This 10-day itinerary in Albania will give you travel tips on how to visit in 10 days places like Tirana, Krujë, Durrës, Berat, Vlorë, Himarë, Saranda, Ksamil, and many more.
Albania is a country located on the Balkan peninsula. Neighbors with Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and sharing the sea border with Italy.
A diverse landscape with beautiful nature and mountains as well as charming beaches. There are 15 national parks and 4 UNESCO heritage sites (Berat City, the city of Gjirokastra, Butrint National Park, and Lake Ohrid)
From majestic mountains to the crystal-clear Ksamil beaches, there is plenty to see and explore.
Albania offers something to captivate every traveler.
Table of Contents
Maybe not everyone immediately thinks of Albania as a vacation destination, and its reputation from the past is often underestimated. But in the 1990s, Albania opened up to the world, and every year more and more tourists visit it.
We have prepared a 10-day itinerary in Albania with a lot of destination travel tips for you, for inspiration on how to divide the individual days, information about transport, ways of traveling in Albania, and motivation to gather courage and go either by car or bus.
When planning your itinerary in Albania, make sure you leave enough space for the cities and sights you want to visit. An overloaded holiday is not a real holiday anyway. So get your Google Maps ready and hit the road.
DAY 1 – TIRANA
Tirana is a good starting point for your itinerary in Albania due to its central location and proximity to the nearby port city of Durres.
Many tourists arrive from Tirana International Airport (Rinas Airport), which is approximately 11km from the city and is a good car rental place. You can catch a city shuttle from the airport to the center of Tirana and vice versa.
The bus is stationed behind the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet and runs 24 hours. The rate for a single fare is 400 Albanian Lek. Or you can rent a car near the airport. There are many options around.
The city has a rich history that dates back to Ottoman rule, the evidence slowly fades away, but you can still see its fragments even today. The good thing is most of Tirana’s attractions are within walking distance.
Things to see in Tirana
Skanderbeg square
The beginning of the city tour on this itinerary in Albania starts here. It is the largest square in Albania, with the Skanderbeg monument of the Albanian hero Gjergj Kastrioti, who fought against the Ottoman Empire. You will come across this name during your visit to Albania.
The National Historical Museum of Tirana
Continue your walking tour with the Dominant features of the square with a large mural mosaic of socialist realism. Inside you can find many pavilions from prehistoric, ancient, and medieval finds and memories from the communist dictatorship.
Opera & Ballet theater
The largest opera and ballet theater in the country and organizes events all year round. You can find it on the opposite side of the museum.
Ethem Bey Mosque
A historic mosque in the center of the city, located just a few meters from the statue of Skanderbeg. It is the oldest preserved building in the city, its construction began in 1789 and was completed in 1823. During the dictator’s regime it was closed, it now serves its purpose and is open to visitors.
Clock Tower of Tirana
The cultural monument is located just off Skanderbeg Square and right next to Ethem mosque with a nice view of the main square and beyond.
Bunk’art 2
Just 2 minutes walking from the clock tower direction of Rruga Murat Toptani there is a small museum dedicated to the secret police during the communist era.
Rruga Murat Toptani
Behind the Bunk Art 2 museum, you will come across a busy stone pedestrian street with trees on both sides which is great especially in the summer for a shortstop for a refreshing drink or a meal. The House of Parliament, art gallery, shopping center everything within walking distance.
Tirana Castle
The well-known walls are also located on the famous street. There is not much left of the former castle, and its remaining parts have been transformed into a tourist attraction that is filled with tourists almost all year round thanks to the many bars, shops, souvenir stalls, and restaurants.
Pyramid of Tirana
12 minutes away from Tirana castle, the Pyramid of Tirana used to be a museum of communist dictator Enver Hoxha. The pyramid was then used as a radio station, night club, conference venue, and base for NATO during the Kosovo War before becoming a ruin.
Nowadays Dutch architecture studio MVRDV renovated the building by adding stepped roofs and bright-coloured boxes. They contain various functions including cafes, studios, workshops, and offices. The pyramid is one of my favorite things in this itinerary in Albania as it is walkable to the top with a nice panoramic view of the city.
