If you’re looking for a budget-friendly holiday in Europe that’s affordable and a little different, Albania is the perfect choice for your next getaway. From stunning beaches to historic towns and vibrant cities, it’s a destination you might just fall in love with.
Follow this 10-day Albania itinerary from Tirana Airport down to the Albanian Riviera, exploring beaches, historic towns, and hidden gems along the way.
1. Durres
Just 30 minutes from Tirana Airport, Durres is a popular coastal town in Albania with a long beach, port views, and affordable stays. For late arrivals, Vila Dedej offers a convenient and budget-friendly overnight option. It’s worth noting that many hotels and apartments in Albania have noisy rooftop air-handling systems, so bringing earplugs is a smart idea for a better night’s sleep.
Before continuing your journey, make sure to try a typical Albanian breakfast of Petulla at Saly Restaurant along the promenade. For a little over $6, you can enjoy a generous breakfast overlooking the sea — a perfect find for budget-minded travelers.
2. St. Mary’s Monastery, Vlore
Just outside Vlore, St Mary’s Monastery is a hidden medieval Byzantine church located on a scenic peninsula. Free to visit, it’s one of the most beautiful cultural stops in southern Albania, with a floating walkway that makes the experience even more memorable.
3. Visit the bunkers on the cliff
Before you leave St Mary’s Monastery, make sure to check out one more hidden gem nearby. Leave your car at the intersection, then follow the path for roughly 30 minutes until you reach the cliffside. Continue along the path that traces the coastline, and soon you’ll arrive at a series of old war bunkers covered in graffiti. These bunkers are unlike anything you’ve seen, standing as stark reminders of Albania’s communist past. Oh, and they’re watched over by a few judgmental goats. Yes… actual goats.
4. Take the coastal road through the Riviera
The Vlore Bypass Road towards Saranda is one of the most scenic drives in Albania, offering incredible coastal views along the way. Just a few minutes into the route, you’ll find an unpaved belvedere that overlooks Vlore Bay, providing a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint. It’s also a popular stop for photoshoots, and you may even catch the occasional car shoot taking place — an unexpected but entertaining sight.
5. Sarandë
Sarandë is the kind of place travelers fall in love with — and return to year after year. Nested on a gorgeous horseshoe-shaped bay, this town is the jewel of southern Albania. Overlooking the Ionian Sea, it serves as a gateway to some of the most breathtaking boat trips in the region. From here, you can set sail to the mesmerizing Ksamil Islands, explore the hidden caves and crystal-clear waters of the coastline, or take a day trip to the Greek island of Corfu. A boat trip from Sarande is the ultimate way to experience the beauty of the Albanian Riviera — perfect for adventure, relaxation, or both. There’s something magical about Sarandë — it’s the kind of place you wish you never had to leave.
6. Canyon of Gjipe
A canyon on the beach in Albania might sound unreal — but it exists. This Albanian Riviera gem offers rock climbing, kayaking, and hidden caves all in one dramatic landscape.
Parking near Gjipe Beach costs around $5 for half a day. From the parking area, it’s approximately a 20-minute walk down to the beach and the Gjipe Canyon, one of the highlights of the Albanian Riviera. Be aware that the return hike is uphill and takes longer, so plan accordingly. The unmade road is not too tricky but you will definitely need to wear good shoes rather than sandals. Depending on what time a year you visit, the restaurant might be closed so make sure you bring food and plenty of water!
7. Ksamil
At merely 30 minutes drive from Saranda, Plaz Ksamil is probably one of the most instagrammed beaches in Albania, and for a reason. The relaxed, happy atmosphere gives you an instant summer buzz and perfectly captures the spirit of the Albanian Riviera.
8. The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye is one of the most popular natural attractions in southern Albania. Known for its crystal-clear waters, it marks the source of the Bistrica River and reaches depths of over 50 metres, although the full depth has never been confirmed.
Parking starts at 5$ for 4 hours and the entry fee is 0.60$. The main road that leads to the site takes about 15 minutes walk, however, if you’re after a more interesting journey begin at the starting point hike around the lake.
Some sections of the trail are steep and gravelly, so sturdy footwear is essential. This alternative route takes around 40 minutes, but it’s absolutely worth the effort for the views along the way.
9. Gjirokaster
Located 300 metres above sea level, this beautiful medieval city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rich history, charm, and well-preserved character.
Beneath the buzz of the city centre, lies one of the most interesting and chilling pieces of modern history: The Cold War Tunnel Museum. For 2.50$ you will be guided through dark tunnels and various rooms where a hypothetical nuclear war would have been outlived by a selected few.
The tour takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Unlike Bunk’Art in Tirana, this shelter was left pretty much in its original state after the fall of the Communist regime, making it much more atmospheric and sobering. In fact it feels like you are the very first one to find it!
10. Butrint
One of the top things to do in Southern Albania is visiting Butrint National Archaeological Park, a UNESCO-listed ancient city and must-see cultural landmark.
A short drive from Saranda, this site is perfect for a cloudy day. The ruins date from the Iron Age up until the Middle Ages, making it a melting pot of Greek, Roman and Byzantine cultures.
Entry to the park is about 12$. Roadside parking is free but a little tight. The site can get quite muddy, as it’s set within woodland and surrounded by wetlands, so appropriate footwear is recommended. For the best experience, explore the route clockwise and save the amphitheatre for last — it’s the perfect grand finale.
11. Tirana
Affordable parking in Tirana is available right in the city centre at the Skanderberg Square Car Park.
This walking route takes you through the best sights in Tirana, from Tirana Castle and The Pyramid of Tirana in the city centre, all the way to the scenic Artificial Lake in Tirana Park on the city’s outskirts.
You can’t leave Tirana without first visiting the famous Bunk’Art 1 Museum, a short drive from the city centre. The entry can be easy to miss. On arrival, wait for the traffic light to go green before driving throught the tunnel to the free car park.
This huge anti-nuclear bunker was inaugurated in 1978 and intended as a shelter for dictator Enver Hoxha and his inner circle during the communist era. To make the most of your experience, allow around 1.5 to 3 hours per site, as there is a lot to explore inside the underground tunnels and exhibitions. For the best visit, go early in the day to avoid crowds and wear comfortable shoes, as there is plenty of walking involved. Some underground areas can also feel quite cool, so bringing a light layer is recommended. Entry to Bunk’Art in Tirana costs $11, or $16 if you choose the combined ticket that includes Bunk’Art 2. Both sites accept card payments, making it easy for visitors without cash.
Whether you’re planning a 10-day Albania itinerary, looking for the best places to visit, or searching for a budget travel guide to the Albanian Riviera, we hope this brief travel guide covers everything you need.
Check out this post for for essential tips on what to know before travelling to Albania.
