One Week in Albania: An Adventure-Filled Road Trip to Remember

You have one week in Albania? Well, quite enough for an adventure-filled road trip that you’ll remember!

“Travel is ultimately about going to places from which you never entirely come back”, says Pico Iyer. And, he’s a man who knows a lot about traveling.

Pondering on those words for a moment, you realize one thing. It is the memories that count. So, when choosing both the destination and the activities, you should choose what captivates you.

With its beautiful landscapes and its rich cultural heritage, Albania will certainly captivate you. It will become the place from which you’ll never entirely come back.

And, while you can’t see it all in a week, you can definitely see a lot.

Why Spend One Week in Albania

What is it, though, that makes this country so captivating? What is it that will make your one week in Albania a week to remember? And, why is it that you should opt for it when planning your next vacation?

Well, let’s find out.

From the Mountains to the Beaches in a Jiff

There are people who prefer mountains, and then there are those who prefer beaches. But, there are also people who can’t make up their minds, seeing beauty and value in both.

Fortunately, if you have an entire week to explore Albania, you won’t have to choose one or the other.

Packed within small borders, Albania offers the best of both worlds. And, one week is more than enough to go from the north to the south.

So, revel in the dramatic mountain ranges in the north. But then, also admire the pristine beaches in the south.

From rugged terrains to sun-soaked beaches… You’ll experience it all.

Exploring the Cultural Heritage

The rich cultural heritage of Albania will make your journey memorable. Influenced by the Illyrians, the Romans, the Greek, as well as the Ottomans, this country has a lot to offer.

So, all history buffs get ready. Explore various historical landmarks during your week in the country, and gain valuable insight into its unique past.

A Journey That Matches Your Personality

Maybe you’re looking to just sit back and relax, soaking in all the views. But, perhaps you’re after a more active journey that matches your active personality.

Whatever the case, Albania is the right place.

From hiking, swimming and exploring underground caves, to lying on the beautiful beaches and watching the sunset… Your one week in Albania can be whatever you want it to be.

And, if you decide to backpack through the country, it can be everything at once. Both an active journey and a relaxing one.

One Week in Albania – When Affordability Meets Adventure

With relatively low costs of transportation, accommodation, and food, Albania is surely a popular destination for budget-conscious travelers.

You can fill your one week in Albania with adventure without breaking the bank.

In short, this is a journey on which adventure meets affordability.

Creating an Itinerary for Your One Week in Albania

All great journeys start with a great itinerary.

So, how about you make yours right away?

Sure, you can wing it. But, for the best experience, you’ll want to have a plan.

Let’s create one together, and really make your week memorable.

Explore the Capital

You can’t know a country without seeing its capital, can you? And, Albania’s capital, Tirana, has a lot to say.

Explore the Skanderbeg Square, visit the National History Museum, the Clock Tower and the mosques. Then, head to Blloku, and explore a trendier district.

Combining modern and traditional architecture, this city speaks of two things. First, the country understands the importance of preserving its cultural and historical heritage. But then, it also understands the significance of moving forward and offering something new to the world.

And, the capital reflects that perfectly.

Enjoy Stunning Views in Shkoder

Shkoder is another must-visit destination when in Albania. So, drive up north and start exploring this historical city, which is known as the gateway to the Albanian Alps.

Anyway, Shkoder itself has a lot to offer. Visit the Rozafa Castle for some of the most stunning views of Lake Shkoder. If feeling a bit more adventurous, you can rent a bike and have a peaceful ride along the lake.

However, if that’s not adventurous enough for you, use the next day to go on a more active exploration of the country.

Hike in Theth

So, you’re looking for something more adventurous than a bike ride along the lake? Well, the north of Albania certainly has you covered!

Clearly, the Albanian Alps I’ve mentioned above, also known as the Accursed Mountains are the center of mountain tourism. And, a hiking trip in the mountains is a great choice for all those adventurous souls.

The Theth National Park, a breathtaking are in the Accursed Mountains, can be the perfect place to start. From there, take one of many popular hiking routes, and enjoy the panoramic views and the rugged mountain scenery.

Seeing the Blue Eye of Theth, a natural spring surrounded by dense forests, is sure to leave an impression. So is the Grunas Waterfall. And many other landmarks you will find on the trails.

Visit the Stone City

Time to head for the south. Gjirokaster, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stop definitely worth making.

Nicknamed the Stone City, Gjirokaster’s Old Town is famous for its stone houses, and cobblestone streets. And it speaks an impressive story of Albanian history.

Furthermore, the Gjirokaster Castle is an imposing, impressive structure that offers even more impressive views of the town.

Then, to gain some insight into the traditional life of Albania, pay a visit to the Skenduli House.

See the Butrint National Park

The Butrint National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage site, should also make it on your itinerary. As one of the most important archeological treasures of Albania, it is undeniably a must-see.

Butrint dates back to the Greeks and Romans, but the structures are very well preserved. So, take time to revel in its ancient beauty and take some astonishing photos along the way.

Complete Your One Week in Albania With the Riviera

It wouldn’t be much of an exploration journey without visiting the Albanian Riviera, would it?

Well, I guess that depends on who you ask. It’s not a secret that some people prefer the northern parts of any country.

But, even the sworn mountain enthusiasts are sure to enjoy exploring the coast of Albania.

Spend some time in Saranda. Swim in the blue waters. Try paddleboarding or snorkeling. And, don’t forget to watch the sun set from the promenade.

Then, drive to Himara, while taking stops along the way to enjoy some beautiful beaches. This charming coastal town will, well, charm you with its crystal-clear water and beautiful beaches.

Recap

To make your one week in Albania perfect, you better have a plan.

Sure, the country is filled with beautiful spots wherever you turn. But, a good plan will make a difference.

So, create an itinerary you will love. And then set off for an adventure, exploring the country’s cultural heritage and enjoying both the mountains and the coast.

Make amazing memories. In the end, it is the memories that count.