Albania for Australians: The Complete First-Time Visitor’s Guide

Why Albania Should Be Your Next European Adventure

Many Australians visit Europe for four to eight weeks, making it the perfect opportunity to combine several countries into one unforgettable journey. That’s exactly what we did.

Our Albanian adventure began with a short flight from the beautiful Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. If you’re planning a longer European holiday, I highly recommend spending a few days there. With its picturesque riverside cafés, leafy streets, historic castle and relaxed atmosphere, Ljubljana is one of Europe’s most charming small capitals and an ideal gateway into the Balkans.

From Ljubljana, it was an easy flight to Tirana, where our Albanian road trip began.

Like many Australians, we knew relatively little about Albania before arriving. We’d heard about the spectacular coastline and great value for money, but we weren’t quite prepared for how much the country would exceed our expectations.

Over the following days we travelled from the energetic streets of Tirana to UNESCO World Heritage cities, along one of Europe’s most spectacular coastlines and into welcoming communities where some of our most memorable travel experiences came simply from talking to local people.

What surprised us most wasn’t just Albania’s natural beauty—it was the combination of history, hospitality and affordability. Our Australian dollar stretched much further than we expected, making everything from meals and accommodation to private drivers and sightseeing remarkably good value.

This isn’t another “Top 10 Things to Do in Albania” article. Instead, it’s the guide I wish I’d had before arriving. It’s based entirely on our own journey and includes practical advice, suggested itineraries, memorable restaurants, honest recommendations and a few things we’d do differently if we were planning the trip again.

Whether you’re visiting Albania on its own or combining it with neighbouring Montenegro, Croatia or Slovenia, I hope this guide helps you discover one of Europe’s most rewarding destinations.

Destination Snapshot

📅 Best time to visit: April to June and September to October (shoulder seasons)

🧳 Ideal trip length: 8–14 days

💵 Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL)

🗣️ Language: Albanian (English is commonly spoken in tourist areas)

🏛️ Capital: Tirana

✈️ Main international airport: Tirana International Airport (TIA)

🛫 Alternative gateways: Corfu (Greece) via ferry to Sarandë. A new international airport is being developed near Vlorë and is expected to improve access to the Albanian Riviera once commercial services are confirmed.

🚗 Getting around: Private driver, rental car, intercity buses and taxis

💰 Budget: Excellent value for Australian travellers

🌍 Perfect for: Couples, history lovers, food lovers, beach holidays, road trips and first-time Balkan travellers

Why Visit Albania?

Albania may have been one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, but that secret is quickly getting out. For Australian travellers looking for an authentic European experience without the crowds or high prices of some neighbouring destinations, Albania is an exceptional choice.

What impressed us most was the diversity packed into a relatively small country. In just over a week, we explored vibrant cities, UNESCO World Heritage towns, ancient archaeological sites, spectacular mountain scenery and some of the clearest turquoise waters we’ve seen anywhere in Europe.

One day we were wandering through the cobbled streets of Gjirokastër, the next we were swimming in the Ionian Sea at Ksamil. From the ancient ruins of Butrint to the colourful cafés of Tirana, every stop offered something completely different.

Albania also surprised us with its warmth and hospitality. Some of our most memorable experiences came from simply talking to local people. Restaurant recommendations, scenic detours and practical travel advice often came from conversations rather than guidebooks, adding an authenticity that made the journey even more rewarding.

For Australians travelling on a longer European holiday, Albania also represents outstanding value for money. Accommodation, dining, transport and sightseeing generally cost considerably less than many other Mediterranean destinations, allowing you to enjoy experiences that might otherwise stretch your budget.

If you’re looking for a destination that combines history, culture, spectacular scenery, excellent food and genuine hospitality, Albania deserves a place on your European itinerary.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip

Don’t limit your visit to the Albanian Riviera. While Ksamil’s beaches are spectacular, some of our favourite experiences were in Berat, Gjirokastër and Butrint. Albania’s history, culture and hospitality are just as memorable as its coastline.

