The Perfect 7 Day Albania Itinerary For Solo Travel For 2024

Looking for the perfect 7 day Albania itinerary for solo travel? I’ve got you covered!

Albania is a hidden gem in Europe. With its pristine coastline, stunning mountain ranges and super-friendly locals it is fast becoming a popular alternative to Greece or Italy.

But solo travel can be daunting, especially in a country like Albania where tourist infrastructure is still developing. That’s why I have put together this 7 day Albania itinerary for solo travel. I spent a month backpacking in Albania and had the most incredible time. Now I want to help you to discover this gorgeous country too!

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Is Albania Good For Solo Travel?

Albania is a great destination for solo travelers. That’s just one of the many reasons why Albania is worth a visit.

The people are friendly, the cost of living is low, and there’s plenty to do and see. It’s quickly becoming more popular with solo female travelers and budget backpackers who are looking to get off the beaten path in Europe.

The Albania itinerary for solo travel that I’ve put together is perfect for those wanting to explore the country on a budget. Albania has plenty of attractions to keep you busy and fits into most budgets.

When To Go To Albania 

When you choose to go to Albania all depends on what type of Albania experience you are looking for. Albania is generally a year-round destination but winter can be icy and wet so it’s best to plan your Albania itinerary around the warmer months.

Albania is at its most beautiful in spring and summer when the wildflowers are blooming, the country looks its greenest, and the coastline is perfect for swimming.

How Long Do I Need To Make The Most Of Albania?

I recommend a minimum of 7-10 days. This will give you enough time to explore Albania and its different regions without feeling rushed.

With a longer trip, you can take your time in each place and really get to know Albania. At the end of the day, your Albania itinerary will however depend on how much time you have.

Is Albania Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

Generally, Albania is very safe for solo female travelers. I felt very comfortable there and never ran into any major problems. Of course, as solo females, we always need to consider our safety no matter where we go.

Here are some specific safety tips in Albania. It is important to incorporate these tips when planning your Albania itinerary.

1. Water

Try to avoid drinking tap water in Albania. There is a high level of chlorine in the water and the water pipes are usually old and rusty. This can cause stomach upsets. Bottled water is cheap and widely available.

2. Going to the beach alone

I visited the beaches alone many times and never had to worry. However, it is sensible to practice common sense and avoid going to secluded beaches alone after dark.

3. Hiking alone 

Whenever hiking alone it is sensible to let someone at your accommodation know where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Not all of Albania’s trails are well maintained so it is important to watch where you are going, check the weather conditions beforehand and don’t attempt to hike trails that are too challenging for your personal fitness levels.

4. Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is common in Albania and can be a really convenient way to get around. If you are hitchhiking then try to team up with another traveler and go in pairs.

Families or couples are usually the safest people to hitch a ride with. Try to avoid hitchhiking after dark if you can.

5. Albania’s reputation for crime

Unfortunately, Albania has a reputation for organized crime and violence. This reputation has largely been overstated in the past, but it is always sensible to be aware of your surroundings, use common sense and take necessary precautions.

Albania is an incredibly beautiful country that really should not be missed so try not to worry too much about its outdated reputation.

This 7 day Albania itinerary for solo travel covers most of the interesting sights and yet also allows you to kick back and enjoy what the country has to offer.

Currency In Albania

The currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL). The exchange rate fluctuates but at the time of writing, 1 Euro was equal to 140 ALL.

There are plenty of ATMs across Albania and it’s easy to exchange money at banks or in airports. The easiest currencies to exchange are USD and Euros.

Make sure you plan out your budget for your Albania itinerary carefully.

Albanian Language

The official language of Albania is Albanian and it is spoken by most locals. It is a very unique language and is not closely related to any other modern language.

English is widely understood in major cities and by many young people but not so much in rural areas or by the older generation.

So if you aren’t comfortable traveling to places that don’t speak a lot of English, you may want to plan your Albania itinerary around the bigger cities. I highly recommend going to the rural areas too.

Food And Drink In Albania 

Albanian cuisine is often overlooked but it can be deliciously satisfying. Albania’s food is an eclectic mix of Mediterranean and Turkish dishes, with plenty of fresh seafood. You will find a wide selection of traditional dishes from grilled meats to homemade pies and cakes.

My favorite dishes in Albania were byrek, a flakey pastry often filled with cheese and spinach and Speca te Mbushur me Oriz – grilled peppers stuffed with rice.

