Albania Itinerary: The Best 2-Week Roadtrip (Updated 2025)

Albania is such an amazing destination that’s on the rise at the moment! By 2024, it might not be the hidden gem it once was, but you still have a great opportunity to explore before it becomes as popular as Croatia or Greece.

I must say, Albania blew us away with its stunning beauty, delicious food, and welcoming locals, ranking it among our top travel spots last year. While some of our expectations were challenged, our two-week adventure taught us valuable lessons.

We understand – Instagram often showcases only the glamorous side of places. That’s why we went on the trip ourselves, and we’re super excited to give you a genuine glimpse into Albania. We’ll be sharing our favorite spots, not-so-favorite spots, beaches, and activities for you in this 2-week Albania itinerary.

1. Our 2-Week Albania Itinerary – A Two-Week road trip itinerary Across Albania
2. Albania Itinerary Week 1: Northern Albania
   1. Day 1-2: Tirana
   2. Day 3: Shkoder 
   3. Day 4-6: Theth and Valbona
   4. Day 7-8: Komani Lake & Lumi i Shales
3. Albania Itinerary Week 2: Southern Albania
   1. Day 9: Berat or Gjirokaster
   2. Day 10-12: Himare
   3. Day 13-14: Ksamil or Kroreza Beach
4. Pre-Travel Facts
   1. Check passport and visa requirements
   2. Pack accordingly for the weather and activities planned
   3. Carry cash
   4. Infrastructure
   5. Renting a car in Albania
5. 2 Week Albania Itinerary – Frequently Asked Questions
   1. 📅 What is the best time to visit Albania?
   2. 🚗 How do I get around in Albania?
   3. 🔒 Is Albania safe?
   4. 💬 Do they speak English in Albania?
   5. 2 week Albania Itinerary – Final Words

Our 2-Week Albania Itinerary – A Two-Week road trip itinerary Across Albania

Later in this Albania itinerary, I’ll mention that public transport isn’t the most reliable in Albania. Whether it’s between cities or within the city, the transportation options honestly aren’t the greatest. Traveling around Albania by public transport is possible, but it’s not as convenient as in many other European countries.

This led us to the decision to rent a car in Albania and turn it into an epic road trip adventure, which, looking back, was the best choice we made. Renting a car in Albania is incredibly affordable and gives you the freedom to travel between countries, explore various beaches, and basically go wherever your heart desires. So, this 2-week Albania road trip itinerary technically requires a car, but after researching, I found that the entire trip can also be done by bus.

Our Albania itinerary is essentially split into two parts: the north and the south of Albania. The northern part is where we kicked off our journey and it’s probably our favorite—less touristy, with the breathtaking Albanian Alps, delicious food, great beer, and amazing hiking opportunities.

Moving into the second week, we head south, exploring charming Albanian villages and, of course, stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, a beach paradise, and affordable cocktails.

Albania Itinerary Week 1: Northern Albania

The north of Albania is hands down our top pick in the country. Sure, we like the southern beaches, but the north took us by surprise. We had no idea what to expect and were completely blown away. The locals are incredibly friendly, the food is delicious, and the mountains and lakes are breathtaking. If you’re into the vibes of the European Alps with their blue lakes and green mountains, then northern Albania will blow you away too.

Day 1-2: Tirana

Highlights:

• Bunk’art Museum
• Oda Garden Restaurant
• Tirana Castle
• Tirana Walking Tour

Tirana, the capital city, offers a great mix of rich history and hipster modern culture. While it may not be the most beautiful spot in Albania, it’s where our adventure began, where we picked up our rental car, and got ready to explore Tirana and its old town. It might be the perfect way to show you what Albania is like. Truth be told, it may not have the picturesque vibe of some cute little Albanian villages, but that’s part of its unique charm. Could Tirana be the real deal? It stands out as the ideal place to experience local culture, try delectable cuisine, and connect with fellow travelers. The city is incredibly walkable, offering fantastic shopping spots and super interesting museums.

Two of our favorite museums were the Bunk’Art Museum for a very interesting dive into Albania’s communist history, and the National History Museum to brush up on your historical knowledge. As night falls, you should make your way to Blloku, once a restricted zone, now a hub of chic bars and eateries.

Our absolute favorite spot is hands down Oda Garden. There are two Oda restaurants, both under the same ownership, offering identical menus. ‘Oda’ is the original, while ‘Oda Garden’ is the newer location, which we personally find more charming. Both are fantastic spots to savor Albanian classics like lamb, fërgesë, and stuffed grape leaves.

We suggest dedicating at least two days to the capital city, allowing time to shake off jet lag and fully explore the city before starting your road trip.

💡Planning a trip to Dhermi? We loved Dhermi and it is one of our favorite coastal towns. Check out our guide with the best hotels & areas.

