How to spend 4 days in Tirana
3-Day Albania Itinerary – From London to the Albanian Coast & Mountains
Day 1 – London → Tirana → Durrës
I landed in Tirana from London in the morning and headed straight to Durrës. Buses run frequently from the airport and city center, and the journey takes about 45 minutes. I checked into Villa Misiri, an apartment-style hotel in Durrës—comfortable, affordable, and close to the seafront. After settling in, I explored the promenade, the Roman Amphitheatre, and enjoyed fresh seafood by the harbor. Durrës has a relaxed vibe and is a perfect base for day trips.
Day 2 – Day Trip to Theth & Snowy Albanian Alps
I booked a tour through GetYourGuide to visit Theth in the Albanian Alps, and it was the highlight of the trip. The drive through the mountains was stunning, and Theth looked like a winter postcard—white snow, wooden houses, and complete peace. We visited the church, the famous Lock-in Tower, and enjoyed local food. It truly felt magical and well organized, so I highly recommend taking a guided tour if you don’t have a car.
Day 3 – Berat & Back to Durrës
In the morning I traveled by local transport to Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Such a charming and historic place with cobbled streets, Ottoman houses, and a beautiful castle overlooking the river. I stayed until sunset, then returned to Durrës by taxi since buses stop after around 5 PM. In the evening I relaxed at Durrës beach, enjoyed one last Albanian dinner, and the next day headed to Tirana Airport for my flight back to London.
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### Helpful Tips
- Use cash – many small places don’t accept cards.
- Not everyone speaks English, so politely ask first; a translator app helps a lot.
- Don’t rely fully on Google Maps for buses—schedules change. Ask locals or your hotel.
- Best option is to rent a car if you can; otherwise day tours are very convenient.
Albania surprised me with its beauty, kindness, and affordability. A perfect mix of mountains, history, and seaside in just three days!