Blloku district
In the communist era, it was a closed location for the party elite, and the villa of dictator Enver Hoxha still stands there. Nowadays when you follow this itinerary in Albania it is a very popular urban district for its luxury nightlife with many boutiques, shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars around. With many tourists around, the restaurants bars, and souvenir shops can be overpriced. The neighborhood is approximately 10 minutes by walk from the pyramid.
Bunk’art 1
It is a museum exhibition situated inside the bunker of dictator Enver Hoxha on the outskirts of Tirana. It was opened to the public in November 2014 and continued with another museum located in the city center Bunk ́art 2. The history of Albania from the First World War to the 1990s is described in several rooms of the museum.
You will learn how ordinary people lived during the Enver Hoxha regime, you will find here a sample of a typical apartment from the 70s, a shop, a school classroom, and even an Enver Hoxha workroom.
Bunk’art 1 is an 8-minute walk away from the Dajti Ekspress cable car starting point.
Mount Dajti National Park (Additional option ON 10 days ALBANIA ITINERARY)
The mountain range is located in the central part of Albania, east of the capital city of Tirana. This place is popular with tourists and locals who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peaceful time in nature. Recommended to add it to your itinerary in Albania if you are looking for this peaceful time.
You can go there by cable car the Dajti Ekspress, this scenic ride will take around 15 minutes. The easiest way for a cable car to depart from the tower clock is in the center of Tirana near Skanderbeg Square. There are various buses that visitors can catch from the capital city.
The journey from the center takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Tip: More information about Dajti Ekspress.
With various hiking trails, you will be able to see some wildlife and spectacular views.
There are some accommodations and restaurants around.
Where to stay in Tirana
There are many different types of accommodation in the capital, from hostels, guesthouses, and apartments to suites and 5-star hotels with swimming pools.
Fortunately, all neighborhoods of Tirana are safe, any central location will be ideal for the first stop on your itinerary in Albania.
You should also consider the location near the Regional bus station Tirana if you will be traveling by bus.
Where to eat in Tirana
In this itinerary in Albania, you will try many local foods and in the capital city, you can find everything from bakeries to snack stands, small bistros, restaurants, fast food, and cafes offering local or international food and desserts. You should try these traditional dishes such as byrek, tavekosi, fergese.
DAY 2 – TIRANA-KRUJË-DURRËS
The right day on the itinerary in Albania starts with a tasty breakfast and good coffee, which will not be a problem in the capital, there are many options. Today is a long day ahead of you, we recommend leaving as soon as possible. Of course, it all depends on whether you decide to travel to Albania with a rental car or choose an adventurous journey by bus, which can be a little bit unpredictable.
How to get from Tirana to Krujë
This itinerary in Albania is doable by bus which is great if you don’t have a car.
By bus
The bus from Tirana to Krujë departs from the Regional Bus Terminal, which is 20 minutes from the center, the journey takes about 1 hour and the trips start around 7 am in both directions.
Tip: Check for the exact location of the Tirana Regional Bus Terminal.
By car
Let’s start a road trip!
From the center of Tirana, take the highway in the direction of Durrës (SH2), exit the highway in the village of Vorë, and from there take the (SH52) via Fushë-Krujë to Krujë.
Note: It is important to know that in Albania you will find two cities with the same name, one city is located below the mountain (Fushë Krujë), and the city you want to reach is Krujë and it is on top of this mountain.
Things to see in Krujë
A historically significant city in your itinerary in Albania, which led the resistance against the Turks led by their national hero Skanderbeg in the 15th century. A mountain with the same name rises directly above the city.
Old Bazaar
Start right in the center of the action at one of the oldest bazaars in Albania, which starts in the center of the village and stretches to Krujë Castle. It is a stone-paved street from the 17th century, which is lined with small shops, cafes, and souvenir shops. The assortment varies from typical souvenirs to carpets, flags, Skanderbeg cognac, or traditional Albanian qeleshe hats.
Krujë Castle
The castle was built in the 5th or 6th century, the grounds of the castle include the National Skanderbeg Museum, the remains of the Fatih Sultan Mehmed Mosque and its minaret, an ethnographic museum, a Turkish bath, and a few restaurants.
