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The Best Montenegro And Albania Itinerary: 3 Weeks Balkans Road Trip!

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Looking for the best Montenegro and Albania itinerary? You’re in the right place!

Montenegro and Albania were my favourite countries to explore while backpacking around the Balkans. These hidden gems offer stunning landscapes, rich history and culture, delicious food and warm hospitality.

Both countries are still untouched by mass tourism but won’t remain that way for long (Albania in particular blew up on social media last summer!) so now is the perfect time to visit.

To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together a suggested itinerary that will take you through the highlights of these beautiful countries as well as visit a few hidden gems.

Hi, I’m JJ!

I’m a travel blogger with a passion for unique travel destinations, discovering hidden gems, and adventurous solo travel.

I’ve spent a lot of time in the Balkans and love this part of the world. I spent a month hitchhiking around Albania and I fell in love with this amazing country that has so much to offer. Now it’s one of my favourite places in the whole world!

I hope you enjoy my free guides and travel tips! If so, please consider supporting my work 💕

Table of Contents

Why Visit Montenegro and Albania?

Montenegro and Albania are both considered to be off-the-beaten-path destinations in Europe, making them perfect for adventurous travellers looking to escape the crowds and find some unique travel experiences .

You’ll find a unique blend of traditional Balkan charm mixed with modern influences in these countries. Plus, both countries are budget-friendly and offer a diverse range of activities for all types of travellers.

I spent a whole summer travelling around the Balkans but spent the most time in Albania and Montenegro. I fell in love with these countries and the people, and I hope you will too!

Montenegro And Albania Itinerary Overview

This 3-week Balkans road trip itinerary will take you through some of the best places to visit in Montenegro and Albania. Of course, you can always adjust it to fit your travel style and preferences.

The itinerary starts in Podgorica, Montenegro and ends in Saranda, Albania. You can choose to rent a car and drive the route or take public transport.

I used a combination of public transport and hitchhiking to get around, and I found it to be an affordable and efficient way of travelling.

Here is an overview of the 3 week Montenegro and Albania itinerary:

Day 1 -3: Montenegro: Kotor

Day 3: Kotor

Day 4: Stari Bar

Day 5 -7: Ulcinj

Day 8 – 10: Albania: Shkoder, Theth & Valbona

Day 11 – 12: Tirana

Day 13 – 14: Berat

Day 14 – 15: Himare

Day 16: Gjipe Beach

Day 17: Saranda

Day 18: Butrint & Ksamil

Day 19: Gjirokaster & The Blue Eye

Day 20: Saranda

Day 21: End of Trip

Montenegro And Albania Itinerary: 3 Weeks Balkans Road Trip

Day 1: podgorica – kotor.

Your Balkans adventure begins in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro .

There isn’t a lot to see in Podgorica so after arriving at the airport or bus station, you can head straight to Kotor – a fortified city and UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Kotor is situated on the edge of the secluded Bay of Kotor. The bay is often referred to as the southernmost fjord in Europe , but it is actually a submerged river canyon.

The drive from Podgorica to Kotor takes about 1.5 hours, and it’s a scenic journey through the mountains with stunning views of the bay. 

Once you get settled into your accommodation, spend the rest of your afternoon taking a stroll around the old town to admire its Venetian architecture and medieval charm.

Impressive medieval walls surround the old town and there are plenty of picturesque alleys and squares to wander while soaking up the atmosphere. Don’t miss St. Tryphon Cathedral , a beautiful Romanesque church with a stunning interior and fascinating history.

I enjoyed getting lost in the narrow alleyways of the old town and discovering hidden gems such as the Cats Museum , where they celebrate the city’s feline residents. Beware though – the museum has some very surreal exhibits!

In the evening grab dinner at one of the many outdoor restaurants in the old town.

There is often live music playing and people congregate in the square to drink wine and socialize. It’s a great place for people-watching and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Where To Stay In Kotor:

Budget: Stay at Old Town Hostel for social vibes and a pool

Mid-range: Hotel Forza Mare is a reasonably priced 5-star boutique hotel in a great location

Luxury: Hotel Forza Terra has a private beach and the best views in Kotor

Day 2: Kotor

Spend your second day exploring the bay of Kotor on a speedboat tour . This popular tour is a must-do in Kotor and was one of the highlights of my time in Montenegro.

The speedboat will take you past the picturesque town of Perast, where you can see ancient churches nestled into the hillside. You will also stop at the famous Our Lady of The Rocks island, a man-made islet with a beautiful church and a small museum.

The decor inside the church is absolutely stunning and the island is a great place to take some amazing photos.

The speedboat will then take you to a hidden submarine bunker carved into the cliffs. The bunker was formerly used by the Yugoslav Navy to conceal submarines during the Cold War. If you are a fan of abandoned places or Cold War history, this is a must-visit spot.

Next, you will head to the Blue Cave , where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters and explore the stunning cave formations. Be aware that the water in the cave can get very choppy if there are several boats nearby, so be prepared for some waves.

I found it difficult to swim against the current to get back to our boat, so if you aren’t a strong swimmer then you may want to stay close to the entrance of the cave.

In the afternoon, take some time to relax on one of Kotor’s many beaches. The beaches in Kotor are small and rocky but the views of the bay are stunning.

You can rent a sunbed and umbrella or simply lay your towel on the rocks.

Wrapping up an unforgettable day in Kotor, make sure to save some energy for a visit to the historic Kotor Fortress .

This climb might be a bit challenging, especially after a day filled with adventure, but trust me, it’s absolutely worth it! Watching the sunset from the fortress is the best thing to do in Kotor .

The path up to the fortress is well-marked and offers several spots to rest and take in the breathtaking views of the bay below. Once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with the most stunning panorama of Kotor and its surroundings, especially as the sun begins to set.

The golden hour here casts a magical glow over the landscape, making it a perfect photo opportunity and a serene moment to reflect on the day’s experiences.

It’s a beautiful way to end the day, watching the sun dip below the horizon, and painting the sky in shades of pink and orange.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: Wear sneakers or boots for the hike up to the fortress. I made the mistake of wearing sandals and definitely had regrets! 

Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks and Mamula Boat Tour

✅ Swim in the famous Blue Cave

✅ Visit Our Lady of the Rocks

✅Fun speedboat ride

Day 3: Kotor – Stari Bar

To continue exploring Montenegro, hop on a bus or into your hire car and head to Stari Bar, one of the oldest towns in the country.

The journey from Kotor to Stari Bar takes about 2 hours. If you are travelling by public transport you will need to take a bus from Kotor to Bar and then a short taxi ride to Stari Bar.

Stari Bar is filled with ancient ruins and offers a glimpse into Montenegro’s rich history. It’s a bit of a hidden gem compared to the more popular town of Bar, but its peaceful atmosphere and stunning landscape make it a must-visit and a perfect place to take a slower pace and relax a little.

Start your day with a stroll through the Old Town, admiring the well-preserved stone buildings and ancient walls that surround the area. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping or spend your afternoon partaking in Montenegro’s cafe culture.

You can also visit the oldest tree in Europe , known as the “old olive tree of Mirovica”. This 2000-year-old tree is still producing olives!

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hike up to the top of Stari Bar Fortress for even more impressive views of the town and surrounding mountains. I recommend watching the sunset from up here for a truly magical experience.

Afterwards, grab dinner at one of the restaurants in the old town and try some delicious traditional Montenegrin cuisine.

I also recommend you try some of the local speciality alcohol. I really enjoyed the local plum beer and blackberry wine.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats! I saw loads of them here 🐐💕

Where to stay in Stari Bar:

Budget: Iguana House is a cute little one-bed apartment in the Old Town

Mid-range: Old Town Guest House has a terrace and city view

Luxury: Villa Ella is a gorgeous villa with a pool that sleeps up to 6 people

Day 4: Stari Bar – Ulcinj

After a relaxing morning in Stari Bar, it’s time to head to the southernmost town of Ulcinj . You can take a bus from Bar or it’s an approximately 30-minute drive.

Ulcinj is a popular holiday destination for folks from the neighbouring countries of Albania and Serbia but is largely unknown to tourists from outside of the Balkans. I loved my time in Ulcinj and quickly fell in love with this fun little resort town.

Spend your afternoon exploring the old town at a leisurely pace.

The old town is perched on a hill above the main town and offers panoramic views of the beaches, town and harbour and out across the ocean. 

It has been designated a Unesco World Heritage site due to the architecture being created throughout several different time periods, dating all the way back to the 5th century BC. 

There are several cute restaurants and bars tucked away in the narrow streets and cobbled alleyways, which make for a wonderful spot to enjoy a glass of wine with some fantastic views.

Next head to the castle for epic views across the Adriatic. There’s not too much information or activities within the castle walls, but it’s worth visiting for the picturesque views alone.

Grab dinner at Restaurant Antigona . This restaurant is located up on the hill in the old town and has the most perfect views in Ulcinj. The terrace is large so there is plenty of space for you to get a table outside.

The food here was great and I was impressed that they had vegan and gluten-free options on the menu, which are not always easy to find in the Balkans!

Where to stay in Ulcinj:

Budget: I stayed at  Hostel Pirate  and had an amazing time.

Mid-range: Spa Hotel Monefila has two swimming pools and is in a great location

Luxury: Perla Luxury Hotel is a gorgeous hotel with a private beach

Day 6: Ulcinj 

Today I recommend taking a boat trip to visit some of the secret coves and beaches only accessible by boat. Several companies in town offer different tours and trips, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests and budget.

I went on the boat trip organised by Hostel Pirate . The trip took us to a few different stops including some stops for cliff jumping. I jumped off a 10-metre cliff into the crystal clear water and it was such an adrenaline rush!

We also stopped at a small beach, only accessible by boat, where we had lunch and some free time to explore and swim. It was so peaceful and beautiful, I could have stayed there all day.

The boat trip is a great way to see more of Ulcinj’s stunning coastline while also having some fun and adventure along the way. 

In the evening grab a seat on the upper terrace of one of the restaurants that line the main strip in front of Small Beach and enjoy watching the bustling street below. Everyone comes out on an evening to walk along the strip. There are bars, street performers, souvenirs, and an electric atmosphere.

It’s a great spot to people-watch, see the locals in action and get a feel for the vibrant culture of Ulcinj. Plus, the food at these restaurants is pretty delicious too!

Once you have had your fill of people-watching, head to one of the clubs towards the harbour to experience some crazy Balkan nightlife!

My favourite club is Big Ben Open Bar . It’s a little pricey (by Montenegrin standards) but the music is good and the vibes are immaculate.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: Watch out for sea urchins!  I saw hundreds of them around the rocks. Make sure to wear water shoes or be extra careful when swimming near rocks. Trust me, stepping on a sea urchin is not the best way to end your day.

Ulcinj Beaches Boat Tour

✅ See secret beaches

✅ Catch sunsets

Day 7: Ulcinj – Shkoder

Spend your last morning in Ulcinj soaking up the sun at one of Ulcinj’s beaches. There are several nice beach clubs to choose from, such as Tropicana Beach or Paradise Beach Club . Both offer loungers, umbrellas, and refreshments for a small fee.

There are also several nude beaches in Ulcinj, perfect for getting an all-over tan! Ladies Beach is a lovely women-only nude beach, I spent an afternoon here and really enjoyed it.

If you are on a budget you can find a spot at Small Beach, the free public beach in Ulcinj. Honestly, it’s not the nicest beach and gets super crowded, but it is free.

After getting your fill of sun, it’s time to head to the next destination – Shkoder, Albania ! The drive should take around 2 hours but could be longer depending on the border crossing. You can also take a bus from Ulcinj to Shkoder.

Once you arrive in Shkoder, check into your accommodations and head out to explore this charming city. Shkoder is a charming mix of old and new, with Ottoman and Venetian influences evident throughout the city.

Take a stroll through the pedestrian-only streets and visit some of the main sights such as Ebu Bekr Mosque and The Site of Witness and Memory Museum – which will give you an excellent introduction to Albania’s recent history under a communist dictatorship.

Where to stay in Shkoder:

Budget: Shkodra Backpackers Hostel is great for animal lovers as the hostel is home to several dogs, cats and tortoises!

Mid-range: Hotel Legjenda  is the best place to stay in Shkoder. The pool is lovely and there is such a nice relaxed atmosphere here. It’s a great place to stay for all budgets as it has a range of accommodation options from dorm rooms to deluxe chalets.

Luxury : Hotel Tradita  is a traditionally decorated boutique hotel with large rooms.

Day 8: Shkoder

Start your day with a relaxing morning at Lake Shkodra , a beautiful lake located on the outskirts of Shkoder. It’s a pleasant 45 – 60 minute walk from the town centre or you could rent bikes and cycle as Shkoder is a very bike-friendly town.

The lake (also known as Shkoder Lake, Skadar Lake or Lake Skadar) has an area of almost 320 square kilometres and is the largest lake in Albania. It is fed by the Drin River and three other tributaries and is a popular destination for anglers, campers, and birdwatchers.

I spent a day at the lake for my friend’s birthday and we had an amazing time! We enjoyed a picnic lunch while taking in views of the mountains from across the water’s edge. It was a really relaxing day and there was no one else around so we basically had the beach to ourselves!

