A camper van parked near a river in the picturesque mountains of Valbona in Albania during sunset is perfect for your 10-day itinerary. Tall pine trees and rocky terrain envelop the scene, as sunlight gracefully illuminates the distant peaks, creating an idyllic backdrop for exploration.
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An EPIC 10-Day Albania Itinerary – North To South Albania

ByChristinaintheclouds
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Looking for the perfect 10-day Albania itinerary? You have come to the right place! 

Albania is an amazing, underappreciated gem that is finally starting to get the attention it deserves. 

It’s easy to see why when you uncover the sheer beauty and variety that this country offers. Here you can wander through dramatic mountains, canyons, ravines and the stunning Albanian Riviera. 

Not only that but Albania is also home to some insanely delicious cuisine, vibrant traditions and some of the friendliest locals you will ever meet. 

Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a history lover, Albania offers something special for everyone.

This Albania itinerary will take you from North To South Albania. You’ll experience the rugged mountains of the Albanian Alps in the North down to the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea in the South. 

10-days in Albania is the perfect amount of time to experience its incredible landscapes, charming towns, and fascinating cultural heritage.

So, what’s included in a 10-day Albania itinerary? Read on below to find out! 

A cozy terrace with potted plants, perfect for unwinding during your 1-Week Albania Itinerary, overlooks a scenic town with scattered buildings, including a minaret. The background features rolling hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

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About Your 10-day Albania Itinerary 

Your 10 days in Albania will start in the city of Shkodër in the North, and end in the beautiful beach towns of Ksamil and Sarandë in the South and will look like this: 

  • Day 1 – Shkodër
  • Days 2-3 Valbona – Theth Hike 
  • Day 4 – Theth 
  • Day 5 – Theth > Shkodërr > Tirana 
  • Day 6 – Berat 
  • Day 7 – Gjirokaster 
  • Days 8-10 Ksamil and Sarandë 

This North to South Albania route has been intentionally curated so that you can spend the first portion of your trip hiking and exploring and the second half of your trip relaxing on the beach.

Arriving in Albania 

This 10-day Albania itinerary starts in the city of Shkodër in Northern Albania. Shkodër is a well-connected city and you can easily travel here from other towns and cities in Albania as well as other countries in the Balkans.

Flight 

If you are flying into Albania you will need to fly into Tirana International Airport. You can get direct flights into Tirana from the most popular European cities. I always search for cheap flights using Skyscanner. Both Ryanair and Wizz Air fly into Tirana so you should be able to get some good budget deals if you time it right! 

Renting a Car 

If you plan on driving on this itinerary you can rent a car from Tirana Airport and drive straight to Shkodër. The journey is approximately 98 KM in distance and will take you a little under 2 hours to get there (traffic dependent).

NOTE – It might be worth considering taking the bus to Shkodër and then renting a car from there, as you won’t be using the car as much until day 5 of this itinerary. This will save you a large chunk of money. 

An arched stone Gorica bridge spans a wide, muddy river, framed by lush green hills topped with pine trees under a partly cloudy sky. Structures and vehicles dot the far end of the bridge. In the foreground, a leafy tree branch sways gently—an idyllic scene perfect for your 1-Week Albania Itinerary.
Direct Bus from Tirana Airport 

It is very easy to get around Albania by using public buses and the bus journey to Shkodër is fairly straightforward. 

A direct bus from Tirana Airport to Shkodër has recently been introduced. The bus departs the airport at 11:15 AM, 12:45 PM, 5:30 PM, and 8:10 PM every day. Tickets cost €10 for a one-way trip and the bus leaves from the parking area at Tirana Airport and arrives at Hermes Airport in Shkodër.

Bus From Tirana City Centre 

If you are unable to get the direct bus from the airport, you can easily catch a bus from Tirana city centre.

From the airport, you will need to get to “Regional Bus Terminal North and South Albania”. You can catch a taxi where the journey will take you approximately 35 minutes. It’s also important to note that there is no Uber in Albania but they have like-for-like apps including “Patoko” and “Speed Taxi”. The cost for a taxi to the city centre will be rough €20-€25, however, if you use one of the apps you can get it for a slightly cheaper price of around €15-€18.

