Overview
Planning a trip to Albania? This underrated Balkan gem is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, offering untouched landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality at every turn. From hiking between towering mountains and exploring medieval castles to diving into freezing blue pools and watching sunsets over the Adriatic Sea, Albania is perfect for adventure travelers, road trippers, and cultural explorers alike.
In this Albania travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip, including our personal 10-day route, budget breakdowns, safety tips, and practical travel hacks. Whether you’re visiting for the beaches, the mountains, or the hidden gems most tourists miss, this guide has you covered.
Quick Facts
Climate
- Spring (April – June): Perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and fewer tourists.
- Summer (July – September): Beach season! Crowds pick up, but the coastline is incredible.
- Fall (October – November): Great for hiking in the Albanian Alps with fewer crowds.
- Winter (December – March): Snow in the mountains, but coastal areas remain mild.
For hiking, May to September is ideal. If you’re mainly exploring cities, spring and fall are the best times.
Safety
Albania is very safe for travelers. The people are welcoming, crime is low, and tourism is growing. That said, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Roads: Some rural roads aren’t paved, and Google Maps doesn’t always distinguish dirt roads from paved ones. Be cautious when driving.
- Stray Dogs: In some towns and hiking trails, stray dogs are common. Most are harmless but be aware.
Budget
| Budget Type | Per Day Estimate | Accommodation | Food | Transport | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget ($) | $30 – $50 | Hostel/Dorm ($10–15) | Street food ($5) | Public transport ($2–5/day) | Free hikes, sightseeing |
| Mid-Range ($$) | $60 – $100 | Airbnb/Hotel ($30–50) | Restaurants ($10–20) | Car rental ($30/day) | Tours, boat trips |
| Luxury ($$$) | $150+ | Boutique stays ($80+) | Fine dining ($40+) | Private drivers | Private yacht trips |
Itinerary
An Unforgettable Road Trip Through Albania
Our trip to Albania didn’t begin with expectations; it began with curiosity. We flew in from Rome and landed in Tirana, Albania’s capital, just as the Turkish president arrived for a visit. It felt like we were stepping into something big, yet untouched by mass tourism.
After grabbing our rental car and checking into a cozy Airbnb overlooking the city, we took our first walk through Tirana. The vibe? A quirky blend of faded communism, artistic revival, and modern chaos. We strolled through Skanderbeg Square, visited the beautiful Et’hem Bej Mosque, and climbed the Pyramid of Tirana—a must-do experience in Albania if you’re into urban decay and a little adrenaline.
Travel Tip: Many of Tirana’s key landmarks are walkable. Spend a few hours wandering, people-watching, and grabbing a strong coffee from a local café. Albanian espresso hits different.
Winding Through History in Berat
The next morning, we drove to Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” As we wound through dusty mountain roads, it felt like time was slowing down. Some roads weren’t even paved, and Google Maps didn’t warn us.
We arrived in time to catch the golden hour light hitting Berat Castle. The view from the top? Unreal. The white Ottoman-era houses of Mangalem and Gorica spill down the hillside like a living museum.
We crossed the Gorica Bridge and tried to get a table at Homemade Food Lili, a spot famous among locals and travelers alike for authentic Albanian cuisine. Unfortunately, they were booked solid. Lesson learned: book this place in advance.
Instead, we checked into Beratino Hotel, a traditional stay with wooden balconies, mountain views, and the kind of breakfast you remember months later. That evening, the whole town came alive. Families filled the streets, kids played tag near the river, and we ended up at a hookah lounge chatting with locals.
North to Shkodër and Into the Albanian Alps
After a peaceful morning in Berat, we drove north toward Shkodër, one of Albania’s oldest cities. On the way, we explored Rozafa Castle, where legends and panoramic views intertwine. The castle is steeped in myth—one involving a woman being walled into its foundation to ensure it stood strong.
We crossed the centuries-old Mesi Bridge, took photos like total tourists, and rolled into Shkodër just in time to check into Wanderers Hostel. This place isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a hub for hikers heading into the Albanian Alps.
