Explore the Albanian Riviera: A Complete 1-Week Road Trip Guide

Albania, a country located in the Balkans, has long remained outside the popular European destinations. Nestled between Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, Albania is, in my opinion, a true gem.

If you are looking for a destination different from the ones we already know, I highly recommend choosing Albania for your next vacation!

Obviously, its growing reputation is starting to attract crowds; a record number of tourists was recorded in 2024-2025. But during my stay, I found it remained very pleasant for most of the year. I will come back to this at the end of my article when I share all the practical information.

An Albanian road trip can last anywhere from 7 days to 2 months! I personally spent 2 months in this beautiful country, which allowed me to thoroughly explore the different regions. Today, I can offer you my 7-day itinerary that focuses on the south, one of the most popular areas in Albania, where you can enjoy a variety of activities.

Spectacular landscapes, beaches with turquoise waters, millennial history, tasty food, and a warm culture this trip really left a mark on me. I discovered splendid places, but it was the kindness of the Albanians that stayed with me the most upon my return.

My 7-day road trip in Albania will take you through some of the country’s most beautiful spots, from the lively capital, Tirana, to the pearls of the Ionian coast such as Dhërmi and Ksamil, passing through the historical cities of Gjirokastër and Berat. For each place mentioned, I share addresses on where to sleep and where to eat.

I will now share all the details so you can set off to discover the wonders of Albania!

Table of Contents

• Albania Road Trip at a Glance;
• Day 1: Tirana
• Day 2: Dhërmi
• Day 3: Himarë
• Day 4: Ksamil
• Day 5: Ksamil
• Day 6: Gjirokastër
• Day 7: Berat
• Practical Information

Tirana (Day 1)

Tirana is a capital full of life! Many leave it out during an Albanian road trip, but I highly recommend spending at least one day there during this itinerary (I could personally spend a whole month there, that tells you something). It will also allow you to discover more about the country’s history. For me, it is a perfect introduction to Albania.

Tirana blends modernity and tradition. During my time in the city, I was struck by its contrast: on one side, museums bearing witness to the country’s past, and on the other, a city clearly looking toward a dynamic future.

I personally took a guided tour of the city to learn more about Tirana and Albania. It was very informative, the guide was passionate, and I always find it so interesting to get precious information from a local guide.

Various places are not to be missed during your stay in the Albanian capital. Here are the details:

Skanderbeg Square

Skanderbeg Square is a must-see in the capital (it’s hard to miss). Surrounded by the Palace of Culture, the National History Museum, and the Et’hem Bey Mosque, among others, I felt immersed in Albanian life—with young people biking to class or the elderly sitting on benches discussing the weather. This square bears the surname of the Albanian hero George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, who led the revolt against the Ottomans in the 15th century. He is the one perched on his horse on the square.

The Pyramid of Tirana

I stumbled upon an original monument in Tirana: the Pyramid. Completed in 1988, it originally had a connection to the dictator Enver Hoxha. It has taken on several roles and was once a place where many groups would hang out during the day. The Pyramid now serves as a multifunctional center. I found it very modern, with restaurants and cafes at the top.

Blloku Neighborhood

The Blloku neighborhood is one of Tirana’s festive and trendy districts, where it’s nice to stop for a drink on the weekend or at the end of the day. I really loved the vibe! Indeed, this neighborhood is not short on trendy cafes and elegant bars! The city’s youth enjoy gathering here, the atmosphere is relaxed, and I definitely recommend checking it out.

Bunk’art 2

Two museums are not to be missed during your trip to Albania to learn more about the country’s history. For your information, from 1944 to 1992, Albania suffered under an authoritarian and paranoid regime.

The Bunk’Art 2 museum is located in the former underground shelter of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. An exhibition on the crimes of the regime has been set up and will allow you to gather (chilling) information about what Albanians endured during this overly long period. I was very moved by this visit.

The rooms are small. I took 1.5 to 2 hours to tour the museum.

