2 Week FULL Albania Itinerary for Backpackers

This 2 week Albania itinerary is focused on backpackers looking to see Albania’s highlights in a fairly short period of time. These 14 days in Albania are jam packed with Albania’s best hikes, cutest ancient cities, best beaches, and so much more.

I spent 1.5 months backpacking Albania and I think 1 month is the perfect period of time to see everything the country has to offer. However 2 weeks in Albania is a great amount of time to hit the country’s highlights. Here’s my 1 month Albania itinerary for those who are interested.

Skip ahead:

Best time of year to visit Albania
About Albania’s public transit system
Know before you go tips
What to wear & packing for Albania
2 Week Albania itinerary for backpackers

ALBANIA

BALKANS

EUROPE

As you read this post, please consider clicking the links throughout. These are affiliate links which means when you book a hotel or purchase a product, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you (full disclosure). These commissions fund The Holistic Backpacker and help me write more blog posts.

Thank you for supporting my work!

~ Taylor ♡

Albania Google Map – 200+ pins

Don’t feel like scrolling through blog posts trying to find things to do in Albania?

My Albania map is for you.

Get my 200+ recommendations for hiking trails, beaches, activities, and must-see spots all in one place.

One click and everything is saved to your Google Maps app – a digital tour guide that fits in your pocket.

DOWNLOAD MAP

see what other travellers are saying about my map

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!

Helpful Albania Blog Posts

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

2 Week Albania Itinerary for Backpackers: Albania Highlights

Best Time of Year to Visit Albania

Here are the best months to plan your 2 week Albania itinerary.

April is a bit early for a 2 week trip to Albania. Daily temperatures can still be cold making beach activities unenjoyable. There’s also still snow in the mountains making some hiking trails inaccessible. I’d recommend waiting until mid May to plan a 2 week trip to Albania.

May is a good time of year to visit Albania for a couple weeks if you’re looking to beat the crowds. Temperatures may be a bit chilly for the beach earlier in the month, but by the end of the month most of the snow will melt in the mountains making every activity in Albania accessible.

Tourism starts picking up in June which is one of the best months to plan a 2 week Albania trip. Temperatures are not too hot and not too cold making every activity perfectly enjoyable during this time.

July and August are easily Albania’s hottest and busiest months. These are excellent months to hit the beach in Albania or try any water-based activity. Hiking is popular in the north of the country, but temperatures can be scorching hot – even at altitude – so you have to plan accordingly for that.

September and October are Albania’s shoulder seasons. September is similar to June for temperatures with the added bonus of fall colours beginning to change in the north. October is a bit unpredictable – some years pleasant travel in Albania is still possible, other years this marks the end of Albania’s tourism season.

Winter (November to March) is not a popular time to visit Albania as there’s heavy snowfall in the north and it’s much too cold to enjoy the beaches. Backcountry ski enthusiasts may enjoy the Albanian Alps for touring, however avalanches are possible and rescue resources are not widely available which adds an extra risk factor.

Connect via socials:

STAY CONNECTED

Sign up for emails to receive a 25% discount on my travel maps + occasional updates on new hiking guides & travel resources.

Taylor ♡

About Albania’s Public Transit System

2 WEEK ALBANIA ITINERARY FOR BACKPACKERS - public transit info — Valbona Valley National Park

Before we get into this 2 week Albania backpacker itinerary, I think it’s important to touch on how Albania’s public transit system works. There’s no passenger train in Albania and there’s only one international airport in Tirana. This may change in the semi-near future as Albania is gaining popularity fast as a travel destination.

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.

Once you’re in Albania the best way to get around is the bus. It’s the cheapest transport method too; less than 1€ for intracity routes and 6€ – 12€ for regional routes which are mainly run via mini bus. There are taxis, however they can be pricey in comparison to the bus.

The bus system is Albania is a bit chaotic compared to what you may be used to if you’re visiting from North America or other parts of Europe. Schedules and routes are just starting to appear online/on Google Maps (as of 2024), however they’re not 100% trustworthy. I’d recommend asking your lodging providers about the bus to ensure your information is correct. The bus drivers don’t speak English, however the locals are very friendly and are always happy to help.

