The perfect 7-day Albania itinerary

Capital, two UNESCO towns and the turquoise Riviera in one week — a first-timer's route designed to avoid backtracking and long drives.

This is the classic first-timer's route through southern Albania: capital, two UNESCO towns, and the best of the Riviera coast. It's designed to minimise backtracking and long drives, ending on the beach.

The route at a glance
Tirana (2 nights) → Berat (1) → Gjirokastër (1) → Sarandë & Ksamil (3). Fly into Tirana, and either loop back or ferry out to Corfu from Sarandë.
Flights to TiranaCompare fares to Albania before you goSearch flights → Airport transferTirana (TIA) to the city or coastBook a transfer →

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Day 1–2: Tirana

Start in the colourful capital. See Skanderbeg Square, the Bunk'Art museums (Cold War history inside a nuclear bunker), and ride the Dajti cable car for city views. Evenings belong to the Blloku district's cafés and bars.

Day 3: Berat

Drive south to the "City of a Thousand Windows." Explore the inhabited castle quarter, wander Mangalem's tiered Ottoman houses, and cross the old bridge to Gorica at sunset.

Day 4: Gjirokastër

Continue to the "stone city," a UNESCO gem of slate-roofed mansions beneath a vast hilltop castle. Browse the old bazaar and, if you have time, detour to the Blue Eye spring on the way south.

Day 5–7: Sarandë, Ksamil & Butrint

Finish on the Riviera. Base in Sarandë or Ksamil, spend a morning at the Butrint ruins, and the rest of your time beach-hopping the turquoise coves of Ksamil. From Sarandë you can catch the ferry to Corfu if you're moving on.

Where to stayHotels along this routeCheck availability → Tours & day tripsButrint, Blue Eye and moreSee tours →

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Prefer the mountains?

Swap Days 3–4 for the Albanian Alps: head north from Tirana to Shkodër, then up to Theth for the famous Theth–Valbona hike. You won't fit both the Alps and the full Riviera in seven days, so pick your Albania — coast or mountains.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best 7-day Albania itinerary?
A popular route is Tirana (2 nights), Berat (1), Gjirokastër (1), then Sarandë and Ksamil (3). It combines the capital, two UNESCO towns and the Riviera with minimal backtracking.
Should I rent a car for a 7-day Albania trip?
A car gives the most freedom, especially for the Berat–Gjirokastër–coast leg. Buses and furgons connect the main towns but are slower and less flexible.
Can I do Albania in 7 days without a car?
Yes, using buses and furgons between Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër and Sarandë, though you'll have less flexibility and spend more time on transport.
Can I add Corfu to a 7-day Albania trip?
Easily. Sarandë has a ferry to Corfu in about an hour, so you can end your Albania week by crossing into Greece.
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