• Hours: 09:30-20:00, every day (in high season)
• Adult Price: 900 LEK (≈ €9)

House of Leaves

The second museum not to be missed, in my opinion, to learn more about Albania’s history is the House of Leaves. Back in the day, this was where the political police, who wreaked havoc, were located. Turned into a museum, the listening and espionage techniques are presented. This place sent shivers down my spine. You will be able to better imagine the paranoia of Enver Hoxha and the terrible oppression of the Albanian people. Many archives are displayed, though English translations are sometimes missing. I spent 1 to 1.5 hours touring the House of Leaves.

• Hours: 09:00-19:00, every day (in high season)
• Adult Price: 700 LEK (≈ €7)

Where to eat in Tirana on Day 1?

• Shije Fshati: I advise you to start your stay in Tirana by immediately tasting traditional Albanian cuisine! The menu offers a considerable amount of dishes; ask the servers (all very welcoming during my visit) for their recommendations.
• Artigiano: I found that, generally speaking, Italian restaurants in Albania do not disappoint! I loved the Cacio e Pepe pasta, a real delight!

Where to sleep in Tirana?

• Hotel La Favorita: A very pretty hotel with modern and neat rooms. The helpful staff gave me all the necessary information for my visit to Tirana. Very well located, I reached all the capital’s points of interest in 10 to 15 minutes. The breakfast is simple, but I found it good.
• The Wilson Tirana: The rooms in this hotel are decorated in a modern way, and I really liked the result. You will be well-received and will stay in the Blloku neighborhood, filled with good restaurants. In a 15-minute walk, I was able to reach Skanderbeg Square.

Dhërmi (Day 2)

3 hours drive from Tirana

Upon my arrival in Dhërmi, I came across long beaches and a small village perched close to the mountain; I loved it! For me, Dhërmi is definitely a place full of charm! It offers a perfect setting during your Albanian Riviera road trip for a break between a picturesque village and turquoise waters.

If you like music festivals, there is one that takes place in June and draws crowds: the Kala Festival. Be warned, for those who don’t wish to attend, Dhërmi is taken by storm during the event!

Drymades Beach

10 minutes by car from the center of Dhërmi is Drymades beach, which stretches for 2 kilometers. During my visit, I easily found a spot to settle. The water is beautiful, and the length of the beach allows you to lie down in a quiet corner.

The Village of Dhërmi

At the end of the day, I headed to the village. Depending on your accommodation in Dhërmi, a nice uphill walk awaits you. From the village, I loved the sea view, simply magnificent with the golden light. I then climbed up to the Church using the renovated stairs to also enjoy the exceptional panorama. You cannot miss the numerous bell towers rising before you.

Gjipe Beach

A canyon leads to Gjipe beach, nestled next to the cliffs. A rugged access path will let you reach it; I walked for about 20 minutes from the parking lot. Gjipe beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Albania.

To find the way, I advise putting “Gjipe Beach Parking” on your GPS (expect a 30-minute drive from Dhërmi). It is easy to park your car before starting the short hike. I recommend bringing plenty of water in the summer as the hike back up can be tough in the heat.

• Parking: 400 LEK (≈ €4) for a day.
• Sunbeds: Two beach beds and an umbrella cost around 1000 LEK (≈ €10) for the day, depending on the month.

On-site, I rented a kayak for 1000 LEK an hour (≈ €10) to explore the surroundings, I highly recommend it!

Where to eat in Dhërmi on Day 2?

• Pajti Bar Restorant: This little restaurant doesn’t look like much, but I loved the local food, very good. Don’t leave without tasting the grilled eggplants and their salads, my favorites!

Where to sleep in Dhërmi?

• Empire Beach Resort: The hotel, right on the seafront, is very beautiful. The rooms are neat, spacious, and tastefully decorated. The SanurBeach Bar is located within the hotel, nice for a drink at the end of the day. A private beach and pool are available to guests.
• Rahoni Park & Suites: Nestled on a hillside, this typical hotel is suitable for people who want to be in an idyllic, quiet setting. The view from the hotel is superb! The access is via a narrow road, and the establishment is elevated.

