Once you set foot in Albania, first you would likely want to grab your laptop and book a one-day trip to explore this beautiful country. That was my plan, too, but with so many alternatives, sometimes it’s overwhelming to choose what to visit first!
However, I’ve managed to shortlist some of the best daily trips from Albania in my experience, primarily from cities like Tirana, Durrës, and Vlorë. Here are my suggestions:
Key Takeaways:
- Albania has several unique daily activities you can enjoy, like hiking, sightseeing, boating, and more.
- Most of these activities cost between $35 and $100, depending on where you visit and what you want to do.
- Cities like Tirana, Durrës, and Vlorë offer some of the best daily trips in Albania, as they’re extremely close to notable hotspots like lakes, mountains, castles, and parks.
Bovilla Lake View & Gamti Mountain Hike
The Bovilla Lake is one of the most breathtaking areas near Tirana, so having a 6-hour trip to see this beautiful spot is undoubtedly a must-have experience. For those who enjoy hiking, the trail to Gamti Mountain is a journey of its own, with incredible views of the lake and its surroundings.
The hike is fairly easy and can be enjoyed by most people who love this kind of sport. Once you reach the top, take your time to enjoy the scenery; it’s the kind of view that stays with you.
- Pickup From: Your hotel in Tirana.
- Duration: 6 hours
- Price: $13/person
Berat-Durrës and Belsh Lake
Tirana itself is a beautiful city, but what makes it even better is the neighbouring towns, which diversify the travelling experience.
One of the closest destinations is Durrës, located just an hour away from the capital. You can reach it by bus, taxi, rental car, or even as part of a guided tour. This historic port city invites you to explore its beautiful coastline, medieval architecture, and the famous Roman Amphitheatre, a true gem of Albania’s past.
If you’ve booked a tour, your next stop would be Berat, also known as “The City of a Thousand Windows”, where you can visit the city’s most popular landmarks, the Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum, which has a massive gallery of beautiful Albanian artworks. But also, you’ll get to try some delicious traditional dishes that are popular in Albania, like stuffed peppers, fërgese, and homemade meatballs.
The tour finishes with a visit to the lake in Belsh, which is both beautiful and has the perfect serene setting to end the day.
- Pickup From: Key locations in Tirana / Durrës or Elbasan
- Duration: 7 hours
- Price: $38.50/person
Kruja Castle & Old Bazaar Day Tour
Kruja is just a drive away from Tirana and certainly a town worth visiting.
Known as the historical centre of Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire, it’s a town filled with stories and history waiting to be explored. Start your day at Kruja Castle for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, along with the Skanderbeg Museum dedicated to Albania’s national hero.
After exploring the castle, take a stroll through the Old Bazaar, where you’ll find handcrafted souvenirs, traditional textiles, and unique antiques. It’s the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere and pick up a memorable keepsake from your trip.
Here’s our detailed full itinerary on how to spend a day in Kruja.
If you prefer booking a tour guide, here’s what you should know:
- Pickup From: Depends on the selected location
- Duration: 7 hours
- Price: $47.40/per person
National Park and Grama Bay BOAT TOUR
When it comes to day trips from Vlorë, this one stands out as being the most refreshing and unique. You can start the tour by first reaching one of Albania’s largest sea caves, Haxhi Ali, known for its amazing entrance and awe-inspiring atmosphere. For almost 30 minutes, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a completely otherwordly area.
Next, the speed boat will take you to 5-6 bay areas and caves, including Dafina Bay, Gjiri i Nezhajve, Gijiri i Brisanit, and many more. The tour ends with an hour-long stay at Grama Bay, where you can go swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing, all while you’re surrounded by marine life.
Unless you often have seasickness, this is the ideal full-day experience for any tourist visiting Albania. There are a ton of areas to discover, activities to do, and historical settlements to learn about.
- Pickup From: Vlorë
- Duration: 7 hours
- Price: $97/person
Saranda, ksamil, Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle Day Tour
If you find yourself in Tirana, Golem, or Durrës, don’t skip the opportunity to visit the extraordinary Blue Eye water spring. It’s best to book this tour in spring, summer, or autumn when the weather is more appropriate and enjoyable.
The Blue Eye is undeniably one of the most gorgeous sights I’ve seen in Albania, with an emerald-like waterfall surrounded by natural beauty. (Ask the travel guide for hidden spots where you can take exquisite photos.)
From here, your next stop will be Albania’s famous Ksmail beach, and believe me, this place is packed. You can either relax, go swimming, or eat in nearby restaurants that have incredible cuisine. Furthermore, the beach is close to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which allows you to combine beach time with cultural exploration.
The tour concludes with a visit to the magnificent Lëkurësi Castle, perched high above Saranda. From its vantage point, you’ll enjoy views of the Ionian Sea, the mountains around, and even Corfu on clear days.
- Pickup From: Golem, Tirana, Durrës
- Duration: 1 day
- Price: $76.50
As an avid traveller, these were my favourite destinations and daily trips from Albania, covering activities from hikes and sightseeing to swimming. You can visit them as either a solo adventurer, with a partner, or even with the whole family, including kids, regardless of where you’re staying in Albania.
Summary
That wraps up my guide on some of the best daily trips you can plan in Albania. The sheer variety of activities is truly something to behold, accommodating all hobbies and interests. Because the areas and hubs are interconnected so well, you’ll likely have the chance to visit all of them regardless of where you’re staying, and that accessibility is what keeps these trips so lively.
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