Alternatively, you can catch the bus. This will involve two bus journeys as you will first need to get to the city centre, and from there to the Regional Bus Terminal.

There is a shuttle bus from the airport that leaves almost hourly from 8 AM to 11 PM  (please note there is no bus at 8 PM or 10 PM). This bus will drop you off at Skanderbeg Square. From Skanderbeg Square, you will need to head to Rruga Dede Gjo Luli and catch the bus to Instituti Bujqesor which will make a stop at the Bus Terminal. 

A group of elderly people stands outside a small bookstore with a green awning labeled "Librari," perusing books and postcards On this sunny day, the building's rustic charm, complete with window shutters, adds to the quaint allure of their journey.

Alternatively, you can catch a taxi from the city centre to the bus station which should only cost you around €5-€10. 

From the Regional Bus Terminal North and South Albania, you can then catch the bus to Shkodër. These leave hourly and should cost you no more than €5. If you would prefer to pre-book the bus you can do so on either the FlixBus or GetbyBus websites, however, you will be paying a premium price for the bus ticket and routes might not always be available on these websites. 

A woman with curly hair and sunglasses is standing on a bridge, leaning against a white railing. She is wearing a black top and beige shorts. The backdrop looks straight out of a 1-Week Albania Itinerary, featuring scenic mountains, lush greenery, and a cloudy sky in Berat Albania.

International Bus 

It is very easy to travel to Shkodër from other places in the Balkans like Kotor in Montenegro and Dubrovnik in Croatia. If you are travelling overland in the Balkans you can pre-book your bus tickets to Shkodër on either the FlixBus or GetbyBus websites.

Day 1 – Shkodër 

Shkoder is one of Albania’s oldest cities and is home to a vibrant culture, a rich history and some very beautiful nature. The city was founded in the 4th century BCE and it is here that you can find Albania’s largest lake, Lake Shkodër.  Shkodër is also the gateway to the Albanian Alps which makes it the perfect starting point for this itinerary. 

Where To Stay in Shkodër

Shkodër has some incredibly affordable accommodation, and you can often get a studio apartment for as little as €25 per night. Plus, the hostel scene here is really great too with a few good options to choose from for those looking to meet other travellers. 

When it comes to hostels in Shkodër there are two main ones I would recommend, Shkodra Backpackers Hostel and The Wanderers Hostel. The Wanderers Hostel does have a slightly younger crowd, but it is a really good place to stay if you are doing the Valbona to Theth hike which is part of this itinerary (I’ll discuss more on this later on in this blog post). 

If you prefer private accommodation I recommend checking out the plethora of budget-friendly, private apartments here. 

A sunny street scene unfolds as people stroll down a tree-lined sidewalk, reminiscent of a 10-day Albania itinerary. Outdoor cafes with tables and chairs grace the left, bicycles rest along the curb, and parked cars neatly line the street.

Things To Do In Shkodër

There are a few things to do in Shkodër but personally, I don’t believe it is the best place you’re going to be visiting on your trip to Albania which is why I recommend spending just one day here. 

Some of the best things to do in Shkodër include: 

  • Hiring out bicycles 
  • Swimming in Lake Shkodër 
  • Visit Rozafa Castle 
  • Visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography
  • Visit the Ebu Bekr Mosque
  • Visit the Mesi Bridge 

Day 2-3 Valbona To Theth Hike 

The Valbona to Theth hike is a 16 KM hike through the stunning Albanian Alps and is probably one of my favourite parts of this itinerary. 

The journey to Valbona is a bit of a long-winded one that requires multiple forms of transport but it’s definitely worth it. 

When planning this hike you either have the option to book everything by yourself, or through The Wanderers Hostel. 

Booking Through The Wanderers Hostel 

In order to book through The Wanderers Hostel you have to be a guest there during your time in Shkodër but they will book everything for you. This includes your journey to Valbona, your guesthouses in both Valbona and Theth and your journey back to Shkodër from Theth. 

