Albania 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Albania

Day 1: Tirana and Durres

Places to Go:

  1. Tirana: The capital city of Albania, Tirana is a vibrant mix of modern buildings and Ottoman-style architecture. Don’t miss the Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the National History Museum.

  2. Durres (approximately 1 hour by car from Tirana): Durres is one of Albania’s oldest cities, with a rich history dating back over 2000 years. Visit the Roman Amphitheater, Villa Romana and enjoy the beautiful Durres Beach.

Activities:

  1. Explore Tirana’s Blloku neighborhood, once a restricted area for the Communist elite, now a bustling area filled with bars, restaurants, and shops.
  2. Relax on Durres beach, or explore the ancient ruins beneath the sand.

Things to Know:

  1. Albania uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency.
  2. The language spoken in Albania is Albanian, but English is widely spoken in urban areas.
  3. The local cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and Ottoman influences, with seafood and meat dishes being particularly popular.

Visa Requirements:

Citizens of many countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period. However, it’s always best to check the current requirements for your specific nationality.

Transportation:

Tirana has an international airport, and Durres is easily accessible by car or bus from Tirana. Within cities, taxis are widely available, or you can use local bus services.

Day 2: Berat and Apollonia

Places to Go:

  1. Berat (approximately 2 hours by car from Durres): Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning Ottoman-style architecture. Visit the Berat Castle, Onufri Museum, and stroll through the charming Mangalem Quarter.

  2. Apollonia (approximately 1 hour by car from Berat): This ancient city was founded by Greek colonists in the 6th century BC and is now an archaeological park. Explore the ruins, including the Amphitheater, Baths of Diana, and the Odeon.

Activities:

  1. Take a guided tour of Berat Castle, learning about its history and the unique architecture of the Mangalem Quarter.
  2. Explore the ruins at Apollonia, imagining life in ancient times.

Things to Know:

  1. Berat is known for its iconic onion-domed Orthodox churches.
  2. Apollonia is situated near the coast, so you can also visit the nearby beaches if time allows.

Day 3: Kruja and Saranda

Places to Go:

  1. Kruja (approximately 1 hour by car from Berat): Known as the birthplace of Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, Kruja is home to a stunning castle and the Ethnographic Museum.

  2. Saranda (approximately 3 hours by car from Kruja): Saranda is a picturesque coastal town overlooking the Ionian Sea. Visit the Lekuresi Castle, Butrint National Park, and enjoy the beautiful beaches.

Activities:

  1. Explore Kruja Castle and the Ethnographic Museum, learning about the life and legacy of Skanderbeg.
  2. Take a guided tour of Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife.

Things to Know:

  1. Saranda is a popular beach destination, so you may want to visit during the off-season to avoid crowds.
  2. Butrint National Park has a rich history dating back over 3000 years, with ruins from the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian periods.

Transportation:

You’ll need a car or organized tour to travel between these destinations, as public transportation may be limited. Albania has a good network of roads, but be aware that driving can be challenging due to heavy traffic in urban areas and winding mountain roads in rural areas.