The perfect 10 day Albania itinerary you should grab (2024)

Are you planning a 10 day Albania itinerary and need the personal experiences of an Albania travel blog to help you? Then this is the perfect Albanian road trip itinerary for you!

I spent over a week in Albania, exploring the country with my husband and son on a road trip through Greece, Albania, and Macedonia.

After making some mistakes – like underestimating the poor road conditions in Albania – I quickly discovered the perfect itinerary for making the most of all Albania has to offer.

In this post, you’ll discover unique museums with information you actually want to know, beautiful and unknown beaches you need to visit, and my favorite town in the country.

Albania road trip itinerary

When is the best time to visit Albania?

The best time to visit Albania is spring (April, May, or early June) or autumn (September and October).

Thanks to the great weather, these months are perfect for outdoor activities like walking and cycling.

May is especially cool because the rivers and waterfalls are full of the meltwater, and the mountains are alive with wildflowers.

For me, September and October are the top picks – especially if you’re visiting the beaches in Albania.

How to get around Albania

In Albania, you can get around with buses and furgons (minibuses). They’re cheap and cover most places. Just be flexible with time – schedules can be unpredictable!

You can also take day trips from major cities like Tirana and Sarandë. I’ve included the best ones under each destination.

We rented a car and that’s what I recommend – you’ll get the best deals with Discover Cars. A rental car gives you more freedom and flexibility, but watch out for tricky roads!

Map of your 10 day itinerary for Albania

This is a map of your Albania itinerary for 10 days. I’ve listed the driving time below so you’ll get a sense of what to expect.

Day 1: Tirana

Start your Albania 10-day itinerary in Tirana. I recommend staying at this hotel in the centre (private parking is possible nearby).

The Albanian capital is packed with top-notch museums and galleries, like Skanderbeg Square and Bunk’Art 1 and 2 in old bunkers.

Explore its vibrant streets filled with cafes, restaurants, street art, and unique architecture.

Also, don’t miss the communism-themed bars or the rotating bar that spins around every 45 minutes. It’s one of my favorite Balkan cities – lively, quirky, and full of surprises.

Get the most out of Tirana with this City & Food Tour of Tirana in One Day

Day 2: Krujë

Driving time from Tirana: 30 minutes (30km)

Next up on your Albania travel itinerary is Kruje.

While you can stay overnight (for instance in the castle!), I recommend visiting on a day trip from Tirana simply because you only have 10 days and it can be stressful to spend each night in a new place.

Krujë is Albania’s first capital and Skanderbeg’s spiritual home. Make sure to visit the museum next to the castle – it has stunning views of the Adriatic Sea – and enjoy its peace and quiet, especially after dusk in the Old Bazaar.

Day 3: Shkodër

Driving time from Krujë: 1 hr 44 min (84.1 km)

Shkodër is your gateway to the Albanian Alps, and this small, welcoming city gives you a peek into Albanian history and cuisine.

It lies by Lake Skadar, Southern Europe’s largest lake so it’s great for boat trips. The best things to do in Shkoder is to explore its Old Bazaar, Ethnography Museum, and Ebu Bekr Mosque – it’s easy to explore on foot.

Don’t miss Rozafa Castle for sunset views over the lake. You can stay overnight in this lovely hotel with private parking.

If you don’t have a car, I recommend this day trip to Shkoder and Skadar Lake from Tirana

Day 4-5: Berat

Driving time from Shkodër: 3 hr 31 min (198.7 km)

Berat, known as the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’, will be your first UNESCO-listed stop.

Once you get there, wander through Mangalemi and Gorica, the historic Muslim and Christian quarters forming Berat Old Town.

Don’t miss the Ethnographic Museum, indulge in local cuisine, and catch the sunset at Berat Castle. Berat is a picturesque town so make sure your camera is charged!

Book a day tour: Berat Full Day Trip from Tirana

Day 6-7: Gjirokastër

Driving time from Berat: 2 hr 34 min (180.8 km)

Gjirokaster is nestled in the mountains and built from slate and stone. It’s hands-down one of Albania’s prettiest spots and my favorite place in Albania.

Like Berat, its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s just oozing history and culture.

Make sure to visit the Old Bazaar and check out the unique houses. Gjirokaster is crowned by this awesome hilltop castle with a museum inside.

I recommend staying at the highly-rated Hotel Gjirokastra for the night.

Book a tour from Sarande – Private tour to Blue Eye, Gjirokaster, Lekures, Ksamil

Day 8-10: Ksamil and Sarandë

Driving time from Gjirokaster: 1 hr (54.6 km) 

Next, drive to the coastal town of Sarandë. On the way there (it only takes an hour), stop by The Blue Eye – a natural phenomenon you shouldn’t miss!

Spend three days here and in nearby Ksamil. We stayed in Sarande at a beachfront hotel, but if you prefer a smaller beach town, base yourself in Ksamil.

Ksamil has the most beautiful beaches in Albania with crystal-clear waters and picturesque islands, so it’s perfect for relaxation and swimming.

In general, Southern Albania’s beaches are a paradise with white sands and cool beach bars. For history lovers, Butrint National Park is a treasure trove with its ancient arena and ruins. Sitting at Albania’s southern tip, it’s best visited on a day trip from Saranda.

Try Paddle-boarding around Ksamil islands (two times a day)

Return to Tirana

Your 10 days in Albania are over, so it’s time to head back to Tirana.

You’re looking at 264.7 km on rocky roads, so head out early and opt for the scenic route by the coast for the perfect Albanian Riviera road trip.

Head north to Himare, Gjipe, Drymades, and Dhermi Beach on your way back to Tirana.

There are more beautiful places to visit, but this revised 10 day Albania itinerary gives you a balanced experience of Albania’s rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and the beautiful Albanian Riviera.

FAQ – Albania itinerary 10 days

How many days do you need in Albania?

To truly experience Albania, plan for at least 10 to 14 days. This allows you to explore a mix of its historical sites, beaches, and natural landscapes without rushing.

What to do in 10 days in Albania?

A great 10 day itinerary Albania includes:

• Tirana (2 days): Explore the museums, vibrant streets, and café culture in the capital of Albania.
• Krujë (1 day): Visit Krujë Castle and the Old Bazaar.
• Shkodër (2 days): Check out Rozafa Castle and Lake Shkodra.
• Berat (1 day): Wander in the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’.
• Gjirokastër (1 day): Explore the stone city and its castle.
• Sarandë (2 days): Relax on beaches and visit Butrint.
• Ksamil (1 day): Enjoy the stunning beaches and clear waters.

What is the best time to visit Albania?

The best time to visit Albania is during the spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October). These times are perfect – not too hot, not too crowded.

Spring is amazing with everything blooming, and fall has got that nice, cool weather with all the autumn colors. Summer is good for beaches, but it’s hotter and way busier.

Is Albania a cheap country to visit?

Yes, Albania is generally a cheap country to visit. What you might spend in a week in Western Europe could last you a month in Albania.

You can easily manage on 30 euros or less per day, depending on your spending habits.

More posts about Albania

• Basic Albanian phrases and words you need to know
• 22 Albania fun facts you didn’t know
• 15 magical pictures that will make you want to visit Albania now

Save it!