When it comes to drinks, Albania is well known for its local beer and raki, which is a traditional alcohol made from grapes. Albania also produces some excellent wines.

You can see why food is a very important part of any travel and not just solo travel in Albania.

Best Places To Visit In Albania + Things To Do

Albania has plenty of attractions to keep you busy. In fact, I’ve incorporated most of these things in the 7 day Albania itinerary that I have mapped out below. Here are some of the best things to do in some of the best places to travel in Albania for solo travelers:

Tirana

Tirana is another cool location to add to your Albania itinerary.

• Explore the Skanderbeg Square.
• Visit Et’hem Bey Mosque.
• Take a walk around Bunk’Art.
• Check out the National History Museum.
• Enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine in one of the city’s many restaurants and cafes.
• Learn about Albania’s communist past with a visit to the former Enver Hoxha Memorial Pyramid.

Shkodër

• Explore Rozafa Castle.
• Take a boat ride on Lake Shkoder for stunning views.
• Explore the historic city center and its cobblestone streets.

Berat

• Visit the Berat Castle.
• Explore the Mangalem district and its traditional Ottoman houses.
• Take a boat ride on the Osum River for beautiful views of the city.
• Shop in one of the local bazaars or markets.

Saranda – Butrint, Blue Eye 

You can’t miss out on the Blue eye spring as part of your Albania itinerary.

• Visit the Ancient Ruins of Butrint.
• Take a boat ride in Saranda Bay.
• Enjoy views from Lëkurësi Castle.
• Go swimming in the Blue Eye spring.
• Explore Ksamil Islands and its beautiful beaches,

Gjirokaster

• Climb up to Gjirokastra Castle for amazing views of the city.
• Explore the old town and its cobblestone streets.
• Check out the Gjirokastra Ethnographic Museum.
• Visit the Cold War Bunker or The Stone City of Albania in Tepelene.
• Hike to Ali Pasha’s bridge.

Ksamil 

The Ksamil islands are such an amazing spot to add to your Albania itinerary.

• Explore Ksamil Islands and its beautiful beaches.
• Take a boat ride to the Greek island of Corfu.
• Relax at one of the many beach clubs.

Permet

• Relax at one of the nearby hot springs.
• Take a day trip to the gorgeous canyon of Lengarica, renowned for its stunning landscape.
• Go rafting on the Vjosa River.

Theth/Valbona 

• Hike through the Albanian alps.
• Stay in a traditional Albanian guest house.
• Take the Komani ferry across the stunning Komani Lake.

Durres

• Explore the Durres Amphitheatre, a Roman amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century AD.
• Visit the Venetian Tower of Durres, an impressive Ottoman fortress.
• Take a wine tour.
• Take the ferry over to Italy.

Getting Around Albania

Buses

Busses are the most common form of transportation in Albania and there are numerous companies that can take you around the country. It is one of the popular ways for solo travel in Albania.

Taxis

Taxies are also a convenient way to get around Albania, particularly in the cities and larger towns but make sure to agree on a price before getting in as fares can often be inflated.

Hiring a car

If you’re planning to explore Albania in more depth, then hiring a car is the best way to get around. There are plenty of car rental companies in Albania and most offer competitive prices.

The Perfect 7 Day Albania Itinerary For Solo Travel

There are so many amazing places in Albania that you could spend months exploring.

But most people don’t have that much time so I’ve put together a 7 day Albania itinerary for solo travel that is perfect if you are traveling on a budget. You can also choose to add a bit of luxury to the itinerary should you wish to.

This itinerary will give a great introduction to Albania and a taste of its cities, mountains and beaches.

Day 1: Tirana

Want to visit a pyramid? Add Tirana to your Albania itinerary.

Start your adventure in Tirana, Albania’s eclectic capital city. Start your day by taking a walking tour to introduce you to the city and Albania’s history. Next head to Bunk’Art, a fascinating museum located in a nuclear bunker that once belonged to Albania’s former dictator. Here you can learn all about Albania’s communist past.

Spend your afternoon people-watching in Skanderbeg Square before heading to Sky Tower to grab a cocktail and watch the sunset over the city. It is by far the best way to start your 7 day Albania itinerary.

Day 2: Shkodër

Do not leave Shkodër off your Albania itinerary.

Make your way to the Northern city of Shkodër. Buses to Shkodër leave Tiranas regional bus station every 30 minutes and take approximately 1hr 45mins to reach Shkoder.

