A Girls’ Getaway to Albania

I recently jetted off to Albania for an all-girls adventure, and it did not disappoint! Coming from England, we were excited to explore this less-travelled part of Europe. Here’s a detailed look at our four-day journey in Albania, with day trips to North Macedonia and Kosovo.

Length of stay: 4 days 

Hotel:  Grand Hotel, Tirana

Airline: Ryanair 

Transportation: bus, guided tour

Itinerary:

DAY 1: Our adventure began in Tirana, where we stayed at the Grand Hotel. Upon arriving, we took a shuttle for just 4€ into the city, followed by a short 15-minute walk to the hotel. Tirana’s charm was immediately evident as we strolled through its bustling streets.

We started our exploration with a food tour that introduced us to the local cuisine. I highly recommend doing this and it was a brilliant way to start off our trip. Our next stop was Komiteti Café, a quirky spot that gave us a glimpse into Albania’s rich coffee culture. For dinner, we chose Ceren Restaurant, where we enjoyed a variety of traditional Albanian dishes. We loved the byrek, a savoury pastry that quickly became a favorite.

DAY 2: Our second day was dedicated to exploring North Macedonia with a guided tour from “Goaslocal.” This day trip was a highlight, showcasing the beauty of the neighboring country. We stopped at Noa Lounge and Bar in Ohrid for lunch, a lovely spot by the lake that provided a relaxing break with stunning views over the crystal blue water.

Here is a breakdown of what we did on the tour:

• Samuel’s Fortress: First stop, this ancient fortress on a hill, dating back to the 10th century. The views over the city and lake are absolutely breathtaking – great for a family photo op!

• Church of St. John: Perched on a cliff, this church is dedicated to John of Patmos. It’s incredibly peaceful and the views of Lake Ohrid are just stunning.

• Ohrid City Tour: Next, we wandered around Ohrid’s old town and the charming Old Bazaar. The streets are all paved in stone, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

• Monastery of St. Naum: A short drive later, we visited this 10th-century monastery. It’s a peaceful spot where people have been coming to practice their faith for centuries.

• Tushemisht Village: Before heading back, we stopped in this lovely village near the Albanian border, known for its Orthodox Christian community and charming atmosphere.

Tour Tips:

Pick-up: We started from Tirana, which was handy.

Early Bird: Departure was at 7 am – get your kids up and ready early!

Appeals to All: Perfect for a mix of sightseeing and leisurely exploring.

In the afternoon, we indulged in some coffee at Restorant Gjahtari, an authentic Albanian restaurant experience. Before heading back to Tirana, we couldn’t resist stopping at Pasticerja Recca for some delicious ice cream. We were obsessed with the variety of flavours, making it a sweet end to our day.

DAY 3: Day three took us on another guided tour with “Goaslocal,” this time to Kosovo. On our way, we stopped at Murat Bar Kafe for a quick coffee break. The scenic drive was beautiful and provided a great opportunity to see more of the Balkan landscape.

In Pristina, we had lunch at Liburnia Restaurant, a charming place with a delightful menu. The local dishes were a hit with everyone, and the ambiance was incredibly welcoming. Later, we had coffee at Corner in Prizren, a picturesque town that offered a lovely setting for an afternoon break. The historic streets and friendly locals made this stop particularly memorable.

Here is a breakdown of the tour:

• National Library of Kosovo: This place is a treasure trove of history with over 2 million old books and documents, some dating as far back as the 15th century. Plus, the building itself is quite the sight – think brutalist architecture that’s a bit quirky but fascinating.
• Pristina City Tour: We wandered around Pristina’s centre, checked out the Newborn Monument (a great spot for photos), and popped into the Mother Theresa Cathedral. We also explored the old city, with its stunning mosques and a special visit to the Carshia Mosque, the oldest in the city, built back in 1321.
• House of the League of Prizren: Off to Prizren next, known as Kosovo’s cultural gem. This historic house is where some major decisions for Albanian independence were made. Inside, there’s a neat little museum too.
• Prizren City Tour: We wrapped up with a stroll across the “Stone Bridge of Love” and a peek into the bustling Traditional Bazaar. Loads of lovely little shops and the scent of fresh perfume everywhere – so charming!

Tour Tips:

Pick-up: They collected us from our hotel in Tirana – very convenient!

Early Start: We left at 7 am, so maybe grab a coffee beforehand.

Distance: Bring your comfy shoes for all the walking.

DAY 4: Our final day was spent exploring more of Albania with yet another guided tour from “Goaslocal.” This tour took us to various parts of the country, showcasing its diverse landscapes and rich history. One of our favourite stops was Bar Limani in Sarandë, where we enjoyed a leisurely afternoon by the sea, savouring the local seafood and stunning views of the Ionian Sea.

Guided Tour with Goaslocal

What We Did:

• Vlore: Kicked off our trip with a visit to Vlore. It’s a vibrant city with a lovely seafront promenade, perfect for a morning walk.
• Llogara Pass: The drive through this pass is a must-see, with jaw-dropping views and lush green forests. We stopped for a quick refreshment and took in the scenery.
• Dhermi: This little village is like a postcard come to life. Beautiful beaches and a charming vibe – definitely a highlight!
• Porto Palermo: Visited this historic bay and explored the old Ali Pasha Castle. Fascinating history and a lovely spot by the sea.
• Saranda: Stopped for lunch in this lively town. Loads of Greek-Albanian influences here, with tasty food and great seaside views.
• Ksamil Beach: Ended our day at this beautiful beach. Think crystal-clear water and soft sand – perfect for an Instagram shot!
• Himarë: An old town and castle dating back to the 5th-4th centuries BC.

Tour Tips:

Pick-up: We set off from Tirana city, nice and easy.

Early Start: Departure was at 7:30 am – bring snacks for the kids!

Long Drive: It’s about 500 km round trip, so make sure to pack some entertainment for the journey.

Albania surprised us with its warm hospitality, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The welcoming nature of the locals and the natural beauty of many of the places we visited made this trip an absolute joy. The guided tours from “Goaslocal” were particularly excellent, giving us a seamless and insightful way to explore the region. We left with wonderful memories and a newfound appreciation for this beautiful part of the world.

If you’re considering a trip to the Balkans, I highly recommend adding Albania to your itinerary. It’s definitely an underrated destination that I can see becoming more popular amongst travellers in the future.