The castle is open 24/7 and admission to its grounds is free. Even if you are not a history buff, the castle is definitely worth a visit if only for the view of the surrounding region, its mountains, nature, and the city below you. On the way back from the castle we recommend you to have lunch in the village or pick up something quick before you continue and head to Durrës.
How to get from Krujë to Durrës
After your lunch, the next step in your itinerary in Albania will be Durrës.
By bus
There is no direct bus connection between the cities, the fastest option is in the city of Fushë-Krujë (where you can get by taxi from Krujë) to take a bus to Tirana International Airport from there you can catch another bus heading to Durrës.
The journey takes approximately 35 minutes and costs 480 Lek.
By car
The journey by car makes your 10 days Albania itinerary easier as from Krujë to Durrës takes less than an hour. You must get back to village Vorë via (SH52) and then continue with the road (SH2).
DAY 3 – DURRËS
Day 3 of your itinerary in Albania starts with breakfast, so go to the center early in the morning and enjoy the atmosphere of the city’s port bustle and the life of its population with a cup of good coffee right at Freedom Square or near the port.
The second largest city in Albania!
On the shores of the Adriatic Sea is the main port of the country and used to be the capital city until 1920.
Many people come to Durrës for a vacation by the sea, because it has sandy beaches, a shallow entrance to the water, endless bars along the beach, and authentic nightlife. It is popular due to the lower prices of hotels and services than on the Albanian Riviera, but don’t expect too much. It’s a basic city beach.
With almost 3000 years of history, the biggest seaport city in the country is often called the eternal city of the Adriatic Sea. Just 34 km from the capital city of Tirana.
Your arrival will be roughly in the afternoon or early evening, a short rest at the hotel and an early dinner or a walk along the promenade by the sea will be enough for the day.
Things to see in Durrës
Freedom Plaza
Right in the center of the city on the main square you will find the important buildings of Durrës such as the Town Hall, the Theater, and the Great Mosque of Durrës. The streets are lined with palm trees, in the middle is a fountain, and benches are nearby.
Durrës Amphitheatre
The Amphitheater is a 6-minute walk from the square. The most important monument of the city and the largest building of its kind in the Balkans. The Roman Amphitheater was built in the 2nd century AD with a capacity of up to 20,000 people. Construction began under Emperor Trajan. Not long ago it was
discovered in 1966.
Venetian Tower of Durrës
Located a 6-minute walk from the Amphitheater towards the port. Durrës castle was built in the 5th century during the Byzantine Empire and used to be a strong fortress, today only the tower and the wall are standing.
The tower was built later in the 15th century by the Venetians and was part of the defensive wall.
Beachfront promenade and beach & Sfinksi
Approximately 15 minutes away by foot from the Tower. Durrës beach is a long sandy beach with shallow water. At the end of the promenade, is a unique Sfinksi structure made of concrete steps, where people go to relax or watch a beautiful sunset. There is also a bronze statue of a fisherman, with which people like to take pictures.
Here is also a nice place for you to finish your day with a good dinner in one of the many restaurants or bars along the promenade, with the perfect view of the sea.
Where to eat in Durrës
As the second largest city in the country, you can also find many restaurants here. Most of them are located directly in the center or its surroundings, or on the promenade of Durrës you will find many options with stunning views included.
DAY 4 -DURRËS-BERAT-VLORË
Another busy day on your itinerary in Albania begins in Durrës, right after breakfast, you leave for the city of Berat.
How to get from Durrës to Berat
By bus
Buses from Durrës to Berat leave from the main bus station, you will also find a minibus that runs quite often, the journey takes about 1 hour 50 minutes and costs about 400 Lek.
Tip: Check for the exact location of the main Durrës bus station.
By car
Continue this Albania road trip from the center of Durrës, you can reach Berat by roads (SH4) and (SH72) your journey will take about 1 hour and 20 min.
Things to see in Berat
The City of a Thousand Windows is a historical city in Albania located in the heart of the country in the valley of the Osum River. The Ottoman style of the city is listed in the UNESCO heritage site with its 2,400-year-old history. One of the many UNESCO heritage sites in your itinerary in Albania.
