Albania Itinerary, the best trip in 16 days

Itinerary 21 days Itinerary 10 days

Albania, located in Southeast Europe on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, is a country steeped in a rich history and stunning landscapes. With its magnificent coastline, pristine beaches, and breathtaking mountains, it’s a diverse landscape appealing to everyone. Albania is known for its mix of cultures, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. From historical cities like the capital Tirana to the ancient ruins of Butrint and the enchanting Albanian Alps, the country offers a range of experiences. The hospitable people add to the country’s charm, where traditions are still vibrant and visitors are welcomed with open arms. Although the country has had a turbulent past, it is now thriving as a tourist destination, attracting culture seekers, nature lovers, and beachgoers alike, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Transportation during your trip in Albania

During your trip through Albania we recommend that you book a rental car. We have been to the east of the country and into the mountains and needed a a 4×4. Are you not planning to go into the mountains, you can hire any car you like. The public transport is up and coming in Albania. From Tirana here are a lot of bus routes to the bigger cities and villages. The smaller villages are harder to reach, so you might need a taxi if you’re planning to go there.

Although traveling by train is getting more popular in Europe, Albania is not yet prepared for this kind of travel. There a just a few steam-trains and not a lot of tracks. Mini-buses and taxis are a good alternative. They are pretty cheap and reliable. We used Speedtaxi, for which you can download an app or use Whatsapp in the bigger cities. You can find the phone numbers on their website.

How many days do you need for this itinerary

We suggest spending 16 days on this itinerary to fully experience the beauty of Albania. However, if you have a shorter or longer vacation, we offer alternative 10-day and 21-day routes. Feel free to tailor these itineraries to your preferences by adjusting the time spent in cities like Berat, Tirana, Shkodër, and Gjirokastër, or by extending your stay at coastal destinations.

Day 1:  Shköder

Upon arrival in Tirana, you should pick up your rental car immediately. After picking up the car, we recommend going straight to Shkodër. There is plenty of time for Tirana at the end of the trip, but if you want to visit the capital already, you can check out the article here.

Head straight to this supermarket outside Tirana as soon as you head towards Shkodër. You can stock up on groceries here and then go to your hotel well-prepared. During the day, you can shop in Shkodër, acclimatize to Albania, and relax on the bar street. Kole Idromeno Street gets really busy in the evening, as they eat here at 9pm. Make sure you have a table in advance to enjoy delicious Albanian tapas or pizza. Then you can enjoy the wonderful temperatures and look back with satisfaction on the start of your adventure in Albania.

Hotel recommendation: Hotel Tradita. This authentic boutique hotel offers you the comfort of a one-stop shop. With its own restaurant where you can eat local food perfectly, its own bicycle rental to visit everything nearby and its own parking lot in the city center. The perfect place to stay and do everything you want in Shkodër.

Day 2:  Shköder

After breakfast, you will explore the city and visit the many attractions of Shkodër today. Start at Rozafa Castle, an Ottoman-era castle with ruins still standing. Then drive to the Mesi Bridge, where you can admire this Ottoman wonder of twelve arches. From there, you can walk through the beautiful streets of Shkodër in the center and visit the Ebu Beker Mosque, which is open to everyone. Women must wear something like a scarf to cover their hair here. Then you can visit the only photography museum in Albania, the National Marubi Museum. Or go out and take a boat tour and see the flora and fauna of Lake Shkodër. See more tours in Shkodër here. Do you want to read more about Shkodër? Then we have a full article about Shkodër here.

Hotel recommendation: Hotel Rozafa. This luxurious four-star hotel will pamper you to the fullest. The location is perfect in the center, opposite the Ebu Beker Mosque and the Kole Idromeno Street. A private parking lot and a good breakfast give you all the conveniences you need.

Day 3:  Theth

Today you head towards Theth. A wonderful ride where you drive through a lot of nature and over the pass. We chose to drive ourselves, but you can also take a taxi to Theth or take a minibus from this place. Tomorrow is the start of the Theth – Valbonë trail. But first you can discover Theth yourself. There are a number of different small hikes here with incredibly beautiful places. You can walk to the Güres waterfall, a short walk with a number of places where you have to climb a bit. It takes about half an hour to get there and half an hour back. You can even take a little dip in the water, something the locals like to do.