Our Recommended 9-Day Albania Road Trip

This itinerary follows the route we travelled, with a few refinements we’d make if planning the journey again. It combines Albania’s vibrant capital, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, medieval castles, spectacular coastline, mountain scenery and archaeological treasures into a memorable introduction to one of Europe’s most underrated destinations.

• Day 1–2: Tirana (2 nights) – Modern Albania & Its Communist Past
• Day 3: Prezë, Krujë & Durrës (1 night in Durrës) – Medieval and Roman Albania
• Day 4: Castle of Bashtova & Berat (1 night in Berat) – The City of a Thousand Windows
• Day 5: Vlorë, Llogara Pass, Himarë & Sarandë (1 night in Sarandë) – The Albanian Riviera
• Day 6: Butrint, Ksamil & the Blue Eye (1 night in Gjirokastër) – Ancient Wonders and Natural Beauty
• Day 7: Gjirokastër (1 night) – Albania’s Stone City
• Day 8: Shirokë & Lake Shkodër (1 night in Shirokë) – A Peaceful Farewell to Albania

Planning to continue your Balkan adventure? We continued from Albania into Montenegro to explore the stunning Bay of Kotor. Be sure to read our Kotor Old Town & Dobrota Guide for the next stage of the journey.

Planning Your First Trip to Albania

Planning your first trip to Albania is easier than many Australians expect. The country is compact enough to explore in eight to nine days, although allowing 10 to 14 days gives you more time to travel at a relaxed pace. Despite its relatively small size, Albania offers an impressive mix of vibrant cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spectacular coastline and authentic local experiences.

Albania also fits naturally into a longer European itinerary. It can easily be combined with neighbouring Montenegro or with a broader journey through Slovenia, Croatia and the Balkans. If Croatia is also part of your journey, explore our Croatia travel guides, including practical advice and itineraries for Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and other destinations along the Adriatic coast.

Getting to Albania

Most Australian travellers reach Albania through a major European or Middle Eastern hub before flying into Tirana International Airport (TIA), the country’s primary international gateway.

We flew from Ljubljana to Tirana, which provided an easy and affordable connection after exploring Slovenia.

Travellers visiting the southern Albanian Riviera have another convenient option: a short ferry journey from Corfu in Greece to Sarandë. A new international airport has been built near Vlorë, but scheduled commercial passenger services had not commenced at the time of writing. Check the latest flight information before including it in your travel plans.

Why We Chose an English-Speaking Private Driver

One of the best decisions we made was hiring an English-speaking local driver.

We found our driver through a recommendation from the guide on a free walking tour in Tirana. It was a wonderful example of locals supporting other local businesses—and it completely changed our experience.

Initially, we assumed hiring a car would be less expensive. However, once we considered rental costs, insurance, fuel, parking and the convenience of having someone else behind the wheel, the difference wasn’t nearly as significant as expected.

What mattered most wasn’t simply the driving—it was the local knowledge. We could ask questions throughout the journey, learn about Albania’s history and culture, stop at scenic viewpoints, discover family-run restaurants and visit places we would never have found independently.

🚗 Progressive Traveller Tip

If you’re continuing into Montenegro, consider arranging a private transfer rather than taking a rental car across the border. We arranged a transfer from Shirokë to Dobrota, avoiding the additional paperwork, insurance conditions and cross-border fees that can apply to rental vehicles. Confirm the border arrangements with your driver in advance and allow extra time during busy travel periods.

How Many Days Do You Need?

Although Albania’s highlights can be explored in eight days, allowing additional time creates a more relaxed journey.

8–9 days – Follow our recommended itinerary through Tirana, Albania’s historic towns, archaeological sites and Riviera coastline.

10 days – Follow the same route at a slower pace, with additional time in Berat or beside the coast.

14 days – Spend longer on the Albanian Riviera, explore additional beaches and villages, or add Theth National Park in the Albanian Alps.

