A Comprehensive 14-Day Road Trip for 2024

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A person in an orange dress stands looking at a hillside town with white houses and a rocky hill in the background under a clear blue sky.

Hello traveler, excited about your Albania trip already? I’m here to help you plan a perfect 2-week Albania itinerary as an introduction to this underrated European destination!

I’ve seen both Albania’s inland and coast, and I’m here to tell you all about my experience and offer valuable tips!

In this guide, I share a detailed itinerary that includes both the important historical cities, seaside resorts, and mountain towns. You can customize the itinerary however you like, or start from the given order or turn it around. In the end, you’ll find a shortened itinerary version if you have less time.

Remember to book your flight and tickets in advance though, especially if you’re planning your stay in the summer!

Days: 14
Cost: €1000 if traveling on a tight budget, around €1200 for mid-range travelers, infinity and beyond if you are a luxury traveler
Transportation: car (doable by bus)
Best luxury hotels in the itinerary: Tirana, Berat, Gjirokaster, Sarande, Himare, Durres, Kruje, Teth
Best mid-range hotels: Tirana, Berat, Gjirokaster, Sarande, Himare, Durres, Kruje, Teth
Best budget accommodation: Tirana, Berat, Gjirokaster, Sarande, Himare, Durres, Kruje, Teth

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Here’s a quick overview of the Albania itinerary with all the stops.

Illustrated map of Albania highlighting key tourist destinations: Theth, Kruje, Durres, Tirana, Berat, Himare, Gjirokaster, Sarande, Ksamil, and Butrint. Features includes icons for landmarks and activities.

Day 1: Tirana
Day 2: Leave Tirana + arrive to Berat
Day 3: Leave Berat + arrive to Gjirokaster
Day 4: Gjirokaster
Day 5: Leave Gjirokaster + arrive to Sarande
Day 6: Sarande + Ksamil day trip
Day 7: Sarande + Butrint day trip
Day 8: Leave Sarande + arrive to Himare
Day 9: Leave Himare + arrive to Durres
Day 10: Durres
Day 11: Leave Durres + arrive to Kruje
Day 12: Leave Kruje + arrive to Theth
Day 13: Theth
Day 14: Leave Theth + arrive to Tirana

Note that this 14-day itinerary may spread to 15 or 16 with 1 extra day in Tirana at the beginning or the end (or both), depending on your arrival and departure time.

Day 1: See Tirana

A diverse group of people walk across a spacious square with a statue, surrounded by colorful buildings, a mosque, and a clock tower under a clear blue sky.

● Why visit: architecture, bunkers, food
● Key activity: visiting Skanderbeg Square, Bunk’Art 2 and climbing Tirana Castle
● Estimated daily budget: €100

Tirana is Albania’s capital city and the only one with an international airport, so it’s convenient to start your visit from here. By the way, if you still haven’t bought your tickets, you can find cheap flights from many European destinations. Just do a quick search on Skyscanner!

NOTE: You can also enter Albania via a quick ferry ride from Corfu, Greece. If you have better connections via Corfu, you can start this itinerary in Sarande and make your way North.

You’ll want at least 1 full day in Tirana so that you can wake up in the morning, enjoy your breakfast, and then plan a full day of activities. If you arrive early in the morning, you can use that day to explore, but if your flight is in the second half of the day, I recommend booking 2 nights in Tirana!

What I loved most about Tirana was the diverse architecture (from Italian to Ottoman to French to communist) and food. You MUST try their phyllo dough (burek) and tavë kosi, which is baked lamb with yogurt!

Also, Tirana is a great place to learn about the country’s turbulent past. They have 2 bunker museums that used to serve as underground shelters during the Cold War. Albania’s leader built them in case of an invasion from enemy forces since he imposed a very strict communist regime at the time.

They are now open to visitors and have been repurposed into history museums. You can read more about it (and find inspo for activities in the country) in my article on the 18 best things to do in Albania!

NOTE 2: Wi-Fi isn’t widely available in Albania. I highly recommend an eSIM (I love Airalo) so you can secure data while in the country.

TIP: Always have cash on you to pay for food and services across Albania. Although more and more places now accept cards, the majority don’t.

