2025’s Best Day Trips from Tirana: Top Tours & Local Tips!
Tirana, the vivid capital of Albania. A unique mixture of history, culture and natural beauty.
A wonderful combination of architecture of the Osmanian, Italian and Soviet era is seen here.
From the high mountains of national park to Adriatic sea everything is located short distance from Tirana.
Affordable costs are especially attractive for travelers in Albania.
The country’s thousand -year -old history is reflected through numerous archaeological sites, castles and museums
Albanian people are famous in sincerity and hospitality.
It makes this journey more memorable and heartbreaking for the tourist.
Top 5 Day Trips from Tirana
1. Kruja
Located at a distance of just 40-60 minutes from Tirana, Kruja is a historic city that is echoed with the story of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. It is easy to get there, the bus leaves Tirana’s South and North Terminal frequently spends about 200 Lekë and the travel time is about 55-56 minutes. Taxis and rent cars offer more direct routes, it takes about the same amount of time.
- Distance: 30 km
- Transportation:
- Bus: 24 daily departures from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM from the Regional Bus Terminal (North and South). Cost: 200 LEK (approx. €1.80). Check schedules at Gjirafa Travel.
- Car: 45 minutes drive.
- Tour: Available through local operators.
- Cost: Bus ticket: 200 LEK; Entrance to museums: Around 200-300 LEK each.
- Unique Experience: Shop for handmade crafts and traditional Albanian goods at the old bazaar.
Highlights: To enjoy Albanian history and culture – visit Kruja Castle, the Skanderbeg Museum and the Old Bazaar.
Local Advice: Visit to Kruja with a hiking in the Gamti Mountains allows you to enjoy the spectacular view of the Bovilla Lake and the surrounding landscapes.
2. Durres
Located just a 30-60 minute trip from Tirana, Durres offers a blend of ancient history and seaside relaxation. Frequent buses run between the two cities, providing an affordable and convenient travel option. Taxis and rental cars offer a quicker journey.
- Distance: 35 km
- Transportation:
- Bus: Frequent departures from the Regional Bus Terminal (North and South). Cost: 150 LEK (approx. €1.30).
- Car: 45 minutes drive.
- Tour: Available through local operators.
- Cost: Bus ticket: 150 LEK; Entrance to museums: Around 200 LEK.
- Unique Experience: Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the seaside restaurants.
Highlights: Visit the Roman Amphitheater, Durres Archaeological Museum, and relax on the beach.
Local Advice: Take a visit to the Ardenica Monastery, the ruins of Apollonia and Durres for rich historical and cultural experiences.
3. Berat
2-2.5 hour journey south from Tirana to reach Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned as the “City of a Thousand Windows”. The most budget-friendly option is the bus, which departs frequently from Tirana’s South and North Terminal and costs around 400-500 Lekë. Taxis, rental cars, and organized tours are also available.
- Distance: 100 km
- Transportation:
- Bus: Frequent departures every 20-30 minutes from 5:40 AM to 5:30 PM from the Regional Bus Terminal (North and South). Cost: 500 LEK (approx. €4.40). Check schedules at Gjirafa Travel.
- Car: 1.5 hours drive.
- Tour: Available through local operators like Tirana Day Trips.
- Cost: Bus ticket: 500 LEK; Entrance fees: Vary, but generally low (e.g., castle entrance around 200 LEK).
- Unique Experience: Enjoy a coffee at a traditional cafe overlooking the “city of a thousand windows.”
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Highlights: Explore the UNESCO-listed Berat Castle, the Onufri Museum, and the historic Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods, known for their Ottoman-era houses.
Local Advice: Indulge in a wine tasting experience at a local vineyard near Berat to learn about Albania’s winemaking tradition.
4. Lake Bovilla
- Distance: 20 km
- Transportation:
- Car: 30 minutes drive.
- Tour: Available through operators like Viator.
- Cost: No entrance fee, but consider transportation costs.
- Unique Experience: Combine a visit with a hike up Gamti Mountain for panoramic views.
Highlights: Hike around the lake, enjoy picnics, and take in the serene natural surroundings.
5. Shkodra
A journey of approximately 1.5-2 hours north of Tirana will bring you to Shkodra, a city steeped in history and culture. Buses are a frequent and affordable option, departing from Tirana’s Regional Bus Terminal and costing around 400 Lekë. Driving, taking a taxi, or joining a tour are also convenient ways to reach Shkodra.