There are no bus transit hubs, but rather large parking lots with destination signs in the windows or weird pickups on the side of the road with minimal signage. It can be confusing, I won’t lie.

what to pack for a 2 week trip to Albania.

Some tips to help you with the bus in Albania:

Driving can be fast and rough. If you experience motion sickness, bring peppermint oil or motion sickness pills – whatever works for you.
Talk to your hotel/hostel staff to find out when and where the bus routes run. I have important major bus stops marked in my Albania map which you can download here.
Bring extra water and food for the bus. You never know if the bus pickups/drop offs will be on time. Best to be prepared.
Buses don’t always have air conditioning and you may have to walk a distance to the bus stop. Travelling early in the morning will help you beat the heat.
Don’t rely on the last bus of the day. Ever. Just in case.

14 day Albania itinerary for backpackers

Know Before You Go Tips

This is a classic “know before you go” segment. Like every country, Albania has a few weird and not-so-weird quirks. I’ve got a few of them listed above here, however before you set off for your 2 week Albania trip – be aware of the following:

Don’t drink the tap water in Albania. Buy bottled water or purchase a filtered bottle before you go. I like this one.
It’s hard to buy stuff in Albania. Like, anything. My suitcase broke during my 1 month+ trip to Albania and I needed to buy a backpack. There was only 1 Intersport in Albania (in Tirana) that sold them, so I had to take multiple buses and spend a couple days travelling just to replace my poor suitcase. I recommend buying everything you need before your trip to Albania – don’t wait until you get there.
“Albania time” nearly drove my punctual self mad. Expect delays for everything; tours, buses, servers – Albanians don’t like to rush.
Xhiro is what Albanians call their evening walk. Evening is the most social time of day for the Albanians as temperatures are cooler. Make sure you get out for evening walks and experience the local culture.
Temperature mid-summer can be scorching. I personally think the best time to travel Albania is during spring (May/June) and fall (September).
There is garbage everywhere. Please don’t contribute to the mess by tossing yours on the ground too. Better yet, leave it better than you found it and help pick trash up along the way!
For the ladies – you may be asked constantly by local men if you’re married or if you want to go on dates. Be weary. I typically say yes to being married (even though I’m not) and always politely decline date offers to err on the side of caution.

…and most importantly – Albania is growing fast as a travel destination. Book your 2 week trip to Albania before prices and tourism levels rise!

2 Weeks in Albania / 14 Day Albania itinerary

What to Wear & Packing for Albania

what to wear on a 2 week backpacking trip to Albania — Daily dress code to avoid the sun in Albania

Depending on when you visit Albania, what you pack for your 2 week Albania trip may vary slightly. Typically visitors flock to the mountains and beaches here during summer which is a HOT time of year. Light, flowy clothes are best. Leave the denim and hoodies at home.

The locals dress slightly more conservative, however as a tourist I felt comfortable wearing whatever I wanted – and I always dress to respect the local culture. Bikinis and crop tops to dresses and skirts, you’ll be fine no matter what you wear. The locals may stare the more revealing your clothing is, however they’ll stare regardless, it’s part of the culture.

I often wore long skirts, lightweight pants, and thin cardigans I could tie up around my waist. This was solely for sun protection as I’m not a fan of sunscreen. Keeping my sweaty skin off chair surfaces and whatnot was also nice.

Make sure you pack at least 2 bathing suits, a travel towel, a couple dresses or skirts, comfortable shorts and tanks/tees. I brought trail runners and Crocs for shoes, but sandals would work too. I won’t list recommended quantities of these things as depending on the activities you’re doing packing will be different. However what I will say is less is more. Laundry isn’t too hard to do in Albania and carrying around a massive, heavy backpack in the scorching heat is not ideal. Especially if you’re travelling Albania for 2 weeks+.

If you’re visiting Albania during spring/fall or are hiking in the mountainous northern areas, a pair of hiking pants and a light sweater could be useful. When I hiked the alps in summer it reached 35C at altitude though so this was not necessary for me.