After the waterfall you will take a longer trip to The Blue Eye. This is a round trip walk of about an hour. Just before you arrive at The Blue Eye, you have the start of the river, where you can relax, because most people skip this. Afterwards you can admire and walk around The Blue Eye. Be sure to visit the top, because the view is amazing. After the two hikes you can enjoy a delicious meal on the newly created square on the edge of Theth and enjoy the commotion that takes place in a small village.

Hotel recommendation: Royal Land. Perfect view over Theth and wonderful beds to rest before you start the big hike. The hotel even prepares packed lunches and let the owners know that you want to hike, and they will help you arrange drop-off and pick-up.

Day 4:  Theth – Valbonë

You get up early today to start the hike at sunrise. Bring your water bottle, lunch and bars and start the walk while it is still nice and cool outside. You start the hike with a climb up, where you get more and more views over the valley. Then you go into the forest for about three kilometers, where you can enjoy the heights at which these beautiful forests grow. After that you walk straight through the forest for a while until you arrive at the first café. A short rest, and then you walk another 250 meters up on a two-kilometre path. As soon as you stand on the pass you can look out over both beautiful unique valleys. Be sure to climb the last part for amazing views at the top, where you can also enjoy your lunch.

After some nice photos it is time to go down towards Valbonë. The beginning goes down nice and quickly with many zigzag roads, but after that it gets tough. After about an hour’s walk you will come across a café where you can rest, refill your water and possibly drink something sweet. Then you walk down through a forest for another hour and the last hour and a half you walk on a stone path towards Valbonë. Here you will come across the first of many small air raid shelters, which you should definitely take a closer look at. From then on you can relax in your hotel and have dinner at the Tradita restaurant.

Hotel recommendation: Villas Jezercal. This spacious park is fully equipped. A beautiful bathroom, comfortable beds and a beautiful square in the middle. You can have breakfast in the adjacent Tradita restaurant, as well as dinner. A wonderful place after a long hike.

Day 5:  Valbonë and a round trip to Theth

In the morning you take the taxi to the ferry, which sails from Fierze across Komani Lake to Koman. You can book the taxi when booking your ticket for the boat online. Once you arrive at the ferry, you can relax in the café. Here you can already see the cliffs and the clear blue water in front of you. The ferry takes two and a half hours, during which you can enjoy a beautiful ride between the cliffs. Every bend gives a different view of this spectacular environment. After arrival, a scheduled taxi ride to Shkodër awaits you. We went to Theth via Speedtaxi, where the rental car was still parked and our belongings were in the hotel. If your hotel is in Shkodër, you can recover here tonight from two days of an amazing adventure.

We spent these three days in the north this way, but there are different ways to do the Valbonë – Theth hike. Or visiting Komani Lake. View our separate article about this area.

Hotel recommendation Theth: Thethi Villas. A wonderful place to spend the night after a great adventure is in one of these tiny houses. Enjoy a lovely bath and sit around the campfire in the evening and enjoy the view of the mountains. You can also return to Royal Land if you left your belongings there.

Hotelaanbeveling Shkodër: Hotel Rozafa. This luxurious four-star hotel takes care of your every need. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a strenuous hike and leave your worries behind. Everything is taken care of for you.

Tip: Make sure you book the ferry in time, it’s usually fully booked a few days before departure!

Day 6:  Shkodër to Dürres

Starting from Shkodër, you can be in Durrës in just two hours. Make the most of your morning by strolling along the beautiful beach and harbor. Afterward, refuel with lunch at one of the many harbor-side restaurants. Then, delve into history at the second-largest amphitheater in the Balkans. The Amphitheater of Emperor Hadrian, with its over 15,000 seats, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.

For a leisurely lunch, head to Abaia Winery and Vineyard. Enjoy tasty treats while learning about Albania’s rich winemaking history. In the evening, savor a delightful dinner in the city center before immersing yourself in Durrës’ vibrant nightlife. Discover more about Durrës in our upcoming article.

Hotel recommendation: Eldo Sea View Apartments. These beachfront apartments boast breathtaking sunset views. Plus, the waterfront restaurant just across the way is perfect for a meal or a drink.

Day 7:  Berat, the city of a thousand windows

Today, you’ll travel to the beautiful city of Berat, also known as the “City of a Thousand Windows” due to the stunning views of the elevated Mangala neighborhood. Upon arrival, visit the well-preserved St. Michael’s Church. Afterwards, explore the adjacent Mangala district. Make sure to be in Gorica by 5 PM to join a free guided tour that takes you through the Gorica neighborhood, the medieval square, and the grand castle. You can find more information in our article about Berat.

