Enough contrast, without spending the whole week in a car
One week cannot cover every corner of Albania well. This route prioritises Tirana, two UNESCO city landscapes and the Ionian coast, with room to actually experience them.
Days 1–2: Tirana and Krujë
Use the first day to settle into Tirana’s layers. On day two, pair Krujë’s bazaar and castle with Bovilla or return for an unhurried capital evening.
Day 3: Berat
Travel south through Belsh, walk the inhabited citadel and stay long enough for the Osum riverfront at dusk. Add a Roshnik lunch rather than another rushed monument.
Days 4–5: Gjirokastër and the Blue Eye
Give Gjirokastër a full morning before continuing to the spring. Stay in the south so the next day begins close to the coast rather than backtracking.
Days 6–7: Himarë and the Riviera
Choose one base, explore fewer coves, and make Llogara part of the return. The coast rewards unplanned hours more than beach counting.
