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Overview of Beautiful Albania
Albania is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe that everyone needs to visit AT LEAST once, so we’ve put together the best 2 week Albania itinerary! This itinerary will include everywhere you need to go to fully experience Albania’s magic. From its stunning scenery, rich culture, to its extremely delicious food. If you’re looking for an unforgettable travel experience, Albania is the perfect destination. We’ll take you from the bustling capital city of Tirana to the stunning Albanian Alps to its crystal clear blue water beaches. You’ll discover ancient ruins, charming villages, and beautiful beaches. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect on your 2 week Albanian itinerary:
This itinerary ensures you will experience everything Albania has to offer, although you can spend much longer indulging in Albania’s many amazing experiences. Check out the graphic below to get a sneak peek or your Albanian travels! Now, let’s get into the best 2 week Albania itinerary!
Disclaimer + Our Recommendations
Buses in Albania can be somewhat unreliable, so if you rent a car after Tirana and you’ll have much more flexibility. We know this 2-Week Albania Itinerary is jam-packed! If you have time to explore further, go at your own pace, and do some of the day trips yourself. Albanian people are extremely nice, so when in doubt, they’ll help you out! P.S.: We recommend getting a 4×4 if you want to do Osumi canyon on your own!
Helpful Tip: Albania is almost entirely cash only, with the exception being Tirana. They mostly use Albanian Lek, but some places accept Euros.
Multi-Day Albania Tours
- Private 4-Day Tour of Albania From North to South including Shkodër, Berat, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, and Tirana!
- 3-Day Tour of the Albanian Riviera: Dhermi, Vlora, Himarë, Sarandë, and Ksamil
- 4-Day UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour including Berat, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Vlora, Durres and Tirana
- 3-Day Tour of Valbona and Theth from Tirana
Best Time To Visit Albania
Summers in Albania, like the rest of Europe, are the busy season in regards to tourists. However, they are also the time when the beaches are the most refreshing. If you don’t have any interest in the beaches, and want to avoid the heat, April through June and September through October are best for you. You’ll also avoid the crowds this way!
Days 1: Shkodër
Fly into Tirana/Podgorica and take your choice of ground transport (detailed below) to Shkodër. Shkodër is the perfect place to start off your Albanian vacation. You can enjoy some traditional Albanian food with a great atmosphere on Rruga Kolë Idromeno, the main street. If you have time, head over to Rozafa castle to get a glimpse into Albania’s unique history! The main reason to come to Shkodër is to use it as a starting point for the Valbona Valley hike. You can either store your bigger pieces of luggage with your hosts or use luggage storage during the hike. You definitely should not bring all of your luggage for the next few days, and you’ll stop back in Shkodër after Theth, so pack light!
Where To Stay In Shkodër
Shkodër Accommodations
How To Get To Shkodër
You can fly into Tirana or Podgorica for the nearest and largest airports. Book your flights with Skyscanner for the cheapest flights! From there, you have a few options:
- Buses from Tirana leave the South and North Bus Station every 30 minutes from 6:30 AM to 5 PM, takes around 2 hours, and costs around $5 USD.
- Buses from Podgorica leave the Main Bus Station around 10 PM, 1 PM, and 4 PM, depending on the day. The drive is only an hour and you can book your tickets for around $15 USD here.
- You can rent a car from your previous destination and do the drive yourself, but you’ll need to drop it off in Shkodër if you’re following along this itinerary!
- You can take a taxi for around $70-$80 USD from Tirana, or take this shuttle service which is a bit cheaper
- You can take a taxi for around $150 USD from Podgorica, or take this private transfer which is much cheaper
Days 2: Valbonë
On your second day, you’ll take the Bus-Boat-Bus transportation from Shkodër to Valbonë which will definitely be an early morning! However, you should get into Valbonë around 2 pm so you’ll have enough time to explore the small but absolutely gorgeous town of Valbonë. This looks like a Swiss town out of a painting, and is a great preview of the amazing hike to come. Most places here are guesthouses and restaurants, and we recommend booking a guest house that provides breakfast. Get some rest for the big hike tomorrow!