Interior view of a dome-shaped bunker museum in Tirana, with photographs of faces covering the walls and an entrance sign in the foreground.

Go on a walking tour of Tirana
Stroll on the Skanderbeg Square (map)
Learn about Albania’s history in the Bunker Museum
Visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque (map) on the central square
Explore the Pyramid of Tirana (map)
Have coffee or buy souvenirs in Tirana Castle (map)
Eat traditional Albanian foods at the Oda Restaurant (map)

Optional extras

If you end up having 2 nights in Tirana (your flight arrives late on the 1st day), you can include additional activities:

Where to stay in Tirana

An aerial view of Tirana, featuring modern skyscrapers, historic buildings, and the mountains in the distance.

Now let’s explore the best hotels to stay in Tirana! I cherry-picked the best options for all budgets.

Maritim Hotel Plaza ($$$) – a top-rated luxury hotel just by the Skanderbeg Square in the center of Tirana, perfect for couples or families who want to be near major attractions
Rooftop Tirana ($$) – a charming place near the city center with stunning rooftop views of Tirana, plus a superb rating
Guesthouse Hygge ($) – meet fellow travelers, save on your stay, and enjoy the cozy and comfortable amenities of this guesthouse

Day 2: Leave Tirana and arrive to Berat

View of a hillside town featuring numerous traditional houses with red rooftops and white walls. A stone bridge spans across the river in the foreground. Greenery covers the hilltop above the town.

● Time: 1 hour 50 min by car, 2 hour 45 min by bus
● Distance: 100 km (62 miles)
● How to get there: driving is ~€30 (rental car €20 + gas €10), and bus is €5 per person
● Why visit: historic buildings, old castles
● Key activity: climbing Berat Castle, walking around the Old Town
● Estimated daily budget in Berat: €50

I recommend leaving for Berat early in the morning after a full day of exploring Tirana. The best way to get here is by car. This is the fastest and most convenient option for travel.

PRO TIP: Have a phone mount with you so you can follow GPS instructions on your phone while driving. You may have trouble finding a rental in Albania with a built-in and functional GPS.

The distance between Tirana and Berat is around 100 km (62 miles), and the ride won’t take you more than 2 hours by car. A bus is much cheaper but adds roughly 1 extra hour to the trip. In case you don’t drive or don’t want to rent a car, you can still easily get to Berat!

NOTE ON BUS TRAVEL: You buy tickets directly from the bus driver (cash only). The bus infrastructure isn’t the best in Albania, so make sure you have Albanian leks on you when traveling. The bus stations also look like large parking spaces with little shade, so I recommend having a hat and water on you while waiting for your bus in the summer months. Drivers usually shout the destination name at the station since they don’t always have the information boards, so listen carefully for the name of your next city or ask which parking place the bus to Berat departs from.

A view of Berat, Albania, with traditional Ottoman-style white houses nestled on the hillside and a green mountain in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Albania has very few highways (the main one is in the North, connecting Tirana to Durres), so you’ll take regional roads to get to Berat. They can get narrow and may have potholes, so be careful and better take your time, definitely don’t speed on the roads!

You can wake up early, have breakfast in Tirana, and be in Berat by 11 AM. You’ll have almost a full day to explore! This is a small city anyways, so you won’t need more than that, but you definitely want to add it to the itinerary!

Berat is known as one of Balkan’s most famous wood-carving cities, and is considered one of the best-preserved cities from the Ottoman times. I must say it’s my favorite old city in Albania after Gjirokaster, with a very laid-back vibe.

Berat is called “the city of 1000 windows” since the windows dominate the architectural landscape of the old buildings. So charming!

There are really 2 major things you want to do here, including a visit to the Old Town with all its cobblestone narrow alleys, authentic shops, and charming traditional restaurants. This activity can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on how fast or slow you go! Also make sure that you take a stroll along the river bank, it’s pretty amazing!

The 2nd thing is climbing the Berat Castle and catching a sunset there, I guarantee you won’t regret it! The castle is located just above the Old Town and is open until 6 PM so you can still fit the stop here on Day 2!

A stone building displays traditional woven rugs and garments outside. An arched wooden door is partly visible. A black car is parked on the cobblestone street nearby.

