5 Day Albania Itinerary: The Perfect First-Time Route

Q: When is the best time to visit Albania?

For the south , visit in May–June or September–October for great beach weather without the summer crowds. For northern Albania , especially for hiking, stick to June through late September due to snow outside those months.

Q: What’s the most beautiful part of Albania?

We’re split! Our favorite places were Theth in the north and Himarë in the south. The best spot for you depends on whether you prefer mountains or beaches.

Only have 5 days in Albania and feeling overwhelmed by how much there is to see? We get it. After spending over six weeks traveling the country, we still struggled to choose!

That’s why we’ve built two expert-approved 5 day Albania itineraries — one for beach lovers and another for mountain adventurers.

Whether you want coastal sunsets or dramatic hikes, these itineraries are designed to help you maximize your time without feeling rushed.

Plus, we’ve added real recommendations from our trip — from hostels we loved to tours we’d book again in a heartbeat.

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5 Day Albania Itinerary: Beach Route (Day-by-Day Plan)

Albania is known for both its beaches and its mountains but it’s impossible to see it all in just a 5-day itinerary.

If you’re short on time and want to make sure you have at least one beach day on your vacation, then follow this 5 day Albania itinerary which includes a stop in Vlorë.

A beach with clear blue waters and white sand, with green hills in the background. A beach in Vlore,, an ideal stop on a 5 day Albania itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tirana

Arrive in the capital city of Tirana. Tirana is super accessible from neighboring countries, and flights are very reasonable from elsewhere in Europe. It’s also not a city skip and here’s why!

📌 Where We Stayed in Tirana – Red Goat Hostel – Stay right in the thick of the action in this well-located hostel. The common areas are almost like a little oasis within the city center of Tirana.

A plate of food in Albania. A typical dish. Bread, brown meat, white yogurt sauce, and pickled white cabbage

🍲 Don’t miss lunch or dinner at Qebabtore Gjakova. We couldn’t get enough of the sauce that comes with the kebab – the whole dish was so flavorful.

Offset your cheap meal with a fancy ice cream from La Nocciola Gelateria Italiana just down the road from Qebabtore Gjakova. We tried the biscoff and fig ricotta flavors – so, so delicious!

Day 2: See the Sights in Tirana

Spend the day exploring Tirana. It’s a diverse city with plenty to offer, whatever you’re into!

There’s so much to learn from Tirana’s museums about the history and culture in Albania plus tons of cool cafes, parks, and bars to explore.

Things to Do Today in Tirana

BUNK’ART

One of the weirdest museums in Albania, and maybe even in all of Europe. The name would make you think it’s an art museum, but that’s not the case.

Experience a taste of daily life during the Communist era in this former nuclear bunker. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Bear this in mind when planning your trip.

Pyramid of Tirana

Take in the panoramic 360 views of Albania’s capital city. Choose which set of stairs to take back down and get lost exploring the streets of Tirana.

House of Leaves Museum

Learn about how secret surveillance was performed during the Communist era. House of Leaves is certainly a candidate for the prize of Albania’s most interesting

Day 3 – Get Your Beach Fix in Vlorë

Travel 2 hours from Tirana to the popular coastal town of Vlorë. Enjoy some downtime on the sand then stick around for a Mediterranean sunset.

📌 Accommodation for the night in Vlorë – Apartment Barden – This beachfront apartment is in an excellent location. Everything is within walking distance. There is also parking nearby, an added bonus if you’re traveling by car. Although it sleeps 4, the apartment is better suited for 2 people.

🍲 Check what time sunset is and plan your dinner at City Pizza around that. After dinner, allow time for a taxi (or a long stroll like we did) to Sundown Beach Bar for a drink – our favorite sunset spot away from the crowds.

How to Spend Your Time in Vlorë

Once you arrive from Tirana make your way to Plazhi i Ri. The sunbeds are reasonably priced, especially if you hire them for the day. Spend most of your time in Vlorë doing what you came for… soaking up the sun on the beach!

👉 Prefer a more action-packed beach stay? Take a speed boat out for the day to Sazan Island and Karaburun National Park. Explore untouched islands and snorkel off the coast.

You’ll have time on your first evening (or in the morning before you leave) to walk around Lungomare Promenade and Vlorë Old Town. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes to people watch from.

🏖 Looking to spend more time at the beach in Albania? Check out our 1-week South Albania itinerary for beaches, castles & hidden gems.

Day 4: Admire the Architectural Wonders of Berat

Make the most of the morning in Vlorë before heading 2 hours to Berat where you can admire the orange skies above “The City of A Thousand Windows.”