Albania rewards travellers who don’t rush. Some of our favourite memories came from accepting local recommendations, lingering over long lunches and taking scenic detours that weren’t part of our original plan.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip

If you have a few extra days, consider adding Theth National Park. Although we didn’t visit on this trip, it was the destination most consistently recommended by fellow travellers. The spectacular Theth–Valbonë hike was frequently described as one of the highlights of their Albanian adventures and is now firmly on our list for a future visit.

📍 Day 1–2 | Tirana – Albania’s Colourful Capital

🏨 Stay: 2 nights

🚗 Travel: Tirana International Airport (TIA) → Tirana city centre (approximately 20 km | 30 minutes)

⭐ Highlights: Skanderbeg Square, Blloku, National History Museum, House of Leaves Museum, free walking tour, Bunk’Art 1, cafés and restaurants

Most visitors begin their Albanian adventure in Tirana, a vibrant and welcoming capital that provides a fascinating introduction to the country’s history, culture and remarkable transformation over recent decades.

We arrived expecting a fairly typical Balkan capital but quickly discovered a city full of surprises. Tirana is colourful, creative and full of energy, where striking contemporary architecture sits comfortably alongside grand Italian-inspired boulevards, Communist-era landmarks and beautifully restored public spaces. Walking through the city, you’ll also notice its thriving café culture, with locals gathering throughout the day to enjoy coffee, conversation and the relaxed pace of daily life.

We also enjoyed wandering past the Pyramid of Tirana, originally built as a museum dedicated to Communist dictator Enver Hoxha and now transformed into a vibrant public space. It’s another example of how Albania has embraced its future while acknowledging its past.

Start your visit in Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city and home to many of Tirana’s most significant landmarks. From there, wander through the colourful streets of Blloku, once reserved exclusively for Albania’s Communist elite and now one of the city’s liveliest neighbourhoods, filled with cafés, wine bars, restaurants and boutique shops. Most of central Tirana is easily explored on foot, making it an enjoyable city to discover at a relaxed pace.

If time allows, join a free walking tour early in your visit. We found it to be the perfect introduction to Albania’s past, politics and culture. Before arriving, we knew very little about the country’s Communist era, making the tour all the more fascinating.

During the walking tour we also learnt about Albania’s extraordinary network of more than 170,000 concrete bunkers, built during the dictatorship of Enver Hoxha, who ruled the country from 1944 to 1985. Fearing invasion from almost every direction, Hoxha ordered bunkers to be constructed across the country—from beaches and mountain passes to farmland, villages and city parks. Although they were rarely, if ever, used for their intended purpose, many remain today as one of the country’s most distinctive reminders of its recent history.

Wanting to better understand this remarkable chapter of Albania’s past, we also visited Bunk’Art 1, a vast underground nuclear bunker on the outskirts of Tirana that has been transformed into a museum. The exhibits provide a fascinating insight into life under the Communist regime and help explain why so many bunkers were built throughout Albania. If you enjoy history, it’s well worth including in your Tirana itinerary. We caught a local bus from the city centre, making it an easy and inexpensive excursion, although taxis are also readily available.

If you’re interested in Albania’s Communist era, also make time for the House of Leaves Museum. Once the headquarters of the feared secret police, the museum tells the story of surveillance, political persecution and everyday life under Communist rule. Together with the free walking tour and Bunk’Art 1, it provides an excellent insight into how dramatically Albania has changed over the past few decades.

Understanding this chapter of Albania’s history gave much greater meaning to everything we experienced during the rest of our journey. From that moment on, we stopped seeing Albania simply as a beautiful destination and began appreciating the remarkable story behind its people, cities and landscapes.

The walking tour also led to one of the best decisions we made during our trip. At the end of the tour, we asked our guide if they could recommend an English-speaking private driver for the remainder of our journey. That simple question connected us with an outstanding local driver who introduced us to hidden viewpoints, family-run restaurants and places we would never have discovered on our own. It was a wonderful reminder that some of the best travel experiences begin simply by asking a local for advice.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip

Book a free walking tour on your first morning in Tirana, then visit either Bunk’Art 1 or the House of Leaves Museum later that day. Together, they provide valuable insight into Albania’s Communist era and help explain many of the places and stories you’ll encounter throughout the country. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask your guide for local recommendations. Finding our English-speaking private driver was one of the best travel decisions we made.