I also recommend packing all your skincare products and toiletries before you arrive. I’m an all-natural product maker and user. I found only one shop in Tirana that sold high quality skincare oils and I definitely would not have used the local products otherwise. Regretfully I can’t remember the name of the store to share for the other natural product users here. But one does exist!

what to wear for your 2 week Albania trip / 14 day Albania itinerary

2 Week Albania Itinerary for Backpackers

Now without further ado – the reason you’re all here. My 14 day Albania itinerary for backpackers. 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.

2 week backpacking itinerary for Albania — Gjirokaster, Albania

Due to the cheap prices, ease of last-minute travel planning (my favourite way to travel), and variety of landscapes and activities, I 100% recommend travelling Albania for 2 weeks – or more! Taking the extra time here will allow you to really grasp the local culture and experience everything in the country without having to rush.

This 14 day/2 week Albania itinerary has a little mix of everything to suit every type of traveller – adventure, culture, history, and of course good food. You can go about this itinerary in any order depending on where you enter Albania.

I’ve added a few additional activities per location. You can opt to add these into your 2 week Albania itinerary or skip them entirely to best suit your timeline and travel preferences. My 1 month Albania itinerary has even more destinations than what’s listed in this post.

Albania Google Map – 200+ pins

Don’t feel like scrolling through blog posts trying to find things to do in Albania?

My Albania map is for you.

Get my 200+ recommendations for hiking trails, beaches, activities, and must-see spots all in one place.

One click and everything is saved to your Google Maps app – a digital tour guide that fits in your pocket.

DOWNLOAD MAP

see what other travellers are saying about my map

Day 1: Tirana

2 week Albania itinerary for backpackers - Tirana — Skanderbeg Square, Tirana

Tirana is Albania’s capital and the city home to Albania’s sole international airport. It’s a great place to learn about Albania’s history via the many museums, however it’s not “authentic” Albania. If you’re on a short 2 week or 14 day timeline for your Albania trip I’d recommend departing the same day your arrive – assuming your flight gets in at a reasonable time.

There are plenty of buses departing from the regional bus station at various times throughout the day. I recommend heading straight for Berat which is the first real stop on this 2 week Albania itinerary.

Here’s my 2 day Tirana itinerary

Optional activities in Tirana to add to your 2 week Albania itinerary:

Visit BUNK’ART 1 & BUNK’ART 2 to learn about Albania’s communist history. The museums are in an underground bunker.
Take the Dajti Ekspress up Dajti Mountain for a view over Tirana. From here you can hike up Maja e Tujanit which overlooks Dajti National Park and Bovilla Lake.
Take a free walking tour of the city.
Take a hiking tour up Gamti Mountain.

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.

14 day Albania itinerary for backpackers

Day 2: Berat

2 week Albania itinerary for backpackers — Berat – UNESCO City

Berat is one of Albania’s UNESCO cities, coined the “city of a thousand windows.” Assuming you made it here the night prior, on day 2 of your 14 day Albania itinerary, plan to visit Osumi Canyon and the Bogove Waterfall.

I did this tour with Maya Hostel (linked below) and had an incredible time. We swam through the canyon and had an epic day. I understand there are a few tour operators running this excursion now, but not all of them venture inside the canyon – so I always recommend going with Maya Hostel. You can book the tour with Maya Hostel here.

14 day Albania adventure itinerary — Osumi Canyon

If you go with Maya Hostel, the tour spans the entire day and includes transportation and lunch. I’d recommend bringing extra water and food on this trip. I recommend booking this tour in advance too. Albania is only becoming more popular as time progresses, so you’ll want to secure your spot on the tour.

If time allows when you return you can wander around Berat’s Mangalem and Gorica quarters, then head up to the Berat Castle for sunset. Grab a bite somewhere on Bulevardi Republika and a taste of dessert at Pastiçeri Tori; my favourite ice cream parlour in Albania.

