Albania Travel Itinerary (Realistic + Public Transport)

So you’re planning to visit Albania and don’t know where to start? Wondering what cities are worth visiting, how long you should stay in each location, and how to travel around using public transport?

There are so many awesome places in Albania that if you wanted to see them all, you’d have to take a gap year. Well, maybe a two-month gap – but still. If you have limited time and budget and want to make the most of your stay in Albania, this post is for you.

I traveled around Albania for two months. I know that might sound a bit excessive, but I loved my time there, and I truly think it’s one of the most interesting and beautiful countries you can travel to in Europe. I travelled on a very strict budget, as it was part of my seven-month extended travel, and I only used public transport – apart from one small exception when my friend “visited” me for five days in Himarë and she rented a car.

I have a very realistic view of the country (with all the ups and downs I experienced while traveling in Albania), and I’m full of helpful tips and knowledge that I’m going to share with you, with no sugarcoating.

In this post, you’ll find 10-day and 14-day Albania itineraries —realistic, budget-friendly, and all doable with public transport only.

Who is this post NOT for?

If you’re planning to visit Albania for just one week or less, I suggest picking a base like Tirana, Sarandë, or Vlorë, enjoying your stay, and taking day trips from there. For this type of trip, you won’t really need a full itinerary. I don’t recommend cramming five locations into one week. I mean, to each their own—but most places in Albania deserve at least two full days, if not more.

But don’t worry! If you want to visit Albania for a week or less and aren’t sure where to go, I have a post listing the most incredible places in Albania. Head over there and see what ticks your fancy.

For the rest of us, here is the perfect Albania itinerary.

10 Days in Albania: Budget-Friendly Itinerary Using Public Transport Only

Day 1: Arrive in Tirana

Spend your first night in the capital.

Tirana is a chaotic but super interesting city. Many travelers say Tirana is great only for a one-night stay, but I stayed for a week and I loved it. But you have only 10 days, so we are going to spend one night.

If it’s your first time in Albania, this will be a great introduction to the country. Grab a coffee at one of the countless cafes, check out Skanderbeg Square, and be sure to take a walk through Blloku and visit the Bunk’Art museum to get a taste of Albania’s history. It’s a must-do!

A great way to discover the city and learn more about Albania is to take a free walking tour! Some people I met in my hostel did it and they loved it!

Where to stay: Look for a hostel or budget hotel near the city center or Blloku for easy access to everything. Tirana is very walkable, and you won’t need to use public transport. I recommend Red Goat Hostel or Vanilla Sky Boutique Hostel if you are on a budget but looking for a fantastic hostel. For an affordable private room, I recommend Vila TAFA Apartments or B&B Artistic Tirana.

Useful travel tip – for up-to-date bus timetables and prices, visit the Gjirafa Travel website. This is the official Alabia public transport site, and it will always be up to date. You will purchase the tickets with the driver, so there is no need to book online.

Days 2–6: Shkodra & the Albanian Alps

Base yourself in Shkodra for 4 nights, with 2 nights spent in the Albanian Alps.

Why it’s worth it:
If you love nature, mountains, or just want a break from busy cities, this is the part of Albania that’ll blow your mind. I believe that no trip to Albania is complete without visiting this part of the country. Shkodra has so many layers and so many surprising things to do that you should definitely give it at least a couple of days! Rent a bike, explore Lake Shkodra, check out Rozafa Castle, and enjoy the laid-back vibe.

I spent a month in Shkodra while volunteering in a hostel, and I was not bored!

Shkodra is one of Albania’s most chilled (and budget-friendly) cities. There is something special about this town, and it is a gateway to the Albanian Alps, which are the most spectacular and a hikers’ paradise!

Why 3 nights?

The Albanian Alps are spectacular! This dramatic mountain range, popularly known as the “Accursed Mountains”, connects Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo. They are among the most beautiful mountains in Europe.

The most popular way to see the Albanian Alps is to take the famous Valbona to Theth hike. Or Theth to Valbone – as the hike can be done in both directions. The hike is a bit challenging but definitely doable and takes between 4 and 8 hours, depending on your ability and the number of breaks you take.