Where To Stay In Valbonë
Valbonë Accommodations
How To Get To Valbonë
The Bus-Boat-Bus transportation from Shkodër to Valbonë is your only transportation option. You’ll take the bus from Shkodër to Koman at 6:30 AM leaving from the Rozafa Hotel. Then you’ll take a ferry ride from Koman to Fierze at 9 AM, and then a bus from Fierze to Valbonë from 12PM to ~1PM. We booked this with Gjirafa for $25 USD. You can also book your bus ride back from Theth to Shkodër on this website. The valley was purposely flooded to expand Komani Lake, which means you have to take a boat part of the way. Komani Lake is more of a river, and it is absolutely beautiful!
Albanian Transportation is a bit of a mess, so make sure you ask around if you don’t know where to go, especially during the bus-boat-bus transportation! We recommend booking tickets on Gjirafa for more security!
Day 3: Valbonë to Theth
This will be your most interesting and memorable transportation day! How many times have you been on vacation and stayed overnight in one town, then hiked through a beautiful valley to the next town? We hadn’t done that before, but this turned out to be one of our best decisions yet! The hike takes around 6-8 hours and once you hit the half-way mark (geographically), it’s all downhill cruising from there! There are cute little cafes along the way for you to relax and refuel! You’ll arrive at your guesthouse and have the best meal of your life, but get make sure to get some rest for tomorrow’s hike!
Read the Complete Guide for your Valbonë to Theth hike
Where To Stay In Theth
Theth Accommodations
Day 4: Theth
On Day 4, explore the village of Theth and its surrounding nature. The church of Theth is definitely the highlight of the village, and the backdrop of the alps makes you think you’re in Switzerland! While on your way to the Grunas Waterfall, you’ll weave through farmland and pastures until you get to the trail, which is a beautiful experience in itself.
We recommend doing the Grunas Waterfall Hike in the morning which should take about 2 hours. Once you’re back in Theth, ask your host to organize a trip to the Blue Eye. You can walk to the Blue Eye from the Grunas Waterfall or Theth, but a good portion of it is on the open and hot concrete road. Plus, you’ll have another 1.5 hour round trip hike to the Blue Eye from the parking lot!
Read the Guide to the Blue Eye and Grunas Waterfall Hike
Day 5: Theth to Tirana
On Day 5, get up early to go for a morning walk, enjoying the peaceful Theth ambiance before you head to the bustling city of Tirana. At 11 AM you’ll take the bus from Theth to Shkodër, pick up your bigger luggage and then take the bus from Shkodër to Tirana. This journey should bring you to Tirana around 5-6 PM, so if you’re up for it, walk the Shëtitorja Murat Toptani Street and grab some dinner!
Where To Stay In Tirana
Tirana Accommodations
How To Get From Theth To Tirana
There is no direct bus from Theth to Tirana, so unless you pay an arm and a leg for a private transfer, you’ll be taking the bus from Theth to Shkodër at 11 AM with Berisha, which takes 2 hours and leaves from here. From Shkodër, you have a few options:
- Rent a car and drive to Tirana (the rest of this trip will be easier with a car)
- Take a taxi from Shkodër to Tirana, which will cost around $75 USD
- Take the bus from Shkodër Bus Station to the South and North Bus Station for around $4. These leave every 45 minutes to an hour from 6 AM to 5 PM. Across the street from the South and North Bus Station, the city bus will take you into downtown Tirana for $0.50.
Which option you take depends on what kind of traveler you are, but they will all get you to Tirana in an hour and a half!
Day 6: Tirana
Tirana is the most underrated capital city in Europe, and has LOADS of history. Make sure to visit the Spy Museum (“House of Leaves”), the Bunk Art 2 museum, and explore the Grand Park of Tirana via Cable Car. The free walking tour, which is extremely interesting leaves every day from the steps of the Opera House at 10 AM and 2 PM. Tirana also has some great dining options, as people from all over Albania come here to provide a unique blend of various regional cuisines. Have dinner, grab a drink, and go shopping at the Tirana Castle!