There are a few small rocky beaches with beach bars and waterside restaurants which are perfect for relaxing in the sun or renting paddleboards to explore more of this stunning waterway.

In the afternoon head back to Shkoder to explore the famous Rozafa castle. This ancient fortress is located just outside the city and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, lake and cityscape. In my opinion, it is the best thing to do in Shkoder .

There is no signage or tourist info available at the castle itself so it’s best to google its history before you visit so that you have some idea of what you’re looking at.

The legend behind the castle is a bit grim (it was supposedly named after a woman who was entombed in the walls as a sacrifice!) but it is very interesting nonetheless.

The best thing about the castle is the view and the friendly goats that live up there!

After learning about Shkoder’s history and admiring the views from the castle, head back into town for a delicious traditional Albanian dinner at one of the many restaurants.

Don’t forget to try some local specialities such as Fergese (a cheesy baked dish) and Tave Kosi (a traditional lamb and yoghurt casserole).

As a vegan, my favourite Albanian dishes were Speca te Mbushur me Oriz (stuffed bell peppers, filled with rice and tomatoes) and Petulla (fried dough balls).

After dinner, take a stroll through Shkoder’s bustling pedestrian street, Rruga Kol Idromeno, to soak in the lively atmosphere of this charming city.

You can also visit some local bars for a taste of Albanian nightlife before heading back to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: If you want a quirky souvenir of your time in Shkoder then head to Keq Marku Tattoo Studio ! This unique tattoo parlour is located inside an abandoned bunker and the artist, Peter, has become somewhat of a celebrity in the area. There are no prices here, if Peter likes you then your tattoo is free, but if he doesn’t like you it’s expensive!

SUP & Kayak Rental In Shkoder

✅ SUP & Kayak rental

✅ Life jackets included

✅ Incredible views

Day 9: Shkoder – Theth – Valbona

Today you’ll need to get an early start as you’ll be completing the famous Theth to Valbona hike!

This is a popular day hike through the Albanian Alps , taking you from Theth to Valbona, through the Valbona pass. It’s one of the most rewarding hikes in the region, with stunning views of snow-capped mountains and deep valleys.

The journey from Shkoder to Theth takes about 2.5 hours and you can either arrange transportation with your hotel or take a minibus that leaves from the city centre.

The hike itself is around 17km long and will take approximately 6-7 hours depending on your pace. But trust me, the views along the way are well worth it!

The hike took me around 7 hours to complete, including lots of time spent stopping to take photos and it was one of the best things I did during my time in the Balkans.

Once you reach Valbona , you can relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain village surrounded by stunning landscapes.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: Leave your luggage (and rental car if you have one) in Shkoder and just pack a lightweight bag with overnight essentials for the hike. You can return to Shkoder to pick up your luggage on the way to Tirana. I like to use the Radical Storage app to find luggage storage options, or you can ask at your hotel.

Where to stay in Valbona:

The best place to stay in Valbona is in a traditional guesthouse. Here are some good options:

Butjina Majag – This guesthouse has incredible views and the owners are so sweet and helpful

Guesthouse Bujtina Valbonë – Big clean and comfortable rooms

Hotel Margjeka Valbone – I didn’t stay here but I did pop in for dinner at their restaurant. The food was really good and the hotel looked nice and cosy too.

Day 10: Valbona – Komani – Tirana

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your guesthouse, before catching a taxi or hitchhiking to Fierze (only a 20-minute drive away from Valbona). Here you can board the Lake Komani ferry – known as one of the most beautiful boat rides in Europe.

The ferry takes around 3 hours and passes through breathtaking gorges and mountains. It’s one of the most spectacular landscapes I have ever seen. I really believe that it should be on everybody’s bucket list!

Once you arrive in Komani, you can take a bus back to Shkoder to pick up your luggage before heading to Tirana. The journey from Shkoder to Tirana takes around 2 hours by bus or car.

I recommend that you check into your accommodation in Tirana and simply relax for a while after your long travel day. 

If you have time and energy, you can explore the city by taking a walk around the main Skanderbeg Square . This is where you’ll find most of the landmarks and monuments, such as the National History Museum, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Clock Tower.

As the sun sets head to the newly renovated Tirana Pyramid , which is now a multifunctional cultural center.

The pyramid used to be abandoned and covered in graffiti, but it has now been transformed into a modern and vibrant space where locals gather to hang out. You can climb up the pyramid for a great view of the city at sunset.

If you’re feeling hungry, head to Blloku – a trendy neighbourhood with lots of restaurants and bars. Make sure to also try the local drink rakia – a strong fruit brandy that is popular in Albania.

Where to stay in Tirana:

Budget: Homestel Albania is an awesome hostel with a great breakfast and a gorgeous rooftop terrace

Mid-range: Hotel Deluxe is great value for money – some rooms have saunas!

Luxury: La Suite Boutique Hotel is a beautifully styled boutique hotel

Day 11: Tirana

Start your day in Tirana with a free walking tour , a perfect way to acquaint yourself with the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. These tours are typically led by enthusiastic local guides who are eager to share their love and knowledge of the city.

I recommend taking the 9 am tour so that you have enough time to make the most of your day in Tirana. The tours usually last a couple of hours and operate on a tip-based system, so it’s accessible to everyone, regardless of budget.

Next head to BunkArt2 , a museum housed in an underground bunker that was formerly used as a nuclear shelter during the communist era.

It has since been transformed into a museum which displays artefacts from Albania’s past, giving visitors an insight into the country’s turbulent history. I really enjoyed BunkArt and rate it as one of the best things to do in Tirana.

Once you have reemerged above ground, head to Mt Dajti National Park for some fresh air and stunning views of the city. There is a cable car that takes you up to the top, where you can go hiking or simply enjoy the views.

End your day with dinner at the Sky Club , a panoramic rooftop bar with great views of the city. And if you still have some energy left after your meal, you can take a stroll through the bustling streets of Tirana and experience the lively nightlife.

You’ll find plenty of clubs, bars, and live music venues to choose from. Be sure to stop by The Cloud and get some fun Instagram shots too!

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: If you want to get your adrenaline pumping you can try tandem paragliding while at Mt Dajti National Park. It offers a unique way to experience the beautiful Albanian scenery.

Free 3 Day Tirana Itinerary

Day 12: tirana – berat.

Spend a relaxing morning in Tirana enjoying the city’s laid-back cafe culture. 

Try some traditional Albanian coffee and pastries at Komiteti Kafe-Muzeum , a unique cafe decorated to look like an Albanian home from the communist era. It’s a fun spot and the coffee here is great!

Before leaving Tirana, stop by the House of Leaves , also known as The Museum of Secret Surveillance. It’s a museum that tells the story of Albania’s communist past and showcases all the ways the dictatorship surveyed and controlled its citizens. It’s an interesting and eye-opening experience.

In the afternoon, head to Berat. To get there, you can either drive or take a bus from Tirana. The journey takes around 2 hours and offers some stunning views of the Albanian countryside.

Once in Berat, check into your accommodation and head out to explore the city’s charming old town. Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

You can take a stroll through the narrow streets of Mangalem, one of Berat’s oldest neighbourhoods with traditional Ottoman houses and craft shops.

For dinner, head to the area around the old town where you’ll find plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Where to stay in Berat:

Budget: I stayed at Berat Backpackers Hostel and loved the chilled-out vibes – especially the beautiful gardens!

Mid-range: Amalia Hotel is a beautiful hotel in a traditional style

Luxury: Hotel Colombo is in a great location and has an amazing spa and wellness centre on-site.

Day 13: Berat

Today I recommend taking a day trip from Berat to Osum Canyon and Bogove waterfall. The easiest way to get there is on a guided tour .

I recommend this tour as it takes you to some amazing viewpoints at the top of the canyon, as well as the stunning waterfalls. The tour also includes a traditional Albanian picnic lunch with local specialities.

You’ll get to hike through Bogove National Park, where you will have the chance to swim in the crystal waters of the stunning Bogove waterfall. The water is super cold but if you’re visiting in summer as I did, then it’s really refreshing!

If you want a more fast-paced adventure then you can also opt for a river rafting tour !

The day I spent river rafting in Albania is one of my best memories from my trip. I highly recommend that you try it even if you have never been rafting before. This was my first time and I loved every second of it!

After a day of exploring and adventure, head back to Berat for dinner and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the city.

Osum Canyon and Bogove Waterfall Tour

✅ Transport and driver

✅ Swim in a natural pool

✅ Picnic lunch

Day 14: Berat – Himare

Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Berat Castle , a fortress standing proudly atop a hill overlooking the city.

This historical gem dates back to the 4th century BC and offers not just a fascinating peek into the past, but also some of the most breathtaking views of Berat and the surrounding landscapes.

The site is still home to a few residents and hosts several churches. The people who live there are super friendly.

I met the sweetest lady who excitedly called her granddaughter over to translate so that she could offer me tea in her home. I was also given a bag of plums by a friendly old man.

After your morning at the castle, grab a quick lunch in the old town then begin your journey to Himare. 

The drive takes around 3 hours and will take you along the Albanian Riviera, known for its stunning beaches and coastal scenery. You can stop at some of the Riviera beaches along the way. I recommend Jala and Dhermi Beach, in particular. 

Getting there by public transport will be a bit trickier, you can make your way to Vlore and then catch a bus from there. or head back to Tirana and transfer to a bus heading for Saranda . I would allow at least 5 hours for the journey.

I chose to hitchhike this route and had a lot of fun meeting friendly locals who insisted on stopping to show us their favourite beaches and viewpoints along the way. 

I know hitchhiking isn’t for everyone but if you’re up for an adventure it’s a great way to meet some amazing people and see some hidden gems. Hitchhiking was my favourite way to get around in Albania.

Once you arrive in Himare , check into your accommodation and head out to explore the town. This small coastal village has a laid-back vibe and is perfect for soaking up some sun and relaxing by the sea.

You can spend your evening strolling along the promenade, trying out some of the local food, or even taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: Don’t forget to bring your camera to the castle! The panoramic views are something you’ll want to capture and remember. Also, the pathways can be a bit uneven and slippery, so wear comfortable shoes.

Where to stay in Himare:

I wrote a guide to the best hotels in Himare , so feel free to check that out. Here are a few of my favourites:

Budget: Dhima Hotel is a nice little budget hotel with great views and a chill beach bar

Mid-range: Rea Boutique Hotel is my favourite hotel in Himare – I’m obsessed with the views from the bathtub!

Luxury: Prado Luxury Hotel – With a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center, and a shared lounge, this 5-star hotel has everything you need for a luxurious and comfortable stay

Day 15: Himare

Today is a beach day!

Himare might not be on most people’s radar, but for backpackers who have made their way to this part of the world,  it’s a must-visit destination.

I spent a few days in Himare and I honestly regret not staying longer. It’s a great base for exploring the nearby beaches of the Albanian Riviera and also has a really fun nightlife and small resort town kind of vibe. The sunsets in Himare were absolutely incredible too.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Himare . You can spend your day exploring the town, lounging on the beach, or hiking to some of the secluded coves nearby.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the stunning coastline from a different perspective. Or if you prefer a more relaxed activity, then simply grab a spot on the beach and soak up the sun.

The top beaches in Himare are all conveniently located within walking distance of each other. This allows you to easily visit and explore each of them.

The beaches in Himare are really nice. The turquoise water is some of the clearest I’ve ever seen. I remember swimming out really far to where the water was very deep and I could still see all the way to the bottom!

In the evening, head to the main promenade where you’ll find a variety of restaurants and bars offering delicious Mediterranean-style dishes and refreshing cocktails. Don’t forget to catch one of the stunning sunsets while enjoying your dinner.

After dinner, you can continue the night at one of the lively beach bars or clubs in town. The atmosphere is always buzzing with locals and tourists alike, making it a perfect place to meet new people and make some unforgettable memories.

ebook: Albanian Riviera Guidebook

✅ Detailed 7 day itinerary

✅ Hidden gems!

✅ Printable ebook

Today you’ll be visiting another gorgeous beach in the area, Gjipe Beach . This secluded beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and can only be accessed by boat or via a short hike through the surrounding canyon.

Even though it is a well-known beach in Albania , it remains crowd-free due to its remote location. This adds to the charm and authenticity of the beach, as you won’t find any loud music or crowds of tourists here.

I recommend taking a furgon that is heading from Himare to Saranda and asking the driver to let you off at the top of Gjipe Canyon.

You will need to hike down to the beach from the main road at the top of the cliffs. The hike itself is an adventure, with stunning views and occasional glimpses of the shimmering water below.

For me, this was an incredible experience, as the hike was beautiful and the views from the top of the canyon were stunning. I did some great hikes in Albania and this was one of my favourites. 

Once you reach the beach, you’ll be rewarded with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try renting a paddle board or kayak and paddling to some of the nearby sea caves. Or simply relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this hidden gem.

After spending a few hours at Gjipe Beach, make your way back to Himare for another delicious dinner and drinks by the beach.

If you still have some energy left you can climb up to Himare castle to watch the sunset and take in the beautiful views of the Albanian Riviera.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: You can find a detailed guide on how to get to Glipe Beach here .

Day 17: Himare – Saranda

Spend your last morning in Himare enjoying a leisurely breakfast, getting some pool time at your hotel and taking in the picturesque views before heading on to your next destination – Saranda.

