Albania Travel Itinerary: The Ultimate European Gem
Written By: Global Grit and Glam
May 2025
View toward Himare Beach (Albania)
If you're craving an adventure filled with beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, stunning mountain ranges, and rich history, then it’s time to put the Balkan country of Albania on your must-visit list.
This contrasting country is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, offering visitors an incredible blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion — all at a fraction of the cost of more famous nearby European destinations (think Italy, Greece and Croatia).
With an Albania travel itinerary that moves you from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to incredible beaches and charming old towns, your visit here promises a unique experience every step of the way.
Are you ready to take a peek and unveil what this amazing country has to offer?
Dive Deeper into Albania: Related Articles
In addition to the brief overview of Albania in this article, we’ve also written several detailed guides to help you at every unforgettable stop along your journey.
Plan Your Trip
View toward Kodra Shullerit and Kodra Buallices (Gjirokaster, Albania)
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Car rental in Albania
Economy car rental in Albania
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While it’s tempting to skip the extra cost, travel insurance should be considered for domestic travel, and it’s a must for international travel.
TravelInsurance.com is an excellent comparison tool.
EKTA provides affordable plans with different coverage levels.
If you're planning outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking, consider travel insurance that covers those activities.
Visit our Resources page for additional planning tips, strategies, and companies we recommend.
Highlights of Our Albania Journey
View out toward the Ionian Sea from I Love Souvlaki (Himare, Albania)
Though Mike was a little hesitant at first (“We’re going where? Is that a country? Is it safe? Why aren’t we going to Italy or Spain? Babe, this is my first trip to Europe … are you sure you know what you’re doing?”), Beck assured him that a visit to Albania had been high on her bucket list for some time – and now was the time to book those fights and see what all the fuss was about.
Before everyone else did.
We chose our itinerary based on “popular hot spots” and it turned out to be one of the most special and unique adventures we’ve ever shared. Below you’ll find a brief overview of some of the places we chose to visit along the way.
Berat: The City of a Thousand Windows
The traditional houses of Mangalemi (Berat, Albania)
The first stop on our itinerary was the charming old town of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage city affectionately known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”. If you're planning a few days in Albania, Berat absolutely deserves a place on your let’s-visit list!
Walking through Berat’s cobblestone streets and dining as its traditional eateries reveals an ancient world untouched by time: the main street of Berat – Bulevardi Republika – is a particularly special place. This pedestrian zone runs along the Osum River, and is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants, bustling with local life. It’s the perfect place to people-watch, or to simply soak in friendly Albanian hospitality.
We also walked up (and we mean up!) to Berat Castle, perched dramatically above the city, and we highly recommend you do too. The castle affords visitors panoramic views of the city center, the Osum River, and the surrounding landscape.
Himare: Relaxation on the Albanian Riviera
Take your pick of restaurants and bars (Himare Beach, Albania)
For beach-seekers and those craving some downtime in a small Albanian village, Himare is paradise. This laidback beach town on the Albanian Riviera delivered everything we could have hoped for: clear, calm turquoise waters, soft golden sands, and quintessential coffee shops and restaurants as a backdrop to the main beach (Spile or Himare Beach).
Consider a day trip beach-hopping to nearby secluded gems, including Livadi Beach, or simply fill your entire time in Himare lounging on a beach chair, broken up with the occasional wander to a nearby gelato stand or traditional Albanian bakery to help fuel those hunger cravings.
Gjirokaster: The Stone City
One of many colorful art installations in Gjirokaster (Albania)
No trip to Albania would be complete without a visit to Gjirokaster. If your Albania itinerary permits it, we recommend allowing at least a full day here to truly immerse yourself in the captivating charm it provides.
This small city – with a population of less than 24,000 – is so rich in history it feels like stepping into the pages of an old-world storybook. Another prized UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gjirokaster’s main cobblestone streets are packed with eclectic bars, cafes, restaurants, hotels, small shops, and boutique stores that can keep you busy for most of the day.
And then there’s the Gjirokaster Castle – the city’s towering fortress and another must-visit during your time here. Built directly beneath the hill where the castle stands, you’ll also find the Cold War Tunnel – a tour certainly worthy of any visitor’s time. Also consider a visit to the Gjirokaster Obelisk – located at the highest point in the city – for the best views of the entire surrounding region.