Himarë (Day 3)

30 minutes drive from Dhërmi

Himarë is another coastal destination featuring a small town with a seafront that invites relaxation. I enjoyed walking the Promenade at the end of the day and crossing paths with the locals who gather there.

I advise heading up to the village to discover the Castle of Himarë, perched on its hill. You have to pay an entrance fee (300 LEK / ≈ €3) to discover its ruins as well as the old traditional houses. I took a break at the small cafe (Butterfly) and their cakes are delicious! All while enjoying the view of the Albanian Riviera.

Spile Beach

Spile Beach is the public beach of Himarë; I especially recommend this place to enjoy a magnificent sunset! If you want to rent a beach bed during the day, prices range from 500 to 1500 LEK (≈ €5-15).

Llamani Beach

Llamani beach is on the way to Porto Palermo. Only 10 minutes by car from Himarë (and outside of July and August), I found it nice to stop there! The water is crystalline. However, during the mentioned summer months, the beach is packed, and the price for two beds and an umbrella can go up to €30.

Porto Palermo

Porto Palermo is a unique bay of undeniable beauty. It’s a real gem that I highly recommend! Just 15 minutes by car from Himarë, I loved the coves, the small beaches, but also the Ali Pasha fort.

Where to eat in Himarë on Day 3?

• Eléa: Outside Himarë (10 minutes by car), for me, this restaurant is one of the best in the area! The products come directly from the owners’ garden, and the value for money is unbeatable. The service is excellent.
• To Steki sti Gonia: This Greek restaurant is very well maintained; I loved the generous portions and the very varied choices.

Where to sleep in Himarë?

• Aphrodite’s Garden: 5 minutes by car from Himarë, this place is worth it! High up, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the bay. The rooms are cozy and simple, the food served is absolutely delicious!
• Rea Boutique Hotel: If you are looking for a magnificent hotel, opt for this one. The sea-view room, including a bathtub overlooking the bay, is just beautiful.

Ksamil (Days 4 & 5)

1h45 drive from Himarë

The idyllic beaches that quickly circled the globe on social media and the internet are located in Ksamil, in the deep south of Albania. Good to know: In the middle of July and August, they are all privatized, which implies a lot of umbrellas.

The water is truly turquoise; I found that the pictures do not lie. Two beds with an umbrella can cost between 1000 and 2500 LEK (≈ €10-25) for the day, depending on the period.

Opposite are the Ksamil Islands, which you can reach by kayak for a bit of activity (€10 for 1 hour). I advise going in the morning; I was able to enjoy the sandbanks alone. And FYI, the large island right in front of you is indeed Corfu!

Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park is an archaeological site of ancient ruins, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. I love history, so I went there very quickly.

I loved wandering among the Greek, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins. I fell in love with the ancient Greek theater. I toured Butrint without rushing in about 2 hours. Parking is free.

• Hours: 08:30-20:00, every day (in high season)
• Adult Price: 1000 LEK (≈ €10)

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

A karst spring that gushes out and creates a “Blue Eye” is hidden just a 20-minute walk from the parking lot. I reached it on foot, first following the paved part and then heading into a wooded area. Important info: swimming is prohibited at the Blue Eye!

To reach it, expect a 1-hour drive from Ksamil. Parking on-site costs 300 LEK (≈ €3) for 3 hours. Now, the place has become more touristy, and a small train has been set up for visitors to reach the eye for a fee. Unless you cannot walk, I personally recommend opting for the pretty walk.

• Hours: 08:00-20:00, every day (in high season).
• Adult Price: 50 LEK (≈ €0.50)

Other beaches

Three idyllic beaches are located just slightly north of Ksamil (15 minutes by car): Mirror Beach, Pigeons’ Cave (Shpella e Pëllumbave), and Seagulls’ Beach. My favorite was Pigeons’ Cave; I had a crush on this place!

