12 Amazing Day Trips from Tirana: A Local’s Guide (2025)

Must-See Highlights:

• Berat Castle (allow 2-3 hours to explore)
• The iconic Mangalem Quarter
• Onufri National Museum
• Republic Boulevard for people-watching

💡 Pro Tip: The best views of those famous windows are from the castle area. Go early morning for the best light for photos! When I visited last April, I arrived at 8:30am and had perfect golden light over the white houses.

🌟 My Experience: I’ve visited Berat seven times now, and it never disappoints! My favorite experience was joining a local family for lunch in their 300-year-old house in the old town. The homemade byrek and mountain tea while overlooking those iconic white facades was unforgettable.

In Krujë (40km from Tirana):

• Krujë Castle and Skanderbeg Museum
• The Old Bazaar (best place for authentic souvenirs!)
• Sarisalltik shrine viewpoint

In Durrës (35km from Tirana):

• 2nd century Roman Amphitheater
• Seaside promenade
• Archaeological Museum

💡 Pro Tip: The Old Bazaar in Krujë is THE place to buy authentic Albanian souvenirs. I always head to the small shop “Filigran” for handmade silver filigree jewelry – much better quality than the tourist stalls in Tirana.

🌟 My Experience: This was one of my first day trips when I moved to Albania, and I still recommend it to visitors. The contrast between Krujë’s mountain fortress and Durrës’ seaside Roman ruins gives you a perfect introduction to Albania’s diverse heritage.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Rozafa Castle views (seriously, some of the best panoramas in Albania!)
• Marubi National Museum of Photography (unique glimpse into Albanian history)
• Lake Shkodër (the largest in Southern Europe!)
• Vibrant pedestrian streets perfect for cafe-hopping

💡 Pro Local Tip: Plan your visit to Rozafa Castle for late afternoon – the sunset views over Lake Shkodër and the Albanian Alps are absolutely magical. I always time my visits to arrive around 4:30pm (5:30pm in summer) to catch perfect golden hour light.

🌟 My Experience: Shkodër has a completely different vibe from Tirana – more relaxed, more cycling culture, and a stronger Italian influence. My favorite memory is cycling along the castle road at sunset, then stopping at a local tavern where an old man spontaneously played traditional music on his çifteli instrument while we sipped raki.

What Makes It Special:

• Crystal-clear turquoise waters
• Hiking trails for all levels
• Stunning mountain landscapes
• Perfect picnic spots

⚠️ Adventure Tips: Wear proper hiking shoes (I learned this the hard way!), bring plenty of water, pack a picnic lunch, and don’t forget your camera. The terrain can be challenging in parts, but the views are worth every step.

🌟 My Experience: This is one of Tirana’s best-kept secrets! The first time I hiked here, I couldn’t believe such pristine nature existed so close to the capital. The moment when you reach the viewpoint and see that turquoise water against the rugged mountains is unforgettable. I’ve now been six times and discovered a new trail each visit.

Highlights:

• Rodoni Castle built by Skanderbeg
• Historic St. Anthony Church
• Pristine, uncrowded beaches
• Dramatic coastal cliffs

💡 Top Tip: Visit in spring or early fall for the most comfortable hiking weather and fewer visitors. May and late September are perfect – you’ll often have the entire cape to yourself on weekdays!

🌟 My Experience: Cape of Rodon quickly became my favorite coastal escape near Tirana. Unlike the more famous southern beaches, this feels wild and untouched. I’ve spent entire days hiking along the peninsula, swimming in secluded coves, and watching sunset from the castle ruins. The fact that you can do this as a day trip from the capital is incredible!

Must-See Spots:

• Church of St. John at Kaneo (that iconic lake view you’ve seen on Instagram!)
• Charming Old Town streets
• Lake Ohrid boat ride
• Saint Naum Monastery
• Bay of Bones (ancient settlement on water)

⚠️ Insider Tips: Bring your passport (obviously!), start early to maximize your time, pack swimwear in summer, and exchange some money for Macedonian denars. While some places accept euros, you’ll get better deals with local currency.

🌟 My Experience: I’ve made this trip at least eight times with different visitors, and everyone agrees it’s magical. The first glimpse of the turquoise lake surrounded by mountains takes your breath away. My favorite moment is always reaching the Church of St. John at Kaneo – that view of the tiny church perched on the cliff over the sparkling lake is worth the journey alone.

Highlights:

• Prizren Fortress (sunset views!)
• Sinan Pasha Mosque
• Bistrica River cafes
• Optional stops in Pristina or Gjakova

💡 Pro Tip: The fortress climb is steep but SO worth it. Time your visit for golden hour – trust me on this one! I always plan to arrive at the fortress around 5pm (6pm in summer) for that perfect soft light over the old town.

🌟 My Experience: Prizren surprised me with its beauty and authenticity. The Ottoman architecture is incredibly well-preserved, and there’s something magical about sitting at a riverside cafe under stone bridges while the muezzin calls to prayer. Don’t miss trying the local specialty, pasulj (bean stew) – the tiny restaurant “Te Syla” serves the best version I’ve found.

In Ulcinj (100km from Tirana):

• 5th century BC Old Town
• Ulcinj Castle views
• Stunning Adriatic beaches

Combined with Shkodër:

• Rozafa Castle
• Historic city center
• Lake Shkodër views

⚠️ Important Notes: Bring euros for Montenegro, start very early (7am departure recommended), and be prepared for multiple border crossings – patience required! The journey involves both Albanian-Montenegrin and Albanian-Kosovan borders which can be busy in summer.

