The two weeks we spent traveling through Albania was one of the biggest surprises of our entire Europe trip! The country was completely off our radar before 2018 when we looked deeper into the Balkans and visiting Albania. It wasn’t until almost a year later that we boarded a ferry from Greece, and headed to our first stop on the Albanian Riviera. Our Albania travel guide will take you along the gorgeous coastline and to our favorite mountain towns as you spend two weeks exploring and learning to love this amazing country. So take the leap of faith and head to Albania… It’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world catches on!

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General Posts for Visiting Albania

Albania Travel Guide: 2 Week Itinerary

Saranda ⸰ 1 Night

Ksamil ⸰ 2 Nights

Gjirokaster ⸰ 2 Nights

Himare ⸰ 3 Nights

Dhermi ⸰ 2 Nights

Berat ⸰ 2 Nights

Tirana or Ohrid Macedonia ⸰ 2 Nights



Saranda • 1 Night

We started our Albania travel adventure by hopping on a boat from Corfu Greece and making the quick 30 minute trip across the ocean. Saranda was an interesting place and we felt it was the perfect introduction to the Albanian Riviera. When first arriving you’ll be blown away by the funky colors of the buildings, and how they delicately gleam off the Ionian Sea. The traditional food in the south is also very tasty, and you can certainly find some great meals in Saranda! With all that being said, after a day or two we were ready to head off and see more of what this country had to offer.

Walk along the ocean promenade and stop at one of the many seaside restaurants for a coffee or breakfast.

Jump into the chilled water on the public beach set right in the town center.

Eat your heart out at one of the many bakeries and make sure to visit Haxhi restaurant (location) for dinner. The mussels here were one of our favorite meals in Albania!

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Where To Sleep:

Ultra Luxury (High End) – White Residence Luxury Apartments – Large luxury apartments with gorgeous sea views. Modern decor and amenities just steps from the beach.

(High End) – White Residence Luxury Apartments – Large luxury apartments with gorgeous sea views. Modern decor and amenities just steps from the beach. Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Vila Kalcuni – Set just outside the city center, Vila Kalcuni has beautiful views of the Ionian Sea. You’ll enjoy the buffet breakfast and great location in a quiet area of Saranda.

(Mid Range) – Vila Kalcuni – Set just outside the city center, Vila Kalcuni has beautiful views of the Ionian Sea. You’ll enjoy the buffet breakfast and great location in a quiet area of Saranda. Travel Couple (Longterm Travel) – Alfred’s Apartments – Our home in Saranda! Quality apartments of all sizes at a great price. Our apartment had a balcony with a view of the Albanian Riviera and even a washing machine.

(Longterm Travel) – Alfred’s Apartments – Our home in Saranda! Quality apartments of all sizes at a great price. Our apartment had a balcony with a view of the Albanian Riviera and even a washing machine. Hostel Life (Budget) – Sunset Hostel – Brand new hostel in Saranda with nice views over the city, comfortable beds, and a great spot to meet other travelers.

For more places to stay in Saranda you can explore the latest prices here!

Next Stop: Ksamil

How To Get There: Public Bus leaving on the half hour. Example: 10:30, 11:30, etc….

Ksamil • 2 Nights

When we were told that Ksamil is known as Albania’s best beach town how could we not go and see for ourselves? This place blew us away and completely changed our idea of what the beaches in Albania look like. Many people only visit Ksamil as a day trip from Saranda, but that isn’t nearly enough time. Especially considering there’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Butrint National Park right down the street!

Head right to the beach, grab an overwater chair, and relax the day away.

Jump on one of the many paddle boards and kayaks to see the small islands in the harbor.

Take a break from the water and spend a few hours strolling around Butrint National Park (location). Many people get an Albania travel guide to show them around Butrint as there’s so much history to take in!

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Where To Sleep:

Ultra Luxury (High End) – Hotel Luxury – While there aren’t a ton of resort options yet in Ksamil, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Hotel Luxury! Located just 150 m from Paradise beach, this will be a great option at any time of year.

(High End) – Hotel Luxury – While there aren’t a ton of resort options yet in Ksamil, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Hotel Luxury! Located just 150 m from Paradise beach, this will be a great option at any time of year. Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Hotel Mira Mare – Small but beautiful boutique hotel with amazing views of the Ksamil islands. Easy walk from beach, the town, and all the great seafood restaurants.

