This seven-day route is a loop through southern Albania: from Tirana to the UNESCO-listed towns of Berat and Gjirokastër, down to the Ionian coast at Saranda, Ksamil and Butrint, north along the Riviera road to Vlora, and back to Tirana via the ruins of Apollonia. Prices are generally lower than in neighbouring Greece, but the coast gets very busy, and more expensive, in July and August. The budget section below gives estimates for different travel styles.
This route works best with a rental car, though it is possible by bus with minor adjustments. The total driving distance is roughly 650 km over the week, including the loop to Ksamil and Butrint; the longest day (Berat to Gjirokastër) is under three hours of driving without stops. Driving times below are approximate and exclude stops. For detailed visa information and entry requirements, check our visa and costs guide.
7-Day Albania Itinerary Overview
| Day | Destination | Highlights | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tirana | Skanderbeg Square, Bunk'Art, Blloku | — |
| 2 | Berat | Castle, Mangalem quarter, Onufri Museum | 2h (125 km) |
| 3 | Gjirokastër | Old Bazaar, Castle, Zekate House | 2.5-3h (145 km) |
| 4 | Saranda & Ksamil | Blue Eye Spring, Ksamil beaches, Butrint National Park | 1-1.5h (60 km) |
| 5 | Albanian Riviera | Himara, Porto Palermo, Dhermi, Gjipe Beach | 2h (70 km) |
| 6 | Llogara & Vlora | Llogara Pass, Vlora promenade, Independence Monument | 1h (45 km) |
| 7 | Apollonia & Tirana | Apollonia ruins, return to Tirana | 2.5h (155 km) |
Day 1: Tirana - Albania's Capital
Arrive at Tirana International Airport (TIA), about 18 km from the city centre (30-40 minutes by airport bus or 20-25 minutes by taxi, according to the airport). Spend the day exploring Albania's capital, a city that has changed dramatically since the end of communism. For a deeper dive into the city's districts, see our Tirana neighbourhood guide.
- Skanderbeg Square - The sprawling central plaza surrounded by key government buildings, the National History Museum, and the Et'hem Bey Mosque (free entry)
- Bunk'Art 1 or Bunk'Art 2 - Cold War bunkers converted into museums exploring Albania's communist past (separate tickets for each)
- Blloku District - Once reserved exclusively for Communist Party elites, now a busy neighbourhood filled with cafes, bars and restaurants
- Grand Park and Artificial Lake - A relaxing green escape on the city's southern edge, good for a late-afternoon walk
- Evening: Pazari i Ri (New Bazaar) - The renovated market area with restaurants and street food. Try tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt), one of Albania's best-known dishes
Day 2: Berat - The City of a Thousand Windows
Drive south to Berat (about 2 hours, 125 km). This UNESCO World Heritage town is famous for its Ottoman-era architecture, where rows of white houses climb the hillside with their characteristic large windows.
- Berat Castle (Kalaja) - A hilltop citadel still inhabited by families, containing churches, mosques, and the Onufri Museum, which displays icons by the 16th-century painter Onufri
- Mangalem Quarter - The iconic "City of a Thousand Windows" hillside neighbourhood on the north bank of the Osum River, below the castle
- Gorica Quarter - The quarter on the south bank, linked to Mangalem by the Gorica Bridge, first built in wood around 1780 and rebuilt in stone in the 1920s
- King Mosque (Xhamia e Mbretit) - Berat's oldest mosque, built during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II (1481-1512)
- Evening walk along the Osum River - Pleasant in the evening, with the castle lit up above
Day 3: Gjirokastër - The City of Stone
Continue south to Gjirokastër (2.5-3 hours, about 145 km). Another UNESCO World Heritage town, Gjirokastër is built on steep hillsides with distinctive stone-roofed houses that give it the "City of Stone" nickname. The large castle above the town has wide views over the Drino Valley.