🌟 My Experience: This is definitely one of the more ambitious day trips, but it’s so rewarding! I’ve done this journey twice now, and there’s something thrilling about breakfast in Albania, lunch in Montenegro, and dinner back in Shkodër. Ulcinj surprised me with its beautiful mix of cultures – you can feel the Venetian, Ottoman, and modern Montenegrin influences in this coastal gem.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Well-preserved Roman ruins
• Fascinating on-site museum
• Ancient theater and temples
• Peaceful countryside setting

💡 Pro Tip: The light here is magical just before sunset. I always time my visits for late afternoon photos! The golden glow on the ancient columns creates the most incredible atmosphere – photographers will be in heaven.

🌟 My Experience: I’m still amazed that a site this impressive receives so few visitors. The first time I went, I had the entire ancient city practically to myself! Wandering among 2,600-year-old columns while sheep graze nearby feels like time travel. Don’t miss the small byzantine monastery on-site with its original frescoes.

Must-Do Activities:

• Dajti Ekspres cable car ride
• Hiking to Tujani peak
• Panoramic restaurants
• Adventure park activities

💡 Local Secret: Skip the crowded cable car station restaurant and walk 10 minutes further to the local spots – better food and better prices! My favorite is the tiny family-run “Ballkoni Dajtit” where you’ll get homemade mountain tea and pastries with the same incredible view.

🌟 My Experience: This is my go-to weekend escape! I’ve probably visited Dajti 30+ times in all seasons, and it never disappoints. The 15-minute cable car ride offers amazing views over Tirana, and once you’re up, there are numerous hiking trails for all levels. In winter, you might even catch snow while the city below is sunny!

Highlights:

• 2.5-hour scenic ferry ride
• Dramatic mountain landscapes
• Lumi i Shales swimming spots
• Traditional mountain villages

⚠️ Adventure Tips: Book ferry tickets in advance (they sell out in summer!), bring a camera with plenty of battery, pack swimwear in summer for the crystal-clear swimming spots, and start VERY early (no later than 6am from Tirana).

🌟 My Experience: This is hands-down one of the most spectacular journeys I’ve ever taken. The ferry winds through steep mountain canyons that rival Norwegian fjords. The first time I visited, I was literally speechless for most of the journey. It’s a long day (14+ hours round trip), but the scenery is so incredible that it flies by.

What to Expect:

• 30-minute scenic hike
• Ancient cave exploration
• Canyon swimming spots
• Local village vibes

⚠️ Important: Bring good shoes and a headlamp for the cave. The locals might offer to guide you – take them up on it! Their knowledge is worth every penny, and the cave system can be confusing to navigate alone.

💡 Pro Tip: Combine this with a visit to nearby Erzeni Canyon for the perfect summer day trip. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for cooling off after your cave adventure, and there are several natural pools deep enough for jumping.

🌟 My Experience: This is such a perfect “secret” day trip that most tourists miss! The cave itself is massive and contains prehistoric artifacts, while the hike offers beautiful views over the countryside. When I visited in August, we finished with a refreshing swim in the canyon’s turquoise pools – heaven on a hot day!

💡 Pro Tip: Albanian roads have improved dramatically in recent years, but mountain routes can still be challenging. Always check your rental car’s tire quality before setting off, and download offline maps for navigation.

⚠️ Important: Keep in mind most bus stations in Albania are informal – ask locals if you’re unsure! In Tirana, buses to different destinations leave from different locations around the city, not from a central station.

🌟 My Experience: I’ve used every transportation method in Albania, and each has its place. For destinations like Berat or Shkodër, public buses are perfectly fine. For more remote areas like Bovilla Lake or cross-border trips, guided tours save a lot of headaches. For ultimate freedom, nothing beats having your own car.

💡 Pro Tip: For popular destinations like Berat or Krujë, book at least a day in advance. For specialized tours or cross-border trips, try to book 3-5 days ahead, especially in high season (July-August).

Trusted Tour Companies:

• Get Your Guide – best for popular routes
• Viator – great for unique experiences
• Aria Travel Albania – excellent local guides

Basic Essentials:

• Passport (for cross-border trips)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water bottle
• Power bank
• Cash (many places don’t take cards)

Seasonal Must-Haves:

• Summer: Sunscreen, hat, swimwear
• Winter: Layers, warm coat, gloves
• Spring/Fall: Rain jacket, light layers

💡 Pro Tip: Albanian SIM cards are extremely affordable. You can get a SIM with 10GB of data for around €10, and coverage is surprisingly good throughout the country, even in remote areas.

Best Connectivity Options:

• Airalo eSim – easy digital option
• Local SIM cards (available at the airport from providers like Vodafone Albania or One)
• Download offline maps before your trip

⚠️ Important: Make sure your policy covers activities like hiking and cave exploration if you’re planning adventure day trips. Also verify coverage for cross-border travel if you’ll be visiting neighboring countries.

🌟 My Experience: I once sprained my ankle hiking in Theth National Park and was so grateful for my travel insurance that covered the taxi back to Tirana and medical treatment. The peace of mind alone is worth the cost, especially when exploring more remote areas.

💡 Pro Tip: May and September are my absolute favorite months for day trips in Albania. You’ll enjoy perfect temperatures, wildflowers or autumn colors, and significantly fewer tourists than peak summer.

🌟 My Experience: Many visitors come to Albania expecting it to be “rough around the edges,” but are amazed by how welcoming, safe, and beautiful it is. The biggest complaint I hear from friends who visit is that they wish they’d planned more time here!

My Top Tour Recommendations:

1. Best Overall Day Trip: Berat UNESCO Tour with Local Lunch
2. Best Nature Experience: Bovilla Lake Hiking Adventure
3. Best Cross-Border Trip: Ohrid Lake Explorer Tour
4. Best Value Combo: Krujë & Durrës Full Day Tour
5. Best Hidden Gem: Apollonia Archaeological Discovery