4-Day Family Adventure in Albania on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Tirana

Tirana, Albania

9:00AM

Visit Skanderbeg Square

Kick off your adventure at the heart of Tirana in Skanderbeg Square, where you can marvel at the impressive statue of the national hero and surrounding architecture.
Walk from your hotel in the city center to the square.
FREE, 1 hour

10:30AM

Breakfast at Organic Cafe

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast of homemade yogurt, local honey, and fresh fruit at Organic Cafe, a family-friendly spot.
Short walk from Skanderbeg Square.
ALL1500, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore the National History Museum

Dive into Albania's rich past with enlightening exhibits at the National History Museum, uniquely housed under a striking mosaic.
Located adjacent to Skanderbeg Square.
ALL2000, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at the New Bazaar

Savor traditional Albanian dishes at the New Bazaar, where you can try byrek and fresh local cheeses.
Take a leisurely 20-minute walk from the museum to the bazaar.
ALL2000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Stroll in Grand Park

Unwind in Tirana's Grand Park, where the kids can play and you can enjoy a peaceful lakeside view.
A quick 15-minute taxi ride from the bazaar.
FREE, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bazer

End your day at Restaurant Bazer, known for its delicious grilled meats and friendly atmosphere.
A short taxi ride back to the center.
ALL2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Culture & History in Berat

Berat, Albania

8:00AM

Bus to Berat

Catch an early bus to Berat, known for its dramatic hilltop castle and Ottoman architecture.
Bus departs from Tirana bus terminal.
ALL600, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Berat Castle

Upon arrival, explore the ancient Berat Castle for spectacular views and historical churches within its walls.
Walk up the hill to the castle from the bus stop.
ALL300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Mangalemi Restaurant

Try out local favorites such as tavë kosi (baked lamb) in the charming setting of Mangalemi.
Walk down towards the city center.
ALL2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Mangalem Quarter

Wander through the UNESCO-listed Mangalem Quarter, admiring its distinctive architecture and learning about its history.
Shady walk from the restaurant.
FREE, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Ethnographic Museum

Get insights into traditional Albanian life at the Ethnographic Museum, housed in a former Ottoman villa.
Located at the foot of the castle hill.
ALL300, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Dardha Restaurant

Enjoy delicious home-cooked meals at Dardha, featuring vegetables and meat sourced from local farms.
Quick walk from the museum.
ALL2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventuring in Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër, Albania

8:00AM

Bus to Gjirokastër

Travel by bus to Gjirokastër, famed for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture.
Catch the bus near Berat's center.
ALL700, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Gjirokastër Castle

Begin your day by exploring Gjirokastër Castle, where you can explore museums and learn about local legends.
Easy walk from the bus station.
ALL400, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Castle Café

Unwind at the Castle Café with a view, enjoying sandwiches and local pastries.
Located within the castle grounds.
ALL1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Wander the Bazaar

Stroll through the Old Bazaar with its quaint shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Return to the bazaar area via the main street from the castle.
FREE, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Ethnographic Museum

Explore the Ethnographic Museum, the former home of the writer Ismail Kadare, to better understand Gjirokastër culture.
Short walk back towards the castle.
ALL300, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Sofia

Close your day with tasty grilled vegetable dishes at Restaurant Sofia, a great spot for family.
Just a short taxi ride away from the museum.
ALL2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Beach Day in Saranda

Saranda, Albania

8:00AM

Bus to Saranda

Catch a bus in the morning for a scenic ride to the coastal town of Saranda, known for its stunning beaches.
Depart from Gjirokastër bus station.
ALL800, 2 hours

10:00AM

Relax at Katori Beach

Settle in and enjoy the sun and sand at Katori Beach, a family-friendly spot with shallow waters.
A quick walk from the bus station.
FREE, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bar Restaurant Limani

Feast on fresh seafood and local specialties while enjoying picturesque views of the sea.
Dine along the beach promenade.
ALL2500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Ancient City of Butrint

Take a short bus ride to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint, an archaeological site full of history.
Bus ride from Saranda is about 30 minutes.
ALL700, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Saranda

Catch the bus back to Saranda for another relaxing evening at the beach.
Easy return from Butrint.
ALL700, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Gusto

Enjoy a delightful dinner at Restaurant Gusto, offering a range of Italian and Albanian dishes that the whole family will love.
Located on the beach strip.
ALL2500, 1.5 hours
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