In the late afternoon either chill at the beach again or you can do a walk or drive up to the monastery of the 40 saints. Gjipe is almost hidden in a little cove on the Albanian riviera. We then had a quick lunch in Sarande to fuel ourselves for the next leg of the journey. Traveling to Albania was a very spontaneous decision.
It was a long drive of about 290 kilometers to a city called Shkoder, and it took us about 5 hours. You will find many people commuting on bicycles, which is nice, but they get into the car lanes which can get a little frustrating if you're driving. The town is interesting to wander through and there are plenty of nice cafes and restaurants (although a little overpriced). Day 2 - Visit Cobo Winery, Explore Berat - Town of a Thousand Windows! From hostels and guesthouses, to AirBnBs and luxury star hotels, there is something to fit into any type of budget! You will go through villages, mountains and then finally reach the sea! We spontaneously decided to camp overnight at Gjipe! The town sits at the foot of Mt Kruje, overlooking the beautiful peaks and green valleys stretching all the way to the Adriatic coast. Only a 20-30 minute bus ride from Saranda is the UNESCO site of Butrint. So I created this Albanian Riviera itinerary for those who only have 10 days to explore the south of Albania. Vila Dini, in all its glory, tucked under the Albanian mountain ranges.
If you want to organise your own things to do in Tirana, then read my full Tirana guide here with some other recommendations. However, we recommend that you visit Oda Restaurant which is highly rated and serves some of the best traditional Albanian cuisine in Tirana. The owner, Lili, is the friendliest soul with a big smile on his face. After a quick research, we decided to drive across the country for 10 days to get a taste of both - the Albanian Alps in the north, as well as the Albanian Riviera in the south. Its an incredibly unique castle with a lot of history. We stopped here because it was on our way towards Macedonia but were pleasantly surprised by the things to do in Korce and the array of restaurants and cafes. We had some of the best stuffed eggplant here, also known as Imam Bayldi! Day 1 - Explore Tirana ts time to hit the road and drive towards the small southern Albania village of. Is this even real? Monastery Beach is one of my favourites as its small and you also have the option to climb the hill and see an incredible view of the beach and surroundings by going to the monastery.
A road trip around Albania is the best way to visit all the best places to see in Albania. The old city and its heritage retain a unique testimony of Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman cultures and civilizations. One of the best places to see in Albania and you shouldn't miss it in your Albanian itinerary! On your last full day in Saranda and I highly recommend taking a trip to Blue Eye a 20-minute drive away from Saranda. Passengers are advised to reach the airport at least four hours before their flight in order to get the PCR test results in time before their departure. Stay overnight in Theth, Day 9 - Kruje We went to Plazhi Pasqyrave (Mirror Beach) in Sarande, a stunning pebble beach with beautiful blue waters surrounded by white stone cliffs. View of the beautiful Albanian coastline. You should be able to arrive at Theth in around 7 hours but we took a little longer as we stopped a couple of times on the way to take pictures and some epic drone shots. And the food, oh you won't be disappointed AT ALL! At the time we traveled (July '21), Albania was open to all tourists with no requirement of an RT-PCR test nor any proof of vaccination. The square is named after Skanderbeg, the 'national hero' of Albania who successfully resisted the Ottoman invasions during the mid-1400s. Next up on your Albania itineraries, its time to hit the road and drive towards the small southern Albania village of Qeparo. The river in this valley is formed by sulphur springs and along the way locals have created pools out of rocks. It was once the ancient capital of Albania, and the birthplace of Skanderbeg, the country's national hero. Stay overnight in Valbone, Day 8 - Hike from Valbone to Theth National Park We liked Gjirokaster as the city is more compact which renders it a small-town vintage charm. Leaving early in the morning was a good decision as we reached Shkoder before mid-day. The money exchange centers in Dubai did not have any Albanian Lek, so we carried Euros with us and converted some of it to Lek at a local exchange centre in Tirana. Himara itself is a charming small town and the ideal base for exploring some of the other bays in the area such as the beautiful Gjipe beach. Modern day dishes are hugely influenced by Greek and Italian cuisines. Land in Tirana and explore the city, Day 2 - Cobo Winery, Berat - Town of a Thousand Windows Important Tips Before You Travel to Albania, Albania Itinerary: 1 week in Albania (7 days), 5 Jobs That Allow You to Work and Travel Long Term, Visiting Butrint, Albania: One of Albanias Best UNESCO Sites, 30+ Best Things to do In New Zealand 2022. We're never without our trusty backpacks and a good book! Our hotel host got us in touch with a representative of Berisha-Komani Lake Explore via WhatsApp (+355 69 680 0748) to arrange for our ferry ride along Lake Koman. In the afternoon you must visit the half-abandoned village of old Qeparo on top of the hill. If you reach here for the afternoon have a look at some accommodation options for spending the night in Gjrokaster here. The following day, we checked out of our hotel in Kruje to head back to where it all started from - Tirana! Ksamil has gained huge popularity over the last few years and is a must for any Albania itinerary. Have a look at prices here. But the spectacular views makes it all worth it!
