1 Week NORTHERN Albania Itinerary for Hikers

It may come as a surprise to many travellers, but the north of Albania is riddled with mountains whose peaks soar well above 2,000m. In this post I’ll outline the best 1 week northern Albania itinerary for those looking to explore the alps, go hiking, and see Albania’s two most beautiful national parks: Theth and Valbona.

I spent 1 week+ travelling the north of Albania after spending 1 month+ exploring the rest of the country. Here’s my 1 month Albania itinerary, for reference. I found 1 week to be just enough time to fit the highlights of the alps in without rushing too much. If I were to do this trip again however, I’d spend more than 1 week in the north of Albania.

Before I get into this 1 week northern Albania itinerary, I’ll direct you to this post – my hiker’s guide to the Albanian Alps. This post here is a snapshot of all-things-northern-Albania. My hiker’s guide goes into greater detail regarding everything you need to know when planning a trip to northern Albania.

If you plan to visit the south of Albania in addition to the north of Albania, I recommend reading my 2 week Albania itinerary as it encompasses the entire country.

Skip ahead:

FAQ Northern Albania
South vs north Albania
Public transportation in Northern Albania
Know before you go travel tips
What to wear and packing for Northern Albania
1 week northern Albania itinerary

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1 week northern Albania itinerary

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Quick Albania Travel Guide:

**Find my recommended Albania itineraries linked in the section below**

Travel Insurance: ALWAYS purchase reliable travel insurance before your trip. This insurance is trusted by backpackers and adventure sport enthusiasts around the world. You can also use my link to receive 5% off SafetyWing policies. Here’s a blog post with more trustworthy travel insurance options you can compare.

Best Time to Visit: May to September.

Best Activities: Looking for the best tours and activities around Albania? See my Viator shop for my top recommendations.

Currency: Albanian LEK (aka ALL). This is a closed currency so you’ll need to wait until you’re in Albania to withdraw/exchange money. Make sure you exchange any leftover money before you leave the country too. Credins ATMs don’t charge a service charge.

Transportation: to enter the country you’ll find 1 international airport in Tirana, 1 port in Saranda (daily ferry arrivals/departures to Corfu, Greece), and a bus line from Montenegro. Buses are very cheap here, but unreliable. Driving is chaotic and there are no trains within the country. Taxis are fairly expensive.

Phone: purchase a local SIM card from Vodafone – the plans are cheap and they include lots of data, however international minutes are typically not available. Vodafone storefronts can be found in bigger cities (Tirana, Saranda, Shkoder, etc).

Language: Albanian, however you can get by with English. Google translate is recommended for smaller cities/villages.

Safety: I found Albania to be very safe. I and my fellow travellers had no trouble with theft and I felt comfortable walking around as a solo female at night. People are generally very welcoming here, but always keep your wits about you – no matter where you travel.

Helpful Info: don’t drink the tap water or bring a purifying bottle like this one. Bring an international travel adapter, and notify your bank before travelling.

Purchase my Albania map which is downloadable to google maps on your phone. It has 200+ pinned locations around the country – all available at your fingertips.

Packing Guide: here’s my ultimate packing guide/travel essentials.

Albania is one of the last “undiscovered” countries in Europe. Plan your trip while prices & tourism levels are low!

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Albania Itineraries: 1 week south | 1 week north | 2 weeks whole country | 1 month for backpackers

1 week northern Albania itinerary – hiking

FAQ: Northern Albania

1 week north Albania itinerary for hikers — Valbona-Theth Hike

How much time should I plan to spend in northern Albania?

You should spend at least 1 week in the north of Albania. If your travel timeline allows, spending more than 1 week in northern Albania is ideal.

Is it cold in Albania’s mountains?

It’s cold in Albania’s mountains during winter. In winter the alps get a fairly large amount of snow. In summer temperatures at elevation can reach 35 degree+. The shoulder seasons hold variable temperatures, but it typically warms up quickly here and stays warm for longer in the fall compared to mountainous regions in more northern countries.

Can I visit northern Albania/the Alps if I’m not a hiker?

Absolutely. Although hiking through northern Albania is the “classic Alps experience,” you can go to Theth or Valbona and spend a few days relaxing in the valley bottom rather than summiting peaks. It is still 100% worth it to go to the Albania Alps if you don’t hike.

