Itinerary · 7 days
Albania in 7 days
From Tirana to the Riviera through two stone cities
- Best for
- First-time visitors, mix of culture and beaches
- Getting around
- Buses work; a rental car is easier on the coast
- Pace
- Moderate
- Route
- Tirana → Berat → Gjirokastër → Ksamil → Himarë → Tirana
The classic first trip: the capital, the UNESCO towns of Berat and Gjirokastër, the Blue Eye spring and the best of the Ionian coast. It works by bus, but a rental car gives you more freedom on the coast.
Day 1 · Overnight in Tirana
Arrive in Tirana
Airport to centre: 25–40 minutes
- Morning
- Arrive at Tirana International Airport and head into the centre by airport bus or official taxi.
- Afternoon
- Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum and Bunk'Art 2 give you the story of the country in an afternoon.
- Evening
- Dinner in Blloku.
Tip: If you're renting a car, pick it up on day 2 rather than driving in Tirana traffic straight off the plane.
Day 2 · Overnight in Berat
Tirana to Berat
About 2–2.5 hours by bus or car
- Morning
- Head south to Berat.
- Afternoon
- Settle into the old town, cross the Gorica bridge and walk the riverside.
- Evening
- Sunset over the Mangalem windows, then dinner with local wine.
Tip: Driving? Stop at a winery on the way in; the Berat area is Albania's best-known wine region.
Day 3 · Overnight in Gjirokastër
Berat to Gjirokastër
About 3–3.5 hours by car; longer by bus with a change
- Morning
- Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum before the day warms up.
- Afternoon
- Travel south to Gjirokastër through the Drino valley.
- Evening
- Wander the stone lanes of the old bazaar and eat in a traditional restaurant.
Tip: Buses stop in the new town. Take a short taxi up the hill to the old town with your bags.
Day 4 · Overnight in Ksamil
Gjirokastër to the coast via the Blue Eye
About 1.5–2 hours driving in total
- Morning
- Gjirokastër Castle, then a restored tower house such as Skenduli or Zekate.
- Afternoon
- Stop at the Blue Eye spring on the road to Sarandë, then continue to Ksamil.
- Evening
- First swim and a seafood dinner by the water.
Tip: By bus, take a Sarandë-bound service, get off at the Blue Eye turn-off and walk about 2 km in; then flag a later bus or taxi.
Day 5 · Overnight in Ksamil
Ksamil and Butrint
Butrint is about 10 minutes from Ksamil
- Morning
- Visit Butrint early, while it's cool and quiet: the Greek theatre, the baptistery and the Venetian tower.
- Afternoon
- Beach time, and swim or kayak out to the Ksamil islets.
- Evening
- Sunset drinks on Sarandë's promenade, looking across to Corfu.
Tip: In July and August, book your sunbeds and dinner tables early.
Day 6 · Overnight in Himarë
Up the Riviera to Himarë
About 1.5 hours by car or bus
- Morning
- Drive north along the coast, stopping at Porto Palermo's little fortress.
- Afternoon
- Beach time at Livadhi or Potami, or hike down to Gjipe beach and its canyon.
- Evening
- Climb to Himarë's old village for sunset, then fish by the harbour.
Tip: Coastal buses are frequent in summer but sparse from October to May. Check times locally.
Day 7 · Overnight in Tirana
Over the Llogara Pass to Tirana
About 4–5 hours by car or bus
- Morning
- A last swim, then up the Llogara Pass for the big view over the Riviera.
- Afternoon
- Continue via Vlorë back to Tirana, or straight to the airport.
- Evening
- Final dinner in Tirana.
Tip: The Llogara road is steep with hairpins. Take it slowly and use low gears on the way down.