanian boyfriend and his family have welcomed me like I’m their daughter.

However, dating is not really something that Albanians do.  But saying that, if you’re looking for an Albanian boyfriend you will easily find one.

If a single man goes out with a single woman, it’s usually considered that they are together.

So, ladies, if you do go to dinner with a man make it clear that you want to get to know each other and going for dinner doesn’t mean you’re boyfriend and girlfriend.

Men generally don’t like women who have dated many other men in that city/town too.

Albanian men will do anything for their girls and can usually be quite possessive.  They will get jealous easily if you do have guy friends.  Don’t take offence to this though, it just means they care and they will openly tell you that.

Gender roles:   Albanian women generally look after the house and the men work for the family.

This is how most families work in Albania but today it’s now common for women to be working too.  Gender roles are still very much prominent in Albanian society.

As unemployment in Albania is very high, a lot of men will sit in coffee shops for much of the day.

Albanian flexy time:  If someone says to meet at a particular time it usually means at least half an hour after that.  It’s considered polite to be late.

Even Dr/dentist appointments are merely suggestions.  No wonder nothing gets done in Albania quickly.

Albanians don’t like commitment so arranging things ahead of time probably won’t end well.

Superstitions in Albania

I’m currently constructing an article on Albanian beliefs.  In the south, there are many things that Albanians believe in.  For example:

• If you have finished a glass of raki and you order another, the waiter will pour the raki into the cup you are already using.  They will never give you a new cup.  This is because if you change the cup, you can lovers!
• You may notice stuffed toys hanging outside houses/apartments.  This is to ward off bad spirits.

Corruption in Albania

I try to be very honest in this Albania travel guide when it comes to corruption. Unfortunately, corruption in Albania is still alive and well. 

It’s not something that you really have to think about unless you do something that’s illegal. 

Corruption is slowing down though if you compare it to five years ago, or maybe it’s that you just can’t see it as obvious anymore.

Things are slowly changing for the better.

Driving in Albania

If you visit Albania it can be a great idea to hire a car in Albania . That way you will see more of the country and get to stop at all the great hidden spots most tourists would completely miss.

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When it comes to driving in Albania, it should come with caution as signs and road laws seem to be merely suggestions for Albanians.

Speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, overtaking on blind corners etc is very common. 

When driving in Albania always drive with caution and beware of all sides of the car as people can and will overtake you without your knowledge.

You MUST put your lights on when driving in Albania. 

There is a law that states it.  Whether the law is followed through, that’s another story.  Better to leave them on than not.

Another thing that they are very tough on is always carrying your drivers’ license. 

Albanians can be put straight into jail if they don’t have their license on them when an officer asks.  This applies to foreigners.

I have had friends who didn’t have their licences on them and it was a horrible experience.  There was a lot of shouting, taken ‘hostage’ in a police station and a huge hassle! 

So please, always carry your licence.

Read more: How to Hire a Car in Albania

Religion in Albania

Talk to just about any Albanian and they will tell you that religion doesn’t matter.  They don’t care what you believe in, it’s your choice.

Albania is a Christian country, then after the Ottoman empire, it became predominately Muslim. 

However, during communism, all religion was banned so it became the first atheist country. 

Nowadays many online articles say that the Albanian population is predominantly Muslim, which is somewhat untrue.

If you do come across someone who is a Muslim you probably won’t even notice because pork is eaten, alcohol is drunken, and no one follows any sort of rules.

Drone flying in Albania

You can fly your drone everywhere except near Tirana airport of course and military spaces. 

As of now, there are no laws on drone flying in Albania.

There was speculation that there was, but my partner has personally checked with officials and you can fly anywhere that’s not airspace.

Transportation

I have a full article on transportation below!  The most popular way of getting around is by public transportation which only consists of busses.

You can also hire a car if you feel comfortable enough to drive.

Backpackers quite often hitchhike through the country which is completely safe.  Albanians often hitchhike themselves so it’s very common.

Read more: Getting around Albania

Read more: Albania bus timetables

What to eat in Albania

There are many delicious foods you should try during your time in Albania.  Albanian cuisine is fresh, healthy and very delicious.

They use a lot of olive oil, white (feta) cheese and eat lots of fruit. 

Albania also does great Italian food. Many Albanians moved to Italy after communism and the civil war, and brought back their skills of Italian pizza and pasta. 

Greek food is also readily available.

In the south and along the coast of Albania they eat a lot of seafood.

What I love about Albanian food is that everything is fresh and comes from the local garden, so you always feel full and amazing after a meal!

Read more: 39 Delicious Albanian Dishes to Try!

What to drink in Albania

Raki is the national drink.  It’s an alcoholic spirit which can be between 20-80% and the dangerous thing is, you never really know how strong it is.

Many families brew their own raki.  You will see old men with their glass of raki with their morning coffee.  They use it for health and to ‘keep strong’.

They also use raki in hospitals as a serializer for wounds. 

If you have a cough or cold, someone will probably recommend that you drink Raki.

Albania also has its own beer.  There’s one called Korca and one called Elbar.

There are also some delicious Albanian wine and great wineries to visit in Albania. 

There are 3 around the town of Berat.  My favourite is Çobo.  You can go there for a tasting and for €14 taste 4 wines and a little food platter with olives, cheeses and bread!

Join my travelling Albania Facebook group!

I have created a group on Facebook called ‘Travelling Albania’.  It’s a great group where we help each other with any questions you may have about travelling or living in Albania.  Make sure you join below!

🌍 Join the Facebook group here

If there’s something else that you didn’t find in this Albania travel guide then let me know in the comments so I can be sure to add it!

I try to create as much new and valuable content for this Albania blog as possible.

Other Albanian articles you will love:

• How to Find an Apartment to Rent in Saranda, Albania
• 17 best Albanian souvenirs to buy
• Travel Albania: 15 Beautiful Photos of Albania
• Reasons Why I Love Albania
• 9 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Albania
• Backpacking Through the Balkans: From Bosnia to Albania

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The Comments

Great article. I have Albanian friends .I have always been interested in visiting Albania. In depth guide!

Anita Hendrieka

Thank you for reading! 🙂

Thank you for all your insight into Albania! You are living the dream! I find myself drawn to this area of the world more and more.

Question: my partner and I will be in Athens in May and would like to travel along the coast north. I appreciated your post about taking the bus to Sarande (and this one about renting a car in the Albania). Have you ever seen/heard of the possibility of renting a car to drive from Athens/Sarande through Montenegro to Croatia? Thanks!

Hi there! Thanks for a great and informative read. I’m also a fellow kiwi and my partner and I are about to cross from Corfu to Albania! I was curious as to where this new market is in Tirana you spoke of? Google maps hasn’t provided me much insight. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks!

Hey Georgie, the market is called ‘Pazari i Ri’ in Albanian 🙂

I have a question I hope you’ll be able to answer. I’m visiting Albania this August with my boyfriend. We plan on backpacking through the country. I’ve read and heard that Albanian people tend to be quite racist towards black people. My boyfriend is black so this concerns me. Can you tell me more about racism in Albania?

Thanks in advance!

Hey Maxime, Thanks for your comment! I’m glad that you have chosen Albania as your holiday destination. To be completely honest, I have heard both positive and negative stories about racism in Albania. As I don’t have any personal experience myself I don’t think I am equipment to answer that question, but I highly recommend joining my Facebook group ‘travelling Albania’ and asking in the forum as there might be people in there who have had some personal experiences! 🙂

Thanks for your reply! I can’t seem to find your facebook group. Can you maybe post the link? Thank you!

Hey Maxime, you can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travellingalbania/

Ingrid Danielsson

Hello! I travel to Albania all the time since I know a lot of Albanian people there. So very very much to explore and I do that both with my Albanian friends and with Swedish tourists who I bring to share it with. I should say that the water is very clean and the best possible to drink, at least in the northern regions like Dibra and Tropoja. You can fill your bottle with cold fresh water directly from the mountains at a lot of places along the road, even around Gjirokastër in the south. Also when you buy coffee you often get a glass of water. Don´t be afraid to drink that! I guess only in the biggest cities you should be better off buying your water, which is very cheap but sadly do contribute to the plastic bottle consumption.

Hey Ingrid, yes you’re right! If you can get water straight from the mountain then it’s amazing! Unfortunately nearly all over Albania, it’s not advised to drink water from the tap. There have been tests done in Tirana and Saranda by people I know and they have come back unsafe to drink. I try to get water from the local spring just of Saranda but unfortunately, I do have to buy most of my water when I can’t get there 🙁 Hopefully, Albania can provide fresh drinking water from the tap for their citizens soon!

In my native town Tepelena, we drink from the tap, is good.

Amber Richards

Albania is such an amazing country and often underrated! I’ve been there twice and will go again as soon as I can – great places!

Hi Anita – thanks for the wonderful guide. Regarding driving, is it expected to have an international driving permit, or a regular drivers license (in my case the US) okay?

Trying to avoid a situation like the one you mentioned!

Hey Shawn, yes as you are from the US you will need an international drivers license. You can only use your own license if you are from the EU 🙂

Anita, thank you, thank you, thank you! Your guide is helping me a lot!! The information is very valuable. Next week I’ll be there, yuhu!

Hey!! Major thanks for this guide! You helped me a lot!! Although, I always thought Kukër airport is international too, no?

Yes, there is but as far as I know they do not do commercial international flights. I read somewhere that they might start opening it to some low-cost airlines in autumn 2019

Thomas Mills

Hello, thank you for this wealth of information! I have been fascinated with Albania for years. However, I need your advice, I am in Croatia now, looking into traveling through Albania. But I am concerned about road conditions, and running buses, especially after the recent earthquake. Would you advise me to try this trip, or avoid it for the time being? Thank you for your time and consideration! Tom

Hello, thank you for your amazing experience. I will have a 4 day trip to Albania this November and i intend to visit Tirana and Theth. Do you think its a suitable time to enjoy scenery in Theth ? as i am a natural lover, i would love to explore this beautiful place.

Hey there, depending on when in November you visit it will be constant rain or there may be even snow so I’m not sure it is the best time to visit

Hello! Thanks for the inspiring stories! I do not find any information about grave and burial culture. In each of the countries I visit, I’m visited a some cemetery. I find it interesting to know about other different traditions. What would you recommend to visit? Best regards!

Hi FAB information thanks for the Blog after reading it really looks and sounds perfect. I have just started my nomad journey this year but stuck in two countries due to awful Covid situation. Albania sounds perfect. Being EU citizen I have read up on the 1 year temporary residence visa which I may apply during my 90 days. Please can you please advise as some requirements are not fully detailed on the government webpage. 1. Do I need my birth certificate? (as this would take me long time to arrange) or only passport? 2. I note I need a medical certificate from Armenian Hospital, I am unable to find the full listed details of the tests. What does the health examination entail please? Is it just general health check or a full health screening blood work (what tests) , X Ray etc. 3. Is it easy to obtain / register for a tax number? 4. Would I need to start a business LLC in country, to provide support in my application? (even though my online work is still fledgling as I live on savings and rental income) 5. How long does the process take, normally I am plan to travel early January Thank you very much jo

I would like to visit Albania for the first time as a digital nomad but I’ve heard that there are frequent power cuts. Is that true?

Your blog is a treasure! Thank you so so much. I’m hoping to travel to Albania at the end of this May. Any recommendations on traveling to Albania during the pandemic? Thank you so much!

Hey! Thanks for the lovely comment 🙂 I just published a new post about the situation here: https://www.anitahendrieka.com/albania-travel-restrictions/ Hopefully that helps!

Dear Anita, Thanks for all the information about Albania, knowing the conuntry sounds amazing! My wife and I want to spend 3 weeks all around the country in July, focusing on the beaches, but I am afraid about the influx of people and covid precautions on them. As you live there, how full use to be the albanian riviera beaches during July? We would appreciate too your recommendation on “special beach places”.

Thanks in advance, Warm regards!

Swarup Kumar

Read your blog with interest Can you advise some acco near prespa lake Not in Podugorce Or a trip for 3 days from kasmil to Prespa Thank you swarup Kumar

Hi Anita, I just found your blog and am very impressed so far. I find myself with the unexpected opportunity of staying in Finiq near Saranda for a while, and wanted to check in to see whether you have done any posts about crafts and artisans in Saranda and surrounding areas, or at least any coverage of souvenirs unique to the area or wider Albania? My primary interest is in the ethnographic and photographic documentation of traditional skills, so I am researching what potential there may be. Also, can you advise me on the importation and use of drones in Albania, and whether places such as Butrint need permits or advance permission? Thanks!

Louise Phillips

Your travel guide to Albania looks amazing. My friend and I are thinking of going to Albania, we are both in our 70’s but are fit and like travelling. Can I pick up a hard copy of your guide in UK? I can see Amazon sell it in the US but cannot find it in Britain? Thanks Louise

Wow! What a fantastic resource, thank you! I’m a travel writer in Canada, and we’re heading to Albania in autumn – can’t wait to put your advice into practice.

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Albania Itinerary: Complete 2-Week Road Trip

Welcome to the most unexpected destination in Europe : beautiful Albania! A diverse country that will take your breath away, from the beaches (similar to those in neighboring Greece ) to the mountains, which wouldn’t look out of place on a Swiss postcard. Combine this with the delicious food, Ottoman towns, and incredible hospitality of the locals, and Albania is set to top every traveler’s bucket list. Use this complete 2-week Albania itinerary to explore this remarkable destination.

The Ultimate Albania 2-Week Itinerary

Traveling in Albania is magical, as you discover a country home to the last wild river of Europe, incredible mountains, and white sandy beaches.

Also read: Best Things to do in Albania .

Despite this well-preserved nature, the country is developing fast, and the infrastructure continues to go from strength to strength. Because of this, the roads are good, so we recommend completing your Albania itinerary by car.

If you don’t have a car, it is possible to travel by bus, but it does take more time. Plus, you’ll have a lot more flexibility if you choose to do a 2-week Albanian road trip. 

Did you know? Surprisingly, 60% of the country is Muslim, but all religions live together in harmony. You’ll notice beautiful mosques and the sound of the call to prayer echoing out across the ancient towns and vistas.

Day 1: Tirana to Berat

On day 1, fly into the colorful capital city of Albania: Tirana . We recommend finding a morning or early afternoon flight, so you have time to collect your hire car and drive directly to Berat (2 hours). Don’t worry about missing out on the beautiful sights of Tirana , as you’ll come back to the city on your final day. 

How to get from Tirana to Berat

Rent a car from the airport and drive directly to Berat . The drive takes approximately 2 hours, and the roads are in good condition (with most of the journey on the highway). 

We recommend to rent a car in Albania through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Buses in Albania are reliable and very cheap. The only downside is that your journey might take a little longer than by car.

From the capital city, buses to Berat are very frequent (run roughly every 30 mins) and cost 500 LEK (4.30 USD). The bus ride takes 2 hours and 15 minutes. 

Where to Stay in Berat

When you reach Berat, book yourself into a traditional guesthouse. We recommend staying in the neighborhood of Gorica as it’s more affordable and only just across the bridge from the town center.  See all your hotel options here .

Hotels in Berat 😴

Day 2: Berat  

On day 2, explore the extraordinary city of Berat , a place home to incredible Ottoman architecture. It’s known as the city of a thousand windows, and it’s easy to see why; beautiful window panes face downhill onto the River Osum.

Read: Things to do in Berat, Albania .

Unusually, two neighborhoods face each other across the water with bridges connecting them, so it’s fun to move between the areas, wandering the charming cobbled streets.

Make sure to also walk up to the impressive Byzantine Church and the castle ruins, which are left at the top of the hill—it’s the perfect place to go for views of the valley below, especially at sunset. 

Day 3: Berat to Gjirokaster

On Day 3, wake up and enjoy a typical Albanian breakfast of bread, butter, yogurt, fruit, and olives, before your 3-hour drive to Gjirokaster . This is a very scenic drive, so take it slow and make regular stops to get some photos. 

How to get from Berat to Gjirokaster

First, you need to drive to the city of Fier before continuing your route along the beautiful Drino River. Google Maps might suggest a shorter way via Komar, but this is a route only accessible for 4×4 cars. In total, the drive will take around 3 hours (longer if you’re taking regular breaks).

There is a direct bus to Gjirokaster from Berat , which takes approximately 3 hours. However, the bus makes many stops along the way, so be aware it could take a little longer. There are 3 buses daily, 2 of which leave at 2 PM (the last bus of the day).

Where to Stay in Gjirokaster

Stay centrally in Gjirokaster, within the old town which sits high on the hill with beautiful views. It’s definitely worth it, even with the walk! See all your hotel options in Gjirokaster .

Hotels in Gjirokaster 😴

Day 4: Gjirokaster

Gjirokaster is one of the most memorable towns on your Albania 2-week itinerary. This beautiful town is full of houses with white facades, complete with wooden balconies and stone roofs in the typical Ottoman style. There is also a magnificent fortress that sits high on the hill.

Because of its history, everything is carefully preserved, and it’s been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. If you want to learn more about the town’s interesting past, there is a museum within the fortress. 

Read all about the things to do in Gjirokaster .

Spend your day in Gjirokaster wandering among the characteristic houses and browsing the cute shops selling carpets and ceramics. You can even visit inside the homes to see the interior of what a traditional Ottoman house would look like. The most beautiful thing of all, though, is the scenery; the town is surrounded by mountain ranges and towering ridges.

Day 5: Gjirokaster to Ksamil (via Syri i Kaltër/Blue Eye) 

On day 5 of your Albanian road trip, begin your journey to Ksamil , a beautiful coastal town on the ‘Albanian Riviera’. On your way, break up your trip with a stop at the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a crystal clear emerald pool that is perfect for swimming.

It takes just 30 minutes to drive here from Gjirokaster and then a 15-minute walk from the parking spot. When you arrive, you’ll be met by the most gorgeous sight: beautiful blue and green colored water that comes fresh from a natural spring.

The water is numbingly cold but so refreshing, especially in the summer! It does say that you’re not allowed to swim, but plenty of people do so (there was a guard there patrolling, and he only asked people not to jump from the platform). We recommend arriving as early as possible in the morning to avoid the summer crowds. 

Entrance fee: 50 LEK (0.50 USD)

After your swim, dry off and head back to the car for the rest of your trip. Follow the road to Saranda, and continue on to Ksamil from there. From the Blue Eye, the journey takes approximately 1 hour.

Tip: Ksamil and Saranda are neighboring coastal towns and both popular choices on an Albania itinerary. However, Sarande is much more of a party town than Ksamil, so it depends on your preference.

How to get from Gjirokaster to Ksamil

The drive from Gjirokaster to Ksamil takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. However, that doesn’t include time for your stop at the Blue Eye. Allow for 2 hours at the Blue Eye to relax, have a swim, and enjoy walking through nature. 

There are no direct buses running from Gjirokaster to Ksamil. Instead, you will need to take a bus to Saranda and, from there, take a taxi to Ksamil. Buses leave Gjirokaster every 20-30 minutes and take about 1 hour.

If you’re traveling by bus, you won’t be able to make a stop off at Syri I Kaltër (Blue Eye). However, tours run regularly from Gjirokaster and Saranda and include return transport.

Where to stay in Ksamil

Once you arrive in Ksamil, choose to stay close to the beaches, ideally within 10 to 15 minutes walk. See all your hotel options here .

Hotels in Ksamil 😴

Day 6: Ksamil

The beach paradise of Ksamil is a must-see on your Albania itinerary. Sitting on the coast of the Albanian Riviera, it’s home to incredible beaches, which aren’t dissimilar to the south of France (hence the name!). Turquoise ocean backs onto soft yellow sand that’s covered in a sea of multi-colored beach umbrellas—bliss!