Day 2 in Berat

Walk along the Old Town of Berat (map) and buy some unique souvenirs
Take a premium walking tour of the city
Have lunch at the Homemade Food Lili Restaurant (map)
Visit the Berat Castle (map)
Check out the Museum of Byzantine Icons by the Castle (map)
Head back to Old Town for an evening walk
Join a cooking class where you’ll make local dishes
Go wine tasting in Cobo Winery (map)

Where to stay in Berat

A woman with a backpack and sunhat walks along a bridge in Berat, Albania, overlooking a stunning view of the white, Ottoman-style houses spread across the hillside.

Check out the best hotels to stay in Berat for all budgets:

Hotel Colombo ($$$) – enjoy a 5-star service with a jacuzzi, 2 outdoor pools, and a fabulous breakfast in this stylish hotel
Hotel Vila Aleksander ($$) – this top-rated villa is located in the heart of Berat’s Old Town and has the cutest rooms with traditional decor
Bujtina Apsus ($) – a renovated apartment with free Wi-Fi, a garden, private bathrooms, and lovely hosts

Day 3: Leave Berat and arrive to Gjirokaster

A bustling street in Gjirokaster, lined with white-washed buildings, shops, and a distinctive house with a balcony at the center.

Time: 2 hour and 40 min by car, 3 hour and 40 min by bus
Distance: 182 km (113 miles)
How to get there: driving is ~€45 (rental car €20 + gas €25), and bus is €11 per person
Why visit: UNESCO site, old markets, historical city
Key activity: Shopping in the Old Bazaar, climbing Castle of Gjirokaster
Estimated daily budget in Gjirokaster: €30

Since you’ll see all the main attractions of Berat on the 1st day, you can depart for Gjirokaster on the following morning or by noon the latest. Grab your breakfast in Berat and head for your destination preferably by car.

If you take a car, you can choose between 2 routes. The faster one takes you via smooth E853, while the other one is via smaller regional roads passing the Osumi Canyon (map) for a scenic stop on the way!

The 2nd option will add at least 1 hour and 20 minutes to your trip (for a total of 4 hours). But you’ll get to visit one of the most beautiful canyons in Albania and can stop there for a snack or even lunch (the town of Corovoda just by the canyon has plenty of options)!

You can also take a bus and can even book your ticket online for some departures here. Otherwise, all the same bus transport rules from the Day 2 section apply here.

PRO TIP: Enter “Ceruz Topulli Square” in GPS as your final destination in Gjirokaster. Otherwise, the GPS can take you off road.

Gjirokaster is another well-preserved Ottoman-era city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries! This is one of the most picturesque towns in Albania and the Balkans.

You’ll arrive at Gjirokaster in the late afternoon so you can check in to your accommodation and still squeeze in some activities if you’re up for it!

Day 3 in Gjirokaster

Walk in the Old Town (map) and check out some unique souvenirs
Take a picture in front of the Gjirokaster Obelisk (map)
Eat the most delicious traditional food with panoramic views at Zhuli (map)

Where to stay in Gjirokaster

A panoramic view of Gjirokastër, Albania, framed by a stone archway, showcasing traditional stone houses spread across the valley with mountains in the background

These are the best hotels to stay in Gjirokaster sorted by budget:

Kercula Resort ($$$) – a fabulous luxury hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, beautiful lighting at night, and exceptional service
The Stone Sky ($$) – be located next to the Gjirokaster Castle and beautiful views in this charming accommodation with a mix of traditional and modern decor
Hotel Bebej Tradicional ($) – the best budget guesthouse with a 24-hour front desk and plenty of luggage storage space

Day 4: Gjirokaster

A balcony view in Gjirokastër, Albania, showing traditional architecture with wooden windows, overlooking the valley and surrounding mountains under a clear blue sky.

On the 4th day, wake up and have breakfast in your accommodation or in town. You can take some time to relax here if you’re tired from the road the previous day.

The plan for Gjirokaster on the 4th day mostly involves visiting the main historical castle and the beautiful homes near it.

You can also head back to the Old Town to check out some souvenir shops or grab lunch or dinner. Overall, seeing the castle and nearby attractions won’t take more than 3-4 hours.