Are there hotels in Theth and Valbona?

There are guesthouses in the Albanian Alps. In both Valbona and Theth you can plan to lodge at a guesthouse who will house you and cook your food at an additional cost.

How do I actually plan 1 week in northern Albania?

To plan a trip to the north of Albania I recommend first reading this post (my hiker’s guide to the Albanian Alps) and staying with Wanderer’s Hostel in Shkoder. The staff at Wanderer’s helps plan your trip in advance and stores your luggage while you’re away hiking.

When is the best time of year to visit the Albanian Alps?

May to October is best for hiking. If I personally did this trip over I would visit northern Albania in September when temperatures are slightly cooler and tourism levels are lower.

1 week north Albania itinerary

South vs North Albania: Where Should You Go?

south vs north albania - best place to travel? — The Albanian Riviera in the south of the country

The south of Albania is where you’ll find the Albanian Riviera. The 476km coast of the Riviera lies along both the Adriatic and Ionian Sea which is lined with beaches; both sandy and rocky. Further inland you’ll find a couple ancient and stone cities, a few national parks, and plenty of places to indulge in delicious local foods.

Here’s my 1 week Southern Albania itinerary.

The north of Albania is mountainous. We’re talking mountains with peaks soaring well above 2,000m. There are national parks here, waterfalls, and epic hiking trails. If you’re a hiker or love grandeur mountain scenery, the north is for you.

Is 1 week in northern Albania enough time? Yes to see the highlights, but you could spend longer.

In 1 week you can see Albania’s northern highlights, however you’ll be rushed. It’s doable, but it can be hectic and tiring. I travelled Albania for 1.5 months from top to bottom and felt that was a great amount of time to see the whole country. Obviously not everyone can travel that long, but I recommend spending more than 1 week in Albania so you can hike in the north, plus relax on the beach in the south.

Here’s my 2 week Albania itinerary if you find yourself having a bit more time.

south vs north albania – where should I travel?

Public Transportation in Northern Albania

Albania’s public transportation can be a bit finicky. There’s no passenger train and the only international airport rests in Tirana. There are taxis available, however compared to the local bus system taxis are definitely more expensive. Intracity bus routes cost around 1€ and regional routes, operated via mini bus, are typically 6€ – 12€.

The main methods of entry into Albania are flying into the Tirana International Airport, catching a ferry from Corfu (Greece) into Saranda, or taking a bus from Montenegro.

Plan to take the bus when you’re in Albania, but be aware the bus can be tricky. Google Maps and online resources are just starting to emerge (as of 2024) and aren’t 100% reliable yet. You should still discuss transportation routes/pickup times with locals to ensure the information you see online is correct.

When it comes to public transportation in northern Albania, things look different. Currently public transportation consists of mini buses, ferries, and hiking. I explain this more later in this post but quickly, your north Albania itinerary – transportation-wise – will most likely look like: mini bus from Shkoder to the Komani Lake ferry port, ferry to Fierza, mini bus to Valbona, hike to Theth, mini bus back to Shkoder.

Should you bring your car to the alps?

Yes you should bring your car if you plan on visiting Theth, then going directly back to Shkoder. Yes you should bring your car if you plan on going to Valbona to spend extended time hiking there, NOT hiking to Theth, then returning the way you came.

No you should not bring your car to the alps if you plan to visit both Valbona and Theth and complete the hike between the two parks.

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The best 1 week north Albania itinerary for hikers

Know Before you Go: North Albania Edition

For general Albania pre-travel tips, this post lays it all out.

All adventures in northern Albania begin in Albania’s ancient city, Shkoder. As such, this 1 week northern Albania itinerary will begin and end here.

The mountains in the north of Albania are called the Accursed mountains which belong to the highest section of the Dinaric Alps – a stretch of mountains connecting the Balkan region from Albania to Kosovo and Montenegro. The highest mountain, Maja Jezercë in Valbona Valley, stands at 2,694m (8,839ft).

Hiking season in the alps runs from May to October, with June and September being the best months for cooler temperatures and less people. Early season you may still find colder temperatures and even some snow. Peak summer is HOT and busy. At altitude temperatures reached 35 degrees+ when I was there in July.

