The Perfect 7-Day Albania Itinerary: A Local’s Guide to Hidden Gems & Must-See Destinations

Hey adventurers! Alexandra here. After spending countless hours exploring Albania’s winding mountain roads and hidden beaches over the past 6 years, I’ve crafted the perfect 7-day Albania itinerary that will take you from bustling bazaars to pristine beaches.

I know planning a trip to Albania can feel overwhelming – there’s so much to see and conflicting advice online. But don’t worry! This detailed guide breaks down exactly how to spend 7 unforgettable days in one of Europe’s most underrated destinations.

Why Choose Albania for Your Next Adventure?

After visiting 30+ countries across Europe, I can confidently say Albania offers some of the best value for adventurous travelers. Here’s why:

• Incredibly Diverse Landscapes: From the rugged Albanian Alps to 476km of pristine Mediterranean coastline, you’ll find everything from mountain hikes to secluded beaches.
• Rich History: Ancient ruins, Ottoman-era cities, and communist bunkers tell the story of Albania’s fascinating past.
• Budget-Friendly: Your money goes incredibly far here – I regularly find beautiful beachfront hotels for under $50/night! Check Albania hotel prices on Booking.com
• Budget-Friendly: Your money goes incredibly far here – I regularly find beautiful beachfront hotels for under $50/night! Check Albania hotel prices on Booking.com
• Off the Beaten Path: While Croatia and Greece overflow with tourists, Albania remains delightfully authentic. But visit soon – tourism is growing fast!

Essential Planning Tips for Your Albania Adventure

After countless trips through Albania (and many travel mishaps!), I’ve learned exactly what you need to know before visiting. Let me save you some headaches with these essential tips!

Best Time to Visit Albania

The sweet spot for visiting Albania is May to September, but here’s my insider take:

• May-June: My favorite time! Perfect temperatures (20-25°C) and fewer tourists
• July-August: Beach season but VERY hot (35°C+) and crowded
• September: Still warm enough to swim but with smaller crowds
• October-April: Cooler temps but great for cultural exploration

Getting Around Albania

Let me be honest – transportation in Albania can be… interesting. Here are your main options:

1. Rental Car (Recommended!)
   • The best way to follow this 7-day Albania itinerary
   • Rates from €25/day
   • Book through DiscoverCars for the best rates
   • Roads are generally good but watch for potholes
2. Public Transport
   • Buses are cheap (€1-5 per ride)
   • No fixed schedules – they leave when full
   • Not recommended if you’re short on time
3. Private Driver
   • More expensive but hassle-free
   • Book through GetYourGuide for reliable drivers

Money Matters

• Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL)
• Budget per day:
  • Budget: €30-50
  • Mid-range: €50-100
  • Luxury: €100+
• Cash is king: Many places don’t accept cards
• ATMs: Widely available in cities but rare in rural areas

Other Essential Tips

• 🚰 Water: Stick to bottled water (about 50 ALL/€0.40)
• 📱 Internet: Buy a local SIM card (Vodafone recommended)
• 🗣️ Language: Learn basic Albanian phrases:
  • Faleminderit = Thank you
  • Përshëndetje = Hello
  • Mirupafshim = Goodbye

Day 1: Discovering Tirana & City Secrets

Let’s kick off your 7-day Albania itinerary in the colorful capital! Tirana perfectly blends communist-era history with modern energy, and I’ll show you how to make the most of your first day.

Morning: Arrival & City Center

Start your Albania adventure by checking into your hotel. I recommend:

• Luxury: Plaza Tirana
  • Central location
  • Stunning city views
  • From €120/night
  • Check Availability & Prices
• Mid-Range: Hotel Baron
  • Great value
  • Excellent breakfast
  • From €60/night
  • Check Availability & Prices
• Budget: Trip’n’Hostel
  • Social atmosphere
  • Clean rooms
  • From €15/night
  • Check Availability & Prices

Afternoon: Exploring Central Tirana

Here’s your perfect afternoon walking route:

1. Skanderbeg Square
   • Albania’s main square
   • Great photo opportunities
   • Visit the National History Museum (400 ALL/€3.30)
2. Et’hem Bey Mosque
   • Beautiful frescoes
   • Free entry
   • Remember to dress modestly
3. Bunkart 2
   • Former nuclear bunker turned museum
   • Fascinating communist history
   • Entry 500 ALL/€4.15

Evening: Blloku District

End your day in Tirana’s trendiest neighborhood:

Must-Try Restaurants:

• Era Restaurant
  • Traditional Albanian cuisine
  • Try the fergese (local specialty)
  • Budget: €10-15/person
• Salt
  • Modern Albanian fusion
  • Great wine selection
  • Budget: €20-25/person

Where to Stay in Tirana

I highly recommend staying in these areas:

1. Blloku District
   • Best for nightlife
   • Walkable to attractions
   • More expensive
2. City Center
   • Near Skanderbeg Square
   • Perfect for sightseeing
   • Mid-range prices

Day 2: Kruja – Albania’s Medieval Heart

Just 45 minutes from Tirana lies Kruja, a historic gem perched dramatically on a mountainside. This is where Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, defended the country from Ottoman invasion. Trust me, the views alone are worth the trip!

