📍 Albania

ALBANIA ROAD TRIP: UNTOUCHED PEAKS AND COASTAL MYSTERIES

Limestone valleys, bazaar shadows, mountain passes and turquoise bays. Albania is the raw soul of the Balkans, where history whispers through untouched villages.

≈ 12
Days
572
Km
11
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Tirana, get lost in Kruja's bazaar, hike Valbona's mountains and relax on Albanian Riviera beaches. In Albania, mountains plunge into a sea still unspoiled by mass tourism.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Tirana

eclectic colors street art energy

Tirana - Photo 1Tirana - Photo 2Tirana - Photo 3Tirana - Photo 4Tirana - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Skanderbeg Square and surrounding public buildings
2
Bunk'Art 1 and Bunk'Art 2 Museums
3
Et'hem Bey Mosque
4
Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 24min
2
Day

Kruje

bazaar shadows clifftop fortress

Kruje - Photo 1Kruje - Photo 2Kruje - Photo 3Kruje - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Krujë Castle
2
Skanderbeg Museum of Krujë
3
Old Ottoman bazaar of Krujë
🎯

Activities

→
Panoramic walk in the old town of Krujë
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 66 km
Travel time: 1h20
3
Day

Shkoder

northern fortress lake whispers

Shkoder - Photo 1Shkoder - Photo 2Shkoder - Photo 3Shkoder - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Historic center of Shkodër
2
Rozafa Castle
3
Marubi National Photography Museum
4
Albanian shores of Lake Shkodra
🎯

Activities

→
Bird watching on the wetlands of Lake Shkodra
→
Boat ride on Lake Shkodra
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 52 km
Travel time: 1h02
4
Day

Valbona

limestone walls valley echoes

Valbona - Photo 1Valbona - Photo 2Valbona - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Boat crossing on Lake Koman
2
Gorges and rock walls of Lake Koman
3
Valbona Valley National Park
4
Viewpoints over the Cercle Blanc massif
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Ferry cruise between Koman and Fierza
→
Hiking on the marked trails of Valbona valley
→
High-altitude walk around Dashi lake and the surrounding alpine pastures
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 11 km
Travel time: 13min
5
Day

Theth

alpine isolation stone tower

Theth - Photo 1Theth - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Village of Theth
2
Kisha e Thethit Church
3
Waterfalls and gorges of Theth National Park
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking in the Theth valley and its hamlets
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 182 km
Travel time: 3h39
6
Day

Pogradec

lake shore mountain backdrop

Pogradec - Photo 1Pogradec - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
City of Pogradec
2
Albanian shores of Lake Ohrid
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the Lake Ohrid corniche
→
Observation of the lake's aquatic fauna and flora
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 63 km
Travel time: 1h15
7
Day

Berat

terrace stones riverside glow

Berat - Photo 1Berat - Photo 2Berat - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Historic districts of Mangalem and Gorica in Berat
2
Berat Castle
3
Sultan's Mosque in Berat
🎯

Activities

→
Stroll through the cobblestone streets and terraces of Berat's old town
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 72 km
Travel time: 1h26
8
Day

Gjirokaster

silver-roofed hilltop history

Gjirokaster - Photo 1Gjirokaster - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Old town of Gjirokastër classified as a World Heritage site
2
Gjirokastër Fortress
3
Traditional Ottoman houses of Gjirokastër
🎯

Activities

→
Discovery of the historic bazaar of Gjirokastër
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 30min
9
Day

Saranda

ionian turquoise greek horizon

Saranda - Photo 1Saranda - Photo 2Saranda - Photo 3Saranda - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Karst spring of the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)
2
Developed trail around the Blue Eye spring
3
Coastal town of Saranda
4
Beaches of the Albanian Riviera around Saranda
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the Bistricë river near the Blue Eye spring
→
Swimming and relaxing on the beaches of Saranda
→
Boat trip along the Ionian coast near Saranda
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 44 km
Travel time: 52min
10
Day

Dhermi

pebble cove sunset amber

Dhermi - Photo 1Dhermi - Photo 2Dhermi - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Village of Dhërmi
2
Beaches of Dhërmi and Drymades
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the coast between the coves of the Albanian Riviera
→
Sea kayaking along the cliffs of Dhërmi
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 37 km
Travel time: 45min
11
Day

Vlore

riviera coast independence spirit

Vlore - Photo 1Vlore - Photo 2Vlore - Photo 3Vlore - Photo 4Vlore - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Llogara National Park
2
Llogara Pass and viewpoints over the Albanian Riviera
3
Port city of Vlorë
🎯

Activities

→
Walk on the forest trails of Llogara National Park
→
Stroll along the waterfront of Vlorë

🗺️ Itinerary map

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Peak Season (June-August): Perfect beach weather on the coast, warmest temperatures, but most crowded and expensive. Ideal for Albanian Riviera and coastal activities.

Shoulder Seasons (April-May, September-October): Excellent balance of pleasant weather, moderate crowds, and reasonable prices. Perfect for hiking and cultural exploration.

Winter (November-March): Mild coastal temperatures but cooler in mountains. Fewer crowds, lowest prices, some mountain areas may be inaccessible due to snow.

Spring (March-May): Wildflowers bloom, perfect hiking weather, fewer tourists, and cultural sites are more accessible.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 14 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Albania?

Discover Europe's hidden gem with pristine beaches, dramatic mountains, and rich Ottoman heritage. The Albanian Riviera rivals the French Riviera at a fraction of the cost. Ancient castles, vibrant Tirana, and warm hospitality create authentic experiences. Albania offers stunning landscapes and cultural treasures without the crowds.