1 Month Albania Itinerary for Backpackers: Beaches to Mountains
I backpacked for 1.5 months in Albania exploring all the beaches, mountains, and cute historic cities – and looking back I easily could have spent longer! There’s plenty to do here from beach hopping to hiking to eating to learning about the unique communist history.
Albania is much cheaper to visit than a lot of the other European countries which makes backpacking in Albania for 4 weeks or 1 month easy-peasy and stress free. Albania is one of my favourite places I’ve backpacked to date so this itinerary and length of travel comes highly recommended.
In this blog post I’ll tell you all my favourite things to do in Albania – from first hand experience – and sort everything into a comprehensive, easy-to-follow 1 month Albania backpacking itinerary.
Skip ahead:
- About Albania’s public transit system
- Weird Albania quirks
- What to wear & packing for Albania
- 1 month Albania itinerary
- Best time of year to travel Albania
4 week Albania backpacking itinerary
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!
Albania Google Map – 200+ pins
Don’t feel like scrolling through blog posts trying to find things to do in Albania?
Then my Albania map is for you!
Get my 200+ recommendations all in one place for:
- Outdoors: hiking trails, waterfalls, secret beaches & national parks
- Places: ancient cities, beach towns & historical sites
- Things to do: viewpoints, unique activities & tours
- Planning: lodging, restaurants, bus stops & tedious details
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 have 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 and taxis are pricey in comparison. Driving is chaotic and there are no trains within the country.
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. Most hostels/guesthouses/hotels have laundry facilities.
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
- My Ultimate Albania Backpacker Guide
- 15+ Helpful Tips You Should Know BEFORE Travelling Albania
- 30+ Best Things to do in Albania: Excursions, Tours, and Destinations
- 17 Best Places in Albania
- Hiker’s Guide to the Albanian Alps
- Valbona to Theth Hiking Guide
- 10+ Albania hikes Worth Doing
- Lodging: best hostels for backpackers | luxury hotels
About Albania’s Public Transit System
Before we get into this 1 month 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.
Connect via socials:
Sign up for emails to receive a 25% discount on my travel maps + occasional updates on new hiking guides & travel resources.
Taylor ♡
1 month Albania backpacking itinerary
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.
Know Before you Go
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 1 month 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 1 month trip to Albania before prices and tourism levels rise!
4 week Albania itinerary
What to Wear & Packing for Albania
Depending on when you visit Albania, what you pack 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 a month+.
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 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.
How to spend 1 month in Albania
1 Month Albania Backpacker Itinerary (4 Weeks)
Now without further ado – the reason you’re all here. My 1 month Albania backpacker 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.
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 backpacking Albania for 1 month – 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 4 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 days here and there as “extra” travel days so you’re not constantly on-the-move and have some downtime.
Popular Albania Tours
From Berat: 4×4 tour: Mount Tomorr & Sotira Waterfall | Bogove Waterfall & Osumi Canyon | Osumi Canyon Rafting
From Permet: Benja Hot Springs & Lengarica Canyon | Horseback Riding | River Rafting
From Tirana: Gamti Mountain & Bovilla Lake Hiking Tour | Bike Tour | Traditional Cooking Class | Zipline
From Tirana or Shkoder: Day trip to the Blue Eye of Theth & 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
Day 1-3: Tirana
Tirana is where I’ll start this 1 month Albania itinerary. Although not the most “authentically Albanian” place in the country, it’s the biggest city and where most travellers enter the country. You can spend the first travel day wandering around the city acquainting yourself with the sights, fruit markets, and restaurants. After this I recommend the following to make sure you see all the important bits and pieces of Tirana.
Day 2 in Tirana starts out with the (most likely) included breakfast from your hotel or hostel. After this, take a walk around the Grand Park to see Tirana’s lake and get some morning exercise after your travel day. Afterwards you can wander back to Rugra Murat Toptani which is a pretty pedestrian street filled with greenery and patios for lunch. Stop in at the Tirana Castle before or after lunch, then spend the afternoon learning about Tirana’s history at the House of Leaves, BUNK’ART and/or the National History Museum. In the evening when temps are cooler, take the free walking tour around the city, then hang out in Skanderbeg Square during evening Xhiro.