In the evening, I recommend a leisurely stroll along the Old Town and checking out some of the amazing bars before heading back to your hotel early to get a good night’s sleep.

Day 4 in Gjirokaster

Climb the Gjirokaster Castle (map)
Tour the Cold War tunnel near the castle (map)
See the historic Zekate House (map) and Ismail Kadare’s House (map)
Join a wood crafting class

Day 5: Leave Gjirokaster + arrive to Sarande

A coastal city with numerous buildings, palm trees along the waterfront, and people on a sandy beach. The clear blue sea is in the foreground, and hills are visible in the background.

● Time: 1 hour by car and by bus
● Distance: 55 km (34 mi)
● How to get there: driving is ~€30 (rental car €20 + gas €10)
● Why visit: seaside vacation, charming town
● Key activity: visiting Sarande Beach, walking on the promenade
● Estimated daily budget for Sarande: €90

You can get from Gjirokaster to Sarande via 2 different routes. The new, fast one, only takes 1 hour and goes via Rruga Kardhiq – Sarande road. The second route takes you via the scenic Blue Eye (map, also known as Syri i Kaltër in Albanian), a must-see natural water spring phenomenon where you’ll by surrounded by different hues of blues and greens.

I definitely recommend taking this second option since it’ll only add some 30 minutes to your route (+ a 1-hour stop at the Blue Eye). You can hike around the area, take a dip in the perfectly clear water, or just admire the natural sights. I recommend getting to Blue Eye as early as possible before it gets very crowded.

You can also take a bus from Gjirokaster to Sarande, and you’ll reach your destination within a 1-hour drive. There are multiple daily departures (especially in the morning) by at least 2 bus operators (Axhensi Udhetaresh Gjirokaster and Trans Butrinti).

Whether you take a bus or drive to Sarande, I recommend leaving as early as possible since you’ll have already seen all of Gjirokaster by this time.

NOTE: In case you come to Sarande by bus, you can still visit the Blue Eye on a daily shuttle from Sarande. The price is €14 for a round trip and departures are every 30 minutes!

Sarande is one of the 2 main seaside resorts in Albania by the Ionian Sea. Yes, the Albanian coast stretches along both the Adriatic Sea in the North and the Ionian Sea in the South! Everyone praises the southern part, and since I’ve been to both, I can say that Sarande and Ksamil are definitely the most beautiful towns on the Albanian Riviera (this is what the Albanian coast is called).

FUN FACT: Sarande is so beautiful it got the nickname Maldives of Europe!

There are plenty of things to do in Sarande and its surroundings, you’ll want to spend at least 3 days here!

Day 5 in Sarande

Have a welcome walk on the promenade (map) to feel the vibe of the resort
Grab a lunch at one of the seaside restaurants on the promenade
Check out the fabulous Ancient Synagogue Complex (map)
Visit the 40 Saints Monastery for captivating views (map)

Where to stay in Sarande

Small boats are docked in a vibrant harbor under a clear blue sky, with a backdrop of palm trees, buildings, and a few people sitting at outdoor cafes by the water's edge.

These are Sarande’s top-rated hotels:

El Primero Hotel ($$$) – a 4-star hotel with beautiful suites with sea view, a jacuzzi on the terrace, and exceptional breakfast; I highly recommend this property for couples
Vila Era Beach ($$) – enjoy brand new rooms, a central location just next to the sea, plus free beach amenities like umbrellas and chairs
Durmishi Rooms ($) – compact and budget-friendly rooms with sea view and a parking on-site, suitable for up to 4 guests

Day 6: Sarande + Butrint day trip

The ancient amphitheater in Butrint National Park, surrounded by lush greenery and ruins.

On the next day, you can have breakfast with a view by the sea and then head on a day trip to Butrint National Park, one of many natural wonders of Albania! The ride to the park is only 30 minutes, and the distance is 18 km (11 miles).

Butrint is a UNESCO site and it’s both an archaeological site and a natural park! You can see ancient Roman and Christian ruins, hundreds of plant species, around 40 mammals, lagoons, and so much more.

You’ll find the main parking just opposite the entrance to the park, with free parking spots just across the Hotel Livia (map). If you’re not driving, you can take a public bus that departs from the ferry port of Sarande every 30 minutes and costs less than €1.5.