If you decide not to go to Berat for the night, it is at least worth a one-day visit to the city. Not only the city itself but also thanks to its location there are a few points of interest in its surroundings, such as the Tomorr mountain or the Osum canon, which are also worth including in your 10 days Albania itinerary.
Mangalem area
Your tour will start in the iconic center of the city. The iconic district of Berat has “thousands of windows” that you can see on many postcards from the city. Here you will find a few mosques and typical houses built on a steep hill with large windows.
The best views of the Mangalem area can be seen from the New Bridge or Boulevard Republika or you can climb Gorica Hill and enjoy the view of Berat Castle and the Mangalem district all at once.
Boulevard Republika
On the opposite side, Mangalem area is a pedestrian street Berat Boulevard lined with a park on one side and cafes and restaurants on the other, a good place for a stroll or chilling in the nearby park. Also good for lunch as there are many options in the city.
Berat Castle
The castle is about 17 minutes away on foot from the boulevard, along Rruga Antipatrea towards the hill there is a turn to Rruga Mihal Komnena, and there is a parking lot on the hill near the entrance gate, you can even get there by bus from the main bus station of Berat.
The fortress overlooking the city of Berat dates mainly from the 13th century. On the grounds of the castle, you can find the Onufri Iconographic Museum, Holy Trinity Church, and the ruins of the Red and White mosque.
The castle remained a lively place, people still live in its area, they sit by the church, children play games on the streets, and you can even find a guesthouse there. The fortress offers a beautiful view of the magnificent mountain Tomorr. Berat Castle is completely free and open 24/7.
How to get from Berat to Vlorë
After a hearty tour of the city, you continue. It’s time to move to the city of Vlorë.
By bus
The journey by bus from the main Berat bus station takes approximately 2 hours.
By car
For people traveling by car, it will be another 1 hour 30 minutes drive to get to Vlorë.
Tip: Check for the exact location of the main Berat bus station.
DAY 5 – VLORË
The port city of Vlorë is the gateway to southern Albania. And you are in half of your itinerary in Albania right now.
Like other Albanian cities, Vlorë is no exception and has been inhabited since ancient times. Due to its strategic location in the Bay of Vlorë, the city changed its ruler many times. During the Middle Ages, the Byzantines, Bulgarians, Normans, and later also Venetians took turns here.
This city has two centers, the new one is located a short distance from the port, and the original one is about two kilometers inland from Vlorë. These two centers connect Gjjergje Kastrioti and Ismail Qemali boulevards.
There are two city beaches in Vlorë: the new beach Plazhi I Ri and the old beach Plazhi I Vjeter,
compared to Durrës they are significantly cleaner and less frequented.
Things to see in Vlorë
Flag Square
Your journey begins in the middle of the old city square, right here it was on the day of the Declaration of Independence when the Albanian flag was hung for the first time. Today, a commemorative monument stands in the place of the flag.
Opposite the monument is a beautiful historical mosque(Xhamia e Muradies) from the Ottoman period.
In the vicinity of the square, there are two museums, a history museum and an ethnographic museum.
Since the distance between the old and the new square is more than 3 km, buses run regularly from one end to the other.
National Museum of Independence
Another museum is a small museum near the port is 9 min by car from Flag Square. The historic building that once housed the seat of government, a hospital, and intelligence headquarters. Now this two-story building is full of the history of Albania’s independence.
Zvërnec Island
Take the bus or taxi in the center of Vlorë to visit an island in the Narta lagoon in southern Albania. The journey takes about 15 min. It is visited frequently by tourists for its Byzantine monastery from the 13th to 14th century, almost entirely covered with pine trees and connected to the mainland by a 270m long wooden bridge.
Vjeter & i Ri beaches
Get back to the city and enjoy a day or an afternoon on one of the city’s beaches, both within walking distance of the new center. There are plenty of dining options near both beaches.
DAY 6 – VLORË- HIMARË- SARANDA
The next step is to leave Vlorë early in the morning to do as much as possible. The road from Vlorë leads through the small coastal town of Himarë, where you can make a shortstop before Sarande.
