Albania Itinerary 7, 10, or 14 Days: Top Destinations + Tips

Albania is one of the most underrated countries in Europe, but not for long! It’s becoming the hottest place on social media right now and is one of the most trending destinations right now. With its breathtaking mountains, turquoise beaches, charming towns, and warm hospitality, it’s no surprise that more travelers are starting to catch on.

I spent 10 days exploring this beautiful country, focusing mainly on the South and Central regions, and I was blown away by how diverse and affordable it was. You have the beautiful coast which many refer to as the Maldives of Europe. There are so many hidden gems to discover, and you will find fewer crowds here compared to other European hotspots like Greece and Italy.

Here’s a detailed 10-day itinerary to help you plan an epic trip through Albania. If you want to spend even more time, I’d recommend 14 days in Albania. That way, you can also see the beautiful North, which includes Theth and the stunning Komani Lake.

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Before you go:
💱Currency:  Albanian Lek (ALL)
Just think of 100 lek as about 1 euro, so 1,000 lek is around 10 euros. Euros are widely accepted but some places may refuse or add a small extra charge if used.
🏨 Everywhere we stayed in Albania linked below:
Sarande: Hotel Myrtai ($$)
Gjirokastër: The Barrels ($)
Dhermi: Zoe Hora ($$$)
Himare: Potam Sea Bliss ($)
Berat: Hotel Ansel ($)
🚖 Pre-book your Tirana airport transfer to your hotel
⛴️ Or if arriving at Corfu Airport, book your ferry tickets to Sarande
🧷 Travel Insurance with SafetyWing in case of any accidents. Better safe than sorry!
📱Mobile eSIM card to stay connected for less than a few dollars a day. There’s no hassle of changing out your physical SIM card!

How to Get to Albania?

There are a couple of easy ways to get to Albania, depending on where you’re starting your trip and which part of the country you plan to explore.

If you’re heading to Southern Albania, one of the most convenient options is to fly into Corfu, Greece. From there, you can take a short ferry (around 30 minutes to an hour) to Saranda, a coastal town in the south of Albania — perfect if you’re planning to explore the beaches and the Albanian Riviera. Read my full guide on how to take the ferry from Corfu to Albania.

For those starting in Central or Northern Albania, it’s best to fly directly into Tirana International Airport (TIA), the capital city’s main hub.

For our trip, we flew into Corfu to start in the south and ended in Tirana, flying out from there — but you could also do it the other way around, depending on your route and flight options.

How long do you need in Albania?

We spent 10 days in Albania and explored mainly the South and Central Albania. This was a good amount of time to see these places without feeling rushed. If you wish to also explore the north, I’d add on an extra 4 days, making it 2 weeks in Albania. I’ve included my suggestions for the extra 4 days in Albania to the bottom of this post.

If you’re short on time, you can still do Albania in a week or less but you’d need to pick and choose which part of the country you’d like to explore. The North is for mountain and nature lovers, while the South is for those wanting to visit lots of beaches and charming towns.

How much does a trip to Albania cost?

One of the reasons Albania is gaining traction is that it’s beautiful and way more affordable than Italy and Greece.

Budget travelers might spend around $30/day on food and accommodation. For mid-range travel, plan around $70–$90/day, and for luxury, expect to pay $180–$250/day on average.

When is the best time to visit Albania?

The best time to visit Albania is during the spring and summer months from May to September. July and August are peak season. Near the beach towns, the weather is manageable, but the towns can be very hot! So be prepared. May and September offer the best balance of crowd level and weather.

Getting around Albania

By Car (best option)

It’s best to get around Albania by car so you can reach some of the most beautiful parts of the country. Having a car gives you the most flexibility. Driving in Albania can be a challenge as some of the drivers can be quite aggressive near bigger cities like Sarande and Tirana. Roads have improved in recent years, but be prepared for some winding coastal routes and occasional potholes inland. I found driving in Albania ok, despite this, but I’m mostly a confident driver.

We rented our car through Discover Cars, a reputable company who also offer their own full insurance coverage.

By Bus

Albania doesn’t have a national bus system or online booking for most routes. Instead, minibuses (called furgons) operate informally and leave when full. They’re very affordable but not the most time-efficient, and schedules can be a bit unpredictable. This website also has some timetables listed but always ask locals or your accommodation for the latest info.

By Taxi

Uber is not available in Albania – but you can arrange transfers via GetYourGuide or Welcome Pickups. Taxis are relatively cheap compared to other parts of Europe, especially for short distances. For longer trips (like Tirana to Berat or Saranda to Gjirokastër), many travelers book private transfers, which are common and not too expensive if you’re splitting the cost.

Albania 10 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Sarande/Ksamil

Ksamil and Sarandë are two of the most popular beach spots in southern Albania—and while they’re definitely beautiful, they felt a bit too touristy for me. Ksamil is known for its turquoise waters and tiny islands you can swim or paddle to, but it gets really crowded in peak season. Sarandë is more of a coastal city with a lively promenade and lots of restaurants, but it felt a bit overdeveloped compared to the quieter towns. Still worth seeing if you’re in the area.