Getting to and exploring Butrint will take around 4-5 hours total, so you’ll still have some time to explore Sarande or chill at a bar in the evening.

Day 6 in Sarande

Have breakfast on the promenade
Take a day trip to Butrint National Park and other nearby attractions
Chill out in Sarande in the evening; go bar hopping or partying

Day 7: Sarande + Ksamil day trip

Aerial view of a crowded beach with numerous sun loungers and umbrellas, clear turquoise water, small islands nearby, and surrounding greenery.

On the next day, head to Ksamil, the best beach resort in the Ionian Sea. I met a lot of people during my stay who visited Ksamil from Sarande since the beaches here are better.

The distance between the 2 resort towns is just 15 km (9 miles), and the ride is around 30 minutes. There are also buses every half an hour between the 2 towns.

You can head to Ksamil in the morning and go straight to the beach. Bonus points go to early birds since the best spots on the beach get taken first! Expect to pay around €15 for 2 chairs and an umbrella for one day on most beaches in Ksamil.

Do note that Ksamil (and Sarande) are 2 most popular seaside resorts in Albania, so the prices here skyrocket in summer. Whether you decide to stay in Sarande or Ksamil (in case you want to be closer to the best beaches), it’s important to book your stay at least 3 or 4 months in advance!

Day 7 in Ksamil

Chill out at the beach of Ksamil (map)
Have lunch in a beautiful Utopia (map) restaurant with a view
Take a paddle boat to Isole Gemelle di Ksamil (map)
Join a boat cruise along the shore

Day 8: Leave Sarande + arrive to Himare

A view of the ruins of a fortress atop a hill in Albania, surrounded by lush greenery and residential homes, with mountains in the background under a bright blue sky.

● Time: 1 hour 25 minutes by car, 2 hours 25 minutes by bus
● Distance: 53 km (33 miles)
● How to get there: driving is ~€30 (rental car €20 + gas €10), bus is around €5.5
● Why visit: great beach destination + a historical city
● Key activity: swim in the sea, visit the old castle
● Estimated daily budget for Sarande: €50

Depending on how much you like Sarande, you can leave for Himare in the afternoon, sleep there, have dinner, see the beaches the next day, and head to Durres. This is probably what I would do!

Or, you could leave Sarande after you have breakfast in the morning and arrive to Himare for another day of seaside vacation and sightseeing.

I recommend driving here, but you can also take the bus which adds 1 extra hour to the journey for a total of 2 hours and 25 minutes from Sarande to Himare. The price for one ticket is around €5.5.

This small seaside town is a convenient stop on the way North from Sarande to Durres, Albania’s 2nd largest city. Apart from the beautiful beaches with azure waters, you can also see some notable historical sites like the Himere castle or the cute Old Town with its winding streets.

Himare is nice but it’s often overlooked by tourists, and for this reason you can expect fewer crowds and a more local, authentic experience. I skipped Himare during my visit because I was short on time, so you can skip it as well if you’d rather spend more time in Durres (more attractions).

Day 8 in Himare

Visit the Himare castle (map)
Check out the bars and restaurants around Spile Beach (map)
Drive to the Gjipe Beach (map) one of the most scenic beaches around
Take a boat tour with Lido (map) to nearby secluded caves and bays

Where to stay in Himare

Himarë, Albania, viewed from the sea, with a beach lined with umbrellas and people relaxing, and the town's buildings rising up on the hillside against a backdrop of mountains.

Now let’s see where you can lay your head in Himare:

Rea Boutique Hotel ($$$) – this stunning boutique hotel has the most charming décor ideal for a romantic getaway; some of its suites have sea view and a private hot tub on the balcony
Alex Boutique Hotel ($$) – enjoy rooms with sea views, excellent service, and peaceful sleep at night in this top-rated accommodation with free breakfast
Aphrodite’s Garden ($) – new apartments with a terrace and a restaurant, suitable for couples and families; they have modern and clean rooms and the friendliest staff

Day 9: Leave Himare + arrive to Durres

A coastal city with numerous multi-story buildings and hills in the background. A pier extends into the sea, leading to a circular structure surrounded by water.