Booking Yourself 

If you would prefer to organise the hike yourself you will need to arrange the following: 

  • Transport from Shkodër to Valbona
    • Bus from Shkodër to Lake Koman 
    • Boat from Lake Koman to Fierze 
    • Bus from Fierze to Valbona 
  • A Guesthouse in Valbona 
  • A Guesthouse in Theth 
  • Bus Transport from Theth to Shkodër

You can book all of your tickets through Albanianbus.com. The Shkodër to Valbona journey will cost around €30 and the Theth to Shkodër bus journey will cost around €10-€15. You can also ask your guesthouse in Theth to book this for you instead as you might get a slightly cheaper price than online. 

When it comes to booking your guest houses there are lots of beautiful little places to choose from in both Valbona and Theth. Check out the best guesthouses in Valbona here and the best guesthouses in Theth here. 

For this itinerary, you will need to book 2 nights in Theth as you will spend a full day exploring this village on day 4 of this itinerary. 

A person stands on a rocky outcrop, gazing at the vast mountainous landscape of their 10-Day Albania Itinerary. The scene features lush green and autumn-colored trees, steep rocky cliffs, and a partly cloudy sky, creating a tranquil and majestic view. Valbona to Theth hike in Albania

Important Information Regarding the Valbona to Theth Hike

The Hike 

The hike is 16 KM and should take you approximately 6 hours. In terms of difficulty, it falls within the easy to moderate range, though your experience may vary depending on your fitness level. If you’re someone who walks or exercises regularly, you’ll likely find it quite manageable.

You will reach the peak of the hike fairly early on which means a large portion of the hike is spent going downhill, this is just something to be aware of if you have dodgy knees like me! 

Please note that it isn’t uncommon to see a nose-horned viper on this trail, which is a venomous snake. So make sure to be aware of your surroundings when you’re hiking as we were told that someone was bit on the trail just a few days before we embarked on our hike. 

It’s also not uncommon to be followed by mountain dogs on this hike and they are pretty friendly and harmless. During our hike we had 2 dogs follow us for almost half the journey, and it really felt like they were showing us the way. 

But the most important thing to note of all is that this hike is absolutely stunning, and you will meet some incredible people along the way. I can almost guarantee you that it will be the highlight of your trip.

Discover a serene landscape reminiscent of a 10-Day Albania Itinerary, with rugged mountains bathed in warm sunlight, and a clear blue river flowing in the foreground. Lush green trees dot the scene, set against a backdrop of a partly cloudy sky.
ATMs

Please make sure to get enough cash out for this portion of your trip. There is no ATM in Valbona, and whilst there is one in Theth I had issues getting my card to work in the ATM so it’s much better to air on the side of caution. Almost all guesthouses and restaurants take cash payments only. 

Rental Cars 

Please note if you have rented a car I would advise either leaving it in Shkodër for the duration of your hike. I would advise staying in an apartment, hotel or hostel that offers private parking and will allow you to leave your car there over the course of two nights, so make sure to do your research. Both of my favourite hostels in Shkodër,  Shkodra Backpackers Hostel and The Wanderers Hostel offer private parking. 

Day 4 – Theth 

On day 4 of this Albania itinerary, you’ll be spending the day exploring the beautiful village of Theth. During your time here I recommend visiting the beautiful Grunas Waterfall and the even more stunning Blue Eye Kaprre. 

The Theth > Grunas Waterfall > Blue Eye journey will be almost another full day of hiking (6-7 hours round trip with time included for chilling at the waterfall and Blue Eye). 

The first part of the hike, from Theth to Grunas Waterfall, takes about 50 minutes and is easy to follow thanks to clear signs along the trail. From Grunas to the Blue Eye, the journey takes another 2–3 hours, but the path is less clearly marked.

A shepherd strolls along a dirt path with a flock of sheep and a cow, enveloped by lush greenery and trees in Theth Albania.

We were told that in order to do this hike we had to first head to the Grunas Waterfall, then walk back down to the entrance point of the waterfall, and carry on past this point towards the Blue Eye, however, we managed to find a different route. 

Once we reached Grunas Waterfall, we crossed over the falls and walked down into the woods on the other side and from there carried on walking towards the Blue Eye. I would say this route is a little more “adventurous” than the other so please only take this route if you are super comfortable. 