📍 Day 3 | Prezë, Krujë & Durrës – Medieval and Roman Albania

🏨 Stay: 1 night (Durrës)

🚗 Travel: Tirana → Prezë → Krujë → Durrës (approximately 85 km | 2–3 hours, excluding sightseeing stops)

⭐ Highlights: Prezë Castle, Krujë Castle, Krujë Old Bazaar, Durrës waterfront and Roman Amphitheatre

Leaving Tirana, we began our journey with a short drive to the hilltop village of Prezë. Dominated by its beautifully preserved medieval castle, Prezë offers sweeping views across the surrounding countryside towards Tirana and the Adriatic coast. With very few other visitors around when we arrived, it felt like one of Albania’s hidden gems and the perfect way to ease into our road trip. It was a peaceful introduction to rural Albania and a reminder that some of the country’s most rewarding stops are often those overlooked by many visitors.

From Prezë, we continued to the historic town of Krujë, one of Albania’s most important cultural and historical destinations. Perched high on the mountainside, Krujë Castle is closely associated with Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, who successfully resisted the Ottoman Empire during the 15th century. Exploring the castle and its museums provided another fascinating insight into Albania’s proud history and enduring national identity.

Just outside Krujë Castle, the beautifully preserved Old Bazaar feels like stepping back in time. Lined with traditional timber-fronted shops and cobbled streets, it’s one of the best places in Albania to browse handcrafted souvenirs, woven rugs, antiques and local products. Even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s well worth taking your time to soak up the atmosphere beneath the dramatic mountain backdrop.

Leaving the mountains behind, we made our way to Durrës, Albania’s principal port city and one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast. Founded more than 2,500 years ago, Durrës has long been an important gateway between East and West.

The city’s most famous attraction is the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, one of the largest in the Balkans. Hidden amongst modern buildings, it’s a remarkable reminder of Albania’s Roman heritage and well worth visiting. We also enjoyed strolling along Durrës’ lively waterfront promenade, where locals gather in the evening to walk, socialise and enjoy the sea breeze.

Durrës provided a relaxing end to the day and an ideal base before continuing south towards Berat the following morning.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip

Don’t rush straight from Tirana to the Albanian Riviera. Prezë, Krujë and Durrës each reveal a different chapter of Albania’s story—from medieval fortresses and national heroes to ancient Roman history and coastal living. Plan enough time to explore the Old Bazaar in Krujë and enjoy an evening stroll along the Durrës waterfront before continuing south.

📍 Day 4 | Castle of Bashtova & Berat – The City of a Thousand Windows

🏨 Stay: 1 night (Berat)

🚗 Travel: Durrës → Castle of Bashtova → Berat (approximately 140 km | 2.5–3 hours, excluding sightseeing stops)

⭐ Highlights: Castle of Bashtova, Berat Castle, Mangalem Quarter, Gorica Quarter, Gorica Bridge, Osum River and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Leaving Durrës, we continued south through the fertile plains of central Albania, making a worthwhile stop at the Castle of Bashtova. Surrounded by open farmland rather than a bustling town, this remarkably well-preserved 15th-century fortress is one of Albania’s lesser-known historical sites. Its peaceful setting and impressive stone walls made it an enjoyable stop before continuing inland.

From Bashtova, we headed towards Berat, one of Albania’s most beautiful and historically significant cities. Known as the City of a Thousand Windows, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where rows of white Ottoman houses appear to cascade down the hillside overlooking the Osum River. It was one of those places that immediately lived up to our expectations.

One of the highlights of any visit is Berat Castle, one of the few inhabited castles in the Balkans. Unlike many historic fortresses that have become museums, people still live within its ancient stone walls today. We drove to the castle before taking our time wandering through its narrow stone streets, centuries-old churches and traditional houses. Walking downhill from the castle towards the old town was one of the highlights of our visit, with spectacular views unfolding around almost every corner.