Day 3 in Tirana is more for adventuring. Take the bus over to the Dajti Ekspress; a gondola soaring above the city. If you’re a hiker you can venture up to Maja e Tujanit; a local peak looking into Dajti National Park over Bovilla Lake. Here’s my trail guide for the hike. You can grab a bite to eat atop the gondola or come back to the city and have lunch at Oda which serves up traditional Albanian food. After this, spend the afternoon further exploring everything you learned about on last night’s free tour. If you’re looking to “go out” in Tirana, the Blloku District has the best nightlife.
An optional day 4 activity for your 1 month Albania itinerary is to take a guided hiking tour up Gamti Mountain looking over Bovilla Lake. A guide is necessary for this hike as no taxis or buses go to the trailhead.
Nearby Durres is a spot you can add to your 1 month Albania backpacker itinerary. It’s a small, sandy beach town. I however think Ksamil near Saranda or Vlora are better options if you’re looking for a sandy beach.
More detailed information about the above recommendations can be found in my
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.
Day 4-5: Berat
The morning of day 4 of your 1 month backpacking Albania begins with making your way over to the regional bus station in Tirana (GPS location) where you’ll catch a bus to Berat; Albania’s UNESCO city of a thousand windows.
When you arrive grab a traditional lunch at Eni’s or Homemade Food Lili (advanced reservations required), then grab an ice cream cone from my favourite place, Pastiçeri Tori. In the afternoon you can explore the Gorica and Mangalem quarters of town to see the old stone buildings, visit the museums, churches, or the Lead Mosque. There’s an informative free walking tour in the evening which ends at the Berat Castle. You can spend the evening watching sunset, exploring the restaurants and shops inside the castle, or venturing back to the city to grab dinner on Bulevardi Republika.
Day 2 in Berat is a tour to the Bogove Waterfall and the Osumi Canyon – one of my favourite adventures during my month backpacking Albania! This tour spans an entire day and includes transportation, a riverside lunch, optional cliff jumping, polar plunging, and canyon swimming.
An optional day 3 activity in Berat is the 4×4 tour up Mount Tomorr (aka the “Holy Mountain”) to the Sotira Waterfall.
More detailed information about the above recommendations can be found in my
1 month Albania itinerary for backpackers
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.
Albania Google Map – 200+ pins
Don’t feel like scrolling through blog posts trying to find things to do in Albania?
Then my Albania map is for you!
Get my 200+ recommendations all in one place for:
- Outdoors: hiking trails, waterfalls, secret beaches & national parks
- Places: ancient cities, beach towns & historical sites
- Things to do: viewpoints, unique activities & tours
- Planning: lodging, restaurants, bus stops & tedious details
Day 6-7: Vlora
Say goodbye to Berat on day 6 of your one month Albania itinerary as you’re going to catch a bus to Vlora; the northernmost point of the Albanian Riviera. If you’re “speed touring” through Albania, Vlora is a skippable destination. However if you’re spending an entire month in Albania it’s totally worth a visit.
After arriving in Vlora on day 1, rent a bike or hit the beach. There’s a long, sandy beach near the centre of town. There are areas with beach chairs for rent or where you can lay down your own towel. There are plenty of restaurants and massive ice cream shops lining the main drag too where you can grab lunch or dinner. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try paragliding. Go for a sunset swim in the evening or walk over to Vlora Old Town to grab a drink and explore the colourful buildings.
On day 2 in Vlora, you’re exploring the Karaburun Peninsula. You can do this via speedboat tour or classic boat tour. Along the way you’ll find caves, private beaches, and an old military base on Sazan Island (only with some tours). You can also opt for a snorkelling tour. Bring water and food as some of these tours span the entire day.
More detailed information about the above recommendations can be found in my
How to spend 4 weeks in Albania
Where to stay in Vlora
- Backpackers: Vlora Backpackers is nothing fancy, but has a bar, small included breakfast, and lovely owners. I made some great friends here who I travelled with afterwards!
- Mid-range: Deluxe Apartments and Hotel Semajo both offer a central location.
- Luxury: Both Hotel Aross and Marina Bay by Maritim offer the razzle dazzle experience.