Feel free to ask any Albania related questions below or read more of Balkans info if you're heading to other countries in the area. Now that you know the best way to see the south of Albania in 10 days, do you have any questions? *(Please note that this article is dated August 2021 and this information is subject to change with time), And THAT'S A WRAP to an unforgettable road trip in beautiful Albania! We made it in our van but a 4WD is recommended.
The host said that the car would be absolutely fine (and so it was!) Subscribe to our newsletter now to stay up to date on our travels. Here are some example prices to give you an idea how much to budget for Albania. We ordered their vegetarian risotto, tomato spaghetti and baked potatoes. It is advised to reach at least four hours prior to your flight departure time. The water here is unreal! We were offered a tour by their lovely daughter, Ermi who showed us around the vineyards, wine cellars, followed by a fantastic wine-tasting session. Kujtimi Tradicional Restorant - This place has one of the most beautiful and romantic setting, under a canopy of ivy leaves and fairy lights! I might be bias because I love here, but you cant plan an Albania travel itinerary without including Saranda. Its beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and great places to visit nearby make it a favourite part of many peoples Albania itinerary! We had the Spaghetti Aglio-e-Olio, Tagliatelle with Tomato, and traditional Japrak (stuffed vine leaves). Ultimate Itinerary for 10 Days in Albania, full review on the World Nomads backpacker insurance, Read my full list of the best Saranda hotels.
Stay overnight at one of the beach towns. Make sure you make time in your itinerary for these 20 awesome things to do in Albania. Drive to Gjirokaster, spend the night at a guesthouse It's pretty clear why Gjirokaster is called the Silver City . We were also introduced to the famous 'Raki', which is the most popular alcoholic drink consumed in Albania. Depending on when you visit south Albania might affect if you stay here or not as in the summer the parties can be wild. But it was definitely not impossible to drive, and as long as you stick to the speed limits and practice safe driving, you should be fine :). On Day 2 early in the morning, we checked out of our hotel in Tirana and set off on a hunt for our, By mid-day we set off to Berat, which is about 100 km from Tirana, a two-hour journey by road. COST- We got a massive room (almost like a junior suite) that cost us only about 25 for the night, inclusive of a splendid breakfast prepared by the host herself. Luxury: Make sure you stay at Vila Kosteli or Guesthouse 1932. It was quite a challenge finding a car at this price point, but we finally managed to do so. The peak season is from July-August, when it tends to get crowded in certain spots, and the weather in the coastal areas can get really hot (the mountains in the north are still cool though). Expect a lot of hairpin bends too, especially around the mountain regions. One week in Albania could be a bit short but if its all you have then stick with Tirana and one or two easy to reach places. But it was the only option we had in our vicinity. Two weeks in Albania is a great amount of time to see some the most beautiful areas of the country and make your way around without hurrying too much. Between those two cities are the most beautiful Albanian beaches you will find. We actually didn't have to step out of Vila Dini as it had its own little restaurant on the ground floor terrace. The streets of Gjirokaster are some of the most beautiful we have ever seen. If you find more time for your trip to Albania you can extend your time in some of the places mentioned above or visit some new ones. ), NOTE - *We have recommended restaurants for each city we visited under the relevant headings in the itinerary below this Q&A.