- Distance: 109 km
- Transportation:
- Bus: 28 daily departures from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM from the Regional Bus Terminal (North and South). Cost: 400 LEK (approx. €3.30). Check schedules at Gjirafa Travel.
- Car: 2 hours drive.
- Tour: Available through local operators.
- Cost: Bus ticket: 400 LEK; Entrance fees: Vary.
- Unique Experience: Take a boat ride on Lake Shkoder for breathtaking views of the Albanian Alps.
Highlights: Explore the Rozafa Castle, visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography, and enjoy the lakeside promenade.
Detailed Itineraries
itineraries for each destination to help you plan your day:
Kruja
- Morning: Depart Tirana at 9:00 AM by bus (arrival around 9:56 AM).
- Activities: Visit the Skanderbeg Museum (1 hour), explore the castle, and shop at the bazaar.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a cafe in the old town, like Bar Restaurant Panorama.
- Afternoon: Relax and take in the views of the Adriatic Sea.
- Evening: Return to Tirana by 4:00 PM bus.
- Tip: The bazaar is great for unique souvenirs like embroidered tablecloths or silver jewelry.
Durres
- Morning: Depart Tirana at 9:00 AM by bus (arrival around 9:45 AM).
- Activities: Visit the Roman Amphitheater (1 hour), explore the Archaeological Museum, and relax on the beach.
- Lunch: Enjoy seafood at a beachside restaurant, like Restaurant Guva e Qete.
- Afternoon: Stroll along the seaside promenade.
- Evening: Return to Tirana by 4:00 PM bus.
- Tip: Visit early to avoid summer crowds on the beach.
Berat
- Morning: Depart Tirana at 8:00 AM by bus (arrival around 9:30 AM). Head straight to the Berat Castle.
- Activities: Explore the castle (1-2 hours), visit the Icons Museum, and stroll through the old town.
- Lunch: Eat at a local restaurant in the Mangalem district, such as Restaurant Mangalemi.
- Afternoon: Visit the Red and White Mosques and the Republic Boulevard.
- Evening: Return to Tirana by 5:00 PM bus.
- Tip: Bring cash (Albanian Lek) for bus tickets, as credit cards are rarely accepted.
Lake Bovilla
- Morning: Depart Tirana at 9:00 AM by car (arrival around 9:30 AM).
- Activities: Hike around the lake (2-3 hours), enjoy a picnic, and relax by the water.
- Lunch: Pack a picnic or eat at a nearby cafe, such as Bovilla Restaurant.
- Afternoon: Return to Tirana by 3:00 PM.
- Tip: Check road conditions, as the final stretch to Bovilla is gravel.
Shkoder
- Morning: Depart Tirana at 8:00 AM by bus (arrival around 10:00 AM).
- Activities: Visit Rozafa Castle (1-2 hours), explore the Marubi Museum, and walk along the pedestrian streets.
- Lunch: Dine at a lakeside restaurant, such as Restaurant Rozafa.
- Afternoon: Take a boat ride on Lake Shkoder (optional, check availability locally).
- Evening: Return to Tirana by 5:00 PM bus.
- Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the climb to Rozafa Castle.
Hidden Gems
While the above destinations are popular, there are also lesser-known spots near Tirana worth exploring:
- Cape of Rodon: A beautiful peninsula with a castle and hiking trails, perfect for nature lovers. It’s about 60 km from Tirana and accessible by car or tour. Visit the ruins of Skanderbeg’s castle and enjoy the Adriatic views (Albania Tour Guide).
- Mount Dajti: Accessible by cable car from Tirana, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. The cable car ride takes 15 minutes and costs around 800 LEK round-trip (Aria Travel).
Practical Information
- Best Times to Visit: Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, especially in coastal areas like Durres.
- What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, water, a hat, and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
- Language: Basic Albanian phrases can be helpful, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL), but Euros are accepted in most places. Carry cash for buses and small vendors.
- Transportation Tips:
- Buses are affordable and frequent but may not always stick to exact schedules. Confirm departure times at the Regional Bus Terminal (North and South) near Zogu i Zi Square (Tripadvisor).
- Renting a car offers flexibility but requires caution on Albanian roads. Consider Rent from Locals for rentals.
- Tours are convenient for those who prefer guided experiences. Book through Viator or Tirana Day Trips.
- Sustainability: Support local businesses, avoid littering, and respect cultural sites to promote responsible tourism.
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