Albania

Posted by TexasTravelMom (TX, USA) on 11/05/22 09:21 PM

I am starting to plan for an extended trip next spring and I think the first part of it will be Albania. I am beginning to really dislike moving quickly so I am thinking of about 3 weeks, with stops in Shkoder (side trip to Valbona), then Tirana, Berat, Korcë, Girokastër, and finally somewhere near Sarandë, before heading to northern Greece (Greece not included in this 3 weeks estimate).

Albania isn’t really very large, so maybe 3 weeks is too much. But maybe some days, I don’t want to do any sightseeing at all. I have a number of interesting places lined up - either locally in the cities or as day trips. But I welcome thoughts from any of you who have been here.

I have also looked at getting from place to place. I am not opposed to taking a tour or hiring a guide and driver sometimes or renting a car for a day or two here and there - but I think I would ditch the whole trip if I thought I had to either do it all with a guide or whiz through like tours do (just so you know). However, it looks like most of these places are easily reached by bus - and that there really is a system. In other words, it looks possible to do this as a solo traveler.

I know it’s probably not the easiest place to travel, but I am interested and not terribly worried about traveling on my own. I have also been through the forum extensively for past posts. I would be very happy to hear thoughts that might be helpful. Even if it’s just what food to not miss! Ha!

Thanks!

Posted by TexasTravelMom OP

TX, USA

11/06/22 11:22 AM

4894 posts

Thanks, No Aku Birds. Could I ask if there were parts of Albania (or particular sights) you did like? How long were you there and how did you get from place to place?

Posted by Arnold

Denver, CO, USA

11/06/22 05:35 PM

1610 posts

I did some of what you are planning last summer, but due to limited time moved fairly rapidly. Had been to Albania about 15 years previously but at that time was limited mainly to Tirana and Kruja

Came in on a bus from Kosovo
Spent 2 nights in Tirana - took the free walking tour one morning
Next rented a car from Sixt and drove to Berat (1 night)
Drove to Gjirokater - 1 night before moving onto the coast. Stopped at Appolina on the way to see those ruins
Did a quick stop to see the Blue Eye on our way from Gjirokaster to Ksamil
Chose to stay in Ksamil (2 nights) rather than Sarande - did a side trip one morning to see the ruins at Butrint
On the final morning, drove to Sarande port and the Sixt rep met me and turned the car over and then took the ferry over to Corfu, Greece.

Driving by myself was easy between the towns. In Berat, just drove to my hotel and had them park the car. Gjirokaster was absolute crazy driving with v steep and narrow streets (and I'm used to mountain driviing in CO) - it was a massive relief to find our hotel and park the car and then walk around town and the fortress. Also, google maps wasn't reliable in the town. Driving through Sarande was also tough going with very heavy traffic and folks parked all over and no real parking at the port - fortunately, the Sixt rep came fairly quickly and i off loaded the car.

Albania, or at least Tirana, has changed a lot in the 15 years since we've been there. I would definitely urge you to go - food was excellent esp if you like Middle Eastern/Greek type food. Overall, it was hassle free. Let me know if you have any questions.

Posted by TexasTravelMom OP

TX, USA

11/07/22 11:25 AM

4894 posts

Thanks, No Aku Birds. I know what you mean about some places appeal and some don’t. No real explanation…. :) As I travel this year, I am finding I like extra days, even in “easy” places - just to eliminate the stress of a fast in and out (now that I have the flexibility). I spent a month in Croatia last year and loved it and I do plan to get to the other countries you mentioned. And your comparison actually makes me think it might be good to see Albania before some of the others (not instead of) so as not to be disappointed. I hope to see Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia in a longer trip - maybe next year.

Arnold, I appreciate the input. I have driven in some places others wouldn’t - but after reading, I came to the same conclusion: I could drive between cities but wouldn’t want to drive in the cities. I can see using a tour or tour guide for some of that moving around could also be easy. I, also, would probably not stay in Sarandë. So the recommendation of Ksamil is helpful. And I plan to ferry to Corfu afterwards (whole other subject).

The more I research, the more interesting Albania sounds, though. And following it up with northern Greece makes it feel like I am starting with “less comfortable” and moving to “more comfortable”.