*. The test costs 35 per person*, which is also one of the cheapest and quickest you can find in all of Albania. Note that upon reaching Theth, you will have to walk all the way to your accommodation, so it will be nice to factor in that distance as well. Do I need to take a COVID-19 RT-PCR test for Albania? If you have more time and are interested in more Albania day trips, here i a list of other great places to visit or stay in south Albania that I havent mentioned in this article: The Albanian Riviera is located in the Southwestern part of the Albania along the Northeastern Ionian Sea in the Mediterranean Sea. A similar experience in the Swiss Alps or Austria would cost you 10 times the price or even more! The final stop on your Albania roadtrip is Dhermi. Google Translate - This is hands down, one of the the best inventions ever! This Albanian Riviera itinerary can easily be extended and adjusted according to your wants and needs. The view is incredible, and the town lies within an old ruined castle. COST - A large double-bed room with a private modern bathroom and balcony, cost us 36 for the night, inclusive of a breakfast buffet. Overlooking beautiful Lake Boville after navigating through some crazy roads to get here. Its also perfect for anyone hopign to take a Albania road trip through the south of Albania Ive included anAlbanian Riveira map to help you plan your route. Ours unfortunately didn't, so we ended up dining at Bar Jezerka. By bus it costs 300 Lek (2.45), and by taxi it costs somewhere around 20-25. There is a small fee of 100 Lek per person if you want to do a short climb to a hill-top for the best views. At the immigration check at Tirana International Airport, we were asked to present any one of our hotel bookings, and a proof of a return or onward ticket. Silver limestone cobbled streets with traditional colourful shops on either sides, sometimes with items spilling onto the streets, is such a wonderful sight to behold. Add Korce to your two weeks Albania travel itinerary. Finding an accommodation in the country is very easy, and they are quite affordable as well. This gives you enough time to enjoy all the best Albania south beaches and have a fun Albanian road trip through the south. This family-run restaurant is the epitome of Albanian hospitality. Mid-range: For a mid-priced hotel try Irinis Garden Hotel. After our little adventure in Lake Boville, we drove back to Tirana and stayed at Urban Rooms, the same hotel as Day-1 of our trip. For the best prices on car hire in Europe, opt for Europcar. We spent around two hours exploring these ancient ruins, and the sea views around the park made it the most scenic history tour ever. Driving in Albania..is quite an experience! If you're in a hurry, you can skip the Q&A below and head straight down to the ITINERARY. The water is a constant 10 degrees Celsius! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Stay overnight in Valbone, Hike from Valbone National Park to Theth National Park, 14km, about 6-7 hours. The view from the castle is amazing. I highly suggest you stay for longer of course, or maybemove to Albania like I did. The thing we liked the most was the open-to-sky restaurant on the top-most floor, where you can enjoy a traditional meal with a stunning sunset view in the evenings. The Lek (plural Leke) is the official currency of Albania, although the Euro is widely accepted. Read my disclaimerfor more information. One of the beautiful coastal towns, definitely worth a stop on your Albania itinerary. Tirana is just an hour's drive from Kruje. We did manage to grab a bite at a local eatery serving Greek food. The ferry ride is an EPIC experience! Enjoy the incredible views of the Albanian Alps! We recommend visiting the country in the shoulder seasons, that is between April-June and September- October. If you have a bit more time and want to do Albania in 2 weeks rather than 10 days, I highly recommend a few extra days in Saranda. But, Gjipe is worth ALL the effort! Its one of my favourites! Cobbled paths leading around the village which was pretty much abandoned during the fall of communism.