Morning: Getting to Kruja

Here are your transportation options:

1. Option 1: Rental Car (Recommended)
   • 45-minute drive from Tirana
   • Easy parking at the castle (200 ALL/€1.65)
   • Scenic mountain views
   • Book through DiscoverCars for best rates
2. Option 2: Organized Tour
   • Hassle-free transportation
   • Includes guide
   • Book through GetYourGuide
   • From €45/person

Afternoon: Exploring Kruja’s Highlights

1. Kruja Castle Complex
   • Entry fee: 400 ALL (€3.30)
   • Opening hours: 9:00-19:00
   • Must-see spots:
     • Skanderbeg Museum
     • Ethnographic Museum
     • Panoramic viewpoint
2. Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjetër)

This 500-year-old market is my favorite spot for authentic souvenirs!

What to Buy:

• Traditional qeleshe (felt caps)
• Hand-woven rugs
• Antique copper items
• Local mountain tea

Evening in Kruja

Recommended Restaurants:

• Restaurant Panorama
  • Best view in Kruja
  • Traditional Albanian cuisine
  • Try their tavë kosi (baked lamb)
  • Budget: €10-15/person
• Hotel Panorama
  • Stunning sunset views
  • Great for dinner
  • Local wine selection
  • Budget: €15-20/person

Where to Stay in Kruja

I recommend spending the night in Kruja to fully experience its charm:

Best Hotels in Kruja:

• Hotel Panorama
  • Mountain views
  • Traditional decor
  • From €50/night
  • Check Availability & Prices
• Guesthouse Emiliano
  • Family-run
  • Home-cooked breakfast
  • From €35/night
  • Check Availability & Prices

Day 2 Activity Schedule

09:00 - Leave Tirana
10:00 - Arrive in Kruja
10:30 - Castle & Museums
13:00 - Lunch break
14:30 - Old Bazaar
16:30 - Free time/photos
19:00 - Dinner with a view

Day 3: Berat – The City of a Thousand Windows

Today we’re heading to my absolute favorite city in Albania! Berat’s Ottoman architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status make it a must-see on any 7-day Albania itinerary. I’ve visited Berat five times, and it still takes my breath away every time.

Morning: Journey to Berat

Getting There:

• Drive time from Kruja: 2.5 hours
• Route: SH1 → SH4
• Scenic mountain views en route

Afternoon: Exploring Berat

1. Berat Castle (Kalaja)
   • Entry fee: 400 ALL (€3.30)
   • Opening hours: 9:00-18:00
   • Still inhabited by locals!
   • Must-see spots inside:
     • Onufri Museum (stunning icons)
     • Red Mosque ruins
     • White Mosque
     • Castle viewpoints
2. Mangalem & Gorica Quarters

These historic neighborhoods showcase the famous “windows of Berat”:

Mangalem Quarter:

• Ottoman houses
• Local artisan shops
• Best photo opportunities

Gorica Quarter:

• Across the river
• More peaceful
• Great sunset views

Where to Stay in Berat

• Luxury: Hotel Onufri
  • Historic building
  • Castle views
  • From €80/night
  • Check Availability & Prices
• Mid-Range: Guesthouse Arben Elezi
  • Family-run
  • Amazing breakfast
  • From €40/night
  • Check Availability & Prices
• Budget: Maya Hostel
  • Social atmosphere
  • Great location
  • From €15/night
  • Check Availability & Prices

Evening in Berat

Best Restaurants:

• Homemade Food Lili
  • My favorite restaurant in Albania!
  • Traditional home cooking
  • Try the stuffed eggplant
  • Budget: €8-12/person
• Antigoni Restaurant
  • Castle views
  • Local wine selection
  • Great for sunset
  • Budget: €15-20/person

Sample Day 3 Schedule

09:00 - Leave Kruja
11:30 - Arrive in Berat
12:00 - Check-in & lunch
14:00 - Castle exploration
16:30 - Mangalem Quarter
18:00 - Gorica Quarter
19:30 - Dinner at Lili's

Day 4: Himara & The Albanian Riviera

Today we’re trading Ottoman architecture for crystal-clear waters! The drive to Himara along the Albanian Riviera is one of Europe’s most spectacular coastal routes. I’ve done this journey countless times, and the views still leave me speechless.