Day 7: Tirana to Himarë
On day 7, head over to Himarë, a beautiful coastal beach town using one of the transportation methods below. Himarë is much more relaxing that Ksamil, but if you want more of the resort and party vibe, go to Ksamil instead! Ksamil is close to Butrint National Park which is really cool if you’re into history. If you take the earlier buses, you’ll have time to relax at one of the beaches and visit the Himarë castle. You can take a taxi (should cost less than $5) or you can walk 45 minutes from downtown. The castle is overrun with beautiful flowers and shrubs, which is a pretty sight:
Grab a drink and food at Café Butterfly for beautiful views of the town below, the surrounding mountains, and the Adriatic Sea!
How To Get To Himarë
Himarë is just under a 4-hour drive from Tirana. You have a few transportation options:
- Rent a car and do the drive yourself. Make sure to check if it’s stick shift or manual!
- Take a taxi or private shuttle for around $170 for 4 people.
- Take the bus from South and North Bus Station to Himare for around $7 if you buy them at the bus station, or $15 if you buy them in advance here. The buses leave at 7:30 AM, 10:30, and 1
Read our post about beautiful Himarë here!
Day 8: Himarë
Himarë has some great beach activities and some amazing day trips! Take a boat trip to the various caves and beaches in the area and make sure you book a tour that goes to Dhermi or Gjipe, Albania’s most beautiful beaches. Kico Meniko Bar is a great place to relax with a drink and swim in the surrounding crystal clear waters. Himarë has some great restaurants, so be sure to explore the boardwalk at night to enjoy dinner at one of the street food vendors or a sit-down restaurant.
Where To Stay In Himarë
Himarë Accommodations
Day 9: Himarë to Gjirokastër
If you’re up for an early morning, wake up with a morning paddleboard/kayak ride to Filikuri Beach, which should take around 1.5 hours. Then, before you depart Himarë, get a juice or coffee from Juicebox Potam and enjoy the peaceful views of the Adriatic sea.
Afternoon in Gjirokastër
You should arrive in Gjirokastër within 3 hours of leaving Himarë, no matter what transportation method you choose. Visit the well-preserved Zekate House to learn about the rich history of the feuding elite families in Gjirokastër, and how difficult it was to preserve history throughout communism. Before sunset, head up to Restorant Tradicional Urat for more amazing views of Gjirokastër and indulge in a traditional Albanian dinner.
How To Get To Gjirokastër
There are a few ways to get to Gjirokastër frome Himarë, which is a 2 hour drive from Himarë, and if you have already rented a car, you’ll have the most freedom and convenience during this ride as well as the ones in the future. Your other options are taking a taxi for around $80 USD, or taking the bus. You’ll first need to take the bus to Sarandë for $7, which leaves at 9:20 AM, which you can waive down anywhere on the main road (SH8). From Sarandë to Gjirokastër, you can take a bus that leaves from around Friendship Park for $5 USD. These buses run every hour or so from 5:30 AM to 2:15 AM (and potentially later).
If you want more details, read our post on the best things to do in Gjirokastër!
Day 10: Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër, the city of stone, certainly lives up to its name. The cobblestone streets, the absolutely massive castle, and the roofs on every house are all made of stone! This is a bit of a hilly destination but its charm makes it worth it. From the vibrant main street in the old town, to the massive underground bunker, the streets of Gjirokastër make you think you’ve entered a time machine and gone back 200 years.
Get lost in the walls of Gjirokastër castle, (make sure to arrive at 9 AM before the lines), take a quick tour of the cold war tunnel, stroll through the Old Bazaar (during the day and at night), and hike to Ali Pasha Bridge. While the Ali Pasha hike itself is quick and easy, the walk up the cobblestone road is fairly steep and strenuous. If you liked the Zekate house, you can also check out the Skenduli Houses or Topulli Houses! We highly recommend going to Restaurant S&P for one of your meals, where the super friendly owners make some AMAZING traditional Albanian food.
Where To Stay In Gjirokastër
Gjirokaster Accommodations
Day 11: Gjirokastër to Përmet
We highly recommend getting an early start to your travels so that you can make the most of your time in Përmet. If you arrive in Përmet before noon, put your bathing suit on and head to the Benjë Hot Springs. These aren’t actually hot so they are a perfect way to relax on a nice summer day. End your day with a delicious dinner (get the mixed plate) at “Te Culi” Slow Food and a drink at one of the bars in the town square.