And now its time to reach the beach portion of Qeparo, Today on your Albania itinerary, you will travel to the coastal town of, Whilst you relax or party in Jale make sure you hire a kayak and go to the nearby beach paradise of. On the way back from Blue Eye I suggest you visit Phoenice Archaeological park. MUST-HAVE: Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have travel insurance. Saranda has amazing seafood which you need to try. We also met two wonderful travelers from Portugal who were such great company on this long hike, and we didn't realize how time passed. Backpacker: There are two great hostels in Himara, Himara Downtown Hostel and Himara Hostel. Have a coffee at one of the restaurants at the blue eye and enjoy nature! If its too busy I recommend a trip to the nearby beaches like Mirror or Monastery. For restaurants, we highly recommend these two : Restaurant Tradicional Odaja - This is a highly rated venue, and the food and quality ingredients justifies so! We would return to Albania just for the food!
From hostels and guesthouses, to AirBnBs and luxury star hotels, there is something to fit into any type of budget! Nowadays its not so secret but its still such a beautiful place to visit in southern Albania. We also enjoyed dinner at the open-to-sky restaurant on the top-most floor of Hotel Panorama (where we stayed). The Best Time to Visit Barcelona: Should You Go in Summer or Winter? It cost us just 9 per person, inclusive of a humble breakfast (How cool is that!). We set off towards the north of the riviera to get to, The BEST part was we spontaneously decided to, just 9 per person, inclusive of a humble breakfast, Day 6 - Drive to Shkoder along the Llogara Pass, We woke up to some of the best views you can imagine in our camping tents at Gjipe beach. With incredible castle views, cute restaurant-lined streets and some interesting history, youll find plenty of things to fill a day or two in Shkoder. But our FAVOURITE part was the, If we have to recommend just one restaurant in Berat, then it has to be. But we decided to give it a miss and just relax that evening to take it easy before our big hike in the coming days. Just off the Skanderbeg square you can get a look into what communism was like and step back in time. Luxury: Two of the most highly recommended accommodation options are Santa Quaranta or White residence rooms. Leave the car in Shkoder COST - A spacious double-bed suite room on the top floor with the best balcony view cost us only 45 for the night, inclusive of a breakfast buffet. After the alcohol wore off we finally drove to Berat! We were there throughout September and it was still up to 30C on the coast. COST - A double-bed room with a shared bathroom cost us around 30 per night, inclusive of breakfast. After spending the first few days of our trip in the cultural parts of the country, it was then time for the much-awaited drive along the great Albanian Riviera! After a relaxing afternoon, I highly recommend you take in the beauty of the centre of the city and go for an Xhiro. In my opinion, vacations in Albania arent complete without a day trip to Butrint and Ali Pashas castle. Super worth it on a weekend especially during peak tourist season! *Please note that this article was written in August 2021. Today on your Albania itinerary, you will travel to the coastal town of Himara. The castle is in ruins but in the 14th century when the Ottoman empire took over Albania, they built a mosque in the middle of the castle which still stands today. The first call of action is to visit Bunk Art. . We hope this itinerary has been informative and useful. Tirana is a must on your Albania itinerary. This often missed little city in the north is worth a stop off. Tirana International Airport has its own testing facility, where you can get your results within 90 minutes! I highly suggest you stay for longer of course, or maybe, The Albania Riviera runs from the south (, I recommend starting your Albania itinerary bustling capital of Tirana, If you want to organise your own things to do in Tirana, then read my, If youre still looking for somewhere to stay, here are the. Magical sunset at Plazhi Pasqyrave, also known as the Mirror Beach. We recommend staying at Hotel Margjeka in Valbona. They do great seafood! Closer views of the ruins around the Roman amphitheater from the 3rd century BC, Closer views of the Great Basilica from the 6th century AD. But if you delve a little deeper into the best places to see in Albania youll find a country with so much more to offer than just the quirky remanence of its communist past. Enjoy lunch at Hotel Riviera and soak up the rays. Also, this was our first pebble-stone beach . Drive further north along the riviera, hike to Gjipe beach and camp overnight, After lunch at Gjipe