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1 Week in Albania Itinerary
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Abigail A
A laid‑back 1 week adventure around Albania, starting and ending in Tirana. I share my favorite hotels, Airbnbs, tours and spots to make the most of a short trip—from culture in the capital and Berat to beach days in Vlore and Saranda, plus a slice of nature on Ko...
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Sections
6
 
Days 1-2: Tirana
 
Day 3: Berat & Wine Country
 
Day 4: Vlore & Coastal Vibes
 
Day 5: Saranda & Beaches
 
Day 6: Komani Lake & Shala River
 
Day 7: Return to Tirana

Days 1-2: Tirana

Start your week in Tirana with two fun‑filled days exploring Albania’s vibrant capital. Stay at the central Tirana Marriott or boutique Mulaj and Rogner Hotels in the lively Blloku district for easy access to cafes, clubs and nightlife【30782774897720...& 2, underground bunkers turned museums detailing Albania’s communist history【349147441318806†L73-L151】. Finish with a Bovilla Lake hike, a day trip to UNESCO‑listed Berat, and sample Tirana’s nightlife.

 
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Most of the walking tours start here, but if you decide to make your own adventure, start here and walk around
Skanderbeg Square (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with ...
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Always a good place to start!
Tirana Free Tour- Best Free Walking Tours in Tirana
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The Central Park of Albania!
Liqeni Artificial i Tiranes (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with ...
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Best View of the City
Dajti Express Cable Car (Dajti Ekspres), Albania | Book Now Tickets & Tours ...
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Located in Blloku, great part of town and close to the stadium!
Tirana Marriott Hotel, Tirana (updated prices 2025)
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Another reliable Blloku Hotel
Mulaj Hotel, Tirana (updated prices 2025)
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Learn about Albania's history
Bunk'Art 2
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Day 3: Berat & Wine Country

Spend your third day soaking up the romantic vibes of Berat, Albania’s UNESCO-listed “city of a thousand windows.” Wander the cobbled alleys of the Mangalem and Gorica quarters, hike up to Berat Castle for sweeping views and art at the Onufri Iconogr...

 
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One of my favorite cities in Albania, and very close to Tirana
Berat Full Day Trip from Tirana
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Local hotel with a beautiful view
White House Hotel & Restaurant - since 1999, Berat (updated prices 2025)
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Wine tasting in Berat
Berat Wine Tasting and Food Tour 2025 - Tirana - BOOK NOW
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Day 4: Vlore & Coastal Vibes

Time to hit the coast! Vlore is where locals escape for sun and sea, and it’s the perfect halfway stop between Berat and the southern beaches. Stroll the palm-lined Lungomare promenade and stop for gelato or fresh seafood, then hop on a speedboat out...

 
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A dreamy clifftop hideaway just south of Vlorë – think turquoise waters lapping below, an infinity pool, and a sun deck overlooking the Adriatic. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and you get breakfast and a beach bar all in one. Ideal for couples or...
Hotel Liro - Adults Only, Vlorë (updated prices 2025)
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Modern and stylish with airy rooms and balconies, this boutique hotel sits just off Vlore’s vibrant Lungomare promenade. Guests rave about the comfy beds, elegant décor and plentiful breakfast. It's a great mid-range option if you prefer a fresh, con...
Chic Hotel, Vlore, Albania
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Hop aboard for a day exploring Sazan Island, Grama Bay and the spooky Haxhi Ali cave. This boat tour takes you along the wild Karaburun Peninsula to hidden beaches for swimming and snorkeling. It's the best way to see Vlorë’s marine park and costs ar...
Boat Trips Vlore: Sazan Island, Grama Bay & Haxhi Ali Cave
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This sleek seafront hotel sits along Vlorë's promenade with a private beach, rooftop pool, and floor‑to‑ceiling windows overlooking the bay. It’s perfect for couples or friends wanting a bit of luxury with an on‑site restaurant and bar.
Yacht Hotel, Vlorë (updated prices 2025)
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Day 5: Saranda & Beaches

Sarandë is your gateway to the southern Riviera. Stroll the palm‑lined boardwalk for sunset and swim at Mirror Beach or Mango Beach, then hop on a boat over to the white‑sand islands of Ksamil. Base yourself in the hilltop Kodra neighbourhood to conn...

