23 Jun The Ultimate 7-Day Albania Itinerary: Exploring the Best of the Balkans
So, you’ve decided to visit one of the most underrated countries on the Balkan Peninsula, and now you’re wondering how to plan your trip. This one-week itinerary for Albania has you covered. Known for delicious food, beautiful mountains, gorgeous beaches, and an enthralling history, Albania is an excellent place to visit. In this itinerary, we’ll go over our best tips for visiting so you can make the most of your trip.
When to Visit Albania
The best time of year to visit Albania may depend on your preferences. Many people say April-June or September-October because the weather is more moderate during these times. Albania is warmest in June-August, so if you’re looking for some fun in the sun that’s a perfect time for you to go. However, that’s also when tourism is at its peak.
How to Get There and Get Around
You’ll want to fly into Tirana International Airport (TIA), which is about 10 m (17 km) away from the center of the city. During your stay in Tirana, you can conveniently use their public transportation system, which mainly consists of bus routes, or opt for taxis, and walking to several destinations is also a feasible option.
However, outside of Tirana, the availability of public transportation is relatively limited (although adequate for traveling around), which may prompt you to contemplate renting a car that can cost around $20 (2086 Lek) per day.
After arriving in Tirana, Albania’s capital, it’s time to explore the city. You can start with a visit to Skanderbeg Square, a big plaza named for Albanian national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, whose statue can be found in the square.
Nearby you’ll find several places to visit, including the Et’hem Bej Mosque (free), the Clock Tower ($2 or 200 Lek), and museums such as the National History Museum ($5 or 500 Lek) and Bunk’Art 2($5 or 500 Lek). For dinner, you can head to Tirana Castle. The ancient walls of this fortress are left standing, but inside them, you can find restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and bars.
On day 2 in Tirana, you can spend the morning in the Grand Park of Tirana, a spacious outdoor space with a botanical garden, zoo, the Presidential Palace, a church, and a man-made lake. Eat lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafes that overlook the water. In the afternoon, you can visit the Bunk’Art 1 gallery ($5 or 500 Lek), the Pyramid of Tirana (which may be closed but is still a sight to behold), and explore Blloku, an upscale neighborhood in Tirana known for its shopping, restaurants, cafes, and night clubs. If you want to experience Tirana’s nightlife, this is the perfect place to have a fun night out.
Where to Eat:
Oda offers authentic and affordable Albanian food.
Sky Bar offers panoramic views of the city.
Mullixhiu sources its ingredients directly from small farmers.
Where to Stay:
Good options for accommodation include;
Budget – Trip’n’Hostel or Vanilla Sky Boutique ($10-$30)
Mid-range – Deluxe Tirana or Hotel Theatro ($38-$53)
Luxury – Arté Boutique Hotel ($150-$190)
About 2 hours from Tirana, you’ll find Berat, also known as “the Town of a Thousand Windows.” This UNESCO world heritage site is over 2,400 years old. While you’re here, you’ll want to check out Berat Castle. The fortress has Ottoman mosques, Byzantine churches, fantastic views, and a fully functioning town in the castle.
In the evening, take a walk along the Boulevard Republika to enjoy a night in this gorgeous town or wander the Mangalem area where there are mosques, museums, and traditional restaurants.
Where to Eat:
Homemade Food Lili is a home-based dining experience with 3-5 tables, operated uniquely by the owner.
Temi Albanian Food is a budget- and vegan-friendly option.
Where to Stay:
Budget Friendly – Maya or Mangalem hostels ($25-$26)
Mid-range – Amalia Boutique Hotel or Berat Castle Hotel ($30-$45)
Luxury – The Hotel Colombo (fancy though affordable $60-$80)
Day 4 – Dhermi
While there’s no direct route to Dhermi, the 2.5-3-hour trip is worth it. This quaint town on a hilltop has beautiful churches and gorgeous coastal beaches. When you arrive, eat lunch and explore the town, then head to the nearby beaches.
Dhermi Beach ($8-$20) is more popular and developed with lots of restaurants and cafes lining it. Drymades Beach ($8-$10) is more secluded, so if you’re looking for a place away from crowds this is the place to go. Spend the afternoon, bathing in the sun or dipping in the gorgeous Mediterranean water.
Where to Eat:
Drymades Village Restaurant
Diego Bar Pizzeri Restorant ($3-$13)
Drymades Bungalows Restaurant ($22-$65)
Where to Stay:
You can stay the night in Dhermi or head to the next destination, Himarë, which is just 30 minutes southeast
Budget Friendly – The Ionian Pearl ($27)
Mid-range – Hotel Imperial ($50)
Luxury – La Brisa Boutique Hotel ($70-$80)
Day 5 – Himarë
Travel to Himarë, another lovely beach town on the Albanian Riviera. This is a great place to simply rest on the beach. Spile Beach is the most popular, but there are plenty of better options that are a bit farther away such as Mateus Beach. You can also visit Himarë Castle or take a boat ride to islands and beaches for snorkeling and
swimming.
Where to Eat:
Taverna Stolis has affordable, homemade Greek cuisine.
UMI Sushi & Cocktail if you want to branch out from the local food. It’s a bit more expensive but
delicious.
Where to Stay:
Budget Friendly – Himara Downtown Hostel
Mid-range – Rea Boutique Hotel or ARXONTIKO Hotel ($64-$80)
Luxury – Sea View Hotel ($70-$85)
Day 6 – Sarandë
Drive just over an hour to Sarandë. Probably the most well-known spot on the Albanian Riviera,
Sarandë is a gorgeous beach town known for its beaches and nightlife. While you’re here, you’ll certainly want to hit the beach. You can also visit Lëkurësi Castle (free), which sits above the town and offers fantastic views of the coast, especially at sunset.
Where to Eat:
Limani Bar & Restaurant serves authentic food and coffee near the ocean.
SunSet Saranda If you want a place to watch the sunset.
Where to Stay:
Mid-range – Hotel Brilant or Hotel Oasis ($50-$75)
Day 7 – Ksamil
From Sarandë, take a day trip to Ksamil, which is just about 20 minutes away. Ksamil is a cute beach village that’s probably the most gorgeous place on the Albanian Riviera. It has stunning turquoise waters that will make you feel like you’re in paradise. Spend the day here relaxing on the sand or swimming in the beautiful water. There are plenty of activities too, such as pedal boats, jet skiing, or snorkeling.
Where to Eat:
Abiori Bar Restaurant Pizzeria is one of the most famous restaurants in Ksamil. They have fresh seafood and both Albanian and international cuisine.
Brothers Fish & Meat Tavern has a mixture of Greek and Albanian food.
Conclusion
We hope you have a great time in Albania! If you need help planning your trip, contact us to take the stress out of your vacation planning.