The ultimate 7-day Albania road trip
A week that connects Tirana, two historic cities and the Ionian coast.
Day 1 · Tirana
Spend the first day in central Tirana. Start at Skanderbeg Square and walk toward Blloku for dinner. If your flight arrives late, collect the car the following morning or arrange a transfer to your accommodation.
Day 2 · Berat
Leave the capital for Berat. Give the castle its own part of the day, then see Mangalem and Gorica from opposite sides of the Osum. An overnight stay leaves room to explore the town after the day-trip groups leave.
Day 3 · Gjirokastër
Continue to Gjirokastër and spend the afternoon in the Old Bazaar and castle. Check with your accommodation about parking before driving into the steep streets around the old town.
Days 4 and 5 · Sarandë and Ksamil
Head to Sarandë for a waterfront evening. On the next day, pick between a beach day around Ksamil and a visit to Butrint, or leave enough time for both. Keep an alternative for a windy or overcast day.
Day 6 · Himarë and the Riviera
Follow the coast north and base yourself near Himarë. Make one or two stops, such as Porto Palermo and a cove nearby. Decide where you want to swim before committing to several parking and walking stops.
Day 7 · Vlorë and return
Return through the Vlorë area toward Tirana. If you have a flight the same day, allow time for the drive, fueling and vehicle handover before the airport. For an early flight, plan to sleep closer to the airport the night before.