Albania Roadtrip

[Inspiremeaholiday]

Hi all

We're off to Albania over easter and would love advice on our itinerary. We're usually book the day sort of people, but as Albania is becoming more popular apparently going with the flow might not be the best idea. Can anyone shed any light on this? Proposed itinerary below (via ChatGPT), we're a family of 5 (17,15 and 7) and all kids travel really well!

Anyone been and could shed some light on it?

Thanks

Day 1: Arrival in Tirana
Day 2: Tirana Exploration
Morning: Visit the National History Museum to learn about Albania’s rich past.
Afternoon: Take a cable car up Mount Dajti for a scenic view and some hiking. There’s also a mini amusement park at the top for kids.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Day Trip to Krujë
Morning: Head to Krujë, a historical town about an hour from Tirana. Explore the Krujë Castle and the Skanderbeg Museum.
Afternoon: Visit the old bazaar for unique souvenirs, then return to Tirana by evening.
Day 4: Tirana to Berat (UNESCO Site)
Morning: Drive to Berat (approx. 1.5-2 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the Berat Castle, exploring the old churches and museums. Enjoy views of the "City of a Thousand Windows."
Evening: Stay overnight in Berat’s old town.
Day 5: Berat and Osum Canyon
Morning: Head to Osum Canyon (about 1 hour from Berat) for a day of nature. You can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and the stunning views.
Afternoon: Return to Berat and have a relaxing evening.
Day 6: Berat to Gjirokastër (UNESCO Site)
Morning: Drive to Gjirokastër (approx. 3 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the Gjirokastër Castle, and explore the Arms Museum and the clock tower.
Evening: Explore the town’s Ottoman-style houses and stay overnight.
Day 7: Gjirokastër to Sarandë
Morning: Drive to Sarandë on the coast (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the Blue Eye Spring, a beautiful natural spring with mesmerizing colors.
Evening: Relax in Sarandë and stay overnight.
Day 8: Butrint National Park and Beaches
Morning: Explore Butrint National Park (UNESCO site) to see fascinating ancient ruins and nature.
Afternoon: Spend time at Ksamil’s beaches, where kids can enjoy the sand and water.
Evening: Return to Sarandë for a relaxing evening.
Day 9: Sarandë to Durrës
Morning: Head north to Durrës (about 3 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the Durrës Amphitheatre and Archaeological Museum, then relax on the Durrës beach.
Evening: Stay overnight in Durrës.
Day 10: Return to Tirana
Morning: Drive back to Tirana (30-45 minutes).
Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing, then depart.
Day 11: fly out

Did you do this trip @Inspiremeaholiday ? We have just booked 4 days for Easter 2026.

Yes we did and it was fabulous! So much better than expected. Shout if you’d like any specific advice.

We only have 4 days, what would you recommend?
We are thinking 2 days in the capital, a day a Durres and a day trip to Montenegro or Kosovo.

I would miss Durrës personally and do Krujë instead. Without a doubt though the highlight of the trip was Berat especially at night with all the lovely windows!

I would love to find out more about your trip - our kids are similar ages and I’m thinking of Albania for this summer. Did you go to any beaches?

I’ve been to Albania and it’s absolutely gorgeous. That itinerary sounds all right although very busy. I’d want more down time and a bit more exploring. But that’s just me! It’s a great place with amazing people and a really interesting history and culture. Also very cheap for eating out, drinks etc. I’ve been to most of the places on your list.

If you’re driving, I’d avoid driving after dark, particularly in the rural areas. The roads can be very iffy and driving standards are questionable at best. But the scenery is out of this world so driving through yeh mountains or along the coast during the day is spectacular.

@Strawberrysparkle123 we did. We spent time in Sarandë And Durrës. Sarande was far nicer I would say. The kids loved it. They loved the medieval cities the most and the history. It was fascinating

@BauhausOfEliott weve already done the trip this is an old thread.