What to see in Albania: a self-guided travel itinerary

In this article we share with you What to see in Albania and our experience traveling around the country independently. During the trip we combined the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, the trekking from Valbona to Theth and World Heritage cities like Berat and Gjirokastra. A very complete route if you enjoy combining nature, villages, and gastronomy. Let's go!

Following you will find 18 places to visit in Albaniaorganized by zones and starting with the Riviera, in addition to recommended accommodations (It's important that they have parking). First, we'll tell you what's worth seeing, and then, how to fit the visits into a trip. 7, 10 or 14 day routeThe order of the places we mention below doesn't necessarily have to be the order of the driving route. That will depend on the number of days you have and your preferences.

✔️ What to see in southern Albania: Riviera and surroundings

La Albanian riviera It combines coves, villages, and cultural visits. We slept We spent three nights in Himarë and alternated between road trips and boat excursions.. If what you are looking for are turquoise water beachesThis is the part of the trip to which you need to dedicate more days.

Among the Albania's most famous beaches are Ksamil, with its islets off the coast; The dirtwith restaurants and atmosphere; and Boobs, at the end of a canyon and accessible on foot or by boat. Near Himarë you can also aim Jalea bay with clear waters, and meadowA wide beach perfect for spending a few hours without having to leave the area. We saw them all thanks to the boat tour we booked in Himarë. Here's a summary. What to see in southern Albaniaincluding nearby attractions like Butrint and the Blue Eye. We'll provide more details on access, beaches, and activities in our dedicated Albanian Riviera guide (with a video).

1. Ksamil, the postcard of Albania (with nuances)

Ksamil has that picture-postcard view of turquoise water and islets which you probably saw while planning your trip. We enjoyed exploring it, but it's also where we noticed the most tourism: hammocks, beach bars, loud music, and construction. We visited it on our way to Butrint and ended up having lunch at the Museum restaurant.But we wouldn't choose it as a base.

2. Himarë, the best base for sleeping on the Riviera

Himarë was our base for three nights And we would do it again. It allows you to combine visits to the Riviera with time at the beach without changing hotels every day. In addition to the promenade, it goes up to Himarë KastroThe historic center above the modern town. The boat trip we organize through our accommodation in Himarë It was another one of the experiences we enjoyed the most on the coast.

3. Dhërmi, the white village on the cliff

Dhërmi has two facesThe beach and the old town on the hillside, with its stone houses and churches, are both worth exploring. We recommend climbing up to the town as well, because the contrast with the beach area is truly remarkable.

Afterwards you can go down to the coast and finish with dinner or with the sunset over the sea in trendy spots like LucianoWe think it's a good plan to combine sightseeing and relaxation without filling the day with stops.

4. Gjipe Canyon, the wildest beach on the Riviera

Gjipe is notable for its beach at the end of a canyonThis is one of the must-see landscapes in Albania if you're looking for nature. Access requires some planning, either on foot from the parking area or by sea, depending on the service you book. If you choose the boat, be sure to confirm your return trip as well. For the hike, bring water and sun protection. Also, be aware that the access road to the parking area is practically a single lane, although it is two-way. Furthermore, the beach is becoming increasingly crowded with umbrellas and sunbeds, so it's no longer quite the paradise it's often portrayed in postcards.

5. The Blue Eye of the south (Syri i Kaltër)

El Southern Blue Eye, or Syri i KaltërIt's a turquoise spring near the road between Gjirokastra and the coast. It's a different kind of visit than the Blue Eye of Theth: here, the main attraction is the water that gushes from the bottom (and swimming is prohibited). We combined it with a trip to Butrint and Ksamil; it makes sense as a stop on that route.

6. Butrint, one of the must-see places in Albania

Butrint is one of the must-see places in Albania If you're interested in history, this... The World Heritage Site brings together Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian remains among forest and lagoons. Set aside a couple of hours and combine it with Ksamil because of its proximity. Besides the theater and the arches, we really enjoyed the surrounding area.