beach, drive further north to Shkoder (around 6 hours drive) and stay overnight, Ferry ride along Lake Koman to Fierze We highly recommend staying around Skanderbeg Square, the public plaza in the city centre. I recommend having a bite to eat at the restaurant Givat and then relaxing at one of the beaches. Please note that passports must be valid for a minimum of 3 months from the arrival date. official currency of Albania, although the Euro is widely accepted. We checked out of our hotel in Valbone right after breakfast to start the hike at 8 am. After a little relaxing at the beach, you can go to Borsh Castle. Backpacker: My two recommendations are the Hairy Lemonand Hasta La Vista. quite a few of their traditional dishes are completely vegan. There is also a small restaurant next to the river. Although we would still recommend choosing another guesthouse that serves lunch and dinner, because there are only a few handful of restaurants in Theth and these might not even be in the vicinity of your accommodation. Unfortunately, there is no option to stay up here so after visiting make your way back to the beach front and settle for the night. We visited Albania in the beginning of July. For more information about road conditions and petrol prices read our info about driving in the Balkans. However, do note that some of the hiking trails in the north (most importantly, the Valbone to Theth trail) are closed to tourists in the winter months up until late-May because of snowfall! Super worth it during peak season considering the quality of our stay and its prime location! Next morning, visit the Gjirokaster fortress and museum, Day 4 - Syri-i-Kalter, Drive along the Albanian Riviera Kruja is one of the best places to see in Albania. The beach is phenomenal and the water is SO blue and clear. After exploring the UNESCO site for a couple of hours its time to relax in whats called the gem of the Albanian Riviera Ksamil. Jale is a small developing beach stopover, but still worth including in your Albania itinerary.
Finding a parking spot in the city is a lot more difficult than it is in Tirana, so you might want to be prepared for that as well :). You could also explore the surrounding hipster neighborhood of Blloku, which used to be the centre of the communist rule, but is today very popular among the locals for its trendy restaurants and cafe scenes. If you've got more time on your hands, there are sights that you can explore around Shkoder, such as the Rozafa Castle overlooking Lake Shkoder. In the summer its buzzing with people and in the other seasons, its completely empty. Weve made a list of all our favourite wild camping spots in Albania. As a city, Shkoder felt a little chaotic in terms of crowded streets, road traffic, and undisciplined driving. Syri-i-Kalter transported us to a tropical forest, with its clear blue waters shimmering under the sunlight seeping through a dense green canopy! Read: Best Wildcamping Spots on the Albanian Coast. We stayed at Urban Rooms, perfectly located close to the main city sights yet nestled away from the noise and bustle. Literally two-hours of magnificent views of silver mountains soaring out of a gorgeous blue green lake. We traveled during peak season, and we were mostly staying in either hotels or guesthouses, spending an average of 28-35 per night for a spacious double-bed room, inclusive of breakfast. So we decided to explore more of Tirana at the end of our trip (Day 10). Did you know that the south of Albania does incredible Italian food? I highly suggest a visit to the Blloku area. It gives you so much more freedom and flexibility in your itinerary. Finding an accommodation in the country is very easy, and they are quite affordable as well. It is perfectly located close to the main city sights yet nestled away from the noise and bustle. The museum is so beautifully done, and was an eye-opener to the challenging history of Albania! The next day we drove off to Gjirokaster, which is hands-down, Gjirokaster, like Berat, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and although both are, The streets of Gjirokaster are some of the most beautiful we have ever seen. Read my full list of the best Saranda hotels. You can see remains of an ancient theatre, a small prostylos temple, Hellenistic houses, Byzantine church and other important relics and monuments. But in all honesty, the final views made it worth all the effort! Ten days is a great amount of time to see the region. Some warm soup and linguini makes the most comforting meal in the cool breeze atop the mountains. The waves of the Ionian Sea are some of the craziest we've seen! Luxury: A great luxury option is The Plaza or Xheko Imperial Luxury Boutique Hotel. However, we arrived during peak season when all the affordable cars were sold out, and