The best way to do the hike is to travel to Theth, spend the first night there, and then, first thing in the morning, hike to Valbone. There are no late return buses from Valbone, so you will have to book a night stay in Valbone and return to Shkoder the next day. But both Valbone and Theth are amazing, so it’s worth it!

The way most travellers do it is:

Arrive in Shkodra and stay the night. Let the hostel organise the Theth to Valbone hike for you. They do it very well, and you can trust them! They will organise the transport and recommend a hostel or a guesthouse. Some hostels like Wonderers Hostel even book the overnight stay for you. I also personally recommend the wonderful Mi Casa es Tu Casa backpackers hotel!

After you return from Valbonne. spend one more night in Shkodra to rest and recharge.

Tip – If you don’t fancy a big hike, you can visit either Theth or Valbone just for one night and take smaller hikes like the one to the xx waterfall or the Theth blue eye. It’s equally worth it! This way, you will save one day but won’t lose out on this spectacular location. Here you will find information on what to do in Theth apart from doing the Valbone hike.

Getting there:

• Tirana to Shkodra: Around 3 hours by bus (leaves from the northern bus terminal)

Days 6–7: Berat

After the mountains, you’re heading south to Berat. It’s a semi long travel day—expect around 6 hours by furgon with one or two changes, likely in Tirana or Durres. It’s not the most direct route, but it’s doable.

I recommend this stopover only if you are up for a fully packed Albania itinerary and really don’t want to miss out on one of the spectacular UNESCO towns in Albania. But if you want to skip the night in Berat, don’t worry. You can head directly to Shkoder and take a day trip to Gjiracaster instead. More on this a little bit later.

Why it’s worth it:

Berat is known as the “town of a thousand windows,” and it’s one of the prettiest places in Albania. In fact, it one one of two of my favorite places in Albania. The Ottoman architecture is gorgeous, and the whole town is calm and peaceful. You’ll want at least one night here to rest, eat well, and visit both historic old towns. Yes! Berat has 2 distinguished old towns – Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods, and a spectacular castle too!

Ideally, you would spend at least 2 days in Berat and take a great Osumi Canyon trip, but to do that, you will have to shorten your coastal trip. The choice is yours.

Getting there:

• Shkodra to Tirana by bus. Start as early as possible. The first bus to Tirana leaves at 8:30 am. Tirana to Berat via a furgon from the same bus station. This journey takes only one hour.

Where to stay

For a hostel stay, I highly recommend Hanna’s Hostel. Their Osumi canyon trip is great, and the hostel is wonderful! Other popular choices include Berat Backpackers Hostel and Maya Hostel. For an affordable private room, I recommend xx.

Days 7–10: Sarandë (with day trips to Blue Eye or Gjirocaster and beach time)

From Berat, take a furgon to Sarandë—another long travel day (about 5–6 hours), but it’s worth it. Sarandë will be your beach base for the next few days.

Why Sarande?

There are many great coastal towns in Albania, and some of them offer a more authentic and less touristy vibe than Sarande. But Sarande is a great town nevertheless and is a fantastic base for taking day trips and seeing what the Albanian Riviera has to offer.

From Sarande, you can visit places like the Blue Eye of Sarande (can’t be missed!!), Butrint Park, Ksamil, or even Gjirokaster. The last one could be a bit of a stretch by public transport, so for this trip I recommend getting an organised tour like this one. But if you decided to skip Berat, this is your chance to see a town you never imagined could exist!

Sarande also has nice public/free beaches and plenty of great bars and restaurants for the evening wind down. It will be a great culmination of your spectacular 10 days in Albania!

Spend one day relaxing on the beach (Mirror Beach and Pulebardha are great options), one day visiting the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), and if you’re up for it, you can take a local bus or taxi to Butrint National Park—home to impressive ancient ruins in a peaceful lagoon setting.

Getting there:

• There is a direct bus from Berat to Sarande, leaving twice a day – at 8 am and at 13:30. The latter will make you arrive in Sarande at 17:15.

There is a bus from Sarande that will take you directly to Tirana.

Alternative 10-Day Route (If you want to skip the North)

If the Alps and northern Albania aren’t your thing, or you’re traveling off-season. This will be a less packed and more relaxed alternative.

Days 1–3: Tirana

Spend 2 nights here and actually give the capital a chance—it’s quirky, fun, and full of surprises. You can also take a day trip to Kruja.

