Destinations › Europe › Albania
Albania in 9 days: the Balkans’ hidden gem
Castles, lakes and Roman ruins — and the Albanian Riviera, with some of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
Duration
9 days
Best time
June – September
Getting around
Rental car
essential
Route
Tirana → Ksamil
I travelled
August 2018
You will be surprised by how much Albania has to offer: beaches as beautiful as Greece, mountain lakes, national parks, castles and archaeological sites — still far from the crowds.
In August 2018 we drove from Tirana down the whole Riviera to Ksamil and Butrint, with the option to finish across the water in Corfu.
The route at a glance
From Tirana to the Riviera
Tap a stop on the map to jump to that part of the trip
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 1
Tirana & Durrës
Land in Tirana — Albania’s only international airport — and pick up a car (essential here). Thirty minutes later you’re on the coast in Durrës: see the Venetian Tower and the Roman amphitheatre.
Days 2–3
Kruja, Lake Fierza & Cape of Rodon
Visit Kruja castle and drive two hours north to Lake Fierza for stunning views. Next day, the Cape of Rodon: a wild peninsula with a castle and a church above the sea.
Day 4
Vlorë & Llogara National Park
Drive south with a swim near Vlorë, then up into the pine forests of Llogara National Park. Sleep at the Llogara Tourist Village.
Days 5–6
The Albanian Riviera
One of the most scenic coastal drives in Europe. Choose your beach — Dhërmi, Jalë, Livadhi, Sfageio or Borsh — the colour of the water is amazing. Spend an evening at the harbour restaurants of Sarandë.
Days 7–8
Ksamil & Butrint
Some of the best beaches in Albania, facing little islands just off the coast. Don’t miss the ruins of Butrint National Park, a UNESCO site.
Day 9
Home — or on to Corfu
Drive four hours back to Tirana for your flight, or take the one-hour ferry from Sarandë to Corfu and fly home from there.
When to go
The best time to visit Albania
June to September is beach season on the Riviera; May and late September are quieter and still warm.
Best Good OK
Before you go
My top 3 tips for Albania
01
Rent a car
It’s the only practical way to explore the coast and the mountains.
02
Explore the hidden coves
The Riviera is full of small bays and villages — stop wherever the road shows you turquoise water.
03
Finish in Corfu
The ferry from Sarandë takes about an hour — an easy way to add a Greek island.
What to eat
Try the local food
Byrek
Layers of filo pastry filled with spinach and cheese, potatoes or meat — loved across the Balkans.
Fresh seafood
In the harbour restaurants of Sarandë.
Tavë kosi
The national dish: baked lamb and rice under a golden, tangy yoghurt crust.
Tailor-made
Want this trip, made for you?
I’ll design your Albania road trip — car hire, the best Riviera beaches and boutique hotels, and a Corfu extension.
On this page
Photo gallery
Albania through my lens
