Embark on a captivating 5-day road trip through Southern Albania, where history meets breathtaking coastal landscapes. This itinerary takes you from the lively capital of Tirana to the ancient UNESCO-listed sites of Berat and Butrint, before leading you to the stunning beaches of the Ionian Riviera. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for adventure, this journey promises a rich blend of cultural exploration, scenic drives, and relaxation by the sea.
Day 1: Tirana – The Heart of Albania
Start your adventure in Tirana, Albania’s lively capital, known for its colorful buildings, rich history, and modern energy.
Morning:
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Begin your day with a traditional Albanian coffee at Skanderbeg Square, the city’s central hub.
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Visit the Et’hem Bey Mosque, a beautifully restored Ottoman-era mosque, and climb the Clock Tower for a panoramic view of the city.
Daytime:
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Explore the National History Museum, which offers insight into Albania’s rich past.
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Visit the National Gallery of Arts to see works from Albania’s most renowned artists.
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Stroll along Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard, a historic avenue lined with important government buildings and landmarks.
Afternoon:
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Wander through New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri), a vibrant market full of fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade souvenirs.
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Visit Bunk’Art 2, an underground museum that provides a deep dive into Albania’s communist history.
Evening:
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Experience Tirana’s lively nightlife with dinner at a rooftop restaurant or a cozy traditional eatery.
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Explore the trendy Blloku District, once restricted to Communist Party elites, now a hotspot for bars, cafés, and entertainment.
Day 2: Durrës & Berat – A Journey Through Time
This day takes you through Albania’s rich history, from ancient Roman ruins to the picturesque “City of a Thousand Windows.”
Morning:
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Drive 40 minutes to Durrës, Albania’s largest port city.
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Explore the Roman Amphitheater, one of the Balkans’ most impressive ancient ruins.
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Visit the Archaeological Museum to learn about the city’s Greek, Roman, and Byzantine heritage.
Daytime:
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Walk along Durrës Castle and enjoy the coastal promenade.
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Have lunch by the sea, then continue your journey to Berat (1.5-hour drive).
Afternoon:
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Discover Berat Castle, a sprawling fortress that still houses local families.
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Visit the Ethnographic Museum to see traditional Albanian life through historical artifacts.
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Stroll through the Mangalem Quarter, famous for its white Ottoman-style houses stacked along the hillside.
Evening:
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Enjoy a quiet evening in Berat, dining at a traditional restaurant offering delicious local cuisine and regional wines.
Day 3: Vlorë – Where History Meets the Sea
Morning:
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Drive two hours to Vlorë, where Albania’s independence was declared in 1912.
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Visit the Independence Museum to learn about this historic moment.
Daytime:
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Explore Vlorë Castle, a well-preserved fortress with scenic views.
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Relax at Radhimë Beach or the peaceful Zvërnec Beach, known for its stunning monastery on a small island.
Afternoon:
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Take a scenic drive through Llogara Pass, where you’ll witness breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea from high in the mountains.
Evening:
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Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant and unwind in Vlorë’s coastal ambiance.
Day 4: Sarandë & Butrint – Ancient Wonders & Crystal Waters
Morning:
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Depart early for Sarandë (2-hour drive), a vibrant coastal city on the Ionian Sea.
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Relax on Sarandë’s beaches and soak in the sun.
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Visit the Archaeological Museum to explore the city’s historical roots.
Daytime:
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Take a short 20-minute drive to Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring remarkably preserved Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins.
Afternoon:
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Visit the stunning beaches of Ksamil, known for their turquoise waters and soft white sand.
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Relax by the shore, go for a swim, or enjoy a boat ride between the small islands.
Evening:
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Experience Sarandë’s vibrant nightlife or opt for a peaceful seaside dinner with breathtaking sunset views.
Day 5: Exploring the Ionian Riviera
Morning:
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Start your day with a drive along the Ionian Riviera, one of Albania’s most scenic coastal routes.
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Visit Jale Beach, a hidden paradise with crystal-clear waters.
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Relax at Dhermi Beach, known for its fine white pebbles and stunning coastline.
Daytime:
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Stop by Vuno, a picturesque village with traditional stone houses and panoramic views.
Afternoon:
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Continue to Himarë, a charming coastal town with beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
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Enjoy fresh seafood and explore the town’s scenic coastline.
Evening:
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End your journey with a peaceful seaside dinner, reminiscing about the incredible sights and experiences from your road trip.
This 5-day road trip through Southern Albania offers an unforgettable blend of cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and seaside relaxation. Whether you’re exploring historic castles, walking through UNESCO-listed ruins, or enjoying the pristine beaches of the Ionian Riviera, this journey showcases the very best of Albania’s charm and beauty. Prepare for an adventure filled with history, culture, and mesmerizing natural wonders!