It’s a short and scenic 1-hour drive along the Albanian coastline to get to Saranda or you can catch one of the furgons that leave several times a day.

Saranda (also known as Sarandë) is the biggest town on the Albanian Riviera. Many travellers come here to explore the nearby beaches and Roman ruins or to take a day trip to Corfu island .

Saranda is polarizing. I enjoyed my time in Saranda but I met other backpackers there who couldn’t wait to leave.

At its core Saranda is a resort town. It’s a very popular holiday destination for Albanians and other holidaymakers from the neighbouring Balkan countries. It can get crowded, noisy, a little dirty, and suffer from all those other negative aspects that you can expect from any popular holiday destination.

Despite those negativities, there are a lot of good reasons to visit Saranda.

Some of the best luxury hotels on the Albanian Riviera can be found in Saranda. There are a ton of nice beaches to relax on, the nightlife is fantastic and best of all, it is a great place to base yourself to explore some of Albania’s top sites.

Start your visit by wandering around the promenade and marina, taking in the sights of the Ionian Sea and the colourful buildings that line the shore.

You can stop by the ruins of a 5th-century synagogue in the centre of Sarandë. There is not too much to see here but there are some interesting mosaics and it’s worth a quick look whilst you are in town.

In the evening you can dance the night away in one of Saranda’s fun nightclubs. My favourite is Mango Beach Club .

Where to stay in Saranda:

Budget: I loved staying at Saranda Backpackers Hostel – It was great for socialising and meeting other solo travellers

Mid-range: Hilltop Heaven Hotel has big comfy beds and gorgeous sea views

Luxury: Hotel Butrinti is a lovely beachside hotel with a great pool and spa

Today you can explore two of  Albania’s top sites – Butrint and Ksamil.

Start your day by heading to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to an ancient city that has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

Take your time to explore the site and see the impressive Roman ruins, including the theatre, temple and forum.

You’ll experience some incredibly well-preserved Roman ruins but with only a fraction of the crowds that you would expect at similar ruins in nearby Italy or Greece.

To get to Butrint, you can take a local bus (furgon) or taxi from Saranda. You can then take another furgon to Ksamil.

The furgons are infrequent so you may find yourself waiting around for a while at Butrint. If you would prefer a more convenient option, you can also go on a guided tour to Butrint and Ksamil from Saranda .

Afterwards, head to the nearby seaside village of Ksamil for a relaxing afternoon on its beautiful beaches. It is the most popular and well-known beach on the Albanian Riviera.

Ksamil is popular for its many beach clubs and beach bars which will provide you with everything you need for the perfect beach day. It’s also one of the best places to go snorkelling or paddleboarding as the waters are so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom.

I recommend staying in Ksamil for dinner and sunset and then hitchhiking or taking a taxi back to Saranda.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: Due to its popularity Ksamil does get extremely busy during the summer months and the prices here are higher than elsewhere on the Riviera. If you are on a budget bring a packed lunch with you and walk to the end of the beach, past all the beach clubs, where you can find a small section of free public beach.

Butrint And The Beaches Of Ksamil Tour

✅ Air-conditioned transport

✅ Tour guide

✅ Entrance fees

Day 19: Gjirokaster & The Blue Eye Spring

Next up is Gjirokaster, a city that has been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site with its beautiful Ottoman-era architecture.

To get there, you can take a bus from Saranda or for a fun adventure you can rent a moped for the day. My friends and I did this and had a blast!

Of course, if you don’t fancy driving a moped, you can also take a private tour of Gjirokaster and the Blue Eye from Saranda with a tour guide.

Once you reach Gjirokaster head to the castle at the top of the hill, take in the views and appreciate the remarkably well-preserved 12th-century fortress. Be sure to check out the old Cold War era American ‘spy plane’, displayed within the grounds.

There’s also an Ottoman bridge located behind the castle, which you can hike to. Use the maps.me app to find the viewpoint (search for Ali Pasha’s bridge).

In the afternoon head to The Blue Eye Spring – a clear water spring with a more than 50-metre-deep pool. The water is an intense blue and turquoise colour and looks unreal! 

Divers have attempted to dive to the bottom of the Blue Eye to calculate its depth but it’s still unclear how deep It really goes.

There are signs around that ban swimming but that doesn’t seem to deter people from jumping in. Just let me warn you… If you fancy a swim, the water is extremely cold! 

💁🏻‍♀️JJ’s Top Tip: Getting to the blue eye can be a bit of a pain if you don’t have your own vehicle. So I highly recommend booking a tour to visit The Blue Eye on a day trip from Sarandë.

Private Gjirokaster & Blue Eye Tour

✅ Private tour

✅ Hotel pickup/drop off

✅ Tour guide & driver

For your last day in Saranda, I recommend taking it easy and enjoying the beautiful beaches. Saranda has several picturesque beaches to choose from, each with its own unique charm.

For a more laid-back vibe, head to Mirror Beach or Santa Quaranta Beach, where you can relax in peace and quiet. If you prefer a livelier atmosphere, check out Mango Beach with its resident DJs and fun party vibes.

If you don’t fancy a beach day and would rather do something a little more adventurous then you can head out on an open-top jeep safari which will take you to some of the best spots along the coast.

You can also take a boat trip from Saranda Harbour . Hop on a cool sailing catamaran and kick off a fun boat tour along the coast. Dive into crystal clear waters, jam out to some tunes, and maybe even enjoy a BBQ if you’re up for it.

For your last evening in Albania, make sure to catch an unforgettable sunset at the Lekursi Castle. This ancient castle sits atop a hill and offers stunning panoramic views of Saranda and the coast. You can grab some drinks and snacks at the castle’s bar and enjoy a magical evening watching the sun go down.

Saranda Jeep Safari

✅ Open top Jeep

✅ See the best beaches in Saranda

✅ Hotel pickup

Day 21: Where To Go Next?

Today is the end of your adventure through Montenegro and Albania.

If you are flying home you will need to make your way back to Tirana to get to the airport. It’s a long journey, so make sure to plan accordingly and leave early enough to catch your flight. I recommend booking a private transfer to ensure a hassle-free journey.

If you have some extra time before heading home, why not consider extending your trip and visiting another nearby country?

Greece is just a short ferry ride away from Saranda , and its beautiful islands like Corfu or Zakynthos are definitely worth exploring.

You could also head north to Kosovo , another stunning Balkan country with a rich history and vibrant culture, or head East to the stunning shores of Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia.

Italy is another option. You can take an overnight ferry from the Albanian port of Durres to Bari or Brindisi, and spend a few days exploring the charming cities of southern Italy.

Whatever you decide, I hope this trip has sparked your interest in the lesser-known gems of Europe.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through Montenegro and Albania! I hope you’ve fallen in love with these beautiful countries too and will make some unforgettable memories.

💕 If you use this itinerary or follow any of my recommendations, feel free to send me a DM or tag me on Instagram ! I love to follow along on your adventures!

Montenegro And Albania Itinerary Map 

📍 Click here to view this itinerary route in Google Maps.

Renting A Car And Driving In The Balkans

If you’re planning to rent a car and drive for this itinerary, here are some important things to know:

• Most rental companies will require an International Driving Permit.
• You’ll need to purchase a vignette (road tax) when entering Albania. These can be purchased at gas stations near border crossings.
• Some roads in the mountains may be difficult to navigate, so make sure you are comfortable driving on winding roads before embarking on this journey.
• Be aware of local traffic laws and parking regulations, as they can differ from country to country.
• Make sure your rental car has insurance that covers all countries you plan to visit.
• You will need to inform the rental company in advance that you will be picking the car up in Montenegro and dropping it off in Albania so that they can ensure you have all the necessary documentation for border crossings. There will usually be an additional fee for this.

FAQs: Montenegro And Albania Itinerary

Which is better montenegro or albania.

Both countries offer unique experiences, so it’s hard to say which is better. Montenegro has stunning beaches and mountains, while Albania has a rich history and cultural heritage. It’s best to visit both and decide for yourself!

How many days do I need in Montenegro?

You can spend anywhere from 3-10 days in Montenegro, depending on your travel style and itinerary. In this itinerary, I’ve included 7 days in Montenegro, but you can adjust it to fit your needs.

How many days do I need for Albania?

Similar to Montenegro, you can spend anywhere from 3-30 days in Albania. I spent a month in Albania and still didn’t see everything! This itinerary includes two weeks in Albania and covers all the top tourist sites, but feel free to adjust it to your preferences.

Is English widely spoken in Montenegro and Albania?

English is not widely spoken in these countries, especially when venturing outside of major cities. It’s always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in the local language or have a translation app handy.

Can I use Euros in Montenegro and Albania?

In Montenegro, the official currency is the Euro, but they also accept the local currency, the Montenegrin Dinar. In Albania, the official currency is the Albanian Lek. It’s best to have both currencies on hand when travelling in these countries.

How To Get From Montenegro To Albania?

If you are taking a Montenegro road trip, the easiest way to reach Albania is to drive or take a bus from Ulcinj to Shkoder. The journey takes around 1.5 hours and the border crossing is straightforward.

Can I rent a car in Montenegro and leave it in Albania?

Yes, several car rental companies allow you to rent a car in Montenegro and drop it off in Albania. Just make sure to check with the company beforehand and plan for any additional fees or paperwork.

What is the best time of year to visit Montenegro and Albania?

The peak tourist season in these countries is during the summer months (June-August). However, the shoulder season (May and September) can also be a great time to visit as the weather is still warm and there are fewer tourists. Avoid visiting during winter as many tourist sites may be closed.

Are Montenegro and Albania safe for tourists from the United States?

Yes, Montenegro and Albania are safe for tourists from the USA. Both countries are generally safe for tourists, but it’s always important to take basic safety precautions such as avoiding isolated areas and being aware of your surroundings. Overall, as long as you use common sense and follow local laws and customs, you should have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Are Montenegro and Albania safe for solo female travellers?

Both countries are generally safe for solo female travellers, but as with any destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions. I felt super safe in both countries and didn’t have many issues with harassment or unwanted attention.

Final Thoughts: Montenegro And Albania Itinerary

Montenegro and Albania may not be the most well-known or popular tourist destinations in Europe, but they offer a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and interesting cultures. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled trip or a relaxing beach vacation, these countries have it all.

I’ve tried to include a good mix of activities and sights in this itinerary, from exploring ancient ruins to hiking through National Parks to indulging in delicious local cuisine. But don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and discover your own hidden gems too!

Just remember to stay open-minded, respectful of local customs, and have a sense of adventure. I hope this itinerary inspires you to visit these beautiful countries and create unforgettable memories! Happy travels! 

For more hidden gem travel inspiration check out my list of 51 unique travel destinations or take the travel personality quiz to find your perfect destination!

My Favourite Travel Resources

Travel Itineraries: I offer a range of pre-planned travel itineraries for many popular destinations. Use them to make planning your next trip a breeze!

Accommodation: I always use booking.com for hotels and Hostelworld for hostels. I’ve found some great bargains by using these sites!

Flights: My favourite tools to find the cheapest flights are WayAway , Expedia and Skyscanner

Ferries: For cheap ferry tickets I use Ferry Scanner

Activities: I use Viator and GetYourGuide to find the best tours and activities in every destination I visit. I’ve had some fantastic experiences using these sites!

Cashback: With the WayAway Plus membership plan, users get access to premium travel support, travel content prepared by locals, and cashback on flights, hotels, car rentals and other travel services. I love using Wayaway to get cashback on my travel expenses. In fact, it is one of my fave budget travel hacks 😉 Click here to get 10% off of a WayAway Plus membership

Foreign Currency: I highly recommend getting an international card to save you loads of money in expensive bank fees. The Wise Card allows you to spend in 150+ currencies and withdraw cash from ATMs anywhere in the world without paying any bank fees!

Travel Insurance: Never travel without proper travel insurance! I always use EKTA

Luggage Storage: Radical Storage is a Luggage storage network that operates in over 70 countries and 350 cities with more than 3500 storage points. I love using Radical storage to store my bags before or after checking in/out of my hotel as it gives me an extra day to explore without having to worry about dragging my luggage around with me.

Travel Planning services: Did you know that I offer travel planning services and custom itineraries? Let me plan your next trip for you!

How to Get from Montenegro to Albania With Car Hire TIPS!

Categories Albania , Europe , Montenegro

Looking for how to get from Montenegro to Albania because you’re doing a Balkans road trip or flying into one but exploring the other? This is exactly what I did recently by driving from Montengro to Albania and it was super easy to do!

We recently flew into Podgorica Airport in Southern Montenegro, did the super quick drive into Northern Albania and spent 3 days exploring there (and Kosovo) before flying home.

So in this Montenegro to Albania guide, I’ll give you my tips on driving from Montenegro to Albania , especially regarding the fact that you need a GREEN CARD from your car hire company which is super IMPORTANT!

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here:

Where to fly into in Montenegro to visit Albania?

Podgorica is actually Montenegro’s capital city and is in the very south of the country . I’d never heard of it before because its not a city for tourism and if you want to visit the main tourist spots in Montenegro , it’s easiest to fly into Tivat which is closer to the Bay of Kotor,

However, to visit Albania, Podgorica Airport is just a short 40 minute drive to the Albanian border and is therefore the best airport to use!