Day 8-11: Himara
In the morning of day 8 of your 1 month in Albania, plan to catch a bus to one of my favourite spots in Albania; Himara. I spent almost a whole week here during my month backpacking Albania relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the wide variety of beaches on this stretch of the Riviera.
After arriving in Himara on day 1, plan to relax on the beach for the day. There are multiple beaches within walking distance of your accommodations; Spile Beach, Potam Beach (my favourite), Prinos Beach, and Sfageio Beach. You’ve had a packed itinerary so far – now it’s time to chill!
On day 2 in Himara I recommend renting a scooter to explore the beaches in the region – most of them are not accessible via bus. The ones I’d recommend visiting via scooter are Dhermi Beach, Borsh Beach, and/or Porto Palermo – there are TONS in this region so I’m only mentioning the top options. Llogara Pass, which you would have taken the bus over to get to Himara, offers a beautiful viewpoint from 1,027m up. You can visit Llogara Pass after Dhermi Beach.
On day 3 in Himara, you’re kayaking. You can rent kayaks directly from the beach for a hefty price. I stayed at the Himara Hostel and, at the time, rented the kayaks for 8 euros/day. Launch your kayak at Spile beach and plan to spend the whole day on the water (avoid this on windy days). This kayak trip I did from Himara to Gjipe Beach spans around 20kms and hits the following beaches along the way: Livadhi, Aquarium, Jale, and a few hidden beaches. You by no means have to go all the way to Gjipe, but its’s a great day if you have the physical abilities.
On day 4 in Himara you can venture over to the hidden Gjiri Filikuri Beach – a beach only accessible via kayaking or hiking. I’ve written a whole guide on how to find the beach here. After spending the day at the beach, you can wander up to Himara Old Town and the Himara Castle for a beautiful sunset display.
More detailed information about the above recommendations can be found in my
Here’s everything you can do in 1 month travelling Albania
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 12-14: Saranda & Ksamil
On day 12 of your 1 month backpacking Albania you’re trading the peace and quiet of Himara for a more lively atmosphere in Saranda; one of Albania’s main tourist cities. In my experience the bus to Saranda from Himara was not on time, so try to get out fairly early in the morning. Alternatively if you’re coming from Greece, Saranda will be your target as your main point of entry.
After arriving on day 1 of Saranda, take a stroll down to Hasan Tahsini Boulevard – the “main drag.” Along the way you’ll pass a million restaurants, take your pick for lunch and don’t forget about the delicious, cheap ice cream! There’s a beach you can lounge at near the centre of town. In the evening you can hitchhike, take a bus, or walk up the the Lekuresi Castle which offers an amazing view of the sea/Greece and has a beautiful restaurant up top where you can grab dinner.
On day 2 of Saranda you can opt to visit the Blue Eye of Saranda (Siri i Kalter). Getting here can be complicated – I tried by bus and failed. I’d recommend grabbing a taxi as this is the easiest method of transportation and it’s relatively cheap if you split between a few people. If going for drinks or a night out is your thing, you can take advantage of evening Xhiro or go clubbing – I went to Orange which had a decent vibe.
On day 3 in Saranda you’ll explore Ksamil and Butrint National Park via bus. Ksamil has beautiful sand beaches and tropical blue water whereas Butrint is a National Historic Site with ruins. More information about how to get to these spots can be found in the guide linked below.
More detailed information about the above recommendations can be found in my
How long to see everything in Albania – 1 month
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.
Day 15-16: Gjirokaster
After taking the bus to the Ottoman town of Gjirokaster on day 15, you can expect to find a literal stone city and bazaar packed with artisan goodies. This UNESCO city is very unique and should not be skipped during your 4 weeks in Albania.
After arriving on day 1 in Gjirokaster, simply explore the local area. There are so many cute cafes where you can grab a bite or a drink. The bazaar alone will take at least an hour or more if you really want to enjoy the genuine craftsmanship that goes into all the blankets, dishes, paintings, etc. For dinner head to Edua’s for a traditional meal. I really enjoyed the Qifqi (rice balls), Qahi (spinach pies), Parma (grape leaves stuffed with rice), Shapkat (cornbread – pumpkin was my fav), and oshaf for dessert which is kind of like a pudding made of sheep milk, fig, sugar, and cinnamon. Yum!
