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The Albanian Riviera: 6-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive

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The 6-day version for June: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 5-day plan · 6-day plan · 8-day plan · best time to go.

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6
days
450 km
distance
18.4 h
driving
34
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Tirana → Berat

5 curated stops
Transit
3h46
Finish
~17:10
Temperature
15.4°C–27.8°C
Rainy days
~5
Daylight
14.9h
09:00
National Library of Albania read more map ↗
Discover ancient collections in a library holding over a million books.
50 min · Tirana
open: M-F 08:00-20:00, Sa Su 08:00-14:00
10:00
Et'hem Bey Mosque read more map ↗
Admire intricate decorations and artwork in this beautifully restored mosque.
50 min · Tirana
open: Daily 08:00-22:00 (summer), 08:00-19:00 (winter)
11:00
The Museum of the Bank of Albania bankofalbania.org read more map ↗
Discover Albania's rich numismatic history across two floors.
50 min · Tirana · Free
open: Tu W Th 09:00-15:00
15:20
Marvel at stunning 16th-century religious paintings in a historic church.
50 min · Berat
open: Closed Mondays
16:20
Tekke of Helveti read more map ↗
Visit the serene Halveti Tekke, a cultural monument completed in 1782.
50 min · Berat
Overnight: Berat
e.g. Berat Backpackers · Lorenc Guesthouse & Hostel

Day 2 Around Berat

6 curated stops
Transit
1h19
Finish
~17:05
Temperature
15.4°C–27.8°C
Rainy days
~5
Daylight
14.9h
09:30
Holy Trinity Church read more map ↗
You will see a cross-shaped Byzantine dome perched on a hilltop in the historic Kalaja district.
50 min · Berat
10:30
The Castle read more map ↗
Wander quiet cobbled streets and discover hidden courtyards and ruins.
50 min · Berat · 200/300 lek (If you enter from steep road up the side, it's for free)
11:30
Kuqe Mosque read more map ↗
Ruins of the red Kuqe Mosque whisper tales from within Berat Castle walls.
50 min · Berat
12:30
Sahatit Mosque read more map ↗
The Sahatit Mosque stands as a timeless silhouette against the Berat skyline.
50 min · Berat
13:30
Mbret Mosque read more map ↗
Mbret Mosque's weathered stones reflect centuries of history in central Berat.
50 min · Berat
15:15
Tomorri Mountain National Park read more map ↗
Hike through the park to find a Bektashi Temple at the peak.
50 min · Berat
16:05
Ajka Restaurant search map ↗
Delight in delicious food paired with an exceptional view.
60 min · Berat
Overnight here
e.g. Berat Backpackers · Lorenc Guesthouse & Hostel

Day 3 Gjirokastër

5 curated stops
Transit
3h54
Finish
~17:20
Temperature
17.8°C–27.8°C
Rainy days
~4
Daylight
14.8h
12:00
Gjirokastër Castle read more map ↗
Explore vast historic walls and armed exhibits in a grand Balkan fortress.
50 min · Gjirokastër · 400 leke entrance
13:00
Gjirokaster Mosque read more map ↗
Reflect on history in a mosque turned circus, now a Muslim school.
50 min · Gjirokastër
14:00
Ethnographic Museum read more map ↗
Discover rich cultural artifacts in a beautifully restored Ottoman house.
50 min · Gjirokastër · The entrance fee is 200 lek and includes a guided tour
15:00
Zekate House read more map ↗
Tour one of the largest, restored stone houses spanning three floors.
50 min · Gjirokastër
16:30
Discover the imposing stones of an ancient castle perched above.
50 min · Gjirokastër
Overnight here
e.g. Kotoni Bed&Breakfast · Hashorva Guesthouse

Day 4 Around Gjirokastër

6 curated stops
Transit
2h08
Finish
~17:20
Temperature
17.8°C–27.8°C
Rainy days
~4
Daylight
14.8h
09:00
Sofratike search map ↗
Explore ruins of an ancient theater and baths etched in history.
50 min · Gjirokastër
10:30
The Illyrian city of Antigone search map ↗
Hike through lush trails to uncover ancient ruins of Antigone.
50 min · Gjirokastër
11:45
Admire one of the Balkans' oldest Orthodox churches and grand tombs.
50 min · Gjirokastër
12:55
Libohove village search map ↗
Stroll past Myfit Bey Sarajet, castle ruins, and a towering olive tree.
50 min · Gjirokastër
14:30
Kadare House search map ↗
Visit the reconstructed home of famed writer Ismail Kadare.
50 min · Gjirokastër
15:30
Skenduli House search map ↗
Admire the intricate details of a meticulously renovated traditional house.
50 min · Gjirokastër
16:20
Piazza La Crêpa search map ↗
Savor delicate crêpes in a cozy, authentic eatery off the tourist path.
60 min · Gjirokastër
Overnight here
e.g. Kotoni Bed&Breakfast · Hashorva Guesthouse

Day 5 Himarë

5 curated stops
Transit
3h36
Finish
~17:40
Temperature
17.8°C–27.8°C
Rainy days
~4
Daylight
14.8h
11:30
Porto Palermo read more map ↗
Explore a historic fort perched on a peninsula overlooking the bay.
50 min · Himarë
12:30
Porto Palermo Castle read more map ↗
Explore a small castle on a scenic peninsula by the sea.
50 min · Himarë
13:30
Porto Palermo Cave search map ↗
Discover a small karstic cave carved by limestone activity.
50 min · Himarë
14:40
Kukum Castle search map ↗
Stand within ancient walls of a 2nd century BC fortress.
50 min · Himarë
16:10
Breathe in fresh mountain air with panoramic views of the Albanian Riviera.
90 min · Himarë
Overnight here
e.g. Himara Hostel · Solive

Day 6 Sarandë

5 curated stops
Transit
3h44
Finish
~17:05
Temperature
17.8°C–27.8°C
Rainy days
~4
Daylight
14.8h
10:20
Butrint National Park and Archaeological Site read more map ↗
Wander through a UNESCO World Heritage ancient city.
50 min · Sarandë · 1,000 lek (demand receipt/ticket)
11:25
Ksamil beach search map ↗
Swim to small islands from this beautifully developed beach.
50 min · Sarandë
13:00
Museum of Archaeology search map ↗
View ancient mosaics and artifacts from Illyrian, Greek, and Roman times.
50 min · Sarandë
14:45
Lukove beach search map ↗
Admire Kakome beach, one of Albania's most stunning shorelines.
50 min · Sarandë
16:15
Stroll through this charming maritime village by the sea.
50 min · Sarandë

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Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

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