- Gjirokastër Castle - One of the largest castles in Albania, housing a military museum with captured artillery and a United States Air Force plane displayed by the communist regime
- Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjeter) - Cobblestone streets lined with traditional craft shops, antique stores, and cafes
- Zekate House - A grand Ottoman-style tower house built in 1811-1812 and open to visitors, showing how wealthy Gjirokastër families lived
- Skenduli House - Another fine example of Gjirokastër's tower-house architecture, with traditional furnishings
- Cold War Tunnel - An underground tunnel system built in the communist era, now open to visitors
Day 4: Saranda, Ksamil & Butrint
Drive south-west to the coast at Saranda (about 1 hour, roughly 60 km), stopping at the Blue Eye spring on the way - the turn-off is on the Gjirokastër-Saranda road and the detour adds only a few kilometres. The road descends from the mountains offering your first glimpse of the Ionian Sea. Spend the rest of the day between the beaches of Ksamil and the ancient ruins of Butrint; our Ksamil travel guide covers the islands, getting there and when to go.
- Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) - A karst spring near the village of Muzinë where deep-blue water wells up from a hole in a wooded setting at the source of the Bistrica river; divers have descended about 50 metres, but the full depth is not known
- Ksamil Beaches - Turquoise water and four small islets just offshore, which lie within Butrint National Park and are reached by boat or kayak
- Butrint National Park (UNESCO) - A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, about 20 km south of Saranda by road and a few kilometres beyond Ksamil, with remains from Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian times (adult entry ALL 1,000, about €11, as of 2026; under-12s free). Allow 2-3 hours minimum
- Saranda Promenade - A pleasant evening walk along the waterfront with dozens of restaurants, bars, and gelato shops
- Mirror Beach (Pasqyra) - A less crowded alternative between Saranda and Ksamil
- Lekuresi Castle - Short drive above Saranda for sunset views over the bay and toward Corfu
Day 5: Albanian Riviera Road Trip
Today follows the SH8 coastal road north, which climbs over headlands and drops down to coves with clear water. The distance from Saranda to Dhermi is only about 70 km, but allow a full day with stops.
- Porto Palermo Castle - A triangular fortress on a small peninsula, built for Ali Pasha of Tepelena in the early 19th century (an inscription dates it to 1804)
- Himara - A coastal town with two sides: the hilltop old town, home to part of the area's Greek-speaking community, and the modern beach town below. Good for a coffee break and a swim
- Livadhi Beach - A long pebble beach just north of Himara town
- Gjipe Beach - A cove at the mouth of a canyon, reached by a steep walk down a track (or by boat from Himara or Dhermi). Dramatic cliffs and clear water
- Dhermi & Drymades - Upscale beach villages popular with Albanians and increasingly with international travellers. Beach clubs and boutique hotels line the shore
Day 6: Llogara Pass & Vlora
Continue north over the Llogara Pass (1,027 m) before descending to Vlora (about 45 km from Dhermi), one of Albania's largest cities.
- Llogara Pass - A dramatic mountain road through Llogara National Park, with pine forests and wide views over the Riviera. Stop at one of the roadside restaurants near the top for the panorama
- Vlora Promenade (Lungomare) - A seaside walkway for an evening stroll, lined with cafes and restaurants
- Independence Monument & Flag Square - Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in Vlora on 28 November 1912
- Radhima or Zvërnec - Radhima is a beach resort south of Vlora. Zvërnec, north of the city on the spit beside the Narta Lagoon, is less developed, but access is disputed: in late May 2026 barbed wire was put up blocking access to the beach for a planned luxury resort in the protected Vjosa-Narta area, which led to protests. Check locally before you go, and see our explainer on the Zvërnec resort controversy
Day 7: Apollonia & Return to Tirana
On your final day, head north toward Tirana with a stop at the ancient city of Apollonia, one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania. The drive from Vlora to Tirana via Apollonia is about 155 km, or roughly 2.5 hours without stops, so you have time for a leisurely morning.