One thing that surprised me was how good the food was in Albania and how aesthetic the restaurants are. Read my full guide on my favorite restaurants in Albania.

Things to do in Sarandë:

• Arrive at Sarande port from Corfu Airport
• Base: We based ourselves in Sarandë for the first 3 nights at Hotel Myrtai. It’s a 10 min walk from port & 7 minute walk to Sarande beach. Some people choose to base themselves in Ksamil instead. There are nicer beaches in Ksamil but Sarande was a more convenient base for us to explore the next places on our Albania itinerary and roadtrip.
• Stroll along the promenade and relax at Sarandë Beach or head to Ksamil for a beach day. It’s just a 20 minute drive from Sarande.
• Dinner options: Vila Bajrami 45, Restaurant Te Bequa, Pizza Nepsi, Taverna Fish-Time

Day 2 – Sarande

• Base: Sarandë at Hotel Myrtai: just a 20 minute drive from Ksamil.
• Chill beach day in Sarande at Lost Seaside Beach Club. Arrive early at opening time to get a good seat. Sunbeds cost around €30 for 2 people. They have lunch and drink options coming by your sunbed to take your order. We loved the sushi here.
• Lëkurësit Castle for sunset drinks and dinner. They have epic views of Sarande. No booking required. You can have a casual pizza dinner on the second floor or eat on the top level at their restaurant.

Day 3 – Ksamil + Butrint Ruins

• Visit Butrint Ruins. It opens at 9 AM and you’ll need around 2 hours to see it. It’s best to do this one early to beat the high temperatures. There are wonderful views from the castle up top. Tickets cost €7. If you don’t have a car, I recommend this tour which takes you to Butrint, Ksamil & Lekuresi Castle.
• Lunch back in Ksamil at Traditional House
• Chill at Pasqyra Beach or Guvat Beach
• Sunset dinner: Guvat Bar & Restaurant is located next to Guvat Beach and is one of the prettiest restaurants in Albania. They have seafood and other traditional foods to choose from.

Day 4 – Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër completely stole my heart. It’s this super cute, quaint village in southern Albania—actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Think cobbled streets, stone houses, and mountain views at every turn. It honestly felt like stepping back in time. I loved wandering the old bazaar, sipping coffee at the Hangover Bar, and seeing the views from the castle.

Things to do in Gjirokastër, Albania:

• On the way to Gjirokastër we stopped at the Blue Eye for around an hour and a half. A lot of people will recommend a visit here, but honestly I didn’t think it was worth it. I thought it would be a peaceful spot with pretty blue waters, but it took about 40 minutes to walk there from the parking, and it was swarming with people. I ran into a few people on my trip, and they all said the Blue Eye was disappointing.
• Arrive in Gjirokastër, which is a little over an hour’s drive from Sarande.
• Explore the castle, Ottoman bazaar, and heritage houses.
• Hangover Bar for a coffee
• Obelisk for a view of the beautiful town
• Golden hour and dinner at The Barrels – where you can eat in a vineyard. We actually stayed at The Barrels too! Had no idea they had a hotel here too, but it was such a good find. Super affordable at £60 a night. Book it here before it is not available.

Day 5-6 – Himare

Himarë has some of Albania’s best beaches—think crystal clear waters, hidden coves, and way fewer crowds. It has such a relaxed, laid-back vibe and I enjoyed it so much more than Sarandë or Ksamil. Those spots are beautiful too, but they felt a lot more touristy and built-up.

Himarë, on the other hand, still has that untouched charm and local feel. It’s the kind of place where you can just chill by the beach all day, eat fresh seafood, and not feel rushed at all.

Things to do in Himare, Albania:

• Drive 2 hours to Himare
• Base: Himare at Potam Sea Bliss (pictured above). This hotel has a balcony with a view of Himare’s best beach to watch the sunset. It included sunbeds with our stay and you literally walked out of this place and had the beach at your doorstep. Highly recommend.
• Best beaches in the area: Aquarium Beach, Jale Beach, Livadi, Spile, Amar Beach, Castle of Porto Palermo, Bay of Grama
• Take a boat tour which will have you pass by many of the beaches listed above, go into caves, and will even drop you off at one so you can relax for a bit! We booked this tour.
• Hike to Himarë Castle and see the ruins. There’s also an amazing cafe to enjoy lunch called Café Butterfly.
• Food options: Café Butterfly, Restaurant Merkur Merkuri, Lefteri’s Tavern, Elea restaurant, Fig & Olive

Day 7 – Dhermi

Dhërmi might just be one of Albania’s prettiest beach towns. It’s set between dramatic mountains and the Ionian Sea. Here you will find a slightly more upscale vibe, but it still feels relaxed and not overly touristy. The beaches are stunning—long stretches of turquoise water with smooth pebbles and beach bars like Luciano. Dhermi town itself has no restaurants besides the famous Zoe Hora. But the views you will find from here are amazing.

