Where to visit in Albania from stone towns to the shores of Ksamil

Perhaps it’s a photograph of Ksamil that first gets you thinking about Albania. Blue water, little offshore islands and somewhere you can picture yourself spending a very happy afternoon.

But what do you do with the rest of the holiday?

That’s where Albania gets interesting. You can explore the country’s past in Tirana, wander Gjirokastër’s stone streets and visit an ancient city at Butrint, with plenty of swimming in between.

Whether you’re planning your own trip or gathering ideas for a client, here are some places worth building a holiday around.

Start with a little curiosity in Tirana

Give the capital some time before heading south. Start around Skanderbeg Square, stop for a coffee and pick up some byrek, flaky pastry with fillings such as cheese or spinach — when you’re ready for something to eat.

For a deeper understanding of Albania, visit Bunk’Art 2. Set in a former bunker in the city centre, the museum explores surveillance and state control during the communist dictatorship. It’s a sobering visit that adds context to the country you’re exploring.

Balance the sightseeing with time to wander. You don’t need to fill every hour to get something out of a city.

Take your time in Gjirokastër

Comfortable shoes are a good idea in Gjirokastër. So is leaving more time than you think you’ll need.

Its stone houses climb the hillside, with rooftops and narrow streets that invite you to keep looking around the next corner. The historic town forms part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra.

There’s plenty of pleasure in exploring without rushing: finding a different view, browsing a shop or stopping for a drink when your legs have had enough of the slopes.

Consider staying overnight rather than treating it as a quick photograph stop. It gives you time to enjoy the town between the sightseeing.

Find your beach-day rhythm in Himarë or Dhërmi

Along the Riviera, Himarë and Dhërmi offer tempting places to spend part of your coastal stay.

Himarë sits between rugged mountains and the Ionian Sea, with a beach in the town itself. Dhërmi combines a village of stone houses and red roofs with blue-water beaches below.

Think about how you like to spend your days before choosing a base. Do you want to walk out for dinner, settle into one beach or head off exploring different stretches of coast?

And leave some space in the itinerary. A swim followed by a long lunch deserves an afternoon of its own.

Make room for Ksamil

Then there’s Ksamil, with the turquoise water and little offshore islands that may have started this whole holiday idea.

Give yourself time to enjoy being here. Swim, find somewhere for lunch and let at least one afternoon pass without checking what’s next on the itinerary.

It’s worth setting expectations, though. Ksamil is a popular summer destination, and its beaches can be busy in peak season. Those beautiful photographs show the scenery; they don’t always show how many other people want to enjoy it too.

For travellers who want beach time alongside exploring, combining Ksamil with Gjirokastër and nearby Butrint brings variety to a southern Albania stay.

Swap a beach morning for Butrint

Butrint is a worthwhile addition when staying around Ksamil. This UNESCO-listed ancient city offers a chance to explore Albania’s archaeological heritage and give the beach towel a short break.

It’s particularly appealing when you’re travelling with someone whose idea of a good holiday differs slightly from yours. One person wants another swim; the other is ready to see something. A coastal stay with visits like this leaves room for both.

Consider Berat if you love historic towns

If architecture and wandering on foot are high on your list, take a look at Berat too.

Its hillside houses and historic neighbourhoods make it another rewarding cultural stop. It shares its UNESCO World Heritage listing with Gjirokastër, but deserves consideration in its own right.

You don’t have to include both towns in a first visit. Choose according to your interests and route, rather than adding another overnight stop simply to tick it off.

How could your Albania holiday come together?

One option is to start in Tirana, continue to Gjirokastër and finish with time on the coast. With a longer trip, you could split the beach stay between Himarë or Dhërmi and Ksamil, visiting Butrint while you’re in the south.

Planning an Albania holiday? Contact Travelpack to explore the options. Travel agents can speak to our team for trade rates and help shaping a client itinerary by searching here.