TOP TIP: The bus station in Berat is not close to where you will stay. There are blue buses that travel to and from the center to the bus station. The bus costs 400 Leke ($4USD).

Berat is charming at any time of day but an evening in Berat is unmatched. These are our favorite things to do in Berat.

A street in Berat - a must stop in an Albania itinerary. The houses are stacked on top of each other in the distance and the sky is orange from the sunset

📌 Our Favorite Hostel in Albania – Ana Rest House Hostel – The hostel is a small, family owned property offering a family room, private rooms, and a 6-bed dormitory. The breakfast was great and the family were very friendly and hospitable. The views from the terrace are spectacular as well. We visited in May and pretty much had the place to ourselves.

🍲 There are no shortage of highly-rated restaurants in Berat. A personal favorite is Eni Traditional Food Berat located right by the river. We were obsessed with the stuffed peppers and the traditional lasagne. It’s so good we talked about it for days after!

As the sun sets, you’re going to inadvertently take part in a local pastime. In Albania, “xhiro” refers to an evening stroll or leisurely walk. It’s a popular social activity in Berat where people gather to enjoy the cooler evening air, socialize, and take in the local sights.

Day 5: Learn about the History of Berat

Absorb the architectural wonders on display all around Berat. The best way to take it all in is with a walking tour. Available at 11am each day (and 6pm during high season), it covers all the best bits of Berat, including Berat Castle, Gorica Bridge and the Old Town.

👉 Make sure you book with Bruno on Guruwalk for your free walking tour.

Once you’re ready to leave Berat, there are regular buses throughout the day to take you back to Tirana.

5 Day Albania Itinerary: Mountain Route (Day-by-Day Plan)

Prefer cobbled streets to beach promenades? This mountain route through Gjirokastër and Berat is perfect for travelers craving dramatic views, hilltop castles, and a deeper dive into Albania’s history.

Day 1: Arrive in Tirana

Once you arrive in Tirana, stroll around the streets and busy neighborhoods looking out for street art as you go. Blloku is a popular hipster neighborhood worth checking out.

If you have time for a museum, two popular choices are BUNK’ART or House of Leaves Museum. Our pick is BUNK’ART simply for the novelty (we won’t ruin it by saying anything else).

In the evening find a cool bar to unwind in. Bars in Albania always serve coffee + soft drinks along with alcohol, so a night out can be for everyone.

📌 Stay at Red Goat Hostel – Since you only have one night, Red Goat is a great choice because it’s right in the thick of the action. A perfect choice for such a short stay in the city.

Day 2: Take a Bus to Gjirokastër

When you’re ready to leave Tirana, take a 3-4 hour bus into the mountains to Gjirokastër. This is one of our very favorite places in Albania. It had just rained when we arrived and it made the colors of the buildings, trees and cobbled streets all the more magical.

A typical view in Gjirokaster, Albania. There are mountains lined with clouds in the background. In the foreground is a pine tree on the left, then a slightly smaller mosque to the right of the tree

Once you arrive head to GLIKO Snack Bar & Patisserie and order oshaf. Oshaf is a traditional Albanian dessert made from sheep’s milk, sugar, and dried figs, often enjoyed for its rich, creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor.

📌 Watch sunset from your guesthouse – Friends Guesthouse and Hostel – Come for the outstanding views from the terrace, stay for the gigantic 5 euro breakfast cooked by Grandma. A lovely, family-run hostel, with very comfortable dorm beds.

Day 3: Explore Gjirokastër

The views surrounding Gjirokastër are truly breathtaking – spend a full day here to take it all in.

The Best Things to Do in Gjirokastër

The Bazaar (Old Town)

Meander around the hilly cobbled streets and get lost in the bazaar. Find some local goods at Muhedin Makri (craft souvenirs) or admire Vjollca Mezini’s Albanian embroideries.

Old white buildings line the cobbled streets of Gjirokaster, Albania. There are mountains in the background and telephone wires connecting all the buidlings. It is foggy because a storm has just cleared.

Gjirokastër Obelisk

Go here for panoramic views of the city, nearby mountain tops, and surrounding valleys. Located in the old town, the obelisk is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Castle of Gjirokastër

The castle sits atop a hill overlooking the city and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This historic fortress also houses an Albanian military history museum.

Day 4: Catch an Early Bus to Berat

Leave Gjirokastër early and catch the 3 hour bus to Berat. Meander down the pedestrian streets, filled to the brim with restaurants, bars, and locals strolling around town.

👉 MUST-READ: Our guide to Albanian buses including tips like how to pay, local customs, and bunch of other things we wish we’d known beforehand!

