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.
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Spectacular Northern Albania – A 10 Day Itinerary for Everyone

A picture of a girl in a red hat leaning on a walking stick with the Albanian Alps in the background on a hike from Theth to Valbona

Explore our Northern Albania itinerary to see vast, untouched nature, incredible history, and distinctive cultures unique to Albania’s North!

More people than ever are seeking to experience Albania’s unique charm. While the majority of visitors are flocking to the Southern Albanian Riviera, the spellbinding mountains of the North are not to be missed.

10 days in Northern Albania will take you from the capital city of Tirana, to coastal dunes, up to the mountains, and through lakes, rivers, and wildlife reserves.

Read on to discover the best spots to visit, stay, and eat as well as a few hidden gems.

DISCLOSURE: Our website may contain affiliate links to companies we have used and would recommend to our readers. If you book through any of these links we will receive a small commission.

Essential Information

Book this tour: Kayaking on Lake Skadar to see the diverse wildlife on Albania’s best hidden gem.

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Travel Insurance Here: Safety Wing is our go to travel insurance provider – the option to pay monthly and ability to change countries suits our lifestyle perfectly. 

Day 1: Tirana

Arrive in Tirana and explore this incredible capital city. Tirana is young, vibrant, and green.

It’s an unexpectedly cool city filled with creative restaurants, street art, and tons of music and museums. Don’t sleep on this Balkan gem!

Where to Eat in Tirana

Qebabtore Gjakova + La Nocciola Gelateria Italiana

Begin with a simple yet irresistible kebab at Qebabtore Gjakova, served alongside pickled vegetables and a yogurt sauce.

The meals are cheap, so treat yourself to a creamy ice cream at La Nocciola Gelateria Italiana afterward. We chose the biscoff and fig ricotta flavors—absolutely delicious!

Where to Stay in Tirana

Red Goat Hostel

This centrally located hostel is right in the heart of the action. The common areas feel like a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city center of Tirana.

Must Do in Tirana

FREE Walking Tour

There’s nothing like a free walking tour led by a local to get a feel for a new city. We recommend booking in advance to make sure you can take the tour you want!

Pyramid of Tirana

Enjoy stunning 360-degree views of Albania’s capital city. On your way down, you can choose which staircase to take, and lose yourself in the charming streets of Tirana.

The image shows the city views from the Pyramid of Tirana. You can see green tree tops, two sky scrapers to the right, and lots of houses set in front of mountains in the distance

House of Leaves Museum

Discover the methods of secret surveillance used during the Communist era. The House of Leaves is a strong contender for the title of Albania’s most unconventional museum.

Day 2: Lezhë

On day 2, check out of your accommodation in Tirana and travel an hour or so up to Lezhë.

Set next to the sea, Lezhë is one of the most underrated seaside towns in Albania. Filled with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, you’ll feel like you’ve landed in a small Mediterranean paradise. 

Where to Eat in Lezhë

Bistro Serrani

A wonderful restaurant with high quality food. We recommend the risotto or opt for fresh fish from the seaside town.

Where to Stay in Lezhë

Aragosta Shëngjin

Stay at a local family run guest house that provides fresh seafood and produce for all in house meals.

Located about 10 minutes outside of town, Aragosta Shëngjin is perfect for setting off to explore the coast of Shëngjin in the morning!

Must Do in Lezhë

Skanderbeg Castle

Built in the 15th century by George Kastrioti (Albania’s founder), Skanderbeg Castle is not to be missed. Come for the history, stay for the amazing views from the top!

Wine Tasting at Kantina Kallmeti

Taste some wine at an off the beaten path vineyard in Northern Albania! The winery is open every day of the week for visitors from 9am to 6pm.

Qendra e Artizanatit Lezhe – Artistike Zadrima

Discover the beautiful handicraft traditions of Northern Albania at Qendra e Artizanatit Lezhe – Artistike Zadrima.

You can shop for textiles such as traditional vests, tablecloths, and scarves made by hand from a traditional loom. 

The shop is open everyday except Sunday between 8am and 5pm.

Day 3: Lake Skadar (Shirokë) via Shëngjin

After breakfast, head over to Shëngjin to explore the Northern coast and sand dunes. Spend the morning in Shëngjin then continue north to Shirokë on Lake Skadar for the night.

Must Do in Shëngjin

Rana e Hedhun Beach

Skip the busy beaches and visit Rana e Hedhun Beach for a quaint and beautiful morning. Hike to the top of the dunes for panoramic views, then go for a swim before heading to the village of Shirokë on Lake Skadar.

