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 is turquoise water, coastal roads and a capital in the middle of a transformation. This is what we recommend most doing in a week between Tirana, Sarande and Ksamil.
The boat route through caves and coves
For us, the day that sums up the trip. A half-day route, about 3 to 4 hours, that passes sea caves and coves you can only reach by water, with stops to swim and snorkel, and usually a visit to the Ksamil Islands. It costs about €20 to €40 per person, and in high season it's worth booking ahead. More in the boat trip through Ksamil's caves.
Sunset at Aquarium Beach
One of the most photographed beaches, with very clear water. It's a good plan to stay for the sunset and have dinner nearby.
A Ksamil beach club
There are several, for every budget, from Bora Bora Beach, the cheapest, to Veranda by Apollonia, our general recommendation. The prices are in Ksamil beach clubs compared.
The Llogara viewpoint
It's the must-stop of the drive from Tirana to Sarande, with views of the Ionian Sea. We cover it in Tirana to Sarande by car.
Butrint
Roman and Greek ruins beside a lagoon, about 20 minutes from Sarande. It's the history counterpoint in a trip that's otherwise all beach.
Tirana: Skanderbeg and Blloku
Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city, and the Blloku neighborhood, which was off-limits to ordinary people under the dictatorship and today is the area with the most bars and restaurants in the whole city.
Snorkeling and kayaking on your own
Without an organized tour, any cove in Ksamil is good for exploring by yourself. Monastery Beach is quieter.
Albania isn't a destination for seeing everything. It's a destination for feeling it.
Our recommendation
The boat route, a sunset at Aquarium Beach and an afternoon at a beach club. It's all in our 7-day Albania itinerary, and where to eat in where to eat in Albania.
Our favorite activities in Albania
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How much does an Albania trip cost? Real budget
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My Albania trip: 7 days in Tirana, Sarande and Ksamil
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