In the afternoon visit the National Iconographic Museum. Housed in a historic church, the museum highlights Albania’s rich heritage through its impressive collection of icons and artifacts.

If you’re visiting during high season jump on the 6pm walking tour with Bruno. His tour hits all the Berat highlights, including Berat Castle, Gorica Bridge and the Old Town.

We spent the evening doing xhiro with locals — the Albanian tradition of strolling at sunset. It’s a great way to decompress after the long travel day.

📌 Stay at Ana Rest House Hostel – this hostel hits all the marks: friendly hosts, epic views, and that breakfast!

Day 5: Spend the Day in Berat

Start the day with the 11am walking tour that you can book on GuruWalk. It’s the best way to see the compact city of Berat before jumping on an evening bus to Tirana when you’re ready to leave.

👉 More ways to enjoy your last day in Berat here.

Which 5 Day Albania Itinerary Is Right for You?

Planning your 5 day Albania itinerary and not sure which route to choose?

Whether you’re craving salty sea air or dramatic mountain views, both options in this guide are designed to help you make the most of your time no matter your travel style.

A girl in white shorts and a black tank top is walking on rocks towards a shoreline. The rocks are a light grey and the turqoise sea is crystal clear

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Beach Itinerary	Mountain Itinerary
Includes Tirana, Vlorë and Berat	Includes Tirana, Gjirokastër, Berat
Ideal for sunny days, beach lovers, relaxed pace	Perfect for history buffs and scenic views
Less time on buses	Slightly longer travel day
Best in late spring or early fall	Best from June through September

Both versions of this 5 day Albania itinerary feature handpicked stays, favorite local meals, and real travel-tested tips to help you maximize your trip without feeling rushed.

Still not sure? Pick based on the vibe you want most for this particular trip. You truly can’t go wrong in Albania.

Want to Tweak Your 5 Day Albania Itinerary?

Got a little extra flexibility in your trip? If you’re open to slightly longer bus rides or want to customize your 5 day Albania itinerary, these swaps let you trade out stops for either even better beaches or epic alpine adventures.

Swap Vlorë for Himarë or Sarandë (Beach Upgrade)

If clear turquoise water is your priority, consider replacing Vlorë with Himarë or Sarandë — two beach towns further south along the Albanian Riviera.

🏖 Here’s a list of the 10 best beaches in Himarë (in our opinion)

Yes, the travel day is longer, but the reward is worth it: quieter beaches, crystal-clear water, and a more relaxed coastal vibe.

👉 Check out our 2 week Albania itinerary to see how we fit Himarë and Sarandë into a longer trip.

Swap Gjirokastër & Berat for the Albanian Alps (Mountain Upgrade)

More into dramatic mountain landscapes than city strolls? Skip Gjirokastër and Berat, and head north to Shkoder, then catch a bus to Theth to hike the stunning Valbona Pass.

A girl in a blue t-shirt scrambling over a gravel path of the Albanian Alps. There are mountains in the background set in front of a blue sky.

It’s more rugged and remote, but if you’re serious about hiking, this detour makes your 5 day itinerary in Albania truly unforgettable.

👉 Read our full guide to the Theth to Valbona hike, including trail tips, accommodations, and packing essentials.
👉 Planning to stay in Theth? Don’t miss our guesthouse recommendations for the best mountain vibes.

FAQs for Planning a 5 Day Trip to Albania

Is Albania safe to visit?

Yes, Albania is very safe! As two queer women traveling together, we never felt unsafe. Just follow normal travel safety practices like you would anywhere else.

When is the best time to visit Albania?

For the south, visit in May–June or September–October for great beach weather without the summer crowds.

For northern Albania, especially for hiking, stick to June through late September due to snow outside those months.

Do I need a car for this 5 day Albania itinerary?

No — you can travel Albania easily by bus! This itinerary was created using public transport. If you plan to visit remote areas, a rental car is helpful but not essential for most routes.

What currency is used in Albania?

Albania uses the LEK. The exchange rate is about 100 LEK = 1 Euro. TOP TIP: Convert your LEK before leaving the country — it’s a closed currency and can’t be exchanged abroad. Learn from our mistakes 🙂

Which is better — North or South Albania?

It depends on your travel style. We love both! The north has mountains, lakes, and dramatic landscapes. The south offers beaches, castles, and coastal villages. You’ll find beauty in both.

What’s the most beautiful part of Albania?

We’re split! Our favorite places were Theth in the north and Himarë in the south. The best spot for you depends on whether you prefer mountains or beaches.