Here’s my 2 day Berat itinerary

Optional activities in Berat to add to your 2 week Albania itinerary:

4×4 tour up Mount Tomorr + the Sotira waterfall
Book a table at Homemade Food Lili – an authentic Albanian restaurant run out of a local’s backyard

How to spend 2 weeks in Albania – 14 day Albania backpacker itinerary

Where to stay in Berat

Backpackers: Berat Backpackers is the #1 place to stay as it offers tours to Osumi Canyon, a top notch included breakfast buffet, and a large/comfy lounge area. Their sister-hostel, Maya Hostel, is a great alternative. If both these are full, there’s always Hostel Mangalem.
Mid-range: Guesthouse Hava Baci offers a central location at a great price and free breakfast.
Luxury: Hotel Colombo is a 5 star hotel offering royal treatment to its guests.
Cultural Option: Hotel Mangalemi is situated in the stone city of Mangalem, Berat. Here you’re just steps away from the Berat Castle, museums, and restaurants.

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 3: Himara

2 month packed backpacking itinerary for Albania — Himara, Albania

On the morning of day 3 of your 2 week Albania itinerary, grab the first bus out to Himara. Himara is a great place to unwind and relax – it’s a quieter town along the Albanian Riviera where people go to chill.

There are plenty of beaches within a short walking distance from all the hotels lining the coast. Grab a beach chair or lay down your towel and plan to relax the whole day. Alternatively if you’re wanting a bit more adventure, you can find the, now, not-so-secret Gjiri Filikuri Beach which is accessible only by boat or hiking. Here’s directions for how to find it.

In the evening walk up to Himara Old Town and watch the sunset from Himara Castle.

Here’s my 3 Day Himara Itinerary

Optional activities in Himara to add to your 2 week Albania itinerary:

Rent a scooter and explore some of the surroundings: Llogara Pass (1,027m), Dhermi Beach, Borsh Beach, and/or Porto Palermo
Rent a kayak and explore the coastline. I did a kayak day trip from Himara to Gjipe Beach and had a killer time

2 week Albania backpacker itinerary / 14 day Albania itinerary

Where to stay in Himara

Backpackers: Both the Himara Hostel and Sun Bakers offer cozy hostel environments. The Himara Hostel has great kayak rental prices.
Mid-range: Mema Hotel or Hotel Veizi both offer central locations at a cheaper rate.
Luxury: ARXONTIKO, Sõnar en el mar (beach front), or the Sea View Hotel.

Day 4-5: Saranda, Ksamil & Gjirokaster

How to spend 2 weeks in Albania — Views from Lekuresi Castle

Saranda is definitely the most “touristy” location you’ll hit along this 2 week Albania itinerary. This is a prime spot to meet other backpackers and enjoy a busy atmosphere with lots going on. Plan to spend 3 nights here.

As soon as you arrive I recommend dropping your bags and taking the bus down to Butrint National Park to see the old ruins, then continuing on to Ksamil to chill at the beach. This is a loud, “party” style beach with music and a million people. Not usually my style, personally, however the beach here is sandy unlike Albania’s mostly rocky beaches. And the water is a beautiful bright blue. It’s definitely worth a visit. When you return go for dinner and a wander down the main drag “Hasan Tahsini Boulevard.”

How to spend 14 days in Albania — Ksamil

On day 2 I’m recommending you take a guided tour which is not something I typically recommend. However in order to fit as much as possible in this 2 week Albania itinerary a tour is fairly necessary in this situation.

This guided tour encompasses a visit to the famous Blue Eye, a quick stop at the Monastery of Saint Nicholas, a break at Gjirokaster (Albania’s “Stone City”) to explore the Bazaar, and the Lekuresi Castle. These are all stops I would NOT recommend missing. Especially the Blue Eye and Gjirokaster.

14 day Albania itinerary — Gjirokaster Bazaar

Here’s my 2 day Saranda itinerary

Here’s my 2 Day Gjirokaster itinerary

Optional activities in Saranda/Gjirokaster to add to your 2 week Albania itinerary:

Saranda is the best spot in Albania for clubbing. Orange is a popular club here
Hike to the Ali Pasha Bridge in Gjirokaster

14 day Albania backpacker itinerary

Where to stay in Saranda

Backpackers: Saranda Backpackers is the top choice. Alternatively there’s the Wallaby Hostel and the Hasta La Vista Hostel. The Wallaby seems to attracts a younger crowd than Hosta La Vista.
Mid-range: Hotel Kanes and Hotel Real both offer good prices in central locations.
Luxury: Hotel Butrinti and the Bouganville Bay Hotel both offer a 5 star experience.
if you’re hoping to spend a night in Ksamil, these are the best options: Colosseum Hotel (luxury), Villa Oden (budget), and Hotel Divo Palace (mid-range) – all with close beach access.