Boat Trip

An activity I loved doing during my stay on the Albanian Riviera is a boat trip. Most of these leave from Saranda, a well-known city in the south of Albania, on the way between Himarë and Ksamil.

Where to eat in Ksamil?

• Bar Restaurant Vila: For me, this is one of the best restaurants in Ksamil! Everything is delicious; I went back 5 times during my stay. The restaurant is family-run and the staff is adorable.
• Family Traditional Restaurant: Choose an option from the traditional menu. Friendly welcome.
• Restaurant Panorama: The perfect place for an aperitif late in the afternoon! The view is superb, though I recommend it more for drinks than food.

Where to sleep in Ksamil?

• Admiro Hotel: Modern, comfortable, and very well maintained rooms. 15 minutes walk from the main beach.
• Blue Eye Hotel: Offers a very interesting quality-price ratio. The breakfast is included, and there is a pool.

Gjirokastër (Day 6)

1h30 drive from Ksamil

Nicknamed the “city of stone,” Gjirokastër is the best-preserved Ottoman city in Albania. It’s a place that pleased me at first glance with its stone houses and steep alleys!

I advise you to visit the Castle that overlooks the city. Besides the superb view from the terraces, I also went to see the World War II artillery pieces and the Clock Tower up close.

• Hours: 09:00-18:00, every day (in high season)
• Adult Price: 400 LEK (≈ €4)

Next, I went to see the old bazaar, where it’s nice to walk around to buy some souvenirs. Finally, I mostly took the time to soak in the atmosphere of Gjirokastër and sit on one of the many sloped terraces to drink a coffee and eat a good byrek while watching life go by.

Where to eat in Gjirokastër on Day 6?

• Odaja: I really enjoyed this traditional restaurant with a very friendly atmosphere! The dishes are delicious; try the rice balls!
• Te Kubé: A pretty little cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Vegetarian options available!

Where to sleep in Gjirokastër?

• The Stone Sky Hotel: Offers beautiful modern rooms with a traditional touch. At night, the lights bring a certain magic to the building!
• Argyropolis Boutique Hotel: The rooms are superb, combining comfort and tradition.

Berat (Day 7)

2h30 drive from Gjirokastër

Berat, or the “city of a thousand windows,” is one of the highlights of my trip to Albania! All these tight white houses give a unique atmosphere to this charming city. The historical part of Berat is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. (P.S: from Berat, expect a 1h30 drive back to the capital, Tirana).

Here are the 3 neighborhoods not to miss:

• Mangalem: My favorite neighborhood! Get lost in the small alleys. All the corners are photogenic.
• Kalaja: You have to climb to reach the Castle and Kalaja, but friendly dogs acted as my guide! At the top, you’ll find the Castle (free entry), magnificent Orthodox churches from the 15th century, and the Onufri museum.
• Gorica: Located on the other side of the Osum river. You must cross the Gorica bridge to discover the Berat across the way! The view of the 1000 windows is worth the detour.

Where to eat in Berat on Day 7?

• Homemade Food Lili: Lili and his family are absolutely adorable. For authentic Albanian cuisine, do not miss this place. Book ahead!
• Friendly House: Go up to the terrace to enjoy an authentic meal with a view of Berat.

Where to sleep in Berat?

• Guesthouse Arben Elezi: Very well located, run by a charming family. The terrace offers an incredible view of Berat during breakfast.
• HOTEL ANSEL: I chose a mountain-view room to enjoy a beautiful view of the traditional houses!

Practical Information

When to go to Albania?

A record number of tourists registered in July and August 2024-2025. Beaches can be crowded, and temperatures sometimes approach 40°C. Therefore, the best time to discover Albania is, in my opinion, from April to June as well as from September to mid-October. Good to know: Before May-June, many restaurants and accommodations are still closed due to the low season.

How to get to Albania?

By plane to the capital (Tirana, Mother Teresa International Airport) or by ferry. If you are coming from Italy, ferries cross from Bari, Brindisi, and Ancona to Durrës or Vlora.

