Our 12-day journey along the Albanian Riviera proved unforgettable, from crystal-clear beaches to charming towns full of history. This 10-day Albania itinerary will give you a detailed guide on where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of your time in this beautiful, off-the-beaten-path destination!
Everywhere you'll be visiting on your Albanian roadtrip
10 Day Itinerary for Albania:
- Day 0 Arriving in Tirana
- Day 1-3 Sarande & Ksamil
- Day 4 The Blue Eye and Gjirokaster
- Day 5-7 Himare and Dhermi
- Day 7-9 Berat
- Day 10 Tirana
Arriving in Albania
Depending on where you enter and exit the country, you might choose to start your roadtrip at the southern tip or in Tirana. Since we were flying into and out of Tirana, we decided to tackle the long drive immediately (or so we thought) and headed straight down to Saranda upon arrival. This plan is also ideal if you’re entering Albania via Corfu.
Getting Around Southern Albania
This itinerary is perfect for those who plan to rent a car in Albania.
Driving around Southern Albania is an adventure in itself. You’ll find numerous opportunities to pull over and capture stunning photos. Be prepared for local drivers to overtake you frequently, and don’t expect to see many traffic lights outside of the cities – in fact, you might not encounter any at all.
We booked our car through Discover Cars and the experience was easy beginning to end with the collection point being fairly close to the airport departures.
How many days do you need in the Albanian Riviera?
A stay of 4 to 7 days in the Albanian Riviera is ideal. This allows you to explore stunning beaches like Dhërmi and Jale, visit historic sites such as Butrint, and enjoy natural wonders like the Blue Eye. A week-long trip ensures a balanced mix of relaxation and adventure.
What is the best month to visit Albania?
The best time to visit Albania is during late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these periods, you’ll enjoy pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and beautiful, lush landscapes. While peak summer (July to August) is ideal for beach lovers with hot weather and vibrant local festivals, it can be crowded and more expensive. Winter (November to April) offers a quiet getaway and opportunities for winter sports in the mountains, but many coastal attractions are closed, and the weather can be chilly and rainy.
Day 0: Arrive in Tirana and Drive to Saranda
Arrive in Tirana, Albania, and from there, the adventure begins!
Depending on when you land, you can either spend a night in the vibrant capital or hit the road straight to Saranda. The drive to Saranda is mostly on motorways and typically takes about 4 to 4.5 hours—unless you take a few scenic detours along the way!
We arrived pretty late in the evening so decided to head straight for our accommodation in Sarande.
Once you leave the city area, finding somewhere to eat will become increasingly harder so definitely get some dinner around the airport before you head off!
Day 1-3: Exploring Saranda and Ksamil
Sarande is a ‘resort town’ in the best sense of the term! It’s home to many large hotels, a strip with many restaurants and bars and generally a really good vibe. The town is definitely a good base for a few nights which is what we would recommend.
We recommend making Saranda your base for 3-4 nights and taking easy day trips to Ksamil and other nearby beaches. It’s just a quick 25-minute drive, saving you the hassle of packing up and moving every day.
Where to stay in Sarande
We actually stayed up the hill a bit in what can be described as the upstairs of a family’s home – probably going to suggest you don’t stay there ! You’re going to want to find somewhere that says they have parking, as parking in the area is a struggle and also can add up!
Beach clubs in Sarande & Ksamil
Lost Seaside is a popular beach club in Sarande town akin to those of Bali, but it was quite expensive. We found another, less fancy ‘club’ with beds a short walk down the street to get lunch at and swim and it equally did the job. If you walk along the seafront in Sarande, you’ll find plenty of options to find a lounger for the day – you will have to pay if you’re not staying at that hotel.
The beaches of Ksamil are a must do. The Coastline in Ksamil is picturesque. The waters clear blue and warm. But there will be crowds. If you go to the main strip in Ksamil, there will be beach bars lined up all along the coastline, it’s a matter of where the best bed is really. We’d recommend getting there early to have the best choice, and have cash to pay. We personally enjoyed:
-
- Pema e Thate (Beach club with overhanging nets you’ve seen on Instagram!)
Please note, you will need to pay for beds and umbrellas on the beach. Often you’re entering ‘beach clubs’ which have food and drinks available but you usually can bring your own as well. Laying down your own towel isn’t really an option in this area.
Other beaches in the area
-
- Gjipe beach is absolutely stunning but a hike down and back. There’s a car park at the top which you have to pay for and we made the mistake of going in the mid-afternoon sun. There’s also one or two shops down on the beach but they only take cash.
-
- Shpella e Pëllumbave is a really popular beach as well
Day 4: The Blue Eye and Gjirokaster
On route to Himare, we choose to loop around and visit the Blue eye (Syri i Kaltër) – a natural wonder that mesmerises with its vibrant turquoise and deep blue hues. This stunning freshwater spring, located near the town of Muzinë, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters that emerge from a depth of over fifty metres, creating an enchanting and seemingly bottomless pool.
The drive from Saranda takes around 30-40 minutes. There’s a car park which is easily accessible (a small fee to park) and then you walk about 20/25 minutes to the blue eye.
The blue eye can be swam in – but the water is freezing, even on hot days, so be prepared! There are no changing facilities and everyone is just leaving their belongings at the edge of the water, but there are toilets and a cafe you can get food or a drink at.
Next, head to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Ottoman architecture, about an hour’s drive away.