Day 4: Lake Skadar

Wake up on the lake and spend the whole day doing whatever kind of activity you fancy! Lake Skadar is the jewel of Europe.

A national park split between Montenegro and Albania, it remains one of Europe’s best kept secrets.

Where to Eat in Lake Skadar

Bar Restorant “Shiroka”

Eat local food right on the water at Bar Restorant “Shiroka”. We recommend trying the fish and baked cheese with bread – super fresh and locally made!

Where to Stay in Lake Skadar

Among the Trees

Book a cabin overlooking the lake and take in the gorgeous blue views. This cabin is a bargain – even for Albania.

Must Do in Lake Skadar

Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board on the Lake 

Lake Skadar is known for its incredibly diverse wildlife – why not see it all from the water? We recommend this tour which departs right from the Albania side of the lake (where we suggest you stay!)

Go for a Swim

Albania is HOT HOT HOT in the summer and there’s no better feeling than jumping into a cold lake. Head down to the water for a swim and chill lakeside before or after your kayaking tour.

Relax on Your Balcony

The best thing to do in Lake Skadar is to just relaxxxx. Book accommodation with a lake view and take it all in from the comfort of your own space.

Day 5: Shkodër

A street in Shkoder, Northern Albania. The sky is blue, buildings are yellow. It is a pedestrian street with only people walking down it, lined with bars and restaurants

In the morning, make the very short trip over to Shkodër. 

Shkodër is the gateway to the best hiking in Albania, but that’s not all it has to offer! A bustling city in its own right, we loved exploring the area and people watching in the many cafes in the center.

Where to Eat in Shkodër

Arti Zaneve – Traditional Food

For $10USD, you can try multiple traditional Albanian dishes, all in one sitting. Just order the Mix Menu.

The restaurant is woman owned and provides support to the community in the form of employability training and skill-building. We HIGHLY recommend eating here!

Where to Stay in Shkodër

Scodrinon Hostel

No other budget accommodation really comes close in Shkodër. The hostel is located just off the main bustling pedestrian street.

We were amazed at how affordable it was, especially given the spacious and comfortable beds in the 18-bed dormitory – don’t let the size deter you! Although we typically avoid large dorms, we didn’t mind it here. 

The breakfast was also delicious and reliably satisfying every morning.

What to See in Shkodër

“Marubi” National Museum of Photography

The museum houses an extensive collection of historical photographs, offering a captivating glimpse into Albanian life from the 19th century to today.

Rozafa Castle

If you’re not sure what to see in Shkodër, a castle is always a good choice. This historic fortress will give you stunning views of the surrounding rivers and landscape.

Mesi Bridge

Rent a bicycle and make your way across this historic stone bridge. The ride through the Albanian countryside will be a delightful experience.

TOP TIP: Buy snacks in Shkoder before you go to Theth. There are small shops in Theth but they will have much less variety and will be far more expensive.

Day 6: Theth

A picture of the famous castle in Theth, Albania. It is taken from the other side of a wooden fence. The small stone castle is to the right, and the Albanian Alps are in the background

Prepare for an early morning today. There is only one bus to Theth, so take the 7:30am van up to the mountains in the morning. Once you arrive, spend the day exploring the best town in Albania (in our opinion!)

Where to Eat in Theth

Bujtina Polia

For a set price, you can enjoy a generous serving of traditional food while taking in the stunning scenery of Theth. Plus, a couple of adorable puppies are there to keep you entertained!

Where to Stay in Theth

Guesthouse Kujtimi

Although on the edge of town, this guesthouse is worth the extra steps. The dinner was out of this world!

You’ll feel like you’re eating in a Michelin starred restaurant – but it’s the home of a local family in the mountains. The beds are incredibly comfortable, very cozy and the rooms are filled with traditional decor. 

Must Do in Theth

Kisha e Thethit (Theth Church)

Explore the iconic view of Kisha e Thethit (Theth Church) in Theth. Although you’ll need to climb a small ladder to enter the field, it’s permitted and part of the experience.

Blue Eye 

The Blue Eye in Theth is a stunning natural spring renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters and mesmerizing depth, surrounded by lush, untouched nature.

You could go for a dip or just sit and take in the picturesque views. 

Day 7: Hike from Theth to Valbona

It’s hike day! Wake up bright and early to admire the scenery in this stunning mountain village before you spend the day hiking to Valbona. The sore feet are worth the breathtaking views of the Albanian Alps. 

Alternatively, you can just hike up the mountain on the Theth side, then back down to stay in the same guesthouse in Theth two nights in a row. This is another popular option.

