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The Albanian Riviera — a 8-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive
The 8-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.
8
days
706 km
distance
14.1 h
driving
55
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Riviera water without August's crowds — the Llogara Pass viewpoint and beach coves feel private.
Day 1 Tirana → Berat
🌡 7.7–40.3°C · 🌧 ~5 rain days · ☀ 14.9h light
09:00
Brar Canyon and Bridgehistory & sagashiking
Take in panoramic canyon views and Ottoman bridge scenery.
90 min · Tirana
10:30
National History Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Explore Albania's archaeological treasures and historic replicas.
50 min · Tirana · 500 leke
open: Closed for renovation until March 2028
11:20
National Gallery of Artshistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Appreciate Albanian paintings depicting daily life and fantasy.
50 min · Tirana · 200 lek
open: Closed for renovation
14:23
The Castlehistory & sagaschurches & landmarkshiking
Wander quiet cobbled streets and discover hidden courtyards and ruins.
50 min · Berat · 200/300 lek (If you enter from steep roa
15:13
Berat Ethnographic Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Explore traditional clothes and silver tools in an Ottoman house.
50 min · Berat
16:03
Onufri Museummuseums & heritagechurches & landmarks
Marvel at stunning 16th-century religious paintings in a historic church.
50 min · Berat
open: Closed Mondays
16:53
Guva Mangalem Hotel-Bar-Restaurantcraft beer & pubs
Enjoy simple meals in a cozy, air-conditioned setting.
60 min · Berat
18:30
Alpeta Winerylocal & traditional
Taste high-quality wines amidst scenic vineyards and traditional settings.
75 min · Berat
open: Breakfast 08:00 - 10:00; lunch 12:00 - 16:30; dinner 18:30 - 22:00
Overnight: Berat
e.g. Hotel Omer · Berat Backpackers
Day 2 Around Berat
🌡 7.7–40.3°C · 🌧 ~5 rain days · ☀ 14.9h light
09:00
Tomorri Mountain National Parkhiking
Hike through the park to find a Bektashi Temple at the peak.
50 min · Berat
09:50
Osumi River Canyonhiking
Feel the thrill of moderate rapids in a stunning canyon landscape.
50 min · Berat
10:40
St Mary churchchurches & landmarks
50 min · Berat
11:30
Church of St Demetriuschurches & landmarks
50 min · Berat
12:20
Church of St. Theodorechurches & landmarks
50 min · Berat
13:10
Church of St. Sophiachurches & landmarks
50 min · Berat
14:00
Hotel and Restaurant Mangalemilocal & traditional
Savor traditional Albanian dishes in a charming, renovated stone mansion.
60 min · Berat · Main courses ~600 lek
Overnight: Berat
e.g. Hotel Omer · Berat Backpackers
Day 3 Gjirokastër
🌡 10.3–38.9°C · 🌧 ~4 rain days · ☀ 14.8h light
12:04
National Folklore Festivalhistory & sagasmuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Enjoy vibrant traditional Albanian music and dance in Gjirokaster Castle.
50 min · Gjirokastër
12:54
Beratmuseums & heritagehiking
Stroll through one of Albania's oldest towns, a UNESCO site near Osum Canyon.
50 min · Gjirokastër
13:44
Gjirokastër Castlehistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Explore vast historic walls and armed exhibits in a grand Balkan fortress.
50 min · Gjirokastër · 400 leke entrance
14:34
Ethnographic Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Discover rich cultural artifacts in a beautifully restored Ottoman house.
50 min · Gjirokastër · The entrance fee is 200 lek and includes
15:24
Gjirokaster Mosquemuseums & heritagechurches & landmarks
Reflect on history in a mosque turned circus, now a Muslim school.
50 min · Gjirokastër
16:14
The Illyrian city of Antigonelocal & traditionalhiking
Hike through lush trails to uncover ancient ruins of Antigone.
50 min · Gjirokastër
18:30
Piazza La Crêpa
Savor delicate crêpes in a cozy, authentic eatery off the tourist path.
75 min · Gjirokastër
Overnight: Gjirokastër
e.g. Hashorva Guesthouse · Hotel Sopoti
Day 4 Around Gjirokastër
🌡 10.3–38.9°C · 🌧 ~4 rain days · ☀ 14.8h light
09:00
Libohove villagehistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Stroll past Myfit Bey Sarajet, castle ruins, and a towering olive tree.
50 min · Gjirokastër
09:50
Old Bazaar and Historic Ottoman Homeshistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Stroll through vibrant market streets lined with elegant Ottoman architecture.
50 min · Gjirokastër
10:40
Seven Fountains, Mechite Mosque Remains, and the Hamamslocal & traditionalchurches & landmarks
Marvel at restored fountains, traditional hamam roofs, and dedicatory inscriptions.