Search flights to Podgorica Airport on Skyscanner here!

Can you drive from Montenegro to Albania?

Yes, there is a border crossing from Montenegro to Albania called Border Crossing Hani i Hotit – Bozhaj ( google maps link ) which is right on the edge of Shkodra Lake, a lake that covers both countries, although mainly Albania.

It’s very possible to drive a hire car over the border but there’s one important thing you must know!

I always use Rental Cars to book my car hire as they search all the top car hire companies for the best price and quality, search rental cars in Montenegro here!

Car Hire in Montenegro for Albania

Firstly, I recommend using a site like Rental Cars to book your car hire and once on their site , I recommend going for a company like Budget, Avis, Hertz, Sixt who are international companies and you recognise their names, because often, local companies really mess you around when you pick up the car.

We went with a local company and although we paid for full insurance online, t hey still made us pay for insurance again otherwise they wouldn’t give us the keys which was an extra €100 or so and I still don’t know if this was right or not!

And, they could only accept a Mastercard credit card as a deposit card which we didn’t have and not a Visa or American Express, so we had to pay the insurance in cash.

So although it feels nice to go with a local company when we travel, I do think with car hire companies, especially in Eastern Europe, an international brand is better!

THE IMPORTANT BIT…

When hiring a car in Montenegro you need to purchase in advance, a GREEN CARD which is an insurance document stating that your foreign (from Montenegro) car is insured in Albania .

Now, we didn’t know / do this , so when we arrived at Podgorica Airport, the guy from the car hire company asked us about it, we said we didn’t have one, and not only did he say that we had to pay for it now (which was fine), but it was a case of..

‘I don’t have a green card on this car to give you and because its past 6pm I can’t give you it until tomorrow..’

This was a problem for us as we had plans to drive straight into Albania that night with non-refundable accommodation booked.

Initially, we drove off with no other choice other than to drive into Podgorica city, find internet and book a hotel there for the night, however LUCKILY, he called us up 5 minutes after we left the airport and said if we could wait 30 minutes, he could give us a different car which had the green card !

Green Card for driving into Albania

A Gren Card is needed when driving abroad to prove you have the minimum insurance required and there are only a handful of countries that need it. See the UK Gov website here for more info!

The best way to avoid any issues when driving from Montenegro into Albania is when you buy your car hire is to contact your car hire company and firstly check:

• They allow you to take the car from Montenegro into Albania
• Buy a green card from them so it’s ready when you pick the car up

This post has a lot more information about the Green Card for Albania. They do say you can drive to the Albanian border and get one from the office there but I feel that could be a risk and if they don’t/can’t issue it, you have to drive back into Montenegro and speak to your car hire company.

You might also be ok arriving in Montenegro in the middle of the day without the green card as like I said, we had an issue as we arrived after 6pm and offices were closed.

Or, if you plan to stay in Montenegro a few days and then cross into Albania you’ll have time to sort it one way or another! Just be cautious if you arrive without one and plan to head straight into Albania.

Most car hire companies give you a good cancellation period , so book your car hire, then contact them and if they don’t allow one of the two above, you can cancel it and try again!

How much is a green card for Albania?

You’re looking at around €40-50 to get this depending on who you get it through.

Montenegro Albania Border Crossing

We found driving the border crossing from Montenegro to Albania through the ‘ Border Crossing Hani i Hotit – Bozhaj ( google maps link ) ‘ really easy and very quick (we did do it on a Friday evening).

There are more border crossings but Han i Hotit is the main one.

The border is right on the edge of Shkodra Lake , a lake that covers both countries although mainly Albania so the views driving there are really beautiful!

Montenegro to Shkodar

If you’re driving from Montenegro to Albania, a good place to stop and stay first in Albania is Shkodar , or even better, right on Shkodar Lake.

I stayed in this beautiful boutique hotel with an incredible view of the lake, and the hotel had a swimming pool for £60.00 a night called RUSTICO Hotel . Check out rates and availability here.

From here, we did a day trip to Theth , you can also visit Komani Lake aka the Thailand of Albania from here on a day trip or use it as a starting point!

Bus from Montenegro to Albania

Public transport wise, there are no trains into Albania from Montenegro but there are plenty of buses.

Flixbus is a great company to use and they run many routes from popular places in Montenegro like Kotor, Budva and Podgorica to Shkoder, Tirana and Durres in Albania.

I hope this posts helps you with how to drive from Montenegro to Albania!

• For more of my posts see:
• 14+ TOP Things To Do in Belgrade, Serbia!
• Read This If You Are Flying With Wizz Air! My Wizz Air Review!
• 18 MUST-DO Things To Do in Riga, Latvia!
• 27 DIFFERENT & BEST Places to Visit in Europe in July & August!
• 30 BEST Places to Visit in Europe in December – Christmas & non-Christmas Travel!

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From Montenegro to Albania

It would seem that these two neighboring countries should have excellent transport links. Since from Podgorica to the border of Albania is only 20 km. From the article you will learn how to get from Montenegro to Albania and back. Types of transport, where to look, how much a ticket costs. There will be tips and tricks.

Table of contents:

• From Montenegro to Albania: general points, types of transport

How to get from Montenegro to Albania by bus

• How to get to Albania by car or minibus

Travel Tips

It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to montenegro without these websites.

Montenegro to Albania: general points, types of transport

A few general points so that you understand the whole situation:

• Both Montenegro and Albania are two small countries of the Balkan Peninsula
• Read about Montenegro on the world map , neighbors and many interesting facts here.
• Podgorica – Albanian border: 20km
• Podgorica – Shkoder (major Albanian city): 55 km
• Podgorica – Tirana: 150km. The countries are so small that the distance between the two capitals is only 150 km.

Interesting to know: Despite the fact that both countries have excellent roads and very short distances, there are not so many types of transport for the average tourist.

Here are some examples of how you CANNOT get from Montenegro to Albania:

• There are no direct flights to Tirana. Neither from Tivat, nor from Podgorica. Only with a stopover in Belgrade or Budapest. In total, you will spend 6 hours of time and about 200 euros on tickets for these 150 km between the capitals. It is clear that no one uses this option.
• There is a ferry between Montenegrin Bar and Albanian Durres. But it is cargo, it does not carry passengers. Also – we cross out this option.
• Someone will ask – what about the railway? Here the situation is even worse. The only railway line from Montenegro to Albania is freight. Passenger trains do not run on it.
• The railway in both countries is poorly developed. One of the reasons is that it is difficult to build railway tracks in the mountains. And the mountains in Montenegro and Albania occupy more than 60% of the countries’ territory.
• There is not a single international passenger railway service in Albania. And in Montenegro only with Serbia.
• The main railway station of Albania in Tirana is not located in the city itself, but behind it in one of the villages.

2 to 4 regular buses run daily to the Albanian city of Shkoder from Podgorica. The number of buses depends on the day of the week and the season. More in summer, less in winter.

• Travel time: 2 hours (this is with a border crossing)
• Tickets can be bought at the box office of any bus station
• One way ticket price 5-12 euros
• See the current schedule on this website: https://busticket4.me/EN
• An overview of the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica , where the bus station is located, tourist attractions and much more in the article at the link.

Good to know: All carriers are private in Montenegro. Different companies can operate on the same route. And each has its own prices. This is fine. Moreover, a one-way ticket can cost 1 euro more with the same carrier in the opposite direction. This is also normal.

Shkodra is one of the largest cities in Albania and a huge number of buses run to the capital Tirana. At the same stop where the bus arrives from Podgorica, take the bus on the route Shkoder – Tirana:

• Departure every 30-60 minutes from early morning until night
• Travel time another 2 hours (100km to Tirana)
• Ticket price is about 5 euro. Tickets can be purchased with cash upon boarding.

How to get from Montenegro to Albania: by car or minibus

It’s even easier here. The border between Montenegro and Albania is simplified. Residents of the two countries do not need anything other than a passport to cross the border. The border is formal. Even if you arrive and there is a queue, do not be sad. The queue moves quickly, we never waited more than 30-40 minutes.

Good to know: The checkpoints on the Montenegrin-Albanian border are simplified. Customs officers from both countries sit in the same building and let cars through very quickly.

• If you are driving your own car, you must also have insurance.

I’ll tell you about private carriers and their minibuses. These are private carriers without any documents on their cars, they take people to Albania and back. They are easy to find near the bus stations where they offer their services. There are especially many of them in the border cities: in Podgorica, Ulcinj, Bar. Even there are in Budva. At stations, they put up ads with their services.

These carriers are of two types:

• About a visa to Montenegro , why a visa is needed and why Albania is the most popular for visa run – in the article at the link.
• The price depends on the city of departure. From Ulcinj they carry for 10 euros in both directions. And from Budva for 20 euros.
• You are taken to Shkoder to the shops and the market.
• You shop for 3-4 hours and come back. By evening you are already at home.
• Prices for fruits, food and many things are lower in Albania. Albania is cheaper than Montenegro in general. In season, for example, persimmon in Montenegro costs 3-4 euros per kg. And in Albania 1 euro.
• A one-way trip to Shkodra usually costs 15 euros.

If you do not know how to get from Montenegro to Albania, then do not worry. Yes, there are few official carriers here. Just a couple of buses a day. But almost all passengers use the services of private carriers. For this country, this is normal, and most importantly, as a tourist, you have nothing to fear, it is safe.

Come to the bus station, find such a carrier, or rather, he will find you first. Agree on a time and date and then everything is easy.

A few tips:

• If you need to go to Tirana, don’t look for direct transport to Tirana. This may cause you difficulty.
• It is much easier to get to Shkoder, and from there a regular bus leaves for Tirana every 30 minutes.
• Personally, I prefer private car carriers. He puts 4 people in a car and quickly drives to his destination. Minibuses go slower, there are more people inside, and everyone asks to stop along the way for some reason: to smoke, to go to the store.
• If you are reading this article, when covid is not yet a thing of the past. Open the link and see the current border crossing rules: do you need vaccination or PCR .
• And here you will find more information about taxi and transfer in Montenegro . What is the best way to get to the hotel from the airport.

In conclusion: you already know how to get from Montenegro to Albania. Very simple, but there are not many types of transport: only buses or private unofficial carriers. But there are a lot of them and they run around the border around the clock. And short distances are just an advantage. The trip is fast, you do not have time to get tired.

Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro

• Aviasales – Cheap Flights and best deals.
• DiscoverCars – a large international platform.
• LocalRent – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
• Hotellook compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price
• Booking – the most popular booking platform
• Agoda – even more accommodation options in Montenegro
• GetYourGuide – more than 430 tours
• Viator – 780+ excursions and activities throughout the country
• Comprehensive travel insurance : EKTA
• Airalo eSIM in Montenegro
• Drimsim – universal sim card for frequent traveler
• Taxi and airport transfers : Intui.Travel

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LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

Balkans itinerary: 10 days in albania, montenegro, croatia.

Published by

lotuseaters.travel

Why travel to the Balkans? Balkan culture, pastry, wine, raika, blue seas, mountains, lakes, hiking trails, boats, islands, medieval walls, forts, cathedrals, greenery, party vibes, romance, fun, cheese and finally meat. No this is not a list of our favourite things. This is what you will find travelling in the Balkans, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia.

This strip of three countries provides an excellent and versatile destination that has something to offer everyone whatever kind of holiday you particularly like. Whether you’re a city, beach, food or adventure lover, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia have it all.

<- READ ALL MONTENEGRO POSTS

Adventure Lover: Balkans Itinerary Albania, Montenegro and Croatia

Any of these three countries have enough to offer Adventure lovers, but what could be better than adventuring in all three? Balkans travel across Albania, Montenegro and Croatia is perfect for any keen adventurer.

Our top 5 recommendations for adventurers are:

• Skadar Lake (Albania) – kayaking or a boat tour
• Lovcen National Park (Montenegro)
• Hiking and kayaking in Kotor (Montenegro)
• White water rafting on the river Tara (Montenegro)
• Blue cave and National Park Miljet (Croatia)

Firstly, fly into Tirana and spend a day or two in the city. After this take a short bus ride to the Albanian side of Skadar lake. Here you could enjoy 2 nights exploring, and either kayaking or taking a boat tour. If you’re short of time, fly into Podgorica and stay on the Montenegro side of the lake instead.

Next, hop over to Lovcen national park in Montenegro. Spend 2 nights there exploring before moving on the River Tara for white water rafting for 1 night.

From there, take a short break in Kotor to enjoy some good food, after a hike up the Ladder of Kotor and maybe a kayak around the bay .

Next, take the short trip to Dubrovnik and spend the remaining 4 nights there. However, if you’re on a budget , stay out of the city (we provide more tips for staying in Dubrovnik in our linked article ). From Dubrovnik, you can explore the Blue Cave and Miljet Island as well as hiking Mount Srd .

If you want to luxe it up then why not take a sailing tour in Dubrovnik?

As an alternative, you could spend longer in Albania and explore the Albania Alps – find out more here.

Where to stay

Top Picks for Accommodation 🏨

• Lake Skadar: Ethno Village Skadar (Montenegro) or Mi Casa es Tu Casa (Albania)
• Lovcen National Park: Hotel Monte Rosa
• River Tara: Rafting River Tara Hotel
• Kotor: Apartments Old Town Wine Hotel
• Dubrovnik: Villa Four Winds III

City Lover: Balkans Itinerary Albania, Montenegro and Croatia

With so much to see and do, this area offers culture and intrigue enough to sate any city lovers appetite.

