5 DAYS TOUR OF NATIONAL PARKS IN ALBANIA
A 5-day tour of national parks in Albania offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s rich natural beauty. Albania is home to a variety of national parks, each showcasing unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. From rugged mountains to pristine lakes and lush forests, here’s an itinerary that will take you to some of the country’s best national parks.
Tips
The best time for exploring Albania’s national parks is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the landscapes are lush and colorful. The summer months are also great for beach visits but can be hot for hiking in mountainous areas.
Comfortable hiking shoes, water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and light layers for cooler mountain temperatures. Don’t forget a camera to capture the stunning landscapes!
Albania offers a range of accommodations, from guesthouses in the mountains to seaside resorts along the coast. It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tirana & Dajti National Park
Morning:
- Arrival in Tirana – Start your adventure in Albania’s bustling capital.
- Drive to Dajti National Park – Located 25 minutes from the city center, this park is famous for lush forests, wildlife, and panoramic views.
Late Morning:
- Ride the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car – Enjoy stunning views of Tirana and the surrounding valleys from the top of Mount Dajti.
- Explore nature trails – Walk through dense forests, observe local wildlife, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Dajti Mountain Resort – Relax with traditional Albanian dishes and breathtaking views.
Evening:
- Return to Tirana – Discover the city’s landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.
- Dinner at a local restaurant – Sample dishes like tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt) or fërgesë (vegetable casserole).
Morning:
- Arrival in Tirana – Start your adventure in Albania’s bustling capital.
- Drive to Dajti National Park – Located 25 minutes from the city center, this park is famous for lush forests, wildlife, and panoramic views.
Late Morning:
- Ride the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car – Enjoy stunning views of Tirana and the surrounding valleys from the top of Mount Dajti.
- Explore nature trails – Walk through dense forests, observe local wildlife, and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Dajti Mountain Resort – Relax with traditional Albanian dishes and breathtaking views.
Evening:
- Return to Tirana – Discover the city’s landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.
- Dinner at a local restaurant – Sample dishes like tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt) or fërgesë (vegetable casserole).
Day 2: Llogara National Park and Albanian Riviera
Morning:
- Depart early for Llogara National Park – Located 3 hours south of Tirana, the park features mountain scenery and coastal views.
Late Morning:
- Walk the Llogara Pass – Admire where the Ceraunian Mountains meet the Ionian Sea.
- Optional hike – Explore the Ceraunian Mountain Trail for flora and wildlife.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at a Llogara Pass restaurant – Enjoy local seafood specialties and panoramic views.
- Drive to Dhërmi Village – Relax on crystal-clear beaches or explore the village streets.
Evening:
- Overnight stay in Dhërmi or Vlorë – Choose between beachfront hotels or city accommodations.
- Dinner by the sea – Try grilled fish, seafood pasta, or traditional stews.
Morning:
- Depart early for Llogara National Park – Located 3 hours south of Tirana, the park features mountain scenery and coastal views.
Late Morning:
- Walk the Llogara Pass – Admire where the Ceraunian Mountains meet the Ionian Sea.
- Optional hike – Explore the Ceraunian Mountain Trail for flora and wildlife.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at a Llogara Pass restaurant – Enjoy local seafood specialties and panoramic views.
- Drive to Dhërmi Village – Relax on crystal-clear beaches or explore the village streets.
Evening:
- Overnight stay in Dhërmi or Vlorë – Choose between beachfront hotels or city accommodations.
- Dinner by the sea – Try grilled fish, seafood pasta, or traditional stews.
ADVENTURE TOUR FOR 7 DAYS
Day 3: Butrint National Park
Morning:
- Drive to Butrint National Park – Depart early for this UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 2.5 hours south of Vlorë.
Late Morning:
- Explore the ancient ruins – Discover a Roman theater, Byzantine basilica, and Greek temples surrounded by wetlands and Lake Butrint.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Saranda – Enjoy a seaside meal in this coastal town.
- Optional boat ride – Cruise around Lake Butrint to observe wildlife and wetlands.
Evening:
- Stay overnight in Saranda – Relax in this vibrant seaside town.
- Dinner at a waterfront restaurant – Savor grilled seafood and Mediterranean flavors.
Morning:
- Drive to Butrint National Park – Depart early for this UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 2.5 hours south of Vlorë.
Late Morning:
- Explore the ancient ruins – Discover a Roman theater, Byzantine basilica, and Greek temples surrounded by wetlands and Lake Butrint.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Saranda – Enjoy a seaside meal in this coastal town.
- Optional boat ride – Cruise around Lake Butrint to observe wildlife and wetlands.
Evening:
- Stay overnight in Saranda – Relax in this vibrant seaside town.
- Dinner at a waterfront restaurant – Savor grilled seafood and Mediterranean flavors.
Day 4: Valbona Valley National Park
Morning:
- Drive to Valbona Valley National Park – Depart early for this mountainous park in the Albanian Alps (approx. 4-5 hours).
Late Morning:
- Hike through the valley – Admire rugged peaks, forests, and the Valbona River’s clear waters.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at a local guesthouse – Enjoy grilled meats, cheeses, and traditional dishes.
- Explore hiking trails – Take a short trek or prepare for a multi-day hike to Theth for breathtaking views.
Evening:
- Stay overnight in Valbona – Experience local hospitality at a guesthouse.
- Dinner with regional cuisine – Enjoy herb-infused meats and cheese platters.
Morning:
- Drive to Valbona Valley National Park – Depart early for this mountainous park in the Albanian Alps (approx. 4-5 hours).
Late Morning:
- Hike through the valley – Admire rugged peaks, forests, and the Valbona River’s clear waters.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at a local guesthouse – Enjoy grilled meats, cheeses, and traditional dishes.
- Explore hiking trails – Take a short trek or prepare for a multi-day hike to Theth for breathtaking views.
Evening:
- Stay overnight in Valbona – Experience local hospitality at a guesthouse.
- Dinner with regional cuisine – Enjoy herb-infused meats and cheese platters.
Day 5: Theth National Park & Return to Tirana
Morning:
- Visit Theth National Park – Begin with a scenic drive or hike through this pristine area with peaks and forests.
Late Morning:
- Explore Theth village – Discover its traditional stone houses and historic tower.
- Visit the Blue Eye – See the famous natural spring with crystal-clear waters.
- Optional hike – Trek to Grunas Waterfall, a peaceful oasis surrounded by nature.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Theth – Savor local flavors before driving back to Tirana (approx. 5-6 hours).
Evening:
- Farewell dinner in Tirana – Enjoy local dishes like stuffed peppers, byrek, and baklava for dessert.
- Reflect on your journey through Albania’s natural beauty and rich culture.
Morning:
- Visit Theth National Park – Begin with a scenic drive or hike through this pristine area with peaks and forests.
Late Morning:
- Explore Theth village – Discover its traditional stone houses and historic tower.
- Visit the Blue Eye – See the famous natural spring with crystal-clear waters.
- Optional hike – Trek to Grunas Waterfall, a peaceful oasis surrounded by nature.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Theth – Savor local flavors before driving back to Tirana (approx. 5-6 hours).
Evening:
- Farewell dinner in Tirana – Enjoy local dishes like stuffed peppers, byrek, and baklava for dessert.
- Reflect on your journey through Albania’s natural beauty and rich culture.