Read about the things to do in Ksamil, Albania .

There are also 4 small islands on the coast which are perfect for exploring. Hire a kayak or a SUP and paddle out to explore the rocky outcrops, jumping off into the water to cool off at any opportunity. You can also do boat tours to some of the bigger islands and even take a ferry to Corfu, Greece !

By day, choose a private or public beach, and hire day beds from chic beach clubs. By night, do as the locals do and enjoy promenading along the seafront, stopping for a bite to eat in the warm evening air. 

Day 7: Butrint National Park

Day 7 is all about history as you embark on the next part of your Albanian road trip! Stay in Ksamil for another night, but venture away for a half-day trip to Butrint National Park (one of the most important historical sites in the whole country). Discover this remote national park, full of roman ruins and now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site .

As you wander between the unique stone monuments, you’ll be shaded by many beautiful trees, and you’ll never be far from the clear turquoise water that sits nearby. Because of this, it’s doable to visit in the middle of the day (although we advise visiting in the morning for fewer crowds).

Read everything about Butrint National Park

Spend 1.5 to 3 hours in the park, finishing your walk at the beautiful castle where there is a great view.

Entry Fee: 700 LEK (6.10 USD)

How to get from Ksamil to Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park is only a maximum 15 minutes drive from Ksamil, so it’s straightforward to reach by car.

There are 3 small squares by the main road where you can catch a bus to Butrint National Park. You must request the bus as otherwise, it’ll just drive on. Because of this, it’s safer to get a taxi to give you more flexibility.

Organized Tour:

Organized tours to Butrint Park run from larger cities like Saranda and normally include other locations like the Blue Eye and Ksamil.

Day 8: Ksamil to Himarë

Wake up on day 8 of your Albania 2-week itinerary and head for the beautiful beach town of Himarë , another gem on the Albanian Riviera. The journey in total takes around 2 hours.

Read everything about Himare, Albania.

Castle Palermo (Optional Stop)

If you have time, make a stop at the incredible Castle Palermo. This mammoth, triangular-shaped fortress sits on top of a cliff on a peninsula overlooking the most beautiful blue ocean.

Also read: Historic Krujë Castle.

Park for free close by and wander towards the castle, looking out over the dazzling sea and beautiful olive groves. Once you’re in the castle, you can learn more about its history (it was built for an Ottoman governor as his home and defense fortress). You can even walk upstairs to the rooftop for fantastic views!

If you have time, there is also a beach underneath the castle where you can relax and swim for a few hours.

Entry Fee: ​​300 Lek (2.5 EUR or 3 USD)

How to get from Ksamil to Himarë

By car is the best way to get to Himarë , particularly if you want the flexibility to make a stop at Palermo Castle. The journey in total between Ksamil and Himarë is just under 2 hours. The journey time is more or less the same if you make a stop at Castle Palermo (it’s 1.5 hours to the castle and 25 minutes from there to Himarë). 

There are no buses from Ksamil to Himarë. You must travel by taxi or book a private transfer .

Where to Stay in Himarë

Once you’re in Himarë, you have two bays to choose from. One has many hotels and restaurants, and the other is quieter as it’s still in development. Wherever you choose, you’ll find both smaller guesthouses and beautiful luxury hotels.

Hotels in Himare 😴

Ideally, stay for 1 or 2 nights, choosing accommodation close to the beach. See all your hotel options in Himarë .

Tip: Camping is also possible in Albania and is the perfect way to explore the country’s dramatic landscapes and diverse nature.

Day 9: Himarë  

Himarë is a beautiful beach destination north of Ksamil and Butrint National Park . The advantage of visiting this coastal town is that it’s far less crowded than Saranda and Ksamil, and it’s considerably cheaper than the nearby town of Dhermi.

It is home to wide sweeping bays with the most perfectly calm, clear ocean, and it’s not as busy, so you won’t find the beaches packed with parasols and beds. 

Read: Best Things to do in Himare .

Spend the Afternoon in Dhermi

However, although we recommend basing yourself in Himarë on your Albania 2-week itinerary, you should definitely try and make a visit to the nearby town of Dhermi. Not only is it close to some of the most fantastic beaches, but it’s an authentic hillside village in Albania.

Walk through its cobblestone streets with pretty houses and churches, stopping to take photos of the beautiful coastal views. It’s a great place to visit in the afternoon or evening for sunset. 

Day 10: Himarë to Kruje

One of the most beautiful drives on your Albanian road trip is the one from Himarë to Kruje . Although it’s a long drive (4-5 hours), it moves across stunning landscapes, especially the first 1.5 hours on the road to Vlore—which is absolutely breathtaking.

As you go, you’ll pass through the luscious Llogara National Park, riding along the high coastal road, which provides you with epic views of the cliffs, beaches, and Adriatic sea. Vlore itself is very green and luscious and, surprisingly, is famous for being home to the spotted deer. 

Kruje Castle and Old Town

When you finally arrive in Krujë , you’ll be blown away by this beautiful medieval town—home to one of the most colorful bazaars we’ve ever seen. Gorgeous ruby red textiles hang from the market stalls, and it’s lovely to walk around and buy souvenirs, antiques, and handmade carpets. The afternoon is the perfect amount of time to explore the old town and bazaar.

Read all about Krujë Castle and the Historic village .

Alternative Stop: Shkod er

Alternatively, you can spend the night at Shkoder, which is closer to Theth (the next stop on your Albania itinerary). This is a bigger city with beautiful old town pedestrian streets and loads of great food and drink options. Especially at the weekends, this city is vibrant and lively and an enjoyable place to hang out.

We recommend spending time in the Gjuhadol neighborhood, where you’ll find the nicest streets.  Find a hotel in Shkoder .

Tip: if you’re traveling in Albania by public transport, you’ll need to spend the night in Shkoder to take an arranged transfer to Theth the following day. If you have a car, we recommend skipping Shkoder and arriving at Theth directly from Kruje .

Where to Stay in Kruje

Stay as close as you can to the old town and bazaar, particularly as you’re only in Kruje for the afternoon/evening.  Here are all your hotel options in Kruje .

Hotels in Kruje 😴

How to get from Himarë to Kruje

Traveling by car from Himarë to Kruje is the easiest option and takes between 4-5 hours. 

There are no direct buses from Himarë to Kruje. Instead, you’ll need to take a bus to Vorë or back to Tirana and take the bus from these destinations. In total (including changing bus), both these journeys will take you approximately 5-6 hours.

Please note: If you want to travel on to Theth the next day, you’ll need to stay the night in Shkoder because that’s the only town where transfers leave for Theth (Albania’s answer to the Alps).

Day 11: Kruje to Theth

If you haven’t already explored Kruje’s Bazaar (one of the oldest markets in Albania), then spend the morning here taking in all the sights and senses of this beautiful area. (Just note that most shops opens at 10 AM) There is also a castle in Kruje to explore if you have time. 

After breakfast and a morning exploring Kruje, start on one of the most beautiful journeys of your Albanian road trip: the drive to Theth . Along the way, you’ll share the winding roads with goats, cows, and pigs and stop off at beautiful viewpoints with panoramic views of the mountains; you’re now arriving in Albania’s version of the Swiss Alps! 

Theth Village

Spend your afternoon in beautiful Theth village , a cute town which essentially consists of one long street bordering the river. It’s full of sweet houses, guesthouses, and great campsites (with good facilities). 

Read everything about the mountain village Theth in Albania .

People come to Theth to camp and hike, so it’s popular in summer with tourists. However, you’ll notice that authentic local life continues, with the farmers still herding their sheep and horses along the roads.

Witnessing this with the majestic mountain peaks in the background is truly like something from a movie. You’ll spend a few days here, enjoying the town, and hiking famous trails like the Peje Mountain Pass or the Valbona Peak. 

Tip: One of the most beautiful parts of Theth is the idyllic church you can find on the outskirts of town, surrounded by mountain peaks and meadows full of flowers. It’s an absolute must-visit and one of the best places to visit in Albania!

Where to Stay in Theth

Look for a hotel on the main street of Theth (not on the hill), so you can be closer to the center of the village for your afternoon stroll.  See all your hotel options .

Hotels in Theth 😴

How to get from Kruje to Theth

The journey from Kruje to Theth takes around 3.5 hours. Along the way, you can stop at Shkoder if you’d like a break; there are lots of beautiful things to see here, including Lake Shkoder, which forms a natural border between Albania and Montenegro.

As Theth is very remote, there are no buses from Kruje to Theth. You’ll need to get to Shkoder and arrange a transfer or organized tour from there to Theth. 

Day 12: Hike to Valbona Peak, Theth

Day 12 is your chance to explore the unbelievable nature that Albania has to offer. Pack a backpack and prepare to do the most beautiful hike from Theth to Valbona peak and back.

Along the way, you’ll pass through forests, gorgeous grasslands that look across onto the mountain peaks, bubbling brooks and streams, and meadows full of flowers and boulders. You could really feel as if you were in the Alps, with dramatic scenery all around and only birds, crickets, and butterflies to keep you company along the way. 

How long does the hike take? 

Start at 8 AM, and you should return to Theth around 3-4 PM. It takes around 7 hours to hike the trail (15 km in total), and it’s doable but definitely a challenge! Please be aware that on some parts of the trail, there are (very) steep gravel paths, so make sure you’re wearing proper hiking shoes. 

Tip: Traveling to Theth by public transport? You can catch a ferry or shared van back to Shkoder after your hike (the journey is approx 2 hours).

Day 13: Theth to Tirana

On your penultimate day in Albania, it’s time to head back to the buzzing capital: Tirana (a must-see on your 2-week Albania itinerary). Have breakfast and make an early start to drive back to Tirana so you can spend the afternoon in the city. 

Spend the Afternoon in Tirana

Once you’ve checked into your hotel, make the most of the city’s cultural hotspots, enjoying all the museums, art galleries, and interesting restaurants. You’ll find the National Museum of History here, which is a plot of former underground bunkers now turned into an exhibit on Albania’s communist history.

Entry Fee: 400 LEK (3.50 USD)

Aside from seeing the city’s museums, it’s lovely to just walk around for a few hours, witnessing the interesting architecture of Tirana —a reflection of its historical and cultural heritage.

You’ll find a mix of older and newer buildings, some in a more Mediterranean European style and some in an urban fascist style. Best of all, it’s earned a reputation for its colorful buildings due to the major being an artist and painting the buildings. These colored buildings are spread across the city, but two of the must-sees are:

• Ministry of Tourism and Environment
• Ministry of Agriculture

How to get from Theth to Tirana

The journey from Theth to Tirana takes 3.5 hours. You don’t need a 4×4 as the road to Theth is now paved and safe to drive on.

It’s possible to take a bus from Theth to Tirana. You’ll need to first take a shared shuttle bus to Shkoder (or taxi). From there, there are buses running every 30 minutes to Tirana. The journey takes 2 hours and costs 400 LEK (3.60 USD), so it’s very cheap.

Where to Stay in Tirana

The Blloku neighborhood is the most colorful and trendy of all and a great place to stay in Tirana. Alternatively, anywhere close to the city center is good. See all your hotel options in Tirana .

Hotels in Tirana 😴

Day 14: Drive to Tirana Airport (Departure)

Day 14 is the final day of your beautiful 2-week Albania itinerary, and time to pack your bags and leave with some incredible memories of this underrated country in Europe!

If you have a hire car, drive the 30 minutes to the airport and drop your rental car there before you fly. Alternatively, take the airport shuttle bus, which leaves the city center regularly (from Skanderbeg Square). A ticket costs 300 LEKE (2.70 USD) and can be purchased on the bus.

How to Visit Albania in 2 Weeks

Albania is one of the most unexpected treasures, home to everything from epic mountains and natural spring pools to beaches that would rival some of the best in Europe. This 2-week Albania itinerary provides you with various activities, hotel options, and transportation. 

Getting to Albania

The main airport in Albania is Tirana, and international flights arrive here from all around the world. Most of the public transport leaves from the capital city too, and you can collect your car hire there.

Getting Around on Your Albania 2-Week Itinerary

The easiest way to get around Albania is definitely by car. In the past, it had a reputation for bad roads. However, these days, most roads are safe and paved (especially when sticking to the highways). Even in the mountainous region of Theth, the roads are newly paved, so you can use a normal rental car. The only thing to be wary of on the roads is other drivers (Albanian drivers have a bit of a bad reputation, although we didn’t experience this ourselves). Use Waze or Google Maps as your navigation app.

Getting around by bus in Albania is a little trickier, as many destinations don’t have direct bus connections. Because of this, you may have to make multiple changes, and the journeys can be long. The upside, though, is that tickets are very cheap! 

Organized Tour

Alternatively, base yourself in bigger cities like Tirana and Saranda and use those as jumping-off points to explore other areas by organized tour.

Our Favorite Accommodations in Albania

There are many fantastic accommodations in Albania, from charming guesthouses and B&Bs to more luxury beachside hotels. There is even the option to camp! Below are our favorite places to stay for each destination on this 2-week Albania itinerary:

• Berat: Hotel Mangalemi , Tradita e Beratit Hotel
• Gjirokaster: SS Kekezi , Argjiro Traditional , Hotel Argjiro
• Ksamil: Ionian Hotel , Summer Point Hotel , Hotel Meta
• Himarë: Scala Bungalows , Filoxenia Holiday , Guest House Solive
• Kruje: Mervin Hotel , Hotel Panorama
• Shkoder: Çoçja Boutique Hotel , Atelier Boutique Hotel
• Theth: Guesthouse Marashi , Bujtina Miquesia Hotel , Gurra Family Guesthouse
• Tirana: Hotel Theatro , Hotel Boutique Vila , Crown Boutique Hotel

Food in Albania

Albania has a mix of history, cultures, and religions, all coming together in one big melting pot. This makes for some delicious cuisine, whether it’s traditional Albanian dishes, Italian, or Middle Eastern.

You can enjoy all sorts of delicacies, from stuffed peppers and eggplants to olives and baked local cheeses. If you’re brave enough, you can also try Raki, the traditional alcoholic beverage in Albania.

Fun Fact: In Albania, the head gesture for ‘yes’ and ‘no’ is the opposite of most countries (something you might need to know when you’re asked to try Raki!).

Albania Budget

Albania is super cheap; you can get a huge meal for 2 people (with salad and 2 main courses) for just 10 EUR (10.15 USD). You can also stay in incredible hotels for 50 EUR (51 USD) per night, although you can find good hotels for as little as 15 EUR (15.20 USD).

Costs of Traveling in Albania

Travel on a budget in Albania, from $80 − $130 USD weekly per person, mid-range $330 − $920 USD, and high-end from $920 − $1180 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $35 − $70 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $5 − $15 USD Check available hostels
• Car Rental: $50 − $75 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $3 − $8 USD
• Activities: $0 − $7 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit Albania

Albania has very hot summers and mild winters (although you’ll find lots of snow in the mountainous regions). In the summer, locals and tourists head for the beach, and it can get very busy. Because of this, we recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons: May/June or September. This is the perfect time to enjoy warm weather, sunny days, and the beaches of the Albanian Riviera without the crowds. It also has slightly cooler temperatures, which are perfect for hiking in the mountains.  

Is Albania Safe?

There is some dispute about whether Albania is safe, and its communist history has slightly tarnished its reputation. However, in our personal experience, it’s very safe. The locals are warm, friendly people who are always eager to help, and the towns feel very safe and inviting. We walked around with our phones and cameras the entire time, zero issues! Albania truly has our hearts.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Albania trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

We’ve met a lot of solo (female) travelers who had the best time. Yes, they got some heads turning but never experienced anything negative. Obviously, take care of yourself and stay inside the main tourist areas. Here are our tips on how to travel safely .

What to wear in Albania?

Even though over 60% of Albania is Muslim, there are no specific guidelines on what to wear; You’ll see a huge mix of different clothing styles, and especially the younger Albanians dress in a very western style. When entering a religious site, always wear a cover-up. However, at most places they really allow everyone. One Albanian said to us that due to the country’s history, Albanians are now one big family, all living together no matter what their religion is. That’s how the world should be if you’d ask us!

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Krujë: Albania’s Famous Historic Castle and Village

Theth: most beautiful mountain village in albania, 7 best things to do in himare, albania.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

If you had two extra days to spend, where would you choose to stay a bit longer? I’m travelling with a kid so want to take some extra days of rest in between.

Probably Theth or Gjirokaster! 🤗

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Helena Bradbury

The ultimate itinerary in albania: for 5, 7 or 10 days.

Albania is one of the most underrated and misunderstood destinations I’ve ever visited and when planning our itinerary in Albania, I really underestimated how much there is to see in this beautiful country.

With beaches and turquoise water like Greece, mountains like Austria and ancient history like Rome or Athens, Albania blew me and my expectations out of the water.

We spent 5 days in Albania as part of a longer Balkan road trip , however we wished we had been able to stay longer to enjoy the beaches more, do more hikes and spend longer in some of the National Parks. 

So if I had to make a recommendation, I’d suggest 7 days in Albania or maybe even 10 days in Albania if I was to go back and do it all again!

This Albania road trip itinerary can be added to if you are planning to visit for more than 5 days. You can also do this itinerary for Albania in reverse; I’ve done this itinerary from Tirana as I’d imagine that’s where most people will be starting from, however we actually drove into Albania from Greece, so we did this itinerary in reverse from the south of the country and worked our way up to Tirana.

My first trip to Albania was in 2018 during the shoulder season and there was significantly less tourism than there is now, so make sure you book in advance (I also highly recommend going in September!).

Albania Riviera

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Is Albania safe?

In one word, yes.

Obviously you should exercise proper safety precautions as you would in any country when travelling but Albania and Albanian people are so friendly and we mostly experienced excitement that we were there as tourists.

Albania was cut off from the rest of the world by its government’s communist regime until the early 1990s, tourism is a valuable and growing industry in the country and huge developments in infrastructure and facilities are ongoing.

People question if Albania is dangerous for tourists but we always found people incredibly willing to help us and young people in particular were very open and honest about their positive hopes for the future.

Driving in Albania

I won’t go into too much detail as I have a whole post on driving in Albania.

However, driving here was interesting… 

Driving outside the cities was very easy because there was little traffic, no traffic jams and actually nothing to worry about at all, Albania roads were basic but Google Maps served us well.

We did not see a traffic light for 4 days until we arrived in Tirana! Tirana was the most stressful for driving just because it had the highest concentration of vehicles and we saw many incidents like a petrol tanker turning around in the middle of the motorway and driving the wrong way on the carriageway because they missed their exit!

We later learnt from our walking tour guide that many older generations who grew up in Communism never needed a driving licence because they didn’t need to drive. Now many will drive but don’t have a valid licence. I’m sure this situation is changing very fast but this was the reality of what we found and were told on our trip.

So in short, exercise caution. Although we saw some questionable driving behaviour, we never saw an accident and we were not involved in anything worrying either.

Albania travel tips

Most of Albania still operates with cash only, so many sure you have plenty of cash on you at all times

Albania uses the Albanian Lek currency

Tipping is not compulsory but like with most places in Europe, you can tip if you receive great service

Make sure you carry your International Driving Permit if you plan to hire a car

Interactions in Albania can sometimes feel abrupt but this is often just a difference in communication styles between cultures

I’d recommend travelling during the shoulder seasons if you plan to visit coastal resorts as the coastal areas of Albania have become very popular

Albania is not part of the EU or Schengen area to it’s a great option to hop to if you’re reaching your 90-day limit in Schengen

Albania travel itinerary: 5 days, 7 days and 10 days

Day 1: tirana.