- Apollonia Archaeological Park - Founded around 600 BC by Greek colonists from Corinth, Apollonia became a noted centre of learning: the young Octavian (later the emperor Augustus) was studying here in 44 BC when news arrived of Julius Caesar's assassination. The ruins include the Monument of the Agonothetes (a council building), an odeon, a Roman library and a nymphaeum, and the nearby Monastery of St Mary has a Byzantine church and museum
- Drive back to Tirana - The main road north runs via Lushnje and Durrës
- Final afternoon in Tirana - Pick up souvenirs at the Bazaar, visit anything you missed on Day 1, or relax at a Blloku cafe
- Farewell dinner - Try Mullixhiu, chef Bledar Kola's restaurant near the Artificial Lake, for modern Albanian cooking, or the restaurants around the New Bazaar for traditional dishes
Budget Breakdown: 7 Days in Albania
Albania is generally good value, though prices have risen with tourism and the lek has strengthened against the euro. The figures below take the daily estimates from our Albania budget breakdown (per person, assuming two people sharing a room) and multiply them out over seven days. They exclude international flights and are rough editorial estimates, not quotes - expect to pay more in July and August:
Budget Traveller
About €30–50 a day: hostels or guesthouses, local food, buses and furgons, free beaches and hiking
Mid-Range
About €70–120 a day: 3-star hotels, restaurant meals, entry fees. Add car hire and fuel if you drive the whole route
Luxury
About €150–250 a day: 4-5 star or boutique hotels, a private car or full-time rental, guided tours
Reference Prices (checked October 2026)
- Exchange rate: The Bank of Albania's official rate was 91.6 lek to the euro on 12 October 2026
- Butrint National Park: ALL 1,000 (about €11) per adult; under-12s free
- Tirana airport transfers: airport bus ALL 400 (about €4.40) each way; official airport taxi to the centre about ALL 2,200 (about €24)
- Petrol: About ALL 193 per litre for 95-octane in early October 2026 (about €2.10); the full loop is roughly 650 km
- Accommodation: Prices rise sharply in July and August, especially on the coast - book ahead for peak season
For a full breakdown of Albanian costs, visa information, and money tips, see our Visa & Costs guide.
What to Pack for One Week in Albania
Albania's varied terrain - from mountain passes to beaches to cobblestone old towns - means you need to pack thoughtfully. Here are the essentials:
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable layers
- Swimwear
- Light jacket for evenings/mountains
- Comfortable walking shoes (essential for cobblestones)
- Sandals or water shoes for beaches
- Modest clothing for mosque/church visits
Essentials
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Reusable water bottle
- Power adapter (Type C/F, same as EU)
- Cash in EUR and Albanian Lek
- Snorkel mask for beach days
- Motion sickness medicine (mountain roads)
Tech & Documents
- Offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me)
- Local SIM card or eSIM
- Passport (UK guidance: valid for at least 3 months after you leave)
- Driving licence (a 1968 International Driving Permit can be useful)
- Travel insurance documents
- Portable charger
Practical Tips
Getting Around
A rental car gives you the most flexibility for this route. Book through local agencies in Tirana (often cheaper than international brands) or via reputable platforms. Main roads between the cities on this route are generally good, but rural roads can be poor and some coastal stretches are narrow and winding; avoid driving at night where you can, as unlit roadworks, potholes and vehicles are a hazard. Carry a green card proving your insurance if you bring your own car. If relying on public transport, intercity minibuses (furgons) connect all major towns but schedules are informal - ask at bus stations for departure times.
Money Matters
The official currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL), but Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas (at a slightly worse rate). ATMs are available in all cities and most towns. Card payments are increasingly accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for smaller establishments, beach vendors, and rural areas. The Bank of Albania's official rate was 91.6 lek to the euro on 12 October 2026, so check the current rate before you change money.
Food and Drink
Albanian cooking mixes Mediterranean and Balkan influences. Dishes to try: byrek (flaky pastry with cheese or spinach), tavë kosi (lamb baked in yogurt), fresh seafood along the coast, qofte (grilled meatballs), and raki (grape brandy) offered as a welcome drink. Cafe culture is a big part of daily life, even in small towns. For a full guide, visit our Albanian food guide.
Language
Albanian (Shqip) is the official language. English is widely spoken by younger generations in cities and tourist areas. Italian is understood by many Albanians due to proximity and TV influence. Learning a few basic phrases (faleminderit = thank you, mirëdita = good day) is appreciated.
