The newest holiday gem has just dropped and it’s Albania! You’ve probably seen pictures of this heavenly destination and thought “that’s Thailand,” or “that’s Croatia,” but you’d be wrong. Hailed as a dupe for places like the Maldives or Greece which are popular, but slightly busy, Albania is sure to totally dazzle you. You’ll get white sand beaches, stunning weather to kiss your skin, enticing turquoise waters, and of course plenty of culture and history.
But, where to start? If you’re eager to explore Albania, then this is your official guide to doing so with an epic Albania itinerary.
Day 1 & 2 – Tirana
Welcome to Albania’s beautiful capital city: Tirana, which sounds like Tiara because it’s such a gem. This vibrant city is full of traditional colourful buildings, as well as a mix of skyscrapers, creating a contrast between old and new. Take a walking tour to really soak it all up and take the time to think ‘wow, I’m so lucky to be in Albania!’.
If you want to catch a different perspective, make sure to take the cable car up to Dajti Mountain where you’ll be surrounded by lush green forests and fresh air. If you head high enough, you’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of some of the turquoise lakes that dot the country. Finally, if you’re looking for that cherry on top to make this the perfect first days of your Albania itinerary, then head for a traditional Albanian dinner with all your friends!
Image source:Dario Daniel Silva / unsplash
Day 3 – Vlorë
Craving palm trees and crystal clear waters? Then you’re in luck. The next part of your Albania itinerary will take you to Vlorë. Also known as the Albanian Riviera (like the French Riviera but a lot more affordable), Vlorë is a beach town along the Albanian coast, surrounded by bays, mountains, and cerulean seas.
To take full advantage of these gorgeous views, why not treat yourself to a cruise around Sazan-Karaburun National Marine Park. Blue waters all around you (and warm enough to take a dip in), white sandy and pebble beaches, dramatic cliff faces speckled with greenery, and caves in the rock face where the water casts pretty shadows on the walls. B-L-I-S-S!
And, in the evening, why not seal the deal with a sunset farm-to-table dinner so you can indulge in the local cuisine and ingredients.
Day 4 – Himara & Porto Palermo
Didn’t get enough of the beach yesterday? Take a day trip down to Himara and Porto Palermo, two stunning paradise locations only 30 minutes to an hour away! You can take public transport there for super easy access, and spend all day crisping up under the sun (with some factor 50 SPF of course!).
Sun yourself at the many beach clubs, but feel free to adventure around as well! Porto Palermo is home to a triangular shaped white castle which covets lots of interesting history, and Himara has beautiful pastel buildings akin to those that decorate Italy’s Amalfi Coast, as well as charming coffee shops and restaurants for some sweet treats on the road.
Image source:Renaldo Kodra / unsplash
Day 5 – Vlorë & Shköder
If you didn’t visit Albania purely for the beach then I guess you didn’t know just how stunning they are. Spend another beach day really soaking up the Adriatic sun and then prepare for one of the best dinners of your LIFE. Albanian food is truly where it’s at guys, and when it’s homemade and local, you really can’t go wrong.
After dinner, head to Shköder for the night, and rest up for more adventures in the morning.
Day 6 – Shköder, Koman & Valbonë
Next on your Albania itinerary it’s time to leave Shköder after a little wander around and head to Valbonë. On your way to the rustic village, stop over in Koman for a dream-like cruise over Komani Lake. Following Albania’s theme of crystal clear waters, you’ll get to just float and bask in the glorious days of your trip so far. Komani lake is surrounded by cliffs and looks a little like a fjord – you can almost pretend you’re in Phuket.
Later, spend the afternoon hiking through the mountains in Valbonë. Jagged peaks, thick forests, aquamarine lakes and adorable log cabins, it’s a different vibe to the beachy start of the trip, but a totally welcome one. Then, have dinner with some locals and get to chatting so you can learn more about Albanian culture, history, and the people.
Image source:Drini Teta / unsplash
Day 7 & 8 – Tirana
It’s back to Tirana with a short drive down, or, you can head East towards Kosovo if you’re in the mood to visit two countries in one trip, and see Prizren. A town with intriguing architecture and mediaeval bridges, spend a few hours getting lost, before rejoining the main city. Shop, hit up local bars, dance all night – the holiday is yours and seeing as these are your last few days you should 100% make the most of it!
Hopefully by the time the week is over you’ve indulged in as much beach, mountains, and food as possible, and you’ll be happy to wait a little while longer before your next heavenly holiday. But, if you aren’t totally blown away by the country at the end of your Albania itinerary, then the problem is probably you, and you should do it all over again – we don’t make the rules.