Day 3: Shkoder 

Highlights:

• Rozafa Castle
• Fisi Restaurant
• Ebu Bekr Mosque

Shkoder, our next stop in this Albania Itinerary, is where the Albanian Alps started for us. It is basically the gateway to the Albanian Alps, acting as our home base to discover the surrounding areas. The drive from Tirana to Shkoder only takes a few hours according to Google Maps. Yet, with just one road leading to it, the route can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, potentially doubling your travel time. Therefore, we suggest hitting the road bright and early in the morning to dodge the bustling traffic.

While Shkoder may not be super popular for its activities, it is the ideal starting point in the north for your adventures, mainly centered around hiking in the mountains and exploring the lakes around. Leave your car behind in Shkoder as most guesthouse owners are willing to store your luggage and offer free parking while you explore the stunning mountains.

Shkoder itself does have a few cool things to do as well, like the Rozafa Castle, a beautifully restored ruin atop the hill offering breathtaking views of the town, and Lake Shkoder. The city is also packed with fantastic bars and restaurants, especially in the old town. One of our personal favorites was Fisi Restaurant, a grill eatery serving up authentic Albanian cuisine, known for its meat-heavy dishes – I thought it was super tasty, but it might not be the best spot for vegetarians.

►Click here to check out our guide on where to stay in Shkoder

Day 4-6: Theth and Valbona

Highlights:

• Theth Guesthouse
• Blue Eye
• Theth to Valbona Hike

From Shkodër, you’re in for a fantastic time exploring its surroundings, and the Theth to Valbona hike is an absolute must-do on your Albania itinerary. Let me give you a quick guide on how to make the most of it, but for a full breakdown, be sure to check out our complete guide on the Theth to Valbona hike. When you’re staying at your hotel in Shkodër, arranging a ride to Theth is a breeze. Every morning, there are plenty of shuttles departing from Shkodër to Theth, and your guesthouse or hotel can easily set this up for you at around $10 per person. 

Once you reach Theth, a day of adventure awaits, surrounded by stunning mountain views. Here, I recommend taking a day trip to the Blue Eye of Theth, a natural spring with strikingly blue waters, and trekking to the waterfall for even more awe-inspiring sights. As for accommodation, we highly recommend ‘Agroturizëm Ndoc Gjecaj dhe Nënë Lula‘. Yes, the name might be difficult, but it’s the perfect starting point for your Theth hike, no doubt about it. This charming traditional stone house is surrounded by beautiful flower gardens. They serve up a hearty breakfast buffet in the morning and offer delicious byrek and beers for lunch. It truly was the ideal spot for our stay in Theth National Park. 

Located right at the foot of the Theth to Valbona trail, you can kick off your hike early in the morning on day 5 from your doorstep. The hike itself is quite manageable, covering around 17 km and taking approximately 8 hours, breaks included. Along the way, you’ll find four guesthouses where you can pause for lunch, grab a drink, or simply take in the scenery before continuing your journey over mountain peaks to Valbona. 

Upon reaching Valbona, another sleepy town similar to Theth, you’ll likely arrive in the afternoon, exhausted from a full day of hiking. A cold drink, a satisfying meal, and then off to bed will probably be all you’re craving (at least that’s how we felt). As you stroll down the main road in Valbona, keep an eye out for good and affordable guesthouses. Don’t hesitate to keep walking, as more restaurants and guesthouses await further down the road. 

Tip: When selecting your accommodation in Theth, choose a guesthouse east of the river, which is the heart of the town. Avoid accommodations on the west side (marked as the yellow highway on Google Maps), as it will add unnecessary time to your hike and complicate your journey into and out of town.

Day 7-8: Komani Lake & Lumi i Shales

Highlights:

• Komani Lake Ferry
• Eagles Land Guesthouse

From Valbona, it’s super easy to catch a bus that’ll take you to the ferry port in Fierza. From there, hop on the ferry crossing Komani Lake back to Shkoder. The highlight of the journey is the breathtaking scenery of steep mountains and deep blue waters. The ride lasts around 2-3 hours, so remember to have your camera ready for the incredible views.

If you’re feeling up for it, instead of heading back to Shkoder, consider taking a day trip to Lumi i Shales. It’s another absolute highlight of the trip, a hidden oasis off Komani Lake. It’s the perfect place to unwind between mountains and rivers. You can chill, grab drinks and food, soak up the sun, swim in the river, and stay at some of the coolest hotels in Albania. Eagles Land Guesthouse is undoubtedly the best spot to stay, offering a restaurant, amazing rooms with stunning views, sunbeds by the river, and overall the perfect spot for a little detox and relaxation after a long hike.

Tip: You can conveniently book all bus journeys and ferries in advance through Komanilakeferry.com, making your travel much easier and stress-free.