We stayed in the historic Mangalem Quarter, famous for the rows of white Ottoman houses that have earned Berat its nickname, the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Looking across the Osum River towards the Gorica Quarter, the two historic neighbourhoods create one of Albania’s most recognisable and photographed landscapes.

Later, we wandered along the riverside promenade, crossed the elegant Gorica Bridge and admired the views between the historic Mangalem and Gorica quarters. As the afternoon light softened, the white Ottoman houses glowed against the hillside, creating one of the most memorable scenes of our Albanian journey.

Berat has a peaceful atmosphere that’s quite different from Tirana. While the capital surprised us with its modern architecture and energy, Berat captivated us with its timeless beauty, rich history and slower pace. Walking down from the castle through the old town before finishing the day beside the Osum River remains one of our favourite memories from Albania.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip

Spend at least one night in Berat rather than visiting on a day trip. Once the day-trippers leave, the city becomes wonderfully peaceful. Start your visit at Berat Castle, then walk downhill through the historic streets of the Mangalem Quarter towards the Osum River. It’s the best way to appreciate the city’s history, architecture and magnificent views.

📍 Day 5 | Vlorë, Llogara Pass, Himarë & Sarandë – The Albanian Riviera

🏨 Stay: 1 night (Sarandë)

🚗 Travel: Berat → Vlorë → Llogara Pass → Himarë → Sarandë (approximately 220 km | 5–6 hours, excluding sightseeing stops)

⭐ Highlights: Vlorë, Llogara Pass, panoramic coastal viewpoints, Himarë, Albanian Riviera and Sarandë

Leaving Berat, we returned to the coast, arriving in the historic city of Vlorë, where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. Although we only made a brief stop, Vlorë marks the beginning of the spectacular Albanian Riviera and one of the most scenic road trips in the Balkans.

From Vlorë, the road climbs steadily into Llogara National Park, winding through forests before reaching the breathtaking Llogara Pass. Sitting more than 1,000 metres above sea level, the panoramic views over the turquoise Ionian Sea and rugged coastline are unforgettable. We stopped at the famous lookout, where the scenery stretched for kilometres in every direction. It was one of those places where no photograph could truly capture the scale and beauty of the landscape.

Descending from the mountains, the road hugs the coastline, revealing one spectacular view after another. Around almost every bend, another secluded beach, dramatic cliff or picturesque village comes into view. It quickly became one of our favourite driving days of the entire trip.

Before reaching Himarë, our driver took us to a small local restaurant that we’d never have found on our own. Enjoying a traditional Albanian lunch while overlooking the coast was one of those authentic travel moments that reminds you of the value of local knowledge.

After lunch, we spent some time exploring the relaxed seaside town of Himarë. With its inviting beaches, waterfront cafés and laid-back atmosphere, it offered a welcome contrast to the winding mountain roads we had just travelled.

By late afternoon we arrived in Sarandë, the largest resort town on the Albanian Riviera. Its lively waterfront promenade, restaurants and sweeping views across the bay created the perfect setting to relax after an unforgettable day on the road.

Looking back, this was the day Albania completely exceeded our expectations. The combination of mountain scenery, dramatic coastal roads and brilliant blue water rivalled some of the most memorable coastal drives we’ve experienced anywhere in Europe.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip

Allow plenty of extra time for the drive between Vlorë and Sarandë. While the distance isn’t particularly long, you’ll want to stop regularly at the scenic lookouts throughout the Llogara Pass and along the Albanian Riviera. If you have a local driver, don’t hesitate to ask where they like to stop for lunch—you may discover places that don’t appear in any guidebook.