View of Tirana from the Sky Tower

Extending your itinerary (1 day) - Depending on your arrival time to Tirana Airport, you may want to add an additional day to your time in Tirana to see everything.

I loved Tirana and learning about the history and rapid change happening there.

I highly recommend doing a free walking tour - we learnt so much during the 3 hours from our guide. He was a student studying sociology and politics and his insights into the history and future of Albania taught me more than any museum could have!

I also love free walking tours as a way to get to know a city when you first arrive, plus the guide always knows the best food and drink spots to help you plan later in your day too!

You can read my full 2 days in Tirana itinerary here and I highly recommend doing the following:

• Free walking tour

Bunk’Art 1 and 2 - visit the art and history museums in these converted nuclear bunkers

Pazari i Ri neighbourhood for food and drinks and see the colourful buildings

See a colourful aerial view of Tirana at the Sky Tower

Visit the National History Museum

See the famous Pyramid of Tirana

Explore the Blloku neighbourhood for upmarket bars, cafes and restaurants

The reason that buildings are so colourful in Albania is because the former mayor of Tirana and now Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, wanted to transform how Albanians felt about their city which was full of soviet style concrete block buildings. He believed he could restore people’s pride in their city and how they look after their neighbourhoods if he made the city look more attractive - and it worked! This is why you’ll see the colourful buildings everywhere in Tirana.

The pyramid of Tirana

Pazari i Ri neighbourhood

Day 2: Berat

Berat, Albania

Extending your itinerary (1 day) - If you are planning 10 days in Albania, I would suggest an extra day here. If you are planning 7 days and would prefer to spend an extra day here, rather than the beach, you can add an extra day here.

The drive from Tirana to Berat is around 1 hour, 45 minutes.

Berat is a protected UNESCO heritage site thanks to its unique white painted Ottoman houses built onto the hillside. The city has existed here for over 2000 years.

The town is often referred to as the Town of a Thousand Windows, because of all the windows on these houses that look out across the valley.

Berat was a real standout on our Albania trip and I’d say it was my favourite of all the places to visit in Albania. The town is so full of character and its position in the valley between the hills is the perfect blend of nature, city and incredible views.

We also stayed in the most stunning hotel which was SO CHEAP. The roof terrace for breakfast with views over the city is one of those core travel moments I’ll never forget. You can read about which hotel I stayed at in Berat and the prices here .

Berat Castle at the top of the hill

Here are my suggestions for things to do in Berat:

Walk up to Berat Castle - the walk up is worth it for the views. The fortress is located at the top of the hill above the city. I’d recommend doing the walk in the early morning or evening if it’s hot.

Walk across the Gorica Bridge - from this vantage point you’ll get the best view of the famous town of a thousand windows. You can take a stroll along the river on the other side too.

Visit the Ethnographic Museum - to learn about Berat’s fascinating history

Walk through the old Ottoman houses and streets 

Explore the bazaar in the Old Town - the antique stores, souvenirs and Albanian trinkets we found here were beautiful, I wanted to buy everything! 

Absolutely do not miss Berat on your Albania itinerary.

Berat Castle and walking tour tickets - Check prices and availability.

If you'd prefer, you can visit Berat on a day trip from Tirana.

Or visit Berat on a day trip from Durres.

Day 3: Sarandë via the Blue Eye

Extending your itinerary (1 day) - If you’re on a 10 day itinerary, I highly recommend exploring more of the northern Albanian Riviera, list of my favourite beaches are below. Alternatively you could add an extra stop and visit Gjirokaster - another popular option for places to see in Albania.

The drive from Berat to Sarandë is around 2.5 hours and on the way you’ll pass the Blue Eye, not long before you reach Sarandë.

The Blue Eye is a stunning and surreal mountain spring which is vibrant blue in colour. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and honestly feels like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.

The best part is that you can swim here, making it the perfect option for a stop on your drive - just don’t forget your swimsuit!

Parking at the Blue Eye is a bit limited but there is a parking area at the entrance to the park and it’s a short walk down to the spring. There’s also a viewing platform and a cafe nearby if you don’t fancy a swim!

From the Blue Eye to Sarandë, it’s just a short 30 minute drive, meaning you have the rest of the afternoon to start enjoying the Albanian Riviera.

Sarandë is a resort town, full of hotels, beaches, restaurants, bars and cafes - the perfect place to spend an afternoon at the beach or extend your trip a day or so longer to enjoy the vibe here!

If you do choose to extend your time here, I highly recommend exploring the other towns on the riviera such as Lukovë, Himarë, Jala or Borsh.

Here are some of my favourite beaches out of Sarandë, some are more off the beaten path or were recommended by locals. 

Krorëza Beach - hike down or take a boat trip. 

Lukove Beach - one of the few designated beach camping spots and it’s stunning

Jali Beach - part of Jala town and easily accessible

Gjipe Beach - our favourite beach but a bit of a hike down, only suitable for off road vehicles.

Day 4: Ksamil

Extending your itinerary (1 day) - If you’re ready for some beach relaxation, you might want to extend your itinerary 1-2 days here if you’re visiting Albania for 10 days, or if you’re visiting for 7 days, you may want to add an extra day here instead of Berat.

While Sarandë is a great option for families with plenty of resorts and safe beaches, I personally preferred the coastline at Ksamil.

Ksamil is just a 30 minute drive south from Sarandë and another stunning coastal area with some of the best beaches in Albania.

Here are my recommendations for things to do in Ksamil:

Enjoy the stunning Plazhi Ksamilit beach

Bora Bora Ksamil (Beach Bar & Restaurant)

Take a short boat trip to the island - Isole Gemelle di Ksamil

Escape the town and visit Pulëbardha Beach

Enjoy the fresh seafood, mussels at The Mussel House are a must!

Go on a lake tour

Visit Butrint National Park

Book a Ksamil to Butrint day trip here

Albania boat trip

Day 5: Butrint National Park and onwards journey

Butrint National Park Ampitheatre

After a day or two of relaxing, plan 2-3 hours to explore the completely unique and stunning Butrint National Park.

Just 10 minutes drive south of Ksamil, you can add this to your itinerary earlier if you’re not fussed about beach time, but I would suggest allowing 2-3 hours to explore this phenomenal historic site.

Butrint National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the history here is truly mind blowing - there are artefacts and structures here from the Iron Age!

The ruins here are not as well-preserved as you might see at other similar sights around the world, but it’s a truly memorable and unique experience to be able to walk among the ruins here and experience the paths and lives that were lived here thousands of years ago without barriers.

Being able to wander wherever you wish makes this site feel amazingly authentic and it’s probably one of my favourite historic and cultural experiences ever, made better by the fact that it’s nowhere near as busy or crowded as other similar historic sites like the Colosseum or the Parthenon! 

You will have seen the surrounding lake from your time in Ksamil, the same lake is in Butrint National Park and the huge ecosystem here is why the National Park is a protected area.

Most of the information signs are in English and entry is around 5 euros.

After Butrint, you can either do the 4 hours drive back to Tirana if you’re flying out of there, or continue your onwards journey, perhaps into Greece , Corfu or North Macedonia .

Summary: Albania itinerary 5 days

Whether you’re spending 5 days or one week in Albania, I hope this Albania travel guide has given you plenty of ideas and inspiration for the best of Albania and how much beauty, history and culture Albania has to offer.

Albania is still an underrated tourist destination and now is a great time to visit as more flight options become available to fly into the country.

Pin this for later to plan your future trip!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Albania itinerary overview.

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

Extended 3-week Albania itinerary

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

Albania Itinerary Map

Albania travel essentials

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

Recommended guided day tours in Albania:

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

About this Albania road trip itinerary

How much time to spend in albania.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Renting a car in Albania

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Albania- quick links

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

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

Albania Itinerary Day-by-Day

Day 1: tirana (overnight in tirana) .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to eat in Tirana

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

Where to stay in Tirana

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to eat in Berat

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

Places to stay in Berat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Base yourself in Himare

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

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

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

Where to stay in Himare

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

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

Gjipe beach.

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

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

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

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

Livadhi beach

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

Potam beach

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

Borsh Beach

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

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

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

Other beaches on the way to Borsh

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

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

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

Visit quaint mountain towns Dhermi and Vuno

Dhermi town.

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

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

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

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

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

Skip Dhermi beach and Drimadhes beach

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

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

Skip Saranda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gjirokaster-the stone city of Albania

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

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

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

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

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

Where to eat in Gjirokaster

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

Where to stay in Gjirokaster

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

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

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

Day 9: Gjirokaster-Permet (overnight in Permet) 

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

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

Thermal baths, Kadiut bridge, and Langarica Canyon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permet town

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

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

Where to eat in Permet

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

Where to stay in Permet:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Korca- the city of serenades and little Paris of Albania

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

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

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

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

Top things to do in Korca

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

Places to eat in Korca

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

Where to stay in Korca

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

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

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

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

• Driving time: 1 HR 20 MIN

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

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

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

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

Where to eat in Lin

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

Where to stay in Lin

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

Getting to Lin from Korca by bus

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

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

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

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

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

Extended 1-Week Albania Itinerary 

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

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

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

Day 15: Tirana-Shkoder (overnight in Shkoder) 

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

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

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

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

Top things to do in Shkoder

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

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

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

Places to stay in Shkoder

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

Where to eat in Shkoder

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

Getting to Shkoder from Tirana by bus

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

DAY 16: Shkoder-Komani Lake Ferry- Valbona

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Valbona

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Theth

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

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

• Driving distance: 80 KM

Getting back from Theth to Shkoder by minibus

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

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

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

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

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

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

DAY 20: Shkoder-Kruja (overnight in Kruje) 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to eat in Kruja:

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

Where to stay in Kruja

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

Getting to Kruja from Shkoder by bus

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

DAY 21: Kruje-Tirana

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14 days in Albania-from Alps to Riviera itinerary

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

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

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

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

Have a great journey to Albania!

More Albania Travel Resources

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

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

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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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A complete guide to travelling in Albania

Updated On 8th March, 2024

If you’re considering visiting Albania, add it to your Europe bucket list now. I’ve never had a country take me by surprise as much as Albania did. It’s one of Europe’s most hidden gems and if you haven’t been yet, book your tickets now.

My  8-day road trip through the Albanian Riviera  was eye-opening, jaw-dropping and memorising. We explored the capital of  Tirana  before moving towards the coastline and enjoying beach life in  Dhërmi ,  Vlorë ,  Himarë  and  Sarandë , some of the Riviera’s main towns. We also happened to be there for  Kala Festival , which added an upbeat element to our trip!

But that wasn’t all Albania had to offer. We were able to hike through forests and take in the mountain air in  Butrint National Park  and  Llogara National Park , as well as explore the underrated, barely touched, beautiful little towns and villages of  Berat  and  Gjirokaster.  The variety of landscapes and things to do in Albania only makes me want to visit again; I barely scratched the surface.

This travel guide will take you through everything you need to know before visiting Albania, including the best places to visit in Albania, and my top tips for travelling in Albania.

My Albania travel guide: everything you need to know about exploring Europe’s hidden gem

Basic facts about Albania…

• Currency:  Albanian Lek
• Language:  Albanian
• Capital:  Tirana
• Area:  28,748 km2 (11,100 sq mi)
• Population:  2,845,955
• Land borders:  Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece
• Maritime borders:  Greece, Montenegro and Italy
• Highest summit:  Mount Korab, 2,764m
• Plug sockets:  Most commonly, European (type C & F). Occasionally, UK (type G).
• Time zone:  CST/CEST (1 hour ahead of the UK)

Visa requirements for Albania…

Citizens of most EU countries can stay in Albania for 90 days in any 6-month period, visa-free. This rule also applies to citizens of the UK, USA, Australia, China, New Zealand, Singapore and more.  See a complete list of countries that can travel to Albania visa-free  here .

If you need a visa, or aren’t sure if you need a visa, check your local government’s travel advice.

See my  22 top tips for travelling in Europe here.

When’s the best time to visit Albania?

Albania has a Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons. Hot dry summers, mild but wet winters, and springs and autumns that are warm enough to be comfortable, but not so hot that you’re sweating buckets! Bear in mind, however, that it does vary depending on where you are in the country. The coast tends to have higher summer temperatures and milder winters than the inland, more mountainous areas.

I’d say the best time to visit Albania is in spring (April-June) or autumn (September – November). For me, the balance of warm temperatures (but not too hot) and less chance of rainfall makes for perfect travelling conditions. Having said that though, if you like the heat or don’t mind a bit of rain, Albania is great for year-round travel!

See my  hidden gems you must visit when planning European adventure here.

Check out all my top tips for travelling in Albania  here .

How do you get to Albania?

Flying to albania:.

Albania’s main airport is Tirana Nënë Tereza International Airport (TIA). Here you can get direct flights from all over Europe, but if you’re travelling from another continent, expect a layover in a major European international airport.

Getting from Tirana airport to the city centre…

From the airport, you have a few options:

• Taxi:  The quickest option (20-25 minutes) but the most expensive (2,500 LEK)
• Shuttle bus:  LU-NA shpk  runs an hourly shuttle bus between 7:00-22:00 and is 300 LEK each way. It take about 30 minutes to get to Tirana city centre and it drops you by the National Museum of Tirana.

Top tip: Check out the flight deals on  Skyscanner here.

Here’s  how to pack a weekend away in a carry-on suitcase!

Ferries to Albania:

You can get the ferry to Albania from  Greece  or  Italy .  Check out ferry routes from Italy  here  and from Greece  here .

Buses to Albania:

You can get the bus to Albania from all over Europe, including but not only  Greece ,  Italy ,  Germany , Turkey, Kosovo, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Montenegro.  Check bus tickets at the main stations in the country you are travelling from.

Where to stay in Albania…

Honestly, it depends on where you want to spend your time! Expect costs to be higher in the more touristy areas, such as in the capital of Tirana and the Albanian Riviera. Hostels are the cheapest option, with budget hotels and Airbnbs coming in a close second.

Places to stay in Albania that I’ve been to and can recommend include:

• Buff Hostel  in Tirana
• Altea  beach lodges at Drymades Beach, Dhërmi
• Old Bazaar 1790  in Gjirokastër
• Nefeli Apartments  in Sarandë
• Hotel Luxury  in Ksamil
• Guesthouse  Arben Elenzi  in Berat

Wild camping is completely legal in Albania, so great for a budget option! Paid campsites are also very cheap.  Check out my camping packing list here.

Check out hostels and hotels in Albania on  booking.com  here.

Use  this link  to get £25 off of your first Airbnb booking.

Transport in Albania…

The rail system isn’t well-developed, so locals and tourists tend to use buses. These are fairly cheap and have connections between most main towns in Albania. Timetables can be flexible though, and if a bus is full it will leave earlier than the timetable suggests, so get to the bus station/stop early to avoid disappointment!

Furgons (minibuses) are also an option, and definitely depart when they are full rather than according to a timetable. They’re a little dearer, but it’s a more comfortable experience and you can ask the driver to drop you off anywhere on the route (not necessarily waiting for a specific stop).

Hitchhiking in Albania is generally safe, although many drivers will expect some money towards the petrol before you get out.

BlaBlaCar is a ride-sharing app where you can connect with drivers who have space(s) in their car for a particular route, and then split the cost of the petrol.

We hired a 4×4 when we travelled Albania, which was an amazing experience and gave us the full flexibility of choosing when and where we wanted to go.

You’ll need an International Driving Permit for driving in Albania –  get yours here.

See my  bucket list of van life road trips in Europe here.

Safety in Albania…

Albania is a safe country to travel in. Like any country though, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Avoid flaunting any expensive equipment/technology, don’t walk home alone at night, and be cautious when you’re driving/crossing roads.

In terms of health and medical care, main towns have hospitals and doctors that you can access, although you’ll need to pay for these. The best healthcare is in the capital, Tirana. You cannot use an EHIC in Albania. Pharmacies in Albania, barnatore, have lots of medicines should you need anything (although bring your specific prescription meds with you) and private doctors and clinics in Tirana can speak English.

Always carry out travel insurance before you go anywhere! It’ll protect you in case of theft, illness or injury.  Check out my travel insurance  here.

Avoid drinking the tap water in Albania because it can give you a tummy ache. Take a reusable water bottle and try to fill up from restaurants, cafes, or larger, 5-litre bottles of water to reduce your plastic use. Get more  sustainability tips for travelling in Europe in this blog post !

Check out my top tips for staying safe when travelling  here.

Here’s my complete guide to travelling solo as a female, including all my safety top tips.

Food in Albania…

Albanian cuisine is fresh and delicious, with Ottoman and Mediterranean influences. There’s everything from fancy restaurants to street food here, so get your taste buds prepped!

Food you should try in Albania:

• Byrek : a savoury pie made with filo pastry, usually filled with spianch, gjize cheese or meat
• Fërgesë verore me speca dhe domate : fried (or oven baked) peppers and tomatoes, sometimes with feta cheese.
• Tavë Kosi : a quiche-like dish made with lamb, eggs and yogurt.
• Speça me gjize : stuffed peppers
• Kaçkavall : a famous Albanian cheese. You can eat it fried, baked or in salads or pies.
• Baklava : nuts, filo pastry and honey syrup.
• Qofte or kernaçka : fried or grilled meatballs
• Trilece : a traditional cake
• Fresh fish and seafood
• Grilled meat and vegatables
• Fresh seasonal fruit
• Local wine or raki  (grape brandy)

Note: when I visited Albania, I found it quite difficult to find vegan dishes, so you should research restaurants in the area you’ll be travelling in before you go out to eat.

Top tip: If you can, do a street food/culinary walking tour! Not only will you get to see the city, but you’ll have a happy tummy too!

Top tip: Check out  money-saving tips on my blog here.

The best places to visit in Albania…

Said to be one of the prettiest towns in Albania, and also known as the ‘Cinque Terre’ of Albania, this UNESCO world heritage site boasts beautiful architecture and an amazing amount of history. You can’t help but marvel at the Byzantine style windows that pop out the hillside in this beautiful little town.

See how I spent my time in Berat here.

The capital of Albania is likely to be the starting point on your Albanian adventure. With a mix of Ottoman and Italian architecture, it’s hard to believe this city was once full of grey, communist buildings. It’s a chaotic city, but it’s fun, especially at night in the trendy Blloku area. Don’t miss catching the cable car up to Mount Dajti for panoramic views across the city.

3. Theth National Park & Valbona Valley

This is the place to be for nature and hiking lovers. This village in the Albanian Alps is packed full of charming cottages and hiking trails, ready to take your breath away.

Here’s how to  keep fit when you’re travelling!

4. The Albanian Riviera

This is where I spent most of my time in Albania, and honestly, I was completely surprised that I fell in love with it so quickly. The area itself is absolutely stunning and one of Europe’s most hidden gems. This underrated stretch of coastline is home to the towns and villages of:

• Palasë
• Dhërmi.  Check out my stay in Dhërmi  here .
• Himarë.  Check out what I did in Himarë  here .
• Lukovë
• Sarandë.  Check out my stay in Sarandë  here .
• Vlorë.  Check out my stay in Vlorë  here . 
• Ksamil  (home to the famous  Blue Eye Spring ).  Check out my stay in Ksamil  here .
• Ksamil Islands

All of these are worth visiting in their own right! If you have the time, hire a car and spend a week or two exploring all the little towns and soaking up the sun.