Albania Itinerary Week 2: Southern Albania

Now that we’re done exploring the north of Albania, let’s head down south. From Shkodër, it’s a 5-hour drive to Himare (on Google Maps), a charming little beach town that was our next destination on this Albania Itinerary. If you’re into culture and history, there are two must-not-miss spots along the way: Berat and Gjirokaster. These traditional towns are known for their beautiful architecture and mouthwatering food.

Day 9: Berat or Gjirokaster

Highlights:

• Berat Castle
• Homemade Food Lili Restaurant
• Cold War Tunnel Museum

Choosing between Berat and Gjirokaster is like having to pick between two amazing flavors of your favorite dessert. They are both UNESCO World Heritage Site, each with its own special charm, history, and stunning architecture.

Berat, known as the city of a thousand windows (though it could easily be called the city of stairs), is famous for its white Ottoman houses that seem to stack on top of one another. Walking through the cobblestone streets and alleys of the old town feels like stepping back in time. Don’t miss climbing up to Berat Castle for breathtaking views and trying local delights like Kofta, a delicious meatball dish.

Our top dining spots were ‘Friendly House’ and Homemade Food Lili. For Homemade Food Lili, be sure to book a day in advance, while Friendly House usually has a spot if you arrive early. Both places serve mouthwatering Albanian dishes and offer wine bottles as cheap as $5.

On the other hand, Gjirokaster (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the city of stone, has well-preserved Ottoman-era stone buildings in its old town. Its magnificent castle offers stunning views and a super interesting museum, the Ethnographic Museum, which provides insights into Albanian traditions and culture.

Both Berat and Gjirokaster are incredible destinations, but if you’re short on time, visiting just one will do the job.

Tip: Choose your hotel wisely in Berat or Gjirokaster Old Town. Some may be perched high up the hill without road access, leading to a workout hauling your suitcase. Opt for a backpack to make your stay more convenient!

Day 10-12: Himare

Highlights: 

• Pine Side Camp
• Filikuri Beach
• Visit Porto Palermo Castle

Himare—our little piece of Albanian Riviera heaven! This beach town is an amazing mix of sunny shores, crystal-clear waters, and a chill vibe that just calls for relaxation. And you know what? That’s exactly what we did.

Our days in Himare were wonderfully simple. We’d usually start with a morning stroll along the promenade, grabbing freshly brewed coffee from one of the many cozy cafes around.

The beaches here are also absolutely stunning. Our favorite one in Himare was Filikuri Beach. This beach is absolutely incredible since you can only reach it by kayak or a fairly steep hike down the rocks, which, of course, we did. If you arrive early, you’ll have the place all to yourself, and even during the day, it doesn’t get too crowded.

Another fantastic beach, which is not quite in Himare but just a short drive (takes about an hour) or boat ride away, is Gjipe Beach. This secluded beach has a stunning canyon leading to it, making for some epic photos and a thrilling kayak ride.

When it comes to accommodation, we have a bit of a different recommendation—camping. Yes, camping! But trust me, it’s totally worth it. We stayed at Pine Side Camp, and it was incredibly relaxing, to be honest. It’s budget-friendly, and you get your own little tent nestled among pine trees right by the ocean. You can hear the waves at night and dive straight from your tent down the cliffs into the water.

Day 13-14: Ksamil or Kroreza Beach

Highlights:

• Kroreza Beach
• The Blue Eye
• Butrint National Park
• Ksamil Islands

Let’s talk about Ksamil, probably the most popular spot ion this Albania itinerary, thanks to all those Instagram reels last year. This place had us a bit torn – not sure if we loved it or not – but we’re giving you our honest take and including it in our itinerary so you can form your own opinion.

First off, the beach is the big draw in Ksamil. And let me tell you, the beach is something else! Crystal-clear turquoise waters that just beg you to lounge all day. Plus, you can’t miss the nearby islands – they’re a must-visit. From Ksamil, you can also take some fun day trips to nearby cities like Saranda or check out the ancient Roman ruins of Butrint National Park.

But, let’s keep it real. The beaches in Ksamil can get pretty busy – I mean, seriously crowded. You won’t find a public beach where you can just lay your towel down and chill. Every inch is covered in sunbeds that’ll set you back at least $25, and the food and drinks aren’t as budget-friendly as you’d hope. Also, the accommodations, eateries, and guesthouses struggle to keep up with the tourist influx. The stuff here is pricier than it should be, the roads are a mess, and you’ll spot quite a bit of trash around.

In our books, a day trip to Ksamil or just a morning to laze on a sunbed and enjoy some cocktails in the beach clubs is more than enough. But if you’re after a more quiet and relaxing experience, consider places like Kroreza Beach about an hour from Sarande – one of the most gorgeous spots in Albania.