They helped us organize everything for the next part of the trip: transport, accommodations, and even bag storage. Honestly, if you’re planning to hike from Valbona to Theth, let them handle the logistics.
The Journey to Valbona: Ferry Between the Mountains
Day four started before sunrise. We crammed into a shared van that took us through tiny villages and winding roads until we reached Komani Lake. The ferry ride across the lake was magical. Mountains soared up from turquoise water on either side, and mist clung to the peaks like something out of a fantasy novel.
Travel Tip: Sit on the top deck for the best photos. We even pulled out our drone to capture aerial shots—totally worth it. (Here’s the drone we use)
After the ferry, another van took us to Valbona, a valley surrounded by jagged peaks. We stayed in a mountain guesthouse where dinner was hearty and homemade. The stars were so bright it felt like we could reach up and pluck them from the sky.
The Best Hiking Trail in Albania: Valbona to Theth
Day five was the big one. The Valbona to Theth hike is about 10 miles through some of the most jaw-dropping scenery we’ve ever seen. Donkeys passed us carrying supplies for the guesthouses, and we stopped at two small cafés on the trail for drinks and fresh bread.
The climb was tough, but the views from the pass were pure adrenaline. Think towering mountains, deep valleys, and that feeling of being very small in a very big world.
The descent into Theth was harder than expected, mostly because we thought we were done only to realize our hostel was on the opposite side of town. Still, that last stretch was worth it. We dropped our stuff, headed into town for food, and only later returned for dinner with new friends from the hostel.
Travel Tip: This is hands down one of the best hiking trails in Albania. You can find several guides on the hike online, but we’ll be adding our full hiking tips soon.
Swimming in the Blue Eye of Theth
We stayed an extra day in Theth to recover and hike to the Blue Eye—a glacial spring with crystal-clear water so cold it makes your bones ache. The trail was easy compared to the Valbona trek, and on the way, a kind Albanian man gave us a lift in his van, saving us about 40 minutes of walking.
Here’s the thing: most people stop at the wrong pool. It’s pretty, but it’s not the Blue Eye. Cross the bridge, walk five more minutes, and you’ll see it—water so blue it doesn’t look real.
We jumped in, screamed a little, and got some epic drone shots. Totally worth it.
Back to Civilization: Shkodër, Tirana, and Beyond
After returning to Shkodër, we picked up our car and backpacks from Wanderers Hostel (they’ll store it all while you hike) and made our way to Lake Bovilla, a peaceful, lesser-known spot outside of Tirana.
That night, we stayed in Tirana again to regroup before heading south.
Beaches, Caves, and Castles: Southern Albania’s Coast
We drove down to Vlore, where we took a boat to Haxhi Ali Cave, a sea cave carved into a cliffside. Afterward, we sipped drinks by the beach and played card games until sunset.
The next day, we hiked to Gjipe Beach, a hidden stretch of paradise surrounded by cliffs. If you’re up for a short, rocky hike, this is one of Albania’s most stunning beaches. Then we checked out Porto Palermo Castle and drove into Himara, a chill coastal town with great views and good food.
Gjirokastra: A Perfect Ending
Our final day was spent in Gjirokastra, a city that feels frozen in time. Cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses, and a castle that overlooks everything. We watched the sunset from the Obelisk of Education, glass of homemade wine in hand.
Our hosts at Alsara Guesthouse were some of the kindest people we met. They did our laundry, gave us local food and wine, and sent us off with a traditional breakfast that made us wish we had more time.
Must-Do Experiences
- Hike the Valbona to Theth trail for incredible mountain views
- Jump into the Blue Eye for a refreshing experience
- Visit Berat Castle at sunset for breathtaking scenery
- Explore Gjirokastra’s old town and enjoy a traditional guesthouse
Places We Stayed
Gear We Used
- Meir’s Backpack: Durable & great for hiking
- Chaya’s Backpack: Perfect for everyday travel
- Drone for Epic Shots: Captured amazing landscapes
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