Morning: The Journey South

Berat to Himara:

• Drive time: 4 hours
• Distance: 185 km
• Route: SH4 → SH8 (coastal road)

Best Beaches in Himara

I’ve explored every cove around Himara, and these are the absolute must-visits:

1. Spile Beach
   • Crystal clear waters
   • White pebbles
   • Perfect for swimming
   • Free parking
2. Potam Beach
   • Local favorite
   • Beach bars
   • Good for families
   • Rental chairs available (500 ALL/€4)
3. Prinos Beach
   • Hidden gem
   • Fewer tourists
   • Natural shade
   • Bring water & snacks

Where to Stay in Himara

• Luxury: Maestral Resort
  • Beachfront location
  • Infinity pool
  • From €120/night
  • Check Availability & Prices
• Mid-Range: Ideal Himara
  • Social atmosphere
  • Beautiful garden
  • From €20/night
  • Check Availability & Prices

Evening in Himara

Best Restaurants:

• Ostria Restaurant
  • Seafood fresh from local boats
  • Try the grilled octopus
  • Sunset views
  • Budget: €15-20/person
• Taverna Stoli
  • Local specialties
  • Family-run
  • Great value
  • Budget: €10-15/person

Activity Schedule

09:00 - Depart Berat
11:00 - Apollonia Ruins stop
13:00 - Llogara Pass lunch
15:00 - Arrive Himara
16:00 - Beach time
19:00 - Sunset dinner

Beach Activities & Rentals

You can book these through your hotel or GetYourGuide:

• Kayak rental: €15/hour
• Stand-up paddleboard: €20/hour
• Boat tours: from €40

Day 5: Saranda & Ksamil – Albania’s Beach Paradise

Get ready for more beach bliss! Today we’re heading to Saranda and the idyllic beaches of Ksamil. This is the crown jewel of the Albanian Riviera and where I spent countless summer days.

Morning: Saranda Exploration

Drive to Saranda:

• Himara to Saranda: 1.5 hours
• Scenic coastal route

Must-See in Saranda:

1. Lëkurësi Castle
   • Ottoman-era fortress
   • Panoramic views of Saranda
   • Restaurant with sunset views
2. Saranda Promenade
   • Lined with cafes and shops
   • Perfect for a stroll
   • Enjoy a coffee or gelato

Afternoon: Ksamil Paradise

Just 15 minutes from Saranda lies Ksamil, home to Albania’s most beautiful beaches. Here’s where to go:

Best Ksamil Beaches:

1. Last Bay Beach
   • Crystal clear waters
   • Three small islands
   • Beach beds: 1000 ALL (€8)
   • Restaurant service
2. Paradise Beach
   • Quieter atmosphere
   • Natural shade
   • Great for snorkeling
   • Free entry

Where to Stay

Saranda Options:

• Luxury: Santa Quaranta Premium Resort
  • Private beach
  • Infinity pool
  • From €150/night
  • Check Availability & Prices
• Mid-Range: Hotel Brilant
  • Sea views
  • Central location
  • From €70/night
  • Check Availability & Prices

Ksamil Options:

• Boutique: Ksamil Hotel
  • Steps from beach
  • Beautiful gardens
  • From €90/night
  • Check Availability & Prices

Evening: Sunset & Dining

Best Restaurants:

In Saranda:

• Mare Nostrum
  • Fresh seafood
  • Sunset views
  • Budget: €20-25/person

In Ksamil:

• Brothers Taverna
  • Beachfront dining
  • Local mussels
  • Budget: €15-20/person

Day 5 Schedule

09:00 - Leave Himara
10:30 - Arrive Saranda
11:00 - Lëkurësi Castle
12:30 - Promenade lunch
14:00 - Ksamil beaches
19:00 - Sunset dinner

Days 6-7: Butrint, Gjirokaster & Return to Tirana

Let’s wrap up our 7-day Albania itinerary with some UNESCO World Heritage sites and a scenic drive back to Tirana! These last two days pack in ancient ruins, Ottoman architecture, and one of Albania’s most magical natural wonders.

Day 6: Butrint National Park & Gjirokaster

Morning: Butrint National Park

Just 30 minutes from Saranda lies my favorite archaeological site in Albania!

Butrint Details:

• Entry fee: 1000 ALL (€8)
• Opening hours: 8:00-19:00
• Guided tours: €15 via GetYourGuide
• Time needed: 2-3 hours

Afternoon: Gjirokaster

Drive Details:

• Butrint to Gjirokaster: 1.5 hours
• Stop at Blue Eye spring en route
• Traditional stone architecture

Where to Stay in Gjirokaster

• Hotel Kalemi 2
  • Ottoman mansion
  • City views
  • From €60/night
  • Check Availability & Prices
• Stone City Hostel
  • Budget friendly
  • Great atmosphere
  • From €15/night
  • Check Availability & Prices

Day 7: Return to Tirana

Morning: Gjirokaster Castle

• Entry: 400 ALL (€3.30)
• Military museum inside
• Panoramic city views

Afternoon: Drive to Tirana

• Drive time: 3.5 hours
• Stop in Berat for lunch
• Arrive Tirana evening

Two-Day Budget Breakdown

Day 6:
- Transport: €30
- Activities: €25
- Food: €30
- Hotel: €60
Total: €145

Day 7:
- Transport: €30
- Activities: €10
- Food: €35
- Hotel: €100
Total: €175

Conclusion: Your Perfect Week in Albania

This 7-day Albania itinerary combines the best of everything: ancient ruins, pristine beaches, mountain views, and authentic culture. While you could spend months exploring this fascinating country, one week gives you a perfect taste of what Albania has to offer.

Have questions about this Albania itinerary? Drop them in the comments below! And don’t forget to save this guide for later – you’re going to need it!

Safe travels!

Alexandra