The Blue Eye and Butrint National Park: Natural Wonders of Albania
For a taste of Albania's wild side, consider a visit to the famous Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) — a crystal-clear natural spring and karst cave nestled between forested hills in the village of Muzinë, in southern Albania. Known for its impressive depth, vibrant blue water, and powerful flow, consider exploring this site early in the day to avoid the crowds. A few hours here makes for an excellent half-day adventure in the Albanian countryside.
An hour south-west of the Blue Eye, you’ll find Butrint National Park (also known as Butrint National Archaeological Park), close to the Greek border. Another stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, Butrint National Park boasts impressively well-preserved ancient ruins, reflecting the diverse and sometimes complex history of Albania in its architecture. The fact it’s nestled amongst lush wetlands is an added bonus! You won’t be disappointed by a guided day trip out here – it could be one of the best things you see on your entire trip to Albania!
A Few Extra Stops Worth Adding to Your Albanian Itinerary
Mike begins our journey in Albania wondering exactly where Beck has dragged him to this time...
Tirana
The capital and largest city of Albania, Tirana, is also worth exploring for a day or two – either at the beginning or the very end of your Albania adventure. Visit museums and fascinating art installations, partake in a quad bike adventure, indulge in an Albanian cooking lesson, or simply enjoy a late afternoon stroll through some of Tirana’s trendy neighborhoods.
Hiking
Are you an avid hiker? The Albanian Alps – also known as the Accursed Mountains – are located in northern Albania, and extend into Montenegro and Kosovo. This vast area of rugged, limestone mountains – one of the most impressive and notable topographic features of the country – includes the Valbona Valley National Park, which affords visitors some of the best mountain views anywhere in the Balkans.
History-Lovers
Are you a history buff? Love learning about the history of the country or place you’re visiting? Aside Butrint National Park, don’t miss the National History Museum (Muzeu Historik Kombëtar) in Tirana, or dive deeper into Enver Hoxha's 41-year ruling of the country at every stop along your itinerary. The latter had a profound and multifaceted impact throughout Albania, leaving a complex legacy that continues to shape the country today.
Practical Travel Tips for Your Albania Itinerary
Another awe-inspiring view over Gjirokaster (Kerculla Resort, Albania)
Best Time To Visit
Consider visiting Albania during the shoulder seasons (Spring and Fall), when you’ll be blessed with mild temperatures, generally lower prices, and spectacular scenery.
Getting to Albania
Most visitors arrive into the country via Tirana International Airport (also known as Tirana Airport). Many visitors choose to stay a night or two in the capital city, before beginning their exploration of the Albanian countryside.
Getting Around Albania
We recommend a rental car as the best way to get around Albania. A road trip will afford you full freedom of being able to go where you want, in your own time, and on your own terms. We simply used Google Maps to get around – it was accurate about 98% of the time, even navigating us through smaller villages and towns, as well as the rugged, windy mountain passes (not Mike’s most favorite part of the trip, if we’re being honest!).
Parking is generally free throughout the country, and roads are in generally good condition.
If you don’t drive, don’t feel comfortable driving in Albania (and that’s totally okay!), or are on a tight budget, public transportation options exist. Public buses are the most popular and convenient way to get around, especially the use of furgons (minibuses).
Money Matters
The official currency of Albania is the Albanian Lek. And if there’s one thing you take away from these practical tips, it’s that cash is king in this country. Whilst some establishments (for example, larger luxury hotels) may accept credit cards, cash is preferred.
Insider Tip: Ensure you’re aware of the current exchange rate of Lek to your home country’s currency, so you’re not overcharged in the local currency (that being said, we actually found we were often given a discount when paying in Lek and taking the currency exchange into account, which was nice!).
Final Thoughts
Just another fabulous day and another fabulous view here in Albania
Whether it's your first trip abroad or you're a seasoned traveler, Albania is absolutely worth visiting. It’s the sort of place that seamlessly combines the charm of Italy, the spirit of Greece, and the affordability of Eastern Europe. A road trip here is an experience you’ll be talking about to friends and family long after you return home.
With its perfect blend of rich history, national parks, quaint villages, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches, this beautiful country is an excellent choice for any traveller seeking good value and unforgettable experiences. In just one week you’ll be able to ascend to the top of castles, swim in turquoise waters, stroll through ancient bazaars, and sip espresso in the center of old-world towns.
Why not take a chance on Albania today? We think it’s time to start planning your trip!
