The ultimate Albania itinerary + tips

Are you looking for the ultimate Albania itinerary? Then you are in the right place! Albania is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a diverse and amazing road trip. This versatile country has everything you need for a great trip: rugged mountain landscapes for endless hiking, charming historic towns full of history, and turquoise coves where you can completely relax. Along the way, you’ll meet friendly and welcoming locals, taste delicious traditional cuisine, and discover remote places that make you feel like you’re experiencing something truly unique. Are you curious to know the best destinations in Albania and what you shouldn’t miss? We share the ultimate itinerary, highlighting the most beautiful locations and most practical tips.

The most enjoyable and practical way to discover Albania is to rent a car. This gives you the freedom to visit remote places and adjust your route as you go. In recent years, roads in Albania have improved significantly. In the mountains and countryside, some roads may still be unpaved or bumpy, but this only adds to the adventure. Before renting a car, make sure to read our tips on renting a car in Albania.

Don’t want or can’t drive yourself? You can then travel by minibus or bus, although these are less flexible and often take longer. Albania does not yet have central booking sites for all bus routes. It is best to ask your accommodation for advice on how to get from point A to point B. Tickets are usually purchased directly from the driver on the bus.

Want to follow the full path we explain below? We recommend setting aside three weeks. If you have less time, you can easily shorten your itinerary to two weeks. Later in this article, we’ll share sample daily schedules for a three-week trip and a two-week trip. To give you a good overview of each destination, we’ve also written separate guides for each stop on this route. These include tips on the best things to do, the most beautiful restaurants, and the most comfortable places to stay. You’ll find links to these guides in each section below!

Tirana

Your journey through Albania starts from the capital, Tirana. Don’t expect a classic European capital filled with centuries-old cathedrals, but rather a modern city filled with colorful street art, trendy bars and bustling bazaars. Especially in the evening, when the temperatures are more pleasant, Tirana comes alive! People take an evening stroll, children play in the streets, and the squares are filled with locals spending their day together. Tirana is relaxed, the people are friendly, and on almost every street corner you can sit down for a coffee or a local snack.

If you stay a little longer, you’ll discover what makes this city so special. Curious what are you doing here? Check out our Tirana tips for the best hotspots and attractions.

Lake Bovilla (stop)

On the way to Kruje (the next destination on this route), you will pass the impressive Bovela Reservoir, located in the middle of Dajti National Park. Here, you can take a short walk to Amazing view On Mount Jamti. The hike to the viewpoint is short but involves some climbing. from Parking lotIt takes about 15 to 25 minutes. The path leads you through the rocky terrain to a metal staircase set into the steep rock wall. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the reservoir: clear blue water surrounded by green hills and dramatic cliffs. Every photo you take here looks like a postcard. Take your time at the top to enjoy it, as it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the area.

Krugi

The road trip continues to Kruje, a small mountain town less than an hour from Tirana. Here, the bustle of the capital gives way to fresh mountain air, narrow streets and a centuries-old atmosphere. Kruje is not a place to stay for several days, but it is absolutely worth a visit. Spend a day enjoying the history of Albania, admiring ancient buildings, and strolling through a traditional market filled with handmade rugs and souvenirs. With a little luck, you’ll see the craftsmen weaving right away.

Shala River

It’s time to visit one of the most magical sites in Albania: the Shala River (Albanian: Lumi i Shales). This remote area borders Lake Coman, a reservoir surrounded by steep cliffs that look like a Norwegian fjord. The only way to reach the Shala River is by boat, which makes the experience even more special. The further you travel across the lake, the clearer the water becomes. When you finally reach the Shala River, you enter a hidden paradise.

Overnight stays here take place in guesthouses along the river. This way, you can enjoy the tranquility once the day hikers leave. We stayed in Be Eco Guest HouseWhich we highly recommend. Check out our Shala River guide for more things to do.

Theth

After relaxing in this remote paradise, it’s time to venture into the Albanian Alps. In the mountain village of Theth, it is as if time has stopped – unpaved roads, simple houses, and untouched nature beckoning to be explored. Here, you will enjoy authentic Albanian hospitality and the tranquility that characterizes northern Albania. Since there is so much to do in Theth, we recommend staying at least three nights. You can go on some of Albania’s most amazing hiking trips, visit waterfalls, and take a refreshing swim in crystal clear springs. In our Theth guide, we share the best excursions and attractions.

