Planning a trip to Albania and wondering about the best affordable day trips from Tirana?
Located in the center of the country and well-connected to its peripheral areas as well as neighboring Balkan nations, Tirana is the perfect base for your next Albania trip. Whether you’re a hiker, a cultural enthusiast or a beach-lover, Tirana is the perfect spot to stay over the course of four or five days, providing plenty of day trips that integrate nature, history and culture.
The lively capital has two bus stations connecting it with the northern and southern edges of the country, making it a perfect place for those visiting Albania who don’t want to go on long journeys.
These are three perfect, affordable day trips to do on your next trip to Tirana:
1. Day Trip to Krujë
This gorgeous small town is an important cultural and historical Albanian landmark that houses the famous Krujë Castle and Old Bazaar.
Less than an hour away by bus, a trip to Kruje is like taking a step back in time, with winding cobblestone streets and charming bazaar stands greeting visitors with old-world charm. Inhabited by the ancient Albani Ilyrian tribe, this town is rich in history, known best as the stronghold of Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg.
The fifth-century Krujë Castle sits atop a hill overlooking the valley and is home to the city’s Skanderbeg Museum, which pays tribute to the country’s symbol of Ottoman resistance. The displays inside carefully document Skanderbeg’s various military achievements with a collection of artifacts, documents, weapons and documents from the fifteenth century.
Skanderbeg raised the first Albanian flag over the castle ramparts in 1443 and led a series of successful rebellions against the Ottomans until 1478, when the city surrendered under the pressure of a fourth brutal siege.
Today the town is quiet, with every twist and turn of its alleyways providing glimpses into the past. The Krujë Bazaar is a favorite for tourists looking to buy local and handmade products from Albanian artisans, and offers an immersive experience into Albanian craftsmanship. Walking through its stalls is a pleasant way to pass the afternoon after taking panoramic photos from the castle ramparts and soaking up the country’s rich history at the museum.
Those looking to learn what life was like centuries ago in Albania can head to the Krujë Ethnographic Museum, a well-preserved traditional Ottoman-style house with fully restored rooms showcasing authentic furniture, household items and tools that give insight into the daily life of Albanians in the 18th and 19th centuries.
And, finally, those looking to work up a sweat and enjoy the solitude of nature can head to the sacred cave of Sari Salltik. This important Bektashi religious pilgrimage sight is shrouded in mystical mysteries dating back to 1325 when Sari Salltiku, the Ottoman envoy of Haxhi Bektash Veli, settled in this secluded spot to practice religious rites away from the eyes of the people.
The trail is a challenging 600-meter ascent over 2.5 kilometers from Kruja’s center, offering a captivating and grounding experience in nature devoid of bustling crowds. As hikers ascend, they traverse a relatively well-maintained path, a rarity in this corner of the Balkans.
2. Day Trip to Shëngjin & Lezhë
This quiet beach town an hour and a half north of Tirana is a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy the water without the hustle and bustle of more popular spots like Durrës. The sandy beaches of Shëngjin not only offer a pleasant swimming experience but also cater to various beachside activities.
Unlike the rugged terrain of the south, where rocky beaches can make lounging less comfortable, Shëngjin’s expansive sandy stretches are perfect for sunbathing, playing beach volleyball or building sandcastles. The beach here is lined with umbrellas and loungers, and nearby vendors provide refreshments, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable beach day. The inviting sands and crystal-clear waters make Shëngjin a top choice for those seeking a quintessential beach experience on Albania’s northern coast.
Rana e Hedhun, one of the most captivating destinations in nearby Lezhë, offers a captivating blend of sea and mountain scenery. Its name, meaning “poured” or “thrown sand” in the Gheg dialect of Albanian, perfectly captures the untouched sand dunes and formations along its coastline. Just a short distance from Shëngjin, this beach remains relatively undiscovered by the masses, preserving a rare and pristine Mediterranean landscape. The slope of Mount Rrenc descending into the beach where the dark sand meets the deep blue sea creates a dramatic and awe-inspiring contrast.
Food lovers will enjoy the traditional Albanian cuisine scene in Shëngjin, where fresh seafood is served daily and restaurants offer a variety of local dishes, each one bursting with flavor. Early mornings in Shëngjin are best started with fresh byrek straight out of the oven, as the aroma of macchiatos and croissants from the boardwalk cafes fills the air. As the day progresses, visitors can enjoy hearty servings of fasule (bean stew) and qofte (meatballs), which are staples in Albanian cuisine. Many eateries in Shëngjin bear the names of Kosovo cities like Gjakova and Prizren, reflecting the deep cultural connections between the regions.
History buffs who didn’t get their fill in Krujë can make a quick detour to Lezhë and visit the castle for gorgeous views over the city and sea to watch the sunset from this former Illyrian fortress and Byzantine acropolis. The Skanderbeg Memorial in the city itself is also worth a short visit; this site documents where a former cathedral in which the national hero’s remains were buried used to stand before Ottoman soldiers ransacked it at the end of the fifteenth century.
3. Day Trip to Shkodër
Known as the heart of Northern Albania and the key to the Albanian Alps, Shkodër is worth a day trip on its own. Home to the largest lake in the Balkans and incredible mountains just outside the city, Shkodër is also an artistic and cultural capital whose bustling cafe-strewn boulevards make for a pleasant evening out.
Approximately ninety minutes north of Tirana, Shkodër’s skyline is dominated by its Rozafa Castle, a sprawling mountaintop complex with Illyrian roots that offers breathtaking views of Lake Shkodër and the Buna River below. This castle is home to one of Albania’s most famous myths – that of Rozafa, an Albanian woman who agreed to be entombed in the castle walls, providing the glue they needed to stay standing, on condition she be permitted to continue breastfeeding her nursing child.
Lake Shkodër itself offers various water activities like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding that can take up an entire day themselves. Late spring to early autumn see the lake explode in a kaleidoscope of colors as water lilies bloom, dotting the lake surface with pretty white and yellow flowers. Historic church ruins and waterside cafes line the Buna River, making a day spent traversing the natural waterway a deep dive into both nature and archaeology (we recommend Drini Times for your kayak/SUP rentals).
Those curious to learn more about Albania’s recent history can visit the Marubi National Museum of Photography, which showcases Albania’s oldest photographic collection. This curation of photos documenting life in the late nineteenth century was established by Italian painter and photographer Pietro Marubbi and offers visitors an intimate look into what life was like nearly one-hundred and fifty years ago in this region of Albania.
The museum is located right along the Kol Idromeno pedestrian street, a bustling and lively boulevard full of cafes, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants worth checking out. Those looking to stay active can rent a bike for a few euros, emulating the local way of getting around, and head to Shirokë, a charming village right outside the village which offers placid views of the lake and a flat road running parallel to its shores, along with excellent seafood eateries right along the water.
Albania is a country full of fascinating sites that offer delicious food, gorgeous beaches and rich history. If you’re looking for an organized day trip, check out Albanian Night’s organized day trip offerings, which run in the spring and summer seasons.
