Albania in 8 Days
Albania
Overview
This route covers Albania's three strongest sides — Ottoman heritage in Berat and Gjirokastër, dramatic coastal driving over the Llogara Pass, and beach time on the Riviera — in a loop that starts and ends in Tirana. A rental car makes the pace comfortable; it's doable by bus but with significantly more waiting.
- Duration
- 8 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Rental car
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €620–€880
Route
Highlights
- Berat's 'city of a thousand windows' old quarter
- Gjirokastër's Ottoman bazaar and hilltop castle
- Driving the Llogara Pass switchbacks down to the coast
- Beach time in Dhërmi, Himarë or Ksamil
Worth knowing
- Coastal roads are slow and congested in August
- Requires a rental car for a comfortable pace
- Some rural roads are narrow and poorly lit at night
Day by day
Day 1
TiranaMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Skanderbeg Square and Et'hem Bej Mosque
- Blloku district for dinner
Optional additions
- Bunk'Art 2 museum
Pick up your rental car on arrival if driving the full loop.
Day 2
Tirana → BeratMain activities
- Drive to Berat (~2.5h)
- Explore Mangalem and Gorica quarters
- Berat Castle at sunset
Optional additions
- Onufri Museum icons
Day 3
Berat → GjirokastërMain activities
- Drive south (~3h)
- Gjirokastër castle and bazaar
Optional additions
- Zekate House
Day 4
Gjirokastër → Riviera (Himarë)Main activities
- Drive the Llogara Pass to the coast (~2h)
- First beach afternoon
Optional additions
- Porto Palermo castle detour
The pass has sharp switchbacks — allow extra time.
Day 5
Riviera coastMain activities
- Beach day
- Short drive to Ksamil for a second beach
Optional additions
- Boat trip along the coastline
Day 6
Riviera → Butrint → SarandaMain activities
- Butrint archaeological site
- Saranda seafront
Optional additions
- Ferry day trip to Corfu, Greece
Day 7
Saranda → TiranaMain activities
- Scenic drive back north (~4h)
- Free evening in Tirana
Optional additions
- Stop at Krujë castle and bazaar en route
Day 8
TiranaMain activities
- Final souvenir shopping
- Departure
Alternatives
Skip Berat and go directly Tirana → Gjirokastër → Riviera → Tirana.
Add Theth and the Albanian Alps for 3–4 days of hiking before the coast.