In Skhoder there are plenty of lodging options from hostels to luxury hotels. Once you arrive in the alps you’ll stay in locally run guesthouses with other hikers. The food you eat in the alps is cooked by the guesthouse owners – there are no restaurants here aside from the guesthouse kitchens. Many guesthouses offer packed lunches for the days you’re out hiking. I recommend bringing extra snacks.

When I visited in 2022 I paid around 100 euros for my trip to Valbona and Theth. This number will rise swiftly with the influx of tourism in Albania. I recommend bringing around 200 euros of the local currency with you for your trip to Valbona and Theth – which is more than enough, but I always opt to stay on the safe side. Chances are you’re not going to touch this amount, however once you arrive in the alps it’s cash-only. No card, and there are no ATMs to withdraw from.

What to Wear & Pack for Northern Albania

1 week northern Albania itinerary for hikers — Valbona Valley National Park

Here’s my ultimate go-to packing guide/travel essentials

Packing for northern Albania is different than packing for southern Albania. In the south your attire will mostly consist of beachwear and cute summer outfits. In the north, hiking clothing and hiking gear is more appropriate.

When I visited northern Albania I left my large backpack in Shkoder at the Wanderer’s Hostel with all my belongings from technology to nice clothes. I only brought a 24L daypack and a 10L dry bag with me to the alps. The 10L bag held all the extra items I couldn’t fit in my 24L pack. If you have a 30L-35L bag that should be perfect for your trip to northern Albania.

I brought a camera, bathing suit, extra socks, 2 hiking outfits that I sink-washed in between hikes, one regular outfit, a travel towel, toiletries, comfy sleeping clothes (shorts & a T), and a light sweater. For footwear I had hiking boots and brought a pair of crocs for “camp shoes.” Trail runners are more than fine for the alps. I even saw people hiking in regular running shoes. This hydration pack was also a lifesaver for staying hydrated in the blistering heat!

This ^ was in July. If you’re visiting during spring or fall a pair of pants, a thicker sweater, and maybe even a thin pair of gloves would be wise. Pay attention to the weather before you go and judge what you need accordingly – everyone is different.

Some form of sun protection is recommended too. I always opt to wear clothes rather than use sunscreen so my hiking outfits consisted of shorts, a long sleeve, sunglasses, and a hat. I also started my hikes around 4:00am-5:00am to beat the heat.

1 week northern Albania itinerary for hikers

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1 Week Northern Albania Itinerary

Now without further ado – the reason you’re all here. My 1 week northern Albania itinerary. For the best “user experience” you can download my Albania map which will give you a visual representation of everything mentioned in this post plus a quick way to reference the information when you’re on-the-go.

This 1 week northern Albania itinerary is focused solely on Shkoder and the alps. It’s jam packed and almost every minute is accounted for. If you have the extra time, I would recommend stretching this trip a little longer so you can fully enjoy it without the rush.

More itineraries: 1 week south Albania | 2 weeks in Albania | 1 Month Albania backpacker itinerary

7 day north Albania itinerary for hikers and backpackers.

Popular Albania Tours

From Berat: 4×4 tour: Mount Tomorr & Sotira Waterfall | Bogove Waterfall & Osumi Canyon | Osumi Canyon Rafting

From Gjirokaster: Vjosa River Rafting

From Permet: Benja Hot Springs & Lengarica Canyon | Horseback Riding

From Tirana: Gamti Mountain & Bovilla Lake Hiking Tour | Bike Tour | Traditional Cooking Class | Zipline

From Tirana or Shkoder: Day trip to the Blue Eye & Grunas Waterfall | Shala River Day Trip

From Vlora: Boat tour to Haxhi Ali Cave & Sazan Island – Karaburun | Snorkelling

From Saranda/Ksamil: Paddle boarding the Islands | Butrint, Ksamil, Blue Eye, Lekuresi Castle – 1 Day | Day Trip to Gjirokaster | Catamaran to Korez & Kokomo Beach

UNIQUE: Multi-day hiking tour: Peaks of the Balkans

You can find more Albania tours I recommend here

MORE UNIQUE ALBANIA TOURS

Day 1: Tirana to Shkoder

We’ll start this 1 week northern Albania itinerary off in Tirana, assuming this is where you’ll fly into. Tirana is Albania’s capital city and a great place to learn about the country’s communist history. Since this 1 week northern Albania itinerary is focused on the alps though, I’m recommending you try to make your way to Shkoder the same day you arrive. Leave Tirana asap.

