If you have one week in Albania and a rental car, you can see an impressive amount of the country without rushing too much. This 7‑day itinerary is designed for first‑time visitors who want a mix of history, nature, and beaches and who are comfortable driving moderate distances each day.

You can adapt it based on your arrival and departure times, but the structure will give you a balanced introduction to Albania.

Day 1: Arrival in Tirana and City Exploration

Arrive at Tirana International Airport and pick up your rental car. If you book with a company that offers free airport pickup and quick handover, you can be on the road very quickly after landing.

Spend your first day getting to know Tirana:

  • Walk around Skanderbeg Square.
  • Visit the New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri) for fresh food and local atmosphere.
  • Explore Bunk’Art 2 or the House of Leaves museum to learn about Albania’s communist past.
  • Take the cable car up Mount Dajti for a panoramic view of the city if you have time.

Stay overnight in Tirana. If your flight arrives late, keep this day flexible and rest so you are fresh for driving the next morning.

Day 2: Tirana to Berat – The City of a Thousand Windows

On day two, drive from Tirana to Berat, one of Albania’s most beautiful and historic towns. The drive is a few hours, depending on traffic. Take your time and avoid rushing.

In Berat, you can:

  • Walk through the historic Mangalem and Gorica quarters.
  • Visit Berat Castle and enjoy views over the Osum River.
  • Explore small churches and mosques inside the castle walls.

Berat is a good place to slow down and feel traditional Albanian architecture and hospitality. Spend the night here in a local guesthouse or small hotel.

Day 3: Berat to Gjirokastër – Another UNESCO Gem

On day three, continue your cultural journey to Gjirokastër, another UNESCO World Heritage town known for its stone houses and hillside setting.

The drive takes several hours, so start in the morning and enjoy the changing landscapes. In Gjirokastër, you can:

  • Visit Gjirokastër Castle and its museum.
  • Walk through the old bazaar area with its traditional buildings.
  • Step inside the preserved Skenduli House to see how a wealthy Ottoman‑era family lived.

Stay the night in Gjirokastër. The town is hilly, so you will appreciate having your own car to move between your accommodation and viewpoints.

Day 4: Gjirokastër to Sarandë and Ksamil – Reaching the Riviera

From Gjirokastër, head south towards Sarandë and the coastal areas. Along the way, you can stop at the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a famous natural spring with incredibly clear, blue water.

Once you reach Sarandë, you are officially on the Albanian Riviera. Depending on timing, you can:

  • Eat fresh seafood on the seafront promenade.
  • Drive further to Ksamil for some beach time.
  • Plan a visit to the ancient site of Butrint (great for the next morning as well).

Stay overnight in Sarandë or Ksamil.

Day 5: Beaches, Butrint, and Relaxation

Use day five to relax and enjoy the southern coast. Options include:

  • Visiting the ancient ruins of Butrint, one of Albania’s most important archaeological sites.
  • Swimming and sunbathing at Ksamil’s beaches.
  • Taking short drives to other nearby coves and viewpoints.

You can keep the car parked part of the day and just enjoy walking around. Having your own vehicle means you can visit less crowded spots outside the main villages if you wish.

Stay another night in the Sarandë or Ksamil area.

Day 6: Riviera Drive to Vlorë or Back Towards Tirana

On day six, it is time to start heading back north. Drive along the coastal road that passes through places like Himarë, Dhermi, and the Llogara Pass. This is one of the most scenic drives in Albania, with sea and mountain views combined.

You can choose whether to:

  • Stay the night in Vlorë.
  • Or drive further inland towards Tirana, breaking the trip wherever feels comfortable.

Plan extra time for photo stops, short walks, and coffee breaks in small coastal towns. The road is good but winding, so a relaxed pace is best.

Day 7: Return to Tirana and Departure

On your final day, make your way back to Tirana if you did not already reach it the previous evening. Use any remaining time to:

  • Explore a neighborhood you missed on day one.
  • Buy small souvenirs or local food products.
  • Have a final Albanian coffee in one of Tirana’s many cafes.

Return your rental car and head to the airport for your flight home.

Practical Tips for This 7‑Day Itinerary

A few simple tips will make this itinerary smoother:

  • Choose a comfortable car type for mixed coastal and inland driving, for example a sedan or compact SUV.
  • Avoid packing too many extra detours into each day; Albania deserves time, not just quick stops.
  • Consider adding an extra day for rest in either Berat, Gjirokastër, or the Riviera if your schedule allows.

This one‑week loop gives you a taste of almost everything: capital life, historic towns, nature, and seaside relaxation – all made easier with a reliable rental car.