7-Day Albania Itinerary: Tirana, Berat & the Riviera

Albania packs Ottoman towns, mountain roads and turquoise Ionian beaches into a small, good-value country. A week covers the classic route south.

Day by day

1. Day 1 · Tirana

   Arrive, Skanderbeg Square and an evening in the Blloku district.

2. Day 2 · Berat

   Drive to Berat, the 'city of a thousand windows'; walk up to the castle.

3. Day 3 · Gjirokaster

   Stone-roofed old bazaar and the hilltop castle.

4. Day 4 · Saranda

   Blue Eye spring on the way, sunset at Lekursi Castle.

5. Day 5 · Saranda

   Butrint National Park ruins in the morning, Ksamil beaches after.

6. Day 6 · Ksamil

   Beach day and a boat to the small islands off Ksamil.

7. Day 7 · Tirana

   Long drive back to Tirana and fly home.

Vegetarian, Jain & halal food

Albanian food is friendly to vegetarians: byrek with spinach or cheese, stuffed peppers, fërgesë and fresh salads. Most meat is halal-style lamb and chicken; ask if you need it certified.

Travelling with kids or parents

Roads south are slow and winding: break long drives, and with children or parents keep two nights in each place. Beaches in Ksamil are shallow and calm.

Good to know

• Carry cash (lek) for buses and small restaurants.
• Furgon minibuses are cheap but leave when full.
• June and September are calmer than peak August.

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