Why pick Albania you ask? Well, why not! If you need a last-minute holiday and fancy going somewhere hot but a bit different then look no further, you might just fall in love with the place!
Follow this 10 days road trip from Tirana airport to the South of Albania…
1. Durres
About 30 minutes from the airport, Durres is a cute port town with a beautiful long beach. If you arrive late at night, Vila Dedej is a great option. This lovely hotel with private parking is just few minutes walk from the sea. Worth mentioning at this point is that many hotels and apartments have noisy air handling systems on the roof, so it might be worth bringing ear plugs.
Before continuing on your journey, you have to try the most amazing Petulla breakfast at Saly Restaurant along the promenade. You’re going to want to get involved with that! There are a few options on the menu but don’t bother, go straight for the Petullas and coffee. The whole breakfast with seaview will cost less than 500LEK! The portions are very generous so you could even share a plate, unless you are not a food sharer, in which case bon appetit!
2. St. Mary’s Monastery, Vlore
The drive to St. Mary’s Monastery, a medieval Byzantine church, was amazing, only 15 minutes away from Vlore and tucked away in a little peninsula. It’s definitely worth the detour. Entry is completely free and the floating walkway adds to the charm.
3. Visit the bunkers on the cliff
Before leaving St Mary’s Monastery, park at the intersection and walk for about 30 minutes to the side of the cliff. You might noy have the right footwear (or the guts) to go inside, but these bunkers are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Oh, and they’re guarded by judgemental goats. That’s right… goats.
4. Take the coastal road through the Riviera
The Vlore Bypass Road towards Saranda is the best way to experience the beauty of Albania in all its glory. There is an unpaved belvedere a few minutes into it that offers a breath-taking view of the Vlore Bay from above. You might even catch the odd car photo shoot while there (quite entertaining to watch)
Enjoy this stunning winding road, it is considerably longer than the motorway but it will reward you with the most spectacular sunset if you time it right.
5. Saranda
You know when people find a place they like and they go there every single year? Saranda is one of those places. Nested on a gorgeous horseshoe-shaped bay, this town is a jewel of southern Albania. It’s the perfect spot to set up camp and explore the rest of the Albanian Riviera. 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. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, a boat trip from Saranda is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Albanian Riviera. Saranda is one of those places that you wish you could never leave. It has some sort of magic to it.
It is also the best spot if you want to put up camp for a few days and visit different sites. There are plenty of choices of apartments and hotels here, varying in prices and locations. Check out Io’s Apartments for a budget and friendly family run apartment a few minutes walk from the beach.
6. Canyon of Gjipe
A canyon in Albania? Oh yes! And not just any canyon but a canyon on a beach! Whether you are into rock climbing, kayaking or exploring caves, this gem of the Albanian Riviera has it all.
Parking is readily available for about 400LEK for half a day. From this point it’s roughly 20 minutes walk to the beach and the Canyon behind it (it takes longer on the way back up!). 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 happy atmosphere of the whole place gives you an instant summer buzz.
There are a few different beaches all very similar to each other and with plenty of free parking. The restaurant and bars also offer free sunbeds off-season with the purchase of a drink. If you are up for a little adventure, you can hire a small boat to reach the islands around the bay.
8. The Blue Eye
If you love a good hike with a reward at the end, the Blue Eye is the place for you. This natural spring is the source of the Bistrice River and it is more than 50 meters deep, although the exact depth is still unknown.
Parking starts at 400LEK for 4 hours and the entry fee is 50LEK. 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 areas are quite steep and gravely so make sure you wear good shoes. This alternative path takes about 40 minutes but it’s totally worth it. You can rest st the cafeteria after!
9. Gjirokaster
Located 300 metres above sea level, this beautiful medieval city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with plenty of character and history.
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 200LEK 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
Fancy another UNESCO World Heritage site? You won’t want to miss out on visiting Butrint National Archaelogical Park.
A short drive from Saranda, this site is perfect for a cloudy day (or a sunny day if you don’t mind skipping the beach). The artifacts and structures 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 1000LEK. Roadside parking is free but a little tight. It can be quite muddy as the site is in the woods and surrounded by wetlands. Also, make sure you explore clockwise and enjoy the big finish at the amphitheatre!
11. Tirana
Tirana is the city of great vibes. It’s best enjoyed on foot, immersing yourself in the chaos and general happiness that surrounds it.
A good car parking place with cheap rates is right at the heart of the city in the Skanderberg Square Car Park.
From here walk down towards Tirana Castle, The Pyramid of Tirana all the way to the artificial lake of Tirana Park in the outskirts of the city.
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. There is so much to see and read in there and it can get quite cold especially if you lose track of time! Entry is 900LEK or 1300LEK if you add Bunk’art 2. Card payments are accepted.
Here are some ideas of what to read and listen to while away. And if you like what you see and want to dowload any of our pictures, come to visit our shutterstock and alamy page!
