You deserve a vacation that feels like a secret. You want a place where the water is blue as the sky and the mountains reach for the clouds. Albania is that place. It is a hidden gem in the Balkans that is finally getting the love it deserves.
You will find ancient stone houses. You will find friendly locals. You will find food that costs a fraction of what you pay in Greece. This country has seen a 35% increase in international visitors lately because the secret is out. You should book your trip now for 2026 before the crowds get even bigger.
Why You Should Choose an Albania Itinerary Now
You might feel tired of the same old tourist traps in Italy or Croatia. Albania offers something raw. It offers something real. You can walk through Ottoman-era towns like Gjirokastër and Berat. You can lounge on white sand beaches in Ksamil that people call the “Maldives of Europe”. Plus, the travel costs are very low. You can budget about $150 per day per person for a mid-range trip. This includes your stay, your food, and a rental car. Therefore, your money goes much further here.
First of all, you must decide how to get around. You can choose an albania itinerary without car if you have patience. The bus system is called the furgon network. It is a bit messy. It is a bit slow. However, it is very cheap. You will pay between 1,000 to 1,200 lek for long rides, such as the trip from Tirana to Saranda. On the contrary, you can rent a car for about $45 per day. This gives you total freedom. You can stop at every mountain view. You can find every hidden beach.
Best Time to Plan Your Visit
You should pick your dates with care. May and June are the best months. September and October are also great. The weather is warm but not too hot. You will see temperatures in the mid-20s to low-30s C. Similarly, the crowds are much smaller than in the summer. If you go in July or August, the beaches will be packed. The traffic will be wild. The prices will be at their highest. Stick to the shoulder months for the best value.
A Perfect Albania Itinerary 10 Days
If you want to see the whole country, you need at least ten days. This plan takes you from the bustling capital to the high peaks and then down to the sunny coast.
Day 1: The Energy of Tirana
You will likely land at Tirana International Airport (TIA). The city is full of color. It is full of history. You should walk to Skanderbeg Square first. It is the heart of the city. Later, you must visit Bunk’Art 2. It is a museum inside a cold-war bunker. It is a bit eerie. It is very important. For a great view, take the Dajti Express Cable Car. It takes you up Mount Dajti for lunch with a view. You can find nice hotels like the Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana for a luxury stay.
Day 2: History in Kruje and Shkoder
You should leave the city early. Drive to Kruje Castle. It is a place of national pride. You can walk through the Old Bazaar to buy traditional carpets. Additionally, you should head north to Shkoder. It is the most bike-friendly city in the region. You must climb up to Rozafa Castle. It has incredible views over Lake Shkodër. Stay overnight in the city center at a place like InTown Guesthouse Shkoder.
Day 3 to 5: The Magic of the North
The Albanian Alps will take your breath away. You can follow an albania itinerary 3 days just for this region. First, you take a ferry across Lake Koman. It feels like a fjord in Norway. The water is emerald. The cliffs are steep. Later, you reach Valbona or Theth.
The Theth to Valbona hike is the crown jewel of the trip. It is a 17-kilometer trek. It takes most people between 6 to 8 hours. The path is well-marked with red and white paint. Therefore, you do not need a guide. You will climb through forests. You will reach the pass. You will see the jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains. Finally, you descend into the next valley. It is a challenge. It is a victory.
Day 6: The City of a Thousand Windows
You should head south to Berat. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People call it the city of a thousand windows because of the Ottoman houses on the hill. You can visit Berat Castle. People still live inside its walls today. On top of that, stop at Çobo Winery for a tasting. The wine is local. The stories are old.
Day 7 to 9: Sun and Sea on the Riviera
The coast is where you relax. You can spend an albania itinerary 4 days or an albania itinerary 5 days just on the beaches. You should drive over the Llogara Pass. The view of the sea from the top is great.
You have choices here. Himarë is a relaxed town. It has a local vibe. Dhërmi is a bit more upscale with trendy bars. However, Ksamil is the most famous spot. It has turquoise water and small islands you can reach by boat. Ksamil is busy. Ksamil is loud. Ksamil has the best water for swimming. Also, you must visit Butrint National Park nearby. It has ruins from the Greeks and Romans. It is a must-see.
Day 10: The Blue Eye and Gjirokastër
Before you go back to Tirana, visit the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër). It is a natural spring with an intense blue color. It is very deep. It is very cold. Later, stop in Gjirokastër. It is the “City of Stone”. You can walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Bazaar. Finally, you return to the capital for your flight home.
Shorter Trips: Albania Itinerary 7 Days
If you only have one week, you must choose a side. You can stick to the North for a mountain adventure. Or you can stick to the South for history and beaches. An albania itinerary 7 days in the south would look like this:
- Day 1: Tirana to Berat.
- Day 2-3: Drive to Himarë or Dhërmi.
- Day 4-5: Saranda and Ksamil.
- Day 6: Gjirokastër and the Blue Eye.
- Day 7: Return to Tirana.
Longer Trips: Albania Itinerary 14 Days
Do you have more time? An albania itinerary 14 days is the best way to travel slow. You can add a side quest to Permet. It has natural thermal baths at Bënjë. You can soak in the hot water under an old stone bridge. Additionally, you can spend more time in Tirana to eat at fancy restaurants like Salt or Tartuf. You can also visit Krujë for a full day.
Driving Tips for the Brave
You should know that driving here is an adventure. Main highways are modern. However, country roads can be rough. Local drivers often ignore the rules. They might stop suddenly. They might tailgate you. Therefore, you must drive defensively.
Important driving stats to remember:
- Speed limit in towns: 40–50 km/h.
- Speed limit on motorways: 130 km/h.
- Fuel price: About €1.80 per liter.
- Parking in Tirana: €1–2 per hour.
You must have your national license in Latin script. If not, you need an International Driving Permit. Always buy full insurance coverage. “Viaggiare” and “TiRental” are good names to look for.
Tips for Solo Travelers
Most of Albania is very safe. Petty crime is rare. However, women traveling alone should be careful in Saranda and Ksamil. Some local men there do not always respect boundaries. You should stay in Himarë instead for a better experience. In the North and the cities, people are just curious. They will smile. They will say hello. They are very hospitable.
Money and Practical Stuff
You must carry cash. This is the most important rule. Most places do not take cards. The local money is the Lek. However, many hotels and taxis also take Euros. ATM fees are very high. You might pay €5 to €8 per withdrawal. Therefore, you should take out large amounts at once to save money.
FAQ
Which is better, Greece or Albania?
Albania is much cheaper than Greece. You get a similar Mediterranean coast for a fraction of the price. Greece has more famous ruins and better infrastructure. However, Albania feels more like an adventure. It is less polished but very authentic.
Is Montenegro or Albania better?
Montenegro is more developed for tourism. It is also more crowded. Albania is larger and has more variety. You find higher mountains and more wild beaches in Albania. Albania is the choice for people who want to beat the crowds.
What is the prettiest part of Albania?
The Albanian Alps in the North are spectacular. The Theth valley feels like a fairytale. On the coast, Ksamil has the prettiest water. For architecture, Berat is the winner.
Which is the best time to visit Albania?
The sweet spot is May to June and September to October. You avoid the intense heat of August. You also avoid the snowy winters in the mountains. These months give you the best balance of weather and price.
Concluding words
Albania is a land of contrasts. You can find snowy peaks and sunny beaches in the same week. This Albania Itinerary – Complete Travel Guide 2026 shows you that adventure is affordable. You will love the stone cities and the turquoise waves. You will love the slow pace of life. Pack your bags for the Balkans. You will not regret it.
