Discover Albania: Full Itinerary + Bonus Day Trip to North Macedonia
Recommended Travel Dates: Mid-April to late September (ideal for both sightseeing and beach relaxation)
Ideal Trip Duration: One week
Who It’s For: Solo travelers, friends, couples, and families
Overview
Albania has become one of the most intriguing travel destinations in Europe in recent years — and for good reason. Once closed off and isolated, the country is now undergoing an exciting wave of development, especially in the tourism sector.
Albania is a Muslim-majority country, and it is very welcoming.
The charm of Albania lies in its contrasts: on one hand, cities full of character, history, and rich heritage; and on the other, stunning turquoise beaches perfect for relaxation, alongside mountainous regions with beautiful scenic viewpoints.
It remains relatively affordable and offers excellent value for money — making it a great option for nearly every type of traveler.
How to Get There & When to Go
Getting to Albania depends on where you’re traveling from — but it’s becoming increasingly accessible from around the world.
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There are direct flights to Albania from many European cities, including seasonal flights from Tel Aviv.
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You can also connect via major hubs like Rome, Athens, or Frankfurt, which offer frequent and convenient connections.
Another option is by ferry: you can reach the Albanian Riviera via ferry from Corfu, Greece, to the ports of Sarandë or Ksamil. The journey takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on your destination. (Check details via Direct Ferries)
The best time to visit Albania is from mid-April to late September. If your main goal is to enjoy beach time and warm weather, May through September is ideal.
If you’re only planning to visit Tirana and its surroundings, a short winter trip might still be possible — but personally, I wouldn’t recommend staying more than two days in the city. For a richer experience, head south to the coast during the warmer months.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, accessibility in Albania is still underdeveloped in terms of accessibility.
In Tirana, it’s somewhat manageable in certain areas, but in most coastal towns and rural regions, infrastructure is not yet equipped to fully accommodate travelers with mobility needs.
That said, it’s always recommended to check in advance with accommodations and attractions — especially for travelers who require full accessibility support.
eSIM & Getting Around
I offer a permanent 15% discount on Airalo eSIM packages — the discount is valid for both new purchases and recharging existing packages, and it’s reusable for future trips.
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Search on Google to check if your device supports eSIM (just look up your phone model + “eSIM support”)
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If it does, download the Airalo app (or simply access it directly using this discount link)
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Use the link above to start the purchase process — the discount will apply automatically at checkout
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The discount is multi-use — save the link for future trips or to top up your eSIM while abroad
Public transportation in Albania is quite limited based on our experience. While it’s possible to reach the main towns and cities, we really wanted the freedom and flexibility to stop at scenic spots along the way and explore more remote areas — so naturally, we decided to rent a car.
I recommend using Papam Papam – a car rental search engine that gathers offers from all rental agencies around the world, across all major websites.
The advantage is that it scans all available options in real time, allowing you to compare prices without the risk of booking through an unfamiliar site.
Once you find the offer that suits you, the platform redirects you directly to the original agency – so you’re booking with the actual provider, complete with their customer service and reputation.
In addition, it’s a good idea to park in designated lots when visiting smaller towns (they’re usually inexpensive), to avoid fines. Any fines are later charged to your credit card by the rental company automatically.
In the Balkans, it’s highly recommended to visit more than one country — and it’s easy to drive across borders. I personally combined Serbia with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia with Montenegro, and Albania with North Macedonia.
⚠️ Just make sure to inform the rental company in advance which countries you plan to visit by car — they’ll need to provide a special document for border crossings. This usually costs around €20–60, depending on how many countries you include.
Without it, you won’t be allowed to cross the border with a rental car.
Good to Know
Although Albania is a Muslim country, there is a separation between religion and state, and in most touristy areas, alcohol is served. Still, it’s important not to walk around with alcohol or be too obvious about drinking it in public – it’s generally frowned upon.
When you’re in Tirana or other major cities, it’s recommended to dress more modestly. In contrast, beach and coastal areas are far more relaxed and liberal in terms of dress and atmosphere.
The local currency in Albania is the Lek. We withdrew a small amount of cash at the airport and exchanged the rest in Tirana for a better rate.
In Tirana, especially in the bazaar area, some stalls accept only cash. The same goes for some beach bars and restaurants, so it’s a good idea to carry a bit of cash for drinks and meals along the coast.
In North Macedonia, the currency is the Macedonian Denar. The only places we needed cash there were for parking (which was cash-only) and for a few souvenirs at the local market, so we exchanged just a small amount.
Hotels
Tirana
We stayed at The Crown Boutique Hotel & Spa in Tirana. It’s in a great location right in the city center. The hotel is new, rated 4 stars, the room was relatively spacious, and the breakfast was excellent. In June, the price per night is around €125/ $135.
