1 Week Albania Itinerary: Cities, Coast & Wine Country

This 1 week Albania itinerary is ideal for first time visitors. It includes must-see destinations like Tirana, Berat, Gjirokaster and the southern coast, but also the countryside, food and wine that make the country so special.

You can see a surprising amount of Albania in one week, but I don’t recommend trying to see everything. That’s why this itinerary gives you two days in beautiful Berat, so you have time to explore the city and surrounding wine country. You’ll also visit the Blue Eye and Saranda, take day trips to Butrint and Ksamil, and drive along the Albanian Riviera.

How to Do This 1 Week Albania Itinerary

A car is the best way to do this itinerary. You can do it by using the local buses, but it will take longer and you won’t be able to reach the wineries and agritourism restaurants outside Berat unless you take a taxi.

I always rent cars from Discover Cars in Albania. I’ve used them multiple time and had good experiences. If you are going to rent a car, see my article on renting a car and driving in Albania – I’ve got some first-hand tips that are helpful.

Albania 1 Week Itinerary

This itinerary covers seven full days in Albania, with departure on Day 8. It starts in Tirana where you can either pick up your car at the airport and park it in Tirana overnight (you won’t need it to see the city), or pick it up the next morning in the centre.

Day 1 – Tirana

I recommend starting your day in Tirana right in the heart of the city, Skanderbeg Square. There are a couple of sites right there, and the rest are within walking distance.

While in Skanderbeg Square visit Et’hem Bey Mosque built in 1819 with gorgeous frescoes, and the historic Clock Tower. From there walk over to Bunk’Art 2 or House of Leaves, two sites dedicated to Albania’s communist past. Visit the Pyramid and have lunch in Blloku. Walk past Enver Hoxha’s House and see the largest mosque in the Balkans, Namazgah Mosque. Finish up with a coffee at Pazari i Ri, Tirana’s new market.

For more suggestions, see my full list of things to do in Tirana.

Where to Stay in Tirana:

Luxury hotel: Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana
Mid-priced hotel: Hotel Colosseo
Budget hotel: Albanopolis

Day 2 – Explore Berat

Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a charming small city with historic Ottoman and Christian quarters. Berat Castle is one of the oldest living castles in Europe. The drive from Tirana is 2 hours.

You’ll probably arrive in the afternoon, so explore Berat Castle and the sites of the Mangalem Quarter like the Lead Mosque and Gate of the Pasha and Ethnographic Museum. Have dinner at Zgara Zaloshnja. After dinner walk the main promenade and enjoy the beautiful views.

Where to Stay in Berat:

Luxury hotel: Hotel Plaza Berat
Mid-priced hotel: Beratino Hotel
Budget hotel: Hotel Ajka

Day 3 – Berat Wine Country & Agritourism

Today you’ll explore the beautiful countryside around Berat while visiting wineries and having a meal at an agritoursim restaurant. Before you head out, take a morning walk through the Gorica Quarter of Berat, the historically Christian side and visit St. Spiridon Orthodox Church, built in 1864.

Albania has a long history of winemaking and there are excellent wineries near Berat. If you want to do a mini wine tour, I recommend Pupa Winery and Nurallari Winery (close together) and a sunset tasting at Alpeta Agrotourizem & Winery in the village of Roshnik. Kodra e Gjelber Agrotourism is near Alpeta and an excellent agritourism for a meal (I think the food at Kodra e Gjelber is better than at Alepta).

Day 4 – Gjirokaster

Get an early start and drive to Gjirokaster, Albania’s City of Stone and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend the rest of the day exploring the sites of Gjirokaster such as Gjirokaster Castle, Old Bazaar, Skenduli House and Zekate House. For dinner with views, eat at Corner of Bazaar. They have excellent traditional food.

Gjirokaster is divided into two parts, the historic section on the mountain, and the modern city. All the sites are in the historic part and that is where you should stay. Make sure there is parking for a vehicle if you’re driving. The drive from Berat is 2.5 – 3 hours.

Where to Stay in Gjirokaster:

Mid-priced hotel: Hotel Gjirokastra
Mid-priced hotel: The Stone Sky Hotel
Budget hotel: Guest House Mele

Day 5 – Blue Eye & Saranda

Today you’ll head to the coast, stopping at one of Albania’s most famous natural attractions along the way, the Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter). From Gjirokaster the drive takes about an hour.

The Blue Eye is a natural spring that rises from a karst cave so deep divers have only reached 50 metres before the immense pressure forced them back. Its true depth remains a mystery. It’s a 2 km walk from the parking lot on a paved road. You should allow 1.5 hours for a visit.

After the Blue Eye continue to Saranda, the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera. The drive is less than an hour. Spend the afternoon enjoying the lively waterfront promenade or relaxing on the beach. In the evening head up to Lekuresi Castle for amazing sunset views over Saranda. Another great viewing spot is Observatory Restaurant.

Where to Stay in Saranda:

Luxury hotel: Hotel Vale
Mid-priced hotel: Vila Era Beach
Budget hotel: Vila Konomi

Day 6 – Butrint National Park & Ksamil

This morning visit Butrint National Park (UNESCO), an archeological park set in a waterfront nature reserve. The park contains Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian ruins and is a beautiful, unique site.

It’s very easy to reach from Saranda, just 17 km straight down the highway, but traffic can be bad in peak season. Try to go earlier in the morning to avoid the worst of it.

After Butrint, stop at Ksamil on your way back to Saranda. Ksamil is Albania’s premiere beach resort town. It’s famous for white sand beaches and often called the Maldives of Europe. It’s busy and touristy, but great to visit for an afternoon. I like Ksamil 7 Beach and Poda Beach, but they’re all nice.

Day 7 – Albanian Riviera Drive to Tirana

Today you’ll drive one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Albania, following the coast from Saranda to Vlore before heading inland to Tirana where you’ll spend your last night.

The coastal road (SH8) winds through mountains and traditional villages, with spectacular views of the Ionian Sea. It’s a long driving day, but there are some wonderful places to stop along the way.

I recommend stopping at Porto Palermo to see the castle, then in Himare for lunch and a walk along the waterfront. My favourite restaurants in Himare are Himara 28 and Lefteri’s Tavern.

Continue north past Dhermi and take the scenic road over the Llogara Pass for some incredible views. From Vlore, follow the main highway back to Tirana. Allow most of the day for this drive, especially if you want to stop and explore along the way.

Overnight in Tirana

Spend your final night in Tirana before flying home the next day. If you have an early flight, consider staying near the airport. A good option is Blerina’s Agritourism Concept, which is a wonderful agritourism and guest house very close to the airport. And there’s lots of parking if you still have your car.

Otherwise, stay in central Tirana where you’ll have plenty of restaurants to choose from for your last evening in Albania.

When Is the Best Time for This 1 Week Albania Itinerary?

Shoulder season (May to mid June, and September and October) is the best time to do this 1 week itinerary in Albania. You can do it in the summer, but it’s peak tourist season with higher prices, more crowds and hotter weather.

Last Words on 1 Week Albania Itinerary

You won’t see everything Albania has to offer in this 1 week itinerary, but you will cover some of the best of the country. This itinerary includes the most important sites and UNESCO heritage cities, but also gives you a chance to experience Albania’s countryside, wineries and agritourism.

Also Recommended:

• Highlights of Albania Two Week Itinerary: With & Without a Car
• Albania Wine Routes: 4 Road Trips for Wine Lovers
• Renting a Car & Driving in Albania

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