Albania
Albania's Caribbean: turquoise beaches, islands and a capital in full transformation.
Albania isn't the beach destination everyone already has in mind… yet. It's turquoise water that looks like it's from another planet, coastal roads full of curves with views over the Ionian Sea, fishing villages living side by side with live-music beach clubs, and a capital, Tirana, that in just a few years has become a modern city full of character.
It's also a destination where, if you don't organize it well, you can waste time (and money) on avoidable things: duplicate car insurance, overcrowded beaches you didn't reserve a sunbed for, or roads that take longer than the map makes them look.
Philosophy of this trip
This trip is designed to be:
- balanced → a mix of city, scenic road and beach
- optimized → without unnecessary transfers
- flexible → with real free time to choose your own beach or beach club each day
It's not a trip planned down to the minute — it's a structured guide so you have everything under control without losing your freedom.
Must-dos in Albania
The boat route through caves and coves
A route of about 3-4 hours with sea caves and coves only reachable by water, with swimming stops. About €20-40 per person.
Sunset at Aquarium Beach
One of the most photographed beaches, with very clear water. A good plan for sunset and dinner nearby.
A Ksamil beach club
There are several for every budget, from Bora Bora Beach, the cheapest, to Veranda by Apollonia.
The Llogara viewpoint
The must-stop of the drive from Tirana to Sarande, with views of the Ionian Sea.
Butrint
Roman and Greek ruins beside a lagoon, about 20 minutes from Sarande: the history counterpoint to a beach trip.
Tirana: Skanderbeg and Blloku
Skanderbeg Square and Blloku, off-limits to ordinary people under the dictatorship and today the area with the most bars and restaurants.
Getting around
Between Tirana, Sarande and Ksamil, the most convenient option is renting a car. In July and August they sell out, so book early, and read the car insurance mistake and the Llogara road first.
Who is it for?
It's a destination for feeling it, not for seeing everything: turquoise water, coastal roads and a capital in the middle of a transformation, on a contained budget of about €500 to €950 excluding flights.
Our favorite activities in Albania
Getting around Albania
Renting a car in Albania? Compare prices on Discover Cars. We've linked the Tirana, Tirana Airport and Saranda pages directly.
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Prepare your trip to Albania
Best time to visit Albania for beaches and beach clubs
Albania has a very clear beach season. When it's hottest, when it's cheapest and when the beach clubs close.
Where to stay in Albania: Tirana, Sarande or Ksamil
Three stops, three ways to stay: central Tirana, the Sarande seafront and Ksamil's villas. Real places by budget.
Tirana to Sarande by car, Albania: the Llogara road
The drive from Tirana to Sarande takes about 4 real hours. What the Llogara road is like, when to leave and how to rent the car without trouble.
Best things to do in Albania: our favorite experiences
The boat route through the caves, sunset at Aquarium Beach, Butrint, the Llogara viewpoint and the beach clubs: what we recommend most in Albania.
Albania entry requirements: visa and what you need
Albania isn't in the EU, but has a very open entry policy. Which documents to carry, when you need a passport and what happens if you stay over 90 days.
The Albania car insurance mistake we nearly paid twice
We booked the car with full coverage included. Even so, at the counter in Tirana we nearly fell for the whole trip's most common trap.