📍 Day 6 | Butrint, Ksamil & the Blue Eye – Ancient History Meets the Albanian Riviera

🏨 Stay: 1 night (Gjirokastër)

🚗 Travel: Sarandë → Butrint → Ksamil → Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) → Gjirokastër (approximately 85 km | 2.5–3 hours, excluding sightseeing stops)

⭐ Highlights: Butrint National Park, Ksamil, Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), Ionian coastline and UNESCO World Heritage Site

After an overnight stay in Sarandë, we began the day exploring Butrint National Park, one of Albania’s most significant archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set amongst wetlands, forests and lakes, Butrint is an extraordinary place where more than 2,500 years of history unfolds as you wander through remarkably preserved Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian ruins. Even if you’re not normally interested in archaeology, the natural setting makes Butrint a fascinating place to explore.

From Butrint, it was only a short drive to Ksamil, a picturesque seaside village renowned for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise water. Often described as the jewel of the Albanian Riviera, Ksamil proved to be every bit as beautiful as we’d hoped.

We spent the afternoon swimming in the warm Ionian Sea before relaxing with cocktails overlooking the water. With its stunning beaches, vibrant beach clubs and brilliant turquoise water, it’s easy to understand why Ksamil has become one of Albania’s most popular destinations.

While we absolutely loved our time in Ksamil, it was also one of the busiest places we visited in Albania and noticeably more expensive than many other destinations. Looking back, we think Sarandë is the better base for most travellers. Its wider range of accommodation, restaurants and lively waterfront make it an excellent place to stay while exploring the southern Albanian Riviera. However, if your holiday is all about beautiful beaches, swimming in crystal-clear water and enjoying beach clubs, then Ksamil is well worth considering for an overnight stay or a few days.

Leaving the coast behind, we travelled inland to visit the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), one of Albania’s most famous natural attractions. The vivid blue spring, surrounded by lush forest, appears almost unreal as crystal-clear water bubbles up from deep beneath the earth. Standing beside the spring, it’s easy to understand why it has become one of the country’s most photographed natural landmarks.

As the day drew to a close, we continued into the mountains and arrived in Gjirokastër, where we settled in for the night before exploring this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage city the following morning.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip

Don’t miss Ksamil—it was one of the highlights of our Albanian road trip. However, choose your accommodation based on your travel style. Sarandë offers better value, more accommodation choices and a wider selection of restaurants, making it an excellent base for most visitors. If your holiday is centred around beaches, swimming and beach clubs, then staying in Ksamil for a night or two is a fantastic option.

📍 Day 7 | Gjirokastër – Albania’s Stone City

🏨 Stay: 1 night (Gjirokastër)

🚗 Travel: Explore Gjirokastër on foot

⭐ Highlights: Gjirokastër Castle, Old Bazaar, Skenduli House, Zekate House, Ottoman architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Site

After arriving the previous evening, we spent the day exploring Gjirokastër, one of Albania’s most captivating historic towns. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Drino Valley, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is affectionately known as the “Stone City” because of its distinctive slate-roofed houses and beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture.

Dominating the skyline is the impressive Gjirokastër Castle, perched high above the old town. Although we admired the castle from the outside rather than touring its interior, its commanding position offers magnificent views across the valley and provides the perfect introduction to the city’s rich history.

From the castle, we wandered downhill through the steep cobblestone streets of the Old Bazaar, where beautifully preserved stone buildings now house artisan shops, cafés and small restaurants. One of the things we loved most about Gjirokastër was that it still feels like a living town rather than an open-air museum, with locals going about their daily lives among the centuries-old streets.

To better understand life during the Ottoman period, we also visited Skenduli House and Zekate House. These beautifully preserved homes provide a fascinating glimpse into the wealth, craftsmanship and daily life of prominent Albanian families during the 18th and 19th centuries. Their original interiors and intricate woodwork make them well worth including in your visit.