7. Porto Palermo, a castle on the sea

En Palermo port You can combine a visit to the fortress, located on a small peninsula, with a bath in the cove next door. It was one of our favorite stops: it has history, views, and a setting that makes you want to linger. We would include it among the places to see in Albania without needing to dedicate a whole day to it. A few minutes' drive towards Himarë, we recommend stopping at one of the rest stops along the road to see the tunnels that served as bunkers for military submarines.

8. The Llogara Pass, an optional stop on the Ionian River

We were unable to visit the Llogara pass because we got caught in a storm, but we're leaving it here as an alternative in case you have time to extend the route with mountain views over the Ionian Sea.

✔️ What to see in northern Albania: the Albanian Alps

The Albanian Alps Those were the things we enjoyed most: valleys, stone villages, and mountain trails. The route we took was Shkodër → Koman → Fierzë → Valbona → Theth → Shkodërcombining vans, ferry and trekking. From Theth you return to Shkodër by minibus, not by boat.

We left the car and suitcases in the hotel where we slept in ShkodërIf you're also going to do the Valbona to Theth trail, just take one backpack and remember to leave the reserved transfersBelow you'll find the accommodations; we'll provide step-by-step details in the Alps logistics post, which will also include a video.

9. Theth, the heart of the Alps

Theth deserves more time than just arriving from the trekFor nature you have the Grunas waterfall and the Blue Eye of the North. If you want to do those hikes without fitting them in after a demanding trek, our recommendation is sleep two nights in Theth.

Another of the most well-known images of the Albanian Alps is that of the church of San Juan Bautistawith the mountains in the background. We also recommend visiting the Tower of Immersion, the voluntary isolation tower that helps to understand the ancient customs of the area.

10. The Valbona–Theth trek: crossing the Albanian Alps on foot

El trekking from Valbona to Theth round the 11–17 km (depending on where you start from Valbona) with 1.000 m of positive elevation gainIt's not a walk in the park, although climbing isn't required. We shortened the initial section by transferring from our accommodation because we wanted to make the most of our time in Theth. Wear hiking boots, bring water, food, and the downloaded track; set off early and check the weather forecast and the condition of the pass. As far as we understand, it's only possible in summer due to the snow and avalanche risk.

11. The Blue Eye of the North (Syri i Kaltër i Thethit)

This Blue Eye is in the valley of ThethA blue pool with a waterfall, surrounded by rocks and vegetation where you can swim. Don't confuse it with the southern spring where swimming is prohibited. It's accessible by walking from the Nderlysaj parking lot: it's about 2,5 km per trip The trail is somewhat challenging and requires appropriate footwear. We recommend sharing a taxi or car from the center of Theth; there are usually drivers running this shuttle route. We shared a ride with some girls for € 5 per person.

Another route we recommend is from the Blue Eye to Grunas next to the Shala RiverWe did it all in one day: Valbona–Theth, Blue Eye and Grunas, leaving Valbona at 6:30And we ended up walking almost 30 km. It's a very demanding day, so We recommend dedicating another day to the Blue Eye and Grunas. if you don't have experience with such long walks.

12. The Komani Lake ferry, between the northern mountains

El Komani Lake ferry It was one of our favorite routes: sailing between mountain walls and green water is a visit in itself. Koman with Fierzë We combine this with transfers from Shkodër to Valbona. We recommend booking the package in advance and confirming the transfer times to ensure a smooth connection. This is the Official Site to organize everything.

13. Valbona, a valley to visit in the Albanian Alps

Valbona is where we slept before the trekThe plan here is simple: stroll through the valley, enjoy the mountains, the local cuisine, and rest your legs. Choosing the right accommodation helps you plan the next day. Ours He took us to the start of the trail, avoiding the flat section by following the dry riverbed. Ask about this transfer before deciding where you'll start your hike.

