Are you planning a trip to Albania and you only have one week? This 7 day Albania Itinerary is the perfect introduction to the highlights of this fascinating country. From beautiful beaches, UNESCO listed historic towns and the vibrant capital of Tiranë.
Albania is also a country with a fascinating, albeit dark, past. The country was ruled by a communist dictator for forty years, and his influence can still be seen, from the chilling museums in the capital, to the remains of nuclear bunkers dotted around the countryside.
We spent almost three months in Albania in early 2025, and we fell in love with this beautiful country. From amazing scenery, history and culture, delicious food, and friendly locals, Albania really has it all.
This seven day Albania Itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors. This is an Albania road trip itinerary and while it is possible to travel around Albania with public transport, we do recommend hiring a car. This will give you so much more freedom and flexibility and allow you to visit some of those hidden gems.
NOTE: Many people who visit Albania come here for the mountains. The area around Theth and Valbonë has some of the best hiking we’ve ever done. However, it takes more time to get to this area, and if you want to do the hike from Theth to Valbonë you’ll need at least three full days. So in this itinerary we will just cover the south of Albania.
Download our FREE 2-page ALBANIA ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST HERE
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Purchasing through these links supports our work and allows us to continue bringing you travel guides, like this, for free. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from qualifying sales. Thank you for your support.
7 Day Albania Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Tirana (Tiranë)
You’re flight will arrive at Nënë Theresa Airport on the outskirts of the capital Tirana. Yep, Nene Theresa is Saint Mother Theresa; the Albanian – Indian nun who was canonised by Pope Francis for her work with the poor in India. You’ll see several statues of her throughout the country.
After arriving, pick up your car and check into your accommodation. Driving in Tirana might be stressful for the un-initiated, but it gets (slightly) better once you leave the city!
Skanderbeg Square
On your first day we recommend heading straight to the centre of town, and exploring Skanderbeg Square. The Square was named after Gjerj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albania. He led a rebellion against the Ottoman occupiers in the 15th Century.
The Square is the largest pedestrian area in the Balkans. Check out the Skanderbeg Statue and the Mosaic called The Albanians on the wall of the National Historical Museum. This museum is currently closed for renovations (due to re-open in 2027).
Grab a coffee at the Opera House Café and take a selfie by the “I <3 T” sign. Then pop into the Et’hem Bey mosque and make your way to the Bunk’Art 2 museum.
Bunk’Art 2 Museum
This museum is housed in the former nuclear bunker of the Ministry of the Interior. During the 1970s and 1980s the communist dictator of Albania, Enver Hoxha, was worried about an attack from the outside world. He commissioned the building of some 175,000 bunkers across the country. (Some say the number was as high as 750,000). You’ll see these bunkers all over the country.
After the fall of communism in 1991, the bunker was eventually changed to become a museum, which details the rise of the secret police throughout the 20th century. There is a particular focus on the communist era (1945-1991).
It’s quite harrowing to learn about the atrocities that were committed against the Albanian people by their own government.
Blloku District
Head to the Blloku District for dinner. On the way, pass by the Checkpoint Park. Here you’ll see another couple of bunkers, along with a piece of the Berlin Wall, and some concrete girders from the notorious Spac prison, a labour camp under the communists.
This “checkpoint” marks the beginning of the Blloku district. During the communist regime, this area was an enclave for the party elite. Most people could not enter this area at all.
On the right hand side as you walk into Blloku, you’ll pass “Free Ukraine Street”. The Russian Embassy is located on this street. Soooo…. Imagine all their mail….
The large residence of former premier Mehmet Shehu is on the left. You won’t see much as it’s behind large walls and guards. On the right however, you’ll see the former residence of the dictator Enver Hoxha.
Enver Hoxha’s former residence is not open to the public, but you can see quite a lot through the windows. I don’t think it’s been re-decorated since the 70s! The villa is used very occasional for government events.
Until then, if you want a glimpse inside, check out these photos that were taken for a competition in 2019.
The Blloku District is now a trendy area with boutiques, bars and restaurants. A great place to end your first day in Albania. Oh, if you’d like a fancy place for a sunset cocktail, check out the SkyClub, a revolving bar/restaurant overlooking the city.
Day 2 – Dajti Mountain and Tirana
The cablecar to Dajti Mountain is a one of the most popular day trips from Tirana. You can drive to the cablecar station and park for free, but we recommend taking the public bus from Tirana.
The blue bus leaves from behind Skanderbeg Square. Walk past the clock tower and you’ll find the bus stop “Porcelan” by the Friendship Monument. The bus costs 40 Lek (you’ll need to pay cash) and takes around 30 minutes to get there.
The bus will drop you near the entrance to Bunk’Art 1, another museum built into a communism bunker. This one is larger, and a lot more “original” than Bunk’Art2.
