5-Day Walking Tour in Southern Albania
Discover the best of Southern Albania in just five days, from historic hill towns to the sparkling Ionian coast. Start in Berat and Gjirokastër, both UNESCO-listed cities, where castles, stone houses, and old bazaars tell stories of centuries past. Continue to Saranda and the Blue Eye Spring, enjoy sunset views from Lëkursi Castle, and explore the ancient ruins of Butrint National Park before relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Ksamil. On the way back to Tirana, follow the dramatic Riviera road through Qeparo, Himarë, Vuno, Dhërmi, and Llogara National Park, with plenty of scenic stops, local food, and authentic Albanian hospitality along the way.
TOUR DETAILS
Tour includes:
Local Guide, Transport, Accommodation, Entrance fees
Duration:
5 Days
Difficulty:
Easy
Time:
4-5 hours
Prices:
€430.00 per person
Minimum 2 pax, maximum 6 pax
ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome to Berat – The City of a Thousand Windows
We will pick you up at Tirana International Airport and drive to Berat (approx. 2 hours). After settling into your guesthouse, we’ll begin our exploration with a visit to the Berat Castle, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into Albania’s rich history.
Lunch will be at the well-known Alpeta Agrotourism Farm, where you'll enjoy local, organic cuisine.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Gorica Bridge and the famous historic neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, each with their own charm.
Dinner will be at Castle Park Restaurant, nestled in nature just outside the town.
Drive: 2 hours
Walking: 4 hours
Day 2: Gjirokastër – The Stone City
Today we head south to Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (approx. 2.5-hour drive). Upon arrival, we check into the guesthouse or hotel, then visit the impressive Gjirokastër Castle and wander through the Old Bazaar.
Lunch will be in one of the traditional restaurants in the city center. After some free time, we visit the Skënduli House, a well-preserved Ottoman-era residence.
Dinner will be at the Old Mosque Restaurant, where you can try authentic dishes, followed by sheep milk ice cream, a local specialty.
Overnight in Gjirokastër.
Drive: 2.5 hours
Walking: 3 hours
Day 3: Saranda & the Ionian Coast
After breakfast, we continue to Sarandë, stopping on the way at the natural wonder of Blue Eye Spring. You can either walk 30 minutes or take the mini train to the spring.
Once in Saranda, we’ll check into the hotel and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the beautiful Mirror Beach, followed by a trip to Lëkursi Castle for a sunset view over the Ionian Sea.
Dinner will feature fresh seafood by the sea, followed by a relaxing seaside walk. Overnight in Saranda.
Drive: 2.5 hours
Walking: 4 hours
Day 4: Butrint & Ksamil Beaches
This day begins with a visit to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site rich with Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins.
After the tour, we head back to Ksamil, where you’ll have free time to enjoy its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Lunch will be served in Ksamil, and dinner back in Saranda, where we’ll stay for the night.
Drive: 1 hour
Walking: 3–4 hours
Day 5: Riviera Roadtrip & Return to Tirana
We start early and travel the stunning Albanian Riviera, visiting:
- The stone village of Qeparo
- Ali Pasha Castlein Porto Palermo
- Lunch in Himarë
Traditional villages of Vuno and Dhërmi, with visits to small churches.
We then continue to Llogara National Park, stopping at the panoramic viewpoint above the Ionian Sea before heading north to Tirana.
In Tirana, we’ll visit the city center and enjoy our farewell dinner at Ceren Restaurant.
After dinner, we will drop you off at your hotel or the airport, depending on your schedule.
Drive: 5 hours
Walking: 3 hours