How to get from Vlorë to Himarë
By bus
The Vlorë-Himarë bus line operates from Monday to Saturday and the journey takes approximately 2 and a half hours. There are several platforms for local and long-distance buses in the city of Vlorë. The stations are named according to the direction they are going, so you can find Bus Station Sarande on the map since the bus to Himarë ends in Sarande.
By car
There are two main routes from Vlorë to Himarë.
SH8 which is a way through Panorama Llogara pass takes longer but is worth the wonderful views. It takes around 2 hours to get there.
The faster route is SH76. It takes around 1 and a half hours to get there.
Things to see in Himarë
This port town is located between Vlorë and Sarande. Your route is Vlorë-Himarë, and after only an hour of travel, you will see a magnificent view from the Panorama Llogara pass to the sea of the Albanian Riviera and the surrounding mountains.
This road is considered the most beautiful road route in Albania. The advantage is that whether you go by car or bus, you travel along the same route.
Himarë castle
As Himarë castle can be found on a hill near the Old Town Himarë, it has one of the best views of the sea and the city in the valley. The terrain is difficult, in the summer we recommend going in the morning before the heat is still there.
Himarë beach
The pebbly beach from this itinerary in Albania is located in the center of the city just 3km away from Himarë Castle. A promenade with many restaurants and shops stretches along the sea.
A pleasant stop for a quick swim.
The advantage of the beaches around Himarë such as Gjipe, Dhermi, and Mirror Beach is that they are nowhere near as popular as Ksamil. So they are not overcrowded with people for the most part, and the prices here are also favorable.
So take a quick dip in one of them, continue in this itinerary in Albania, and hit the road to Saranda.
How to get from Himarë to Saranda
By bus
As was said before, from Himarë the bus continues to Sarande, take your next connection there.
By car
The journey to Sarande takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes along the coast along the SH8 road.
Arriving in Sarande in the early evening is an advantage, the city comes alive in the evening and you can immediately enjoy its atmosphere.
DAY 7 – SARANDA
Welcome to Saranda, day 7 of your 10-day itinerary in Albania. It is a port city in the south of Albania.
It is known for its busy tourist nightlife, especially in the summer months. A transport hub and the most important city of the Albanian Riviera.
Things to see in Saranda
Lëkurësi Castle
Visit the Lekures fortress. The castle is approximately 4 km from the city center. There are several ancient Orthodox churches in its area. There is also a restaurant from the terrace with a beautiful view of the sea and the Greek island of Corfu. During sunset, this place can get crowded.
Saranda beach
Another beach time in your itinerary in Albania. A long stony beach lined with a promenade with hotels, restaurants, and bars, all the way to the port. Enjoy the day on the beach and its surroundings, and in the evening go to the local bars and establishments to get to know Saranda’s famous nightlife.
Tip: You won’t find a single shower along the entire length of the beach, shower is located right next to the port building.
DAY 8 – SARANDA-BLUE EYE-GJIROKASTËR
After spending more than a week in Albania, you set out to explore the surroundings of Saranda. The first stop on your itinerary in Albania is Blue Eye, which is a natural spring with crystal-clear water more than 50 m deep.
You can get to Blue Eye very easily by car, by bus or minibus, or by hiking from the lake to the springs.
How to get from Saranda to Blue Eye
By bus
In Saranda, you can find a lot of day trips to Blue Eye, Gjirokastër, and Ksamil. By bus from Saranda Bus station, head to Gjirokastër and tell the driver to drop you off next to Blue Eye.
By car
The journey by car from Saranda to Blue Eye is 20 km along the highway and takes approximately 30 minutes.
Things to see in Blue Eye
Very interesting part of this itinerary in Albania. The natural spring with crystal-clear water more than 50 m deep with a beautiful blue color.
Water is about 10° Celsius all year long! In the center is an underwater cave which you can see from outside. Inside the park is a souvenir shop and restaurant which can get very busy in the summertime.
Note: Swim is not allowed in Blue Eye.
How to get from Blue Eye to Gjirokastër
By bus
Take the same bus as you did on your way to Blue Eye. Its final destination is Gjirokastër.
By car
Take (SH99) near Muzinë and continue with road (SH78) direction Jorgucat where you switch to (SH4) direction Gjirokastër.
