Tirana & Durrës, Albania 14-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at Tirana Airport

Arrive at Tirana International Airport (TIA).

Clear customs and collect your luggage.

Transfer to Durrës

Take a taxi or pre-booked shuttle from Tirana Airport directly to your hotel in Durrës, a major port city with popular beaches.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation in Durrës and get settled.

Take some time to freshen up.

Durrës Beach Stroll

Enjoy your first taste of the Albanian coast with a relaxing walk along Durrës Beach.

Feel the sand between your toes and soak in the atmosphere.

Seafood Dinner

Indulge in a delicious dinner at a beachfront restaurant, sampling fresh local seafood specialties.

Many restaurants line the promenade offering stunning sea views.

Durrës Amphitheatre

Explore the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, one of the largest in the Balkans.

Imagine gladiatorial contests from centuries ago.

Archaeological Museum

Visit the Durrës Archaeological Museum, located near the amphitheatre, to see artifacts unearthed from the ancient city of Dyrrachium.

Traditional Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a traditional Albanian restaurant in the city center of Durrës, sampling local specialties.

Durrës Promenade Exploration

Stroll along the lively Durrës Promenade (Rruga Pavaresia), dotted with cafes, shops, and street vendors. Enjoy the sea breeze and people-watching.

Sunset Drinks

Find a cozy bar or cafe along the promenade to enjoy a refreshing drink as the sun sets over the Adriatic Sea.

Morning Swim & Sunbathing

Start your day with a refreshing swim in the clear waters of Durrës Beach.

Relax on the sandy shores and soak up the mid-summer sun.

Beachfront Lunch

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes directly on the beach.

Optional Water Sports

For those seeking more adventure, try out some water sports available at Durrës Beach, such as jet-skiing, paddleboarding, or banana boat rides.

Rental services are widely available along the main beach areas.

Afternoon Beach Relaxation

Continue to relax on the beach, read a book, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Lively Evening Out

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Durrës.

Enjoy dinner followed by drinks at a bar with live music or a DJ.

Travel to Tirana

Take a public bus or taxi from Durrës to Tirana for a day of exploring Albania's vibrant capital.

Skanderbeg Square & Surroundings

Begin your exploration at Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana.

Visit the Et'hem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower, and National Historical Museum (exterior).

Tirana Local Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch at a restaurant near Skanderbeg Square or in the Blloku area.

Bunk'Art 2 Museum

Delve into Albania's communist past by visiting Bunk'Art 2, a former Cold War bunker transformed into a museum showcasing the history of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Explore Blloku Area

Wander through the fashionable Blloku district, once reserved for the communist elite, now a lively hub of cafes, bars, and boutiques.

Perfect for a coffee break or souvenir shopping.

Return to Durrës

Take a bus or taxi back to Durrës after a day of city sightseeing.

Leisurely Beach Morning

Enjoy a final leisurely morning at Durrës Beach.

Relax, swim, or simply enjoy the last moments by the Adriatic Sea.

Farewell Lunch in Durrës

Have a relaxed lunch at one of your favorite local spots in Durrës or try a new place to savor the flavors one last time.

Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping

Do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Durrës, perhaps for local crafts or Albanian delicacies.

Prepare for Next Destination

Return to your hotel to pack and prepare for your onward journey to the next coastal destination.

Quiet Dinner & Evening

Enjoy a quiet dinner and a relaxing evening in Durrës before heading to the next exciting part of your Albanian Riviera adventure.

Travel to Himarë

Enjoy the scenic drive along the Albanian Riviera to Himarë.

Check into your accommodation and settle in.

The coastal road offers breathtaking views, so keep your camera ready!

Lunch in Himarë

Savor fresh seafood and traditional Albanian dishes at a local restaurant overlooking the sea.

Relax at Himarë Beach

Spend your afternoon relaxing on Himarë's main beach, swimming in the clear waters, or soaking up the sun.

Sun loungers and umbrellas are usually available for rent.

Evening Promenade Stroll

Take a leisurely walk along the Himarë promenade, enjoying the lively evening atmosphere.

Dinner at a Waterfront Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner at one of Himarë's many waterfront restaurants, famous for grilled fish and local wine.

Beach Day at Llamani

Head to Llamani Beach, a stunning crescent-shaped bay with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

It's a very popular and lively beach. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas.

Beachside Lunch

Enjoy lunch at one of the beach bars or restaurants at Llamani Beach.

Explore Old Submarine Bunker

Discover the intriguing Old Submarine Bunker at Porto Palermo, a relic from Albania's communist past, partially submerged in the bay.

Wear comfortable shoes. The bunker offers a unique glimpse into history and great photo opportunities.

Visit Porto Palermo Castle

Explore the triangular fortress of Porto Palermo Castle, dating back to the Ottoman period, offering panoramic views of the Ionian Sea.

Dinner in Himarë

Return to Himarë for dinner, perhaps trying a different local eatery.

Morning at Amallos Beach

Enjoy a quieter beach experience at Amallos Beach, known for its pristine waters and natural beauty.

It's close to Porto Palermo.