Another highly recommended option is Lot Boutique Hotel by Hotels and Preference – a 5-star hotel with excellent reviews, also centrally located in Tirana.
For more hotel options in Tirana, click here.
Vlorë
There are several cities along the Albanian Riviera where you can stay, with Vlorë, Sarandë, and Ksamil being the most recommended.
We chose Vlorë as our base for exploring the entire Riviera, as well as for continuing our trip to North Macedonia.
We stayed at two different hotels in Vlorë.
The first was Maritim Marina Bay Resort SPA & Casino – ADULT friendly, a 5-star resort that opened in 2024. It’s an adults-only hotel offering parking, three restaurants, a bar, swimming pool, spa, and a private beach.
At the time of our stay, it was the most expensive hotel we found on Booking in the coastal area, costing approximately €750 / $810 for 4 nights.
Overall, an excellent hotel with great service – everything is brand new. Highly recommended for couples, friends, or adults traveling together (guests must be 18+).
The second hotel we stayed at in Vlorë was Yacht Hotel, a 4-star hotel located right in the city center, on the main beach promenade, where local stalls and live performances take place on many evenings.
The hotel has two restaurants, free parking, and is located right next to a supermarket. The location is fantastic, rooms are lovely, and the view is of the sea.
The service was excellent. We stayed for two nights, which cost us around €375 / $405.
For more hotel options:
What to Do?
Tirana – The capital, a pleasant, clean, and safe city. I recommend spending a full day exploring Tirana.
Some must-see spots include:
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Skanderbeg Square, the central hub of the city
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Blloku District, known for its stylish cafés, restaurants, and lively bars in the evening
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Also worth visiting is the local bazaar – Pazari i Ri, a recently renovated urban market that has become a charming complex combining traditional stalls with trendy cafés and restaurants. It’s a great place to soak in the local vibe and find fresh vegetables, cheeses, olive oil, wines, and handmade crafts.
Tirana is also home to two fascinating historical sites: Bunk’Art 1 and Bunk’Art 2 – massive underground bunkers that have been transformed into museums dedicated to Albania’s communist era. They feature original displays from the time and offer insight into life under the regime. A must for anyone interested in history and political culture.
Berat – A mountainous and ancient town about 70 km from Tirana, on the way to the Riviera.
Berat is a historic gem in central Albania and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as “The City of a Thousand Windows” due to its unique and authentic architecture.
We visited the old town, where many of the buildings date back to the 7th century BC – and skipped the modern part, which is less interesting.
It’s a lovely place to stop for an hour or two on your way south.
On the Riviera
Vlorë – We mostly relaxed at the hotel’s private beach, soaking up the sun, and enjoyed evening strolls along the promenade.
There are plenty of cozy bars and restaurants all along the coast – perfect for dinner or drinks with a sea view.
Sarandë – From Vlorë, we took a day trip to the beaches near Sarandë. It’s about a two-hour drive, so we left early in the morning and spent the whole day there.
Recommended beaches in the Sarandë area:
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Pulebardha Beach
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Paradise Beach
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Ohana Beach Bar
Ksamil – The next day, we drove to Ksamil, which is very close to Sarandë – only about a 20-minute drive.
Many travelers choose to stay overnight in either Ksamil or Sarandë, and both are convenient options.
In my opinion, Ksamil feels more magical, with wilder, more natural beaches. It’s definitely worth dedicating a full day here.
You can park near Ksamil Beach, where most of the popular beaches are located.
Another recommended spot: Lori Beach.
The Blue Eye
One of the most beautiful destinations in Albania.
The Blue Eye is a stunning natural spring located about 20 minutes from Sarandë, nestled in a lush forest. The water is crystal clear with a limestone bottom, creating intense shades of blue and turquoise.
You can swim in the spring, but be warned – the water temperature is around 10°C (50°F) year-round!
Day Trip to North Macedonia
If you’re looking to add another destination to your trip, consider a day trip from the coast or from Vlorë to the city of Ohrid, located in North Macedonia.
The drive itself is beautiful, with mountain landscapes and lush green scenery all around.
Ohrid sits on the edge of a large lake and offers an enchanting old town, charming alleyways, taverns serving local food, and local wineries with excellent, affordable wines.
We left very early in the morning and spent the entire day exploring the Ohrid area – and it was absolutely worth it.
I highly recommend this trip, but make sure to head out early, as the round-trip drive takes about 4.5 hours.
Important: Don’t forget your passport, as you’ll be crossing the Albanian border. Also, make sure to get cross-border travel authorization for your rental car when picking it up from the rental company.
If you’re using this guide and traveling in Albania – I’d love to see your adventures!
Feel free to tag me on Instagram @ellatravelsworld
or on X (formerly Twitter) at @EllaTravelsLove.
For all my travel guides, click here.