Start soft on the Ionian, move inland through the stone cities, give Tirana one proper day, then finish in the north with Shkoder, Theth, and the Valbona pass.
Day 1 - Sarande
Arrive by road from Tirana or by ferry from Corfu. Keep the first day simple: promenade walk, seafood dinner, early night. The coast works better when you do not chase three beaches on arrival.
Day 2 - Ksamil and Butrint
Go to Butrint before the heat, then swim around Ksamil in the afternoon. If Ksamil feels crowded, use Pasqyrat or Manastiri as your quieter beach reset.
Day 3 - Gjirokaster
Drive inland for the castle, old bazaar, Skenduli House, and qifqi. Sleep in a stone guesthouse so you can see the town after the day trippers leave.
Day 4 - Berat
Cross central Albania for Mangalem, Gorica, the castle quarter, and a winery dinner. The best Berat walk is simple: river, bridge, castle, sunset.
Day 5 - Tirana
Use the capital for context: Skanderbeg Square, BunkArt 2, House of Leaves, Pazari i Ri, and Blloku after dark. It explains the 20th century better than any scenic stop.
Day 6 - Shkoder to Theth
Leave the car or continue carefully depending on season and road comfort. Shkoder is the practical gateway; Theth is where the mountains begin properly.
Day 7 - Theth and Valbona
If you hike the pass, plan it as a full day with weather margin. If you do not hike, use Theth for the Blue Eye, Grunas Waterfall, and slow guesthouse dinners.
- Rent a car for days 1-6, but use local transfers for rough mountain logistics if you are unsure.
- Book Theth and Valbona guesthouses before you arrive in summer.
- Do not make day 5 a driving day. Tirana deserves the pause.