Days 3–4: Berat

Same as above. Chill town, beautiful views, great place to slow down.

Days 4–6: Gjirokastër

Spend a night in the magical town of Gjirokaster. You will have more time to check out the Manalat quarter, watch the sunset from the castle, and then wander the streets of the bazaar until the late hours.

Days 6–10: Sarande

You can either spend the whole 4 days in Sarande and enjoy day trips and beach time, or split this time between another Albanian Riviera town like Himare or Dhermi for more local and chilled time.

Why Himarë?
More local, fewer crowds, better beaches (Jale, Gjipe, Livadhi).
Why Dhermi?
More of a village vibe and spectacular views, and a lovely beach.

14 Days in Albania itinerary

If you have 14 days to travel around Albania, you will not only have more time to visit one more location, but also spend more time in places that truly deserve it.

Day 1-2: Tirana

• Just like I mentioned above, I recommend spending 2 nights here and discovering the city in more depth. Here are a few things really worth checking out in Tirana:

Tirana Free Walking Tour – A great way to get an honest, local perspective on the city’s history, politics, and quirks..

Bunk’Art Museum 1 – A massive Cold War-era bunker turned into a museum that dives deep into Albania’s communist past.

Skanderbeg Square and Its Landmarks – The heart of the city surrounded by key sites like the National History Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the clock tower..

Blloku District – Once off-limits to everyday Albanians, now a buzzing neighborhood full of cafes, bars, and nightlife.

Pyramid of Tirana – A strange but iconic leftover from the communist era, which has now been redeveloped and offers some great views of the city.

Dajti Cable Car (Dajti Ekspres) – A scenic ride up into the mountains for panoramic views of Tirana and some fresh air away from the city buzz.

Pazar i Ri – A lively market area where you can browse local produce, try traditional food, or grab a coffee and people-watch.

Days 2–6: Shkodër & Theth (Albanian Alps)

• This part of the trip follows the same schedule and tips as I mentioned in the 10-day itinerary.

Days 6–7: Berat

• Spend 2 nights in Berat. Walk around the old neighborhoods, visit Berat Castle, and consider a half-day trip to Osumi Canyon.

Days 7–11: The Albanian Riviera

The Albanian Riviera has a lot to offer, and you can see quite a bit during those 5 days. I recommend you stay at two different locations, which will allow you to see the best of the Albanian coast. Here are few locations to choose from – all offer beaches,p;enty or attractions and great day and half day trips:

Vlora – Vlore is a relatively large city compared to Himare and a very popular holiday destination for Italian and European vacationers. And it definitely feels like a resort.

There are plenty of hotels lined up along the Vlora promenade and a long stretch of beach filled with loungers and umbrellas. But it’s not as bad as places like Ksamil, and there are plenty of public beaches where you can spread out your own towel. The views of the surrounding area are pretty spectacular, and the Logara pass leading up to Vlora is truly exhilarating.

But Vlora is not the best of them all. The beaches in town are very average. For crystal clear beaches, you will have to travel slightly outside of town. Actually, what is slightly outside of town is what is more interesting about Vlore.

 Llogara National Park and the Narta Lagoon are all spectacular and so worth visiting. If you decide to rent a car, you can travel to Llogara National Park amd nearby Dhermi. Want to see if Vlora is for you and see what else there is to do – check out my honest opinion about Vlora in this post.

Himare – Himare is my favourite coastal town in Albania, although it is not the best as a day trip base if you want to use public transport.

Himare is a cute little beach town known for its many beautiful beaches. It is a touristy town, so if you are looking for an off- off-the-beaten-path, remote beach getaway, Himare is not for you, especially not in the peak summer months. But of all the touristy beach towns I visited in Albania, Himare had the most charm.

There’s not much to do in the town itself, but Himare is a great base for beach hopping or visiting smaller coastal villages like Dhermi or Vuno. There are also many stunning beaches, restaurants specializing in a variety of cuisines, and pretty vibrant nightlife. As such, Himare is a great destination for a vacation or a beach weekend in Albania.