Connectivity
Local SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to buy at the airport and in town. WiFi is available at most hotels and cafes. Download offline maps before heading to remote coastal areas where signal can be patchy. Albania is not in the EU, so standard EU roaming rules do not apply - check your provider's rates before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough to see Albania?
Seven days is enough to see a good selection of Albania's highlights. You can cover Tirana, the UNESCO-listed towns of Berat and Gjirokastër, the Albanian Riviera, and the archaeological sites of Butrint and Apollonia. Albania has much more to offer - the Albanian Alps (Valbona and Theth), Lake Ohrid, Korça and Përmet - so treat one week as an introduction to the south and save the north for another trip.
How much does a 7-day trip to Albania cost?
Costs depend heavily on season and travel style. Using the daily estimates in our budget breakdown (per person, two people sharing, excluding international flights), budget travellers using hostels, local food and buses might spend about €30–50 a day, or roughly €210–350 for the week; mid-range travellers should allow about €70–120 a day (€490–840 for the week), plus car hire and fuel if they drive the whole route; and luxury trips run to about €150–250 a day (€1,050–1,750 for the week). These are estimates, not quotes: prices rise sharply in July and August, especially on the coast.
Should I rent a car for my Albania itinerary?
A rental car is the easiest way to do this route, as it lets you stop at viewpoints and reach Riviera beaches at your own pace; some beaches and viewpoints are hard to reach without one. Rental prices vary widely with the season, so compare quotes and check what insurance is included. If you prefer not to drive, buses and furgons (minibuses) link the main towns on the route, though timetables are informal. Drive defensively: the UK government notes that Albania's road death rate is among the highest in Europe, and night driving on rural roads is best avoided.
What is the best time of year for a 7-day Albania trip?
The best months for this itinerary are May-June and September-October, when it is warm enough for the beach but quieter than midsummer, and accommodation is usually cheaper. July and August are peak season, with higher prices, crowded beaches and inland temperatures that can exceed 35C. From November to March some coastal businesses close and the weather is cooler and wetter, though it can be a good time for the cities and historic towns.
Is Albania safe for tourists?
Albania is generally safe for visitors. The UK government's travel advice says reports of crime targeting foreigners are rare, but pickpocketing and bag theft happen in busy tourist areas, on buses and at airports, so keep valuables secure and lock your car. The bigger risk is the roads: surfaces in rural areas can be poor, and night driving is hazardous because of unmarked roadworks, potholes and unlit vehicles. Albanians have a strong tradition of hospitality towards guests, often linked to the code of honour known as besa.
Adapting the Route
The loop works in either direction. With an extra day or two, a second night on the Riviera or in Gjirokastër slows the pace without adding more driving. The Albanian Alps (Theth and Valbona) need a separate trip; they are best for hiking from mid-June to September. To compare Albania with its southern neighbour, see Albania vs Greece.
Albania is changing quickly, with new hotels, restaurants and roads every year, so check opening times and prices close to your trip. For more ideas, see our Albania tourism guide.
Sources
- MyTicket.al (Albanian cultural sites ticketing): Butrint National Park - tickets and opening hours
- Bank of Albania: Official exchange rate
- Tirana International Airport: By bus and By taxi
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Albania travel advice - Safety and security
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Albania travel advice - Entry requirements
- Albanian National Tourism Agency: Gjirokastra
- Wikipedia: Apollonia (Illyria)
- Wikipedia: Zekate House
- Wikipedia: Gorica Bridge
- Wikipedia: Porto Palermo Castle
- Wikipedia: Blue Eye, Albania
- Hotel Mangalemi: Official website
- The 50 Best Discovery: Mullixhiu, Tirana
- Al Jazeera: Thousands protest Kushner-linked coastal resort project in Albania (4 June 2026)
- DistanceCalculator.net: Driving distance from Gjirokastër to Sarandë
- GlobalPetrolPrices.com: Albania gasoline prices
Last checked 14 October 2026. Prices and rules change; confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you travel.