Perfect 2 Week Itinerary in Albania

Planning a trip to Albania but not sure where to start? Don’t worry- I’ve got you! 

Whether you’re dreaming of quiet beaches, dramatic mountain views, or charming villages that feel like time forgot them, Albania delivers in a big way. 

In this post, I’m sharing my tried-and-true 2 week itinerary in Albania that hits all the must-see spots and a few hidden gems. So, grab your backpack (and maybe your sense of adventure) and let’s dive into one of Europe’s most underrated travel destinations.

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Why This Itinerary in Albania is Perfect

Two weeks allows you to see it all without exhausting yourself.  So, keep reading this Albania itinerary to see what this incredible country has to offer.  

There is so much to see in Albania and it’s all so incredibly different depending on where you are in the country.  If you want a true over-all experience in this fantastic place, you’ll want to visit both south (the beaches) and north (the mountains) and one week just won’t do it. 

Day 0- Travel from Home

If you’re coming from overseas, you’re going to need to add a day for travel.  

If you’ve taken an overnight flight, I know you’ll be completely exhausted.  I get it, I really do, but don’t take a nap.  Instead, power through by drinking some of that strong Albanian coffee and get yourself outside. 

Fresh air and sunlight do wonders for getting you on track with local time.  I promise you’ll thank me later (even if you hate me now).

Day 1- Tirana to Gjirokastër

If you’re flying to Albania, you’ll arrive into Tirana airport, pick up your rental car, then immediately head out to your first town. 

Gjirokastër is about a 3 hour drive south of Tirana airport and takes you past lots of strawberry farms and along pretty mountains on a modern highway.  Feel free to stop and buy some fruits at the many farmstands along the way.

🚗 Check out my post Rent a Car in Albania and it will take you through all you need to know- from documents you need, to road conditions, to helpful tips for driving on those crazy mountain roads.

You probably won’t be up to much tonight after your flight and the drive, and that’s OK.  Just keep going until the sun goes down.  Then grab yourself something to eat and head to bed.  You’ll have a full day to see this charming village tomorrow. 

Top Places to Stay in Gjirokastër

Silver Hill Guesthouse
This is where I stayed.  Delicious home-cooked breakfast. 

Old Bazaar 1790 ⭐️
In a restored Ottoman-era house in a great location with beautiful, traditional interiors.

Kerkulla Resort
Modern resort with a swimming pool and gym.

Stone City Hostel
Good reviews and the location is great.

👉 Click here to book Old Bazaar 1790 for your stay.

Great Restaurants in Gjirokastër:

• Komiteti
• Vëllezërit Vasi
• Kujtimi
• Kashahu Kafe

Day 2- Gjirokastër

I didn’t expect to love this small town as much as I did.  It’s exceptionally charming with its cobblestone streets and castle atop the hill.

Wander the bazaar and poke around in the shops full of pottery, jewelry, rugs, and local crafts.  Then get a bit to eat at one of the many restaurants that line it.  

Check out some of the several museums in town.   The Ethnographic Museum, Skënduli House, and Zekate House are all wonderful examples of Ottoman architecture.  They’re filled with traditional furnishings and information about Albania.   

In the evening, walk up to the well-preserved Gjirokastër Castle to check out one of the largest castles in the Balkans.  There are exhibits on weaponry and even a captured U.S. plane from the Cold War.  Time your visit for sunset for the best photo ops.   

Day 3- Gjirokastër to Ksamil

The trip from Gjirokastër to Ksamil takes a little over 1 hour by car.

On the way, consider a stop at the Blue Eye- a natural spring that’s a about halfway between the two towns.  There’s a lovely restaurant right by the river to get something to eat.  

Then you’ll drive alongside some gorgeous water views.  Be sure to look out for the mussel farms as you drive!  

Best places to stay in Ksamil:

Emar Beachfront Hotel ⭐️
Incredible ocean views and staff that goes above and beyond.

Asters Hotel
Pool bar and incredible ocean views. 

Hotel Olive
Attentive staff and beachfront access.

