Are you looking for the ultimate travel itinerary for Albania? Then you’re in the right place! Albania is a perfect destination for anyone looking for a diverse and surprising road trip. This versatile country has everything you need for a fantastic journey: rugged mountain landscapes for endless hikes, charming historic towns full of history, and turquoise bays where you can fully unwind. Along the way, you’ll meet warm and welcoming locals, taste delicious traditional cuisine, and discover remote places that make you feel like you’re experiencing something truly unique. Curious about the best destinations in Albania and what you really shouldn’t miss? We’re sharing the ultimate itinerary, highlighting the most beautiful spots and the most practical tips.

Transportation for this Albania itinerary

The most fun and practical way to discover Albania is with a rental car. This gives you the freedom to visit remote places and adjust your route as you go. In recent years, Albania’s roads have improved significantly. In the mountains and countryside, some roads may still be unpaved or bumpy, but that only adds to the adventure. Before you rent a car, make sure to read our tips for renting a car in Albania.

Don’t want to or can’t drive yourself? Then you can travel by minibus or coach, although this is less flexible and often takes more time. Albania doesn’t yet have central booking websites for all bus routes. It’s best to ask your accommodation for advice on how to get from A to B. Tickets are usually purchased directly from the driver on the bus.

 

How many weeks do you need for this itinerary?

Want to follow the full route we describe below? We recommend setting aside three weeks. If you have less time, you can easily shorten the itinerary to two weeks. Later in this article, we’ll share sample day-to-day schedules for both a three-week and a two-week trip. To give you a good overview of each destination, we’ve also written separate guides for every stop on this route. These include tips on the best things to do, the nicest restaurants, and the most comfortable places to stay. You’ll find links to these guides in each section below!

Tirana

Your journey through Albania starts in the capital, Tirana. Don’t expect a classic European capital filled with centuries-old cathedrals, but rather a modern city full of colorful street art, trendy bars, and bustling bazaars. Especially in the evenings, when the temperatures are more pleasant, Tirana comes alive! People take evening strolls, kids play in the streets, and the squares fill up with locals winding down their day together. The vibe in Tirana is laid-back, the people are friendly, and on almost every street corner you can sit down for a coffee or a local snack.

If you stay a little longer, you’ll discover what makes this city so special. Curious what to do here? Check out our Tirana tips for the best hotspots and sights.

Lake Bovilla (stopover)

On the way to Krujë (the next destination on this route), you’ll pass the impressive Bovilla Reservoir, located in the middle of Dajti National Park. Here, you can take a short hike to a spectacular viewpoint on Mount Gamti. The hike to the viewpoint is short but involves some climbing. From the parking lot, it takes about 15 to 25 minutes. The trail leads you over rocky terrain to a metal staircase fixed against the steep rock wall. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the reservoir: crystal-clear blue water surrounded by green hills and dramatic cliffs. Every photo you take here looks like a postcard. Take your time at the top to soak it in—this is without a doubt one of the most beautiful panoramas in the region.

Krujë

The road trip continues to Krujë, a small mountain town less than an hour from Tirana. Here, the hustle of the capital gives way to fresh mountain air, narrow streets, and a centuries-old atmosphere. Krujë isn’t a place to linger for days, but it’s absolutely worth a visit. Spend a day soaking up Albania’s history, admire the ancient buildings, and stroll through the traditional bazaar full of handmade carpets and souvenirs. With a bit of luck, you’ll even see the artisans weaving on the spot.

Shala River

It’s time for one of Albania’s most magical spots: the Shala River (in Albanian: Lumi i Shales). This remote area borders Koman Lake, a reservoir surrounded by steep cliffs that feels almost like a Norwegian fjord. The only way to reach Shala River is by boat, which makes the experience even more special. The further you travel across the lake, the clearer the water becomes. When you finally arrive at Shala River, you step into a hidden paradise.

Overnight stays here are in guesthouses along the river. This way, you can enjoy the peace once the day-trippers leave. We stayed at Bee Eco Guesthouse, which we highly recommend. Check our Shala River guide for more things to do.