Our top 4 suggestions are:

• Tirana (Albania)
• Tivat (Montenegro)
• Dubrovnik (Croatia)
• Korcula (Croatia)

For city fans, Tirana is a must , although it may not seem it, this city has a lot to offer. Fly into there and enjoy 2 nights exploring. Next, head over to neighbouring Montenegro. Skip Podgorcia and go to Tivat for 2 nights, an up and coming town in Montenegro.

A  short hop will take you to Dubrovnik, where I’d recommend at least 3 nights. Then, take a bus or drive to Korcula Island and stay in the main town, which is nicknamed “Little Dubrovnik”.

Few people realise that you can visit this Island directly from Dubrovnik due to the short car ferry from the mainland. Rather than visiting the Islands near Split, we would suggest skipping this well trodden path.

FERRY FROM DUBROVNIK TO KORCULA

• Tirana : Hotel Opera
• Tivat : Hotel Pine
• Dubrovnik: Dominus Little Palace
• Korcula : Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel

Foodie: Balkans Itineary Suggestions

Foodies assemble. Even though Italy may be well known as a foodies paradise, the Balkans is also punching! There’s plenty of great grub on offer throughout this area. If you’re a keen foodie, then Balkans travel in Albania, Montenegro and Croatia is perfect for you.

Our top 4 picks for foodies are:

• Perast (Montenegro)
• Ston (Croatia)

Firstly, head to Tirana in Albani a which has an up and coming food scene. Restaurant Mullixhu has an incredible (and great value) tasting menu conjured up by a Michelin star chef.

Next head to Perast, a picture perfect town just outside Kotor, offering idyllic surroundings and fresh as a daisy seafood.

From here, we would suggest travelling onwards to Dubrovnik which is a foodie paradise. Michelin starred restaurants and wine bars galore. Or, if you’d rather more traditional cuisine then find a more local key restaurant by the sea and go for fresh fish and dalmatian smoked ham and cheese platters.

Lastly, head up the coast, just a short ride on bus or by car will take you to Ston. Home of the Oyster!

💡Another city to consider if you love food, is Belgrade in Serbia . We lived in Belgrade for nearly two months and fell in love with the incredible food scene.

• Tirana: Hotel Opera
• Perast: Apartments Admiral
• Ston: Apartmani Ponta

Beach Lover: Balkans Itinerary

This area along the Adriatic and Dalmatian Coast is packed with beautiful beaches.  For beach lovers who are looking for alternatives to rival Greece and Italy, this is the perfect destination to try.

Our top 4 treats for beach lovers are:

• Albanian Riviera (Albania)
• Budva (Montenegro)

First, to the lesser known Albanian Riviera! Honestly, you could spend 10 full days just in this area. Pick your favourite beach on the Albanian riviera from our guide here.

Next, to Budva . Miles of beaches await you. The town itself has some delightful beaches, but head further along to Queens Beach for a real treat.

Then we would recommend heading on to Dubrovnik, for coves and clear sea. Finally, take the ferry to Korcula Island . Take your time and explore this beautiful Island paradise.

• Albanian Riviera: Sofo Hotel (Dhmeri), Villa Calliope (Jale), Argjile Rooms (Himare)
• Budva: Old Town Pearl Apartment . If you want to luxe it up, why not stay in Sveti Stefan?
• Korcula: Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel

Buses between Albania, Croatia and Montenegro

The best way to get between the three different countries is to take the bus. There is an excellent network of buses.

We use the bus booking website BookAway for bus travel in this area and highly recommend it.

For more information on travelling by bus between Albania, Montenegro and Croatia, click here and here .

Most of our planning is done using other blogs, but you can’t beat a guide book at the bottom of your case. Find them here on Amazon .

Find yours on here and get the travelling started!

Read more Balkans

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6 responses to “balkans itinerary: 10 days in albania, montenegro, croatia”.

On my list of must-sees! Thanks for the suggestions! 🌞

Great article!

[…] to travel in the Balkans by public transport. Here’s how to get the bus from Montenegro to […]

[…] If you want more advice on what to do in Montenegro, then check out our articles on Budva and Kotor. Or if you’d rather read a full guide on travelling in the Balkans, you can find our article here. […]

Found your site today and am enjoying it! We just returned from a two month bike ride from Amsterdam to Athens where the last month was spent pedaling through Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece. We so enjoyed the Balkans! I could talk for an hour about the wonderful-ness encountered. Great pictures! I’m missing that coastline and the spectacular views. Seeing a country on a bicycle really allows you to see a country.

[…] we believe that travellers in 2023 will start to explore multiple countries during one trip. Albania, Montenegro and Croatia is a great example of three countries offering ease of transit with public transport. But further […]

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Two Passports One Planet

“Jude and Ruby’s Global Travels”

Montenegro & Northern Albania

Wondering what it’s like to travel in montenegro and northern albania.

Having visited many Balkan countries like North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia, Montenegro remains high on our ‘best of the best’ list. We designed a roadtrip touring the coasts and mountains of Montenegro & Northern Albania.

A roadtrip is the perfect way to slow down and see more of both countries. We learned a lot along with way and have pulled it all together in this post. Our goal is to help you plan an amazing Montenegro and Northern Albania Road Trip, including time in the stunning UNESCO Bay of Kotor.

Montenegro is part of the Balkans, which lie in the heart of Europe. The Balkans are seven countries that gained independence in the mid 90s after devastating regional conflicts. Today, they offer curious travellers accessible destinations, each with its own rich mix of heritage and culture. 

Montenegro Albania Roadtrip Itinerary

• Fly into Dubrovnik (Croatia) and transfer to Herceg-Novi (Montenegro)
• Leisurely Drive (Uber) to Bay of Kotor 
• Bay of Kotor & Perast
• Shkoder, Albania 
• Budva, Old Bar & Ulcinj, Montenegro

Cavtat, Croatia

You can easily switch this itinerary around to suit your interests and available time. 10 days would be perfect to include Tirana and some more inland spots in Montenegro for example.

Where Are Montenegro & Albania?

Montenegro has a stunning coastline with mountains that glide into turquoise waters. It reminded us of Norwegian fjords in parts. UNESCO protects the old city in Kotor which is  nestled in the main bay.  

There’s a lot to explore and it’s easy to get around independently.  You can either rent a car or hire a local driver taxi which is what we did. 

As a country, it is about the size of Connecticut (US) or Wales (UK). You can easily combine mountains and beaches in this type of trip by using our Albania Montenegro itinerary.

We had not originally planned to visit Albania, thinking maybe Kosovo might be an easier second spot. However, when looking at the map and our time, Northern Albanian was an easier proposition for 2 nights. Combining a roadtrip to both Montenegro and Northern Albania was definitely a good decision!

Although we didn’t fly back from Tirana Albania on this itinerary, it is possible to also fly into Tirana if you are looking to head to Lake Ohrid or Skopje, North Macedonia. Check out our 3 days in Skopje if you’re interested in learning more about this additional regional destination that is up and coming!

🎒 TPOP Tip:

Another fantastic road trip in a less traveled part of Europe is to North Macedonia. Read our How to Plan A Week In North Macedonia post for all you need to know to visit Skopje, Bitola and Lake Ohrid.

How to Get to Montenegro

Flights to montenegro.

It’s easy! We flew separately to Dubrovnik, Croatia from Edinburgh with EasyJet and from London, Stanstead with Jet2.  If you are travelling from within Europe there’s loads of travel options. 

From North America there are non stop flights with United to Dubrovnik. Why Dubrovnik?  It’s only a few miles from the airport to the border of Montenegro and there are a lot more flight options. 

There are flights into Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro and Tivat, near Bay of Kotor, which are worth checking out to avoid a border crossing.  Trust us, it was pretty simple – more on borders later.

Transfers to/from Dubrovnik Airport

We love the simplicity of arriving and having a pre-booked taxi waiting to transfer us to our accommodation. Booking.com was really easy to use to  arrange a private taxi to meet us at the airport.  It was good value at 50 EUR to drive us the 30 or so minutes south over the border to Herceg Novi.  

🎒TPOP   Tip :

Make sure to get your driver’s phone number in advance (not just the company) to connect directly with them when you arrive.  Much easier if there are any delays!

What to Pack: Montenegro & Northern Albania

A carry on is all you need for 7 nights exploring Montenegro and Northern Albania. Check out our hacks on packing by reading our 10kg suitcase tip list with photos of everything that you can fit into a  properly packed bag. 

Smaller bags require less space in taxis etc. and are a lot easier to deal with when you’re on the move!

Montenegro and Northern Albania Road Trip

These are the highlights that we suggest you absolutely build into your visit if you have at least a week. If you have more time, spend a couple more days exploring Albania:

• The relaxed coastal town of Herceg-Novi
• UNESCO protected Old City in The Bay of Kotor
• Perast Village By Boat & Return by Bus
• Drive through mountains in Crmnica region with incredible valley views
• Hotel Tradita, Shkoder, what a  dinner experience
• Shkoder Rozafa castle with its amazing 360 views from the top
• Ulcinj old city cliffs and views of the Adriatic
• Old Bar with its winding street cafes and ancient castle
• Cavat town in Croatia

Herceg-Novi

Often overlooked as a stop off point, as travellers head to more well known spots, Herceg-Novi was a gem of a first stop.  The town is more than 6 centuries old with lots of nooks and crannies to explore. We were surprised to learn the  Clock Tower was built during the time of Turk rule.

Some parts are quite a steep walk so if you like a bit of morning exercise, this is a work-out before breakfast.

We stayed at the Palmon Bay Hotel and Spa which was spotless, with a modern vibe. Facing the coast was their  beautiful pool/bar area with ample space for guests. After a flight it was perfect to unwind, have a dip in the pool.

The pool deck faces blue waters that signal the entrance to Bay of Kotor.  Our hotel was located right off the main Promenade which starts in Iaglo (technically where our hotel was) and wraps around to the town of Meljine.  

It was easy to find a restaurant at night without booking. Most offered locally menus although looked a little touristy. 

🎒TPOP Tip :

Ask hotel staff where they like to eat outside the hotel!  Where they go with their families or for a family celebration or night out.

Old City – Bay of Kotor

We booked a local taxi for 1pm the next day to a transfer from Iaglo to the old city (Stari Grad) of Bay of Kotor. Two nights here was perfect, giving us a central base for exploring.  Also, gave us time for sunbathing before headed away from the coast.  

Our rooms at Boutique Hotel Astoria, located inside the UNESCO city, were excellent.  The taxi dropped us off outside and a hotel employee met us and guided us to the hotel which was literally 5 minutes round the corner!

Do walk the Old Town without a map.  Don’t worry where you’re going. It’s an adventure exploring the surprising maze of ancient streets each with a mix of shops, bars, historical buildings to check out at your leisure.

Want a climbing challenge?

If you like steep climbs, do hike up behind the old town to the castle for sunset views or towards the old monastery.

Day Trip In Perast From Old Kotor

Kotor is easy to hang around in but when you’re surrounded by such gorgeous bays, there’s a pull to get onto the water. 

Our boat trip to Perast was easy to organize.  Outside the Old City Wall is a tourist booth.  They phone over your booking and then you walk over the road, through a small city park to the jetty where local tour boats moor.  This is where you board.

The boats are quite small, so you don’t feel overcrowded. We had 6 people total plus the captain which made for a great cruise.

Boat Ride To Our Lady Of The Rocks

Before disembarking at Perast we stopped off at an island called Our Lady of the Rocks.  There’s ancient folklore about how it came to be in this spot but in reality it is an engineered structure . That said, it’s a cute stop off with beautiful views and there is a church and small museum to check out.

Perast is tiny and it’s a world away from the busy Bay of Kotor.  You can walk down the only street parallel to the bay and pick your lunch spot.  The town has an incredible number of places, some now 5* hotels but don’t let that deter you as the whole places has a ‘real life’ vibe. 

For example, we chatted with a vendor who was selling jewellery his mother had made at home and he was the retail store – under a tree in the park!

Relax On The Tiny Beach in Perast!

After lunch, we stumbled upon what looked like a fun beach hangout – Pirates Beach Bar.

Beach is perhaps a little misleading because its was tiny strip of sand. The deck was a great spot to hangout and have a cocktail. We loved hanging out  in the water where there were tables to pop down your drink while we had a quick swim to cool off. 

There was a charge for sun loungers and it was quite busy when we arrived but everyone was having fun. Travellers gathered from as far away as South Africa to Luxembourg.

Where to Eat Dinner in Perast?

Linger and enjoy dinner in Perast. We dined at a waterfront spot restuarant called Konoba Skolji and everything was so fresh.

At dusk we caught a Blue Line bus back to Kotor (about 20 minutes). They run frequently from the Main Street, are safe & inexpensive.

Using public transport when travelling can often be much easier than we might imagine and of course it’s much cheaper! 

Drive Through Crmnica Region

We had pre-booked a driver through  My Day Trip  to take us from Bay of Kotor to our hotel in Shkoder, Albania.  He met us at our hotel in Kotor and was a great tour guide and ambassador for his country. 

