Itineraries
A Week in Southern Albania: A Coast and Sea Route
Not everyone has two weeks, and not everyone comes for the mountains. If you’re here mainly for the sea — the turquoise beaches, the dramatic coast road, and the stone villages above the water — this route is built for you. One week, minimal transfers, and just two lodging hubs so you don’t pack up every morning. It leans on the southern half of the 7–10 day itinerary but trades the north for time on the coast.
Day by day
Day 1 — arrive and Berat. From Tirana straight south to Berat (about two hours), a first night in the “city of a thousand windows”. Day 2 — Berat → the Riviera via the Llogara Pass, settling in Himarë. Day 3 — the Riviera beaches: Gjipe, Livadhi and Jale; in summer an all-day boat trip along the Riviera. Day 4 — Himarë → Sarandë with beach stops along the way.
Day 5 — Ksamil: the little islets, the shallow water and the best beaches in Albania, a perfect lazy day. Day 6 — Butrint and the Blue Eye spring: a morning at the World Heritage site, an afternoon at the blue spring. Day 7 — Gjirokastër on the way back north (about an hour from Sarandë) — the stone city and its castle, before continuing to Tirana for the flight.
Where to stay
Two bases are enough: stays in Himarë for the Riviera days, and stays in Sarandë for Ksamil and Butrint. Both range from beach hotels to cheap family apartments. Berat and Gjirokastër are one night each at the ends of the route.
Want the mountains too? Move up to the 14-day itinerary or the 7–10 day itinerary. For the full picture: the Albania guide and the itineraries guide.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the southern route for?
For travellers who come mainly for the sea and the beaches, and prefer fewer transfers and more time on the coast. This week is built around two hubs — Himarë for the Riviera and Sarandë for the south — with day trips, without packing up every night.
How do you get to the south from Tel Aviv?
Fly direct to Tirana (about 3 hours) and drive south, or fly to Corfu (Greece) and take the short ferry to Sarandë — especially convenient in summer. Within the south you move by rental car or by furgon along the main line.
How many real beach days does this week give?
Four to five. Two days on the Riviera beaches (Gjipe, Livadhi), a day in Ksamil, and another flexible day for a boat trip or a hidden cove. The rest splits between Berat, Butrint and Gjirokastër.