The portion of the Ionian coastline that is known as the Albanian Riviera, or Bregu, is home to some of Europe’s best beaches and clearest waters. Grab your snorkel, and put these beaches on your bucket list:

• Puerto Palermo.  See what I got up to at Puerto Palermo  here .
• Drymades.  Check out out beach lodges on Drymades beach  here .

See my  21 cheap places to visit in Europe here

5. Gjirokastër.

I think Gjirokastër is my favourite place in Albania… so far. The mountain views, cobbled alleyways and the beautiful castle give this quaint little town so much character. If this town was anywhere else in the world it would be packed with tourists, but Albania really is a hidden gem and Gjirokastër is unspoilt.

Not far from Lake Skadar on the Albania-Montenegro border, Shkodra is a colourful town well worth exploring. The highlight is definitely Rozafel Castle, but if you prefer being at one with nature, the Buna River runs through the town and the Albanian Alps can be seen from the town centre.

7. Llogara National Park.

Centred on the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera, Llogara National Park is absolutely stunning. From dense forest to steep rock faces, here you can climb, hike, or simply let the wind run through your hair as you enjoy the views from the 4×4.

Not far from Tirana (you could easily visit for a day trip), the ‘Adriatic balcony’ is famous for Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. Climb up to the castle for fantastic panoramic views across the city!

9. Butrint National Park.

This ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site is surprisingly close to the Greek island of Corfu. This peninsula, bordered by Lake Butrint on one side and the Vivari Channel on the other, showcases Albania’s natural beauty and is one of the best places to visit in Albania.Famous for its perfect blend of history and nature, not only is it home to 1,200 species of animals and plants among the wetlands, hills, and islands, but the archaeological site covers over 2,500 years of history; this includes ancient city walls, remnants of a Roman theatre, a Byzantine Basilica and two castles.

Once the capital of Albania, this town is one of Albania’s best beach towns, and popular with tourists and locals alike. It can get crowded, but the town is full of history, the beach is beautiful, and the restaurants are full of fresh seafood. You can also hike to the ancient amphitheatre.

11. Apollonia

Another day trip from Tirana or Berat, the ruins of the ancient Illyiran city of Apollonia sit on an Albanian hilltop. This town, named after the Greek God Apollo, is less visited by tourists, but popular with locals for afternoon picnics in the olive groves.

See all the best things to do in Albania in this blog post. 

Watch my trip to Albania come to life in this travel video…

SEE ALL MY YOUTUBE TRAVEL VIDEOS HERE

EXPLORE ALBANIA ON MY BLOG HERE

Have you been to Albania?

What top tips would you add to this Albania guide? I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring,

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Albania Travel Guide

Last Updated: December 23, 2023

Albania is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Though it increases in popularity each year, the country is largely ignored by tourists; many still think of it as a post-communist backwater (as if the world hasn’t changed in the last 30 years).

Yet this is a land of untouched natural beauty, with a rich history dating back to the ancient Illyrians and Greeks. It has become a solid favorite of backpackers looking for an affordable, off-the-beaten-path destination to explore.

I absolutely loved my time visiting Albania. It’s a country full of good food and welcoming people. I enjoyed it so much that I extended my stay.

Hikers and nature lovers can partake of all the hiking and trekking here, beach lovers have the Albanian Riviera along the Ionian coast, and history buffs can marvel at the country’s uncrowded UNESCO sites in Butrint (an ancient Roman city), Berat, and Gjirokastër.

Albania is on the up and up, with more tourists visiting each year. I think it will become as popular (and expensive) as Croatia in the next couple of years, so visit now before the crowds come!

This travel guide to Albania can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this underrated destination!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Albania

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Albania

1. Explore Tirana

Albania’s capital is rapidly transforming into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, with its bustling cafes, eclectic museums, and trendy shops and galleries. Sip coffee at one of many espresso bars, dive into the developing digital nomad scene, soak up history in Skanderbeg Square, and enjoy the city’s booming nightlife. For a hefty dose of local culture, check out Bunk’Art, a former bunker built during the Cold War that’s since been turned into an interactive art space. If you’re in town for more than a couple of days, take the Dajti Ekspres to the top of the nearby mountain, check out the cave of Pellumbas, or go and explore the Roman and Byzantine ruins in nearby Durrës.

2. Visit the historic town of Berat

A city that’s been around for 2,400 years, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the highlights of visiting Albania . It’s also known as “the City of a Thousand Windows” because of its unique white-walled Ottoman homes, picturesquely stacked atop one another on a crumbling hillside and characterized by their many windows. Visitors should make it a point to wander around Kala, an ancient neighborhood with panoramic views, historic mosques and churches, and a 14th-century castle. There are also a number of noteworthy museums in Berat, including the Ethnographic Museum, which is housed in an ornate 18th-century Ottoman home.

3. Drive the Llogara Pass

The Llogara Pass is a steep (at times the incline is 11%), winding road that rises over a thousand meters (3,500 feet) into the mountains and overlooks the glittering Ionian coast, which has been nicknamed the Albanian Riviera. This road goes from Orikum to Dhërmi, and there are lots of scenic stops along the way. If you need to stretch your legs, the trails at Llogara Pass National Park are a fantastic place to do so. Post-hike, grab lunch at one of the many roadside restaurants in the park. Though it used to be a dangerous and narrow road, the Llogara Pass was repaved in 2009. It’s still a tricky route, but it’s worth it — this is the most scenic drive in the country (and one of the most scenic drives in all of Europe).

4. Hike from Valbona to Theth

T of the most famous day hikes in Albania, this is an old mule trail that leads you across the Accursed Mountains. This section is moderately challenging and takes around eight hours in total. There are fresh water springs along the way, as well as some cafes on the route, but make sure you bring plenty of water just in case. It’s a stunning area with an abundance of flora, fauna, and wildlife to see. In Theth, there are some other hikes as well. Most notably, the Blue Eye of Theth is a shockingly blue pool of water fed by a small waterfall that can be reached in about three hours (one way) from Theth.

Also protected by UNESCO, Gjirokastër is famous for its stonework. Wander the cobblestone streets, hike and explore the castle, swim in nearby waterfalls, and visit the best examples of Ottoman-era architecture in the area. There’s a C old W ar museum here that’s housed in an old 800-meter-long (2,624-foot) bunker from the 1970’s. Close to the nearby village of Muzinë is the incredible natural spring called the Blue Eye. Gjirokastër, for me, is one of the best spots in the country.

Other Things to See and Do in Albania

1. relax on the albanian riviera.

Pristine beaches, turquoise water, cheap and delicious seafood — the Albanian coast has all the beauty and wonders of Croatia, without the high prices and crowds (for now). Dhërmi and Ksamil are considered to have the best beaches in the country, with miles of white, sandy beachfront. If you want a busier beach destination, go to Himarë, where the beach has a promenade lined with cafés and bars. For something more off the beaten path, make your way to Gjipe Beach. For a bustling, developed beach town, visit Sarandë, which is packed with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.

2. Enjoy the view from Rozafa Castle

Situated near Shkodër in northwestern Albania, the 4th-century Rozafa Castle has panoramic views of the area, including the Buna and Drin Rivers. The fortifications here originally date to the 10th century BCE, when the Illyrians lived in the area (the current castle replaced those fortifications). Legend has it that a young woman sacrificed her life to imbue the castle walls with longevity. There isn’t a whole lot to see here, but the ruins are impressive, and it’s a good spot from which to watch the sunset. The Shkodër History Museum provides a great overview of the castle’s past, including the background of the medieval families who lived here. Admission is 150 ALL.

3. Visit the National Museum of History

The National Museum of History in Tirana offers a view of the country’s rich history and is divided into eight sections: antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, independence, iconography, the National Liberation Anti-Fascism War, the Communist Terror, and Mother Teresa (who was born in Albania). There’s a remarkable collection of ancient Greek and Roman mosaics, columns, and statues unearthed in Albania as well. The collection is extensive, so give yourself around three hours here. Handily, nearly the entire collection is signed in English. Admission is 500 ALL.

4. Explore the ancient ruins of Butrint

Greeks from nearby Corfu settled Butrint in the 6th century BCE. It quickly became a large trading city that was still prosperous when the Romans took over in 167 BCE. Nowadays, you can wander the pathways between what’s left of the city, including well-preserved arches and colonnades. In 2003, Butrint was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. It makes for an ideal day trip from Sarandë. I took my time there and spent about three hours exploring the ruins. The entrance fee is 700 ALL and the 45-minute bus ride costs 100 ALL.

5. Admire the art at Bunk’Art

Bunk’Art 1 and 2 are former bunkers that have been turned into museums and galleries underneath Tirana. Built in the 1970s for Albania’s elite, the bunkers’ 100 rooms have now been transformed into a museum and art space. Bunk’Art 1, located on the outskirts of Tirana, focuses on Albania’s communist past and the lives of average people under communism. Bunk’Art 2, the more recent addition, is located right in Tirana; it focuses more on the secret police that were used by the regime to terrorize the population and maintain order. Admission is 500 ALL.

6. See the ancient ruins at Apollonia

Like Butrint, Apollonia was one of the most important cities in the ancient world. The Greeks founded it in 588 BCE, and it fast grew into a city-state with a huge slave trade (just like Butrint). The Romans took over in 229 BCE, when it became a cultural center with an important philosophy school. Even Julius Caesar sent his nephew (Octavius, who became Emperor Augustus) to study there. Today you can visit the ruins (a UNESCO Heritage Site), which include a theater and the restored façade of the administrative center. Admission is 300 ALL.

7. Visit Shkodër

As the largest town in the north (and home to the Rozafa Castle), it plays host to many of the country’s biggest festivals like Carnival, Lake Day, and the Shkodra Jazz Festival. The city’s Old Town is filled with picturesque, pastel-colored homes and buildings. A lot of people breeze through Shkodër on their way to Montenegro from Tirana, but I recommend spending a day or two here. Check out one of the interesting museums here, like the Marubi National Photography Museum and the Site of Witness & Memory Museum. The former is an Albanian photographic museum; the latter commemorates the victims of the communist regime in the city. e to get to Valbonë. If you don’t want to do that, there are day trips available. You can spend a couple of hours on the lake before going up the Shala River, where you can eat lunch, rent a kayak, or chill on the “beach” (the rocky embankment). The mountain water of the Shala is super clear and clean; it looks almost tropical. The restaurants here also rent rooms (or let you camp for free) if you want to stay the night.

9. Go hiking

Albania has lots of incredibly scenic hikes. If you spend most of your time in the south, you’ll get your pick of coastal hikes along the Ionian Sea, including Mount Çika and through the Ceraunian Mountains. In the north, the hike over the Valbona Pass to the village of Theth is popular for a reason; it’s an incredibly beautiful route (and not for the faint of heart). Routes around the country vary in length and difficulty and trekking information isn’t readily available — large parts of these hikes are still undeveloped, so hire a guide if you want to explore. Outdoor Albania has lots of options to help you get started.

10. Take a wine tour

Albania has one of the oldest winemaking traditions in all of Europe. Albanian wine makes use of incredibly rare grapes, and some of the traditional practices date back to the Bronze Age. Many wineries are family-owned and located in breathtaking settings. You can take wine tours from Berat, Lezhë, and Tirana, on which you can sample some of the country’s finest. Expect to pay at least 6,500 ALL for a day trip.

11. Get spooked at Sazan

The “ghost” island of Sazan is a 30-minute boat ride from the southern port town of Vlorë. It served as a Soviet military base and chemical weapons facility for many years before being abandoned. In 2017, the government opened it for tourism, although officially it remains a military base. The rooms in this vast network of nuclear bunkers and tunnels are still stocked with beds and kitchen supplies, and you can still find abandoned gas masks in the valley nearby. Tours don’t run all the time, so you need to ask in the tourist information office in Vlorë. They can book you onto a tour if they are running. Expect to pay 3,500 ALL or more for a day tour to the island.

12. Hike Osumi Canyon

This gorgeous river canyon in southern Albania makes for the perfect day trip from Berat. It is over three million years old, stretches for 40 kilometers (25 miles), and towers 40 meters (131 feet) above the river. The most popular way to see it up close is with a rafting tour. Tours are available February-June and start at 7,000 ALL per person, which includes transportation from Berat, lunch, and 2-4 hours on the water. You can also opt to hike down through the canyon and explore the ancient rock formations and caves via a 12-kilometer trail.

13. Visit the House of Leaves

The Museum of Secret Surveillance, aka the House of Leaves, is an award-winning museum in Tirana located in the old Sigurimi building (the Sigurimi were the secret police). The building was originally used by the Gestapo during the German occupation, continuing as a base of operations for the secret police until 1991. The exhibitions highlight what life was like under German and then communist rule, shedding light on the methods used to spy on, prosecute, and execute enemies of the regime. It’s sobering but incredibly insightful. Anyone even remotely interested in the dark side of Albania’s past will find this museum fascinating. Admission is 700 ALL.

Albania Travel Costs

Budget hotels can be as cheap as 2,500 ALL per night for a double or twin with a private bathroom and A/C. More realistically, expect to pay around 3,500 ALL or more per night. Most hotels offer a fairly large breakfast, too.

Airbnb is a great budget option here. Private rooms start at 1,800 ALL per night although they average about 3,600 ALL. Expect to pay at least 5,800 ALL for a full apartment or home. Prices double when not booked in advance.

For anyone traveling with a tent, camping is available around the country, and it is perfectly legal to wild camp (i.e., pitch your tent anywhere on public land). If you prefer sticking to campsites, prices are usually around 1,200 ALL per night for a basic plot for two people and a tent without electricity.

Food – Like its Mediterranean neighbors, Albanian cuisine relies heavily on fish, olive oil, and local produce (especially onions). Breakfast is usually bread, cheese, and yogurt. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day. Meat stew, grilled sausage, meat pies, and fresh salads are some of the more traditional dishes. Beef, trout, calamari, and sea bass are all popular staples. Goulash is also popular, though mostly in the mountain regions. Some of the most popular must-try dishes in Albania include byrek (a salty pie with various fillings) and speca me gjize, a dish of stuffed peppers. Wash it all down with tea or raki, a traditional alcoholic beverage.

For a meal at a sit-down restaurant, expect to pay 500-700 ALL for an appetizer, wine, and main course. For a really “nice” restaurant (or maybe one serving fish or sushi), you’re likely to spend 1,400-2,000 ALL. The most expensive meal I had in Albania was at this high-end fish restaurant in Tirana — it cost me 3,500 ALL, which is only $31 USD. That included fish, oysters, and wine!

Pizza starts at 550 ALL, while non-European food like Indian, Thai, or Chinese food costs around 600-900 ALL for a main dish. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 600 ALL for a combo meal.

Expect to pay around 150 ALL for a beer, 150-250 ALL for a glass of wine, 70 ALL for a bottle of water, and 140 ALL for a coffee.

If you are planning to cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries cost 2,500-3,500 ALL. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.

Backpacking Albania Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Albania, expect to spend about 4,400 ALL per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to free and cheap activities like hiking and free tours. If you plan on drinking a lot (Sarandë and Tirana are big party spots), add another 500-1,000 ALL to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of around 9,000 ALL per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or private Airbnb, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks at the bar, see more museums and palaces, do a day trip or two, and take the occasional taxi to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of around 15,000 ALL per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, see all the sites you want, do lots of day tours, and take taxis where you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury. The sky’s the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in ALL.

Albania Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Albania is an affordable country to visit. You’ll be hard-pressed to spend a lot of money, even if you’re staying in private rooms or hotels. You really have to go out of your way to spend money here. But, if you are looking to travel cheap, here are some tips on how to save money :

• Take a free walking tour – Tirana Free Tour offers a free walking tour that highlights the city and its sites. There are also free walking tours in Berat and Shokdër. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Cook your own meals – Many hostels here include kitchen facilities, so if you want to save money, cook your own meals. Groceries are cheap here and there are a lot of farmer’s markets around where you can pick up fresh produce.
• Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing is a great way to save money and connect with a knowledgeable local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Bunk up in a hostel – Hostels in Albania are cheap, especially if you book a shared room.
• Walk everywhere – Most towns and cities in Albania are walkable, so skip the public transportation and taxis to save money.
• Enjoy the outdoors – There are plenty of free hiking trails and outdoor activities around the country that can fill your days.
• Take advantage of wild camping – As it is legal to camp anywhere in Albania, traveling with a tent, or in a camper van, is the perfect way to save money on accommodation.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here usually isn’t safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand, as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure that your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Albania

You won’t find many hostels outside of the main tourist cities, but private guest houses are pretty cheap in the countryside anyway. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Albania:

• Trip’n’Hostel (Tirana)
• Friends Hostel (Gjirokastër)
• Himara Relax Hostel (Himarë)
• The Wanderer’s Hostel (Shokder)
• Saranda Backpackers (Sarandë)

How to Get Around Albania

Public transportation – In most towns and cities, almost everywhere is accessible on foot. Otherwise, take the bus. The fares cost around 40 ALL per ride.

To get from the airport to Tirana, the cheapest way is via the airport shuttle. It runs from 6am until 6pm and drops you off near the National Museum of Tirana. It costs 400 ALL (one-way) and takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for around 2,500 ALL.

Taxi – Taxis are readily available in all the major cities. Expect to pay 300 ALL to turn on the meter plus another 300 ALL for every kilometer. A lot of taxis will try to quote you a price instead of using the meter, which is almost always overly inflated. Make sure they put on the meter to avoid getting ripped off.

Train – Albania has a small rail network, but I never saw or heard of anyone taking it. The locals I talked to say it is too unreliable and slow. Buses are much faster, cheaper, and more reliable so use them instead.

Bus – Buses are the main form of inter-transportation in the country. They loosely follow a timetable. From major cities and starting points, they tend to leave on time but after that don’t count on it. But getting to your destination? Add an hour buffer just to be safe. The roads are always jammed and aren’t in great shape, so on-time arrivals are rare.

Buses cost from 300 ALL to over 1,000 ALL depending on how far you go. A bus from Sarandë to Tirana takes about 5 hours and costs about 1,700 ALL, while Berat to Tirana costs about 400 ALL and takes under three hours. The two-hour journey from Vlorë to Berat is around 400 ALL.

Pre-booking is never necessary. Just show up at the bus station and grab your ticket.

Car Rental – Car rentals start at 1,500 ALL per day. The roads are in bad shape, so be sure to drive carefully. Drivers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car here.For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Albania

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, which means super-hot summers (July-August), with a daily temperature averaging over 32°C (90°F), mild winters on the coast, and cold winters in the mountains (November-February).

The best time to visit Albania is during the spring (May-June) or fall (September-October). During this time, the weather is mild, with average daily temperatures around 21°C (70°F), making it perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Of course, if you want to enjoy Albania’s incredible coastline, the best time to come is during the summer. Albania is not yet a huge tourism draw in Europe, so it is rare to find sites and attractions overly crowded, and prices don’t inflate much during peak season. It’s sweltering at that time of year, however, so come prepared for hot weather!

Those who want to get the most bang for their buck should plan to travel during the off season, from November to March. Prices are at their cheapest — though it must be said that the weather can get very cold. If you’re visiting the coastal areas, don’t expect to be able to swim.

How to Stay Safe in Albania

Albania is generally a safe country to visit. Violent crime is rare but petty crime can be an issue so don’t flaunt your possessions and always make sure your valuables are out of reach while on crowded buses.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you’re using public transportation in Tirana, pickpocketing can be a concern, as in most other urban areas around the world. Never set down valuable items; keep them tucked away out of sight.