As the afternoon unfolded, we continued exploring the old town before settling into one of the local restaurants for dinner. Looking back, our favourite memories of Gjirokastër weren’t just the magnificent castle or the beautiful architecture—they were also the simple pleasures of sharing a meal, enjoying a few drinks and chatting with fellow travellers from around the world. Those conversations, combined with the town’s warm hospitality and spectacular setting, made Gjirokastër one of the most memorable stops of our Albanian road trip.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip

Take your time exploring Gjirokastër on foot. Some of the town’s greatest charm lies away from the main streets, where quiet laneways, panoramic viewpoints and family-run cafés provide a glimpse into everyday life. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the steep cobblestone streets can be uneven and slippery in places.

📍 Day 8 | Shirokë & Lake Shkodër – A Peaceful Farewell to Albania

🏨 Stay: 1 night (Shirokë)

🚗 Travel: Gjirokastër → Shirokë (approximately 300 km | 4.5–5 hours)

⭐ Highlights: Lake Shkodër, Shirokë village and northern Albania

Leaving Gjirokastër, we travelled north through the Albanian countryside towards Shkodër, one of the country’s oldest and most historic cities. Although it was one of the longer driving days of our trip, it provided an opportunity to experience another very different part of Albania before crossing into Montenegro.

For our final night in Albania, we stayed in the lakeside village of Shirokë, on the shores of Lake Shkodër, the largest lake in Southern Europe. Shared between Albania and Montenegro, the lake is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and provided a peaceful setting to unwind after a week of exploring the country.

After several days of visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, medieval castles, mountain passes and the spectacular Albanian Riviera, slowing the pace beside the lake gave us time to reflect on everything we had experienced throughout our journey.

Looking back, however, we would probably choose to stay in Shkodër itself if we were planning the trip again. While Shirokë is peaceful and scenic, Shkodër offers a much livelier atmosphere, with an attractive pedestrian centre, a wide choice of cafés and restaurants, and major attractions including the impressive Rozafa Castle. We think it would provide a more rewarding final night before continuing into Montenegro.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip

Shirokë is a lovely place to enjoy the tranquillity of Lake Shkodër, but if you only have one night, we’d recommend staying in Shkodër. You’ll have far more dining options, plenty to see and do, and you’ll still be only a short drive from both the lake and the Montenegro border.

Continuing Your Balkan Adventure

🏨 Next Destination: Dobrota, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

🚗 Travel: Shirokë → Montenegro border → Dobrota
Approximately 80 km | Allow 1.5–2 hours, depending on border crossing times

⭐ Highlights: Lake Shkodër, the Montenegro border crossing and the spectacular Bay of Kotor

After a relaxing final night in Shirokë, we said goodbye to Albania and crossed the border into Montenegro for the next stage of our journey.

The drive from northern Albania was straightforward. Before long, we were rewarded with our first views of the spectacular Bay of Kotor—one of Europe’s most beautiful natural harbours. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, medieval towns and clear Adriatic water, it was the perfect continuation of our road trip.

💡 Progressive Traveller Tip

If you’re planning a multi-country Balkan itinerary, Albania and Montenegro make an ideal pairing. Their shared border makes it relatively easy to combine Albania’s ancient sites, mountain landscapes and Riviera coastline with Montenegro’s beautiful Bay of Kotor and Adriatic towns.

➡️ Continue reading: Kotor Old Town & Dobrota – Your Complete Guide

Final Thoughts

Albania far exceeded our expectations. We arrived anticipating beautiful beaches and affordable travel but discovered welcoming people, fascinating history, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, dramatic mountain scenery and one of the most memorable coastal drives we’ve experienced in Europe.

In just over a week, we explored vibrant cities, medieval castles, Ottoman towns, ancient archaeological sites, pristine beaches, mountain passes and peaceful lakeside villages. Each day revealed a different side of the country.

Albania surprised us, inspired us and left us wanting to return. It still feels refreshingly authentic, offering warm hospitality, remarkable history and striking landscapes alongside exceptional value for Australian travellers.

If you’re searching for a European destination with fewer crowds and experiences that rival many of the continent’s established favourites, Albania deserves a place near the top of your travel list.

We hope this itinerary helps you plan your own Albanian adventure—and perhaps inspires you to explore more of this remarkable region.