If you have time on day 1 you can also join the free walking tour. If not, do it in the evening of day 2.
On day 2 get an early start and beat the heat for your hike up to the Ali Pasha Bridge. The Ali Pasha Bridge is an old aqueduct where you can occasionally see a Shepard herding his sheep. There are also spectacular mountain views along the way. Afterwards make your way up to the Gjirokaster Castle (one of the biggest ones in Albania). If you fancy it, you can also check out the Cold War Tunnel, or the cultural houses in the area; Skenduli House or the Zekate House.
More detailed information about the above recommendations can be found in my
How to spend 4 weeks in Albania
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 17-18: Permet
After exploring the unique stone city of Gjirokaster, plan to catch a bus in the morning of day 17 to Permet; one of my favourite places in Albania for unique adventure. Permit is slowly gaining traction as a travel destination in Albania, however it’s still pretty quiet making it a great place to add to your 1 month Albania itinerary.
After arriving on day 1 in Permet, you can opt to visit the Benja Hot Springs and Lengarica Canyon in the stunning Fir of Hotova-Dangelli National Park. There’s no way to get there by bus so you’ll either have to hitchhike or book a tour which provides transportation. I hitchhiked and had no issues. Afterwards, make your way back into town for a traditional dinner at the delicious Trifilia or Bar Restorant Sofra Permetare. Make sure you try glicko – a local candied fruit.
On day 2 you can go horseback riding through the mountains. I had an amazing time on this tour and would highly recommend it! Afterwards you can go back to town and walk up the Big Rock overlooking the Vjosa River (the last “virgin river” in Europe). Make sure you grab one last meal at the restaurants listed above before your head out – they were some of my favourite restaurants in all of Albania!
An optional day 3 activity would be white water rafting in Permet.
More detailed information about the above recommendations can be found in my
This is a complete 1 month Albania itinerary full of things to do and places to see.
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.
Albania Google Map – 200+ pins
Don’t feel like scrolling through blog posts trying to find things to do in Albania?
Then my Albania map is for you!
Get my 200+ recommendations all in one place for:
- Outdoors: hiking trails, waterfalls, secret beaches & national parks
- Places: ancient cities, beach towns & historical sites
- Things to do: viewpoints, unique activities & tours
- Planning: lodging, restaurants, bus stops & tedious details
Day 19-20: Korçe & Pogradec
Korçe and Pogradec were two destinations I did not visit during my month backpacking Albania, however you can catch a bus from Permet if you’d like to explore them. If you have the additional time, these locations are definitely worth a visit.
On day 1 after arriving via bus from Permet, venture over to St George Boulevard which is Korçe’s main drag. There are rows of outdoor coffee shops, ice cream parlours, bars, and greenery. Close by there are historical spots, museums, and the beautiful Resurrection of Christ Cathedral. In the evening you can take the free walking tour, then wander over to the Pazari I Vjeter – a bazaar surrounded by cafes.
On day 2 after arriving via bus from Korçe, check into your accommodations in Pogradec. Take a walk along Lake Ohrid up to the castle for a panoramic view. If you can find a method of transport, there’s a hike called Guri i kamjes just outside the town you can do. Additionally, you could venture over to Tushemisht to see the Teto Olga statue of an iconic figure from the movie “Zonja Nga Qyteti.”
How to spend 1 month in Albania
Where to Stay in Korçe & Pogradec
- Korçe – Bujtina Oxhaku is a solid mid-range choice.
- Pogradec – Hotel Enkelana is one of the best hotels in town and Hotel Pogradeci is a 4 star hotel with air conditioning.
Day 21: Journey to Shkoder
You’re now well into your 1 month Albania itinerary and done with the southern and central areas of the country. Day 21 of your 1 month Albania trip consists of travel entirely. You’ll first need to catch a bus to Tirana, then catch another bus to Shkoder before hitting the alps. This will most likely take all day, so make sure you pack some food and water for your journey.
30 day Albania itinerary
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 22: Shkoder
Shkoder is known as Albania’s “Ancient City” and the culture capital of the country. There’s a lively atmosphere here and the city centre is SO cute. Shkoder is also the access point if you want to explore the alps so this city is somewhere you can’t miss on your 1 month Albania backpacking itinerary.