For this hike, I recommend downloading a trail map (we used All Trails) and also making sure you speak to other hikers to ensure you’re going the right way. 

If you prefer not to spend another day hiking you can get a taxi to and from Theth to the Blue Eye car park. From the car park, there is a short 30-40 minute hike to get to the Blue Eye. For this taxi, I would recommend finding a group of people to get in with you as it can get expensive otherwise. But if the car is full then it should only cost around €5 per person. 

A clear turquoise river winds through a lush Albanian valley with a rocky shore, embraced by green mountains under a crystal blue sky. A quaint footbridge spans the water, while distant buildings hint at charming stops on your 10-Day Albania Itinerary.
A serene, clear turquoise river flows through a lush forest on the second day of a 10-Day Albania Itinerary. Trees with dense foliage line the riverbank, while blurred orange flowers in the foreground add a splash of color. A person stands on the bank, partially obscured by the trees - Theth National Park, Albania

Day 5 – Theth > Shkodër > Tirana (Travel Day) 

Whether you have rented a car or have decided to take the bus, day 5 unfortunately is a full travel day. 

The journey from Theth to Shkodër is approximately 2 hours and from there you will need to make your way to either Tirana or Berat (depending on whether you are travelling by bus or by car). 

By Car 

If you have rented a car you can drive straight from Shkodër to Berat and skip out the night in Tirana. The journey from Shkodër to Berat is 197 KM and a little over a 3-hour drive. 

By Bus

To catch the bus from Shkodër to Tirana, you will need to head to the Shkodër “bus station” which is essentially a bus stop on the side of the road located close to the main roundabout in Shkodër. 

All you need to do is speak to the bus drivers here and ask them which is the correct bus to Tirana and they will point you in the right direction. The buses leave once every hour and cost around €5. The bus journey from Shkodër to Tirana should take around 2 hours. This bus will drop you off at the “Regional Bus Terminal North and South Albania” in Tirana. 

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Depending on what time you arrive you can either decide to spend the evening in Tirana or head straight on another bus to Berat. The bus from Tirana to Berat does not depart from the same bus station that you are dropped off at. You will have to make your way to the “Intercity Bus Terminal – South Zone” station which is a 10-minute drive away. 

Buses from Tirana to Berat depart daily, every 30 minutes between the hours of 5:40 AM to 5:30 PM, tickets cost €3.50 and the journey should take you just over 1.5 hours. 

Day 6 – Berat

Berat, best known for its stunning and historic architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage site often referred to as “the town of 1000 windows” due to the large windows of the old, decorated houses overlooking the town.

A photo showcasing traditional white Ottoman-style houses with wooden shutters built on the hillside of Berat, Albania—an essential stop on a 1-week Albania itinerary. The houses rise in tiers, surrounded by lush greenery under a bright blue sky with a few scattered clouds. The foreground features a river.

Where To Stay in Berat 

Berat is a fairly small town, so no matter where you decide to stay you will be a good distance from all the best things to do in Berat. 

Some of the top hotels in Berat I recommend are: 

  • Hotel Klea – A very traditional and reasonably priced hotel with incredible views over the fields of Berat
  • Hotel Borklad – A beautiful hotel located in central Berat with amazing views over the city
  • Timo’s Guest House – A beautiful guesthouse with a luxury edge 

Click here to take a look at more hotels in Berat.

View through a window shows a picturesque town with a prominent white minaret, set against a backdrop of mountains and a blue sky with clouds. This serene scene is an inviting part of any 1-Week Albania Itinerary, showcasing various buildings and lush greenery.
A person with long hair, wearing a sleeveless top and jeans, stands looking out over a cityscape nestled among mountains. The overcast sky is scattered with clouds as the city below showcases a mix of buildings and greenery.

Things To Do In Berat 

Berat is quite a small town so you will be able to visit all of the best things to do in Berat in just one day. 

Here are some of the best things to do during your one day in Berat. 

  • Visit Berat Castle 
  • Admire the “1000 windows” in Old Town Berat
  • Walk Across Gorica Bridge
  • Explore the Bulevardi Republika
  • Enjoy Wine Tasting at Cobo Winery

Read my in-depth 7-day Albania itinerary here.