Rather than taking us straight down the ‘tourist route’ ie. coast, he offered a mountain route out of Kotor to Celine to Podgorica. Make a first stop in Rijeka Crnojevica. It has a famous bridge across the river built in 1853 and today a lot of fishing takes place around here.

Passing through the suburbs of the Montenegro capital Podgorica we didn’t feel we were missing a lot.   As guide books had suggested there are more interesting and attractive sights in Montenegro and Albania. 

Wow – these views!

We continued on through the region called Crmnica, known for wine production. Then we took a narrow, twisty road,  onto a tiny back road that you’d never know was there.  As we reversed down this road the driver explained there was no place to turn around!

Then, suddenly we had the most incredible views of huge valleys, meandering rivers, mountain ranges, right there in front of us.  Photos don’t do it justice. There is a great photo point at Pavlova Strana which we’d definitely suggest you try and get to.

Our next stop was the Waterfall Niagara. We descended thirty or so steps from the road and walked right up to the swirling waters. It’s a pretty spot to take a break for 30 minutes or so and a few people were picnicking but it was not busy!  

Crossing the Border- Montenegro to Albania

Crossing the Border from Montenegro into Northern Albania was straightforward. Soon we were skirting the massive Lake Skader/Shkoder.

Interestingly the lake straddles Montenegro and Northern Albania. It is a fantastic place for hiking and exploring nature and you could easily spend a week or two in this part alone.

We travelled on through rural towns and open fields as well as olive tree regions to reach the town of Shkoder (same as the lake!) and our hotel for the night Hotel Tradita.

The location of this hotel was just right for us.  We had thought about somewhere out of town, nearer to the lake, but in reality for a couple of nights it was much better to be in a central location.

We explored the city center with it’s mosques, cafes, restaurants and bars. There is a pedestrian area which families enjoying strolling around come evening.  The vibe was relaxed and safe.

Things To Do In Shkoder Albania

Before we arrived in Albania we researched hiring bikes to cycle from town to the ancient castle.  But we couldn’t find any to rent when we got there and so we walked.  It was just as well as the climb up the castle isn’t bike friendly and it’s only a couple of kilometers!  Plus we got to see the town as we walked through it. (use Google maps to help guide you along:)

The castle was a great spot to explore.  The oldest wall of the Shkoder Rozafa castle was constructed  in the 1st millennium BCE. Views from the top are awesome, both of the lake and three rivers coming together as they flow to the Adriatic Sea.

On the way back we detoured into an olive wood store meeting the owner who told us about their family business turning this versatile wood into incredible dishes, cheese boards, even jewellery.  We felt the quality was high and the owner was so friendly and proud of his family’s skills. 

Hotel Tradita, Shkoder – Don’t Miss Dinner Here!

Saturday evening at our hotel was a highlight of our trip.  Staff treated guests like close family.  The outdoor courtyard was bustling with locals and a few tourists, the food, music and home made wine and brandy flowed. 

The grilled vegetables – peppers, aubergine (eggplant) melted in the mouth.  The wine was local, organic and some of the best we have ever drunk and that’s after visiting quite a few world renowned wine regions.

Everyone got up and danced together and it was just a happy, fun time.  Of course if you’re looking for a quiet hideaway this wouldn’t be the place to stay as the rooms are off the courtyard.

The hotel is rustic and quite basic but it was a perfect reflection of traditional hospitality and we loved it!

Ulcinj and Old Bar – Montenegro

All good things come to an end!  Our hotel booked a taxi to take us back over the border to Montenegro. This crossing was on a Sunday and it took a good bit longer with more checks.  But we made it to Ulcinj, the most southern coastal town in Montenegro.

Our hotel Hotel Palata Venezia was perched high above the bay with glorious views over the water. The rooms were huge, the pool cute and food excellent. 

At night we wandered into the bayfront area  but found it to be very touristy with a lot of nightclubs and imported souvenirs.  Not our most favourite spot although our hotel and the restaurants were enjoyable.

An unexpected experience in Ulcinj was a 4.3 earthquake at 6am. A jolt woke us up and that was it. Having lived in seismic areas it wasn’t that scary but  a good breakfast conversation.

Leaving Ulcinj with the same driver Ivan who’d driven us from Kotor to Albania, he suggested we stop at Old Bar.  What a fabulous small town!  It was easy to stroll around, relax at a street cafe for coffee.  

We explored the ancient castle at the top of the street perched in a strategic look out position.  Try and visit here early in the day as was getting busy as we left around 10am.

We drove on from Bar and back into Croatia. Our last stop was in Budva. In reading guide books, it seemed like this was a ‘not to be missed’ location. We will be honest. It was like walking through a shopping mall in the old town. Too many people and when we tried to go onto the main beach, we were told it was private.  It is a beautiful spot but we would recommend other places to stay in Montenegro.

On our last night, rather than heading into Dubrovnik, we stayed at the Castelleto Guest House in Cavtat.

We had both visited Cavtat before and love it’s laid back atmosphere. The curved harbour is a docking point for super yachts. Our accommodation was a guest house, with a small dipping pool,  and an honor drinks systems. It  was a perfect hideaway to relax at before flying back to the UK. 

Although we were up on the hillside, getting down to the town and harbour is an easy walk. Countless bars and restaurants line the harbour. Take your pick!

Wrap Up – Montenegro and Northern Albania

From beaches to unexpected mountains, river basins and ancient olive groves, there is an incredible amount to discover on a Montenegro and Northern Albania roadtrip. It’s hard to beat in terms of value for money and surprisingly easy to drive around, with distances much shorter than many other countries.

If you’re wondering about going somewhere different in Europe, why not plan a roadtrip to Montenegro and Northern Albania. And, go before the secret’s out!

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Getting to Albania by flight, by ferry or by bus

Getting to albania by airplane.

The International airport in Albania is called Nene Teresa Airport (TIA), which is located 15 minutes from the capital city Tirana. The Nene Teresa Airport (TIA) is sometimes called Rinas International Airport, because it is located in the village of Rinas. The airport has a growing number of International connections to European cities. You can reach Tirana city from major European countries, like the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Turkey and Austria. Furthermore, there are numerous connections from the Balkan states.

Below a list of the Airlines that are currently flying to Albania. But bare in mind that a number of low-cost carrier, like Wizzair, have recently added flights to Tirana.

Getting from Airport to Tirana

The Rinas Express is the shuttle bus from the Nene Teresa Airport to the city centre of Tirana. The shuttle bus operates between 8:00 AM and 23:00 PM. The distance between the airport and the city centre is 17 km, which will take around 30 minutes depending on the traffic in the city centre. The price for a single journey is 250 Lek, which is around 2 Euros. The bus stop in the city centre is next to the National History Museum on Skanderbeg Square.

It is also possible to rent a car on the airport. There are offices for Hertz, Enterprise, Eurocar, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, ARA and Albanian Airport Rent a Car. These operators have offices inside the airport terminal. You can find their contact details here .

A taxi from the Tirana International Airport to Tirana city centre takes around 20-25 minutes. The pricing for Tirana Airport Taxi is 2500 LEK or 20-25 Euros for one way. You can reserve a taxi before your arrival at the Tirana Airport Taxi Service Website

Getting to Albania by ferry from Corfu Island

Corfu is a Greek Island close to the Albanian coast. If your destination is in the South of Albania, it easier to fly to Corfu Island instead of Tirana. Corfu Airport offers several low-cost flights from budget airlines. Click here for a list of airlines that fly to Corfu .

From Corfu Island you can book a ferry across to Saranda city in the south of Albania. There are several different ferry operators that you can book online or on site.

Ionian Seaways offers a daily connection from the port in Corfu to the port of Saranda. There are two types of boats crossing the Ionian sea. Firstly, the Flying Dolphin high-speed boat, which takes 30 minutes. And secondly, the slower ferry boat, which takes 70 minutes. However, only the ferry offers the possibility to bring your car along for the journey.

Download the Albania Bus Timetable App

• Search bus timetables for Albania.
• Find direct and indirect bus routes.
• Find bus terminals on Google Maps.
• Ticket prices, departure times and bus operators.

Depending on the season, the boat leaves between once and five times a day. Please have a look at the timetable below for the departure times from Corfu Island to Saranda city. The price of a one-way ticket for an adult is 19 euros in low season or 23.80 in high season. Please click here for the price list .

It is also possible to book the ferry or high-speed boat via Finikas lines . The offering, prices and timetables are very similar, because some of the operators are working together.

Getting to Albania by ferry from Italy

You can also travel to Albania by ferry boat from the city Bari in the south of Italy. The ferry journey across the Adriatic Sea from Italy to Albania takes 9 hours. The ferry arrives in Durres, which is a popular seaside city in Albania. From Durres, it takes only 35 minutes by car or by bus to drive to the capital city Tirana.

During the day, the ferry boats depart from Bari city in Italy at 13:00 and they will arrive in Durres city in Albania at 22:00. There is also an overnight journey, which starts from Bari city at 23:00 and it will arrive in Durres at 8:00 in the morning. There are different operators, like Ventouris Ferries , GNV or Grandi Navi Veloci and Adria Ferries . The prices vary depending on the season and the accommodation that you book onboard. The ferries offer 2,3 or 4 bed accommodation, with or without bathroom facilities. The ferries also offer the possibility to bring a car onboard.  

Getting to Albania by bus from Greece

Albtrans offers a daily bus connection between Greece and Albania. The bus departs from Athens at 20:00 and it arrives in Tirana at 7:00. A one way ticket costs 30 euros. You can buy a ticket in the ticket office in Athens.

Getbybus operates a night bus from Greece to Albania. The bus departs in Athens at 20:00 and it arrives in Tirana at 6:00. The journey takes 10 hours and the price for a ticket is 35 euros.

Crazy Holidays operates two bus services from Greece to Albania. The bus service from Athens departs daily at 13:45 and at 18:00. The journey from Athens to Tirana costs 30 euros. Furthermore, the other service operates between Thessaloniki and Tirana. This bus departs from Thessaloniki at 19:30 daily and it costs 35 euros. The journey between Thessaloniki and Tirana takes 12 hours.

Getting to Albania by bus from Croatia

Eurolines operates buses from Germany and Croatia to Tirana. Since the company is based in Germany, it offers departures from various German cities. Furthermore, it offers buses from two Croatian cities: Dubrovnik and Zagreb. The journey from Dubrovnik to Tirana takes 10,5 hours and costs 46 euros. And the journey from Zagreb to Tirana takes 20 hours and 45 minutes with a price of 78 euros.

Getbybus offers two bus connections between Dubrovnik in Croatia and Tirana in Albania. The overnight bus journey lasts 6,5 hours. The bus departs from Dubrovnik at 23:00 and arrives in Tirana at 5:30 the next morning. The ticket price for this journey is 40 euros. The day-time bus journey, that departs at 7:00 AM from Dubrovnik, takes 10 hours and 45 minutes. The ticket is slightly higher in price at 44 euros.

Getting to Albania by bus from Montenegro

Getbybus offers two busses from capital of Montenegro Podgorica to Tirana. The earliest departure from Podgorica is at 9:00 AM and it arrives in Tirana at 12:15. Moreover, the afternoon departure starts from 13:00 in Podgorica and arrives in Tirana at 17:45. The price for the journey is 15 euros.

Old Town Travel offers a direct bus line from Kotor in Montenegro to Tirana. Along the route, the bus stops in Budva and Podgorica in Montenegro. The bus departs daily at 8:00 from Kotor, stops in Podgorica at 10:00 and arrives in Tirana at 13:50. The price for Kotor to Tirana is 25 euros or Podgorica to Tirana is 15 euros.

Getting to Albania by bus from Macedonia

Getbybus offers a daily bus service from the capital of Macedonia Skopje to Tirana. The journey takes 7 hours and 30 minutes and it will arrive in Tirana at 4:30AM.

Getting to Albania by bus from Kosovo

Autobus.al shows two bus journeys between the capital of Kosovo Pristina and Tirana. The afternoon bus departs from Pristina at 15:00 and arrives in Tirana at 19:30. Furthermore, the evening bus departs from Pristina at 21:00 and arrives in Tirana at 2:00AM. One way tickets are only 10 euros per person.

Are there trains in Albania?

Albania has some national trains (which are in a bad state), but there are no international trains. The passenger trains that travel all across Europe, do not come to Albania. In fact, Albania does not connect to the European passenger rail network. Because Albania simply does not have any rails that cross the border. With one exception, there is one rail that crosses the border to Montenegro, but it is only used for the transportation of goods.

There are a few national trains, but the trains and rails are in a bad condition. You will see train rails across Albania, which is heritage from the former communist regime. However, after 1990 the Albanian government did not invest in the rail network, some connections were shut down and the Albanian population choose for bus transportation instead.

Throughout the last decade, there have been plenty of plans to invest in the rail network. However, as you can imagine, improving a deteriorated rail network required lots of money. Therefore, the Albanian government has refrained from the investment.

I am an Albania Tour Guide , who organizes 1-day, 2-day or multiple day private tours in Albania . I arrange your transportation and I am your English speaking guide. So that, you get to experience the most beautiful places in Albania! Kind regards, Manon

Welcome to Albania!

I am a tour guide in albania.

I am an Albania Tour Guide , who organizes 1-day, 2-day or multiple day private tours in Albania .