Read our Complete Guide to the Theth-Valbona hike to help make your decision

TOP TIP: Bring layers even if you are visiting during the summer. We were SO glad to have brought our fleeces for chilly evenings (our favorite we’ve re-purchased twice!)

A view from the boat from Valbona through the valleys. The water is blue and there is a valley of green forest either side

Day 8: Shkodër via Komani Lake 

Wake up in Valbona, then spend the day cruising along Komani Lake to get back to Shkodër. This will be a long travel day, so make sure you pack plenty of snacks and enjoy the views. 

Ask your guesthouse to help you book tickets for your journey home, or book online. Traveling from Valbona to Shkodër cost us 26 Euros each for two buses and a ferry. 

You’ll arrive back in Shkodër around 5pm, so we recommend staying another night here then continuing on tomorrow.

Day 9: Shkodër to Tirana

Eat another delicious Albanian breakfast at your accommodation, then catch a bus back to Tirana after check-out.

Spend the day finishing anything on your Tirana to-do list. Tirana is always full of events and festivals – check out the events website here to see what’s on during your visit.

Last time we visited Tirana, we saw a pop star from the 70s in the park for free!

Day 10: Tirana to your next destination

Today is the day you end your Northern Albania itinerary. If you’re continuing your travels in Albania, your next stop should be Berat!

Check out our complete Albania guides for the best things to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Berat and beyond!

Can’t get enough of Northern Albania and want to extend your trip? We’ve curated a few additional stops that are more off the usual tourist route on our Northern Albania itinerary.

We’d recommend a total of 14 days in Northern Albania if you choose to add all three stops!

Kunë-Vain-Tale Reserve

Explore one of the most hidden gems of Albania at the Kunë-Vain-Tale Reserve. A birders paradise located just outside of Lezhe, this is absolutely worth a stop.

There are no tours available online so you’ll see almost no one else around!

Bovilla Lake

Another hidden gem most travelers won’t find on their Northern Albania itinerary.

If you don’t have a car (or even if you do) we recommend booking a tour from Tirana to hike up to the Bovilla Canyon for the views, then down to the lake.

Kruje

Kruje also isn’t on the main backpacker route, but is more popular with local Balkan travelers.

Head to Kruje to explore the old streets and bazaar, hike up to the castle, and visit the Ethnographic Museum. Visit Kruje before you head to Lezhë from Tirana.

A girl in a blue t-shirt is stood smiling under a tree in the shade on the path of the Theth to Valbona hike. THere is a red and white marker on the tree showing the route to follow.

Is Albania safe?

Albania is VERY safe! Practice your typical travel safety like you would anywhere else, but as two queer women we never felt unsafe.

When should I visit Albania?

You should only visit Northern Albania between June and late September if you want to hike. Any other time of year the mountains are too cold and are likely to have snow.

The best time of year to visit South Albania is May to June and September to October. While the summer months are amazing for the beach, the Albanian Riviera is VERY hot and busy. 

If you want to swim, we recommend visiting South Albania in September for the best experience!

Do I need a car in Albania?

You do not need a car to travel in Albania. If you want to visit more remote areas, you will need to rent a car in Albania, but the bus system is very well connected for the average trip. 

For this Northern Albania itinerary you will need to take a couple taxis, but you do not need a car.

What is the currency in Albania?

The currency in Albania is LEK. The conversion is about 100 LEK to 1 Euro, which makes it very easy to use. 

TOP TIP: Make sure you convert your leftover Albanian currency BEFORE you leave the country. LEK is a closed currency, so you won’t be able to convert it once you leave Albania. Learn from our mistakes :)

How long should I spend in Albania?

We think you need AT LEAST a month to explore both Northern Albania and Southern Albania, but if you’re tight on time, two weeks is the bare minimum for the whole country.

You can also see the highlights of Albania in about 5 days if you can only take a short trip.

Which is better: North or South Albania?

We can’t answer whether Southern or Northern Albania is better! This is completely up to you. Check out our guide to South Albania as well and make the decision for yourself.

What can I see in Northern Albania?

In Northern Albania, you can see majestic mountains, bright blue lakes, wildlife reserves, and small, unique communities unlike any other villages in the country!

What is the most beautiful part of Albania?

The most beautiful part of Albania depends on what you enjoy doing. Our favorite places are Theth in the North and Himare in the South.

  • Visas
    • Citizens of most countries can stay in Albania for up to 90 days without a visa. Always check with your embassy if you are unsure. 
  • When to Visit
    • April to June is great as you can see all of nature coming into bloom.
    • September to October is perfect as there are less crowds, but the sea is still warm to go for a dip.
  • Budget
    • As a couple, we spent on average 65 euros per day. That’s roughly 33 euros per person per day.

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