Hotel recommendation: Ana Rest House Hostel Berat. This affordable hostel is located in the traditional and charming Gorica neighborhood, across the Osum River. Housed in an 18th-century building, the hostel offers a garden, barbecue, terrace, and common area.

Tip: If you can t make the evening tour, check their website what time they leave in the morning.

Day 8:  Berat

Today you start the day with an exploration of the city with a nice walk through the Mangala district. Here you will find all kinds of small alleys, cafes and shops at home. Strolling through this neighborhood is a wonderful hour of walking in the village. Then you get in the car to Bogove waterfalls. You park the car fifteen minutes from the waterfalls and then walk along an unpaved road to the waterfall. Be sure to bring your swimwear, because you can take a dip in the cold water.

After enjoying yourself for a while, take the car for half an hour to the Osumi gorge. Check out our article about Berat for more information! In the evening you return and can eat at Restaurant Kapllani. This traditional restaurant is located on the Osum in the Gorica district and is highly recommended.

Hotel recommendation: Guest House Iljesa. This elegant 19th century house within the castle walls is a special overnight stay. The hotel is located in the heart of the old town and has panoramic views over the valley.

Day 9:  Dhermi

Head to Dhermi today and discover its spacious boulevard filled with great bars and restaurants. This charming beach town is a favorite among Albanians, so you’ll find fewer crowds. Relax on the beach without any reservations and choose from many dining options. We loved Rosè by Havana, a hidden gem behind the rocks, perfect for enjoying a sunset with a book and a cocktail. Make the most of your day by soaking up the sun and exploring the beautiful surroundings.

Hotel recommendation: Hotel Villa Petro Dhermi. Within a few minutes you’ll reach the beach and walk along the beautiful boulevards. In this amazing home-feel hotel you have everything you need to feel at home, away from home.

Tip: If you want to see more along the coast and enjoy the Ionian Sea, you can always drive past Vlöre or Sarande.

Day 10:  Gjipe Beach and the road to Ksamil

On your way to Gjirokastër, you’ll encounter a beautiful beach. However, a scenic hike to the beach via the Gjipe Beach Trail is also highly recommended. Park your car just before the turn-off in the bend. From this point, you can walk very close to the edge of the valley on the left-hand side. Enjoy breathtaking views as you make your way towards the beach. You’ll hike through nature and come across several viewpoints before beginning the final descent. Alternatively, you can park at a paid parking lot closer to the beach. You can then descend via the second half of the Beach Trail. If you prefer, you can also take the partially paved road to the beach.

Once at the beach, you can swim in the Ionian Sea and relax on the beach with a good book. There are also small cafes where you can enjoy a drink. After soaking up the sun, you can take another trip through the valley. It’s an easy hike with beautiful views of the mountains on both sides. You can also descend into the gorge with a tour or take a boat tour with a guide.

Afterwards you drive the route towards Ksamil, with beautiful sights along the coast. Depending on the time of day, you should definitly check out Porto Palermo, where the well preserved and beautiful Ali Pasha Castello lies. If it’s already dark, you can save this for the day after.

Hotel recommendation: Palermiti Luxury Rooms. Close to Porto Palermo lies this beautiful accommodation with great views that gives you a nice headstart to be in Ksamil the next day. It has a nice restaurant and there is breakfast included.

Day 11:  Ksamil and Butrint National Park

Today, you’ll head towards Ksamil, where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful nature. Spend the morning at Butrint National Park. Be there right when it opens, as it can get very crowded. You can enjoy the most important archaeological park in Albania. This ancient city was founded in the Iron Age and developed up until the Middle Ages. Among other things, there is a Roman theater, a basilica, and two castles. It is located in a wooded area on the edge of the Butrint Lake and the Vivari Channel. You can read more about it in our upcoming article about Butrint.

The rest of the day is dedicated to relaxation and enjoyment. Stroll along the beaches, rent a sunbed, and soak up the sun. We recommend Black Pearl, as you can enjoy a drink above the water and take in the sunset and the crystal-clear water. Afterwards, have a cocktail at the Vamos cocktail bar (happy hour from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM) and catch the last rays of the sun. In the evening, we recommend the Blue Water Restaurant for a delicious dinner.

Hotel recommendation: Ksamil Central Park Hotel. The beautiful, luxurious room in this centrally located hotel is situated in a calm environment and offers an excellent breakfast. A perfect base to enjoy the beach all day and relax in the evening.
Tip: If you want to rent a sunbed, you can bring your own food and drinks, as this is not mandatory at most bars.