Locals are really proud of their country, and Albanian culture has a long tradition of guest hospitality. Moreover, Albania is a “nighttime” country (i.e., people stay out late), so there are always eyes and ears out, keeping would-be criminals in check. (Many of the women I met there told me they feel very safe walking around at night for that reason.)

The main danger in Albania is reckless driving. Albania has some of the highest road fatality rates per capita in all of Europe, so be sure to pay extra attention when driving or while walking near busy roads.

Near the border with Kosovo, landmines can still be found. Avoid hiking off the marked trails there, and keep an eye out for signs and warnings.

Scams aren’t super common, but they do occur. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. This protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations . It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Albania Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Albania Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

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The Ginger Wanderlust

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

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

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

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

Day 1 – Tirana

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

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

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

Day 2 – Drive from Tirana to Ksamil with a stop in Gjirokaster

Your second day will be a long driving day whilst you road trip down 300km to Ksamil in the far south of Albania. The drive will take just under 5 hours, you can break it up by making a slight detour to the charming town of Gjirokaster.

Gjirokaster’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town. The city is overlooked by Gjirokastër Fortress, the ruins of which you can visit and enjoy a nice view over the city and valley. The roads near the Old Town are steep and cobbled so I would avoid driving near here if you can (I saw one car sliding backwards down a hill!). Park just outside and walk in.

I would recommend leaving Tirana in the morning so you get to Gjirokaster by lunchtime. You’ll can stop to enjoy some local food before exploring the Old Town. I ate at the Taverna Kuka, which had a super cute terrace and tasty food! You can also join a walking tour for under €15.

You’ll then need to drive 1 hour 20 minutes to reach your final destination of Ksamil.

Where to stay in Ksamil – I stayed at the Vila Renato . They offer little studios with a kitchenette and private bathroom, within walking distance of the main beaches. Our room slept 4 and was just €30 a night during the summer holidays.

Day 3 – Ksamil

Ksamil (pronouned Kuh-sar-mil) is a beautiful coastal town on the Albanian Riviera . It’s one of the cheapest beach holiday locations so is very popular with backpackers. It has beautiful crystal clear waters as well as 4 rocky Islands to explore, making a super instagrammable photo spot . If you are a strong swimmer you can swim to the closest two islands at low tide. Otherwise you can hire kayaks or pedalos.

Ksamil can get very busy in the summer holidays, so I would recommend going off season in June or September to avoid the crowds. If you are unable to avoid visiting during the summer holidays I would recommend booking a sun lounger the day before. There is hardly any ‘free space’ on the beaches in Ksamil and the sun loungers sell out very quickly. You can also escape the crowds by visiting the beautiful nearby Pulëbardha Beach.

Enjoy your time chilling out on the beach in Ksamil, as well as trying out the many rooftop (sea view) bars and restaurants.

Day 4 – Ksamil, Butrint National Park and continuing your Albanian Riviera road trip

If you are staying in Ksamil for a few nights then make sure to check out Butrint National Park, just a 20 minute drive south of Ksamil and one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania. Butrint National Park contains different artefacts and structures, dating from the Iron Age up until the Middle Ages. Numerous monuments are still extant including the city walls, a late-antique baptistery, a great basilica, roman theatre and two castles. The entrance fee is 700 LEK (around €6) and there is a free parking there if you drive, otherwise you can get the local bus from Ksamil.

After visiting Butrint National Park you can continue your Albanian Riviera road trip . Head north 30 minutes to the seaside town of Sarande where you can stop for lunch and to enjoy the beach a bit.

Next, follow the coastal road just over an hour north to Himare, another beautiful town on the Albanian Riviera. If you are backpacking on a budget you might want to consider staying in Himare, it is considerably cheaper than the nearby town of Dhermi, and the beach is mostly open space (no parasols to rent taking up all the place). If you’re in Himare make sure to grab some pizza at Pizzeria La Famiglia for the best view over Himare beach.

Where to stay – We decided to treat ourselves and stay at the luxurious Vila Kristi in Dhermi. We had a really nice clean and modern room with breakfast included for €80 a night. If you’re on a tighter budget you should look for accommodation in nearby Himare.

Day 5 – Dhermi, Himare and Gjipe Beach

Spend the day exploring more of Albania’s beautiful beaches including my favourite, Gjipe Beach.

Gjipe Beach is not accessible by car so it is one of the least busiest beaches in Albania. Even during the summer holidays there weren’t too many people here! You can either park near the top and walk down a beautiful panoramic path for 30 minutes like in the picture below (but it’s very steep) or you can drive to the parking at the bottom of the road and walk for 25 minutes along a less steep road (but it’s not as scenic).

I would also recommend checking out both Palasa Beach and Dhermi Beach in Dhermi. Picture beachside bars, colourful parasols and epic mountain landscapes!

Day 6 – Drive from Dhermi to Shkoder via Kruje

Today will be another long driving day whilst you road trip 4.5 hours to Shkoder in the north of Albania. You can break up the drive by stopping at the Medieval town of Kruje. The bazaar selling lots of brightly coloured souvenirs makes for a great instagram photo opportunity.

If you have more time, you might want to consider a detour to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with very unique architecture. You could even sign up for a cooking class there!

Once you arrive in Shkoder, be sure to head to Rruga Kolë Idromeno (a super cute street) and grab some food at the Rooftop Bar Restorant Piceri Chicago. Here you can enjoy a very reasonably priced pizza with a beautiful view, perfect for people watching!

If you want to go to Theth the following day you will need to book it today (we booked the jeep via our hotel).

Where to stay in Shkoder – We stayed at the Hotel Kurtabeg , it was super cheap at only €17 a night for a double room with a private bathroom, but the rooms were very old and basic.

Day 7 – Theth

One of the highlights of my Albania road trip itinerary was my time in the beautiful mountain village of Theth in the Albanian Alps.

How to get to Theth

The road into the valley is thin and broken so you will need a 4 x 4 to drive here. Most people opt to book a €10 per person jeep there and leave their cars in Shkoder (we left ours at our hotel). These jeeps tend to leave Shkoder around 7:30am arriving in Theth around 10:30-11am. They will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at your Guesthouse in Theth.

Alternatively you can book onto a group tour which will organise all of the transport for you. Or book a day trip if you’re low on time.

Where to eat in Theth

Theth is very rural so make sure to bring a packed lunch with you, as there aren’t many restaurants (or shops) around. You can book to have dinner and breakfast at your guesthouses.

Most popular hike

Today will be your longest day in Theth so I would recommend heading off for a hike as soon as you can. The most popular hike to do in Theth is to the Blue Eye . It takes about 6-7 hour to hike there and back (or you can walk there and hire a jeep back). The hike will take you past sound beautiful waterfalls and scenery, find out exactly how to get to the Blue Eye .

Theth Church

Try to get back to Theth for sunset so you can enjoy the beautiful light on the mountains at Theth Church (the cutest church ever!). Find out the best photo spots of the church in my Ultimate Guide to Theth .

Where to stay in Theth – Theth has a number of charming guesthouses which are all around €40-50 a night. We stayed at the  Marashi Guesthouse  as it is located right near Theth church (which I wanted to photograph at sunrise and sunset), had good reviews and was also one of the cheaper guesthouses.

Day 8 – Theth

Today you can either decide to go hiking, then back to Shkoder with the jeeps that leave at 11am. Or you can hike from Theth to Valbona . If you do the latter make sure to not bring too much luggage with you as you will be carrying it!

The hike from Theth is to Valbona takes around 8-9 hours (one way) and you will stay for one night in Theth and one night in Valbona (at least), you can then get a boat along the Komani Lake and back to Shkoder. You will need at least 3 full days to complete this loop from Shkoder.

If you go back to Shkoder from Theth you should arrive back around 2pm. Be sure to check out Rozafa Castle, an incredible ancient fortress that has really stood the test of time.

If you wish to visit Komani Lake and Lumi i Shales the following day you should book it today through your hotel.

Day 9 – Komani Lake and Lumi i Shales

Lake Koman (or Komani Lake) is a reservoir in northern Albania. It is located in a narrow valley surrounded by dense forested hills on vertical slopes. Sailing down the Komani Lake makes you feel like you’re in the Lord of the Rings, it really is a unique landscapes and worth a visit!

A minibus picked us up from our hotel around 8am and dropped us off at the Komani lake (€5 one way), they then helped us to get onto a boat (€5 each way). This boat took us on the most magical ride along the lake towards Lumi i Shales .

You can also visit Komani lake as part of your 3 day itinerary to Theth and Valbona . Or a day trip from Tirana .

As we were there during a very dry summer the water levels were very low, which meant the boat wasn’t able to take us the whole way to Lumi i Shales. So we were dropped off and then walked up the river for about 45 minutes. At the time we had no idea where we were going or what was going on, but it was definitely worth it! Lumi i shales (or Shala River) is located in a lush green valley, with crystal blue water, it is absolutely breath taking! There are 2 basic restaurants there offering BBQ food, just be sure to bring cash.

You will then need to walk back to the boat (keep an eye on when your boat-mates are leaving) and from there you’ll be able to get the minibus back to Shkoder.

For more information getting here check out my blog post on how to get to Lumi i Shales .

I hope you enjoy this Albania road trip itinerary. My guide will allow you to discover all the must see sites in Albania. After Albania you might consider continuing your road trip in Montenegro .

Albania Road Trip Itinerary FAQ

Driving in albania, what are the road conditions like.

I was very impressed with the condition of the roads in Albania. The main roads are all paved and a pleasure to drive on. You’ll only need a 4×4 if you decided to visit more rural parts of the country, like the road to Theth (you can also pay to take a taxi jeep there). My Albania road trip itinerary only includes covered roads that are in good condition.

Driving safety in Albania

The roads in Albania are in a good condition, the main safety issue of driving in Albania is with the local drivers, who can be a bit crazy. In general I had no problem driving in Albania, there was just the odd moment when cars would overtake me incredibly fast (once when a car was coming in the other direction). As long as you stay alert whilst driving you will be fine.

Crossing the border from Albania to Montenegro

We hired our car in Montenegro and after spending a few days exploring the bay of Kotor we crossed the border by car into Albania.

There are two places where you can cross the border from Albania into Montenegro: – Border Crossing Hani i Hotit – Bozhaj (north of Lake Skadar) – Border Crossing Muriqan – Sukobin (south of Lake Skadar)

The border can get quite busy, so be prepared to wait (sometimes 1-2 hours). I recommend going early if you can to avoid the main bulk of cars.

If you want to drive across the border, you need to inform your car rental company in advance, as well as purchase a Green Card when you pick up the car. A Green Card is an international certificate, that shows you are covered by insurance. The price of a Green Card for one car is €42.35 (including VAT).

In order to avoid this cost and hassle you can also take a bus from Albania to Montenegro .

How much to budget for Albania

Albania’s currency.

Albania is not currently in the EU however it is a “potential candidate country” and hopes to join soon. For this reason the euro (€) is widely accepted, even if the Lek (plural lekë) is Albania’s official currency. 100 Albanian Lek equals 0.81 Euro.

ATM’s are widely available in Albania, however we sometimes struggled to find ATMs that accepted Mastercards (they were Visa only).

Daily Costs

Albania is one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. You can enjoy a road trip around Albania from just €20 a day per person. It’s a great destination for budget backpackers.

• Dorm bed: €5–15 a night
• Double room: starting from €15 a night
• Meal in a restaurant: €1–6 per person (we had a number of good pizza’s for just €5)
• Car rental: starting from around €15 a day
• Petrol: €1 – €1.40 / L
• ESIM around €8-15

My 12 day Albania road trip itinerary cost around €500 per person.

Is Albania safe to visit?

Due to it’s history of communism and war, Albania does not have the best reputation. However, most western governments advise that crime and violence against foreigners is extremely rare. I personally found Albania to be very safe to travel around with the locals being very friendly and welcoming.

Best time to visit Albania

The best time to visit Albania is during the warmer weather from April to October. Peak season is during the summer holidays in July and August, the temperatures get quite high so you’ll find a lot of people by the Albanian Riviera . If you wish to enjoy the sunshine without the crowds I would aim for June or September.

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring Albania. It is definitely one of the most underrated countries in Europe, and well worth a visit! You might want to check out the 21 most instagrammable photo spots in Albania to help plan your trip some more.

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About The Ginger Wanderlust

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19 comments.

madhuonthego

Albania is definitely a lovely place with such a rich culture and colours..loved your post ,it’s so informative .hope to visit one day

Whaooo that looks so beautiful ! I never though about Albania as a holiday destination. I am saving this for later!

It really took my breath away! Especially all the amazing beaches!

Suvarna Arora

I was already impressed by the pictures of Albania from your IG but this guide definitely insisted me on putting it at the top. I will be referring to it in future when I can travel.

I’ve only been to Tirana so far but I would love to go back to Albania and discover the rest of the country! Such an amazing itinerary, thank you for sharing!

limitlesssecrets

I am so surprised to discover the beauty of Albania through your lens! And it’s great to know that this country is very cheap, makes it even more interesting to visit! Thanks for all the tips!

Yes it’s the perfect country to visit on a budget! You could easily do it cheaper than me too, we went in the summer holidays and didn’t always go for the cheapest hotels

thebornwanderess

Albania is such a pleasant surprise. I can’t wait to get back, maybe when it’s a bit warmer next time

lostwithjen

I’ve never been here but I would love to do this as a road trip! Theth looks so beautiful and as always your photos are stunning! Thanks for sharing ?

OMG Love you photos girl! Thanks for helping me realise how beautiful Albania is! Adding it to my bucket list.

Urban Wanders

I had no idea Albania was so beautiful! I’m especially impressed with its beaches! Thanks for shining light on less traveled destinations 🙂

I have wanted to go to Albania for ages, thanks for the informative post!

Drive from Tirana to Ksamil looks stunning. Albania looks amazing!

What beautiful photographs. Albania was never on my list until now. Thanks for the great post ?

Antonia Hiesgen

Wow! Albania has been on my list for so long! It’s still kind of a hidden gem, so hoping to be able to travel there soon!

Wow, your photos are amazing! May I ask what camera & lenses you used here?

Aw thank you! They were taken on my Canon 5d mark iii and a couple on my iphone 🙂 I share all my photography tips in my ebook on How to Take Better Photos for IG if you want to learn more about photography 🙂 https://thegingerwanderlust.com/product/how-to-take-better-photos-for-instagram/

Absolutely love this post Ellie! I am dying to visit Albania and would really love to do a road trip across eastern Europe! These tips are super helpful!

Sooo many places to see in Eastern Europe!! I really want to go back!

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Albania's stunning mountain scenery, crumbling castles, boisterous capital and dreamy beaches rival any in the Mediterranean and continue to enchant.

Best Places to Visit

Spending diaries, your next trip starts here.

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

The Albanian Riviera

Early in the morning, before the tourist crowds arrive and when the rocks are still tinged in the yellow dawn light, you might just imagine that the…

The evocative ruins of the ancient Illyiran city of Apollonia sit on a windswept hilltop some 12km west of the city of Fier. While a large part of the…

Hidden behind the crumbling walls of the fortress that crowns the hill above Berat is the whitewashed, village-like neighbourhood of Kala; if you walk…

Bunk'Art

This fantastic conversion – from a massive Cold War bunker on the outskirts of Tirana into a history and contemporary art museum – is Albania's most…

Gjirokastra Castle

Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra's eerie hilltop castle is one of the biggest in the Balkans. There's been a fortress here since the 12th century, although much of what can be…

Onufri Museum

The Onufri Museum is situated in the Kala quarter's biggest church, the Church of the Dormition of St Mary (Kisha Fjetja e Shën Mërisë). The church itself…

Durrës Archaeological Museum

This ultra-modern, well lit and labelled museum just back from the seafront has a breathtaking collection of historical artefacts. Highlights include the…

Gjipe Beach

Between Dhërmi and Vuno is the turn-off for this little-known gem, a gorgeous stretch of isolated white sand and rock backed by big cliffs – and as yet…

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Albania and beyond

The perfect 10 day Albania itinerary you should grab (2024)

Are you planning a 10 day Albania itinerary and need the personal experiences of an Albania travel blog to help you? Then this is the perfect Albanian road trip itinerary for you!

Plan your 10 day Albania itinerary

👩🏻   Best guided tours in Albania

• Tirana: City & Food Tour of Tirana in One Day (⭐ 5/5)
• Berat: Berat Full Day Trip from Tirana (⭐ 4.5/5)
• Gjirokaster: Private tour to Blue Eye, Gjirokaster, Lekures, Ksamil (⭐ 5/5)

🫶🏼  Where to stay in Albania

• Tirana: Xheko Imperial Luxury Hotel & SPA (⭐9.0)
• Gjirokaster: Hotel Gjirokastra (⭐9.4)
• Sarandë: Buzë Boutique Hotel (⭐9.7)

I spent over a week in Albania, exploring the country with my husband and son on a road trip through Greece, Albania , and Macedonia .

After making some mistakes – like underestimating the poor road conditions in Albania – I quickly discovered the perfect itinerary for making the most of all Albania has to offer.

In this post, you’ll discover unique museums with information you actually want to know, beautiful and unknown beaches you need to visit, and my favorite town in the country.

This post contains referral links for products I love. Adventurous Miriam earns a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through my links. I appreciate your support ♡ Learn more

Albania road trip itinerary

When is the best time to visit albania.

The best time to visit Albania is spring (April, May, or early June) or autumn (September and October).

Thanks to the great weather, these months are perfect for outdoor activities like walking and cycling.

May is especially cool because the rivers and waterfalls are full of the meltwater, and the mountains are alive with wildflowers.

For me, September and October are the top picks – especially if you’re visiting the beaches in Albania .

How to get around Albania

In Albania, you can get around with buses and furgons (minibuses). They’re cheap and cover most places. Just be flexible with time – schedules can be unpredictable!

You can also take day trips from major cities like Tirana and Sarandë. I’ve included the best ones under each destination.

We rented a car and that’s what I recommend – you’ll get the best deals with Discover Cars. A rental car gives you more freedom and flexibility, but watch out for tricky roads!

Best Car Rental Company:

Discover cars.

When booking your car rental online, I recommend  Discover Cars . They compare prices at car rental agencies all over the country to get you the best deal.

Map of your 10 day itinerary for Albania

This is a map of your Albania itinerary for 10 days. I’ve listed the driving time below so you’ll get a sense of what to expect.

Day 1: Tirana

Start your Albania 10-day itinerary in Tirana. I recommend staying at this hotel in the centre (private parking is possible nearby).

The Albanian capital is packed with top-notch museums and galleries, like Skanderbeg Square and Bunk’Art 1 and 2 in old bunkers.

Explore its vibrant streets filled with cafes, restaurants, street art, and unique architecture.

Also, don’t miss the communism-themed bars or the rotating bar that spins around every 45 minutes. It’s one of my favorite Balkan cities – lively, quirky, and full of surprises.

Get the most out of Tirana with this City & Food Tour of Tirana in One Day

Day 2: Krujë

Driving time from Tirana: 30 minutes (30km)

Next up on your Albania travel itinerary is Kruje.

While you can stay overnight (for instance in the castle !), I recommend visiting on a day trip from Tirana simply because you only have 10 days and it can be stressful to spend each night in a new place.

Krujë is Albania’s first capital and Skanderbeg’s spiritual home. Make sure to visit the museum next to the castle – it has stunning views of the Adriatic Sea – and enjoy its peace and quiet, especially after dusk in the Old Bazaar.