Suggested Route
Tirana → Durrës → Berat → Vlorë → Sarandë → Ksamil → Himarë → Dhërmi → Tirana
Capturing Southern Albania
A Visual Journey Through
Historic and Scenic Wonders
Tirana
Tirana, the capital of Albania, is known for its colorful Ottoman-, Fascist- and Soviet-era architecture. Pastel buildings surround the city's focal point, Skanderbeg Square, which is named for its equestrian statue of a national hero.
Durrës
Durrës is a port city on the Adriatic Sea in western Albania, west of the capital, Tirana. It’s known for its huge Roman amphitheater. Nearby is a 9th-century church with mosaic-covered walls. The Archaeological Museum displays pieces from the Greek, Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Berat
Berat is a city on the Osum River, in central Albania. It's known for its white Ottoman houses. On a hilltop, Berat Castle is a huge compound now inhabited by townspeople. Within its walls are Byzantine churches, the Red Mosque and the Onufri National Museum, with Christian icons.
Sarandë
Sarandë is a resort on the Albanian Riviera, in southern Albania. Sandwiched between the Ionian Sea and hills of olive groves, the town is on a horseshoe-shaped bay, edged by beaches and a promenade. In the center are the archaeological remains of a 5th-century synagogue, later an early Christian basilica.
Vlorë
Vlorë is the third most populous city of Albania and seat of Vlorë County and Vlorë Municipality. Located in southwestern Albania, Vlorë sprawls on the Bay of Vlorë and is surrounded by the foothills of the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Adriatic and Ionian Sea Coasts.
Butrint
Butrint National Park is a national park in Vlorë County, southern Albania. It is located 18 kilometres south of Sarandë. The park encompasses 9,424 hectares of hilly terrain with freshwater lakes, wetlands, salt marshes, open plains, reed beds and islands.
Ksamil
Ksamil is a village and a former municipality in the riviera of Southern Albania, and part of Butrint National Park. At the 2015 local government reform it became a subdivision of the municipality Sarandë.
Ionian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera (Albanian: Bregu) lies along the southwestern coast of Albania, from the village of Palasë and ending in Lukovë.
Vuno
Vuno is a village in the municipality of Himarë, Vlorë County, Albania. It is situated along the road that connects the center of Himarë with the village of Dhërmi on the Albanian Riviera. The population of Vuno is exclusively composed of Orthodox Albanians.
Himarë
Himarë is a town in Southern Albania along the Albanian Riviera and part of the Vlorë County. It is the largest settlement and the seat of the municipality of Himarë. The town is populated predominantly by an ethnic Greek community.
FAQs
About Exploring Southern Albania
The best time to visit is between May and October. Summer (June–August) offers perfect beach weather, while spring and early autumn (May, September, October) provide pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making sightseeing more enjoyable.
Most travelers, including those from the EU, UK, US, Canada, and Australia, can enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check with your local embassy for the latest requirements.
Yes, but be prepared! Roads along the Riviera are scenic but can be winding and steep. Stick to major highways when possible and drive cautiously on rural roads. Renting a car with full insurance is highly recommended.
The official currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL), but many tourist spots accept Euros. However, for local markets, taxis, and smaller restaurants, it’s best to have Lek in cash. ATMs are widely available.
- Summer: Light clothes, swimsuit, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses.
- Spring/Fall: Light jacket, layers, and comfortable sneakers for exploring historic sites.
- Year-round: A power adapter (Type C & F), as Albania uses European-style plugs.
Albania is budget-friendly compared to other European destinations. Expect to pay:
- €10-15 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant
- €30-50 per night for a comfortable guesthouse
- €30-60 per day for a rental car
- Tave Kosi – Baked lamb with yogurt sauce
- Byrek – Savory pastry filled with cheese or meat
- Fërgesë – A hearty dish of peppers, tomatoes, and cheese
- Fresh seafood – Especially in coastal towns like Vlorë and Sarandë
Absolutely! Here are a few off-the-beaten-path spots:
- Gjipe Beach – A secluded paradise accessible via a short hike.
- Llogara National Park – Stunning mountain views and fresh air.
- Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) – A mesmerizing natural spring with vibrant blue waters.
- Vuno & Qeparo – Charming, untouched villages with authentic Albanian architecture.
Albania offers incredible natural beauty, rich history, and authentic culture at a fraction of the price of its neighbors. Whether you want stunning beaches, UNESCO heritage sites, or amazing food, Albania has it all—without the crowds!
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