From the bus stop it’s a short walk (albeit uphill) to the Dajti Espress terminal. The Cablecar costs €14 for a return trip and takes about 15 minutes. The views over Tirana and all the way out to the sea are incredible.
Once at the top, there are several short hikes, a panoramic restaurant and a series of bunkers in the trees. During the summer months there is a zipline adventure park and a minigolf course open.
After lunch, head back down to Tirana and in the afternoon you could visit
Pizari I Ri – the New Bazaar with fresh food, souvenirs and handcrafts. You’ll also find a lot of great restaurants serving traditional Albanian food here. We loved Oda’s Garden.
The Pyramid of Tirana – once a monument to dictator Enver Hoxha, now a youth training centre. Climb the steps for great views of the city and mountains.
The New Mosque – opened in October 2024, and the largest mosque in the Balkans
St Paul’s Cathedral – the catholic cathedral, home to a statue and mosaic of Mother Theresa
Day 3 – Tirana to Berat
100km distance, 1 hr 45 min driving time
Leave Tirana early in the morning, and head down to Berat, the “City of 1000 Windows”. This small city will give you a great insight into life in Albania during the 1300s-1800s. After checking into your hotel, head out to explore the city.
Explore the Mangalem and Gorica districts and their narrow cobbled streets. You can do a loop crossing the older Gorica bridge and then the newer suspension bridge.
Walk (or taxi) up to the Castle of Berat – this is a “living castle” – people still live and work within it’s walls. While there, don’t miss the Onufri Iconography Museum, the ruins of the Red Mosque, the Holy Trinity Church and the viewing platform for great views over the city and the Osum River.
Wander along Boulevard Republika, enjoy an aperitif at one of the many pavement cafes and restaurants.
Have dinner at Homemade Food with Lili – this restaurant is an icon of Berat, but it’s tiny, so make sure you book.
Day 4 – Osumi Canyon Day Trip
Don’t miss the chance to explore the Osumi Canyon, sometimes called Albania’s Grand Canyon. The road is narrow and winding, and passes through several small villages before reaching the canyon.
We recommend a stop in Corovodë for morning coffee or lunch, and then drive to the big bridge across the canyon and turn around. Beyond this point the road is unsealed and suitable for a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle only.
On the way back, you can stop off at several lookouts, and one spot where you can walk up into the canyon and cross a small bridge.
Several companies offer rafting trips through the canyon, when the water conditions are right. These mostly take place in the spring. We were too early for rafting, but this rafting tour from Berat looks great.
If you’re not confident driving the narrow winding roads, you can join a Day Tour of Osumi Canyon from Berat.
Day 5 – Berat to Himarë (via Vlorë and Llogara Pass)
176km distance – 3 hours driving time
Leaving Berat, return through the farmland before turning south towards Vlorë and the coast. Vlorë is considered the gateway to the Albanian Riviera. If you need to visit a supermarket this would be a good place to do so.
Today you’ll drive over the Llogara Pass, one of the most spectacular mountain/coastal drives in all of Europe. There is a tunnel which opened in 2024 for the summer and then closed in November so essential works could be completed. The tunnel is due to re-open in May 2025.
I mean, take the tunnel if you’re in a hurry, but driving over the Llogara Pass was one of the highlights of our time in Albania.
We would recommend finding accommodation around Livadhi Beach, just below Himarë. This is a beautiful stretch of beach, perfect for an afternoon of relaxation.
Check out one of the local seafood restaurants for dinner.
Day 6 – Beach Day!
Today is your choice – you can either spend the day relaxing on the beach close to your accommodation, or go and check out some of the other beaches nearby.
If you’re adventurous, head to Gjipë Beach which is a secluded beach at the end of a canyon. You’ll drive down a very narrow (but paved) road to the parking lot, and then you’ll need to hike for around 15 minutes down to the beach.
Once there, you can relax on the beach, or walk up into the canyon. There are a couple of beach bars here that will be open in the summer time.
To the south of Himarë you could visit Borsh, the longest beach in Albania (at 7 km). On the way you could visit the Porto Palermo Castle, built by Ali Pasha in the 18th century.
Day 7 – Return to Tiranë and fly out
212 km distance, 3.5 hours driving time
Depending on your flight departure time, you could stop in at Apollonia to see the ancient ruins. Entry is 600 Lek, and here you’ll see ruins dating back to the ancient Greek and Roman times.
You will be provided with a map of the park, however, we found the map fairly useless. The numbers on the map do not correspond to the numbers in the guide, nor to the numbers on the signs by each ruin! Just follow your nose, it’s easy to wander around.
The highlights of Apollonia are the Buleterion (town hall) and the Odeon. The Buleterion was partially reconstructed and this is the classic ruin you see in all the pictures of Apollonia.