Berat

After days of mountain adventure, travel across the country to Berat. This city will dazzle you with its white Ottoman houses that appear to be stacked on the hillside like a mosaic. No wonder it is called the “City of a Thousand Windows”. As one of the oldest cities in Albania, Berat is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s not a city where you put your to-do list, it’s a place to wander around, relax in a café, sample Albanian cuisine and lose track of time. Plan to stay at least two days to see the highlights and take a side trip to the impressive Osumi Valley. Read our Berat guide for more details.

Gjirokaster

The journey continues south to Gjirokaster, one of Albania’s most stunning destinations. The old town is a lively maze of cobblestone streets lined with cafés, artisan shops and restaurants with tables spilling into the streets. In the evening, the city is bustling with locals and travelers gathering for drinks or plates of traditional food. Stay at least one night here. Gjirokaster may be small, but there is a lot to see and do. Visit the centuries-old castle, wander inside traditional Ottoman houses, and don’t forget to try the local snack “qafqi” before moving on. You’ll find everything you need in our Gjirokastër guide.

Sarande or Ksamil

Sarandë and Ksamil are two large coastal towns in the far south of Albania, both offering beautiful beaches with clear waters and lively beach clubs of all kinds. Since the distance between the cities is only 15 kilometers (9.3 miles), you can easily combine them. Choose one as your base and explore the surrounding area from there. If you prefer peace and quiet over crowds, skip these destinations and continue straight to Himarë or Dhërmi.

Sarandë is a vibrant coastal city that blends stunning beaches, a lively urban atmosphere and a rich history. The town is located directly on the coast and offers a mix of modern beach clubs, cozy terraces and cultural attractions. Don’t miss the magnificent Likorisi Castle, which sits above the town and offers panoramic views of the turquoise Ionian Sea. In the evening, you can stroll along the street lined with local cafés, bars and restaurants overlooking the sea. Check out our sarandi tips.

Ksamil is famous for its white sandy beaches and turquoise bays. Here you will find the perfect holiday atmosphere in lively beach clubs where you can enjoy cocktails, music and great food with your feet in the sand. You can also easily take a paddleboard or kayak to nearby islands, where you can swim and snorkel in peace. Read our Ksamil guide.

Himari or Dermi

The last stop on your Albania itinerary is back along the coast. Here, you can choose between Himare and Dhermi, two small coastal towns ideal for those who love secluded beaches and hidden coves. From either base, you can easily take day trips by car to historic sites and remote beaches, some of which can only be reached by hiking or winding mountain roads. Both Himarë and Dhërmi have a unique atmosphere, so it’s up to you to decide what suits you best.

Himare is a cozy village where you can walk directly from your accommodation to the beach, where small boats bobbing on the water and sea invite you for a refreshing swim. Along the street you will find cozy restaurants and cafes where you can end your day with a delicious meal and a glass of good wine while the sun sets over the sea. Are you curious what Himari looks like? Check out our Himari guide.

Dhërmi offers two sides: the traditional mountain village and the bustling seaside resort. The upper village has a quiet, authentic atmosphere with cobblestone streets, old churches and stunning views of the coast. However, it is located close to the coast, with wide, lively beaches, a bustling boulevard, modern beach clubs and great restaurants. Before you visit, take a look at our Dhërmi guide.

Our choice: We chose Himarë as our base and can highly recommend it. It feels more peaceful and authentic here.

Below you will find two sample Albania road trip itineraries: one for 2 weeks and one for 3 weeks. In our guides for each destination, you can read more about what to see and do. This makes it easy to decide whether you want to stay longer in some places, skip others, and adjust the route to your own pace and preferences.

During our travels, we are always looking for not only the best activities, but also the most unique places to stay. In Albania you will find luxury hotels as well as comfortable and affordable guesthouses – some located within the ancient castle walls, others with stunning views of the sea or mountains. We’ve gathered all our favorite picks into one overview of our favorite places to stay in Albania. Wherever you choose, you are guaranteed an unforgettable time!