How to get to Tirana from the airport?

• Bus: The LUNA bus (Rinas Express) runs every hour. The ticket costs €4. The journey takes 40 minutes.
• Taxi: Official taxis cost about 2000 to 2500 LEK (≈ €20-25).
• Private Transfer: Available for peace of mind.

How to travel in Albania?

For a one-week stay grouping all these locations, a car is necessary. Gas prices vary between €1.60 and €1.90 per liter. Drive calmly; some roads are not in good condition. Avoid driving at night in certain areas, as roads are poorly lit. Public transport (buses) exists but is not recommended for this 1-week itinerary as it doesn’t reach remote places easily.

What budget to plan?

For a trip in June: A day in Albania (excluding car rental), including mid-range accommodation, two restaurant meals, and an activity, cost me 80-120 euros per person.

Can you visit Albania as a solo female traveler?

Contrary to popular belief, Albania is not a dangerous country. It is a very welcoming place where you quickly feel at ease. Albanians are respectful, benevolent, and always ready to help. Yes, Albania is very suitable for a solo trip as a woman!

Quick Info:

• Visa: No visa required for European passports (stays up to 90 days).
• Currency: LEK. 100 LEK ≈ €1. ATMs can have high fees, so withdraw large amounts at once.
• Phone: Tourist SIM cards are easy to buy (One or Vodafone). ~€15 to €23.
• Plugs: Type C and F (standard European).
• Language: Albanian. Youth speak English. Many older people speak Italian fluently.

Mistakes to avoid when traveling to Albania:

• Not taking car insurance.
• Driving at night.
• Not carrying cash (cash is king!).
• Underestimating travel times (mountain roads take longer).
• Not planning ahead in high season.
• Not checking beach access (some roads are very bumpy).
• Thinking Albania is dangerous.
• Trusting online bus schedules (they are not reliable).

My opinion on Albania

I loved discovering Albania. I really liked the diversity of landscapes between the north and the south, but I fell in love with the south. The beaches are superb. I was touched by the generosity and kindness of the Albanians. The food is great and varied!

For me, it remains (still) the hidden treasure of the Balkans. Do not leave without having tasted Byrek, Qofte, Pite, Raki, and so on! I am sure the diversity of the country will please you.

Happy road trip to you in Albania 🇦🇱!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is one week enough to visit Albania?

While you can’t see the entire country in just 7 days, one week is the perfect amount of time to thoroughly explore the Southern Riviera and the UNESCO historical cities of Gjirokastër and Berat without feeling rushed.

Is it safe to drive in Albania?

Yes, driving is safe, but it requires caution. The main coastal and national roads are generally in good condition. However, mountain roads can be winding, and rural areas may lack proper lighting. We strongly recommend driving during daylight hours and ensuring your rental car has full insurance coverage.

Do I need to carry cash, or are credit cards widely accepted?

Cash is still king in Albania! While larger hotels, supermarkets, and upscale restaurants accept credit cards, you will definitely need the local currency (LEK) for small cafes, renting beach beds, paying for parking, and tipping. We recommend withdrawing a larger sum at an ATM in Tirana to avoid multiple withdrawal fees.

Can I do this 7-day itinerary using public transport?

While local minibuses (called furgons) connect the major cities, relying on them for a tight 1-week schedule is very challenging. Bus schedules can be unpredictable, and they won’t take you to secluded beaches like Gjipe or Porto Palermo. For this specific itinerary, a rental car is highly recommended.

Are the beaches in Ksamil really that crowded?

In July and August, Ksamil is at its peak capacity, and the beaches are highly organized with private sunbeds and umbrellas. If you prefer a quieter, more natural beach experience, we highly recommend visiting in May, June, September, or early October, when the water is still warm but the crowds have thinned out.

Is Albania safe for solo female travelers?

Absolutely. Albania is known for its incredible hospitality and strict cultural code of honor (Besa) regarding guests. Solo female travelers consistently report feeling very safe and welcomed. As with any destination, simply practice standard common sense.