How To Get to Përmet
Përmet is only an hour drive from Gjirokastër, so this should be an easy travel day. If you rent a car, you’ll be able to drive yourself through the peaceful Albanian countryside. You can also take a taxi for around $50 USD. The cheapest way to get to Përmet from Gjirokastër is by bus, which leaves from here at 6 AM, 7 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, and 1:30 PM and costs around $5 USD.
Check out the best things to do in Përmet!
Days 12: Përmet
Përmet is a lesser-known destination that is perfect for those looking for a calm and relaxing escape in the mountains. There’s some great hiking and other outdoor adventures, like rafting and horseback riding here. While it is calm, as soon as the sun sets, the town square turns into a vibrant cluster of people of all ages genuinely enjoying life. Book a morning horseback ride with Funky Guesthouse & Adventures to start your day off right.
Your afternoon can be spent relaxing, or just exploring Përmet and the surrounding nature. We recommend walking up to the City Stone and exploring the small Old Town. Përmet is a quiet town and often left off of many people’s Albania itineraries. That means less crowds, a slow pace, and truly experiencing the beautiful surroundings!
Where To Stay in Përmet
Përmet Accommodations
Day 13: Përmet to Berat
Enjoy a relaxing morning or if you’re up for it, hike to St. Mary’s Church, a hidden (literally) gem tucked away in the tree-covered mountains. But don’t stay out too long, you’re headed to Berat!
Head over to Berat, and walk the impressive and busy promenade and notice how lively it becomes as the sun sets! Head over to Piccolo Grande Amour for delicious Italian food and wine, and beautiful views of the city!
How to Get From Përmet to Berat
Take the 12:45 pm bus leaving from here that takes 3 hours and costs around $15 USD. Taxis will cost upwards of $100 USD, so this may not be the best option! This is another case of renting a car giving you the most flexibility.
For more information on Berat, check out our Berat travel guide!
Day 14: Berat
Time to explore Berat! Berat has some incredibly unique architecture, and is close to some amazing nature. Nicknamed the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’, it has a huge castle, impressive promenade, and charming old town. If you don’t feel the need to spend the majority of the day doing a day trip to Osumi Canyon and Bogove Waterfall. If not, take a cooking class and check out the beautiful churches of Berat!
Where To Stay In Berat?
Berat Accommodations
Summary of the Best 2 Week Albania Itinerary
We hope you’ve enjoyed this 2 week Albania itinerary! These towns, cities, and natural beauties are truly unique and will definitely surprise you! One thing to note: while you can get to all of these places via bus, you can definitely hire private drivers if you prioritize comfort over budget. For comparison, for a $5 bus ticket, it will cost you around $40/day for a private car. (You will need to take a boat to get part of the way to Valbonë.) Albania is a destination that will have you counting down the days until you return, and there are many other gems in addition to the places we visited. Hopefully you leave this post inspired to visit Albania and let us know how it goes!
Keep Exploring Albania….
- Berat: The City of a Thousand Windows
- The Best Things to Do in Përmet
- Ksamil: Home of Crystal Clear Waters and Stunning Views
- Wonderful Things to Do in Himarë: Our Favorite Albanian Beach Town
- The Best Things to do in Gjirokaster
- Theth Blue Eye and Grunas Waterfall Hike: Your Complete Guide
- Complete Guide to the Valbonë to Theth Hike: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
- Himarë or Ksamil: Which Albanian Beach Destination is Best For You?
- Discover Kiço Meniko (Kiço Beach): The Ultimate Destination for Dining, Drinks, and a Dip
Our Favorite Travel Resources
Accommodations: We use Booking.com for hotels and HostelWorld for hostels. We also use VRBO or TrustedHousesitters for longer stays.
Flights: We recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest and best flights.
Ground Transport: We use 12Go and Omio for buses and private transfers, and rentalcars.com and Discover Cars for rental cars.
Activities: GetYourGuide and Viator are the best websites for booking organized tours.
International Medical Insurance: We highly recommend SafetyWing for Digital Nomads and HeyMondo for those not traveling full-time, or who frequently engage in higher-risk adventure activities.
eSIM: We recommend Airalo or Holafly for getting data internationally.
Check out our Travel Resources Page for more of our favorite travel-related products and services!