(Mid Range) – Hotel Mira Mare – Small but beautiful boutique hotel with amazing views of the Ksamil islands. Easy walk from beach, the town, and all the great seafood restaurants. Travel Couple (Longterm Travel) – VISI Apartments – Our home in Ksamil beach! VISI is right in the main town and just a 5 minute walk to the Ksamil beaches. Nice and affordable place to stay when visiting Albania.

For more places to stay in Ksamil you can explore the latest prices here!

Next Stop: Gjirokaster

How To Get There: Bus back to Saranda and transfer to a bus for Gjirokaster

Gjirokaster • 2 Nights

Tucked high into the Albanian mountains, this is the first of two non-seaside towns that we saw while visiting Albania. Gjirokaster is known for its lively Bazaar and stonework which is everywhere from the streets to rooftops. At once you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time and experiencing an authentic Albanian town! Not to mention, this is where you’ll find some of the most delicious local food in the entire country!

Hike to the Gjirokaster Castle (location) where you can take in the views, learn about Albanian history, and visit the arms museum.

Take a guided tour with the owner of a traditional 19th century Albanian home (location).

Shop your way through the Old Bazaar which is right in the old city center. Here you can buy everything from rugs, to old pots, and souvenirs.

Enjoy local specialties like rice balls, stuffed eggplant, and fried cheese at the Odaja Restaurant (location).

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Where To Sleep:

Ultra Luxury (High End) – Kerculla Resort – Stunning views of the city from above. This Gjirokaster hotel has a swimming pool, lounge, and restaurant on property.

(High End) – Kerculla Resort – Stunning views of the city from above. This Gjirokaster hotel has a swimming pool, lounge, and restaurant on property. Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Old Bazaar 1790 – Beautiful historic house in a great location. Traditional Gjirokaster designs with modern amenities.

(Mid Range) – Old Bazaar 1790 – Beautiful historic house in a great location. Traditional Gjirokaster designs with modern amenities. Travel Couple (Longterm Travel) – Stone City Hostel – Our home in Gjirokaster and one of the best hostels on our Albania travel guide! This hostel has a warm and cozy vibe just steps from the Old Bazaar. Great view from the deck outside, and a fun atmosphere with other travelers in the common areas.

For more awesome Gjirokaster hotels you can explore the latest prices here!

Next Stop: Himare

How To Get There: Bus back to Saranda and transfer to a bus heading to Vlore

Himare • 2 Nights

Time to head back at the beach! What was once described as a small fishing town has completely changed into the seaside vacation village that you’ll find today. Touristy bars and restaurants line the ocean, but just behind them the backstreets give off more of a local feel. Your time here will begin the beach hopping, hiking, and seeing all the beauty of the Albanian Riviera!

Check out the Himare, Marachi and Potami Beaches which are dotted with small coves.

Jump in a car or rent a motorbike for a trip to Porto Palermo Castle (location).

Hike around old town and take in the views above Himare.

Take the afternoon and make the beautiful hike from Himare to Livadhi Beach.

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Where To Sleep:

Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Geo & Art Boutique Hotel Himara – Locally run small boutique hotel with nice terraces that overlook Himare town and beach. One minute walk from the beach and shops with clean and modern beach decor.

(Mid Range) – Geo & Art Boutique Hotel Himara – Locally run small boutique hotel with nice terraces that overlook Himare town and beach. One minute walk from the beach and shops with clean and modern beach decor. Travel Couple (Longterm) – Sunset Guesthouse – Our home in Himare! Set back from the main street this property is ran by two kind owners who go out of their way to welcome you. Clean rooms, large balcony common area, and very economical price for the Albanian Riviera.

(Longterm) – Sunset Guesthouse – Our home in Himare! Set back from the main street this property is ran by two kind owners who go out of their way to welcome you. Clean rooms, large balcony common area, and very economical price for the Albanian Riviera. Hostel Life (Budget) – Himara Hostel – Set in a traditional house, Himara Hostel is a quick 8 minute walk from the beach and offers free breakfast. Large outdoor space with hammocks and lounge areas. The hostel has bikes and kayaks for rent as well.

For more great Himare Albania hotels you can explore the latest prices here!