Day 3: Shkodër

Driving time from Krujë: 1 hr 44 min (84.1 km)

Shkodër is your gateway to the Albanian Alps, and this small, welcoming city gives you a peek into Albanian history and cuisine.

It lies by Lake Skadar, Southern Europe’s largest lake so it’s great for boat trips. The best things to do in Shkoder is to explore its Old Bazaar, Ethnography Museum, and Ebu Bekr Mosque – it’s easy to explore on foot.

Don’t miss Rozafa Castle for sunset views over the lake. You can stay overnight in this lovely hotel with private parking.

If you don’t have a car, I recommend this day trip to Shkoder and Skadar Lake from Tirana

Day 4-5: Berat

Driving time from Shkodër: 3 hr 31 min (198.7 km)

Berat, known as the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’, will be your first UNESCO-listed stop.

Once you get there, wander through Mangalemi and Gorica, the historic Muslim and Christian quarters forming Berat Old Town.

Don’t miss the Ethnographic Museum, indulge in local cuisine, and catch the sunset at Berat Castle. Berat is a picturesque town so make sure your camera is charged!

Book a day tour: Berat Full Day Trip from Tirana

Day 6-7: Gjirokastër

Driving time from Berat: 2 hr 34 min (180.8 km)

Gjirokaster is nestled in the mountains and built from slate and stone. It’s hands-down one of Albania’s prettiest spots and my favorite place in Albania.

Like Berat, its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s just oozing history and culture.

Make sure to visit the Old Bazaar and check out the unique houses. Gjirokaster is crowned by this awesome hilltop castle with a museum inside.

I recommend staying at the highly-rated Hotel Gjirokastra for the night.

Book a tour from Sarande – Private tour to Blue Eye, Gjirokaster, Lekures, Ksamil

Day 8-10: Ksamil and Sarandë

Driving time from Gjirokaster: 1 hr (54.6 km) 

Next, drive to the coastal town of Sarandë . On the way there (it only takes an hour), stop by The Blue Eye – a natural phenomenon you shouldn’t miss!

Spend three days here and in nearby Ksamil. We stayed in Sarande at a beachfront hotel , but if you prefer a smaller beach town, base yourself in Ksamil .

Ksamil has the most beautiful beaches in Albania with crystal-clear waters and picturesque islands, so it’s perfect for relaxation and swimming.

In general, Southern Albania’s beaches are a paradise with white sands and cool beach bars. For history lovers, Butrint National Park is a treasure trove with its ancient arena and ruins. Sitting at Albania’s southern tip, it’s best visited on a day trip from Saranda .

Try Paddle-boarding around Ksamil islands (two times a day)

Return to Tirana

Your 10 days in Albania are over, so it’s time to head back to Tirana.

You’re looking at 264.7 km on rocky roads, so head out early and opt for the scenic route by the coast for the perfect Albanian Riviera road trip.

Head north to Himare, Gjipe, Drymades, and Dhermi Beach on your way back to Tirana.

There are more beautiful places to visit, but this revised 10 day Albania itinerary gives you a balanced experience of Albania’s rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and the beautiful Albanian Riviera .

FAQ – Albania itinerary 10 days

How many days do you need in albania.

To truly experience Albania, plan for at least 10 to 14 days. This allows you to explore a mix of its historical sites, beaches, and natural landscapes without rushing.

What to do in 10 days in Albania?

A great 10 day itinerary Albania includes:

• Tirana (2 days) : Explore the museums, vibrant streets, and café culture in the capital of Albania.
• Krujë (1 day) : Visit Krujë Castle and the Old Bazaar.
• Shkodër (2 days) : Check out Rozafa Castle and Lake Shkodra.
• Berat (1 day) : Wander in the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’.
• Gjirokastër (1 day) : Explore the stone city and its castle.
• Sarandë (2 days) : Relax on beaches and visit Butrint.
• Ksamil (1 day) : Enjoy the stunning beaches and clear waters.

What is the best time to visit Albania?

The best time to visit Albania is during the spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October). These times are perfect – not too hot, not too crowded.

Spring is amazing with everything blooming, and fall has got that nice, cool weather with all the autumn colors. Summer is good for beaches, but it’s hotter and way busier.

Is Albania a cheap country to visit?

Yes, Albania is generally a cheap country to visit. What you might spend in a week in Western Europe could last you a month in Albania.

You can easily manage on 30 euros or less per day, depending on your spending habits.

More posts about Albania

• Basic Albanian phrases and words you need to know
• 22 Albania fun facts you didn’t know
• 15 magical pictures that will make you want to visit Albania now

Miriam Risager is the founder of Adventurous Miriam. She has traveled to 62 countries in the past 18 years and has done most of it solo. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their travel adventures across the world.

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One comment.

Thank you for this great itinerary! We are from USA and will visit a friend in Sarande. We plan to visit in mid-May 2024 arriving to Tirana. We are still making plans about when to return. We would like to also add Shala River from Shkoder to the itinerary. I have a couple of questions: 1. What Navigation App did you use? I tend to use Google Maps, but I heard it may not help avoid those bumpy roads. 2. What is approximate cost of weekly car rental with insurance in Euros or USD? Thank you 🙂

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

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

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

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

One Week in Albania Itinerary: 2 Ways to Spend It

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

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

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

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

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

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

City & Summer Fun: 1 Week Albania Itinerary

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

Day 1-2: Explore Tirana

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3: Take a day trip to Berat or Kruja

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nature & Hiking Focus: 1 Week in Albania Itinerary

Day 1: explore tirana.

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

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

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

Day 2: Head north to Shkodra

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4-6: Enjoy Valbona & Theth

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

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

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

Day 7: Head back to Tirana

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

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

Two Weeks in Albania Itinerary : Extension Ideas

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

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

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

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

Day 1-2: Tirana

Day 3-4: Berat

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

Day 5: Shkodra

Day 4-6: Lake Komani & arriving in Valbona

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

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

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

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

Three Weeks in Albania Itinerary : Even More Extension Ideas

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

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

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

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

More Albania Resources

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

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

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

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

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

Finally, Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

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

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

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

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

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

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The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Albania Itinerary

Published on October 25, 2023

by Michael Rozenblit

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

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

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

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

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Albania?

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

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

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

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

Getting To & Around Albania

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 to 7-Day Albania Itinerary

Day 1 – tirana.

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Tirana

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

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

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

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

Day 2 – Tirana

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

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

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

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

Day 3 – Durres

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Berat

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

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

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

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

Day 4 – Berat

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5 – Gjirokaster

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Gjirokaster

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

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

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

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

Day 6 – Sarande

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Sarande

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

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

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

Day 7 – Ksamil & Butrint

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

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

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

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

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

Have More Time?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About Michael Rozenblit

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

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The Perfect One Week And Two Weeks Travel Itinerary For Albania

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• Last Updated On: September 8, 2023

Albania is one of those countries that gets brushed aside when planning travel to Europe. Most travelers not in the know would think what is even in Albania and opt instead of Greece or Croatia. I’m here to say that there’s definitely no reason to skip through Albania anymore as it offers some of the most diverse landscapes of any country in Europe!

I spent three weeks traveling around the South Balkans visiting Albania, Macedonia, and Kosovo . I spent the majority of my time in Albania because it has the most to see. From dramatic mountain ranges to beautiful blue beaches, Albania has everything. Not to mention the cultural diversity among its people is surprising with Albanians, Montenegrins, Greek, and Macedonian all living within the borders.

Albania is quite a diverse country and Tirana is inconveniently located in the middle of the country. It’s divided into two parts, the north and the south and while I’ve visited both, it might be too much to do both unless you have at least 1.5 weeks to dedicate.

Where I went in Albania

I saw most of all the highlights of Albania during my trip there. In total, I spent about 10 days visiting the country which I think is enough. However, if you have two weeks, you’ll be able to see everything I think.

If you only have a week, then I’d recommend splitting the trip into itineraries either for the southern part of the country or the north.

Here is a map of my itinerary:

Rent a car in Albania

For this itinerary to work in the allotted time, then you must rent a car. While public transportation is widely available and there are buses that connect Tirana to locations all over the region, it just is not as efficient as renting a car.

In addition, a lot of the charm in these countries is visiting smaller towns that are not well connected or a mountain viewpoint over the Adriatic or Lake Ohrid.

Renting a car is very cheap in the region. I started my trip in Tirana and a rental car could be had for as cheap as €10. I ended up paying about €18 a day for full insurance coverage and from a more reputable company. The car insurer was very easy to work with.

The roads in the these countries are plenty good when you’re on the main freeways.

Should I see the north or the south of Albania?

Albania has a very diverse set of landscapes. The north is characterized by huge mountain ranges that are dramatic and stunning. These mountains really remind me of the Italian Dolomites which are the most beautiful mountains in my opinion. The south has more of the traditional villages as well as a beautiful coastline the more you approach Greece.

It really depends on what you want to see and what you’re looking for. Are you after sunny beaches or epic hiking? There are just too many variables. Just brainstorming the pros, I can think of these:

South Itinerary:

• Beautiful beaches
• Epic drives along the coast
• Beautiful medieval villages like Berat and Gjirokaster
• Lots of Greek and Roman ruins

North Itinerary:

• Amazing mountain ranges
• One of the most epic hikes from Valbona to Theth
• Lake Koman Ferry (even more epic)

What would I do?

If I had to choose between these two, I would probably take the north itinerary. As beautiful as the Albanian coast is, I think you can see even more beautiful places in Greece like Kefalonia nearby. I think the north is particularly unique and you don’t see mountain ranges like that often. As well, the Lake Koman ferry is just breathtakingly epic.

As Tirana is located in the middle of the country, you will have to choose which area to go to if you only have a week. If you have two weeks (or even ten days), then it’s feasible to not have to decide and be able to see everything. I will break down the itineraries at the end of the post for those that want to get an idea how to plan a trip with regards to which part of the country.

For the purpose of this post, as I saw both the north and the south, I will write about all the areas that I went to and how many days I spent there. Afterwards, I will include ideas on how to structure your trip depending on the amount of time you have!

Albania Trip Summary

All trips in Albania will likely start in Tirana. From Tirana, I spent two nights exploring the capital before driving south to the old city of Berat. From Berat, I drove south further to explore the coast where I stayed three days in Himare. I used Himare as a base to explore nearby seaside sights like Butrint National Park, Dhermi, Gjipe Beach and more.

From Himare,, I drove to Gjirokaster to see the old city where I stayed one night high up in the town. This pretty much summarizes the southern part of the trip. Thankfully, Albania is not too large and driving from the south to the north can be done in short time.

From Gjirokaster, I drove next to the town of Shkoder where I prepared for the famous north Albania hike circuit that traverses through Valbona and Theth national parks. This takes about four days in total to complete before finally ending back in Tirana.

Start in Tirana – Days 1&2

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

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

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

Berat – Day 3

From Tirana, the first stop on this epic road trip is to the old town of Berat. Whereas Tirana didn’t have really any “old towns” to speak of due to Communism, Berat is exactly what you’re thinking of when it comes to old European villages.

Having spent a lot of time in Albania, I think Berat is probably the most impressive traditional town in the country. Known as the city of 1000 windows, this old town was heavily influenced by the Ottoman empire and you can see the same architectural prowess as you do in certain parts of Turkey.

Picturesque stone houses with dark mahogany stucco roofs are built along the hillside. Don’t forget the fortress at the top of said hill just to add perspective. The town is incredibly photogenic and you will get some of your best pictures of the country here.

For the best views, visit the new bridge and take the photo head on. In addition, the views from the main town square that is adorned with numerous cafes is amazing.

Last but not least, if you just have one night here like I did, make sure to absolutely go eat dinner at Homemade food Lili located right in the old town. The owner is incredibly energetic and I’ve never seen a happier soul. Coupled with some of the best Albanian food you’ll find and this is a must visit.

Where I stayed in Berat

There are countless places to stay in Berat and all for very affordable prices. I stayed at Guesthouse Arben Elezi which had comfortable rooms and modern finishings. However, the best part of this guesthouse was its rooftop terrace with dead on views of Berat’s old town. Having breakfast here with these views was an absolute treat.

Himare and the Albanian Riviera – Day 4-6

After one night in Berat, I drove south towards the Albanian coast to enjoy beaches and sea. The Adriatic coastline of Albania is totally underrated in my opinion. It combines dramatic mountain peaks with that beautiful Ionian sea that you can’t get enough of. Driving down the coast reminded me of Crete in some parts, mixed in with Kefalonia , Greece at others. It is spectacular and not to be missed!

There is a steep ascent up the mountains but as it dips down to sea level, the views of the mountains towering over the sea is breathtaking.

There are many towns and destinations to visit on the coast. The main towns of interest are:

• Butrint National Park

There are many smaller villages that are also beautiful but these are the main ones. It is not so big of an area to cover so I would recommend to just choose a town and base yourself there for a few nights.

After reading a lot of blogs, I settled on Himare which is mostly in the middle of the southern coast and is known to be a bit more laid back but with beautiful views. Dhermi is next door but seemed to be a place that specialized in high end accommodations which wasn’t what I was after. Sarande in the very south is a bigger beach town that had a very Southern California OC vibe (as well as Vlore). In the end, I was very happy with my decision of staying in Himare.

Drop in at the Appollonia Ruins

On the way from Berat to Himare, you’ll pass through the old Greek ruins at Appollonia. Here you’ll find a small acropolis type of building with breathtaking views of the nearby valleys. There is a small entrance fee here but it is a nice little stop along the way to the coast.

Visit Gjipe Beach

All the Albanians I met told me a visit to Gjipe Beach was a must. It’s one of the nicest beaches in the coast and I would have to agree. Located between Dhermi and Himare, this beach is a bit of a mission to get to. It involves driving down a small road (it is paved at least), parking your car, and walking 20 minutes down rocky roads to the beach.

It is not difficult by any means but just keep in mind you will want to pack lots of water for this trip. In the end, the beach is absolutely beautiful and has all the qualities of an Ionian sea beach you can expect.

Having visited in late April, I was able to enjoy beautiful weather (25C+) and zero crowds. However, in the summer months, expect this beach (and every other one) to get super packed.

Visit Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park is located south of Sarande and is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to perhaps the least crowded Greek and Roman ruins you’ll find.

The Amphitheatre here was completely empty and I was able to just chill here by myself for quite some time. There is also a very nicely preserved fortress with views of the surrounding bay.

After getting your history in, make sure to have lunch in Ksamil. Guvat Bar and Restaurant is located right on the beach with stunning views of the turquoise water below. As this region is so close to Greece, expect delicious Greek food which is my favorite European cuisine.

Staying at Beleri House

Beleri House in Himare was an amazing option to stay! It was right in front of the beach and had great ocean views. The town of Himare is much more chilled and a great place to base yourself to explore the nearby areas.

Gjirokaster – Day 7

After a very relaxing few days in Himare soaking up the sun and sea, it was time to continue onwards to Gjirokaster, which is another beautiful medieval mountain town in the heartland of Albania. The drive from Himare to Gjirokaster is quite scenic and just over two hours.

Blue Eye of Sarande

Along the way, stop at the Blue Eye of Sarande which is a natural pool with ultra clear water coming from depths of 50 meters below. It’s possible to swim in these waters and it is a popular tourist attraction.

Gjiroskaster Town

Upon arrive in Gjirokaster, you will be undoubtedly taken aback by the natural beauty of the town. Like Berat, there is an old town and a new town but of course, you’ll want to stay the night in the old part of the village on the hills.

Gjirokaster is known as the stone city and is another beautiful display of Ottoman city planning. It is similar but also not that similar to Berat, even though both towns share the same history. Both towns are incredibly beautiful and I’d say Gjirokaster is as beautiful as Berat. Both towns are absolutely worth visiting.

Gjirokaster feels a bit more touristy than Berat as its main streets are filled with shops that sell souvenirs and restaurants. However, visiting in late April during COVID meant neither town felt touristy whatsoever.

Where I stayed – Stone Rooms

I found a hotel called the Stone Rooms at the top of Gjirokaster with complete panoramic views of the city for 20 euros a night. It was a bit of a mission to get here but the views were totally worth it.

Shkoder Town – Day 8

Shkodra is much more chilled out than Tirana. It’s one of the most bicycle friendly cities in Albania which is a far cry from the chaos of Tirana.

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

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

Valbona and Theth – Day 9 to 12

From Shkoder, it is time to start the infamous Valbona to Theth hike.

The journey to the alps is a bit of a process but every step is worth it. The first of those steps is taking the most epic ferry ride you’ll ever have.

Koman Lake Ferry

Seriously, you cannot leave Albania without at least going on this ferry ride.

Picture towering Norwegian style Fjords on all sides of you as you sail across a turquoise river. It’s something special and no pictures do it justice!

From Shkoder, it’s a 1.5 hour drive to the port town of Koman. There is nothing here really except some restaurants and this ferry. The ferry runs once a day between Koman and Fierza (round trip). The cost is only €6 per person and about €40 for a car.

The ferry ride is only two hours but you’ll wish it lasts longer. After arriving in Fierze, it’s an easy drive to Valbona.

I wrote about the Lake Koman ferry ride in detail so make sure to read that if you are considering this trip!

Valbona to Theth Hike

It is absolutely stunning in its beauty and the dramatic rocky peaks will convert any lowland lower. One of the most popular things to do in Albania is to make the Valbona to Theth hike. Valbona and Theth are two national parks located next to each other in Albania’s north. Valbona to the East and Theth to the west. They are  only connected by foot meaning there are no roads connecting these two national parks. Therefore, many travelers make the trek by foot and it’s one of the most epic hikes you can do.

However, this is only possible in the summer months as snow often blocks the way. This 6-7 hour hike can only be done between the months of May-September. I visited in early May and sadly, the pass was closed. Therefore, I went straight to Valbona from Kosovo instead of doing the typical “route” for this trip.

If you are visiting and the pass is indeed open (just message one of the guesthouses in Valbona to know about the conditions), then this is the itinerary you will follow:

• Start in Shkoder (overnight)
• In the morning, your guesthouse or hotel will arrange a transport to the Koman Lake Ferry, which is in itself extremely epic (more details on this shortly)
• Take the two hour ferry ride from Koman to Fierza
• From Fierza, take another transport to your guesthouse in Valbona where you will spend the night
• The next day, make the 6-8 hour hike from Valbona to Theth, spend the night at your guesthouse in Theth
• The following day, take a transport to Shkoder

For the above itinerary, you can leave your rental car in Shkoder for the 3 days no problem. You can’t take the car with you on this trip because there is no way to get back to Valbona after you finish your hike unless you want to walk back! Therefore, it’s much easier to just do this trip without your rental car.

Valbona National Park

Since I couldn’t do the above hike, I decided to just spend some time in Valbona without going to Theth. While the pass was closed, there are still hikes to be done without much issue. The  Maja e  Rosni  hike is the one that many people do. It’s 2600m to the top and takes about 7 hours round trip. However, it’s only about 1600m to get to the first viewpoint which affords you panoramic views of the valley.

This is what I ended up doing and it was incredibly beautiful. The views stretch for many kilometers down the valley as you get the same jagged peaks that I saw in the Dolomites. It’s truly breathtaking here.

Staying at Margjeka Hotel

The most popular guesthouse that I read about was Margjeka Hotel . It’s located at the very end of the road in Valbona and it is located on a hill which gives it views of every mountain surrounding it. The rooms are comfortable and the food was delicious. Most importantly, waking up to these views was something special.

I would highly recommend staying here!