we had no choice but to look for options inside the city centre. The next day we drove off to Gjirokaster, which is hands-down, our MOST FAVOURITE part of Albania! The advantage of renting your car from the airport is that you can drop it off there at the end of your trip. The host at your guesthouse in Valbone can help arrange for a drop-off to the starting point of the hike. There are several other testing centers in clinics across the country, but from our research, the Tirana airport provided the cheapest and quickest option of all. The images of a dense green island plopped in the middle of a sea-green lake looked SO stunning and we were determined to find this place in real. While youre in Dhermi be sure to check our Drymades, a beach thats not far from Dhermi. He is a wonderful person to chat with and will also help give useful recommendations on things to see and places to dine at. The host at our guesthouse in Theth arranged for a jeep and driver to drop us to Shkoder early after breakfast. Overlooking the valley, these are some of the best views you can get while devouring a meal. Both programs are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Booking.com, Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The beach also has a little restaurant shack from where you can grab a bite and a couple of drinks, and there is also a portable toilet facility. There are plenty of group hostels too, but we chose not to stay in shared-spaces as precaution during the pandemic. It did take us on crazy detours, so we highly recommend using Maps.Me side-by-side to cross-check your route. We recommend staying AT LEAST one night in Berat. Backpacker: There are currently no hostels in Qeparo but if you look at Booking.com you can get a room for as little as 20. Luxury: Try Folie Marine Beach Hotel and Club to lapse in Luxury! Crystal clear waters and beautiful views await you on the shores of the Albanian coast.
The Accursed Mountains of Albania are enchanting, to say the least! A day trip from Shkoder will take you to the gorgeous little mountain town of Theth. Do try out the. Drive further north along the riviera, hike to Gjipe beach and camp overnight, Day 6 - Drive to Shkoder through the Llogara Pass Make sure you check times in advance but also leave some flexibility. Have a look at accommodation options in Berat. With only one week in Albania you wont be able to fully explore all the beaches but Durres is a good start. Carrying on with the theme of communism a stop to the House of Leaves is a must. Creating an Albania travel itinerary seems easy at first as there are only a few well-known places. Read my full review on the World Nomads backpacker insurance. We had heard that they do not run on any fixed time-table, so we are not too sure if they are reliable. If you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a small commission (for which I am very grateful). After the alcohol wore off we finally drove to Berat! After a little relaxing at the beach, you can go to Borsh Castle. Getting to the beach is a bit of a challenge, with the single-lane endless roads that lead to the parking bay, and a short 30-minute hike to get to the beach. Mid-range: Try Scala Bungalows, a boutique setting but at a very affordable! We had booked this place at the very last minute when most accommodations in Theth were already sold out. Also there aren't any taxis here, so you will have to rely on walking yourself.
Grab access to my Travelling Albania Guide to get a comprehensive insight into more places to visit in Albania (including secret spots that are not recommended in the usual guides!). Kudos to capturing these great views. This UNESCO protected archaeological site is situated on an island and is a delight for history lovers like us! Beautiful town and a must-see during your Albania travel itinerary, two weeks in Albania. Here are some more ideas of places to visit in Albania. Backpacker: The best hostel, in my opinion, is Tripn Hostel! @AnitaHendrieka Site Powered by Pix & Hue. Public transport - There is no rail system in Albania, and it's mostly buses or 'furgons' (shared mini-vans). Depending on you travel style Albania can be very cheap. We had a lovely lunch at Bar Restorant Eli, situated at the end of the Bazaar, right before you enter the Castle. Cobbled streets and houses with chestnut-colored roofs cascading gently along a hillside - These views are timeless! We woke up to some of the best views you can imagine in our camping tents at Gjipe beach. Next morning, visit the Gjirokaster fortress and museum, Drive along the riviera, stop by the Blue Eye of Sarande, Read my full post on how to visit the Blue Eye so you have the best info when adding it to your south Albanian itinerary. The food was great, and the prices were extremely reasonable.