The Ultimate 2 Week Albania Itinerary

The Ultimate 2 Week Albania Itinerary

Albania is a country located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. It has a rich history and cultural heritage dating back to ancient times. Tirana is its capital and largest city. Albania boasts stunning landscapes, including beautiful beaches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, as well as rugged mountains inland. Albania has undergone significant political and economic changes since the fall of communism in the early 1990s and has been making efforts to integrate into the European Union. Sound good? We have created the Ultimate 2 week Albania itinerary for your travel inspo. We have also included some practical tips that we learned from our own travels.

Why Should I Visit Albania?

Good question! Many people asked us what we were thinking when we started planning our first Albania trip in 2018. There are several reasons to consider visiting Albania. For us, the best reason is to experience the country’s spectacular natural beauty. Albania offers breathtaking landscapes, including pristine beaches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, rugged mountains perfect for hiking and exploring, and picturesque lakes and rivers.

Albania also offers a rich history and culture. While visiting you can explore ancient ruins, Ottoman architecture, and medieval castles scattered throughout the country. Albania’s cultural heritage is diverse and fascinating, influenced by various civilizations that have inhabited the region over the centuries.

Affordability is another big one! Compared to other European destinations, Albania offers relatively low costs for accommodation, dining, and transportation, making it an attractive option for budget travellers.

Albanians are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards visitors, creating a welcoming atmosphere for tourists.

Indulge in Albania’s delicious cuisine, which features a blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavours, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, hearty stews, and delicious pastries. Being relatively close to Italy, there is also an amazing choice of ice cream!

Another benefit of the great outdoors is all the fun outdoor activities on offer! Whether you enjoy hiking, swimming, water sports, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, Albania offers a wide range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

Albania, for now, is still an off-the-beaten-path experience. It is still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, providing an authentic and off-the-beaten-path travel experience for adventurous travellers looking to explore new destinations. Now lets plan your perfect 2 week Albania Itinerary!

The Ultimate 2 Week Albania Itinerary

Albania is a small country but it is jam packed with incredible things to do. We have put together a 2 week Albania itinerary to give you some ideas of where to go and for how long. Here’s what we recommend –

2 Week Albania Itinerary – Day 1-3: Tirana

• Spend your first day exploring the vibrant capital city of Tirana. Visit Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and the Et’hem Bey Mosque.
• On day two, visit Bunk’art museum and then take a day trip to Dajti Mountain National Park for hiking and panoramic views of the city. Sunset is an amazing time to head back down the mountain. You can take the Dajti Ekspress cable car if you don’t fancy the hike.
• On day three, explore the hip Blloku neighbourhood, known for its cafes, restaurants, and nightlife. In this area you will also see the former residence of Enver Hoxha and an old statue of Stalin. A sign of Albania’s Communist past.

Day 4-5: Berat

• Travel to Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” famous for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and UNESCO-listed old town.
• Spend a day exploring the narrow cobbled streets, visiting Berat Castle, and admiring the painted houses cascading down the hillside.

2 Week Albania Itinerary – Day 6-7: Gjirokastër

• Journey to Gjirokastër, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture.
• Explore Gjirokastër Castle, the Ethnographic Museum, and wander through the cobblestone streets of the old town.
• Optionally, take a day trip to the nearby Blue Eye Spring for a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters. We recommend going early morning in the summer, or face the crowds and the baking heat!

Day 8-10 of Your 2 Week Albania Itinerary: Sarandë and the Albanian Riviera

• Next, head to Sarandë, a coastal town known for its stunning beaches and proximity to archaeological sites.
• Spend a day exploring the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with remains dating back to the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. This was really a highlight for us. Walking through the ancient city was incredible and the surrounding lake and nature were serene.
• Relax on the beaches of Ksamil and explore the nearby islands by boat.

Day 11-12: Vlorë and Llogara Pass

• Drive along the scenic coastal road to Vlorë, stopping at the Llogara Pass for stunning views of the Ionian Sea.
• Explore Vlorë’s historic sites, including the Independence Monument and the Muradie Mosque.
• Relax on the beaches of Vlorë or take a boat trip to nearby Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park.
• You might also find time to take a trip up to Fier to visit Apollonia Archaeological Park.

Day 13-14: Shkodër and Lake Shkodër

• On the final days of your 2 week Albania itineray, don’t miss ancient Shkodër. This is one of Albania’s oldest and most historic cities, located near Lake Shkodër, the largest lake in the Balkans.
• Explore Shkodër’s medieval castle, mosques, and museums.
• Take a boat trip on Lake Shkodër to visit islands and enjoy birdwatching and nature walks.

The Ultimate 2 Week Albania Itinerary Summary

This 2 week itinerary covers some of the highlights of Albania, from its vibrant capital to its stunning coastline and historic cities. It gives you a small insight into this amazing country but it is by no means exhaustive. Albania will definitely keep you busy! So here’s a quick summary to keep you right.

• Day 1-3: Tirana
• Day 4-5: Berat
• Day 6-7: Gjirokastër
• Day 8-10: Sarandë and the Albanian Riviera
• Day 11-12: Vlorë and Llogara Pass
• Day 13-14: Shkodër and Lake Shkodër

Should I Rent a Car in Albania?

Renting a car in Albania can be a convenient option for exploring the country, especially if you want to visit remote areas or have the flexibility to set your own itinerary. However, there are some factors to consider.

While major roads in Albania are generally in good condition, some rural roads may be narrow and winding, and signage can be limited. Be prepared for occasional potholes, uneven surfaces and goats…

The driving culture in Albania may be different from what you’re used to, with some drivers exhibiting aggressive behaviour and disregarding traffic rules. Exercise caution and patience while driving.

Finding parking in cities like Tirana can be challenging, especially in crowded areas. Many hotels offer parking facilities, but it’s advisable to inquire about parking options in advance. Traffic in Tirana can also be a bit of a nightmare. Add a bit more time onto your journey to account for this.

Renting a car in Albania can be relatively affordable, but fuel costs and insurance expenses should also be factored into your budget. We would always recommend taking out a full insurance policy.

If you prefer not to drive, Albania has a network of buses, minibuses (known as furgons), and taxis that can take you to various destinations.

Ultimately, whether you should rent a car depends on your travel preferences, comfort level with driving in foreign countries, and the specific places you plan to visit in Albania. If you’re comfortable navigating the roads and want the freedom to explore at your own pace, renting a car can enhance your 2 week Albania itinerary.

The Albanian Language

Many Albanians in the cities speak a little English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Albanian. Like all Balkan languages, it is certainly not an easy language for English speakers. However, any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:

Hello Tungjatjeta (toon-jah-TYEH-tah)

Please Ju lutem (yoo LOO-tehm)

Thank you Faleminderit (fah-lehm-meen-DEH-reet)

Yes Po (poh)No Jo (yoh)

Goodbye Mirupafshim (meer-oo-PAHF-sheem)

The Albanian Currency

The local currency is Albanian Lek and 100Lek equates to around €1.00. Not many currency exchange centres will hold Albanian Lek so you may have to order it in advance. Most larger shops and restaurants in the cities will accept cards and there are ATMs around. However, it is still mainly a cash based society and you will certainly need cash during your 2 weeks in Albania.

Where to go next

Fancy exploring some hiking trails in Albania? Why not get some inspiration HERE.

Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.

Have you visited Albania already? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop us a message below, we would love to hear from you!

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The Ultimate 2 Week Albania Itinerary