Upon arrival in Tirana, explore the vibrant and trendy Blloku neighborhood, filled with stylish cafes, shops, and bars. Take a stroll in the Rinia Park, visit the National Gallery of Art, and have dinner at the traditional restaurant, Oda.
Travel to Berat and admire the UNESCO-protected Ottoman architecture of the town known as the "City of a Thousand Windows." Visit the Castle, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Red Mosque. End the day with a meal at the traditional, family-owned restaurant, Mengalemi.
Drive to Gjirokastra, another UNESCO-protected town with a rich cultural heritage. Visit the castle, the Ottoman bazaar, and the Skenduli House Museum. For lunch or dinner, try local specialty dishes at the hidden-gem restaurant, Kolonat.
Explore the ancient archeological site of Butrint, which dates back to the 7th century BC. Walk around the impressive ruins of the ancient theater, the agora, and the baptistery. Afterward, drive to Ksamil to enjoy the beautiful beach and have seafood for lunch or dinner at Freskia Restaurant.
Head to the coastal city of Vlora with its beautiful beaches and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Visit the Independence Monument and the Muradi Mosque. Have lunch or dinner at Pedonale, a restaurant with various food options and live entertainment.
Visit one of the best beaches in the Albanian Riviera, Dhermi. Enjoy the beach, go on a boat tour, or hike up the Llogara National Park. For dinner, try out the seafood and traditional cuisine at Valona Restaurant.
End the trip with a visit to the historic town of Kruja, which was the birthplace of Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg. Explore the castle, visit the bazaar, and the Skanderbeg Museum. For lunch or dinner, have a taste of traditional meat dishes at the Panorama Restaurant.
Travelers can rent a car in Tirana or hire a taxi. Buses and minibusses are also available for intercity travel. Plan for travel times and costs ahead of time when using public transportation, as schedules may vary by season.
For travelers with more time, consider visiting other scenic spots, such as the Blue Eye or the Riviera coastline. If time is a constraint, reduce the number of places visited or shorten stays.
Tirana International Airport (TIA), also known as Mother Teresa Airport, is located 11 km northwest of Tirana City Center.