Theth

After relaxing in this remote paradise, it’s time for adventure in the Albanian Alps. In the mountain village of Theth, it feels as if time has stood still—unpaved roads, simple homes, and untouched nature that calls out to be explored. Here, you’ll experience authentic Albanian hospitality and the calm that defines northern Albania. Since there’s so much to do in Theth, we recommend staying at least three nights. You can go on some of Albania’s most stunning hikes, visit waterfalls, and take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear springs. In our Theth guide, we share all the best hikes and sights.

Berat

After days of mountain adventure, travel across the country to Berat. This city will impress you with its white Ottoman houses that seem stacked on the hillside like a mosaic. No wonder it’s called the “City of a Thousand Windows.” As one of Albania’s oldest cities, Berat is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s not the kind of city where you check off a to-do list—it’s a place to wander, relax at a café, savor Albanian cuisine, and lose track of time. Plan to stay at least two days to see the highlights and make a side trip to the impressive Osumi Canyon. Read our Berat guide for more details.

Gjirokastër

The journey continues south to Gjirokastër, one of Albania’s most atmospheric destinations. The old town is a lively maze of cobbled streets lined with cafés, artisan shops, and restaurants with tables spilling into the streets. In the evenings, the city truly buzzes as locals and travelers gather for drinks or plates of traditional food. Stay at least one night here. Gjirokastër may be small, but there’s plenty to see and do. Visit the centuries-old castle, step inside traditional Ottoman houses, and don’t forget to try the local snack “qifqi” before moving on. You’ll find everything you need in our Gjirokastër guide.

Sarandë or Ksamil

Sarandë and Ksamil are two larger seaside towns in the far south of Albania, both offering beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and lively beach clubs of all kinds. Since the towns are only 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) apart, you can easily combine them. Choose one as your base and explore the surrounding area from there. If you prefer peace and quiet over crowds, skip these destinations and continue directly to Himarë or Dhërmi.

Sarandë is a vibrant coastal town that blends stunning beaches, a lively urban vibe, and rich history. The town sits directly on the coast and offers a mix of modern beach clubs, cozy terraces, and cultural attractions. Don’t miss the impressive Lekuresi Castle, perched above the town with panoramic views of the turquoise Ionian Sea. In the evenings, stroll along the boulevard lined with local cafés, bars, and seaside restaurants. Check out our Sarandë tips.

Ksamil is known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise coves. Here, you’ll find that perfect vacation vibe in lively beach clubs where you can enjoy cocktails, music, and great food with your feet in the sand. You can also easily paddleboard or kayak to the nearby islands, where you can swim and snorkel in peace. Read our Ksamil guide.

Himarë or Dhërmi

The final stop on this Albania itinerary is again along the coast. Here, you can choose between Himarë and Dhërmi, two small seaside towns perfect for those who love secluded beaches and hidden coves. From either base, you can easily take day trips by car to historic sites and remote beaches, some of which are only accessible by short hikes or winding mountain roads. Both Himarë and Dhërmi have their own unique vibe, so it’s up to you to decide which suits you best.

Himarë is a laid-back village where you can walk straight from your accommodation to the beach, with small boats bobbing on the water and the sea inviting you for a refreshing swim. Along the boulevard, you’ll find cozy restaurants and cafés where you can end your day with a delicious meal and a good glass of wine as the sun sets over the sea. Curious what Himarë looks like? Check out our Himarë guide.

Dhërmi offers two sides: the traditional mountain village and the bustling seaside resort. The upper village has a peaceful, authentic feel with cobbled streets, old churches, and sweeping views of the coastline. Down by the coast, however, it’s lively—wide beaches, a bustling boulevard, modern beach clubs, and atmospheric restaurants. Before visiting, take a look at our Dhërmi guide.

Our choice: We chose Himarë as our base, and we can highly recommend it. It feels a little more peaceful and authentic here.

Example day-to-day Albania itineraries

Below you’ll find two sample itineraries for this Albania road trip: one for 2 weeks and one for 3 weeks. In our guides to each destination, you can read more about what to see and do. This makes it easy to decide if you want to stay longer in some places, skip others, and adjust the route to your own pace and preferences.

Our favorite stays in Albania

During our travels, we always look for not only the best activities but also the most unique places to stay. In Albania, you’ll find luxury hotels as well as cozy, affordable guesthouses—some set within ancient castle walls, others with stunning views of the sea or mountains. We’ve gathered all our favorite picks in one overview of our favorite places to stay in Albania. Wherever you choose, you’re guaranteed a memorable time!