You are ready for a real adventure. You want a place with mountains like Switzerland and beaches like the Maldives. You also want to keep your wallet full. Albania is the answer. This country is a hidden jewel in the Balkans.
Tourist arrivals almost doubled since 2023 as the secret got out. You will find friendly people, ancient history, and prices that will make you smile. This 7 Day Albania Itinerary is your golden ticket to a perfect trip.
First of all, you must know that Albania is very diverse. It is divided into two main parts. You have the wild North with the Accursed Mountains. You also have the South with the Albanian Riviera. Most people choose one side if they only have one week in albania itinerary. However, you can see the best of the South in seven days. Therefore, this guide focuses on the sunny coast and historic towns.
The Logistics: How to Get Around
You have a big choice to make. Do you want to drive or take the bus?
Option 1: The Albania Itinerary Without Car
You can easily do an albania itinerary 7 days no car. You will use the local minibuses. Locals call them Furgons. These vans are the backbone of public transport. They are informal. They are flexible. Most of all, they are cheap.
First of all, you cannot book a seat online. You just show up at the station. Look at the signs in the windows. Drivers wait until every seat is taken before they leave. Cash is king here. You will pay the driver directly in Albanian Lek (ALL). Plus, furgons will stop anywhere if you wave them down.
Estimated Furgon Prices (2026):
- Tirana to Berat: 600 ALL (about €6.00).
- Tirana to Sarandë: 1,700 ALL (about €17.00).
- Sarandë to Ksamil: 150 ALL (about €1.50).
Option 2: Renting a Car
You might want more freedom. A rental car gives you that. You can reach “hidden gem” villages that buses do not visit. In the off-season, a car costs about 25 euros per day. That price doubles in July or August.
You should know a few things about driving. Roads are mostly good now. However, you must be careful. Locals can be aggressive drivers. They like to overtake in scary places. Additionally, watch out for livestock. Cows and goats often block the road in rural areas. Seventy percent of Albania is mountainous, so rent a car with a strong engine.
Day 1: Arrive in Tirana – The Colorful Capital
Your journey starts at Nënë Tereza Airport. This is named after Mother Teresa. She was an Albanian-Indian nun. After you land, get some cash at the ATM. You will also need an Albanian SIM card.
First of all, head to Skanderbeg Square. This is the heart of the city. It is the largest pedestrian area in the Balkans. Look at the giant statue of Skanderbeg. He is the national hero. Similarly, look at the big mosaic on the National History Museum.
Later, walk to Bunk’Art 2. This museum is inside a real nuclear bunker from the 1970s. The old dictator, Enver Hoxha, built over 175,000 bunkers across the country. Some say the number is actually 750,000. This museum tells the dark story of the secret police. It is a powerful experience.
Finally, end your day in the Blloku District. This area was once for the party elite only. Now, it is full of trendy cafes and bars. You can even see the old villa of the dictator from the street. Grab a cocktail at SkyClub. This is a revolving bar with views of the whole city.
Day 2: Berat – The City of a Thousand Windows
Leave Tirana early. Head south to Berat. The drive takes about one hour and 45 minutes. This city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for Ottoman-era houses that crawl up the hills.
First of all, walk through the Mangalem and Gorica quarters. The streets are narrow and cobbled. It feels like you stepped back in time. You will see the iconic white houses with dark wooden windows. This is why people call it the “City of a Thousand Windows”.
Later, hike up to Berat Castle. This is a “living castle”. People still live and work inside these old walls. Do not miss the Holy Trinity Church. Also, check out the viewing platform. You will see the Osum River snaking through the valley below.
For dinner, you must visit Homemade Food with Lili. This place is an icon. Lili is a very energetic host. The food is traditional and delicious. Just remember to book a table. It is very small.
Day 3: The Spectacular Drive to Himarë
Today, you head to the Albanian Riviera. The drive from Berat to Himarë takes about three hours. You will pass through Vlorë, the gateway to the coast.
Prepare yourself for the Llogara Pass. This is one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Europe. You will climb high into the mountains. Then, you will see the turquoise Ionian Sea below you. The view is breathtaking.
Finally, arrive in Himarë. This town is more laid back than other beach spots. It has a small-town vibe that you will love. Check into a hotel near Livadhi Beach. This is a long, pretty stretch of water. It is perfect for a sunset swim.
Day 4: Beach Hopping and Gjipe Canyon
You have a big choice today. You can relax on the beach or seek adventure. I suggest adventure.
First of all, head to Gjipe Beach. This is a secluded paradise. It sits at the end of a deep canyon. To get there, you must hike for about 15 to 20 minutes down a rocky path. There are no big resorts here. Just a few small beach bars. Crystal clear water. Towering cliffs. It is pure magic.
