5 Days in Albania
This itinerary offers a balance of Albania’s cultural sites, historic towns, and beautiful coastal landscapes, giving you a comprehensive taste of the country in just five days. Enjoy your trip!
Tips
Renting a car is the best way to travel between these destinations as public transportation can be unreliable.
Albania has a Mediterranean climate, so pack light for the coast (summer), and warmer clothes for the mountainous areas, especially in the evenings
Albania offers great options ranging from affordable guesthouses in small towns to hotels in major cities.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tirana
Morning:
Arrive in Tirana, the capital of Albania. Transfer to your hotel and check-in.
Afternoon:
Visit Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city. Explore the National History Museum, where you can learn about Albania’s history and culture. Walk through the Et'hem Bey Mosque and climb the Clock Tower. Take a stroll through Blloku, a vibrant district with cafes and restaurants.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, such as Taverna Tirona, to try Albanian specialties like tavë kosi (a lamb and yogurt casserole)
Morning:
Arrive in Tirana, the capital of Albania. Transfer to your hotel and check-in.
Afternoon:
Visit Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city. Explore the National History Museum, where you can learn about Albania’s history and culture. Walk through the Et'hem Bey Mosque and climb the Clock Tower. Take a stroll through Blloku, a vibrant district with cafes and restaurants.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, such as Taverna Tirona, to try Albanian specialties like tavë kosi (a lamb and yogurt casserole)
Day 2: Tirana to Berat
Morning:
Drive to Berat, approximately 2 hours. Known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afternoon:
Visit Berat Castle and enjoy the stunning views from the top. Walk through the Mangalem District, a charming area of whitewashed houses with large windows. Explore the Onufri National Iconographic Museum, located inside the castle, to admire beautiful religious art.
Evening:
Relax with dinner at a traditional restaurant, sampling local dishes such as qofte (meatballs) or byrek (savory pies).
Morning:
Drive to Berat, approximately 2 hours. Known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afternoon:
Visit Berat Castle and enjoy the stunning views from the top. Walk through the Mangalem District, a charming area of whitewashed houses with large windows. Explore the Onufri National Iconographic Museum, located inside the castle, to admire beautiful religious art.
Evening:
Relax with dinner at a traditional restaurant, sampling local dishes such as qofte (meatballs) or byrek (savory pies).
Day 3: Berat to Gjirokastër
Morning:
Drive to Gjirokastër, approximately 3 hours, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture.
Afternoon:
Explore Gjirokastër Castle, which offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding valley. Visit the Zekate House, a well-preserved Ottoman mansion, to learn about traditional architecture and local history. Wander through the Old Bazaar, a narrow street filled with artisan shops.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at a traditional local restaurant with views of the castle.
Morning:
Drive to Gjirokastër, approximately 3 hours, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture.
Afternoon:
Explore Gjirokastër Castle, which offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding valley. Visit the Zekate House, a well-preserved Ottoman mansion, to learn about traditional architecture and local history. Wander through the Old Bazaar, a narrow street filled with artisan shops.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at a traditional local restaurant with views of the castle.
Day 4: Gjirokastër to Saranda
Morning:
Drive to Saranda, approximately 1.5 hours, a coastal city along the Ionian Sea. Upon arrival, visit Lëkurësi Castle for panoramic views of Saranda and the surrounding area.
Afternoon:
Head to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore ancient ruins from Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. Highlights include the Theater, Baptistery, and city walls. Later, relax at Ksamil Beach, famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning islands.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant, indulging in fresh seafood and local specialties such as grilled fish or squid.
Morning:
Drive to Saranda, approximately 1.5 hours, a coastal city along the Ionian Sea. Upon arrival, visit Lëkurësi Castle for panoramic views of Saranda and the surrounding area.
Afternoon:
Head to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore ancient ruins from Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. Highlights include the Theater, Baptistery, and city walls. Later, relax at Ksamil Beach, famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning islands.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant, indulging in fresh seafood and local specialties such as grilled fish or squid.
Day 5: Saranda to Tirana (Departure)
Morning:
Drive along the scenic Albanian Riviera, stopping at beaches such as Dhermi or Jale Beach for a quick swim or some relaxation. Alternatively, visit the Monastery of St. Nicholas or the Blue Eye Spring, a stunning natural spring located approximately 1.5 hours from Saranda.
Afternoon:
Travel back to Tirana, approximately 4.5 hours by car. For a quicker return, consider flying from Saranda to Tirana if flights are available.
Evening:
Depending on your departure time, explore more of Tirana or head to the airport for your flight home.
Morning:
Drive along the scenic Albanian Riviera, stopping at beaches such as Dhermi or Jale Beach for a quick swim or some relaxation. Alternatively, visit the Monastery of St. Nicholas or the Blue Eye Spring, a stunning natural spring located approximately 1.5 hours from Saranda.
Afternoon:
Travel back to Tirana, approximately 4.5 hours by car. For a quicker return, consider flying from Saranda to Tirana if flights are available.
Evening:
Depending on your departure time, explore more of Tirana or head to the airport for your flight home.