Albania- One week itinerary full of stunning beaches and lovely towns

10.01.2022.

Albania, the southern European country, shares the border with the Greece, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo. One week is not enough as Albania is totally underrated gem bursting with incredible nature.

Having lots of prejudices in linked with this Balkan country. Maybe because of its poor nature, maybe because of the chaotic roads or people. The truth is that Albania will leave you giving more than expected and many more people willing to visit than immaginable.

Definitely the best decision is to to a road trip but many people visit Albania alone staying in their cozy hostels. What makes my visit to Albania hesitant is its lack of vegan culture.

I visited Albania in the beginning of November, still catching the sunny treasure of the beaches but on the way to Shkoder the rainy days filled the air.

Saranda- almost in Greece

Saranda is the closest town to greek border, only 1h away by boat. It’s a lovely place filled with white houses and cozy promenade near the beach. Hotels continue to track the line from the centre untill Ksamil, the paradise coloured by turqouise beach heaven.

Ksamil beaches

The bus to Ksamil takes 30 minutes with the destination to Butrint National Park.

On the way to Ksamil the beach palette scatters in its heavenly colours. The small Monastery beach stays close to St Georges Monastery. Next comes the Mirror beach (Plazhi i Pasqyrave in Albanian) with the wild road embracing it.

Pulëbardha beach is nestled very near to the Mirror beach.

The Ksamil beaches spell the magic on me with the incredible beauty. Even that much that no beach in Albania can win its unbeatable beauty. I even took a swim in November.

Butrint Archeological Park

Unfortunately I haven’t visited this UNESCO World Heritage Site bursting with history. The oldest traces date back 800BC leaving the testimony of the Chaonians age.

In the historical puzzle it was a Roman colony, then a Byzantine city and Venetian heritage.

This large area covers a Roman theatre, a Roman temple, a Greek agora and much more.

Lëkurësi Castle

The stunning viewpoint stays within one hour of walking from the city centre. The castle blends with the lovely restaurant and impressive views, specially at sunset. Once an Ottoman property within entire village, now it covers the ruined walls and watchtower.

Blue Eye

This natural phenomen hides 1h away from Saranda. You can take a bus in the direction of Gjirokaster and tell the driver to stop at Blue eye, from the road it’s a 20 minutes walking.

The enchanting colours of Blue eye do not stand alone as the platforms on the water host a restaurant. There are also few other restaurants nearby and a souvenir shop.

Where to stay in Saranda:

Saranda Backpackers– lovely hostel near the ferry port

Gjirokaster

I took a day trip from Saranda which is 2h away but I highly recommend staying overnight. The reason to this is that I saw some lovely hostels at the cobblestone street of this ancient town. The Ottoman influence is evident and if you can visit some of the Ottoman houses.

Gjirokaster is very pretty during the autumn time. The hilly houses just add to the medieval vibe.

The castle of Gjirokaster dominates the town, its traces date back to the 12th century. The military museum is placed inside the castle.

Himare

Himare is a laidback town, 2h away from Saranda. When I came at the beginning of November only 1/3 of the restaurants and bars were open so it gives the impressions of the empty place.

The beaches look just stunning even in the cloudy and rainy day, the colours are so irresistibly turquoise and beautiful.

Livadhi Beach

It’s a short hike from the centre of Himare, maybe 40 minutes away. The path leads under the treetops of the tiny rocks, there are not any signs so follow your intuition.

Some other gorgeous beaches are a bit away like the Aquarium beach. It’s located 70 minutes away from the centre between the beaches of Livadhi and Jaka. One of the loveliest remote beaches only accessible by boat is the Filikuri beach.

Porto Palermo is a picturesque castle set on a peninsula, it can be reached within 45 minutes by bike from Himare.

Old town of Himare is a mysterious place with the charming vibes and views. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find it as it’s located even higher that what I thought it was and what people told me. Any signs pointing out to the Old town were pretty non-existent. I only saw it from the bus on the way to Tirana and recognized it immediately. The cobblestone streets capture the charm but I don’t advise walking 1h (not 30 minutes as been told) if you’re not specially willing to.

Where to stay in Himare

Himara Hostel– lovely garden vibes with fruit trees makes this hostel pretty cozy;

Tirana

I haven’t seen much of Tirana as I spent only one night but the main square or Skanderbeg square which is the central point of interest. Lovely colourful house and the beautiful mosque are the enchanting spots.

The main monuments gathered here include: Clock Tower, Et’hem Bey Mosque and the National History Museum. Popular celebrations are happening here like 100 years of Albanian Independence in 2012.

Et’hem Bey Mosque is one of the highlights of Tirana, dating back to 19th century. The outer decor covers forests and waterfalls, which are not usually allowed in the Islamic art.

Dajti Mountain National Park offers the stunning views so close to the city. The Lake Bovilla beautifully frames the images from the top. Don’t miss the cable car.

Grand Park of Tirana with its artificial lake bursts with the peaceful vibes and touch of nature in the city centre.

The Tirana market near the Skanderbeg square is embraced by the colourful buildings, actually named Pazar I Ri. You can get here various food, fruits and vegetable but also textiles and embroidery.

Where to stay in Tirana

Trip’n’hostel– lovely vintage hostel near the main square;

Shkoder- the city embraced by the stunning lake and mountains

Shkoder is a lovely city, one of the largest in Albania. It lies 7 km from the Shkoder lake near the border with Montenegro. I love its colourful streets full of gentle coziness and pedestrian vibe. Gjuhadol street in the centre is one of the loveliest.

It’s the place to enjoy amazing restaurants and bars, I was in awe to see few floral caffe. One of them is placed properly in the central Pedonale area.

Shkoder castle imposantly catches the stunning views where Bojana river and Shkoder lake blend. Rozafa castle or the Shkoder castle rise sup impressively above the Bojana and Drin river. This ancient castle depicts the story 4000 years old.

It was pretty rainy when I visited in November taking a bike ride to the nearby villages Shiroke and Zogaj at the lake. It’s the place to see the traditional stone houses and admire the beaches.

The Theth mountains are the golden touch of nature within 2h distance. Koman lake impressively captures the boat ride full of magical moments, even worth more than Shkoder lake.

From Tirana I took a bus to the Ohrid town which took 2,5h.

Where to stay in Shkoder:

Wanderers hostel– your getaway to the Teth mountains;

All in all

Albania captures the beauty stood in time, the nature that bursts in their hidden corners. It’s the inderrated country that needs to be discovered with new eyes. In the recent time the popularity of Albania is growing making it a proper hidden gem.

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