Day by day breakdown of Albania

Here is a day by day breakdown of my itinerary:

Day 1: Tirana Day 2: Tirana Day 3: Berat Day 4: Berat to Himare Day 5: Himare (explore Butrint National Park) Day 6: Himare (Relax at beaches) Day 7: Gjirokaster Day 8: Gjirokaster to Shkoder Day 9: Shkoder to Lake Koman Ferry to Valbona where you spend the night Day 10: Valbona to Theth Hike, stay in Theth Day 11: Stay a second night in Theth Day 12: Theth to Shkoder Day 13: Flight out of Tirana

One Week Itinerary for Albania

If you only have one week to dedicate to Albania (7-8 days), then I will break down my day by day play for you here.

Again, since Tirana is in the center of the country, I would choose to either do the north or the south as part of my one week trip. I will break it down accordingly:

South Albania for One week

This trip will focus on places south of Tirana and is the longer of the two trips. It is centered around beaches and old towns.

Day 1: Tirana Day 2: Tirana Day 3: Berat Day 4: Berat to Himare Day 5: Himare (explore Butrint National Park) Day 6: Himare (Relax at beaches) Day 7: Gjirokaster Day 8: Gjirokaster to Tirana

North Albania for One week

This trip will focus on places north of Tirana and is the shorter of the two trips. It is centered around hiking through the alps (and of course enjoying the views). Note that this itinerary is really only possible in the summer months between May and October as the pass between Valbona and Theth will not be covered in snow. If it is snowed in, you will not be able to do this famous hike.

Day 1: Tirana Day 2: Tirana Day 3: Shkoder Day 4: Shkoder to Lake Koman Ferry to Valbona Day 5: Valbona to Theth hike Day 6: Full day in Theth Day 7: Theth to Tirana

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Thanks for your wonderful post. We just booked flights and I’m busy getting planning our trip.

We fly into Tirana on 21st September very late and leave 2nd October. So in total have 10 full days and 2 days where we are flying.

I’m really keen to go to Theth and am wondering if we went straight there on the 22nd then backed on ourselves to Tirana and then went to the south after before flying out from Tirana. Would that work ?

What would you suggest ?

Hi Sarah, i think that is definitely possible! Are you planning to do the full hike? Because that will take at least 2-3 days. Would skip Shkoder area and just go straight south to Berat and then do all the things there. Enjoy!

Thanks for your reply.

Yes the plan was to do the full hike which would mean about 5 days in the north 2 in the capital and then 3 in the south.

If you do the full hike, would you not need to stay in shkoder ?

Hey! Sat in Shkodra now after enjoying the Lake Komani ferry trip 🙂

Thanks for your useful information – it really helped me plan!

Amazing! Glad it helped and isn’t it so beautiful??! So underrated.

Great info on travelling around Albania

This is by far the most helpful blog I’ve read on a trip to Albania, thank you so much! I’ll be going over Easter so won’t be able to do the hike either but I’m still so excited. I was hoping I could please have your advice on the following- (i) it seems like the best way to get around is to hire a car. I’ll be traveling as a solo female and I’m used to driving on the left side of the road (I’m South African) – were the roads quite intense/scary/dangerous? I’ve read some blogs saying driving in Albania can be quite chaotic but I just love the idea of having that freedom and the coastal drive, which looks like it may be a bit like the Cape Town drives. (ii) I have 8 full days in Albania and was looking at doing the southern riviera but is also really love to do the ferry after you wrote about it. Do you think this is doable? What was the weather like when you went in April? As mentioned I’ll be there mid-April. Thanks again for the information, I can’t wait to stay in Stone Rooms!!

Hi Inge! Thanks for the kind words. I think you are fine as a solo driver. The city traffic can be hectic but it’s really not that bad. Once you get to the countryside it is super chilled and laid back. Driving in gjirokaster up to the hotel was tricky though because the streets are so small. Weather in April was great for me but of course always variable.

Thanks for this post Johnny! I was originally going to do Zakynthos, Corfu and Albania but we had some flight hiccups with Greece. The good news is that we will have more days in Albania (a total of 15).

We are supposed to head to Greece on September 1st, stay 1 night in Corfu and then take the ferry to Saranda. Do you think its still feasible to hit these areas but starting from the south? Or would it be better to head straight to Shkoder, do the Alps and then work our way south to the Riviera? Either way, our last 2 nights will definitely be in Tirana since that is where we are flying out of.

Also, I dont know where you found such a cheap car rental but do you drive stick shift? I can only drove automatic and so far the car availability is limited and expensive. I was thinking of only renting a car for the Riviera portion of the trip and hiring a taxi or taking mini bus for the other destinations.

I appreciate any advice you have. We love beaches and historical towns but we also love those mountain views from the north.

Hi Cal, SInce you’re already going to be in Sarande, I would probably rent a car for the area like you nentioned and hten take a bus from Sarande to Tirana or Shkoder and then do the alps from there. It doesn’t make sense to go to Tirana, rent a car, and then go back down to the south and then go back to Tirana. From Shkoder, you can just do the 3-4 day Valbona to Theth route and you don’t even need a car.

As for the car rentals, yes I drive manual so it definitely makes a big difference. Most places in these parts don’t do much automatic so you’re always paying the premium!

Thanks Johnny! Do you think it’s feasible to still do Gjirokaster and Berat? Gjirokaster is not far from Saranda but Berat would be out of the way a bit. I was debating whether to head north to Shkoder from Berat instead.

Acutally I think there are buses between Sarande to Berat every day. This way, you can work your up north slowly without having to reverse course. Perhaps rent a car to explore the south, take a bus from Sarande to Berat, then Berat to Shkoder, and back to Tirana?

Cool thanks for that tip too!

I have a couple of more questions. My partner doesn’t care much for the history/UNESCO status and to him, Gjirokaster and Berat are very similar so he is wondering why see both. I would love to visit both but are there any things that stood out to you more than the other if you could only choose 1 to visit?

If you could do the North portion all over again, would you still stay 2 nights in Theth or do you think you would rather do 1 night in Theth and 2 in Valbone?

I know its so many questions but this is really helpful since I’m tightening up this itinerary 🙂

I’d see berat over gjirokaster I think. And I’d do 2 nights in theth! But I think one night in each is enough as well .

Hi what company did you rent your car from? Wonderful, informative blog btw.

Hey thanks pradeepa! I used easy drive rent a car and can recommend!

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Home > 31 Fun Things To Do In Tirana – Albania Travel Guide

31 Fun Things To Do In Tirana – Albania Travel Guide

Written by our local expert Drita

Drita is a shy Albanian girl. Her Mom is from Kosovo, her Dad from Serbia. She loves to travel & share travel trips to help first-time travelers exploring Albania & the Balkans.

Welcome to a journey through Tirana, the capital of Albania, where I’m excited to delve into my family’s heritage and share valuable insider tips with you. In this blog post, we’ll unveil the incredible range of activities available in Tirana, a city that vividly illustrates the transition from a past era of communist formality to a vibrant and contemporary urban center.

As someone deeply connected to this remarkable country, I’m eager to acquaint you with Tirana, a city that not only serves as Albania’s gateway but also embodies the ongoing transformation of its unique spirit. Come with me as we explore the fascinating blend of tradition and modernity that characterizes this Southern European treasure.

Since shaking off its communist cloak in the early 1990s, Tirana has become an entirely different city.

It transformed from gray, functional architecture and other unexciting urban characteristics into a city filled with lively pedestrian streets, lively festivals , colorful buildings, excellent museums , and beautiful green parks. It finally became alive, if you will, and discovered its potential and personality.

• Where To Stay In Tirana

Now, let’s get to it and answer your question on what to do in Tirana and help you find the best places to visit in Tirana.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

What To Do In Tirana – Tirana Tourist Attractions

Nowadays, Tirana is a mesmerizing city nestled in the heart of the Balkans. With a rich history and a vibrant contemporary scene, the capital of Albania beckons travelers with its unique blend of Ottoman and communist relics, world-class museums, and an incredible café culture.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, there are numerous not-to-miss places to visit in Tirana. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some of the best attractions in Tiran and provide answers to your frequently asked questions.

1. Go To The Enver Hoxha Pyramid

A Tirana sightseeing journey should include visiting the Pyramid of Tirana, also known as the Enver Hoxa Pyramid or, locally, simply as the Piramida. Although this might not be the most spectacular architectural landmark in Tirana, its historical significance is enormous.

Located in the heart of the city, on the main road between the Presidential Palace and Skanderbeg Square, the building was opened in 1988 as the Enver Hoxha Museum. Originally meant to be dedicated to Enver Hoxha, the communist leader who ruled Albania from the end of World War II to 1985, the fall of communism in 1991 resulted in a logical repurposing and rebranding.

Since then, the Pyramid has served as an exhibition and conference center, a base of humanitarian aid during the 1999 Kosovo War, and even a media broadcasting center.

It remains a topic of fierce debate about what to do with it in the future. Some people want to make it a historical monument, while others want to see it demolished. In the meantime, it is unused, except by graffiti artists and skaters.

2. Walk Across The Tanners’ Bridge

When deciding what to see in Tirana, we suggest a fun little landmark in central Tirana – Tanners’ Bridge, which dates from the 18 th -century Ottoman time. It’s one of the few remaining Ottoman structures in Tirana. Constructed near the Tanners’ Mosque, it used to be part of the much-used St. George Road, the link between the city and the highlands to the east.

Originally spanning the Lanë River, the bridge was kept as a monument after the river was redirected. Plus, you can still walk across it! It’s a beautiful historic highlight in a city modernizing at a lightning pace.

3. Explore Skanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg Square’s central plaza in the city center is a large open space home to many of Tirana’s best places to see. It’s a vibrant meeting place, a major tourist attraction, and an important historical landmark.

The square is the main celebration venue in Tirana and Albania, featuring a large lawn, rows of stately trees, and colorful flowerbeds. Named after national hero Georg Kastriot Skanderbeg, who helped stop the advance of the Ottoman Empire into Eastern Europe, the square is dominated by the Skanderbeg Monument. That monument symbolically occupies the very spot where a Josef Stalin statue once stood.

Around Skanderbeg Square, you’ll find major Tirana attractions like the National Historical Museum, the Palace of Culture, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, the National Library, and various ministries.

4. Eat At An International Chain Across From The Former Headquarters Of Communism’s Reign

Enver Hoxha is perhaps one of the most famous communist leaders — a man who has isolated the whole country of Albania for over 41 years.

From 1944 to 1985, Albania was probably the most isolated country in Europe and one of the scariest to live in the world. Citizens had strict restrictions against them, such as Albanians could not travel abroad. At its peak, 75% of the population thought the authorities were spying on them, and Hoxha was eventually declared an enemy of capitalism.

Ironically, the only international fast-food chain in Albania, Kentucky Fried Chicken, opened its doors directly across from Hoxha’s former residence.

Unfortunately, the house is now closed to the public, but at least you can put it to Hoxha, who is probably cringing at the thought of the KFC in his grave.

5. Have A Local Food Experience

6. learn some things at the national history museum.

Opened to the public in 1981, the Albanian National Historical Museum is the largest museum in Albania, housing over 4,750 works and artifacts from various historical periods, including the Paleolithic era and the communist era.

This massive institution provides a comprehensive exploration of Albania’s entire history, spanning Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, Independence, the National Liberation Fascist War, and the Communist Terror.

Even before stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a sizable recognizable mosaic on the museum’s facade, depicting the different periods of Albania’s history. A visit here offers invaluable historical context, enabling you to view other landmarks in Tirana and throughout Albania with a deeper understanding.

It’s an essential stop to gain insight into the best places to visit in Tirana and the top attractions in Albania.

7. Spend Time In The Last Indie Library Of Tirana

Tirana exploded after the fall of communism with the introduction of Western shopping malls . Still, Adrion bookstore in Skanderbeg Square and across the street from the National Opera is one of the most famous old establishments to have survived these changes.

Adrion, which currently has several offices in the city center and international airport , is the most famous and well-equipped store in the city and offers translations of a long list of Albanian dramas and documentaries and tourist guides and maps to help you plan your trip.

8. Try The Local Beer In The Old Warehouse

City Art is a modern and lively bar and restaurant full of young people who come for happy hour after a long day at work. But it’s also great to have a coffee and meet the locals.

The walls are decorated colorfully and chic with concrete floors and expansive windows looking out to the terrace overlooking the street.

There are D.J.s, big-screen T.V.s for football matches, and an extensive menu including sushi, delicacies, and local beer. Don’t be shy; you will always be welcomed with smiling faces.

9. Ride The Dajti Ekspres

Without question, one of the best things to do in Tirana is riding the Dajti Ekspres. The ride takes about 15 minutes and is a kilometer long, making this the longest cable car ride in the Balkans. You’ll rise over 800 meters from the city center to Mount Dajti in that time.

A tourism complex with restaurants and hotels awaits at the top of this iconic mountain. This is called the “Balcony of Tirana” for a good reason. It doesn’t need to be mentioned that the views are nothing short of sensational.

If you’re afraid of heights or don’t want to ride the cable car for whatever reason, you can drive up to the top by car. That journey takes an hour or more.

10. Admire The Et’hem Bey Mosque’s Design And Décor

Located on one side of Skanderbeg Square, the iconic Et’hem Bey Mosque dates from the 18 th century and is one of the top things to see in Tirana. It was closed under communist rule as it prohibited all religious practices but reopened as a place of worship in 1991.

This mosque is particularly noteworthy for its elaborate frescoes depicting waterfalls , bridges, and trees, which are a rarity in Islamic art.

11. Shop Local 

In Tirana, you can find a diverse mix of handmade jewelry, cloth bags, tapestries, and other items representing fantastic gifts as souvenirs for loved ones back home . You’ll have no trouble finding trinkets that are small and fit in your travel luggage .

• Best Souvenirs To Buy In Tirana

12. Climb The Clock Tower

Skanderbeg Square boasts another iconic structure, the magnificent 35-meter-high Clock Tower, a testament to Tirana’s rich history.

This architectural gem, constructed in 1822, bears the creative mark of Etëhem Bey Mollaj, a renowned poet who also lent his artistic talents to the neighboring Et’hem Bey Mosque.

Visitors have the unique opportunity to ascend the tower’s narrow spiral staircase, and the best part is it’s absolutely free! As you make your way to the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Tirana’s vibrant city center.

Whether you visit during the day to appreciate the city’s urban landscape or at night when the Clock Tower is beautifully illuminated, it’s a memorable experience that promises fantastic photo opportunities.

Don’t miss the chance to capture the magic of Tirana from this historical vantage point

13. Go For A Hike In Mount Dajti National Park

However, traveling up Mount Dajti—whether by cable car, driving, or even hiking —will bring you to Mount Dajti National Park . This is one of the most accessible national parks in the Balkans, if not in all of Europe.

Spend a day wandering out into the mountain range just beyond Tirana’s eastern edge. Various hiking trails meander out into the forests and along ridges, offering phenomenal vistas, excellent wildlife watching, and a great escape from the busy city life below.

14. Stroll Along Rruga Murat Toptani

Strolling along Rruga Murat Toptani in Tirana is a delightful experience that immerses you in the heart of the city’s urban charm. This bustling street, named after the Albanian hero Murat Toptani, offers a captivating blend of old and new.

As you walk its tree-lined sidewalks, you’ll encounter a diverse array of sights and sounds – from traditional shops and open-air cafes to modern boutiques and cultural landmarks. It’s a perfect spot to savor Tirana’s unique atmosphere, meet locals, and admire the beautiful architecture that reflects the city’s history and evolution.

Whether you’re seeking a leisurely daytime stroll or a vibrant evening adventure, Rruga Murat Toptani has something to offer every traveler exploring the vibrant streets of Tirana.

15. Experience Bunk’Art – Art In A Military Bunker

In the 1980s, fewer than 170,000 bunkers dotted the Albanian countryside and towns . Nowadays, most of the remaining ones are Albania attractions , monuments, and historic landmarks, but one particular one has become a museum.

The Bunk’Art Museum is one of the top things to do in Tirana. Located near the Deshmoret, a Kombit Boulevard, at the base of Mount Dajti, this mixed art and history museum showcases the troubling communist past of Albania. Exhibits show the daily life of Albanians under the communist regime, while other displays combine the country’s more recent history with contemporary works of art.

16. Try Ziplining in Petrele Village

Just outside Tirana itself, you’ll find the beautiful Petrele Village. This is a stunning natural area with walking and cycling opportunities on offer.

However, the most famous thing to do is ziplining, and if you have a taste for adrenaline, it’s a great thing to try. The zipline course sits more than 4,000 feet high, so you’re going to get amazing views as you zip past at high speed.

17. Experience Cosmopolitan Tirana In The Ish-Blloku District

A restricted residential area for elitist Albanians in southwest Tirana during communism, the Ish-Blloku District underwent an epic transformation in recent decades. Also known simply as the Block, this small-ish area is now one of Tirana’s trendiest, hippest, and most vibrant neighborhoods.

If you’re wondering what to visit in Tirana, the Block should make it onto your sightseeing list. Easily accessible from other parts of the city, the Block is where you’ll find countless bars, nightclubs, pubs, restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. It’s where ex-pats living in Tirana and Tirana’s youth mingle, creating a cosmopolitan vibe unlike anywhere else in the city.

18. Wander Through Grand Park

Grand Park lies in southern Tirana, just south of the Block. Also called the Park on the Artificial Lake , it’s one of the best places in Tirana to escape the crowds. This 289-hectare park features a large artificial lake and landmarks like the Presidential Palace, the St. Procopius Church, the Botanical Garden, and the Zoo.

Additionally, you’ll see several memorials to not Albanian citizens, including writers and politicians.

It’s a beautiful area for a stroll and a few hours of reading in the shade of a tree. Swimming in the lake is popular in summer, while the amphitheater hosts various cultural events.

19. Buy Groceries At Pazari I Ri

The Pazari i Ri, known in English as the New Bazaar, is one of the best places in Tirana for grocery shopping. Its name comes from the grocery market that has been held in this area for decades. It’s one of the oldest parts of the city. Even if you’re not looking to stock up the fridge in your Tirana apartment, it’s still worth coming here simply for the lively atmosphere or to grab a cheap lunch.

After the 2016 reconstruction, visiting the New Bazaar is one of the most incredible things to do in Tirana at the moment. The market buildings boast substantial glass windows and roofs, allowing as much light as possible and making the various stands more vibrant than ever. This also means that the market is open on rainy days, too, now.

Go here for fresh fruit, veggies, fish, meats, raki , and regional Albanian wine. Around the market, you’ll find bakeries, coffee shops, and restaurants where you can sample delicious, traditional Albanian cuisine .

20. Explore Art At The Cloud

Close to the National Art Gallery, you’ll find The Cloud, an art display that is totally unique to anything else you’ve seen before.

Sou Fujimoto, a famous architect from Japan, designed this installation, and it’s a beautiful place to visit. If you visit during the evening hours, the entire thing lights up, which is a wonderful sight. There are also live events from time to time, with performances and concerts during the summer months.

21. Enjoy Panoramic Views From Sky Hotel Panoramic Bar & Restaurant

One of the best hotels in Tirana , Sky Hotel Tirana, also houses one of the absolute best restaurants in Tirana. The Sky Restaurant is on the 16 th floor of Sky Tower, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, accompanied by incredible views.

On the level above the restaurant is the Sky Panoramic Bar, a fantastic 360-degree bar offering epic sunset and nighttime views of Tirana. On top of that, the bar slowly rotates, so you don’t have to walk around to see the entire city . Just grab a drink and a seat and watch until the bar spins you around.