 
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Modern seafront hotel with glass balconies and panoramic views over Sarandë’s harbour. Enjoy sunset cocktails at the rooftop bar and walk down to the promenade in minutes. Good for couples seeking a luxe stay.
Yacht Premium Hotel Saranda
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Beachfront hotel right on Mango Beach with sun loungers and a fun bar. Rooms are fresh and modern, and there’s a little beach club vibe. Perfect for a no‑frills stay with the sea at your doorstep.
Vila Era Beach, Sarandë (updated prices 2025)
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Tucked just off the promenade, Olsi is a family-run guesthouse with spotless rooms, comfy beds and balconies. It’s quiet but still an easy stroll to the waterfront restaurants and ferry pier — ideal if you want good value and a local vibe.
Hotel Olsi, Sarandë (updated prices 2025)
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If you’re craving a more local vibe, consider booking an Airbnb apartment in the hillside Kodra neighbourhood. It’s a 10-minute walk to the waterfront and has cafés, markets and friendly neighbors—and often costs €30–50 per night for a modern studio.
Sarandë Vacation Rentals & Homes - Albania
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A short drive from Sarandë, this magical spring (Syri i Kaltër) gushes 18,000 litres per second and stays icy cool even in summer. Join a half-day tour that includes transport and a guide so you can relax and swim in the turquoise pool or just snap p...
Blue Eye, Albania, Muzinë - Book Tickets & Tours
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Hire a skipper in Ksamil to explore the four tiny islands just off the coast. You’ll cruise past turquoise coves and stop at sandy islets for swimming — a fun half-day adventure that beats the crowded ferry.
Ksamili Boat Tours Albania
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Locals love this unpretentious taverna for its heaping platters of grilled seafood and homemade pasta. Order the seafood linguine or mussels and pair it with a carafe of house wine — and expect generous portions.
TAVERNA FISH FILIPI, Saranda - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone ...
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Day 6: Komani Lake & Shala River

Rise early and head north to Koman for a day that feels straight out of "Planet Earth." The ferry glides through glassy turquoise water between sheer cliffs, nicknamed the "Albanian fjords," before turning up the Shala River. At the river you'll dise...

 
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Cruising through the "Albanian fjords" is the highlight of any trip. Koman Lake's emerald waters twist between sheer cliffs, then the boat turns up the Shala River to a hidden beach with hammocks, sun loungers and a rustic bar. Most tours cost about ...
Boat Trip to Shala River & Komani Lake Albania • Kapaj Tour
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Day 7: Return to Tirana

After a week of exploring Albania, cruise back to the capital. The drive from the north follows the Drin River and takes around 3 hours, so plan a leisurely morning. Back in Tirana, drop your bags and spend your last afternoon soaking up whatever you missed: explore Bunk’Art 1—an underground bunker-turned-museum telling the story of Albania's communist past【349147441318806†L73-L151】—or wander the colourful New Bazaar for souvenirs. Grab one last espresso at Kafe Oda or a rooftop cocktail at Arka while the sun sets over the city. Pack up, get some sleep and you’ll be ready to catch your flight the next day.

 
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Ever wondered what it's like inside a Cold War bunker? Bunk'Art 1 plunges you deep underground with 106 rooms of exhibits covering Albanian life from WWII to the fall of communism【349147441318806†L73-L151】. Wander through decontamination chambers, propaganda-lined corridors and even Enver Hoxha's secret meeting r... 11 from Pazari i Ri (40 lek each way) and allow 1‑2 hours for your visit.
BUNK'ART 1
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Pazari i Ri (the New Bazaar) is a colourful market square rebuilt in 2017. Under the airy covered market you'll find farmers selling fresh fruit, olives and honey alongside stalls piled with raki and spices. Sip a coffee at one of the cute cafes, bro...
New Bazaar
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