Despite it becoming more and more popular, Albania is still one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. If it’s not already on your radar, it needs to be! With stunning beaches, historic towns, and very affordable prices, it’s the perfect place for an unforgettable holiday. I visited in June 2024. Honestly, I was so surprised that it has stayed so undiscovered. There is so much to see and do, but this 4 day Albania itinerary will take you through a compact journey through the best bits. Firstly, Tirana, the capital. Then, down to the south where we find the Albanian riviera and ‘the Maldives of Europe’. We will also see everything from ancient ruins, picturesque old towns and crystal-clear beaches on this Albania holiday.
Flights to Albania are not as common as other destinations from the UK. However, you can fly direct from Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh. The flight takes around 3 hours, so the best thing to do is get an early morning flight and a late return, so you can make the most of your days and save some money not having to book extra accommodation.
This itinerary is quite intensive, as we go from further north to the south, and squeeze a lot of exploration into 4 days. But, if you only have a few days and want to get the best out of your time, it’s ideal. I also managed to do this itinerary for just over £250, you can read how here. You should also know, that Albania is very much a cash country. Not many places take card and the cash machines charge extortionate fees. Also, it has a closed currency so you can only get it once you are there. One saviour is that most places with also take Euros.
Skanderbeg Square, Tirana
4 Day Albania Itinerary Day 1 – Tirana
I landed in Tirana around 12pm. Fortunately, Tirana airport wasn’t too busy and it was very efficient getting through security. You can walk straight out of the airport and find buses that will take you to the city centre for 400 Lek (£3.57). This only takes 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can get a taxi for about £20.
Landing at lunch time means only one thing to start. Food! The best place for you to find food is an area called Blloku. This area is a stylish neighbourhood in the south of the city and offers many different establishments. Including upscale restaurants, traditional Albanian places and international options. After you’ve filled your belly, it’s time to explore Tirana. I really enjoy simply walking around new places when I first arrived.
So, I went to Tirana park, Tirana Mosque, Skanderbeg Square and Tanner’s Bridge. All these areas show a different aspect to the city but together, show a great insight into the culture of the capital. This took up most of the afternoon so I then went back to Blloku for some dinner. I suggest the area around ‘Rruga Sami Fresheri’ as there were a lot of traditional restaurants. One thing I always love to do is indulge in the local cuisine, and this area was amazing for this. If you want to find other things to do in Tirana, click here.
As with most capital cities, Tirana offers a lot of bars and nightlife. So, after dinner, I went to ‘Rruga Themistokli Gërmenji’. This road had a lot to choose from in terms of bars and other establishments, so this is where I spent the rest of the evening, before heading to my accommodation.
Accommodation on an Albania holiday is incredibly cheap. In Tirana, I stayed in a beautiful 2 bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, bathroom and balcony. This cost just £45 per night and could sleep 3 people so worked out at only £15 each per night. You can find your perfect accommodation here.
Saranda Beach, Saranda
Albania Holiday Day 2 – Saranda.
Day 2 of my 4 day Albania itinerary started early, with a 7.30am bus to Saranda. This is the only bit of this itinerary that you might want to consider changing. The bus is 4-5 hours. If you’d rather not do this, you can skip Tirana completely and fly to Corfu and catch a boat from there to Saranda. However, the bus takes you through the winding countryside of Albania and shows a lot of the country. I used Girafa Travel to book my tickets and it cost about £15 one way.
Saranda is the main city on the Albanian riviera and a great place to base yourself on your Albania holiday. This seaside city is much more beautiful than Tirana and is more visited by tourists. After speaking with some of the locals, it sounds like the tourism in this area has skyrocketed in recent years, so I suggest visiting in the shoulder seasons, before or after peak summer. This lets you experience Saranda and other areas without the crowds but whilst still having good weather.
Anyway, I dumped my luggage off and starting exploring. The first port of call was exploring the promenade along the beach front. Here, you will find the heart of the city and the best restaurants, cafes and beach clubs. I opted to spend some of the day relaxing around the beach and trying local snacks like byrek and banitsa. These are staples of the Albanian cuisine and are very tasty pastry based foods.
After this, I would suggest taking the short 30-minute hike to Lekursi Castle. This castle is set on the side of the hill overlooking the city and gives incredible views of Saranda and Corfu in the distance. Something I wish I had done was go here for either sunrise or sunset, it looks incredible! You can see other things to do in Saranda here.
