2 week Albania trip
Posted by dumbdogmoney@reddit | AskBalkans | View on Reddit | 20 comments
Hello everyone,
My lady and I are going to Albania in late June. We made ChatGPT choose a european country at random because we couldn’t agree and there is where it chose. I think ideally we want the most cultural experience out of the trip. How different will Northern Albania be from the Southern part? And which should we choose to go to based on what was previously mentioned along with the best hiking trails for scenery? We are going to attempt to learn some of the basics of the Albanian language before we go as well. If you guys have any suggestions such as restaurant recommendations, travel tips, advice on where to stay, etc, let me know. Thanks
Kellz_503@reddit
To those who said Valbone to Theth hike - we did it in June 2022 - absolutely gorgeous!
Lake Shkodra
Sarande
Gjirokaster
Tirana
Kruja
Ruins of Butrint
Amazing food and amazing people!
Glass-Forever-1023@reddit
2 weeks is too long for Albania. Hotel and food prices in Albania is no different than Croatia or Italy in summer. Infrastructure is very bad. Try Montenegro, it’s way better
Antique_Birthday6380@reddit
The fact that Albania and Croatia are many years ahead in tourism compared to Montenegro is a fact—statistics clearly show it. And in Albania, you don’t spend 7 hours stuck in traffic to cover a distance of just 23 km.
Big-Vegetable4550@reddit
Montenegro is beautiful but the coast is so limited for driving that traffic can be awful in the summer when the tourists show up. Loved Kotor, but very glad our accommodation came with parking and we could walk to everything we needed there.
lolzimcoolwow@reddit
Good job at not replying at the post i guess,albania had 15M tourists ,seems like there’s definitely something to do there
Glass-Forever-1023@reddit
Those are just facts brother. You guys have a lot of potential but you need to do better
Substratas@reddit
We’ll be forever thankful for Montenegro bestowing that honour upon us.
dumbdogmoney@reddit (OP)
We wont be staying in hotels, we are finding very nice airbnbs for good prices
lolzimcoolwow@reddit
For hiking Theth-valbona it’s in the north
dumbdogmoney@reddit (OP)
Okay thanks. We may get accommodation in Tirana for a day when we arrive there
fireswalkwithme@reddit
Add Butrint for ancient history if you want
ngtheone@reddit
In Albania you may definitely need a car. The best part is that some companies will also offer you a self guided tour, just ask for it. Some can charge and some may not charge extra. You can reach out to Auto Connect and they will give you the tour for free with lots of usseful tips and suggestions about what to eat and where to stay along the road. You just need to rent a car from them. I’m dropping their web www.autoconnect.rent
Antique_Birthday6380@reddit
Honestly, don’t overthink it, Albania’s small enough to do both.
North (Shkoder, Theth, Valbona Valley): more raw, traditional, best hiking. Do the Theth–Valbona hike if you can.
South (Berat, Gjirokaster): more historic towns, easier travel, still very cultural. Saranda, Ksamil, Himara, and Dhermi are excellent places for the beach and the water is turquoise as f*ck, and they have a very Mediterranean vibe as towns.
Best move: split your time, few days hiking in the north, then head south for cities, beaches and food.
Stay in local guesthouses (especially in Theth), eat whatever locals cook, and learn a few phrases, it goes a long way.
youngtorab@reddit
if you're into urbex in Albania let me know
Kaminazuma@reddit
Hiking challenge?
https://www.high-scardus-trail.com/de/
Parking_Cobbler1686@reddit
Just be careful you don't get stabbed by any 12yo boys. Albania is that kind of country.
srlandand@reddit
I feel it's really too much for two weeks. I personally would divide it between Albania and Montenegro, or Albania and Greece.
dumbdogmoney@reddit (OP)
Hmm okay. We dont need action packed adventures every day. Im sure we will want some rest days, but ill see how doable a day in montenegro would be
srlandand@reddit
It’s not a long drive, seven days each feels pretty doable.
ThickCaterpillar9867@reddit
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJMTugYCan1/?igsh=dzY4djRuam5tcGdi