Where to stay in Gjirokaster

Backpackers: the Stone City Hostel is the best option for backpackers in Gjirokaster. Alternatively, Friends Hostel is a great choice – it’s run by a generational Albanian family.
Mid-range: Hotel Domino
Cultural Experiences: Old Bazar 1790 and Hotel Kalemi 2 offer classic Albanian decor, great locations, and traditional food.

Day 6-7: Permet

Permet is one of Albania’s “hidden gems.” It’s slowly becoming discovered and won’t be a secret for much longer though. Permet is a hotspot for adventure. Think horseback riding, hot springs, and canyons. The bus to Permet doesn’t run very frequently, so plan to stay in Saranda that third night and take the bus here the morning of day 6 on your 14 day Albania itinerary.

As soon as you arrive make your way over to the Benja Hot Springs. The only free way I could find here was hitchhiking, but there is a guided tour that provides safe transportation. When you arrive take a dip, then hike through Lengarica Canyon which is located just under the bridge next to the springs. I spent hours wandering through the canyon – it was one of my favourite spots in the whole country. When you return to town walk up the Big Rock, then grab a traditional dinner from Trifilia or Bar Restorant Sofra Permetare. Glicko (candied fruit) is the traditional dessert here.

On day 2 you can go horseback riding through the mountains. I had an amazing time on this tour and would highly recommend it. The tour lasted just over half a day. We rode up mountains and did a few small river crossings. It was epic. I’d recommend staying in Permet a second night as buses out are limited in the afternoon and after this you’ll be headed to the north of the country which is a longer journey.

Here’s my 2 day Permet itinerary

Optional activities in Permet to add to your 2 week Albania itinerary:

Whitewater rafting through the Vjosa River

Adventurous 14 day Albania itinerary for backpackers

Where to stay in Permet

My #1 recommendation is to stay at the Funky Guesthouse in Permet. They serve complimentary breakfast and curate local adventure tours for you. Alternatively, I stayed at Eljo’s House which is run by the sweetest local family. Great accommodations at a great price.

There’s also the RAMIS Hotel if you’re looking for a traditional hotel option.

Day 8: Journey to Shkoder

The next part of this 2 week Albania itinerary is all about the alps – my favourite area of Albania. Think big mountains and small villages nested into picturesque valleys. Every journey to the alps starts in Shkoder. It’s kind of the “base” for exploring the alps.

From Permet you’ll need to catch a bus to Tirana’s regional station, then hop on a connecting bus to Shkoder. This will take up a good chunk of your day. Plan to get to your hotel/hostel, pack your bags for your time in the alps, and wander around the local vicinity. There’s a great local vibe here full of patios and live music. You can also walk up to the Rozafa Castle for nice views over the city and the surrounding nature.

Albania is currently a destination that you can plan as you go – no advanced reservations required. However advanced planning for the Alps/Shkoder is required. Ensure your hotels, transportation, and everything else is booked in advance or some options may fill up entirely – hindering your trip. The Wanderer’s Hostel is the best option for accommodations in Shkoder as the staff helps plan your trip to the alps and stores your luggage while you’re out hiking.

Here’s my guide to Shkoder

Optional activities in Shkoder to add to your 2 week Albania itinerary:

Bike to Siroka and rent a kayak on Lake Skadar

Best 2 week Albania itinerary for backpackers

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.

Helpful Albanian Alps Guides

10+ Things to do in Shkoder & 6 Day Shkoder/Alps Itinerary

Hiker’s Guide to the Albanian Alps

10 Reasons to Visit the Shala River

Valbona-Theth Hiking Guide | Maja Rosit Hiking Guide

3 Day Theth itinerary | 3 Day Valbona Itinerary

14 day Albania itinerary for backpackers

Day 9: Shala River

2 week albania itinerary - alps — Komani Lake

Early in the morning on day 9 of your 2 week Albania itinerary, a mini bus will pick you up outside your accommodations to bring you to the Komani Lake Ferry Port – assuming you were organized and booked everything ahead of time.