Blue Eye Hotel
Small, modern, swimming pool and 6 minute walk to the beach

👉 Click here to book Emar Beachfront Hotel for your stay

Great Restaurants in Ksamil:

• Korali Bar Restorant
• Guvat Bar Restorant
• Restaurant Lori
• Sea Breeze Seaside Bar and Restaurant

Day 4- Ksamil

You’ll most likely recognize this town from all the Instagram photos of it with the islands in the background.  It is truly beautiful and you’ll be glad you included it on your Albania itinerary. 

Here, you’ll find everything a tourist could need including modern hotels, tons of restaurants, boat rentals, and drink service on the beach.

The main beaches are Beach 7 (which is the closest to the islands) and Lori Beach.  Beaches in Ksamil are not made for wandering.  Instead, you’ll pick a location, rent a lounger, and stay for the day. 

During busy season, make sure you get there early before they run out of loungers at your favorite location.  

Then while away the day in the sun.  Read a book on your Kindle, swim out to the islands, or rent a paddle boat.  Grab some lunch.  Then repeat.  Ksamil is not a go go go kinda place. 

But if you are up for some Roman ruins, head over to Butrint which has some wonderful things to see and a gorgeous view out over the water.

Day 5- Ksamil to Dhermi

The trip from Ksamil to Dhermi takes about 2 hours by car.  But you’ll likely want to stop along the way to check out other beaches.    

After the tourist-focused town of Ksamil, you might find Dhermi to be a breath of fresh air.  Though it doesn’t have the atmospheric islands of Ksamil, the beaches are much more tranquil and open- and it offers the beautiful historic village of Dhermi as well. 

Where to stay in Dhermi:

Old Town Dhermi- Zoe Hora
Insta-famous with a pool, restaurant, and spa.

Dhermi Beach– La Brisa Boutique Hotel ⭐️
With a rooftop swimming pool, room service, and private beach, this is a great option at Dhermi Beach.

Drymades Beach– Villa Jon Palasa
Rentals just steps away from the beach.  

👉 Click here to book La Brisa Boutique Hotel for your stay.

Great Restaurants around Dhermi:

• Sofia Bar
• Salinas Restaurant
• Sarajet
• Summer Dream

Day 6- Dhermi

There are two parts to Dhermi- Dhermi beach and the historic Dhermi village.  I picked to stay in the village for a little something different and it was great.  It felt like living village life and with its whitewashed buildings it feels a little like Greece.  

Walk up to Saint Mary’s Monastery to check out the painted interior and admire the gorgeous view from the top of the village.  

Then it’s beach time.  Head down to Dhermi Beach for plenty of open sand and places to eat and drink.  Or head here at night for the bonfires.

Or go to Drymades Beach to check out another gorgeous beach.  This one is wide open and lined with restaurants and bars.  Rent yourself a cabana and spend the day.

Day 7- Dhermi

Today, you’ll visit my favorite beach in all of Albania.  It’s called Gjipe Beach and can only be reached by a short hike or a boat ride.  Be sure to get here early so you can have it mostly to yourself. 

This pretty pebbled beach is tucked away at the end of a canyon which makes it feel like a bit of a secret.  In season, there is a café where you can get a bite to eat so feel free to stay all day.    

You have a long drive tomorrow to a place that’s completely different so relax and soak in the calm today.   

Day 8- Dhermi to Theth

The trip from Dhermi to Theth is a long one.  It takes about 5½ hours by car.  If this is too long of a drive for you, I would amend your itinerary in Albania to spend time in Krujë or Shkodër along the way (but you’ll visit them later anyway).

But really, the drive won’t seem quite as long because getting to this gorgeous village is part of the adventure.  You’re going to want to stop a million times to take photos or just marvel at the gorgeous mountains.  

As a nervous driver, I was worried the drive would be too much for me but honestly I was so in awe of the view I didn’t even care about the hairpin turns.  If I can do it, you can do it.  

Best places to stay in Theth

Gurra Family Guesthouse ⭐️
Comfy rooms and a great family-run restaurant make this guesthouse a feel like home.

Guesthouse Gjin Thana
A terrace with a gorgeous view is the perfect place to grab breakfast before setting out for the day.

Guesthouse Prrockaj
Along with hotel rooms, this place offers chalets if you want a little more privacy on your stay.  

👉 Click here to book Gurra Family Guesthouse for your stay in Theth.

