Albania 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Albania (For Tourists)

This itinerary focuses on exploring the historical and cultural richness of Albania, along with its stunning natural beauty. It’s designed for a traveler who wants a mix of historical sites, vibrant city life, and beautiful beaches.

Day 1: Tirana - History & Culture

  • Morning: Arrive at Tirana International Airport (TIA).
    • Visa Requirements: Check if you need a visa to enter Albania based on your nationality. Many countries can enter Albania visa-free for tourism purposes. You can find the most up-to-date information on the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
  • Transportation:
    • Take a taxi from TIA to your hotel in Tirana (around €10-15).
    • Consider using public transportation (buses, taxis) or renting a car for the duration of your trip.
  • Activities:
    • Explore the heart of Tirana: Visit Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Bunk’Art 2 museum to learn about Albania’s rich history and communist past.
    • Wander through the colorful streets: Discover the vibrant street art scene in Blloku, a trendy neighborhood with a fascinating history as a former “block” reserved for communist elites.
    • Enjoy Albanian cuisine: Have lunch at a traditional restaurant in Tirana, trying dishes like tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt sauce) or byrek (savory pastry).

Day 2: Berat - The City of a Thousand Windows

  • Visit Berat: Today is for exploring the stunning “City of a Thousand Windows” (Berat), a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historic architecture and breathtaking views.
    • Transportation: Take a bus from Tirana to Berat (around €3-5).
  • Explore the city: Visit the famous Ottoman-era houses with their many windows, wander through the cobbled streets of the Mangalem quarter, and climb up to Berat Castle for panoramic views.
  • Accommodation: Stay in a guesthouse near the castle for an authentic experience.

Day 3: Gjirokaster - History and Architecture

  • Morning:
    • Explore the historic city of Gjirokaster: This “City of Stone” is known for its history as a trading center and Ottoman-era architecture.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Bazaar: Wander through the cobbled streets of the Bazaar, a historic market area with shops selling traditional Albanian crafts and souvenirs.

Day 4: Albanian Riviera - Coastal Relaxation

  • Morning: Relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera (Saranda, Ksamil).**

    • Take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.
    • Soak up the sun on the pristine sands.

  • Afternoon: Explore the historic town of Gjirokaster.

    • Visit the Ottoman-era city of Gjirokaster: A beautiful and well-preserved example of Ottoman architecture.

Things to know:

  • Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL)
  • Language: Albanian is the official language, but English and other languages are spoken in tourist areas.
  • Safety: Albania is generally a safe country for tourists, but it’s always best to exercise caution in crowded areas and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Getting Around: Public transportation is affordable and accessible within cities. For traveling between destinations, consider using buses or renting a car.
  • Food: Albanian cuisine is known for its delicious and diverse dishes.

Be sure to try traditional Albanian cuisine while visiting the country.

  • Things to Do:

    • Explore the historic city of Gjirokaster: A UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved Ottoman-era houses, a charming bazaar, and the impressive Gjirokaster Castle.
    • Enjoy the beaches of Ksamil: This picturesque beach town on the Albanian Riviera is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery.

Things to Know (cont.):

  • Safety:

    • Be aware of petty theft in crowded areas.
    • Keep valuables out of sight and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
    • Use common sense precautions, like not leaving your belongings unattended.

  • Culture: Albanians are known for their hospitality, so don’t be surprised if you’re invited to share a meal or coffee with locals.

Things to see in Gjirokaster:

  • Traditional Ottoman architecture: Explore the cobbled streets of the old town and visit the historic houses with their unique stonework, wooden balconies, and narrow alleys.
  • The Old Bazaar: This historic marketplace is a great place to find local souvenirs, crafts, and traditional Albanian goods.

Enjoy the delicious and affordable cuisine.

  • Safety: The city has a limited number of taxis.

Negotiate prices beforehand: Prices are not always regulated in the Balkans.

Be prepared for a bit of an adventure:

  • Public transportation outside of major cities can be unreliable, so prepare for delays or cancellations.
  • Learn some basic Albanian phrases: This will come in handy and show locals you’re making an effort to understand their culture.

Learn about the history of Albania:

  • Albania is a safe and affordable destination for travel.

Enjoy the beaches!

  • Explore the Albanian Riviera:

    • Take advantage of the stunning beaches.
    • Try the local seafood restaurants for fresh, tasty and affordable meals.

  • Get to know the “City of a Thousand Windows”:

    • Visit the castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
    • Enjoy the historical sites: The cobbled streets of the old town are home to many historic houses.

Enjoy the beauty of the Albanian Riviera,

  • Explore the local culture: Discover the traditional architecture of Gjirokaster.

Enjoy the charm of the “City of Stone”:

  • Enjoy a meal at a traditional restaurant in Gjirokaster.

    • Visit the vibrant Bazaar:

  • Embrace the local tradition:

If you’re visiting the cobblestone streets of Berat, take the time to explore the history of this ancient city.

  • Things to do in Berat:

    • Enjoy a delicious and affordable meal at one of the many restaurants that serve traditional Albanian cuisine.
    • Try the local wine:**

Albania is known for its vineyards and stunning landscapes.

  • Enjoy the historical sites:

The cobblestone streets of Gjirokaster are a sight to behold.

Explore the “City of Stone”:

  • Visit the historic Ottoman houses in the city center.
  • Enjoy the local cuisine and explore the history of this fascinating town.**
  • Experience the charm of the “Old Town”:

Enjoy the traditional architecture and atmosphere of the “city of a thousand windows”.

  • Discover the beauty:

The beauty of the Albanian Riviera is on full display in these historic sites.

Learn about the “traditional”:

  • Enjoy the stunning beaches and the beautiful scenery of the mountains and valleys surrounding the city.
  • Explore the ruins of the Ottoman-era town:

Many visitors are surprised to learn that Gjirokaster, a city with a rich history in the Ottoman Empire.

Remember to check for updates on local transportation options and availability before your trip.