Albania is one of Europe's most surprising emerging destinations, combining historic cities, mountain landscapes and a coastline of clear waters along the Ionian Sea. Still off the beaten tourist path, the country has gained attention in recent years, especially for the Albanian Riviera and the beaches of Ksamil.
In 7 days in Albania, it is possible to cover the country's main highlights, from the capital Tirana to the southern coast, passing through historic cities and coastal stretches with some of the region's most striking scenery.
7-day Albania itinerary: day-by-day overview
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1 day in Tirana — capital and gateway to Albania
- 1 day in Berat — UNESCO World Heritage historic city
- 3 days on the Albanian Riviera — coastline and beaches
- 2 days in Ksamil and Saranda — the country's best beaches
Tirana — the capital of Albania
Tirana is the main entry point to the country. The city combines modern areas with remnants of the recent communist period, reflected in museums and historic buildings.
Skanderbeg Square — the city centre and main landmark, with the statue of the Albanian national hero and the National Museum in the background.
Bunk'Art — museum installed in a former communist regime bunker. One of Tirana's most memorable experiences for understanding the country's recent history.
Pyramid of Tirana — iconic structure that underwent recent revitalisation and has become a meeting point and symbol of the city's transformation.
Berat — the city of a thousand windows
Berat is one of the country's most important historic destinations, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is known for the Ottoman houses lined along the hillside, forming the scenery that gave rise to the nickname "city of a thousand windows".
Berat Castle — historic complex at the top of the hillside, with medieval churches and sweeping views over the city and the Osum River.
Mangalem Quarter — the most photogenic area of Berat, with well-preserved traditional Ottoman buildings and narrow lanes to explore on foot.
Osum River — divides the city in two, creating one of the country's most photogenic landscapes, especially when viewed from the Castle.
The journey between Tirana and Berat takes around 2 hours by road.
Albanian Riviera — coastline and natural landscapes
The Albanian Riviera concentrates some of the country's most striking coastal scenery, with clear water, small coves and mountains that run close to the shoreline.
Access from Berat takes between 3 and 4 hours, passing through Llogara Pass — a mountain road with a direct view of the sea, considered one of Albania's most scenic drives and one of the best experiences of the whole itinerary.
Dhërmi — beach with clear waters and a good selection of beachside bars and restaurants.
Himarë — a practical base for exploring different parts of the coast, with a good range of accommodation and restaurants.
Gjipe Beach — a more secluded beach between rocks, accessible by a short trail. One of the Riviera's most untouched landscapes.
Three days allow you to explore different parts of the coastline with short distances and no rush.
Ksamil and Saranda — Albania's best beaches
Ksamil is the best-known spot on the Albanian coast, with small islands close to the shore and calm, shallow water in clear shades of blue and green that rival Mediterranean destinations at a fraction of the price.
Saranda makes a good base, offering more accommodation options, restaurants and easy access to all points in the region.
Ksamil Beaches — the main spots on the southern coast, with shallow clear waters and small islands reachable by boat or by swimming.
Saranda — a coastal city with a good range of restaurants, cafés and services. Pleasant for a walk along the waterfront at the end of the day.
Butrint — UNESCO-listed archaeological site a few kilometres from Saranda, with Greek, Roman and Byzantine remains preserved amid nature.
Getting from the Riviera to Saranda is straightforward, with short distances and a well-signposted road between the main stops.
Albania travel planning: essential tips
Before starting your Albania itinerary, it is worth understanding some practical aspects of the trip. The country offers an authentic experience with one of the best value-for-money ratios in Europe, but has its own particularities in terms of transport, payments and infrastructure that make a real difference to your planning.
Essential apps
- Google Maps — works well in Albania
- Bolt — ride-hailing app in Tirana
- Maps.me — useful in areas without signal
- Google Translate — Albanian has few physical translations
How to pay
- Local currency: Albanian Lek (ALL)
- Euros accepted in many tourist establishments
- Cards accepted in larger cities
- Carry cash for beaches and coastal areas
Transport between cities
- Furgons (minivans) — main inter-city transport
- Rental car — ideal for the Albanian Riviera
- Taxi — available in larger cities
- Bus — budget option between main destinations
Best time to visit
- May–June: ideal, pleasant weather and fewer tourists
- July–August: crowded beaches, intense heat
- September: excellent for beaches and historic cities
- Spring: best for Tirana and Berat