If your flight lands in the morning or mid day you should have no problem making your way to the regional bus station (GPS location), then catching a bus to Shkoder. Once you’re in Shkoder I highly recommend staying with Wanderer’s Hostel as they’ll help plan your trip to the alps and store your extra luggage while you’re away.

When you arrive in Shkoder you’ll have enough time to sort your bags out for hiking and wander the city. Here’s my guide to Shkoder for some activity recommendations. You’ll have to choose your activities based on your arrival time.

If you’re unable to make it to Shkoder on day 1, here’s my 2 day Tirana itinerary. You can reference that post to find a few activity recommendations in Tirana to keep you occupied until you depart for Shkoder the following morning.

Where to stay in Shkoder

#1 recommendation: Wanderer’s Hostel. They host lively events, can help plan your trip to the alps, and most importantly will store your luggage while you’re out hiking.
Backpackers: Aside form Wanderer’s there’s also Shkodra Backpackers.
Mid-range: Shkodra apartment and the Sol Hotel.
Luxury: Hotel Colloseo & Spa, and the Grand Hotel Europa offer you the 5 star experience in Shkoder.

Day 2: Shala River

1 month northern Albania itinerary for hikers — Komani Lake

Assuming you were organized and booked all components of your north Albania trip in advance, on day 2 you’ll catch an early mini bus from Shkoder which will take you to the Komani Lake Ferry Port.

The Shala River is often overlooked by travellers, however I highly recommend staying a night here. The Shala River is located off Komani Lake. There are guesthouses lining the bottom of a canyon floor next to the bright blue river which flows from the mountains. It’s truly a magical place and if you stay here overnight, you can watch the stars and horses wander under fairy lights next to a beach bar. Need I say more?

The owners of the guesthouse you choose to stay with will pick you up at the Komani Lake Ferry Port and drop you off the following morning so you can catch another ferry in the direction of Valbona.

If you prefer to visit the Shala River as a day trip instead, you can book a day tour here.

1 week north Albania itinerary + Shala River

Where to stay on the Shala River

Riverside Komani Lake – is located around the corner from the Shala River on Komani Lake. Staying here allows for a quieter experience as the day tourists go straight to the river. The meals cooked here are all made from locally sourced ingredients and they have a beautiful deck overlooking the river. The Balkoni hike can be accessed from here as well as the guesthouses directly on the Shala River.
Bee Eco guesthouse and Blini Park Guesthouse are both located right in the main area of the Shala River. This means your stay may not be as quiet, however there are horses and dogs roaming around the riverside beaches. Riverside bars and patios are available and there are dazzling fairy lights at night. The evening vibes here are quite literally magical.

Day 3: Valbona Valley National Park

1 week northern Albania itinerary for hikers - Valbona — Old Mill of Valbona

After arriving back at the Komani Lake ferry port you’ll catch a ferry which will take you to Fierza. From here you’ll catch another mini bus to Valbona where you’ll be dropped directly at your guesthouse. Remember to sort your transportation in advance, or lodge with Wanderer’s Hostel in Shkoder who will sort everything for you.

The ferry along Komani Lake is an adventure in itself. The deck/indoor seating areas are often crowded and it’s hard to find a spot. However Komani Lake is known as the “Thailand of Albania” which makes the seating struggle worth it. The lake’s sparking green water and funky mountains make this trip very enjoyable.

Once you arrive in Valbona I recommend dropping your bags and heading outside for a wander. Within walking distance you’ll find Xhema Lake and the Old Mill of Valbona which are great photo-ops.

My Valbona itinerary outlines where these spots are.

7 day north Albania itinerary hiking

Where to stay in Valbona

Upscale option: Drino’s Guesthouse is absolutely lovely. I stayed here one night and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. Drino’s family owns a delicious restaurant nextdoor too.
Luxury Stay: Valbona Resort & Spa
Budget stay: Bujtina Albjoni
Cabin style: Villas Jezerca

Day 4: Maja Rosit

1 week north Albania itinerary - Valbona — Maja Rosit hike in Valbona

Maja Rosit is easily the most beautiful hike I did while I was in Albania, so you can imagine why it made this 1 week northern Albania itinerary.