In the quaint town of Gjirokastra, the streets are lined with shops selling local crafts and jewellery. You can also spend an evening here, but in our opinion it’s enough just to visit for an afternoon.
We recommend visiting Vojsava restaurant for some amazing local Albanian food, The eggplant in particular was amazing. Spend some time wandering the streets and small shops or visit Gjirokastër Castle.
Day 5-7: Relaxing in Himare and Vlore
From Gjirokastër, make the journey to Himare. If you choose to skip out on Himare, drive back to Sarande or straight up to Vlore for the next stop on your trip.
You’ll spend part of the drive taking in views of the rolling countryside and the other part gazing out over the Mediterranean. Since the route is quite winding, it’s best to tackle it during daylight hours.
After a busy stretch of exploring, spend the next couple of nights unwinding in Himare or Vlore. We chose to stay 2 nights in each location. Himare, with its stunning beaches and a more authentic vibe compared to Saranda and Ksamil, is ideal for relaxation.
Where to stay in Himare?
Himare is a great location to base yourself for day trips to beaches such as Livadi and Gjipe beach!
What to do in Himare?
Relax on Himare’s Beautiful Beaches: Enjoy Livadi Beach’s golden sands or hike to the secluded Gjipe Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters.
Explore Himare Castle: This ancient ruin perched on a hill provides panoramic views of the coastline and mountains, along with a glimpse into its 8th-century history.
Stroll Through the Old Town: Wander the narrow, cobbled streets of Himare’s old town, visit traditional churches, and interact with friendly locals.
Himare to Vlore
From Himare, take a short drive to Vlore, an equally beautiful Beachside town with a more Authentic Albanian feel.
We stayed in a hotel perched on a hillside with stunning sea views which was fine for us but it was far away from the main strip, which made access to food and drinks limited. Be mindful of this when choosing your accommodation to ensure convenience and accessibility.
Top Things to Do in Vlore
Relax on Stunning Beaches: Vlore offers beautiful beaches like Narta Beach with its soft sands and clear waters, Radhimë Beach for a more tranquil experience, and Grama Bay for those seeking adventure. The latter, with its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, is accessible by boat or a challenging hike.
Explore the Ancient Ruins of Apollonia: Just a short drive from Vlore, Apollonia’s ruins include the impressive Odeon, a library, and various temples. The on-site museum offers a glimpse into this once-thriving Greek and Roman city.
Experience Vlore’s Nightlife: As night falls, Vlorë’s nightlife heats up with bars, clubs, and beach parties. Enjoy a lively evening with music and friendly locals.
Himare and vlore would be the perfect place to extend your trip for a few days if you have the time. Alternatively, you might consider spending 2 nights in Durres.
Day 7-9: Berat
After leaving Himare, make the one-hour drive to Berat, where your seaside adventure in Albania comes to an end. Berat, often referred to as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Ottoman architecture, rich history, and picturesque landscapes.
Where to stay in Berat?
Olive B&B is a charming, family-run guesthouse located in the heart of Berat, offering cosy rooms that capture the essence of local hospitality. With its central location, you’re just steps away from the city’s main attractions. Each morning, guests are treated to a delightful homemade breakfast, adding a personal touch that makes you feel right at home.
What to do in Berat ?
This part of the itinerary is perfect for those seeking a more relaxed end to their Albanian holiday.
Wine tasting in Berat is the perfect way to wrap up your trip. Experience local wineries offering tours and tastings of indigenous Albanian varieties of wine. We visited a local family run winery, Cobo winery, and had a wonderful afternoon there. It was a taxi ride away from the city but we just asked our host to organise a taxi for us and the same driver brought us back to the main area!
If there’s one piece of advice you take from this itinerary, it’s that you need to visit Lilis’ homemade food Berat. We won’t spoil the experience for you but just call a week in advance to book and enjoy the experience.
Eat dinner at City Grill Berat – Bar & Restaurant. It’s rarely that we enjoy a dinner so much we’re back in the same restaurant within 24 hours but this was the case at City Grill Berat.If you go, please try the Red Pepper dip– We’ve been dreaming of it ever since!
Day 10
Drive back to Tirana and fly home!
Tips for Renting a Car in Albania
- Expect to Double Back: Southern Albania’s road network is limited with only about three main roads. Be prepared to double back or take detours, as direct routes might not always be available.
- Google Maps Can Be Unreliable: Don’t rely solely on Google Maps. We found that it sometimes directed us onto dirt roads or was inaccurate. Always double-check with a map or local advice if you’re unsure.
- Driving Style is Chaotic: Albanian driving is intense and unpredictable—think of it as Italy with a bit more chaos. Be prepared for aggressive drivers and lack of adherence to traffic rules.
- Avoid Public Buses in Summer: Buses can be packed and unreliable, especially in July and August when temperatures exceed 30°C. Waiting around for a bus in the heat is less than ideal.
- Opt for a Small Car: Given the narrow and often tight parking situations, a smaller car is advisable. We faced a few tight spots that required careful manoeuvring to escape.
- Prepare for Challenging Parking: Parking can be tricky, and you might find yourself in tight spots. Manoeuvring in and out can be challenging, so be prepared for some stressful parking situations.
- Check Rental Policies: Car rental companies in Albania can be strict. Ensure you understand their policies and inspect the car thoroughly before accepting it. Rental companies might look for reasons to charge extra, so take note of any pre-existing damage and get it documented.
- Toll free driving: Albania has no toll roads – yay