● Time: around 3 hours by car, 3 hours 20 minutes by bus
● Distance: 190 km (118 miles)
● How to get there: driving is ~70€ (rental car €20 + gas €50), bus is €12
● Why visit: big city on the sea vibe, history, nightlife
● Key activity: exploring the Old Town, chilling by the beach
● Estimated daily budget for Durres: €80

If I were you, I’d wake up early in the morning and head to Durres. The drive is around 3 hours, but you can take a break after an hour and a half of driving to visit Vlore (map), Albania’s third most populous city after Tirana and Durres.

Grab a lunch here and continue to Durres where you can choose to stay in the Old Town or the beach area. I stayed in the beach stretch and then took a bus to the town when needed (we traveled by bus altogether).

I remember the sunsets were absolutely stunning in the town by the port, but there are so many nice places to eat both in the beach stretch and in town. The distance between the 2 is around 7 km (4 miles).

Durres city is stunning day and night, with so much going on. Since it has a quick highway connection with Tirana, many people come here for the weekend from the capital to party or spend time at the sea.

PRO TIP: Street parking is free in Durres, but it can be harder to find in the city center (although not impossible!).

Ideally, you want to spend at least 1 full day in Durres before moving to the mountains. And if you’re not interested in mountain vacation, you can just head back to Tirana from here and take a day trip to Kruje (from Tirana) to finish your itinerary.

FUN FACT: Durres is the oldest city in Albania with a history spanning over 3,000 years!

There’ll still be time to explore Durres a bit in the late afternoon after you arrive, and here’s what you can do:

Day 9 in Durres

Walk in the Old Town of Durres starting from the Venetian Tower (map)
Eat in the Old Town’s best Italian restaurant, Spaghetteria Luli (map)
Catch a sunset at the Sfinksi stairs (map)

Where to stay in Durres

A mosque with a yellow dome and a minaret is seen in the background, framed by several tall palm trees and a water fountain in the foreground under a clear blue sky.

And this is where to sleep in Durres:

($$$) – Hotel Villa Pascucci – splurge on your stay in this 5-star resort with a spa and wellness center, and outdoor pool, and a fabulous daily breakfast
($$) – Sol Invictus Boutique – a centrally-located boutique hotel with nice rooms and lovely staff
($) – Hotel Vila Dedej – I stayed in this beautiful home and absolutely loved it, it’s really close to the beach

Day 10: Durres

A waterfront scene in Durrës, Albania, with modern buildings and a pedestrian bridge at sunset, casting a soft pink glow over the sky and reflecting on the water.

Wake up and continue your adventure in Durres:

Day 11: Leave Durres + arrive to Kruje

A colorful display of traditional Albanian textiles and souvenirs at Kruje's Old Bazaar.

● Time: 50 min by car
● Distance: 42 km (26 mi)
● How to get there: driving is ~€30 (rental car €20 + gas €10)
● Why visit: beautiful town, history
● Key activity: visit Kruje Castle, shop in the old market
● Estimated daily budget for Kruje: €40

On your last day in Durres, take your time in the morning, have a slow breakfast by the sea, walk a bit more if you want around the Old Town, and in early afternoon head for Kruje.

The only direct route from Durres to Kruje is doable by car. If you’ve made it this far in the itinerary without a car, you can take a bus to Tirana and then the next day book a day trip to Kruje (it’s less than an 1-hour drive from Tirana). Most tours to this historic little town take only half a day.

My itinerary includes an overnight stop to Kruje just so you can get some rest before heading for the mountains. While in Kruje, I recommend checking out the Kruje Castle (this is the main attraction here and takes around 2 hours to visit), visiting the market, and grabbing a bite whole enjoying the music you’ll hear everywhere. But if you aren’t interested, you can skip sleeping in Kruje and head straight for Shkoder or Theth, which are in the mountain region.

It takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to get from Kruje to Shkoder, and 3 and a half hours from Kruje to Theth (passing Shkoder).

If you decide to visit Shkoder, there you’ll see the lake and will probably want to visit the castle. But keep in mind that the road to the castle is pretty difficult to find and drive through.

A scenic view of a hillside village with colorful houses, lush greenery, and a historic stone tower atop a hill, set against a mountainous background under a clear sky.