Arrive back at Nënë Theresa Airport in plenty of time to return your hire car and check into your flight.
* Variation for beach lovers!
If you’re keen to spend more time on the beaches, and if your flight arrives into Tirana early, you could drop the second day in Tirana and spend an extra day on the beaches.
Maybe drive down to Ksamil (only around 1.5 hours from Himarë). This town is known as the “Maldives of Europe”. We haven’t been to the Maldives so we can’t really compare, but Ksamil is beautiful, with white sand beaches and several islands just off the coast.
Ksamil gets very busy in the summer months, and does tend to be quite a bit more expensive than the beaches to the north.
Essential Information for your 7 Day Albania Itinerary
For a full rundown on everything you need to know about travelling in Albania, check out our main Albania Road Trip page.
Don’t forget to download our FREE Albania Road Trip Planning Checklist!
Driving in Albania
While this itinerary is doable with public transport, hiring a car will give you much more flexibility and freedom. Driving yourself allows you to stop off wherever you like, at those hidden gems, or for random photo opportunities.
Driving in Albania can be adventurous though! The roads are often narrow and winding, you’ll experience pot-holes and speed bumps placed at random (we suspect by locals and not the authorities!) and the Albanian drivers can be impatient and aggressive. They like to overtake in places we normally wouldn’t dream of.
Having said that, as long as you are careful and don’t rush, driving here can be a really fun experience. Just wait till you’re stopped in the middle of the coastal road for a goat-herd and his flock, and he’s waving you a friendly greeting.
Currency in Albania
Albania uses the Lek, which is a closed currency (meaning you can’t buy it in your home country, or sell it once you leave the country.
While card payments are accepted in larger establishments (supermarkets, petrol stations, some hotels and restaurants) many places only accept cash. Euros are accepted in most cash-only establishments, and your change will be given in Lek.
We arrived with just Euros cash, and then took a cash withdrawal from an ATM. Be advised that the ATMs do charge a fee, its around 600 Lek (€6) at the Credins Bank ATM.
FAQs
Is 7 days enough to see Albania?
One week is a good amount of time to spend in the south of Albania. With this itinerary you’ll get a mix of beaches, culture and a good understanding of the recent history of Albania.
If you want to explore the north, you’ll need more time.
Can I do this itinerary with public transport?
Travelling by bus in Albania is certainly possible. However, if you only have one week, you’ll find hiring a car will allow you a lot more time to explore the areas you really want to visit.
Buses leave Tirana for Berat and the beaches of the Albanian Riviera from the South and North Bus Station, just outside the centre of the city. You’ll need to catch a city bus there, or take a taxi.
Is Albania Motorhome friendly?
Albania is one of the best countries to travel in a campervan or Motorhome! We spent almost three months here in our campervan. While navigating some of the narrow roads can be “fun”, its a good country to travel with your home on wheels.
We found plenty of suitable campsites and park-ups, mostly using the Park4Night App. We did wild camp on a couple of occasions, and this seems to be generally accepted in Albania, especially outside of high-season.
You could budget around €15 a night for a pitch on a campsite, including Electricity Hook-up, toilet and shower. Most sites are simply space in someone’s backyard!
What is the best time of year to visit Albania?
We would advise visiting Albania in the late spring (May-June) or early Autumn (September) for the best weather and fewer crowds. It can be very hot in Albania in the summer (July-August) and there will be lots of crowds, especially on the beaches.
The winters in Albania are mild, however, you’ll find a lot of places close down for the winter, especially on the Riviera.
Is Albania affordable?
Albania is one of the most budget-friendly countries we’ve visited in Europe. You can eat a decent meal in a restaurant for around €10-15 per person (with drinks).
Accommodation costs range from around €10 per night for a bed in a hostel dorm, €40 a night for a self-contained villa or apartment and over €100 for a quality hotel room. We recommend booking.com for comparing price and availability for accommodation in Albania.
Entrances to museums and other attractions tend to be €10 or less.
Want some visual inspiration?
We produced several adventure travel videos during our three months in Albania. These three will give you a good look at the places we visit in this itinerary. You can check out our full Albania Playlist here.
Final thoughts
This 7 Day Albania Itinerary offers you a great introduction to the diversity of Albania, from the fascinating capital, historic towns and beautiful beaches. It’s an ideal loop for first-time visitors to Albania. You’ll experience culture, adventure, great food and of course, the kind and friendly Albanian people.
If you’re planning your own Road Trip to Albania, don’t forget to download out FREE Albania Road Trip Planning Checklist. Its full of insider tips, what to bring, how to prepare and insider advice to help you feel confident for your own visit.
Got more time?
Why not extend your visit to this fascinating country and check out Gjirokaster, the nearby Benjë Hot Springs or further south to Ksamil and Butrint National Park?