This stop is not “mandatory,” so to speak, however I highly recommend staying at least 1 night on the Shala River. The Shala River has crystal clear, blue water flowing through the mountains. At the Shala River you can rent kayaks and complete the Balkoni Hike to an epic viewpoint looking over the river.

The owners of the guesthouse you choose to stay at will pick you up at the Komani Lake Ferry Port when you arrive and bring you back the following morning so you can catch the connecting ferry to Valbona.

If you prefer to visit the Shala River just for the day and return to Shkoder in the evening, you can book a day trip here.

Here’s my guide to the 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.
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 10-11: Valbona Valley National Park

2 weeks / 14 day Albania itinerary — Maja Rosit hike in Valbona

On day 10 of this 14 day Albania itinerary you’ll either be dropped off at the Komani Lake Ferry Port from the Shala River Guesthouse owners or driven via minibus from Shkoder.

Here you’ll board another ferry which will take you along Komani Lake (aka the “Thailand of Albania”) to Fierza. From Fierza you’ll catch another mini bus to Valbona which will drop you off directly at your guesthouse.

When you arrive you can drop your bags and make your way over to the Old Mill of Valbona and Xhema Lake for some local sightseeing and a nice walk.

On day 2 in Valbona I recommend hiking to Maja Rosit – or at least the pass looking over into Montenegro. Here’s my Maja Rosit trail guide. This is a long hike with a decent amount of elevation gain, however it’s one of the prettiest hikes I’ve done to date. I’m an avid hiker from the Canadian Rockies so this says a lot! I guess this is an “optional day” to add to this 2 week Albania itinerary, however the hike was so beautiful that I deem it mandatory.

Here’s my 3 day guide to Valbona

2 week Albania itinerary – hiking trails

Where to stay in Valbona

Cabin style: Villas Jezerca

Nicest 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.

Budget stay: Bujtina Albjoni

Day 12: Valbona to Theth Hike

2 week outdoorsy Albania itinerary — Valbona to Theth hike

On day 12 you’ll embark on the famous Valbona-Theth hike. This is a fairly long hike connecting Valbona Valley National Park and Theth National Park. It’s the only way to get between the two parks and it’s a total bucketlister hike in the Balkan region.

I have more information about this hike in my Valbona-Theth trail guide. I’d highly recommend giving this post a read before your hike as it has everything you need to know.

Once you arrive in Theth you’ll hike over to your guesthouse where you can order traditional meals cooked from the guesthouse kitchens. Then enjoy the relaxing valley and beautiful mountain views with your fellow hikers.

Here’s my 3 day guide to Theth

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.

Day 13: Theth National Park

2 week hiking itinerary Albania — Blue Eye of Theth

If you’ve spent any time researching Albania itineraries, I’m sure you’ve come across the Blue Eye. There are two in Albania: one near Saranda and one in Theth. On day 13 you’re hiking to the Blue Eye of Theth which is one of the most well known attractions in this 2 week Albania itinerary.

The Blue Eye of Theth might be the longest hike during your time in Albania depending on where your guesthouse is situated. Along the hike you’ll pass both Grunas Canyon and the Grunas waterfall making this a jam-packed day of hiking. Bring extra water and extra food on this trail as resources in between can be limited. I’ve got more detailed information about the Blue Eye hike in this post.

The Blue Eye of Theth is icy cold and makes for a great polar plunge on the 35C+ days you’ll experience if you visit during peak summer.

14 day Albania itinerary for backpackers

Day 14: Return from the Alps

On day 14 you’ll catch an early mini bus back to Shkoder where your journey to the alps initially began. Depending on when your bus arrives in Shkoder you may have time to catch a connecting bus to Tirana or you may have to stay another night in Shkoder.

If you’re continuing on through the Balkans you can catch a bus from Shkoder to Montenegro. If you’re flying out this day or the next, make your way back to Tirana. I recommend arriving back to Tirana with plenty of time before your flight, if not the night prior as the bus system in Albania can be unreliable.