Day 11 in Kruje

Walk along the Old Town of Kruje
Shop in the iconic Kruje Bazaar (map)
Visit the Kruje Castle (map, open 24 hours)
Have lunch or dinner in Emiliano (map)

Where to stay in Kruje

Hotel Panorama ($$) – enjoy the most stunning view from your apartment in this hotel with an outdoor pool and free parking
Rooms Emiliano ($) – a beautiful, authentic place just by the Kruje Castle, offering an experience of staying with a traditional Albanian family
Hotel Europa ($) – top-rated budget stay with new rooms, a delicious breakfast, and an airport shuttle service in case you decide to end your trip here

Day 12: Leave Kruje + arrive to Theth

A picturesque view of a small village in Theth, Albania, surrounded by green fields and nestled against the backdrop of tall, rugged mountains.

● Time: 3 hours 35 minutes by car
● Distance: 161 km (100 mi)
● How to get there: driving is ~€50 (rental car €20 + gas €30)
● Why visit: nature, lake, mountains
● Key activity: hiking, taking tours, biking
● Estimated daily budget for Theth: €60

Day 12 has one of the longest rides in the whole itinerary, and I recommend waking up early and hitting the road by 10 AM. I’ve already mentioned a stop to Shkoder, and I want to recommend this again.

Shkoder is a beautiful city by a lake, it’s much bigger than Theth. Theth is small with not much to do apart from hiking and being at one with nature, while Shkoder offers that + biking + some nightlife and a good dining scene.

So if you’d rather stay in a more urban town in the mountains, I recommend sleeping in Shkoder or at least spending a few hours here on your way to Theth.

NOTE: If you decide to sleep in Shkoder after all, Hotel Colosseo & Spa ($$$) and Çoçja Boutique Hotel ($$) are excellent options!

But if you continue your way to Theth, make sure to arrive by sunset because the roads here are mountain roads and it’s safer to drive on them during the daylight. So once you make it to Theth, get comfortable in your apartment, and get rest for the day of hiking tomorrow.

If you’re up for it, you can still explore or take a really short hike a 1-hour hike to the waterfall:

Two historic stone buildings with sloped roofs set against a backdrop of lush green mountains and trees, surrounded by a wooden fence in a rural area.

Day 12 in Theth

Catch the sunset over the scenic Theth Church (map)
See the lock-in tower of Theth (map)
Hike to Theth Waterfall (map)

Where to stay in Theth

Vidis Chalet Hotel ($$$) – a luxury getaway in nature in a wooden chalet and captivating views of the mountains
Bujtina Terthorja ($$) – a charming mountain home with soundproof walls with plenty of opportunities for hiking nearby
Bujtina Pllumi Theth ($) – another traditional mountain home for budget travelers, this one is closest to the Theth National Park and includes an exceptional breakfast

Day 13: Theth

A woman in hiking gear walks along a dirt path surrounded by dense forest and towering mountains.

Today is the day for hiking! Theth is known as a paradise for hiking, with 2 most popular trails including the one to the Blue Eye and the 17-km hike from Theth to Valbona.

Both hikes offer stunning views of the Albanian Alps (how the mountain range here is called), and are so worth the trip!

NOTE: Most of the trails in the Albanian Alps are closed from late October to beginning of May due to snow.

I recommend you do either only the Theth to Valbona hike (17 km or 10.5 mi, takes from 6 to 9 hours to complete, depending on your fitness levels), or visit the Theth National Park with a hike to the Blue Eye.

The Blue Eye hike is 5 hours total, but you can drive to Nderlysaj (map) and from here it’s a 2-hour round trip. You can visit Blue Eye independently, but there are also tours that go here.

FUN FACT: There are efforts to combine all hiking routes into a single big trail called Peaks of the Balkans. The Teth to Valbona hike is also part of it! So far, the trail connects Albania with Montenegro and offers over 190 km (111 mi) of walking paths.

Day 13 in Theth

Day 14: Leave Theth + arrive to Tirana

The old town of Tirana, Albania, with a mix of historic and modern buildings under a bright, sunny sky, providing a scenic cityscape with mountains in the distance.

The last day in the itinerary is reserved for a trip back to Tirana and heading to the airport.