Where to eat in Theth:

Generally, you’ll be eating at the guesthouse where you’ll be staying.  They can usually even make a box lunch for you to take hiking.  But there are some places where you can grab a bite to eat in the village or just head to a different guesthouse for dinner if you want some variety.  

Day 9- Theth

The village of Theth is made for hiking.  That’s pretty much the main draw and it’s clear why.  You don’t need to do the long Theth to Valbona hike, however.  There are several shorter hikes that are not too taxing and have beautiful things to see. 

The couple hour hike to Grunas Waterfall is absolutely worth it.  This towering waterfall is gorgeous and aside from a little rock scrambling at the end, pretty easy to get to from Theth.  

Equally amazing (maybe more) but a little more involved to get to is the Theth Blue Eye.  This natural spring is one that you can swim in (if you don’t mind freezing) and is an easy hike.  Depending on how fit you are, you might have to drive to the start of the 

There are also a couple things to see in Theth village like Theth Church (Kisha e Thethit) and Reconciliation Tower that you can visit before or after your hiking day.  

🥾 Find lots of hiking options around Theth HERE. There are single day and multi-day options to choose from as well as guided and on-your-own tours.

Day 10- Theth to Shkodër

The trip from Theth to Shkodër takes about 2 hours by car.  

You’ll love Shkodër for its lively pedestrian area full of restaurants, beautiful tree-lined streets, and friendly locals.  

This town was made for wandering- and bicycling.  Feel free to stop and admire all the street art and small museums.  Or go further afield for historic sites and lake adventures. 

Top Hotels in Shkodër:

InTown Guesthouse Shkodër ⭐️
I stayed in this lovely 200 year old guesthouse run by a wonderful couple who did absolutely everything in their power to make sure I had a good visit in Shkodër.  Eating a delicious homemade breakfast in the tranquil courtyard in the morning was a highlight of my time in Shkodër.    

Atelier Boutique Hotel
This small hotel is tucked into a side street at the other end of the pedestrian area by city hall so it’s a bit quieter and is really lovely and has a good restaurant attached.

Hotel Loredano
This hotel has a beautiful dining and bar area in a great location with nice rooms at a decent price.

👉 Click here to InTown Guesthouse Shkodër for your stay.

Great Restaurants in Shkodër:

• Fisi Restaurant
• Arti Zanave
• Muza
• Mondial

Day 11- Shkodër

Spend today just enjoying the town and seeing the sights here.  

The main draw is the wonderful pedestrian street (Rruga Kolë Idromeno) where you can while away the day checking out the various restaurants and shops. Grab a drink or meal and just watch the world go by your table.  

In the middle of this is the Ebu Bekr Mosque which you can’t miss seeing with its large size and central location.  Feel free to visit this mosque or go to one that I found to be much prettier- the Xhamia e Parruces with its yellow exterior and blue and white tiles.   

There are also several churches worth taking a look at including the Shkodër Cathedral and the Holy Church Nativity of Christ. 

If you’re looking to visit a museum, there are several including the Shkodër history museum, The Marubi National Museum of Photography, and the Site of Witness and Memory.  

But honestly, my favorite thing to do while I was there was to check out the street art.  It was like a scavenger hunt trying to find the most interesting one around town.  

Day 12- Shkodër

Today’s a great day to head further afield.  Rent yourself a bike (or drive) and head out to the historic Rozafa Castle where the 13^th century castle offers the best views in town.

While you’re out that way, my waiter one night told me his favorite place in town was the Buna Bridge.  Be sure to get out there in the morning when it’s at its best.  

Or maybe head to Lake Shkodër for the day.  Soak up some sun on the beach or spend the day biking the paths that surround it.  

And the Ottoman-era stone Mesi Bridge is a popular place for bikers to spend a lovely afternoon having a picnic and swim. 

Day 13- Shkodër to Krujë

The trip from Shkodër to Krujë takes less than 2 hours by car.  It’s your last full day in Albania so make the most of it!  

Krujë is a great place to get souvenirs before you head home.  The ancient bazaar is filled with shops and antique stores so you can get something to remember your trip by.  

