14 Days in Albania: The Ultimate Two-Week Itinerary

Two weeks in Albania is the ultimate way to fall for this country. Fourteen days let you go deep, combining the northern Alps, the historic heartland, a lake in the east and a long, unhurried stretch of the southern coast, with plenty of time to simply relax. Here is a slow, rewarding route that shows Albania at its very best.

Day 1: Tirana

Ease into the trip in the lively capital. See Skanderbeg Square, visit Bunk'Art, ride the Dajti Ekspres cable car, and enjoy the cafes and restaurants of the Blloku district.

Day 2: Krujë and Shkodra

Drive north, stopping at the hilltop town of Krujë with its castle and old bazaar, then continue to Shkodra for Rozafa Castle and a relaxed evening by the lake.

Day 3: Theth, the Albanian Alps

Head into the mountains to Theth, a beautiful stone village. Walk to the Grunas waterfall, visit the historic church, and enjoy home-cooked food in a family guesthouse.

Day 4: The Theth to Valbona Hike

Take on one of Europe's finest day hikes, over a high pass with breathtaking views, ending in the peaceful Valbona Valley.

Day 5: Valbona Valley

Enjoy a slower day among the peaks. Take a gentle walk along the river, relax at your guesthouse, and soak up the fresh mountain air.

Day 6: The Komani Lake Ferry

Ride the famous ferry across Komani Lake, where green cliffs plunge into emerald water, a slow and spectacular journey back toward central Albania.

Day 7: Berat, the City of a Thousand Windows

Explore Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of white Ottoman houses. Wander Mangalem, climb to the living castle, and enjoy local wine with dinner.

Day 8: Lake Ohrid and Pogradec

Drive east to the shores of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes. Relax in Pogradec, swim in the clear water, and try the local trout by the shore.

Day 9: Gjirokastër and the Blue Eye

Head south to Gjirokastër, another UNESCO town of stone houses and a castle, stopping at the mesmerising Blue Eye spring along the way.

Day 10: Sarandë and Butrint

Reach the sunny coast at Sarandë and spend the afternoon at the ancient city of Butrint, set among peaceful lagoons, with fresh seafood at sunset.

Day 11: Ksamil and the Beaches

Enjoy a full beach day in Ksamil, famous for its little islands and clear, shallow water. Swim, sunbathe and take a small boat between the islets.

Day 12: The Riviera, Himara and Dhërmi

Drive the beautiful coast road to Himara and Dhërmi, two of the Riviera's loveliest spots, with time for hidden coves and long, lazy lunches by the sea.

Day 13: Vlora and Llogara

Continue to Vlora, a lively coastal city, and climb the spectacular Llogara Pass. If you fancy an adventure, a boat trip to the Karaburun peninsula and Sazan island is unforgettable.

Day 14: Durrës and Farewell

On your final day, stop at Durrës for its long beach and Roman amphitheatre, then head back toward Tirana or the airport, relaxed and full of memories.

Practical Tips

A rental car is ideal for a trip of this length, with private transfers useful for the ferry and the longer mountain legs. Pack for both mountains and beaches, book Theth to Valbona logistics ahead in peak summer, and keep some cash in Albanian lek for villages and small towns.

FAQ

Is two weeks too much for Albania? Not if you love to travel slowly. Fourteen days let you enjoy the mountains, lakes, history and beaches at a wonderfully relaxed pace.

Can I add a neighbouring country? Yes. Albania connects easily to Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Greece if you want to extend the trip.

When is the best time? June and September are ideal for warm seas and comfortable hiking, while July and August are hotter and livelier.

If you would like, tell us your dates and interests and our team will happily craft this 14-day journey around exactly what you love, free.