Things to see in Gjirokastër
The second stop is Gjirokastër itself.
A beautiful example of Ottoman architecture that is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city is built on a steep slope and has cobbled streets, an old bazaar, and a majestic castle.
Gjirokastër is known for its cuisine, which has its roots in the Ottoman Empire.
Gjirokastër bazaar
The oldest district of the city where most shops, cafes, and restaurants are concentrated today. Because of its liveliness, it is the most photographed part of the city.
From the bazaar, you can reach the castle through a steep cobbled street lined with stalls with souvenirs and various art objects.
Gjirokastër castle
The construction of the castle began in the 6th century and is one of the biggest attractions of the city. Unlike other Albanian castles, this one closes at night because it is not inhabited. Entrance to the castle cost 200 lek. Inside you can find two museums, the Weapons Museum and Gjirokastër History Museum, each of which has to be paid separately.
After visiting the castle, return to the streets of the old bazaar and taste the local cuisine or other traditional Albanian dishes. After a good dinner, continue your itinerary in Albania and start your journey back to Sarande.
Typical dishes are:
-pashaqofte – soup with small meatballs
-qifqi -rice balls cooked in a hollow frying pan and mixed with the herbs.
-oshaf – is a must-try local dessert with sheep milk and cinnamon.
Many restaurants in the city offer such a kind of traditional food. You should give it a shot.
It is also known for its goat cheese, which is said to be the best in Albania.
DAY 9 – SARANDA- KSAMIL
Best of all, on the last day of your itinerary in Albania, go relax in Ksamil.
How to get from Saranda to Ksamil
By bus
The bus stop Sarande-Ksamil is located only 450m from the promenade and beach of Saranda, on the street Rruga Skënderbeu 77-7. Even though the bus runs all day, in the summer months during the season and in times of heavy traffic, the bus is often late and the journey can be extended by 45 minutes, even though Ksamil is only 11 km away.
Near the bus stop, there is a parking lot full of taxis and taxi drivers who will happily take a group of 4 people for €20 in total. Just find other people who will share a taxi with you.
Tip: Check for the exact location of the Saranda bus stop to Ksamil.
By car
For those who go by car, the journey is very easy, along the SH81 road you can reach the center of Ksamil in 15 minutes.
Things to see in Ksamil
Ksamil is a small seaside town that gains more and more fame every year. It will enchant you with its turquoise waters, so clear that you can observe marine life from the shore. For beach lovers, this is the highlight of this itinerary in Albania.
Ksamil has typical tourist water attractions such as snorkeling, jet skis, pedal boat rentals, and much more. You can choose according to your preference, most of the central beaches of Ksamil have sand, but you can also find stony beaches on the edge of the shore where it is quieter even during the season.
But your day in Ksamil will start with Butrint National Park.
Tip: Read our complete travel guide about Ksamil.
Ksamil beaches
Highly recommend this part of the Albanian Riviera, with beautiful crystal clear water and white sand or pebbles. Often called the Maldives of Europe. Perfect place to slowly end your itinerary in Albania.
Tip: Read our article for a complete guide about Ksamil beaches.
How to get from Ksamil to Butrint National Park
BY BUS
To get to Butrint National Park, take the same bus you took from Saranda to Ksamil, this bus ends in Butrint.
Tip: The exact location for a bus stop in Ksamil to Butrint National Park.
BY CAR
A 10-minute drive via SH81. This Albania road is very easy!
Things to see in Butrint National Park
The park is located on an area of approximately 9000 hectares of hilly terrain with freshwater lakes, wetlands, salt marshes, and islands. Part of the park is also the well-preserved historical town of Butrint, which has a 2500-year history. The city was abandoned in the late Middle Ages after rising waters in the surrounding marshes made it uninhabitable.
Butrint National Park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and should be included in your itinerary in Albania. The amphitheater is the best-preserved monument of Butrint, dating from around the 2nd century BC. It has a classic semi-circular shape and can accommodate up to 2,500 spectators.
Lovers of history and archeology would like to spend the whole day here. Since you are in the vicinity of swamps and marshes, don’t forget to bring enough water, because you won’t find any shops here.