50 min · Gjirokastër
11:30
Cold War Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Walk through Enver Hoxha's extensive underground Cold War bunker.
50 min · Gjirokastër
12:20
Saint Sotira Churchchurches & landmarks
Appreciate the serene beauty of this well-preserved 18th-century Orthodox church.
50 min · Gjirokastër
open: Daily 07:00-07:30 and 19:00-19:30; Sunday Service takes place between
13:10
Skenduli Houselocal & traditional
Admire the intricate details of a meticulously renovated traditional house.
50 min · Gjirokastër
Overnight: Gjirokastër
e.g. Hashorva Guesthouse · Hotel Sopoti
Day 5 Himarë
🌡 10.3–38.9°C · 🌧 ~4 rain days · ☀ 14.8h light
11:21
Porto Palermo Castlehistory & sagasmuseums & heritagechurches & landmarks
Explore a small castle on a scenic peninsula by the sea.
50 min · Himarë
12:11
Himarë old townhistory & sagas
Watch sunrise over the sea from ancient castle ruins.
50 min · Himarë
13:01
Kukum Castlehistory & sagas
Stand within ancient walls of a 2nd century BC fortress.
50 min · Himarë
13:51
Porto Palermo Cave
Discover a small karstic cave carved by limestone activity.
50 min · Himarë
14:41
Cafe Kandalocal & traditionalcraft beer & pubs
Savor cheap, delicious traditional Albanian dishes.
60 min · Himarë · 900 lek
open: 07:00-02:00
18:30
Mojo Cafe Barcraft beer & pubs
Enjoy drinks in Himara's liveliest neighborhood.
75 min · Himarë
open: 07:00-03:00
Overnight: Himarë
e.g. Himara Hostel · Solive
Day 6 Himarë → Sarandë
🌡 10.3–38.9°C · 🌧 ~4 rain days · ☀ 14.8h light
10:23
Butrint National Park and Archaeological Sitehistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Wander through a UNESCO World Heritage ancient city.
50 min · Sarandë · 1,000 lek (demand receipt/ticket)
11:13
Saranda Tourist Info Centermuseums & heritagelocal & traditional
Get bus schedules and tips from English-speaking staff.
50 min · Sarandë
12:03
Old Castle of Lekures at "Qafa e Gjashtes" (The Pass of Six)history & sagashiking
Take in panoramic views from a castle restaurant overlooking Saranda Bay.
50 min · Sarandë
12:53
Museum of Archaeologymuseums & heritage
View ancient mosaics and artifacts from Illyrian, Greek, and Roman times.
50 min · Sarandë
13:43
Borsh
Stroll through this charming maritime village by the sea.
50 min · Sarandë
14:33
Dhërmi beach
Relax on one of the finest beaches along the coastal road.
50 min · Sarandë
15:23
Taverna Velco
60 min · Himarë
Overnight: Himarë
e.g. Himara Hostel · Solive
Day 7 Sarandë
🌡 10.3–38.9°C · 🌧 ~4 rain days · ☀ 14.8h light
10:23
Ksamil beach
Swim to small islands from this beautifully developed beach.
50 min · Sarandë
11:13
Lukove beach
Admire Kakome beach, one of Albania's most stunning shorelines.
50 min · Sarandë
12:03
Sunset at Lekures
Watch a breathtaking sunset over the bay at Lekures.
90 min · Sarandë
13:33
Ferry Port
50 min · Sarandë
14:23
Ruins of a 5th-century synagogue
50 min · Sarandë
15:13
Central Park
90 min · Sarandë
16:43
Bar Restaurant "La Banana"craft beer & pubs
60 min · Sarandë
Day 8 Sarandë → Gjirokastër
🌡 10.3–38.9°C · 🌧 ~4 rain days · ☀ 14.8h light
10:10
Sofratikehistory & sagas
Explore ruins of an ancient theater and baths etched in history.
50 min · Gjirokastër
11:00
Kardhiqhistory & sagas
Discover the imposing stones of an ancient castle perched above.
50 min · Gjirokastër
11:50
Paleokasterhistory & sagas
Wander through the quiet remnants of an ancient village.
50 min · Gjirokastër
12:40
Korcehiking
Enjoy lively summer strolls in Parku Rinia, then hike Moravia for city views.
50 min · Gjirokastër
13:30
Përmetlocal & traditional
Breath the clean air of “The City of Roses” in the Vjosa River Valley.
50 min · Gjirokastër
14:20
Tourist Information Centremuseums & heritage
50 min · Gjirokastër
open: Daily: Mar-Nov 09:00-17:00; Dec-Feb 09:00-15:00
15:10
Principotes & Tulum Resto Lounge
Dine stylishly with sea views and lounge seating.
60 min · Sarandë
open: Daily 08:00-00:00