The trek itself is long and has a decent amount of elevation gain so a good level of fitness is recommended. The reward for your efforts will be highly rewarded though. The peak requires a scramble to summit, but there’s a pass lower down (where I went) which crosses the border into Montenegro, looking into Prokletije National Park where you’ll see an impressive wall of mountains.

If you hike in July you’ll find insane fields of wildflowers. Additionally, this hike is lesser known so you’ll have the trail mostly to yourself. Keep in mind the majority of this trail is exposed to the sun. I was not able to bag the summit as I ran out of water at the pass.

Here’s my Maja Rosit hiking guide with more information about this trail.

Day 5: Valbona to Theth Hike

1 week Albania itinerary north - Valbona to Theth hike — Valbona to Theth hike

On day 5 of this 1 week northern Albania itinerary, plan to do the most iconic hike in the Balkans: the Valbona-Theth route.

This hike is another fairly long trail in the alps (10-15kms depending on where your guesthouse is), connecting Valbona to Theth. Hiking is the ONLY way to travel between the two parks unless you want to do the whole ferry/mini bus loop back to Shkoder.

I’m an avid hiker and if I’m honest this trail wasn’t overly impressive in comparison to Maja Rosit, however this trail is bucket list and necessary to get to Theth. Most of the time you’ll be in the trees, however there is one beautiful viewpoint from the pass around the mid section of the trail.

By the time you arrive in Theth it’ll likely be afternoon, so plan to spend the remainder of the day relaxing. Enjoy the mountain views and a fresh-cooked meal from your guesthouse owners – you deserve it!

I recommend reading my Valbona-Theth trail guide which contains much more detailed information and tips for this hike.

1 week north Albania itinerary for backpackers

Where to stay in Theth

Shpella Guesthouse is definitely the most sought after lodging destination in Theth. You must book this in advance as it does fill up during the summer months.
Guest House Rrashkadoli is where I stayed due to the killer price point. This spot is a bit further from the main area and hiking trails in Theth, however the owners are some of the most wholesome people I’ve ever met and the place is so cozy and quiet.
Guesthouse Villa Gurra has a nice central location at a good price point.

1 week northern Albania itinerary – Theth

Day 6: Theth National Park

1 week north itinerary Albania for hiking — Blue Eye of Theth

Day 6 is another big day of hiking. This 1 week northern Albania itinerary is definitely hiking-heavy, however in the alps, you must hike!

There are two Blue Eyes in Albania. One in Saranda and one in Theth. The one in Theth is within hiking distance to the village. Along the trail to it you’ll pass by the Grunas Waterfall and the Grunas Canyon. My advice is to start this hike early as these trails are busy and it’s a long, hot day outside. Make sure you bring plenty of water and food. There are a few guesthouses and stands along the way where you can purchase things, but they will be pricey and limited.

The Blue Eye of Theth is located here which is around 8kms from the village centre in Theth. Depending on where your guesthouse is located this trail may be longer or shorter. Budget minimum 3hrs on the way there and the same on the return journey. I recommend hiking on the East side of the Shala River, on the opposite side of the main road. The east side is where you’ll find the canyon and waterfall, plus more shade and the absence of constant cars driving past you.

More detailed information about the hike to the Blue Eye can be found in my Albania hikes post.

This excursion will likely take all day, so when you return to your guesthouse plan to eat a nice meal and chill the rest of the day.

Day 7: Return Journey

On day 7 of this 1 week north Albania itinerary, you’ll make your way back to Shkoder via another mini bus which will pick you up early in the morning near the centre of the village. On the return journey you’ll have to endure windy, steep roads which may be difficult for those with motion sickness.

You’ll arrive back in Shkoder by latest midday which should give you enough time to explore the city or take another bus back to Tirana the same day. If you plan to continue travelling you can find more of my Albania guides here. If you plan to leave directly after from Tirana, I would not recommend flying out the same day as bus routes/times can be unreliable.

Here’s my guide to Tirana if you’re looking for activities to do in the city.

And that concludes this 1 week northern Albania itinerary. Enjoy!

Where to stay in Tirana

Backpackers: Trip’n’Hostel (party hostel) and Tirana Backpackers.
Mid-range hotels: There are too many to count! You can see them all here.
Guesthouses: NEO apartments and Home Sweet Home (with a full kitchen).
Luxury: Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana, Arté Boutique Hotel, or the Rogner Hotel which is said to be one of the best hotels in Albania.