If you’re flexible with time, you can spend another night in Tirana if you missed some spots on Day 1. Also, you may have to sleep in Tirana if your flight is early in the morning. In that case, Airport Garden Hotel is an excellent option right at the airport!

A drive from Theth to Tirana is around 4 hours, which can get tiring. I definitely recommend not speeding and taking a stop in Shkoder to walk a little and grab a bite.

Give yourself enough time at the airport to return the car, do the check in, and so on. I’d say be at the airport at least 3.5 or 4 hours before departure just in case you have to wait longer to return the vehicle.

Customizing the itinerary

A panoramic view of a vibrant city nestled in a lush, mountainous landscape, with a river running through it.

Don’t have 2 weeks to spend in Albania? You can shorten this itinerary depending on your preference.

I recommend cutting away the mountainside if you’re more of a beach person. And vice versa, skip the beaches and only go to the mountains if this is what you prefer!

Below, I include 3 Albania itinerary customizations, so choose whichever works best for you!

Also note that you can arrive to Albania from Tirana, but there’s also a good connection via Corfu, Greece. If your home airport has a better connection to Corfu vs. Tirana, you can just fly to Greece and start your itinerary from Saranda (this is where the boats from Corfu dock).

10-day itinerary

This itinerary covers fewer days at the beach but still includes all major sights both inland, on the sea, and in the mountains.

Don’t sleep in Berat; only stop there on your way to Gjirokaster from Tirana.
Omit Himare from the itinerary.
Only sleep in Durres for 1 night on your way from Sarande to Theth.
Don’t sleep in Kruje.

7-day beach itinerary

Here is a 7-day itinerary alteration with a focus on the beach:

Skip 1 night in either Berat or Gjirokaster.
Add an extra night to Saranda instead.
End your trip in Saranda and head straight to Tirana.

7-day mountains itinerary

Finally, if you’re into mountains, here’s how you can edit the main itinerary above:

Skip Saranda and Ksamil.
If you’re not into old towns, also skip Gjirokaster and Berat and add 2 more nights in Shkoder.

FAQs about the Albania itinerary

A cable car marked "Dajti" traveling over a lush green landscape with a vast view of Tirana city in the distance.

🔟 How many days are sufficient for Albania?

Spend from 7-10 days in Albania if you only want to see the sea or the mountains. However, you’ll need at least 14 days if you want to combine both.

🇦🇱 How to spend 3 days in Albania?

It depends. If you land in Tirana, spend 1 day in Tirana, 1 on a day trip to Kruje, and 1 day on a trip to Bovilla Lake to see nature. If you enter via Corfu, spend 1 day in Saranda, 1 day in Ksamil, and take a 1-day trip to Gjirokaster.

🚗 Do I need a car in Albania?

Yes, if you plan to move around the country a lot. Major cities and resorts are connected via bus lines, but a lot of the hidden games or places in nature are only accessible via car. You can also take day tours to secluded places, but they’re less flexible.

✅ Is Albania safe to travel on your own?

Absolutely! Albania is a very safe country whether you’re traveling alone or in a group. People are warm and hospitable and will offer you a place to stay, treat you with desserts and coffee or rakija (domestic brandy), so you’ll immediately feel at home.

🏖️ What is the best month to visit Albania?

May, June, and September. This is when the weather is nice but not too hot and definitely not cold. All sights across Albania (including the mountains) are easily accessible at this time.

💶 Is Albania expensive to visit?

Not really. Albania is still cheaper than most European countries, but the prices in the high season keep increasing every year.

Final thoughts on the Albania itinerary

A woman with a hat and a backpack raises an Albanian flag while overlooking a scenic hillside town.

That’s it, my dear traveler. You’ve reached the end of my Albania itinerary. I hope this post helped you create your own itinerary to this beautiful Balkan country and that you’ll visit soon!

Please book your stay and any tours you plan to take in advance. Albania is experiencing more and more tourists coming from all over the world, so you definitely want to secure good places.

Also, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to drop me a message below! I’ll be glad to answer!

Safe travels,

Darija

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A travel brochure for a 14-day road trip in Albania, featuring an old stone bridge over a river and a hillside town with traditional houses. The title reads "Albania Itinerary: A Comprehensive 14-Day Road Trip.