Days 1–2 · Tirana
Land at TIA, pick up a rental and base for two nights in Tirana. Bunk'Art 1, Blloku evening, half-day to Dajti mountain by cable car.
Day 3 · Tirana → Berat
Two-hour drive south. Wander Mangalem and Gorica before sunset, dinner in the old town, a wine tasting in the Tomorr valley if time allows.
Day 4 · Berat → Gjirokastër
Three-hour drive. Stop at the Blue Eye spring on the way in. Sunset on the castle ramparts, dinner in the old bazaar.
Day 5 · Gjirokastër → Ksamil
Ninety minutes to the coast. Afternoon swim at the Ksamil islets, dinner at a beachfront taverna.
Day 6 · Ksamil & Butrint
Half-day at the UNESCO Butrint archaeological park, afternoon boat trip or beach day.
Day 7 · Riviera drive back to Tirana
The big one — Sarandë → Himarë → Dhërmi → Llogara pass → Vlorë → Tirana. Five hours of driving with stops, the country's best road by far.
From the road
Practical tips
- → Book the Ksamil hotel ahead in July–August.
- → The Llogara pass closes occasionally in winter — check before driving in shoulder season.
- → Drop the rental in Tirana, not at the airport, to save the airport surcharge.