If your time in Tirana has almost ended, is there a better way to say goodbye to the city (for now, of course) than spending a leisurely evening in one of the best bars in Tirana? That’s right; we didn’t think so either!

22. Visit Krujë Castle

If you like epic tales of war, a visit to Krujë Castle should definitely make its way into your itinerary. Constructed as early as the 5 th or 6 th century, it was the headquarters of Georg Kastriot during the Ottoman sieges, which began in 1444.

From this small elliptical castle with no more than 3,000 men, Kastriot effectively repelled multiple attacks and severely dented the Ottoman Empire’s expansion into Central Europe. His enemies, the Ottomans, called him Iskender Bey. This means as much as Lord or Leader Alexander and is considered a comparison to Alexander the Great himself. The English translation of his name is Skanderbeg.

He justifiably became a national hero in Albania, nicknamed the “Dragon of Albania.” Nowadays, a monument dedicated to Georg Kastriot Skanderbeg dominates Skanderbeg Square in central Tirana.

Krujë Castle lies a short drive north of Tirana and makes for a great day trip . The castle complex now houses the Skanderbeg Museum and the Ethnographic Museum. Additionally, the hills around the castle are home to several wineries—if you like wine, stopping by one is mandatory.

23. Go For A Day Trip To Dürres

Another fantastic day trip from Albania is to the coast. Rent a car or take a bus to the Adriatic port city of Dürres. One of Albania’s largest and oldest cities, it’s also a hugely popular destination for sun-soaked Albania holidays .

Don’t miss the Roman amphitheater, the largest surviving one in the Balkans, with a former capacity of 20,000 spectators. Founded by Greek colonists in the 7th century B.C., it is now home to tons of Roman and Byzantine heritage. Other major attractions include the Byzantine city walls and the Dürres Archaeological Museum, Albania’s largest of its kind.

A day trip to Dürres should also involve some downtime on one of the beaches on the Albanian  southern Adriatic coast. Dürres Beach, for example, lies just south of the city center and is no less than 10 kilometers long. Countless hotels and other tourist facilities line this beach, the most visited beach and one of Albania’s most popular tourist attractions.

24. Drink Rakija At Komiteti

In a city full of hipster coffee cafes, Komiteti was one of our favorites. Fully equipped with objects and furniture from Albania’s long and complex history, it serves as a place where people meet, discover artifacts from the past, and wonder what it means to be Albanian.

Komiteti, whose owner, Arber Zepani, combined his extensive collection of more than 17,000 antiques with a bar to create a hybrid coffee museum, is a unique space full of educational antiques and vintage furniture timeless treasures, and clothing from all eras and parts of Albania .

25. Join A Jazzy Evening At Tirana Ekspress

The owners o f Tirana Ekspress have created a community where people can create and experience art together, and you can also bring a glass of some local drink (of course, Rakija – what else?) .

Tirana Ekspress operates as a cafe, bar, and alternative art space near Pazari i Ri (New Bazaar). It hosts exhibitions, live music, film screenings, jazz evenings, theater performances, D.J.s, and political debates.

Sit back, relax, have an espresso or alcoholic drink , and meet new artists and musicians from Tirana and elsewhere. Whether you are a tourist or local, Tirana Ekspress invites anyone who wants to support the arts and be a part of a supportive community.

26. Find The Most Unusual Reflexology Massage

This one is a unique thing to do in Tirana, for sure.

A traditional Chinese reflexology massage is probably the last thing you should consider getting in Albania. But there’s a well-known master of reflexology who owns a massage studio tucked away in a back alley of Tirana. How he ended up in Albania – we have no idea. Unless you can speak Mandarin or Albanian, you probably won’t learn much about him. But he gives one hell of a massage, and you will leave happy. That is guaranteed.

Reflexology massages start with a warm foot bath and an hour-long relaxing and refreshing full-body massage. Interestingly, traditional Chinese reflexology believes that all the energy passages of the body are in your legs and correspond to your body’s different systems and organs.

27. Don’t Miss The Albanian Wine Region

We know, we know. This one sounds weird .

While Albania is not very well known as an important wine region , the product might surprise you. Visit the Uka Winery on the outskirts of Tirana, where you can try Merlot and Kallmet – of course, made of local Balkan grapes). The outdoor restaurant also serves excellent traditional grilled meats, which pair perfectly with their surprisingly tasty wines.

28. Enjoy The Slow Train Out Of Town

The beauty of the Albanian railways is in their tranquil pace and challenges for adventurers. You can forget the new-age fast trains and turbo trains and whatever other adjectives you want to use for it.

The wagons are simple, with little comfort and seating, and the slow train, but adventurous travelers enjoy beautiful countryside views, including farmland with livestock, fruit trees, and small villages. There is no food or drink onboard, so take yours with you.

Albania’s railway network is ancient and now considered inconvenient, but it used to be a primary mode of transport for all locals in the capital city . Few people today travel by train and prefer their own car or minibus, which are ultimately faster, and if you are on a schedule, it is no wonder why. To catch a train , find a timetable and get to the Kashar station on the outskirts of Tirana.

29. Shopping At The Medieval Market

Kruja Castle is located an hour’s drive from Tirana and is known as the residence of Skanderbeg, known for his leadership in the country’s resistance to the Ottoman Empire. The castle saw many of the most critical battles in the country’s history and is now a place for Albanians to pay tribute to their national hero.

After visiting, head to the 15th-century medieval bazaar at the foot of the castle.

Local artisans have brought this market to life, selling trinkets, traditional clothes, carpets, paintings, and souvenirs for those you care about back home. However, the best experience for us was to walk along the old streets, where an original wall that has stood the test of time remains.

30. Visit Berat For The Day

Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and it’s the ideal place for a day trip, at just 120km away from Tirana. This spot is referred to as the “City of a Thousand Windows” because it’s packed with old houses made of stone that come down the hillside, and each has large windows.

When you look directly at it, you just see endless windows. The castle is also a must-visit, which dates back to the 13th century, along with the Christian Quarter and several museums dotted around the town.

31. Visit Et’hem Bej Mosque

This beautiful mosque was built early in the 19th century but was closed as communists ruled the land. However, it reopened back in 1991, and it’s a wonderful place to visit.

Remember mosque etiquette when you visit, and you can take a guided tour of the mosque when it’s not prayer time. The frescoes on the walls are stunningly beautiful, with pictures of rivers, waterfalls, and trees, keeping with a natural design.

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Weather in tirana.

After deciding what to see in Tirana, you must know what to pack. With just enough precipitation in summer to fall outside the Mediterranean climate category, Tirana officially has a humid subtropical climate.

The city generally has wet and cool winters, while summers are hot, relatively dry, and humid. You can expect to see snow every winter , which typically melts quickly.

Regarding sunshine, few cities in Europe are more blessed than Tirana. In fact, its 2,544 hours of sunlight per year make it Europe’s 8 th sunniest city.

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Best Time To Go To Tirana

Every time of the year, it has plenty in store for visitors to Tirana. Each month has fun festivals and live events, so you’ll never get bored, no matter when you go there.

In terms of weather, as noted above, winters can get rather wet, even snowy. However, the latter may allow fun winter sports activities in the surrounding mountains and perfect Christmas market conditions.

Generally speaking, though, it’s summer when you’ll want to visit Tirana. Many of the best things to do in Tirana are most fun from June through September . We recommend June and September, with much smaller tourist crowds, comfy temps, and low precipitation.

How To Get To Tirana

As the rest of Europe and the world slowly become aware of its fantastic tourist potential, finding cheap flights to Albania gets easier every year.

There are, for example, cheap flights to Albania from London, one of the largest air travel hubs on Earth, provided by low-cost airlines. The Mother Teresa Airport lies only 17 kilometers from the city center, offering convenient connections to the rest of the world.

Greece is the most convenient starting point if you travel to Tirana by bus. There are daily international bus services from cities like Thessaloniki and Athens, from which it’s also possible to get to other cities in Albania.

Additionally, you can get to Tirana by bus from Skopje, Macedonia , and a couple from all other major towns in the country.

Alternatively, you can also get to Albania via ferry from Bari, Italy, Corfu, Greece, to Dürres and Saranda . From those cities, it’s a short bus ride to the capital.

If you’d like to drive to Tirana, you can do that, too, but you should expect long queues at the border crossings no matter which country you’re entering from. If you have a rental car , you should check with the rental agency if you can legally take the vehicle across international borders.

Tirana FAQs

What are the must-visit attractions in tirana.

Some of the must-visit attractions in Tirana include Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Pyramid of Tirana.

How can I get to Tirana from Tirana International Airport?

You can easily reach Tirana from Tirana International Airport by taking a taxi, bus, or airport shuttle. Taxis and shuttles are available outside the airport terminal.

What is the best time to visit Tirana?

The best time to visit Tirana is during the spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant. Summers can be hot, while winters can be chilly.

What are the best day trips from Tirana?

Plan day trips to nearby destinations such as Kruja, Durrës, or Mount Dajti, accessible by car or public transportation.

How safe is Tirana for tourists?

Tirana is generally a safe city for tourists. However, exercise standard safety precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid poorly lit areas at night.

Are there any hiking or outdoor activities near Tirana?

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the beautiful Dajti Mountain, accessible by the Dajti Ekspres cable car. Hiking and biking trails are available for nature lovers.

What is the currency used in Tirana, and where can I exchange money?

The currency used in Tirana is the Albanian Lek (ALL). You can exchange money at banks, exchange offices, or ATMs throughout the city.

What are some cultural etiquette tips for visitors to Tirana?

Respect local customs and traditions, and greet people with a friendly “Përshëndetje” (Hello). When entering religious sites, dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees.

Is there a public transportation system in Tirana, and how does it work?

Tirana has a public transportation system, including buses and taxis. Buses are an affordable way to get around the city, and taxis are readily available.

What languages are spoken in Tirana, and is English widely understood?

Albanian is the primary language spoken in Tirana, but you’ll find that many people in the city, especially in tourist areas, understand and speak English.

Can I use credit cards in Tirana, or should I carry cash?

Most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Tirana accept credit cards. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in case you visit places that do not accept cards.

Is it common to tip in restaurants and for services in Tirana?

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Tirana. A 10% tip for good service in restaurants is customary, and you can also leave small tips for taxi drivers and tour guides if you wish.

What are some family-friendly activities in Tirana for travelers with children?

Family-friendly activities in Tirana include visiting the Grand Park of Tirana, exploring the National Archaeological Museum, and enjoying a ride on the Dajti Ekspres cable car.

Now that you have a list of things to see in Albania’s capital, Tirana, we hope you enjoy all the Tirana attractions you choose.

• A Guide To The Albanian Riviera
• Albania National Parks Guide
• List Of Things To Do In Albania
• Best Beaches In Albania
• Explore The City Of Tirana, Albania
• Castles In Albania
• Top Picks For Albania Accommodation
• Best Hotels In Saranda
• 21 Ideas On Where To Go In Albania
• Best Time To Go To Albania

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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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Update April 12, 2024

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Albania Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, albania - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Albania due to crime .

Country Summary : Law enforcement’s ability to protect and assist travelers is limited in some areas, especially in remote regions. There has been targeted violence associated with illicit drug networks and organized crime countrywide. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and the extent of police and emergency services in their area.

Read the  country information page for additional information to Albania.

If you decide to travel to Albania:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Albania.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. 
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• Travel Tips

Europe’s Next Big Beach Destination Is More Affordable Than Croatia, Less Touristy Than Greece

It’s time to stop balking at the Balkans.

The droves of tourists elbowing each other through Greece and Croatia are too busy boarding packed ferries and waddling through sweaty crowds to notice the other country right there , sandwiched conspicuously between the two. Albania, a less-traveled but comparable Ionian coast paradise, offers many of the same enticing qualities of its more famous next-door neighbors.

Along Albania’s Riviera, crystal-clear, vivid blue sea, the beaches are plentiful, juxtaposed with hidden caves rising inside of coastal cliffs like cathedrals. Small seaside towns bleach in the Mediterranean sun, their boardwalks lively with cafes by day and buzzing with revelers when the sun goes down. Beyond the beaches, well-preserved, picturesque towns each boast their own distinct character and ancient charm , their windows peering over the landscape like a thousand eyes, gazing across the fertile rolling hills that nourish leafy vineyards and silvery-green groves of gnarled olive trees.

Robust farmland and abundant seas yield the ingredients of a fresh and flavorful cuisine that is edible evidence of Albania’s cross-cultural influences. The skeletal stone ruins of the Romans stand crumbling next to silted-up rivers, while in the capital city, the remains of fallen regimes coexist with the dynamic spirit of a modern-day metropolis.

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The distinct advantage of traveling to Albania is that tourists do not flock here with the same fervor as those traveling to Greece or Croatia, freeing up more space on the beach and in hotels and restaurants. Even during the summer on the Albanian Riviera, it is possible to find empty beaches and last-minute affordable and appealing accommodations. The number of visitors that descend on Albania’s beach towns are nowhere near the high-season levels of Dubrovnik or Santorini, two beyond-stunning locales that are positively swarming with tourists. On top of that, Albania is affordable—money goes a lot farther here than in other, more popular destinations. So, what else sets Albania apart from its more glamorous neighbors? Read on.

Albania Is Home To Jaw-Dropping Mountain Views

In northern Albania, a dense range of forlorn mountain peaks stand in solitude, cleaved by the azure rivers that course through their lonesome canyons. Known as the Accursed Mountains, the dark intensity of this designation reveals that there is much more to this region than dramatic landscapes. A deep local culture has existed for centuries, secluded in this remote corner of the Balkans. Although much has changed here since the people of the region conducted their lives and all matters through the laws of the Kanun , a tribal text that outlines the rules of conduct by which everyone must adhere, the traditions here continue, less overt than in the past but continuing to inform the local psyche nonetheless.

Even during the summer on the Albanian Riviera, it is possible to find empty beaches and last-minute affordable and appealing accommodations.

Tour companies in this mountainous region offer well-organized treks connecting small villages on through-hikes across marvelous and diverse terrain, replete with translucent turquoise pools and shimmering waterfalls. The trails, blooming with wildflowers and shared with wandering cows and goats, reveal glorious views at every turn. Post-hike, guests can relax in charming guesthouses nestled in postcard-worthy valleys surrounded by lofty peaks. The food is fresh and locally grown, and before it ever appears on the table, it can be observed as vegetables growing in well-tended garden patches or plump chickens clucking through the grass.

After dinner, guests can enjoy an evening of sipping (or slugging) the popular spirit raki and then either sleep it off in their simple yet modern wooden cabin or go for a cold plunge in a mountain stream. Tour stops also include stone towers of cultural significance called kullas that bring to life the traditions of the people who call this beautiful yet challenging land their home.

Go As Local is a tour company that offers comprehensive tours with thoughtful itineraries and knowledgeable guides. Visitors can participate in all-inclusive, multi-day tours of the Albanian Alps in the north, the Riviera in the south, and everything in between.

A History That’s One for the Books

Albania’s history is one of the most intense stories of 20th-century Europe. After the wartime invasion and subsequent occupation by both the Italians and the Germans, the communists took control, plunging the country into North Korea-levels of complete paranoid isolation from the rest of the world until their collapse in 1991. Remnants of this decades-long isolation are still visible today—the countryside is pock-marked with the ghostly domes of concrete bunkers, and there is a noticeable lack of recognizable international chains—and provides an explanation as to why Greece and Croatia are more familiar with the collective global consciousness. Those countries have spent more time perfecting their coastal Balkans tourism game than Albania, thanks to governmental policies that granted their citizens basic individual freedoms and allowed for outside influence—societal realities that were denied to Albanians for almost half a century.

In Albania, the Guest Is Gold

In Albania, especially in the north of the country, there is an extreme reverence for the guests and showing hospitality to visitors. Albanians are welcoming, friendly, and open, which is remarkable for a country that was isolated from the rest of the world for so long. A benefit of visiting a country with such hospitable people (besides feeling welcome and cared for) is that their kindness can inspire visitors to be more considerate, too.

The Cafe Scene in the Capital City Is Unbeatable

Tirana is a city that feels like the sort of place people will be nostalgic for once prices rise and people move in. As Albania’s progressive and modern center, there are plenty of things to do and see in the capital. Visitors will immediately notice the abundance of next-level, beautifully designed cafes. Open, airy, and adorned with plants and thoughtful decor, these cafes encourage passing the hours in their inviting embrace. Bars and restaurants line the streets of trendy, vibrant neighborhoods where a variety of affordable and impeccably equipped apartments are available for rent in the midst of it all.

Skanderbeg Square, an immense plaza encircled by cultural and government buildings, lies at the city’s heart. Bunk ’ Art is a multi-floor underground bunker, originally built as a refuge for government elites, that has since been transformed into an art and history museum. The Pyramid of Tirana , a bizarre, brutalist-style pyramid built to honor a dictator’s ego, has undergone renovations and rebranded itself as an arts and cultural center, completed only recently in June 2023.

Nowadays, a subterranean-style scramble is not required to escape the hubbub of the city. Respite can be found in the Grand Park of Tirana, which is indeed as massive as the name suggests, encompassing 230 hectares and includes a botanical garden, historical landmarks, and an artificial (but very real) lake. The Datji Ekspres cable car whisks visitors 1600 meters above and beyond the city to the top of a mountain for panoramic views.

It Is a Country Where Religious Beliefs Are Respected and Honored

Although Albania is saddled with societal problems the same as every other country, they do incorporate some delightfully progressive ideas. Christians and Muslims in Albania practice religious tolerance, living in peace alongside one another . They do an impressive job (certainly by 2023 standards) of respecting one another’s beliefs, even going so far as to celebrate each other’s holidays. It is not unusual to see a church and a mosque standing next door to one another—a visible representation of the harmonious relations between two historically at-odds religious groups.

Why the Time To Visit Albania Is Now

Where Greece and Croatia are predictable and familiar, Albania leaves room for surprises. Now could be the moment to experience a part of Europe that has not yet been transformed into a caricature of itself or a reflection of current global tastes that dampen the local identity. Depending on the actions of the Albanian government and the EU over the next few years, Albania could become the next European hot spot, and if so, it would only be a matter of time until the price and quality of the tourist infrastructure are on par with that of Greece and Croatia. At this moment in time, Albania is mostly off the radar, and that’s a strong indication that now is the perfect time to go.

Thanks for the information , very nice article!.

Several years again I travel to Albania (I'm sure things have developed even more since) for 2 week. I visited the mountain side, the beach to downtown.  We stayed with a friend (American working abroad)of ours who guided us facilitating the trip, of course. But doesn't speak the language. I'm a Portuguese /American familiar to developing environment find it interesting to learn their history and culture, Aside from all the historic buildings, natural sights, the clear waters the article mentions.  And no I'm not an agent.  I'm just a regular who went to visit a friend and would have never thought to go there with my 2 children and husband.  Were there negative sides to the country?? the others comments weren't completely off.  I'm not sure if things have changed, BUT i would not drive there for the world.  Some of the towns have no traffic lanes. 2 lanes turn into 4 lanes in a matter of seconds. It's a horror.  So "I" would not drive. I don't know how my friend drove in local towns. The food was great and the most affordable.  It was delicious.  Their pizza was the closest pizza in Europe to New York pizza.  The quantity and quality was on point.  Now for the people, like anywhere else, but Overall everyone was pleasant.  

very interesting article

A total scam, don't go there https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGJ7hAmRs/

I hope Americans don't find it. Pay outrageous prices drive the economy up and ruin it like Ecuador, Portugal and everywhere else they go 🥺