Most importantly, Himare is near some of the most spectacular beaches in Albania, such as:

• Gjipe Beach – the hardest to get to but probably the most beautiful beach in Albania!
• Jale Beach and Aquarium Bay – located within walking distance from each other, are my second favorite!
• Llamani Beach – one of the most popular ones therefore the busiest. Great to spend a day and has plenty of great bars and restaurants.
• Palermo Beach – small and pebbly but feels very local. It’s also worth visiting the Palermo castle while in the area.

Sarande – Sarande, as I mentioned above, may not be the most charming, but it makes for a fantastic base for day trips. You can easily hop on a bus and see places like:

• Butrint National Archaeological Park – a beautifully located UNESCO World Heritage Site, best visited on a day trip from Sarande or Ksamil. Within the nature park, you will find the archaeological site, which is an ancient site, dating back to between the 10th and 8th centuries BC. It boasts Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins.
• The Blue Eye – a must-see attraction in Albania! The Blue Eye, also known as “Syri i Kaltër” is a natural phenomenon, and it is said that no one really knows how deep it is. However, we know that it is at least 50m deep. It is a natural underwater spring that is pumped up to the surface by the underwater cave currents, forming a turquoise-blue pool The water is freezing cold, at around 10 degrees Celsius no matter the time of the year, yet you will see many brave ones jumping into the pool!

Day 11 -12: Gjirokastër

Gjirokaster is legendary and one of the top places to visit in Albania! It offers stunning and colourful bazaar,  landscapes that are out of this world, and a cool travellers’ vibe.

Known as Stone City, Gjoricaster’s old town is perched on a hill with an impressive castle towering over the town and surrounded by incredible nature. You will feel like you have truly traveled back in time or changed reality.

Gjirokaster is also one of the best backpacking destinations in Albania. Alongside towns like Berat, Shkoder, or Tirana, it has some of the best hostels in the country, is very solo traveler friendly, and considering how popular it is, it wasn’t too expensive either!

Gjirocaster was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and described as “a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town”. But there is more to this town. The colorful streets, the Old Bazaar, one-of-a-kind historical buildings, the wonderful backpacker-friendly vibe, and the incredible nature surrounding Gjirocaster Hill just cannot be missed!

Where to stay? If you are a backpacker searching for the best and most iconic hostels in Albania, there is only one (and one runner-up) hostel to stay in, Gjirocaster – The Stone City Hostel.  Travelers are raving about this hostel and Walter’s free walking tour! The hostel is gorgeous, boasts a fantastic location, a lovely terrace, and a delicious breakfast, and the vibe is top-notch! In case this one is booked, the Friends’ Guesthouse & Hostel is also an excellent choice.  In both Tourists Guest House and Room Click Inn, you will find private rooms for between 20€ and 30€.

Days 12–13: Permet

Përmet is one of those places that doesn’t make it onto every Albania itinerary, but really should. Known as Albania’s “greenest city,” it’s surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers, and has a calm, slow-paced feel that’s perfect for a short break from the more hectic parts of your trip. Permet is also starting to gain recognition as an emerging ecotourism destination, so it’s a great stop if you’re into nature and off-the-beaten-path spots.

The town itself is small and easy to explore on foot. One of the highlights is the Orthodox Church of Leus, located in the nearby village of Leusë. It’s honestly one of the most beautiful churches in Albania, with detailed frescoes and a peaceful setting that makes the walk up totally worth it.

Another must-do is a visit to the Benja Thermal Springs, located just a 15-minute drive from town. These hot springs sit beneath a stone Ottoman bridge and are surrounded by nature, making them a great place to relax. If you want to avoid the crowds or just try something a little different, check out the Sarandaporo Thermal Springs!.

If you’re visiting in spring or early summer, rafting on the Vjosa River is an option and a pretty unique experience, as it’s one of the few wild rivers left in Europe. There are also some light hiking trails in the area if you’re in the mood for a walk.

How to get there:

• From Gjirokastër, there are direct minibuses that take around 2–3 hours.
• You can also reach Përmet from Korçë or Tirana, but these buses run less frequently, so it’s worth checking schedules in advance or asking at your accommodation.
• Most transport is by furgon, so expect flexibility on timing and always double-check the return times if you’re on a tight schedule.

Day 14: Return to Tirana

Happy travels and enjoy Albania!

Pati