Overall, we’d suggest staying outside the popular cities like Ksamil or Sarande if you’ve got wheels. Check out those hidden beaches along the Albanian Riviera – the more off the beaten path, the less crowded!

►Click here to check out our full guide on where to stay in Ksamil

Pre-Travel Facts

Before you head to Albania, there are definitely a few things you should know about the people, the language, and other aspects to make the most out of your experience.

Check passport and visa requirements

Albania warmly welcomes travelers, often with minimal fuss at the border. For many countries, the visa requirements are incredibly visitor-friendly. U.S., EU, and UK citizens can enjoy Albania visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It’s a simple process, meant to encourage exploration and connection. Just ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from your planned date of departure. Always double-check for the latest information before you travel, as regulations can evolve.

Pack accordingly for the weather and activities planned

When getting ready for Albania and aiming to follow a similar itinerary to ours, you’ll need to pack accordingly. The north of Albania, known as the Albanian Alps, can be a bit chilly even in summer, with a strong focus on outdoor activities. Think layered clothes, hiking shoes, and a cozy jacket. On the flip side, the south is a total contrast – sunny and perfect for beach days! Pack your swimwear, sandals, sunhat, and all the beach essentials.

Carry cash

While Albania is moving towards modernity, good old cash still rules in many parts of this beauty of a country. Especially in the more remote areas up north, finding card-friendly spots can be a challenge. I’m not just talking about restaurants; even many of the smaller hotels and guesthouses prefer cash payments upon arrival, despite letting you book on booking.com without instant charges. Our tip? Opt for Credins Bank and their ATMs as they usually skip withdrawal fees. You’ll spot their ATMs in most big cities, but to play it safe, withdraw a larger sum in Tirana.

Infrastructure

Albania’s charm brings a hint of adventure to its infrastructure. While public transport is an option, it doesn’t quite match the punctuality or frequency of other European spots. 

The bus system is budget-friendly, but let’s be honest, it can be a bit of a hassle. In Tirana, there’s a major bus station that’s basically a huge parking lot with buses and signs indicating their destinations. It’s straightforward, but if comfort and time matter to you, consider going for a rental car or private shuttle. It’s definitely the smoother way to go.

Renting a car in Albania

Renting a car in Albania turned out to be the best decision we made to explore this country. Honestly, it was a game-changer for us because we discovered so many beautiful beaches on this Albania itinerary that we wouldn’t have seen if we had traveled by bus! The process is simple—major car rental companies have counters at Tirana Airport and in city centers, making it a breeze to get your wheels upon arrival. You could also opt for local car rentals, which are more budget-friendly, but keep in mind you might need a larger bond. If you’re keen on learning more about renting a car for your Albania road trip or navigating Albania, check out our detailed guide here.

2 Week Albania Itinerary – Frequently Asked Questions

📅 What is the best time to visit Albania?

The best time to visit Albania is during late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October). These months offer the ideal climate – not too hot, not too cold, just perfect. You’ll avoid the peak tourist season while enjoying pleasant weather. It’s ideal for beach hopping without the crowds or trekking in the Albanian Alps without breaking too much of a sweat.

🚗 How do I get around in Albania?

In Albania, you’ve got a few choices for getting around. Public transport is definitely the most wallet-friendly option. Buses run within cities and between major tourist spots, so getting around without a rental car is totally doable. But, not gonna lie, it’s not the most comfortable ride. We suggest renting a car – it’s not too pricey and it’ll make your trip way more relaxed and stress-free.

🔒 Is Albania safe?

The short answer is yes, absolutely! Albanians are some of the friendliest and most hospitable people you’ll ever meet. Tourism is still a relatively new industry in the country, so locals are eager to welcome visitors and show off their beautiful country. Of course, as with any destination, it’s always important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

💬 Do they speak English in Albania?

From my experience, I’d say that you can get by with English just about okay. There’s a new generation of young people who speak English pretty well. So, in most cases, you’ll be able to communicate easily with locals, especially in touristy areas and bigger cities like Tirana.

2 week Albania Itinerary – Final Words

Albania remains a hidden gem in our eyes, and even by 2024, that charm will hopefully stick to it. The beaches are breathtaking, the cuisine delicious, the locals incredibly welcoming, and all at prices much friendlier on the wallet compared to most European destinations. 

Our tip is to plan a visit this summer as Albania is set to rise in popularity over the next five years. The coastal towns will develop rapidly, with wider streets and larger hotels transforming the landscape into a scene reminiscent of Greece or Croatia. For a unique and intimate getaway, we think you should skip the busy cities like Sarande and Ksamil and seek out the pristine, secluded beaches where you won’t find any tourists. 

Hopefully, our Albania itinerary will help you make your way to the Albanian Riviera, Butrint National Park, and all the amazing beaches. Happy travels.

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