Farm to Shore: The Ideal 10 Day Road Trip Through Albania

Pick up your rental car and head into Tirana. As the vibrant capital city, Tirana offers an intriguing mix of European charm and Balkan hustle. Plan to spend a day or even two here.

Architecture and History

After landing, take the time to explore the city's colorful streets. Start with a stroll through Skanderbeg Square to appreciate and perhaps visit the National Historical Museum to start your journey with a touch of the country's past. Continue your tour on foot to the Pyramid of Tirana to view the more modern side of Tirana's architecture.

Lunch and shopping

Browse along the cobblestone paths of Kalaja e Justinianit - the Castle of Tirana - and have a light lunch and some wine at Filari Wine Bar or a more substantial meal at Ceren Ismet Shehu. After, shop for chocolate, olive oil, and other goods within the fortress. For a larger assortment of local, handmade products and fresh produce and spices, check out the Mercado Pazari i Ri.

Dinner and Nightlife

For dinner, enjoy some fresh seafood at Bati, and cap off your night at Radio Bar in Blloku, the lively nightlife district.

Accommodations

Hotel Boutique Gloria is a cozy hotel right near the center of town. Even if you don't opt to stay here, their raved about 4-course breakfast is a must.

Tips

Take out some cash from an ATM for meals, tips, and stops on your road trip. Some restaurants and shops will not accept credit cards. Download the map of Albania on Google maps to prepare for areas with little to no service.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, set off north for Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm, an unbeatable farm-to-table experience set in the tranquil Albanian countryside. It's a perfect introduction to the nation's culinary prowess and commitment to organic farming. Break up the drive from Tirana by stopping at Duka Winery and Vineyard for a snack and a glass of wine. Buy an extra bottle of wine to enjoy as you watch the sunset from your balcony at Mrizi i Zanave. Once settled at the farm, enjoy fresh pomegranate juice with a multi-course dinner from ingredients prepared right on the property. In the morning, after enjoying a cup of organic red oregano tea and a breakfast buffet of fresh eggs, cheese and mouthwatering baked apples, ask for a tour of the property. You'll get a private showing of where they make their wine, cheese, jams and sausage. Buy a bottle of GÊG - their highest rated wine - for later, then hit the road to begin your drive south.

Tips

Be sure to book your stay in advance as the rooms sell out quickly. This is a little out of the way from the cities on the Albanian Riviera, but it is worth the extra driving.

As you leave Mrizi i Zanave, take the road leading to Berat, known as the "City of a Thousand Windows." This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a living history lesson with its stunning Ottoman-era architecture. Visit the Berat Castle and the Onufri Iconographic Museum housed within its walls. Grab lunch from one of the restaurants by the castle or take a short drive across the Osum River to Taverna Panorama and enjoy local fare on their patio with amazing views.

For olive oil lovers or anyone who appreciates something off-the beaten-path, stop by the Musai Olive Oil factory. Hopefully, someone will be available to give you a tour, tasting, and the option to buy a bottle of olive oil!

Continue through the Llogara Pass of the Ceraunian Mountain Range to the seaside town of Dhërmi and spend two nights at La Brisa Boutique Hotel, where you'll have the option to sunbathe on their rooftop pool or kick your feet up and lounge on their private section of the beach. For lunch, delight in sushi and cocktails at their beach bar. For dinner, their restaurant is a great option, but feel free to venture out to other restaurants along the promenade.

If you're looking for a party, visit during the peak summer season (July - August) and you're a few steps away from a variety of DJs, music and nightlife along the short boardwalk. If not, take a boat tour or even go for a hike to the stunning Grama Bay.

Tips

The beaches along the Albanian Rivera are beautiful, but rocky! Bring sandals or water shoes that you can wear in the water.

Make sure to confirm with hotels that parking is provided. All of the hotels listed here were able to provide free parking, but this may change seasonally.

A short coastal drive brings you to the charming town of Himarë. Take the opportunity to stay at a smaller boutique hotel, like Artis Blue Relax, where your room is literally one step away from the sea. Start the day with their rooftop breakfast and definitely order the Petulla (fried Albanian pancakes). Continue with the day by hopping on a group or private boat tour and boating over the crystal waters to explore the caves and secluded bays along the Riviera. Or find a hiking trail, like the one that leads to Aquarium Beach. Spend lunch tasting the fresh Mediterranean food along the Himarë promenade. In the evening, watch the sun set from the ruins of Himarë Castle (maybe even pop open that bottle of GÊG!). For dinner, take a short walk past the promenade to the restaurant at Arxontiko Hotel

Tip

If you're visiting during the peak summer season and are looking for a party scene, you may want to spend one of these nights at Folie Marine in Jala instead, which boasts lively day and night clubs.

Depart Himarë for Ksamil, a smaller village, where you'll exchange the rocky beaches for soft sand. Enjoy the paradise at Poda Boutique Hotel, where you can have breakfast by the pool and then grab a spritz and a lounge chair on their private beach. VIP beds are available at a cost. Get your adrenaline pumping and rent a jet ski or spend time on the water in a kayak or on a paddle board. If you're with a significant other, enjoy a romantic 3-course dinner at the hotel's outdoor restaurant (this may be included in your stay). There is a large selection of other restaurants along the water and in town to try.

Tips

If you prefer extra beach time in a smaller, quieter location, exchange one day in Sarandë for another day in Ksamil. I chose to end my trip in Sarandë, but you can flip these days and stay in Ksamil for a more relaxing ending to your vacation.

Leaving Ksamil, take a few hours to visit Butrint National Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient city is steeped in history, with ruins spanning multiple eras from the Byzantine administration to the Venetians. Continue to Sarandë, a larger city known for its vibrant waterfront. Start your evening with a drink at Jericho Cocktail Bar, then walk across the street for a fantastic meal at Marini, a family-owned and operated restaurant. If rain is in the forecast, have a heartier, more upscale dinner at the cozy Manxurane Restaurant. If it doesn't rain...go here anyway; you will not be disappointed.

During your three-day stay, plan a day to drive to the "Blue Eye", a water spring with hypnotic blue waters. An easy (1 km) hike will take you to this natural phenomenon, which is truly a site to take in. Get back in the car and drive to the Castle of Gjirokastra, another UNESCO site offering a glimpse into Albania's storied past. Grab gelato or lunch on the cobblestone streets of this hilltop fortress and then use this time for some souvenir shopping (possibly a bottle of Raki?)

For your accommodations, pick a spot on the water that is close to the beachfront boulevard, such as the contemporary, luxury Demi Hotel.

On the final day, spend the 3.5 hour drive back to Tirana airport enjoying the scenery and reminiscing on your wonderful trip.

Tips

Check online for current attraction costs and hours. Most entrance fees will be cash only. Wear shoes with traction as the stones in the National Park and castle can get slippery! When timing your drive back to the airport, plan to spend at least four hours in the car to account for traffic.