Albania Travel: The Perfect Seven-Day Summer Itinerary

A land rich in natural wonders, but also one where one senses a vibrant and vibrant culture, an incredible past spanning many eras and different dominations and which today presents itself to us with its extraordinary authenticity.

It is Albania , the travel destination for anyone looking for cities in which to stroll amidst history, UNESCO sites of great importance, breathtaking nature that ranges from mountain locations to one of the most beautiful coasts to explore in all of Europe.

And if we were to organize a seven-day itinerary in Albania during the summer, we would truly be spoiled for choice, because there are so many things to see and do in this land.

So, to maintain a proper balance between all its souls, the most interesting itinerary is one that combines cities, natural sites, and heavenly beaches . Starting from Tirana, the capital of Albania, we travel through its territory until we reach the south of the country, passing through historical sites of great importance. We then explore its coast, where natural and historical beauties abound.

Day 1 – Tirana, discovering the capital of Albania

A seven-day trip to Albania can only start from its capital Tirana , the city where the international airport is located, but also a place full of wonders to see, the perfect starting point for a seven-day itinerary in Albania during the summer.

Once you arrive in Tirana , it's a good idea to rent a car , which will then be your vehicle for getting from one place to another, allowing you to discover the many wonders of this Balkan country along the way. Because on these road trips, it's not just the destination you reach that's interesting, but the beauty unfolds before your eyes along the way, offering a panoramic view of the various regions of Albania.

Time is short, as to make the most of the seven days, you'll have to constantly move around, but a few hours in the Albanian capital allow us to admire some very interesting locations such as the Natural History Museum, the ideal stop for exploring the past. Be warned, however, that it is currently temporarily closed. Then you can stroll through the city center , starting from the important Scanderbeg Square, not forgetting the imposing Clock Tower, the evocative Et'hem Bey Mosque, the Hoxha Pyramid, and Bunk'Art 2, one of the bunkers built during the dictatorship. For the evening, you can head to the lively and welcoming Blloku neighborhood: the perfect place for those seeking bars and nightlife.

Day 2 – Berat, the destination to immerse yourself in the past

Leaving early in the morning by car, you can reach the heart of Albania, Berat , in about two hours. It's the ideal stop for those who love the past and the culture of the places they visit ; it's the perfect destination for discovering a city where history is palpable at every turn.

Berat is among the oldest inhabited centers in this European country: it was founded in the 4th century by the Illyrians. A place of fundamental importance, so much so that it has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites : its urban layout is astonishing at first glance, with its buildings that tell the story of the various rulers that have followed, ranging from the Byzantine to the Ottoman Empire. In Berat, you can admire mosques, late medieval churches, and a fantastic castle that, from atop a 200-meter rock, dominates the city.

Day 3 – Gjirokaster, another UNESCO World Heritage city

Gjirokaster, Italianized as Argirocastro , is another historical location of great importance so much so that it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Strolling through its streets is like immersing yourself in the diverse cultures that have converged here, creating a place of great beauty. Roman, Greek, Byzantine, and Turkish influences abound. And if you go even further back in time, the first archaeological traces date back to the 1st century AD: don't miss mosques and buildings like the Zekate House and the city castle.

And to relax in a natural site of great charm, it's good to know that not far away are the natural baths of Benja in Permet , natural pools that are worth discovering if you have a little time: they are about 25 kilometers from the city of Gjirokastër and are ideal for those who want to treat themselves.

Day 4 – Saranda and Ksamil, a paradise territory

The fourth day of the seven-day itinerary to do in Albania during the summer is dedicated to the coast and one of the most beautiful areas of the Albanian Riviera .

In less than an hour from Gjirokastër you can reach Saranda , where it is worth discovering one of the wonderful beaches in the area , such as the extraordinary ones found in Ksamil with its archipelago of islets waiting to be explored.

This is one of Albania's most captivating coastal areas, offering unforgettable views, services for all tastes, and stunning nature. But that's not all, it's located in a particularly valuable natural area. The area is home to Butrint National Park , which conceals an incredible treasure: the archaeological site of Butrint , a UNESCO World Heritage site and the ideal place to delve deeper into this land's past.

A truly magical place that—with its beaches, nature, and ancient remains—is an unmissable stop on a seven-day tour of Albania. Be warned, however: the best time to visit is late spring or the last sliver of summer, as it can be very crowded in high season.

Day 5 – Himare: history and dream beaches

The fifth day is once again dedicated to the sea, discovering the many unique features, towns, and beaches of the Albanian coast.

So the next stop is only about an hour and a half away. It's Himare , a location that features an old town (and here too there are the ruins of an ancient castle) and a coastal area .

If you don't know where to go in this part of the country, you're truly spoiled for choice. You can explore the incredible, wild beach at the end of the Gjipe Canyon , a truly extraordinary place characterized by towering rocks overlooking a crystal-clear beach and a sea a thousand shades of blue. Or you can head to Porto Palermo with its fascinating castle, nestled in a different landscape offering an incredible palette of colors. Or you can explore one of the wonderful beaches here, like those of Dhermi . There are so many, and there's something for every taste. One thing's for sure: your day will be filled with beauty and truly incredible places.

Day 6 – Vlora, the unmissable stops in this city

On the penultimate day of a weeklong tour of Albania in summer, we continue northward toward Tirana. But before returning to the capital, there's one stop you must make: Vlora .

Ancient and with a fascinating history, it is—like other places in the country—a concentration of authentic culture and history. Suffice it to say that it appears to have been founded around the 6th century BC, was a port of the Roman Empire, then a medieval principality, before passing to the Ottoman Empire with a very brief period under Venetian rule.

It is worth discovering its historic centre , exploring its museums or its beautiful beaches .

For an incredible view, head to Kanina Castle (it's a short drive away) and admire the city and the sea from above. Alternatively, you can head to Zvernec Island , located within the Narta Lagoon, a place boasting extraordinary vegetation. And right in the heart of the island lies a picturesque Byzantine monastery , an ancient building dating back to the 13th century. It's the ideal destination for those seeking history, culture, and breathtaking sights.

Day 7 – Durres, a stroll through local history and culture

In just over an hour and a half from Vlora, you reach Durrës , the last stop before returning. Like all the other destinations, it could deserve much more time and attention, but you can discover something of its soul even in a handful of hours.

In fact, Durres has no shortage of locations to explore, such as the Roman Amphitheatre , located right in the city centre and built in the 2nd century AD. It is one of the unmissable stops and one of the symbols of this city.

Then, where a Byzantine castle had been built, there is the Venetian Tower built in the first half of the 15th century, or you can reach the Great Mosque of Durazzo and in the same square discover the archaeological area of the Byzantine Forum .

Of course, there's no shortage of beaches, even along this stretch of coast, truly beautiful and suitable for all tastes. A half-day and then you're ready to go again: from Durres, you have to return to Tirana. The airport is about 30 kilometers away.