I cannot even tell you how surprisingly good Albania was. It’s a land of warm hospitality, breathtaking views and azure shores, I could risk saying even more beautiful than Italian Sardinia or Spanish Majorca (NOT kidding)! Additionally, with Alpine character mountains and hiking trails, the country is perfect for those seeking unique experiences. Here’s how to spend 10 days in Albania on a self-driving tour, exploring the most extraordinary places of this Balkan country.
10 days in Albania itinerary.
I went on a freestyle road trip around the country, driving southward along the stunning coastline and exploring the mainland with majestic mountains and charming villages on the way back. Road infrastructure can be a bit of a challenge, outside of the national and main roads, but it’s doable if driven with care.
CAR RENTAL: Albania offers very affordable rates for renting a car. And with a limited public bus network, I recommend going by car. As usual, I went with Rentalcars.com and chose the top-rated car rental, which gave me a brand new Hyundai with an automatic gearbox, which was fabulous for this road trip.
Renting a car in Alabania.
10 days in Albania gives you enough time to explore the country’s highlights by car. It is possible to travel by public transportation, but buses take more time, so you should probably have at least two weeks for such freestyle traveling.
I highly recommend renting a car at Tirana Airport; the rates are very affordable and you can comfortably drive straight to Tirana (saving time and money on taxis). Tirana is located 25 kilometers from the airport.
If you are renting a car, you are allowed to drive to nearby countries: Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro, but not Greece. You are not allowed to drive off-road and on mountain roads.
Many regions of Albania are still unspoiled. However, the amount of construction boom across the country (specifically along the coastline) is a bit terrifying. I believe the country is aiming for hundreds of thousands of tourists in the near future. Even Tirana Airport is under a massive rebuild.
Some sources say the luxury construction projects are a huge threat to Albania’s pristine coastline. I already saw massive 5-star resorts in Dhermi, which are limiting access to public beaches and offering extreme prices in local restaurants.
Walking the shore in some places felt like entering an endless construction field. So this is the right time to go and spend your 10 days in Albania to explore this wild piece of nature before it’s ripped off from all its natural tranquility.
Day 1: Arriving in Tirana.
Once you land in Tirana, you can kick off your Albanian adventure in the capital city, it’s very easy to navigate the main sites.
There’s not much to see in Tirana to be honest, but the main street for restaurants and nightlife is very energetic. During daytime you can check the famous ‘Blloku district’, once reserved for the communist elite, now it’s a pleasant neighbourhood for cafes and some walking. If you are curious about the country’s past, you may want to explore the Skanderbeg Square and the National History Museum.
Is Albania safe for tourists?
I also wanted to know this, so I asked at the airport and then at the car rental. The answer was surprisingly satisfying – totally safe. Some say, avoid Tirana outskirts, but I don’t know if that’s really true. At the car rental, they told me I could leave the car keys inside the car on the drop-off.
The truth is – Albania is one of the safest countries I’ve traveled to – definitely 100 times safer than any European country!!
Day 2: Krujë – a historical gem.
The historic town of Kruje is just a short drive from Tirana north direction, famous for its impressive Krujë Castle, which stands guard over the town and offers panoramic views of the landscape.
You might also visit the Ethnographic Museum housed in an old Ottoman home and wander through the traditional bazaar filled with artisan crafts.
Kruje town is optional, instead you can drive directly from Tirana to Berat (which is the next stop) and stay for 2 days to explore this wonder!
Day 3: From Tirana to Berat, a city of a thousand steps.
Berat was my second favourite destination in Albania (after Dhermi)! I thought it was going to be overcrowded and overrated. Surprisingly, it turned out to be completely the opposite. 10 days in Albania will allow you to spend an overnight in this lovely town, which I highly suggest.
Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Ottoman architecture. This picturesque town, also called “City of a thousand steps” sits on a hill with the Osum River at its foot.
READ: What to see in Berat?
- Gorica bridge – connecting the two sides of Berat – the Gorica Quarter – Christians’ residence and Mangalem – the Muslim part.
- Berat Castle, open 24 hours with FREE entry, is a must-visit (including the Onufri National Museum, showcasing religious art – iconography).
- The cobblestone streets of Mangalem – the Muslim Quarter.
There are two things you must try – traditional Albanese food and if you are staying overnight, you’ve to spend the night in a traditional guesthouse.
NOTE: I highly recommend watching a sunrise from the castle ruins – the panoramic view of the valley is stunning.
Recommended place to try local dishes: Te Ura” Bar & Traditional restaurant
Recommended stays:
- Fabulous Vila Luen ~ 30 USD
- Dorm: Ziu Guest House in Berat
- Berati Castle Hotel in Berat ~ 45 USD
- Or look for other options in Berat on booking.com.
How to get to Berat from Tirana?
The distance from Tirana to Berat is 100km.
BY CAR: It takes about 1.45 minutes to get to Berat from Tirana by car.
LOCAL BUS: It’s a 2.5-hour journey from Tirana. Buses depart daily from Tirana to reach Berat city every 20-30 minutes, from 5 am till 5 pm, ticket costs ~ 5 Euro.
Day 4: Explore the Albanian Riviera.
Driving from Berat to Vlore takes around 1.5 hours (105 kilometers).
The coastline from Vlore to Ksamil south direction is a natural perfection. While Vlore is probably the biggest tourist hub on the Albanian coast, it offers stunning boat tours, which are a must-do during your 10 days in Albania!