Once in Shkoder you can explore Rozafa castle and take in the incredible views from its vantage point. Next spend some time relaxing at Lake Shkodër, which is the largest lake in Southern Europe.

Head into the old town for dinner. Here you will find many restaurants lining the cobbled streets and serving up traditional Albanian dishes.

Day 3: Theth/Valbona

If you love the great outdoors, head out on the Valbona hike. Its an epic part of this 7 day Albania itinerary.

Head up to the mountain town of Theth where you can take on the popular Theth to Valbona hike. The hike takes around 7 hours to complete and will take you through a stunning mountain pass in the Albanian Alps.

Once you reach Valbona, relax and unwind with a hearty home-cooked meal at one of the traditional guesthouses.

It is definitely one of the highlights of this 7 day Albania itinerary for solo travel.

Day 4: Komani Lake/Saranda

Komani lake is such a gorgeous stop on an Albania itinerary.

Today, take the Komani ferry across the gorgeous Komani Lake. The reflections of the mountains on the still waters give the illusion that the boat is floating through the air. You have to see it to believe it! Trust me! This has to be a part of your 7 day Albania travel for solo travel.

Spend the rest of your day making your way down to Saranda, which will act as your base for the next few days whilst you explore the Albanian Riviera.

Day 5: Saranda

The ruins at Butrint is definitely a great stop on a Albania itinerary!

Spend the day exploring Saranda. Start by visiting the archaeological site of Butrint, Albania’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring the ruins, take a drive around Saranda bay and visit some of the local beaches. There are plenty of great beach clubs to relax in.

In the evening take a stroll along Saranda’s beachfront promenade and try one of the many popular bars and restaurants that line the strip.

Day 6: Saranda

Want to visit a place with a difference? Gjirokaster is a great stop on your Albania itinerary for solo travel.

Today you will explore Gjirokaster and Albania’s Blue Eye Spring. A great way to do this is to rent a moped.

First, drive up to Gjirokaster and explore Albania’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find an impressive fortress, a cold war era ‘spy plane’, cobbled streets and Ottoman-era houses.

Continue your journey to Albania’s Blue Eye Spring. The spring is a beautiful deep blue color that you have to see for yourself! Spend some time relaxing by the tranquil waters before heading back into Saranda.

To end your day drive up to Lëkurësi Castle in time to watch the sunset over Saranda. It is another one of the highlights of this 7 day Albania itinerary.

Day 7: Saranda

Spend the last day of your Albanian adventure enjoying the stunning white sand beaches of Ksamil. Here you can sunbathe and swim in the crystal clear waters of Albania’s Riviera.

In the evening, head to one of Saranda’s trendy beach clubs for a last night filled with cocktails and dancing.

Your Albania itinerary for solo travel has come to an end. I am sure you have fallen in love with the trail I have laid out.

Accommodation In Albania

Where To Stay In Tirana

Tirana has a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets. For budget-conscious travelers, Homestel Albania is clean and affordable with free breakfast included, It’s also a great place to meet other solo travelers.

Where To Stay In Shkoder

Shkodra is a small town and there are not many accommodation options. Hotel Iliria is centrally located in the old town and offers free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms, and a bar with ta nice terrace.

Where To Stay In Valbona

Valbona and Theth both offer guesthouses in the traditional style. These are great places to stay if you’re looking for an authentic experience with home-cooked meals and beautiful mountain views.

Where To Stay In Saranda

Saranda has a wide range of accommodations from beachfront hotels to budget guesthouses. Some popular options include Hotel Saranda on the beachfront and the Palma city hotel, which has a fantastic pool and great views.

Traveling Onwards From Albania

Albania is conveniently situated to explore more of the Balkans. The border crossing from Albania to North Macedonia is simple to navigate and there are many busses that will take you to the border. It is also very easy to get a bus from Shkoder to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro.

From Ksamil, you can get a ferry to the Greek island of Corfu and from Durres, there are daily ferries to Bari in Italy.

Albania is a great destination for solo travelers. With stunning landscapes and friendly locals, Albania offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites, relaxing on beaches, or partying at beach clubs – Albania has something to offer everyone.

Using this Albania itinerary for solo travel will help you make the most of your time, ensuring that you experience the very best Albania has to offer.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start planning your Albania solo travel adventure today!