14. Shkodër, the gateway to the Alps

Shkodër is the base before climbing the AlpsBut it deserves more than just an overnight stay. Here's the Rozafa Castle with views over the rivers and the lake, and a walk through Rruga Kolë Idromenothe pedestrian street in the center. It's also time to pack your backpack and get cash out for the mountains.

✔️ Berat and Gjirokastra, the Ottoman cities that are World Heritage Sites

Berat and Gjirokastra These are two cities to visit in Albania, offering a change from mountains and beaches to cobblestone streets, castles, and Ottoman architecture. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but they have distinct personalities. We dedicated one night to each.

15. Berat, the city of a thousand windows

Berat is the city of a thousand windowsThe neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorica can be seen from both banks of the Osum River, with white houses terraced on the hillside. We recommend arriving during daylight hours to enjoy the riverside walk, although it's also beautiful at night.

Also go up to Berat CastleIt's a citadel where people still live, and where we went for dinner. The restaurant was called Temi Albanian Food, and if you have a reservation, they let you drive up to the castle (at least at night). From the top, you'll have views of the different neighborhoods of Berat.

16. Gjirokastra, the city of stone

We liked Gjirokastra for its cobbled streets, tower houses, and bazaarIn contrast to the white buildings of Berat, here gray stone reigns supreme. The walk has some hills, so wear comfortable shoes and allow time to wander through the streets, even at dusk.

El castle Complete the visit with its interior spaces and views of the valley. It's one of the places we would prioritize to understand a different side of Albania than the beaches. We also visited an old Ottoman house; we chose the Skenduli House.

✔️ Tirana and Krujë: the capital and an optional stop

17. Tirana, much more than an airport

Tirana deserves a visit, not just a stopover at the airport.For a first glimpse, we would combine Skanderbeg Square, the Pazari i Ri market, the Pyramid, and a stroll through Blloku. It's a city that provides context for the rest of the trip, especially before or after several days in villages and mountains.

If you have to choose one cultural visit, we would prioritize Bunk'Art 2to bring you closer to the country's recent history. During the dictatorship of Under Enver Hoxha, more than 170.000 bunkers were built in Albania....due to the fear of a foreign invasion. Visiting one helps to understand that part of the country's history: Bunk'Art 2 focuses on the surveillance and repression of the Sigurimi, the political police of the regimeNote: Don't confuse it with Bunk'Art 1, which is on the outskirts.

18. Krujë, the most authentic Ottoman bazaar

Krujë is an optional stop between Tirana and Shkodërwith a fortress and a bazaar of cobbled streets, textiles, and handicrafts. If you leave Tirana with plenty of time, we'd fit it in on your way there. We went on our way back from Shkodër, before Berat: it's doable, but We recommend returning directly to Berat. to make the most of the afternoon there. If you're short on time, we'd suggest leaving this visit for another occasion.

✔️ Where to sleep each night in Albania

Next, we'll share with you the accommodations on our route through AlbaniaThese tips might help you plan your trip. We booked parking with almost all of our accommodations and it was a great choice, both in cities and tourist areas; it saves a lot of time.

If you are traveling by car, we recommend checking the accommodation parkingEspecially in the historic centers. For Valbona and Theth, be prepared to pay in cash. We weren't allowed to pay by card at almost any of the accommodations.

✔️ Internet in Albania: our Holafly eSIM

Before traveling, check your carrier's roaming conditions. We use one. Holafly eSIM y You have a discount With the code LOCALGUIDEGRANCANARIAIt was convenient to have it prepared before the trip and have internet as soon as we got off the plane so we could use the maps and communicate with our accommodation.

5% discount on your travel insurance

We travel with IATI Insurance And for Albania we took out the policy BackpackerIf you're going hiking, check that your insurance covers the activity and the altitude of your route. As our reader, you have a 5% discountHere we explain how to get our discount on travel insurance.

✔️ How much does it cost to travel to Albania: budget for 10 days

To help you calculate how much the trip costs, we're sharing a indicative budget for two people, 10 days and 10 nightssharing a double room and car. We used our expenses from September 2026 as a reference and added a provision for outstanding items. This is not an exact sum of our receipts.

