Cities of Albania

Tirana is the modern capital with Skanderbeg Square, the Bunk'Art museums, and the Pyramid. Berat — the 'city of a thousand windows' — is a UNESCO site with a castle and Old Town. Saranda is the gateway to Ksamil Beach and the ruins of Butrint. Gjirokastër is another UNESCO site with unique Ottoman architecture.

A minimum of 7 days: 1–2 days in Tirana, 1 day in Berat, 2–3 days on the Riviera (Saranda, Himarë), 1 day in Gjirokastër. A full itinerary with Shkodër, Krujë, Vlorë, and Durrës — 12–14 days. Keep in mind that mountain roads are slow and transfers take time.

The Albanian Riviera is one of the most underrated Mediterranean coastlines. Saranda is the main resort with Ksamil Beach and views of Corfu. Himarë is a quieter alternative with Livadi, Gjipe, and Jale beaches. Vlorë sits where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. Durrës is the closest beach city to Tirana, just 30 minutes away.

Berat and Gjirokastër are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Berat has Berat Castle, the Onufri Museum, and Gorica Bridge. Gjirokastër features the castle, the Skenduli and Zekate houses, and the Old Bazaar. Krujë is the city of national hero Skanderbeg with the castle, Skanderbeg Museum, and scenic Old Bazaar.

Public transport in Albania is limited — mainly buses and furgons (minivans) without fixed schedules. For comfort, rent a car via EconomyBookings or Localrent. This is especially important for driving the Riviera between Vlorë, Himarë, and Saranda. Airport transfers from Tirana (TIA) can be booked via KiwiTaxi.

The main airport is Tirana (TIA), located in Rinas, 25 minutes from the city center. The new Vlora (VLO) airport opened in 2025 — a convenient option if heading straight to the Riviera (Vlorë, Himarë, Saranda). You can also fly to Corfu (Greece) and take a ferry to Saranda. Book transfers via Welcome Pickups.

Tirana is a vibrant, fast-changing capital. Start at Skanderbeg Square and Et'hem Bey Mosque, then climb the Clock Tower. Don't miss the bunker museum Bunk'Art 1 (Cold War history) and Bunk'Art 2 (political repression). For walks, head to Grand Park and take the cable car up Mount Dajti for panoramic city views.

Between Vlorë and Himarë lies Llogara National Park with a mountain pass and stunning coastal views. Near Saranda is the karst spring Blue Eye, one of the country's most photographed spots. Near Vlorë — Narta Lagoon with pelicans and flamingos. By Shkodër — Lake Shkodër, the largest lake in the Balkans.

Albania is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. Average budget: €35–60 per day per person. A restaurant meal costs €4–8, coffee under €1. Tirana and Saranda are pricier in season, while Berat, Gjirokastër, and Shkodër are very budget-friendly. Book accommodation via Booking.com, and for connectivity get an eSIM from Airalo or Saily.

May–June and September are ideal: warm weather, fewer tourists, comfortable prices. For beaches in Saranda, Himarë, and Vlorë, June through September is perfect. For historic cities (Berat, Gjirokastër, Krujë), any time from April to October works. In winter, many coastal towns empty out, but Tirana stays lively year-round.

Shkodër is the cultural capital of northern Albania and a gateway to the Albanian Alps. The main attraction is Rozafa Castle with panoramic views where the rivers meet Lake Shkodër. The city features the Lead Mosque and the medieval Mes Bridge. From Shkodër, ferries depart along Lake Koman — one of the most beautiful routes in the Balkans.

Yes, tours help you see more without spending time on logistics. Through GetYourGuide and Viator, day trips from Tirana to Berat, Krujë, and Durrës are available. From Saranda, popular tours go to Butrint and Blue Eye. Group tours along the Riviera with stops at Ksamil and Gjipe beaches are also great options.