Then make your way up to Krujë Castle where you’ll find a museum dedicated to Skanderbeg and the best ethnographic museum in Albania (in my opinion).  

Then you absolutely MUST find a restaurant that overlooks the valley to eat dinner as the sun sets.  It’s absolutely magical and the best way to end your trip to Albania.  

Where to Stay in Krujë

Villa Castriota
Delicious free breakfast, good wi-fi, and with a very nice host. 

Mervin Hotel
Near the bazaar with a restaurant and bar. 

The House of Dollma
Gardens and a terrace that looks out over the town.

Kruja Albergo Infusa ⭐️
Inside the castle walls with terrace, gardens, and a bar to enjoy a sunset cocktail.

👉 Click here to book Kruja Albergo Infusa for your stay.

Great Restaurants in Krujë:

• Restorant Bardhi
• Restaurant Hotel Deal
• Fabiani Restaurant & Bar

Day 14- Krujë to Home

And now it’s time to say goodbye to Albania.  By now I’m always just about ready to see my family and sleep in my own bed so maybe you are too.

🚘 Be sure to leave enough time to drop your rental car off before you need to check in at the airport. 

I hope you leave Albania with wonderful memories, gorgeous photos, a belly full of good food, and an appreciation for a new part of the world.  Time to start planning the next adventure…   

(Hey, what about Spain? It’s fabulous! 💃)

If you have less than 2 weeks for your Albania itinerary

If you don’t have quite that many days to spend, I would spend just one day in Dhermi and/or Shkodër instead of two.  

If you have more than 2 weeks in Albania

Some of the places that are on my radar for my next trip are Berat which is supposed to be lovely.  I also thought Korça and the lakes nearby look nice and would love to check that area out.   

In the north, I would love to make time for the Theth to Valbona hike or spend some time exploring Lake Koman and the Shala River.   

There are also plenty of ideas for side trips on each town’s page.  Or check for interesting tours and activities.  You can find all sorts of things from kayaking to cooking to multi-day hikes.   

If you’re traveling solo, booking a tour is a great way to meet other travelers. 👋

Foods to Try in Albania

One of my favorite things about travel is the food and Albania does not disappoint in that respect. 

Albanian food is a lot like Greek food with plenty of phyllo dough, grilled meats, and fresh veggies.  They also take their cheeses seriously here with all sorts of white cheese (feta in particular) that are served with breakfast, on top of fresh salads, or baked into dishes.

In the south, you’ll find tons of seafood– grilled fish and mussels in particular- and loads of fresh fruits and veggies.  Up north there are grilled meats and casseroles with lamb or beef filling that are especially filling after a long hike.  

Some of my favorite things to eat in Albania are:

• Byrek– phyllo stuffed with different things (I love the spinach one)
• Grilled fish– pulled fresh from the ocean and grilled beachside
• Fergese– a cheese and roasted peppers dish that is *chef’s kiss*
• Stuffed green peppers (my go-to)-  Filled with rice and sometimes ground meat. I never had a bad one.

What to pack for Albania

At the beaches, you’ll want to pack all the beach stuff.  And some of the beaches are a little more rocky than sandy so I’d pack something like Chacos (I’ve had mine for a million years and they’re still going strong) so your feet don’t hurt.

The mosquitos can also be an issue in the summer, so be sure you have some bug spray.

Not sure what else to bring on your trip?
Check out my packing tips to make it super easy! 🧳

In the mountains, be sure you bring shoes that you can hike in.  Even the Grunas Waterfall has some tricky footing at the top so hiking boots are a great option- or at least some tennis shoes with great tread.  

And be sure you bring with you a sense of adventure.  Albania is still a bit off the beaten track (which is fabulous) but it might be harder to find the comforts of home here quite as easily.  But just go with the flow and take things as they come and you’ll have a great trip.

I absolutely love Albania and hope you do too.

My Favorite Travel Websites

Questions about Traveling in Albania

It might sound corny, but I fell completely in love with Albania.  It felt like a true adventure and I really enjoyed both the beaches and the mountains.  But even more than that, I fell in love with the people who were so kind and truly wanted me to love their country just as much as they do.  I hope you feel the same when you go.   
Happy travels… ✈️ 🇦🇱⛰️🏖️