 Day 7 – Gjirokaster 

Gjirokastër is a beautiful historic city in southern Albania and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s famous for its Ottoman-style architecture and charming cobbled streets, earning it the nickname “City of Stone.” The houses here are truly unique, with stone roofs, wooden balconies, and bright white walls, giving the whole place a one-of-a-kind feel that’s hard to forget.

A bustling, narrow street in a charming, historic town with people walking and chatting. Stalls line the street with souvenirs and goods. Traditional white buildings adorned with lanterns and balconies frame the scene, part of your unforgettable 5-Day Albania Itinerary. Picturesque mountains under a clear sky loom in the background in Gjirokaster

How To Get From Berat To Gjiroksater 

By Car 

The drive from Berat to Gjirokaster is 2h 34m and 181 km in distance. 

By Bus 

There are two buses a day that go from Berat to Gjirokaster which leave at 8 AM and 2 PM. Tickets cost around €10 and the journey is a little over 2.5 hours long. The buses leave from Berat Bus Terminal which is about 20-minutes outside of the city. As there are only 2 buses a day I recommend getting to the bus stop a little early so that you get a seat on the bus.  

Where To Stay In Gjirokaster 

There are lots of incredible hotels in Gjirokastër that are reasonably priced with great views of the town.  

Some of the top hotels in Gjirokastër I recommend are: 

  • Kerculla Resort – A stunning luxury resort overlooking Gjirokastër
  • Guesthouse Mele – A beautiful and reasonably priced guesthouse overlooking the green fields of Gjirokastër
  • Panoramic Vlachos – A great budget option with great views of the city

Click here to take a look at more hotels in Gjirokastër.

Things To Do In Gjiroksater 

Much like Shkodër and Berat, Gjirokastër is also a small town that you will be able to explore in just one day. Here are some of the best things to do on your one day in Gjirokastër. 

  • Explore the Old Town Bazaar
  • Visit the Castle of Gjirokastër
  • Explore the Manalat Quarter
  • Visit the Ali Pasha Bridge
  • Explore the Cold War tunnel
A charming street scene reminiscent of a week in Albania, featuring a cozy antique shop and cafe. Hanging plants and colorful textiles grace the shop front under a beige canopy. Cobblestone paths and wooden chairs enhance the quaint atmosphere, inviting exploration in Gjirokaster Old Town, Albania
A person stands on the lower level of an old, concrete structure, posing near a metal railing. Behind them, a scenic mountainous landscape is visible with trees and buildings at the base. The clear blue sky in Gjirokaster enhances the picturesque setting, making it a perfect stop on a 1-Week Albania Itinerary.

Day 8-10 Ksamil and Sarandë  

Ksamil and Sarandë are two beautiful beach villages located on Albania’s Ionian coast that are just a short distance from each other. It’s famous for its clear turquoise waters and lovely beaches. They also directly opposite the Greek island of Corfu which you should be able to see in the distance on a clear day. 

A beach scene with turquoise water, white sand, and several thatched sun umbrellas. A wooden sign reads "Poda E Ksamil". People are lounging, swimming, and walking around. Pine-covered hills and a crowded shoreline with sunbeds add charm to this picturesque stop on any 5-Day Albania Itinerary.

Where To Stay In Ksamil and Sarandë 

For this portion of the itinerary, I recommend choosing to stay in just one place (either Ksamil or Sarandë ) so that you don’t have to repack your bags for the 20th time on this trip. Ksmail and Sarandë are just 30 minutes from each other and if you don’t have a car there are regular buses to and from each town as well as fairly cheap taxis too. 