Next Stop: Dhermi Beach

How To Get There: Quick 30 Minute Bus Ride

Dhermi • 2 Nights

No Albania travel guide would be complete without Dhermi, so we saved one of the best beaches for last! As you make your way up the Albanian Riviera you’ll arrive in this small, but charming beach town. In all honesty, with how tiny Dhermi is “town” is a little bit of a stretch! However, what it lacks in size it makes up for with its stunning blue water. Almost all your time will be spent at the beach, so pull up a chair and relax.

Some beach spots play loud music while others have a relaxed feel. Grab a lounge chair of choice and jump in the ocean.

Have lunch at Luciano (location) and overlook the entire beach. Meals cost half or a fourth of what they would in other parts of Europe with this view. The great prices is one of the things that made our time visiting Albania so enjoyable!

After a long day at the beach hike up or drive to old town for sweeping views of the coastline and mountains.

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Where To Sleep:

Ultra Luxury (High End) – Elysium Hotel – Perched up above Dhermi beach, this luxury hotel has rooms with both mountain and sea views. Gorgeous swimming pool, shuttle service to beach, and everything you need for a relaxing stay.

(High End) – Elysium Hotel – Perched up above Dhermi beach, this luxury hotel has rooms with both mountain and sea views. Gorgeous swimming pool, shuttle service to beach, and everything you need for a relaxing stay. Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – HH Boutique Hotel – Cozy and spacious rooms with beautiful ocean views. Quiet stay on the hillside and just a 10 minute walk from the Dhermi restaurants and beach.

(Mid Range) – HH Boutique Hotel – Cozy and spacious rooms with beautiful ocean views. Quiet stay on the hillside and just a 10 minute walk from the Dhermi restaurants and beach. Budget Travel (Low Cost) – Nino’s Guesthouse – Our home in Dhermi Beach! We stayed in Vila Nino directly in front of the guesthouse and had a nice view of the ocean. Clean rooms at a great price with just a 3 minute walk to the Albanian Riviera.

For more Dhermi Hotels you can explore the latest prices here!

Next Stop: Berat

How To Get There: 5 Hours and 3 Buses, but it isn’t as bad as it sounds. We caught the 9am bus and it worked great!

Berat • 2 Nights

We’re back in the mountains for the last stop on our Albania travel guide! Nicknamed the “City of 1,000 Windows,” the houses of Berat are built into the hillside with traditional Ottoman architecture. The entire town buzzes with local life, and there’s many walks and hikes that center around the Osum River. We had some of the best food of our trip here so make sure to come hungry!

Hike up to the Berat Castle (location) and take in the view over the city.

Go on your own self-guided Berat UNESCO Architecture tour. Don’t forget your camera!

Hike the 1.5 hour loop across the river that overlooks the town and Berat Castle.

Walk along the Osum River at sunset before stopping into Antigoni Restaurant for a craft of wine.

Eating a traditional meal at the Home Made Food Lili (location) or Wildor Restaurant (location) is a must when visiting Albania.

Related Posts:

Where To Sleep:

Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Hotel Onufri – One of the most unique hotels we found while visiting Albania. Beautiful setting in traditional architecture and great location. The rooms have city views of Berat and breakfast included.

(Mid Range) – Hotel Onufri – One of the most unique hotels we found while visiting Albania. Beautiful setting in traditional architecture and great location. The rooms have city views of Berat and breakfast included. Travel Couple (Longterm Travel) – Villa 97 – Right in the center of town, Villa 97 offers very cheap and clean rooms. Basic but great for the price. Also, the owner is very nice and can help assist with onward travel.

(Longterm Travel) – Villa 97 – Right in the center of town, Villa 97 offers very cheap and clean rooms. Basic but great for the price. Also, the owner is very nice and can help assist with onward travel. Hostel Life (Budget) – Maya Hostel Berat – This fun hostel is located just over the river, but still in the middle of all the action. Features a large outdoor area, bar, and free continental breakfast.

For more places to stay in Berat Albania you can explore the latest prices here!

If you followed our 2 week Albania travel guide it would leave you with two additional nights. Most travelers head to the capital city of Tirana to finish their trip, but we did ours a bit differently. We actually hopped on a bus to the lake town of Ohrid, Macedonia, so we unfortunately don’t have any advice for Tirana.

If you have any suggestions for other great spots to visit or questions about Albania travel, let us know in the comments below!

Safe Travels,

Brigitte and Jake

For places to stay in Albania you can check the latest prices here!

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