Dag 12:  Ksamil naar Gjirokastër

Today you drive towards one of the highlights of Albania. The beautiful Gjirokastër. As soon as you arrive after a drive of more than an hour, you can start sightseeing at the Old Bazaar. This well-known intersection, where you can shop or have a snack and drink, looks beautiful and is always lively.

After this it is time for a tour of Enver Hoxha’s private bunker, the Cold War bunker. These tickets cannot be booked online, you will have to go to the ticket office at least fifteen minutes in advance. The tours can be booked every half hour, so you can just walk there. This is located to the right of the entrance to the town hall. Everything in the bunkers has been left as it was found. There are old newspapers, the desks are still there and you can even look into the old water reservoir. Make sure you bring a jacket, because it is always 16 degrees Celsius in the bunker.

Afterwards, take a stroll through the city, enjoy a beautiful terrace and have dinner in the evening at Restaurant Kashah, where the service is great and the food is even better. You can try different bars in the evening and enjoy the atmosphere in this beautiful city.

Hotel recommendation: Hotel Domino. This super centrally located hotel offers excellent rooms, a delicious breakfast at the adjacent bakery and within a few seconds you will be at the Old Bazaar, the highlight of Gjirokastër.

Day 13:  Gjirokastër

Start your day at 9:00 AM in the castle. Make sure you’re here when it opens, because later in the day it fills up with group tours and excursions from out of town. The castle is very large and you can find a lot of information in the materials themselves, but you can also book a three-hour guided tour, which also takes you to the Zerate house. This house is the oldest Ottoman house in Gjirokastër.

The last part of the day you will go hiking. You will visit the Ali-Pasha bridge. This bridge was once part of a 212 kilometer long aqueduct complex, built at the beginning of the 19th century. Most of it has been demolished, but this picture of the architecture is still there. You can get there via the center, if you walk through the Dunavat district. You can get on and under the bridge, so be sure to do both. After you’ve reached the bottom, you can walk back on the other side of the old river. Here you get a completely different picture of the beautiful surroundings. In the evening you can eat in the Dunavat district, at the beautiful Kardashi restaurant, where there is live music and fantastic Albanian food. You can read more about Gjirokastër in our separate article.

Hotel recommendation: Hotel Kastro. This hotel offers excellent facilities and is ideally located close to the Old Bazaar. The beautiful rooms with excellent bathrooms and nice showers offer you the comfort you want after a wonderful day of walking through Gjirokastër.
Hotel recommendation: Hotel Domino. This super centrally located hotel offers excellent rooms, a delicious breakfast at the adjacent bakery and within a few seconds you will be at the Old Bazaar, the highlight of Gjirokastër.

Tip: Tomorrow you’ll drive back to the capital, Tirana. Do you want some more nature or only want to stay one day in Tirana, check out this option in Permët.

Dag 14:  Van Gjirokastër naar Tirana

Day 15:  Tirana

Start your day at Skanderbeg Square, where the free tour of Tirana takes place. You start on the square and end just behind the square at an Orthodox church. Here you can see the pyramid, the former museum dedicated to Hoxha, here, which is currently being converted into a cultural and educational center. You can walk all the way up here and get a beautiful view of this part of the city. During this tour you will also see the “castle” of Tirana, a shopping street where you can also enjoy a delicious meal in the evening. Also visit Tanner’s bridge or go to the National Historical Museum. You can read more about this in our article about Tirana.

Hotel recommendation: Vanilla Sky Boutique Hostel. Located a short distance from the popular Blloku area, this affordable hostel offers a communal kitchen, shared lounge and free WiFi.

Day 16:  Last day in Tirana and going home

Today is the day of departure. Fortunately, you are already in Tirana and the drive to the airport is not that far. Stroll through the Pazari i ri, the new bazaar, where you can find all kinds of Albanian products and souvenirs or have a nice brunch nearby. Today you still have time to walk around Tirana and do the attractions and sights you want to see before boarding the plane.

You have read about a tour through Albania and have seen many beautiful walks in, for example, Valbonë, Korab and Gjirokastër. You have also been able to taste culture in Berat, Shkodër and Tirana and you have been able to enjoy the water in Ksamil, Dhërmi and Pogradec. We hope you have read this itinerary with a smile and are looking forward to your own adventure in Albania. Don’t forget to look at our 21 days or 10 days route and our individual articles about Berat or Tirana, for example.

Read our articles about Albania here!