🇦🇱 7-Day Albania Itinerary: Hidden Gems, Coastal Magic & UNESCO Wonders

Ever dreamed of exploring a country where history, nature, and culture collide — without the tourist crowds? Albania surprised me in the best possible way, and here is the 7-day itinerary that helped me see the absolute best of it. Bookmark this for your next Balkan adventure!

📍 Day 1: Tirana – The Quirky Capital
Start in Tirana, Albania’s vibrant heart.
🛬 Land at Tirana International Airport (TIA).
✨ Must-sees:

BunkArt 2 for Cold War vibes

Skanderbeg Square for local life

New Bazaar for souvenirs & local food
🍴 Food Tip: Try Tavë Kosi, Albania’s signature lamb dish.

💡 Pro Tip: Tirana’s cafes rival those of Paris — do not skip a coffee break!

📍 Day 2: Shkoder – Northern Gateway
Just 1.5h drive from Tirana, Shkoder is artistic, chill, and close to nature.
🎨 Explore the Marubi Photography Museum
🏰 Climb to Rozafa Castle at sunset
🚲 Rent a bike and cycle around Lake Shkoder

🏡 I stayed in a local guesthouse — warm hosts and homemade breakfast!

📍 Day 3: Kruje – Medieval Charm
A short detour to Kruje is worth it for history lovers.
🛍 Wander through the Ottoman-style bazaar
🏰 Visit the Skanderbeg Museum & Castle
📸 Incredible views of the valley below

💡 Kruje is a great spot for handcrafted souvenirs like traditional rugs and copperware.

📍 Day 4: Berat – City of a Thousand Windows
Drive south to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
🏘️ Explore the white Ottoman houses stacked on the hillside
🏰 Visit Berat Castle (locals still live inside!)
🍷 Wine tasting at a local winery like Cobo Winery

💤 Tip: Sleep inside the old Mangalem Quarter for an unforgettable night.

📍 Day 5: Gjirokaster – Stone City & Legends
Another UNESCO gem!
🏠 Visit Enver Hoxha’s House and Skenduli House for traditional interiors
🎭 The castle houses a weapons museum & even a Cold War-era prison
🌄 The architecture is stunning — bring walking shoes!

📍 Day 6: Blue Eye & Sarandë – Nature & Coastline
Start your day with a stop at the Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër) — surreal turquoise water you have to see to believe.
Then head to Sarandë, Albania’s southern beach town.
🏖️ Walk the promenade, enjoy fresh seafood, and catch the sunset!

📸 Best light for photos at the Blue Eye? Before 11 AM!

📍 Day 7: Ksamil – The Albanian Maldives
Finish with a bang in Ksamil, 20 minutes from Sarandë.
🏝️ Crystal-clear beaches with white sand and islands you can swim to!
🚤 Rent a kayak or boat for the best views
🌅 Have a drink with a sunset view over the Ionian Sea

💡 Visit in shoulder season (May or September) for fewer crowds and warm waters.

✅ What I Wish I Knew Before Going:
Card payment is not common — carry cash (LEK)

Roads can be narrow and winding — drive carefully or hire a driver

Albanian hospitality is REAL — you’ll often be treated like family