Concept	Reference for calculating	Total for two
Accommodation for 9 nights	€85 per night in a double room	765 €
Lunches and dinners	€30 per day per person	600 €
Coffee, water and snacks	€10 a day between the two of us	100 €
Rental car	€40 per day, all-risk	400 €
Gasoline and parking	Forecast for the entire route	150 €
Boat excursion	35€ per person	70 €
Alpine transport, boat and tickets	€39 per person for the trip	78 €
Tickets to museums and parks	40€ per person	80 €
Holafly eSIM 10 days	€80 per eSIM	160 €
10-day travel insurance	€47 per person	95 €
Total without flights approx.	1.250€ per person	€2.500 / couple

In total, calculate €1.160–€1.560 per person, plus your flightsThe transport and sightseeing package already includes ferry, vans, trekking transfers, boat trips, and entrance fees. Adjust insurance, internet, and fuel to suit your bookings and itinerary.

Be careful if you travel in July or August: Prices are rising, especially for accommodations on the Riviera. On some beaches, Hammocks can double in priceKeep this in mind when using our September budget as a reference.

✔️ Practical tips for traveling to Albania

here are some Tips for organizing your trip to AlbaniaWe will expand on this in a separate article; for now, just remember the following:

✔️ What to see in Albania in 10 days: our independent route

Now that you know the locations, we'll tell you how we've divided them up. This proposal from What to see in Albania in 10 days part of our journey, with one adjustment: Krujë, better on the way there if you leave Tirana with plenty of timeWe stopped on the way back from Shkodër, but we recommend continuing directly to Berat.

Daytime	What to do	Where to sleep
Check-in	Night flight: we landed in Tirana after midnight	Tirana
1	Tirana → Shkodër, with optional stop in Krujë if you leave early	Shkodër
2	Komani Lake Ferry and Valbona Valley Climb	Valbona
3	Trekking Valbona–Theth across the Alps on foot, and as a bonus, Grunas and the Blue Eye of the North.	Theth
4	Theth church and kulla, minibus to Shkodër to pick up the car and direct journey to Berat	Weight
5	Berat Castle and afternoon in Gjirokastra	Gjirokastra
6	Southern Blue Eye, Butrint and Ksamil beaches	Himare
7	Porto Palermo Castle and Himarë calmly	Himare
8	Boat trip along the Albanian Riviera to Dhërmi	Himare
9	Return from Himarë and afternoon in Tirana	Tirana
10	Return flight	Tomorrow in Tirana

Important: Adding Grunas and the Blue Eye to the trek, as we did, means almost 30 km of walking that day. To take it at a more leisurely pace, add a night in Theth. If you don't want to walk from Valbona to Theth, you can drive directly to Theth in your rental car, although from Shkodër it's about a 2,5-hour drive each way on winding roads.

What to see in Albania in 7 days: north or south

With one week we would choose Alps or south, without trying to fit everything in. For mountains: Tirana, Shkodër, Komani, Valbona and Theth. To combine cities and coast: Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastra and the Riviera, based in Himarë. On a first visit and with only seven days, we would choose the southThe Alps deserve time and require more logistics.

14-day itinerary through Albania: more time at each stop

With two weeks we would maintain the route, but we would add One night in Theth and two in the RivieraThe remaining day can go to Krujë, before Shkodër, or to wherever you prefer to slow down. This is the option we would choose to combine hiking, sightseeing, and swimming without constantly checking the time.

✔️ Video: What to see in Albania in 10 days

In this video we'll show you What to see in Albania Following our route: the Komani ferry, crossing the Alps on foot, and the Riviera from end to end. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don't miss the next trips.

We hope that this guide on What to see in Albania to help you plan your adventure. And if you're looking for inspiration for your next trip, here you have it. our guides to other destinationswith routes and tips based on our experience.