Lunch in Qeparo

Drive to Qeparo village and have lunch at a traditional restaurant, enjoying local specialties and panoramic views.

Explore Old Qeparo Village

Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of Old Qeparo, an incredibly charming and historic village perched on a hillside.

The village offers stunning views and a glimpse into traditional Albanian life. Don't miss the old church.

Sunset Views at Kepi i Rigonit

Visit Kepi i Rigonit for spectacular sunset views over the Ionian Sea, a perfect photo opportunity.

Dinner Back in Himarë

Enjoy another evening dining experience in Himarë, perhaps a place known for its fresh seafood pasta.

Journey to Gjipe Beach

Travel to Gjipe Beach, a stunning and wild beach located at the mouth of Gjipe Canyon.

You can reach it by car to a certain point, then a walk, or by boat from Himarë.

If opting for the walk, wear comfortable shoes. The path offers incredible views.

Relax at Gjipe Beach

Spend the morning enjoying the pristine waters and unique atmosphere of Gjipe Beach.

It's perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Explore Gjipe Canyon

For the adventurous, take a short hike into the impressive Gjipe Canyon, known for its towering cliffs and lush vegetation.

Be sure to check conditions and wear appropriate footwear. Some parts may require scrambling.

Late Lunch/Snacks at Gjipe

Grab a casual lunch or snacks at one of the rustic beachside eateries at Gjipe.

Relaxed Dinner in Himarë

After a day of adventure, enjoy a relaxed dinner back in Himarë.

Morning at Livadhi Beach

Spend your morning at Livadhi Beach, one of the longest and most popular beaches in the Himarë area, offering clear waters and beach bars.

Easily accessible from Himarë, known for its lively atmosphere and amenities.

Beachfront Lunch

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the many restaurants along Livadhi Beach.

Himarë Souvenir Shopping

Browse local shops for souvenirs, handcrafted items, and local products to remember your trip.

Hotel Relaxation

Enjoy some downtime at your hotel, perhaps by the pool or on your balcony, recharging before your next destination.

Farewell Dinner in Himarë

Indulge in a special farewell dinner in Himarë, reflecting on your wonderful coastal experiences.

Travel to Sarandë

Take a scenic bus ride or shared taxi (furgon) along the coastal road from Himarë to Sarandë, offering beautiful views of the Ionian Sea.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation in Sarandë and settle in.

Seafood Lunch

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, sampling fresh seafood catches of the day.

Sarandë City Beach & Promenade

Spend the afternoon relaxing on Sarandë's city beach, swimming in the warm waters, or strolling along the lively promenade.

Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and sea views.

Evening Dinner & Nightlife

Have dinner at one of the many restaurants along the promenade, followed by an evening walk to soak in the vibrant Sarandë nightlife.

Travel to Ksamil

Take a short local bus ride or taxi to the beautiful village of Ksamil, famous for its picturesque beaches and small islands.

Ksamil Beaches & Islands

Spend the day at one of Ksamil's stunning beaches, known for their turquoise waters and white sands.

You can rent a pedal boat or kayak to explore the nearby small islands and find your own secluded swimming spot. Consider Plazhi Ksamilit or Bora Bora Beach.

Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Water sports equipment like pedal boats and kayaks can also be rented locally.

Beachside Lunch

Enjoy a casual lunch at a restaurant or cafe right on the beach in Ksamil, offering fresh seafood and stunning views.

Return to Sarandë

Take a local bus or taxi back to Sarandë.

Sarandë Evening Dining

Indulge in another delightful dinner in Sarandë, perhaps trying a restaurant known for its traditional Albanian cuisine or fresh catch of the day.

Butrint National Park Exploration

Embark on a morning excursion to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of an ancient city, including a Greek theatre, Roman forum, early Christian basilica, and Venetian castle. A fascinating journey through history.

Located about 18 km south of Sarandë. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Guides are available at the entrance, or you can explore independently with the provided map.

Lunch Near Butrint

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the vicinity of Butrint National Park or on the way to the Blue Eye Spring.

Syri i Kaltër (Blue Eye Spring)

Visit the mesmerizing Syri i Kaltër, also known as the Blue Eye Spring.

This natural phenomenon is a stunning deep blue water spring bubbling up from a karst cave, creating a striking 'eye' effect. Enjoy the serene natural surroundings.

Located approximately 30-40 minutes drive from Sarandë. There's a short walk from the parking area to the spring. Swimming is generally not allowed but dipping your feet in is common. Entrance fee is usually a small amount.

Return to Sarandë

Travel back to Sarandë after a day of historical and natural exploration.

Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a special farewell dinner in Sarandë, savoring your last evening on the Albanian Riviera.

Choose a restaurant with a view or one that offers your favorite local dishes.

Leisurely Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxed final breakfast in Sarandë, reflecting on your wonderful two-week Albanian adventure.

Last-Minute Shopping

Grab any last-minute souvenirs or gifts from local shops in Sarandë.

Hotel Check-out

Complete your check-out procedures from Murati Suites Sarande.

Travel to Tirana Airport for Departure

Take a direct bus from Sarandë to Tirana International Airport (TIA) for your onward journey, marking the end of your Albanian coastal trip.