Montenegro and Albania Tour

With a melting pot of architectural styles in the towns and cities and jaw-dropping natural beauty, both of these countries have stretches of the stunning Adriatic coastline under their sway.

On your private tour, your fully licensed, English-speaking guide will  show the best of local culture and cuisine while giving you insight into their unique history.

Tour Highlights

The unique towns of Podgorica, Budva on the Adriatic Coast, Cetinje, the Ostrog Monastery, Kotor (with everything its beautiful bay, palaces and harbour have to offer), a boat trip on Skadar Lake, optional wine tasting, Kruje fortress and old town, a city tour of Tirana, Albania’s capital, Berat, Sarande, Gjirokaster, the Blue Eye Nature Site and village exploration day.

With us you get

• Private service – your helpful guide is there toassist you as well as speak about the history and culture of the local area.
• Your unique itinerary – we will adjust pick ups, drop offs, tour pace to your preferences. With us, your itinerary is always unique.
• A clear quote – we include all costs associated with your tour in the free, no-obligation quote we provide with your custom tour itinerary.
• A private tour – all the tours we run around the Balkans are private. It will be just you and your chosen few.

8-Day Montenegro and Albania Itinerary:

→ Transfer to Ostrog Monastery Explore the monastery complex

→ Transfer to Cetinje Short walk and free time for lunch

→ Transfer to Budva Free time in Budva

Overnight in Budva

→ Day tour to Kotor Bay Visit the Kotor Old Town

→ Transfer back to Budva

→ Boat trip on the lake

→ Wine tasting (Optional)

→ Transfer to Bar, Montenegro Free time in Bar

Overnight in Bar

→ Explore the Birthplace of Skanderbeg Visit the fortress and the old part of town

→ Transfer to Tirana

→ City tour of Tirana Visit the “Skanderberg square” (The main square in Tirana) with the Skanderbeg Statue; the “Et’hem bey” mosque (the Only historical mosque in Tirana) the “Enver Hoxha” pyramid, the Peace bell, the Building of the historical museum of Tirana, a Preserved bunker (In one of the bunkers there is a museum about the victims of the Albanian Communist regime) Maria Theresa boulevard, the University of Tirana, the Old government square; The Clock tower (19th Century)

Overnight in Tirana

→ City tour of Berat Visit the fortress and the old town.

Overnight in Berat

→ Transfer to the Blue Eye Nature Site

→ Transfer to the city of Sarande Free time in Sarande

Overnight in Sarande

→ Few stops in the villages on the way

→ Free time in Vlore

Overnight in Vlore

→ Drop off at any location in the city or at the airport

End of the tour.

Let us know the details of your tour of Albania and Montenegro today .

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MONTENEGRO, Kolasin County to ALBANIA, Elbasan County : Compare Travel Options and Prices

How to get from montenegro to albania: cheapest, fastest and best way, compare train, bus, flight, and driving options, mode of transport, montenegro to albania: overview of bus, train, flight, and car trips, travelling by bus, travelling by car, montenegro - albania operators.

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There are over 1 hotels to stay in ALBANIA. Prices range from $102 per night.

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The Perfect 2-Week Albania Itinerary

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There are few places left in Europe that can truly be considered off the beaten track, but in Albania , you can still forge your own path. Long considered the Wild West of Europe, Albania is fast becoming the hottest ticket on the continent.

This little-visited Balkan nation has an unusual mixture of Ottoman and Mediterranean influences, a testament to Albania’s long history at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This is one of Europe’s only Muslim-majority countries, and you’ll be fascinated by the sight of minarets rising above the towns and cities and the sound of the call to prayer in the mornings. 

But Albania is only just re-finding its sense of identity after decades spent under the cruel rule of Enver Hoxha, a paranoid communist dictator who was shunned by the rest of the world. Next to mosques, along beaches, and even in public parks and city centers you’ll see the unusual sight of concrete bunkers, hundreds of thousands of which were built on the orders of Hoxha. 

They litter the landscape, and while many are just concrete scars of a time Albanians would rather forget, many more are being turned into art pieces and memorials in an attempt to understand the past rather than simply forget. 

Your 14-day Albania itinerary will take you to famous sights in Tirana , the capital, and onto the beautiful nature and wildlife of Lake Shkodër. From the wild mountain passes and timeless villages of the Albanian Alps, you’ll explore ancient Roman ruins and Ottoman fortresses as you work your way south for a relaxing stay on the Albanian Riviera. 

Albania can satisfy the tastes of beach lovers and adventure travelers, you’ll revel in the blend of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisines , and you’ll quickly fall head over heels for the stark and uncompromising beauty of the land and the culture. 

Be quick about it, though, because Albania won’t stay so untrodden for long. If you’re planning a Balkan break, then keep reading as we explain how to spend a perfect 2 weeks in Albania! 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Two Weeks in Albania

Preparing for albania.

There are a few things to know as you prepare to visit the must-see places in Albania during your 2-week vacation. First of all, your planning will be made easier knowing that Albania has a fairly loose immigration policy for citizens of 88 nations, including passport holders from the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union. 

Passport holders of these countries can stay in Albania visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days. It’s the same visa policy that the Schengen Zone has (but Albania is not in the Schengen Zone), and if you’re staying in the country for longer, you’ll need to secure a longer-term visa from a consulate. 

The Albanian Lek is the currency in circulation, but given the weak status of the Lek, many prices in tourist areas are often quoted in Euros. Hotels and tour operators often prefer taking Euros over Lek, as the Euro is more stable, but be careful as you could end up with a poor exchange rate. US Dollars and British Pounds are typically widely accepted, with the USD being roughly equivalent to 100 Lek. 

There’s no reason not to use Lek, though, and indeed, costs will likely be lower if you do. You can change money at exchanges, or better yet, just withdraw cash at ATMs. While cards can be used in Tirana and other tourist hubs and towns, you’ll need cash for local transport and in remote mountain villages.  

While Albania is nominally a Muslim nation, decades of communist rule mean that the religion is no longer particularly widespread. In rural destinations, traditional customs often supersede religion anyway, and you’ll find it fascinating to delve into a Balkan culture that’s been lost in the cities. 

Albania did have a reputation as a lawless, Wild West, and while this was true immediately following the fall of communism in the 1990s, the country is now developing quickly. Things are modernizing, and it’s getting far easier to travel around Albania than it was even a few years ago!

The Best Time to Visit Albania

Albania is located in the southern section of the Balkans, and with a coastline that stretches along the Adriatic Sea, rest assured that much of the country enjoys a beautiful Mediterranean climate. In fact, the weather in Albania is just as sunny as in neighboring Greece to the south, Montenegro to the north, and Italy across the sea to the west, but there are far fewer tourists around to get in your way!

If you love scorching hot weather, this means that the best time to visit Albania is in the summer months. Temperatures often reach highs of 31°C (88°F) in June, July, and August, which is perfect weather for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling all along the Albanian Riviera. Prices remain competitive even in the peak season (and a fraction of the cost of a holiday to Greece), and tourist numbers are comparatively low. 

If you prefer your weather to be a little cooler, we recommend visiting in spring or autumn, when the most popular destinations are also a little quieter, too. In April and May, temperatures still reach above 20°C (68°F), as they do in September and October as well. Even in winter, the coast sees highs hovering around 11°C (52°F) in January and February, although parts of the country can be considerably colder and very rainy. 

If you’re interested in hiking in the mountains, the best time to visit is from March to June or September to November. The climate is cooler, and Albania’s nature and wildlife are simply glorious. Tirana has enough interesting sights to be a city-break-worthy destination all year round, although again, the capital is best enjoyed in spring or autumn when it’s not too hot or too cold. 

Getting Around Albania

If you’re flying into Albania, the vast majority of international flights land in Tirana. The international airport is a half-hour taxi ride away from the city center, or you can jump on the airport shuttle buses, which have hourly departures. You may also arrive overland or by ferry, depending on where you choose to start your itinerary. 

Albania has a land border with Montenegro to the north, and while there are few buses on this route, you can take shared taxis over the border to Shkodër and then travel onwards to Tirana or Durres. 

From Macedonia to the west, there are bus connections to Tirana, Durres, and even Saranda in the south of Albania. From Greece, you can travel north to Saranda by bus or take the ferry from Corfu. There are overnight ferries from Bari in Italy to Durres, from where you can connect to most other destinations in Albania. 

Albania is one of the most beautiful countries to visit in Europe, but it’s not the easiest country to travel around. This is one destination that’s best enjoyed by seasoned travelers, and it’s important to be flexible when you’re planning your itinerary because not everything is going to go as planned!

Much of this is down to a lack of reliable public transportation, and it’s often difficult finding out accurate information about departure times or even departure points when you’re getting around. In Tirana, there’s a central bus station just outside the city center, which has timetabled departures to most major cities and towns. 

In other destinations, the timetables might be a bit looser, and smaller buses and minibuses often depart only when they are full. Ask at your hotel or speak with local tour guides for up-to-date info on routes and times when you’re on the ground. While unreliable, transportation in Albania is excellent value!

Albania Itinerary: 2 Weeks to Explore the Highlights of the Country

Tirana – 2 nights.

If you’re flying into the country, then the best place to start your 2-week trip to Albania is in Tirana , the capital. However, if you’re arriving overland or sea from neighboring European countries, you may find it more appropriate to move around the itinerary below to suit your direction of travel. 

For example, if you’re traveling south from Montenegro, it makes more sense to start in Shkodër and then travel to Tirana. If you’re traveling from Greece, you can reverse the itinerary and start in Saranda and then end in Tirana or Shkodër. 

Skanderbeg Square

In Tirana, we recommend spending at least two nights in the city. Start by exploring the city center, a compact area that’s focused on Skanderbeg Square, a pedestrianized public square surrounded by many of Tirana’s most important sights and attractions.

In the middle of the square, you’ll find a statue of Skanderbeg, a historical character you’ll hear much more of during your stay in Albania. Skanderbeg was immortalized after resisting the Ottoman invasions in the 15th century. Although he was ultimately unsuccessful (the Ottomans would go on to rule Albania until 1912), Skanderbeg has become Albania’s defining national hero. 

You can then visit the Palace of Culture and the National Historical Museum , two very communist-looking buildings which are in stark contrast to an old Ottoman-era bridge, and the Et’ Hem Bey Mosque, which are also found in the same square. Nearby, you can explore Tirana Castle and see the Albanian Parliament, then stop for lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants on the pedestrianized Rruga Murat Toptani street (try Millennium Garden or Noki).

Bunk’Art 2

Next, you’ll want to head underground into Bunk’Art 2 , an old nuclear fallout shelter built during the communist era. The old bunker is now an art gallery and museum, and you’ll have a harrowing look at the reign of Enver Hoxha. 

Continue to the unusual “Pyramid of Tirana” (now being refurbished, but originally built as a monument to Hoxha), then round up a day of sightseeing with a visit to the Sky Tower , where you’ll have excellent views of Tirana from the revolving restaurant and bar. After a drink, head to Artigiano Vila or Oda for dinner!

On Day 2, you can take the cable car to the top of Mount Dajti, where you’ll have uninterrupted views across Tirana. This is a chance to escape to the countryside, and you can spend the morning hiking in Mount Dajti National Park or just taking in the views. 

In the afternoon, you can either head back to Tirana to visit a few more museums (such as the House of Leaves or the Grand Park) or visit Bunk’Art 1 . This is the original Bunk Art Museum, and it’s located inside a nuclear bunker built into a mountainside. 

Explore the City of Tirana

Lake Shkodër – 2 nights

Your next stop is Lake Shkodër, one of the most beautiful places to see in Albania. It’s a two-hour drive north from Tirana to the city of Shkodër, which sits on the banks of southern Europe’s largest lake.

Lake Shkodër is so large it spans the border between Albania and Montenegro. You’ll have two days to explore the history and nature of the city and the lake, and you might find it helpful to rent a bicycle to get around quickly.

Rozafa Castle

Start by hiking or cycling to Rozafa Castle, an Ottoman-era castle that looks out across the lake from a hilltop high above Shkodër. You can visit Shkodër Historical Museum to learn more about the local history, then visit the Site of Witness and Memory to better understand the lasting legacy of the communist era in Shkodër. 

We recommend spending the next day exploring the lake. You can hike or bike around the lakeside, rent a kayak or canoe, or join a boat tour. In Shkodër, you can enjoy some excellent cuisine for excellent prices at Fisi Restaurant and Vila Bekteshi .

Day Trip to Shkodër

Kolman Lake/Valbona/Theth – 3 nights

By now, you’ll be settling into the Albanian rhythm. That’s good because from Shkodër, you’re going to be getting well off the beaten track, as your adventure really begins in the Albanian Alps. 

Lake Komani

Make your way from Shkodër to Koman, where you begin one of the most beautiful yet little-known ferry journeys in the world. You’ll be making the two and half hour ferry ride across Lake Komani, a spectacular voyage that cruises across azure waters and past tall cliffs on its way to Fierza. 

Valbona National Park

This is only the start. You’re taking the ferry because it’s the best way to reach Valbona National Park, where stunning mountains and alpine views to rival anywhere in Austria or Italy await you. From Fierza, take a minibus to Valbona, where you’ll then start exploring.