On day 1 in Shkoder you’re actually going to leave the city. First rent a bike from one of the many rental stands in town, then cycle 7kms to the nearby Siroka. Siroka is right next to Lake Skadar where you can rent kayaks. There are plenty of lakeside restaurants serving up carp straight from the lake – a local’s favourite dish. On the way back, stop at Rozafa Castle to explore the stone walls and impressive views. In the evening walk Rruga Kolë Idromeno which is the main drag where all the shops and fun restaurants are. This is one of the best places in Albania I experienced for Xhiro!
More detailed information about the above recommendations can be found in my
Day 23: Shkoder to the Alps
You’ll have to plan the alps/hiking portion of your trip in advance. This area is getting more and more popular by the day which means prices will rise and availability will lessen as time goes on.
But now, my favourite portion of this whole 1 month Albania backpacker itinerary – hiking through the Albanian Alps. The mountains in the northern area of Albania are absolutely massive compared to what you’d expect. There is crystal clear water, soaring peaks, and lush vegetation.
On day 23 of your month in Albania you’ll have an early wake up to catch a mini bus to the Komani Lake ferry port. From here I recommend staying at least 1 night on the Shala River. At the Shala River you can rent kayaks and complete the Balkoni Hike to an epic viewpoint looking over the river.
Once you book your stay with one of the guesthouses on the river, they’ll pick you up and drop you off again at the ferry port the morning of your departure.
More detailed information about the Shala River can be found in my.
1 month Albania itinerary – Albanian alps portion
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 24-25 Valbona Valley National Park
In the morning of day 24, your guesthouse owners will drive you back to the Komani Lake ferry port where you’ll board a large ferry to Fierza. From Fierza you’ll catch another mini bus to Valbona.
ps – Komani Lake itself is known as the “Thailand of Albania” so prepare for some impressive views on the boat ride!
Once you arrive in Valbona you’ll be dropped off directly at your accommodations by the mini bus driver. Take a few minutes to get settled, then head out to walk over to the Old Mill of Valbona and Xhema Lake. These are easy walks from town and there are plenty of nice viewpoints along the way.
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 1 month Albania itinerary, however the hike was so beautiful I deem it mandatory 🙂
For detailed information about the alps, Valbona, and transportation routes you can reference my Hiker’s Guide to the Albanian Alps.
1 month Albania itinerary Albanian Alps
Where to stay in Valbona
- 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
- Cabin style: Villas Jezerca
Day 26: Valbona to Theth Hike
On day 26 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.
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.
your 4 week albania itinerary would not be complete without a trip to theth national park.
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 27: Hike in 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 27 you’re hiking to the Blue Eye of Theth which is one of the most well known attractions in this 1 month Albania itinerary.
The Blue Eye of Theth might be the longest hike during your month backpacking Albania depending on where your guesthouse is situated. Along your 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.
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.
More information about the Blue Eye hike can be found in my
Day 28 + Bonus Days
On day 28 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.
I’ve left a few “bonus days” in this 1 month Albania itinerary as there are a few optional excursions I mentioned. Additionally you may want to spend an extra day relaxing in the alps or tanning on one of the beaches along the Albanian Riviera.
Whatever you decide to do, I hope you enjoy this 1 month Albania itinerary! This is how I spent my 4 weeks+ backpacking in Albania. With this timeframe I really felt like I saw almost everything the country had to offer.
Best Time of Year to Travel Albania
April is a bit early to spend a whole month in 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 your month in Albania.
May is a good time of year to backpack Albania 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 your month in Albania. There are tons of other backpackers around and temperatures are not too hot or 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.
Albania Google Map – 200+ pins
Don’t feel like scrolling through blog posts trying to find things to do in Albania?
Then my Albania map is for you!
Get my 200+ recommendations all in one place for:
- Outdoors: hiking trails, waterfalls, secret beaches & national parks
- Places: ancient cities, beach towns & historical sites
- Things to do: viewpoints, unique activities & tours
- Planning: lodging, restaurants, bus stops & tedious details
4 weeks in Albania
1 month Albania itinerary
Happy adventuring!
Taylor ♡
Like This Post?
Share with friends or save it for later!
About the Author
HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.
After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.
I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.
I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.