DAY 10 – LEAVING ALBANIA
Start your last day super early and enjoy the beaches of Ksamil for the last time.
If you come in summer, this will be your only option to see beaches without tourists, here and there some fishermen or resort employees start working early, in summer the sea is pleasant already in the morning, and we dove before 7 am.
Then you have two options for how to get home.
Leaving from Tirana
End your itinerary in Albania in the capital Tirana.
Get a taxi or bus back to Saranda. From Saranda is a direct bus to Tirana, The journey takes about 5 hours.
Note: There is no direct bus from Ksamil to Tirana.
Leaving from Corfu, Greece
End your itinerary in Albania in Greece.
The nearest Airport from Ksamil is on the Greek island of Corfu.
Take a bus or taxi to Saranda and from Saranda take a ferry to Corfu. It’s only a 1-hour ride!
Tip: Read our article on how to take a ferry from Saranda to Corfu.
ADDITIONAL STOP – SHKODER CITY
Extend or add to your itinerary in Albania this city if you have time or you arriving from Montenegro.
How to get to Shkoder City
By bus
From Regional Bus station Tirana, it takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to Shkoder bus station. Buses run roughly every half hour from 8 am to 6 pm.
Tip: There is an option to come by bus from Montenegro as well, for example, the city of Podgorica has direct bus connections. The journey takes only about 1 hour.
By car
The journey by car from Tirana takes about 2 hours along the same route, and the roads are in good condition.
Things to see in Shkoder City
The city is located on the border with Montenegro in the northern part of the country, right by Lake Skadar and 1,5 hours from Tirana, so it’s a good additional place to add or switch to your itinerary in Albania.
Shkoder has a rich history, it was once inhabited by Romans, Normans, and Turks until today’s inhabitants. Due to the alternation of different cultures, there is a lot to see here, not only historical buildings and monuments but also beautiful nature.
Lake Skadar
Balkans’ largest lakes are located between Montenegro and Albania. Two-thirds of the lake belongs to Montenegro and one-third to Albania. It is home to many wild animals.
From the famous Rozafa Castle on a clear day, you can see a wonderful view of the entire lake in the distance, as well as Montenegro.
Rozafa Castle
The fortress is located south of the city of Shkodra. It stands on a rock above the confluence of the Buna and Drin rivers with a total area of 9 hectares. Legend has it that the castle is named after a woman walled in its walls to support the walls of the building, which often collapsed during construction.
OTHER OPTIONS TO EXTEND ALBANIA ITINERARY – Ohrid Lake and Pogradec City
Located in the southeast of the country. It is divided into the Albanian and North Macedonian parts. On the Albanian side, the largest town by the lake is Pogradec.
Lake Ohrid and its neighbor Prespan Lake and their surroundings are, thanks to their natural and cultural richness, registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Other sides of the country but interesting places to add to your itinerary in Albania.
Albanian Alps
Add mountains to your itinerary in Albania, also known as Accursed Mountains, legend says that Slavic soldiers could not overcome the mountain, so they named it Prokletije which means curse.
The limestone mountains are located in the northernmost part of Albania and also reach the territory of Montenegro and Kosovo. It is part of the Dinaric Mountains that stretch from Slovenia, through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania.
The Albanian Alps are divided into three main areas: Theth in the southwest, the Valbona valley in the east, and the Kelmend region in the northwest.
BEST TIME TO VISIT ALBANIA
To avoid overcrowded attractions and beaches, you should visit Albania between April-June and September-October
The weather is ideal for hiking, cycling, and sightseeing, and prices are lower.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Albania really cheap?
Most of the country is really cheap! But for example, Ksamil has become so popular with tourists that now is overpriced!
Can you travel in Albania without a car?
Absolutely! there are buses all around the country, but unfortunately, the train is not a good option, it’s very limited and in poor condition but it’s an adventure!
How many days do you need in Albania?
If you want to see most of the best places prepare at least 10 days Albania itinerary. If you have only a weekend then choose 1 or 2 places.
Is Albania worth visiting?
From majestic mountains to the Albanian Riviera, there is plenty to visit and explore.
Albania offers something to captivate every traveler and our itinerary in Albania will give you all the information you need.