Things to do in Dhermi, Albania:

• 30 Minute drive from Himare
• View of Dhermi on way into town (location)
• Arrive at Base for 1 night: Zoe Hora 
• Explore the small town, should be very quick as it’s small. St Mary’s Monastery is postcard perfect.
• Lunch at Luciano which is located at Dhermi Beach. The vibe is really nice and it’s a busy spot so expect some wait time.
• Relax at Dhermi Beach
• Drinks: Bacarò Beach Bar

Day 8 – Berat

Berat was my favorite town to visit on the trip. It’s another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known as the “City of a Thousand Windows” because of its white Ottoman houses stacked along the hillside. It’s really photogenic and I loved spending my birthday here. You will be surrounded by cobbled streets, cute cafes, and incredible views from the castle at the top. I loved how authentic and quiet it was compared to the coastal towns.

Things to do in Berat, Albania:

• Your longest drive of the trip will be the 4-hour drive to Berat.
• Along the way, you can pass through the scenic Llogara Pass, which is a high mountain pass known for its crazy curvy roads going up a mountain. There’s a viewpoint located here. The scenery is just stunning. I found the drive to be ok despite how zig-zaggy it is. I thought I’d be really nervous, but it was ok. Although you will have to exercise caution and drive slowly. I would NOT recommend driving it at night.
• Base for 2 nights: Hotel Ansel
• Dinner recommendation: Homemade Food Lili – be sure to book it weeks in advance as it fills up fast. It’s a unique family-owned restaurant with traditional food served in Lili’s home!
• Berat is known for Wine & Olive Oil so if you have time, check out Cobu Winery.

Day 9 – Berat

• Start your morning with a cooking class where you will get to eat your creations. It’s set at Berat Castle and was such a highlight for me. I did this activity on my birthday, and the food was seriously the best I had during my 10 days in Albania! You can book the exact one I did here.
• Explore Mangalem quarter, the castle, and the old bridge.
• Head to the Gorica district and explore this quiet area. Don’t miss the Gorica Bridge and the beautiful Church of St. Spiridon.
• Have wine from a wine window! Exact location here
• Enjoy dinner and drinks at sunset with a view at Tradita E Beratit.

Day 10 – Tirana

Tirana is Albania’s capital, so if you like exploring big cities, make sure to pay it a visit. Here you will find endless cool cafes and street art. It’s not the prettiest city at first glance, but the more I explored, the more it grew on me. Definitely worth a stop to get a feel for modern-day Albania.

Read my full guide on the best things to do in Tirana!

• Drive ~2 hours from Berat.
• Have brunch with a view of the square at Botanica Cafe.
• Visit the famous Skanderbeg Square, where you will find many iconic stops, including Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower which you can climb up for views, and the National History Museum.
• Explore Bunk’Art, a Cold War-era nuclear bunker that has transformed into a museum.
• Enjoy the views from the top of the Pyramid of Tirana
• Take the 15-min cable car ride to Mount Dajti.
• Go shopping and have dinner at the Castle of Tirana.
• Sunset drinks at Sky Tower

14 Days in Albania

If you want to extend your trip and see more of Albania, I’d highly recommend seeing the North of Albania. Here’s what an extended trip would look like.

Day 11: Shkodër

• 2 hour drive from Tirana or you can take the bus
• Base: 1 day in Shkodër
• Explore: Rozafa Castle, the historical center, and Marubi Photo Museum.
• Optional: Lake Shkodër bike ride or riverside cafes.

Day 12: Komani Lake

• Early start: Drive or transfer to Koman.
• Take the Komani Lake ferry (looks stunning with fjord-like scenery).
• Arrive in Valbona Valley National Park.
• Hike or relax in nature.

Day 13: Hike from Valbona to Theth

• One of the best hikes in the Balkans (6–8 hrs).
• Scenic trail with mountain passes, villages, and rivers.
• Base: Theth

Day 14: Explore Theth → Return to Tirana

• Visit: Blue Eye of Theth, Grunas Waterfall, Theth Church.
• Afternoon transfer back to Tirana (~4–5 hrs via Shkodër).
• Last night in Tirana (or sleep in Shkodër if the flight is the next day).

7 days in Albania

Short on time? Then you need to choose whether you want to explore the North or the South of Albania. If you want to use my itinerary above, just head back to Sarande port to Corfu Airport after Day 7, ending in Dhermi.

The South is ideal for beach lovers, and you can still get a feel for all the charming towns, too.

If you’re more into nature, then I’d recommend days 8 to 14 for your 7-day itinerary in Albania. This way ,you can see central and northern Albania.

For more reading, you may also like:
🌃 Best Things to do in Tirana
⛴️ How to take the Ferry from Corfu to Albania
🍴Best Restaurants in Albania
🇬🇷 Corfu 7 Day Itinerary