Below is a beach just above Dafina Cave, accessible only by sea.
A day boat tour (8 hours) from Vlore was the biggest highlight of my trip. A boat trip is the only way to explore the most stunning part of the coastline – the caves and hidden beaches, which none of them are accessible from the mainland.
Below on the photo – Grama Bay.
Awesome things to do in Vlore, Albania.
Vlore is your gateway to some of the most extraordinary boat tours along the coastline. It’s hard to believe, but the hidden beaches of Albania are equally stunning as the most beautiful corners of Sardinia or Majorca.
Most of the activities in Vlore are focused on boat tours along the Riviera. I would strongly suggest choosing a day tour, but if you are looking for something shorter Vlore Speedboat Tour to Haxhi Ali Cave would be perfect.
Grama Bay.
The boat tour was magnificent and it’s a must-do if you want to see the most breathtaking hidden caves and remote beaches of Albania. We were chilling, swimming and snorkeling in the crystal waters of the Ionian Sea.
All speed boats depart from Vlore and have a stop inside Haxhi Ali Cave:
- BEST TOUR: I booked this top-rated 8-hour tour with numerous stops along the Riviera – Blue Gem Cave & Grama Bay.
- A very similar tour is the Blue Cave & Grama Bay Speedboat tour.
Day 5: Dhermi - a hidden gem of Albania.
Dhermi is 1 1-hour drive from Vlore (50 kilometers). And Dhermi is worth every effort. If you want to break free from the typical tourist spots, Dhermi is your gateway to an authentic Albanian way of life.
This original town is surrounded by the rugged mountains. And the scenery from above is going to bring you on your knees.
Manastiri i Shen Merise.
One of the most unique attractions in Dhermi is a Monastery, reachable with a short hike from the main street. It’s hard to believe this site is basically unknown, it’s unlikely you will meet other visitors. The monastery is located atop a hill, offering spectacular views over the red-tiled houses, the surrounding landscape and the magnificent coastline.
Day 6: Himara – A Coastal Charm.
The charming town of Himara offers one of the most spectacular beaches such as Livadhi and Spille. The charming old town, perched on a hill, offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea.
Day 7: Saranda tourist hub.
From Himare, I would suggest getting a stay in Ksamil or Sarande, as they are a perfect gateway to the Blue Eye and Gjirokaster town.
ADVISE: Saranda is a port city and a tourist hub; it gets crowded during peak season. It’s a party city, with thousands of restaurants, a beautiful promenade, but no parking spaces and poor beaches.
NOTE: You can take a ferry from Sarande to Corfu Island (Greece), it’s only a 1.5-hour ride and the tickets start from 15 Euro.
Day 8: Ksamil town.
Ksamil is a more hospitable destination than Sarande with great beaches and warm hospitality. I stayed in Ksamil for 3 nights and I loved it! I would highly recommend placing it on your 10 days in Albania plan, as it’s a great gateway for number of attractions in the area.
Top things to do in Ksamil.
Here are amazing things to do in Ksamil:
- Enjoy stunning beaches and turquoise waters: Lori Beach, Bora Bora Beach, Ksamil Beach.
- Visit Butrint National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll discover the ruins of the ancient city of Butrint, which dates back to the Greek and Roman periods. It’s a 15-minute drive from Ksamil south direction. There is a water bridge if you wish to continue driving further.
- For the next days: Go hiking around Blue Eye and visit Gjirokaster – the stone city.
Where to eat in Ksamil?
BEST LOCAL RESTAURANTS: Basilico Restaurant (my number one!) and Museum Traditional Albanian Restaurant – both authentic and unbelievably CHEAP. There’s a local shop with really nice souvenirs.
Day 9: Blue Eye - the natural wonder.
The Blue Eye is a great destination for a day trip from Ksamil or on the way to Ksamil or Sarande. It’s a must stop on your itinerary during 10 days in Albania. It’s a beautiful natural spring with crystal blue waters.
TIP: Hike up along the river to get amazing views of the valley and leave the crowds behind.
Day 10: Gjirokastër – The City of Stone.
From Dhermi and Himare, I drove to see the famous Gjirokastër, another UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture.
Visiting Gjirokastër can be done in a few hours, including the Castle and Ethnographic Museum, which is housed in the former home of the dictator Enver Hoxha.
5 days in Albania.
If I only had 5 days in Albania, I would follow this itinerary:
- TIRANA – BERAT – DHERMI – GJIROKASTER & BLUE EYE or
- TIRANA – BERAT – VLORE & BOAT TOUR – GJIROKASTER.
Travel tips for Albania.
Here are a few money-saving tips for Albania:
- Albania is outside of EU, so you will need a data package. I recommend eSIM (it was only 10 USD for 10 GB), which was much cheaper than Vodafone in Albania.
- There’s a fee for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
- Albania is very cheap when it comes to restaurants and hotels. Look for local places to eat, traditional dishes ~ 6 USD, grilled fish or pasta cost around 8-10 USD.
Best time to travel to Albania.
Peak season in Albania is from June to September. This is a great time to visit, but you’ll have to be prepared for crowds!
Temperatures in summer reach 33-35 °C with low humidity. I traveled in May with temperatures floating between 19-24 °C. I would say May and October are the best months for spending 10 days in Albania, with almost no crowds and very reasonable prices.
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