Seven days is the sweet spot for the Albanian Riviera. It is enough time to settle in, stop treating the trip like a checklist, and have that specific Mediterranean moment where you realise you have an entire cove to yourself and your dinner is going to cost €12.
Before You Go: The Arrival Essentials
This itinerary starts at Tirana International Airport (TIA). You will need these sorted before you hit the road:
Day 1: Tirana to the Riviera (or: The No-Drive Option)
If you are driving: Land at TIA, pick up your car, and drive south (3.5 to 4 hours). Your destination is Sarandë or Ksamil. Check in, walk to the water, and do nothing else.
If you do not want to drive: Base yourself in Sarandë, and use the tours below to replace the driving days completely.
- Stop at a traditional farm to pick fresh vegetables
- Guided tour of Gjirokastër Castle & the Arms Museum
- Walk the cobblestone Historic Bazaar
- Authentic lunch (Gjirokastrian meatballs, fresh dishes, local dessert)
- Visit the Ethnographic Museum & the iconic Skenduli House
Day 2: Ksamil & The Offshore Islands
Spend the whole day in Ksamil. Rent a kayak or pay a local boatman €5 to row you out to the three small offshore islands. The main beaches get busy by 11:00 AM in July and August — arrive by 08:30.
Day 3: Butrint National Park & Gjirokaster Culture
Drive 20 minutes north of Sarandë to the Butrint National Park. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours for Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins. Go early; the light at 08:00 is extraordinary.
Alternative Day 3: Thermal Baths & Canyons
If you have already seen enough ruins, swap Butrint for a nature excursion.
- Starter: Qifqi (traditional riceballs)
- Main: Artisanal Pasta "OSA" with lamb
- Dessert: Hasude (starch, butter, walnuts)
Where to Stay (Days 1–3)
Base yourself in Sarandë for nightlife, or Ksamil to wake up steps from the water.
The Mid-Range Sweet Spot
Also worth checking: Hotel Flori (from $71/night).
Day 4: The SH8 Drive to Himara
Pack up and drive north on the SH8 coastal road. Allow three hours because you will stop every ten minutes to look at the sea. Arrive in Himara by early afternoon and order the grilled octopus.
Day 5: Himara's Hidden Beaches
Livadhi Beach, 15 minutes south, is a wide bay of white pebbles. For something adventurous, drive north towards Jalë Beach, walk 10 minutes past the party crowd, and find isolated coves.
Day 6: Free Day & The Castle
No driving. Walk up to the old Himara castle — 45 minutes up, the views are the best in the region. Spend the afternoon doing absolutely nothing at a beach bar.
Day 7: The Drive Back (or: Extend to Greece)
The drive to Tirana takes 3.5 to 4 hours. Alternatively, skip the drive north entirely and read our guide to the Corfu to Sarandë ferry to add three days in Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough for the Albanian Riviera?
Yes. It allows 2 days of transit, 2 days in Ksamil, 2 days in Himara, and a day for Butrint without feeling rushed. For a full budget breakdown, read our guide to Albania beach holiday costs.
Do I need a car for a 7-day Albania itinerary?
Recommended, but not required. If you don't want to drive, base yourself in Sarandë and use the pre-booked day tours listed in Day 1 and Day 3.
How much does a 7-day trip to Albania cost?
A comfortable mid-range trip costs €500–€800 per person (excluding flights), including accommodation, food, car rental, and activities.