On top of that, you can visit Borsh. This is the longest beach in Albania. It is 7 kilometers long. On your way back, stop at Porto Palermo Castle. It was built in the 18th century by Ali Pasha. The location on a small peninsula is very photogenic.
Day 5: Sarandë and the Ancient City of Butrint
Continue your south albania itinerary 7 days by driving one hour south to Sarandë. This is the biggest city on the coast. It is very busy in the summer.
First of all, visit Butrint National Park. This is another UNESCO site. It is home to ruins from the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. You can see an ancient theater and a fortress. It is surrounded by beautiful wetlands.
Later, drive to Ksamil. This town is often called the “Maldives of Europe”. It has white sand and three small islands just off the coast. You can take a boat or even swim to them. The water is an incredible emerald green.
Important Note: Ksamil gets very crowded in July and August. If you want peace, visit in May, June, or September.
Day 6: The Blue Eye and Gjirokastër
Turn your car inland today. Your first stop is Syri i Kaltër, also known as the Blue Eye. This is a natural spring. The water is a deep, stunning blue. It comes from a hole that is more than 50 meters deep. The water is ice-cold. You can try to dip your toes in, but it is freezing!
Additionally, drive to Gjirokastër. This is the “Stone City”. It is another UNESCO site with incredible Ottoman architecture. Walk through the Old Bazaar. The cobblestone streets are full of silver shops and colorful rugs.
Finally, visit the Gjirokastër Castle. This is a massive fortress from the 12th century. It houses a military museum and an old prison. The views of the valley from the top are spectacular.
Day 7: The Journey Back to Tirana
Your one week in albania itinerary is almost over. The drive back to Tirana from Gjirokastër takes about three and a half hours.
If you have time, stop at the Apollonia ruins. These date back to Greek and Roman times. You can see the old town hall, called the Buleterion. It is a great final dose of history.
Arrive back at the airport in Tirana. You have seen ancient castles, crystal beaches, and wild mountains. You have met friendly locals and eaten great food. You will likely already be planning your next trip back.
Alternative: The North Albania 5-Day Itinerary
Some people prefer mountains over beaches. If that is you, follow this albania itinerary 5 days for the North:
- Day 1: Start in Shkoder. Rent a bike for 1 or 2 euros. Cycle to Shkoder Lake or Rozafa Castle.
- Day 2: Take the Komani Lake Ferry. This is one of the most beautiful boat rides in the world. It looks like a Norwegian fjord. Reach Valbona Valley.
- Day 3: Hike the Valbona Pass to Theth. This is a 15-kilometer hike. It takes about 6 to 8 hours. The views of the Accursed Mountains are epic.
- Day 4: Explore Theth. Visit the Blue Eye of Theth and the Grunas Waterfall.
- Day 5: Return to Shkoder or Tirana by minivan.
Budgeting for Your Trip
Albania is very affordable for a European destination. Your daily budget will depend on your style.
- Backpacker Budget: €25 to €40 per day. This includes a hostel bed, street food like Byrek (pastry with cheese or meat), and bus travel.
- Mid-Range Budget: €50 to €90 per day. This covers a private hotel room, rental car, and nice dinners.
- Comfort Budget: €100 to €180 per day. This is for boutique hotels, private tours, and premium seafood.
Food Prices:
- Traditional Meal: €7.00 to €12.00.
- Local Beer: €2.00 to €3.00.
- Espresso: €0.70 to €1.20.
FAQ
How many days in Albania is enough?
Seven to ten days is a great amount of time for a first trip. This allows you to see the capital and either the mountains in the North or the beaches in the South. If you want to see the whole country, you should plan for at least two weeks.
How to spend 8 days in Albania?
You can follow the 7-day South itinerary and add an extra day for a boat tour in Himarë. Additionally, you could spend a full day at Osumi Canyon near Berat for rafting or hiking. This makes an excellent albania 8 day itinerary.
What is the prettiest part of Albania?
Many travelers believe the Theth to Valbona hike in the Accursed Mountains is the most beautiful part of the country. However, beach lovers often prefer the secluded Gjipe Beach or the turquoise waters of Ksamil.
Which is better, North or South Albania?
It depends on your interests. The North is best for dramatic mountains, epic hiking, and the incredible Komani Lake ferry. The South is better for stunning beaches, coastal drives, and exploring well-preserved Ottoman towns like Berat and Gjirokastër.
Concluding Words
This 7 Day Albania Itinerary proves that you do not need to spend a fortune to have a world-class vacation. From the vibrant streets of Tirana to the “thousand windows” of Berat and the sparkling Ionian coast, Albania offers a unique mix of history and nature. Whether you choose to travel by furgon or rent a car, the warmth of the people and the beauty of the landscapes will stay with you long after you fly home.