Some of the best hotels in Ksamil include: 

  • Villa Nertili – This is a great budget with beautiful sea views
  • Ventus Hotel – A good option for those looking for something comfortable, reasonably priced and a good walking distance from the beach
  • Hotel Queen Margaret Seaside – Located just 500m from the beach Hotel Queen Margaret is one of the most popular hotels in Ksamil, with great prices and stunning beach views
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Some of the best hotels in Sarandë include: 

  • Apart-Hotel Lili2– A stunning boutique apartment with gorgeous sea views and very reasonably priced. 
  • Da Luz Boutique Hotel – A stunning hotel ideal for those looking for a little bit of luxury 
  • Home Away From Home – A no frills, but cosy guesthouse which is close to the beach and perfect for those on a budget

Things to do in Ksamil and Sarandë 

  • Relax on these beaches:
    • Ksamil Beach 
    • Lori Beach 
    • Augusto Beach 
    • Ohana Beach 
    • Mirror Beach 
    • Pulëbardha beach
    • Shpella e Pëllumbave
  • Spend the day chilling at one of these beach clubs:
    • Bianco Beach Club
    • Principotes and Tulum Resto Lounge
    • Poda Lounge 
    • Black Pearl Beach Club 
  • Kayak over to the Ksamil Islands
  • Best Restaurants in Ksamil
  • Explore Butrint National Park 
  • Explore the streets of Sarandë 
  • Relax at Lost Seaside Sarandë 
  • Watch the Sunset from Lekuresi Castle
A picturesque beach with turquoise waters and white pebbles awaits on your 1-week Albania itinerary. People relax under straw umbrellas on lounge chairs, enjoying the sunny weather. One person swims in the sea, while the clear blue sky stretches overhead. A rocky formation is visible on the right - Pulëbardha beach
Sunset from Lekuresi Castle in Saranda Albania

Albania FAQ’s 

Travel Tips For Albania Itinerary 

In Albania cash is king, so I really recommend having cash on you at all times. The currency used is the Albanian Lek however I found a lot of places were also willing to take Euros too. This is completely up to the discretion of the establishment you are in so I recommend always having local currency on your person just in case.

How Many Days Do You Need For Albania 

It really depends on what you are doing, however, I would say you need a minimum of at least 5 days. If you want to do a road trip of the country from the North to the South then you need at least 10 days as this itinerary discusses.  

A scenic view of a Koman Lake In Albania flows between two rocky, green hills under a clear blue sky, perfect for your 10-Day Albania itinerary. A small boat is visible in the distance, nestled within the majestic landscape as tall mountains rise in the background.

What Is The Most Beautiful Part Of Albania 

This is a very diplomatic answer, but the whole of Albania is beautiful. From the mountains of Valbona and Theth to the Ottoman architecture found in Berat and Gjirokaster and the clear waters of Ksamil, Sarandë and Himare there are so many beautiful things to see in the country. Wherever you decide to visit, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

This itinerary takes you from North to South Albania so that you get to experience it all!

Is Albania Safe To Travel To Right Now? 

Yes, Albania is very safe for tourists to visit. 

Is Albania Safe For Solo Female Travellers?

I felt very safe as a solo female traveller in Albania, however, I did have some very uncomfortable moments. One of these included getting flashed by a man in broad daylight in the North of Albania. I do want to stress that this can happen pretty much anywhere in the world, and overall I had a great time travelling solo in Albania.

When travelling in Albania as a woman I recommend exercising the usual precautions that we take both at home and when in a foreign country, including not walking alone in the dark and ensuring you have battery and data on your phone. I recommend Airalo or Holafly eSIMs if you need data during your time abroad. 

A scenic view of a coastal city at sunset at Lekuresi Castle in Saranda Albania with buildings and houses lining the shoreline. The city is bordered by hills and a calm sea, with distant mountains on the horizon under a clear, blue sky.
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Final Thoughts On Visiting Albania 

In short, Albania is a stunning place that combines natural landscapes, history, great food and warm and welcoming people. Whether you’re hiking through the Albanian Alps, exploring picturesque towns or chilling on the beach, this 10-day itinerary gives you the chance to see the best of this underrated country.

I hope this post has helped you plan the perfect 10 days in Albania. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out! 

Christina Patel is the writer behind Christina In The Clouds. Although she has only been blogging for a couple of years, she has been travelling consistently for the last 10, visiting over 60 countries. Christina is passionate about encouraging women to go out and explore the world (especially solo). Whether you want to solo backpack, travel between a 9-5 or live a digital nomad lifestyle, Christina is passionate about providing you with all the tools and information you need to make your travel planning nice and easy!

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