Once the evening has set in, the promenade is the place to be. You will find a lot of beach clubs and night life playing music and hosting an amazing atmosphere. Two places I recommend are Orange Club Saranda and a beautiful roof top bar called Jungle Rooftop Lounge. Honestly though, whether you are looking for a lively bar or a more relaxed environment, there are so many places in Saranda.
Ksamil, Albania
Albania Holiday Day 3 – Ksamil and Butrint
For the third day of this 4 day Albania itinerary, we’re heading out of Saranda, to Ksamil and Butrint. Ksamil is the place most people would have seen on social media, and the place that most people want to visit on their Albania holiday. This is ‘The Maldives of Europe’. Butrint, on the other hand, is a UNESCO heritage site of ancient ruin, dating back 2,500 years. Once a city for the ancient Greeks and Romans, this historical place shows an interesting insight into the history of the area.
So, I caught a bus from Saranda to Butrint which was 200 Lek (£1.79). The entry ticket to Butrint is about £10 and it takes 2-3 hours to explore the whole area. Within the grounds of this national park you will find a well-preserved Roman amphitheater, the Great Basilica, with its intricate mosaics, and a Venetian Tower. Another striking feature is the Baptistery, housing beautifully preserved mosaic floor—though it’s often covered for protection. There is also the Lions Gate, an ancient stone entrance with a carving of a lion devouring a bull. I was blown away with the beauty of Butrint and highly recommend a visit. As well as the ancient buildings, the park is surrounded by lush forests and a tranquil lagoon.
After finishing here, it’s time to head to Ksamil. This is only a 10 minute bus ride back towards Saranda and is another must for any Albania itinerary. The natural beauty of Ksamil was astounding, it didn’t feel like I was still in Europe. As I mentioned before, this area is the most sought after place in Albania and can get quite busy. However, there are many private beaches you can visit if you prefer a quieter experience. The highlight of Ksamil is its four small islands, just a short swim or boat ride from the main beach. These unspoiled islets are covered in lush greenery and also offer a secluded escape from the lively bars and restaurants.
The beaches in Ksamil are soft, sandy, and lined with sunbeds, making them ideal for sunbathing. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Many beachside restaurants also serve freshly caught seafood, with grilled fish, stuffed calamari, and mussels being local favourites. As with Saranda, I suggest visiting in May, June or September to avoid the crowds and still get the weather. One thing to note about Ksamil is the price. Due to the popularity it is more expensive than other areas. Tourist tax!
For your evening, there are two choices. Firstly, you can go back to Saranda and explore more of the bars there. Or, stay in Ksamil and catch a taxi back later. Both are great options and offer similar experiences, so it depends on your personal preference!
There are many day trips you can book with a group that cover both of these places and more!
Butrint, Albania
Albania Holiday Day 4 – Gjirokastër and Tirana
The final day of my 4 day Albania itinerary involved making the long journey back to Tirana as I had an earlyish flight home on the fifth day. However, with a small diversion, there is a beautiful town called Gjirokastër. This city is perched on the slopes of the Drino Valley and brings together history, culture and beautiful Ottoman-era architecture. Known as the “Stone City” due to its unique grey stone-roofed houses, Gjirokastër is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Albania’s most enchanting places. The old town (old bazaar) especially, felt like something out of a fairy tale.
After I arrived in the main city, I made my way to Gjirokastër Castle. This is a huge fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley. The castle is one of the largest in the Balkans offers many attractions. For example, a military museum, an old prison, and even a captured American spy plane from the Cold War era. Below the castle, the Old Bazaar is made of cobbled streets and traditional shops. These shops offer handwoven textiles, copper crafts, and local delicacies like gliko (candied fruit preserves). Honestly, the architecture was incredible. The Ottoman-era buildings, intricate wooden balconies, and stone-paved alleyways make it a unique destination.
Food lovers will enjoy the city’s unique cuisine, with specialties like qifqi (herb-infused rice balls) and pasha qofte (meatballs in yogurt sauce). These can be found in many family-run taverns around the town. So, whether you’re exploring its historic streets, learning about its intriguing past, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Gjirokastër offers a truly authentic and unforgettable Albanian experience.
After spending the afternoon here, I had to get the bus back to Tirana, which brought this Albania holiday to an end.
Gjirokaster, Albania
4 Day Albania Itinerary – Conclusion
So, Albania may not be the first place that comes to mind for a European getaway. But its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture makes it an incredible destination. From the ancient ruins of Butrint to the beautiful beaches of Ksamil, Albania offers a diverse spread of experiences.
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