Theth National Park

If you’re feeling fit, then one of the best things to do in Albania is the Valbona to Theth hike. The stunning hike takes around 9 hours (it can vary dramatically depending on your fitness and the weather, so allow yourself the entire day), and you’ll spend the night in Theth, which is the main settlement within Theth National Park. 

You can arrange logistics with local guides in Valbona, who can organize luggage transfers and book homestays. From Theth, you’ll then take a minibus back to Shkodër. You’ll need three nights to make this roundtrip journey. If you’re not up for a tough full-day hike, you can also opt to stay in Valbona and then take the minibus and ferry route back to Shkodër. 

Wander around Komani Lake, Valbona, and Theth

Durres – 2 night 

From Shkodër, it’s a two-hour drive to Durres, although you’ll need to transfer through Tirana if you’re traveling by bus. 

Durres is a large port city on the Adriatic Sea, and with a history dating back to 700 BC, it’s one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean. It was also one of the most important because, during the Roman era, this is where the Via Appia met the Via Egnatia. 

Romans would travel along the Via Appia from Rome to Brindisi, where they’d jump on a boat to Durres and then continue along the Via Egnatia to Constantinople (now Istanbul). Many Roman ruins still remain in Durres, including a magnificent Roman amphitheater that could hold some 20,000 spectators. You can visit the ruins before exploring Durres Castle, the remains of a Byzantine Forum, and the Archeological Museum. 

Durres Beach

Durres isn’t just a stop for history lovers. The surrounding coastline is known for its beaches, and it’s a popular spot for a sunny coastal getaway. You’ll only need one day to see the city’s sights, but we’ve factored in an extra day in case you’re delayed traveling from northern Albania or just want to enjoy a beach day. 

Discover the City of Durres

Berat – 1 night

Beautiful Berat sits on the banks of the River Osum, where the steep sides of a beautiful valley inland offered protection in ancient times. The Illyrians first settled the valley as far back as the 7th century BC, before the city came under the control of Macedonians and then Romans. 

Berat is a one and half hour’s drive from Durres, and while it’s possible to visit on a day trip, Berat is also a much nicer place to spend the night. Durres is a big port city, while Berat is a charming small city with UNESCO World Heritage status (feel free to spend one night in Durres and two in Berat if you’re ahead of schedule!).

Many of the ruins and the great citadel on the hill that you see today were built by the Byzantines, who controlled the region after the fall of the Roman Empire. The Byzantines were replaced by the Ottomans, who are responsible for the marvelous architecture and mosques you now find in the stunning Old Town today (Berat is also known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”). 

Experience a Full-Day Berat Trip

Gjirokaster – 1 night

Keep traveling south along mountain roads away from the coast, and you’ll reach Gjrokaster. This is one of the top places to see in Albania, and you’ll soon fall in love with the Ottoman architecture and mountain scenery.

Gjirokaster has several claims to fame in Albanian history. The city, like most in Albania, dates back to the time of the ancient Greeks, while the Romans and Byzantines left much behind after Gjirokaster was conquered by the Ottomans (visit the staggering citadel on top of the hill to learn more). It was the Ottomans who then left their mark on Gjirokaster and many of the Old Town buildings and the Bazaar debate to this long period in the city’s history, which only ended in 1912. 

Explore the city, and you’ll also learn that this is the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, the paranoid dictator who cordoned Albania off from the outside world for much of the 20th century. The city then became the scene of riots and protests in 1997, which led to the Albanian Civil War, although these days, you’ll find Gjirokaster to be a peaceful place to visit. 

Visit the Old Bazaar and Cfaka

Saranda – 3 nights

Your Albania Itinerary is nearing the end as you depart Gjirokaster along winding roads that traverse the high mountains. You’re heading southwest, and the mountains end dramatically as they swoop down toward the Ionian Sea.

Your final destination is Saranda, a coastal city that sits at the heart of the Albanian Riviera. We recommend 3 nights here, not just because there are lots of fantastic things to do, but to give you a well-earned day at the beach club sipping on cocktails before you head home. 

Take a stroll along the seafront boulevard during the day, and you can pop into bars for a refreshing Korca (Albania’s national beer) or soak up the sun on the public beach. You’ll find a few Roman ruins dotted around the town, alongside the odd communist-era bunker looking forlornly along streets now busy with holidaymakers. 

On either side of the main boulevard are Albania’s best beach clubs, including Lost Seaside and Crystal Island . Prices are low compared to Greece (which you can see from the shoreline) and Italy. 

If you’d rather not spend your last days in Albania as a beach bum, then fear not, because we’ve got many an activity for you to sign up for. Scuba divers and snorkelers can explore the many wrecks that lie at the bottom of the bay, including the SS Probitas (a sunken hospital ship from WWII) and Antonio Shipwreck (a car ferry that sunk in the bay). 

Butrint National Park

You can join a trip to Butrint National Park, explore Ottoman castles in the mountains above Saranda, and visit local wineries and mussel farms for a culinary adventure. You can even take a day trip on the fast ferry to Corfu , in Greece , where you can compare one of Europe’s most visited and well-established destinations with its underrated neighbor!

Stroll the Streets of Saranda

There you have it! That’s our perfect 2-week Albania itinerary. Where will you be traveling on your trip to Albania?

Planning a trip to Albania? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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Albania and Montenegro Tours & Trips

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Peaks of the Balkans tour in 10 days – Choose Balkans Route

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“Albania has been the biggest surprise thus far. This is one of those tours that I would gladly do again.” Iris Doci, traveled in October 2022

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes
• Explore the Accursed Mountains
• Trek from Theth to Valbona
• Hike the Peaks of the Balkans trail

• Self Guided Walking Holidays
• Explore the quaint village of Lëpushë
• Discover the Blue Eye of Theth
• Hike the stunning Peaks of the Balkans

“We would recommend tour to anyone looking to peak of Balkan history.” Eduardo, traveled in July 2018

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Explore Berat, the town of a thousand windows
• Tour Ohrid's Byzantine churches and Roman Theatre
• Climb to Kotor's Castle of San Giovani

• Christmas & New Year
• Tour Kotor's ancient center and Perast town
• See Butrint's archaeological UNESCO site
• Discover Berat's UNESCO-listed fortress

• Discover Berat's fortress and historic center
• Visit Mostar and the Bosnian Pyramids
• Tour UNESCO sites and Vjetrenica cave

“Very nice tour, would redo it.” Eugénie Keppens, traveled in August 2022

• Trek across three countries in one day
• Meet shepherds in Doberdol's pastures
• Explore the rugged Persllopi Pass

“It was more than we expected - in all the best ways! The focus on traditional life, food and people in the region made it much more enjoyable.” Roger Hunter, traveled in June 2019

• Experience the village Kukaj in Valbonë
• Visit Theth National Park in Albania
• See the Pedonalja in Shkoder

“It was a great week. Despite the sometimes tough walks - it was thrilling to be up in the mountains with the quiet, sheep and stars.” SallyBentley, traveled in August 2019

• Hike to the double peaks of Mt. Popadija
• Meet local herdsmen in the Albanian Alps
• Walk through Valbona National Park

• Tour UNESCO sites in Berat and Gjirokastra
• Enjoy scenic drives and historical sites
• Relax in thermal baths and explore old bazaars

• Discover Tirana's art at Bunk'Art museum
• Explore medieval Kotor and Stari Bar
• Relax on the golden sands of Dhermi Beach

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Montenegro - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Montenegro.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Montenegro.

If you decide to travel to Montenegro:  

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.  

U.S. citizen visitors (traveling with U.S. passports) do not need a visa to enter and stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days. The Montenegrin law considers “stays of 90 days” as 90 days in total in a 180-day period, counted from the first entry date.

• Visitors are required to register their stay in local municipalities in Montenegro.     o   Hotels or tourist facilities automatically register your stay in Montenegro.     o   If you do not stay at a hotel, you must go to the local tourism office to register and pay local tourist taxes.     o   If you are staying in different locations in Montenegro, you must  register in each municipality in which you are staying for more than 24 hours.
• If you do not register, you may be subject to a fine, incarceration, deportation, and/or difficulties departing Montenegro.
• For more information please visit Montenegrin Ministry of Interior page .

Stays of longer than 90 days:

• U.S. citizens wishing to stay longer than 90 days must apply for a temporary residence permit at least one month before the 90-day period ends.
• Due to lengthy administrative procedures, we advise you to apply as soon as possible. In July 2021, the Montenegrin Ministry of Interior announced that persons applying for residence permits must have an Apostille affixed to all U.S. state/federal documents required for the application process. These documents include U.S. Birth and Marriage Certificates, state and local level police clearances, as well as the FBI criminal background clearance.
• Please note that the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro does not have the authority to affix an Apostille to these documents.  For information on how an apostille can be attached to these documents, please see the State Department’s Apostille page .

You can contact the Embassy of Montenegro in Washington, D.C. for the most current visa information. Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website contains additional contact information for its diplomatic posts in the United States.

Currency and Customs Restrictions:

• Travelers are required to declare currency exceeding 10,000 euros (or equivalent) upon entry or exit.
• To avoid customs charges, travelers must also declare luxury goods, jewelry, paintings, and computer equipment.
• Travelers can obtain currency declaration forms at ports of entry.
• Failure to comply with customs policies or currency declaration requirements may result in confiscation of funds/goods and criminal proceedings.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Montenegro.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, rudimentary Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Montenegrin nightclubs are popular with foreign tourists. Patrons should be aware that these establishments can be crowded and may not comply with Western standards for occupancy control or fire safety.

Crime:  Police have limited English ability. Violent crime is rare. Robberies at ATMs increases during the May to September tourist season. Visitors should protect their PINs when using ATMs and monitor their card activity.

Demonstrations  occur frequently and some of them can be anti-American. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable and have the potential to escalate. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Security alerts pertaining to demonstrations can be found on the Embassy’s website.

Montenegrins are generally open and hospitable to visitors; however, visitors might encounter anti-foreign sentiment.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime: Visitors needing emergency assistance may dial 112 to report a crime or request assistance. 112 is the common emergency telephone number for Europe and may be dialed from mobile telephones even with a foreign SIM card. Victims of crime may also contact the U.S. Embassy at +382 20 410 500. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. U.S. insurance providers may require a local police report to claim losses from theft or property damage.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

The Embassy may be able to assist crime victims with:

• Help finding appropriate medical care
• Assist in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help find accommodation or arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:   U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crimes.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities are uncommon. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the government or by licensed authorities. In the event of an injury, medical treatment may only be available in/near cities. Outside of cities there may be no first responders to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws in Montenegro. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. Carrying weapons in Montenegro is illegal. Your U.S. passport will not shield you from being detained, arrested, or prosecuted.  

Crimes committed abroad can also be prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website .

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or the investigating judge to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Business Practices: Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are sold in Montenegro, they are considered illegal according to local laws. You may have to pay fines or have to give them up if requested by customs officials. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Dual U.S.-Montenegrin citizens:

• If you became a U.S. citizen prior to June 3, 2006, Montenegro may recognize your dual citizenship. However, after June 3, 2006 Montenegro only recognizes dual citizenship with countries it has signed a bilateral agreement with. This agreement has not yet been signed between Montenegro and United States.
• Montenegro still abides by the bilateral consular agreement between Yugoslavia and the United States for other consular services, but not for dual citizenship.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Montenegro. The law prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. However, LGBTQI+ individuals are subject to widespread societal discrimination, ostracism, and harassment.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details.

Athletic Contract Disputes: U.S.-citizen athletes who are considering playing for professional teams in Montenegro should be aware of reports of disputes regarding contracts not being honored and treatment and living conditions not matching expectations. We recommend that U.S.-citizen athletes carefully review proposed contracts and research the team, living arrangements, and the city/town where they will be playing prior to accepting offers or commencing travel.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Montenegro prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is generally enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.

Expect communications and information to be limited. While, accessibility is common in some public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure, older public facilities often lacked access. Discrimination against persons with disabilities is more visible in smaller towns in the country.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for women travelers .

For emergency services in Montenegro dial 123 for the fire department, and 124 for an ambulance. Dial 112 to report a crime or request police assistance.

Ambulance services are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and are of limited availability. Emergency services are generally responsive in only the most severe cases. Otherwise, people must have their own transportation to hospitals and clinics.

The Department of State does not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance : Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Many care providers overseas only accept cash payments, though some now accept credit cards. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations : Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations recommended  for travelers to Montenegro by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Detailed daily information on air quality is not available for Montenegro. Podgorica is estimated to have air pollution levels similar to those in major U.S. cities.

Health Facilities

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

• Adequate health facilities are available in Podgorica and other cities but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Travelers may need to go to privately-owned pharmacies to obtain medicines and basic medical supplies.
• Hospitals and private clinics may require payment in cash for all services, although credit cards are now accepted.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery

Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on medical tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Montenegro.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Montenegro.

Pharmaceuticals

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Montenegro and its  Ministry of Foreign Affairs  to ensure the medication is legal in Montenegro. Always carry your prescription medication in its original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy : Surrogacy is illegal in Montenegro.

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Roads in Montenegro are not up to U.S. standards, especially in rural areas. Roads leading to Montenegro’s coast are in better condition but are overcrowded during the summer. Drivers can be reckless and aggressive, and accidents are frequent.

Dangerous areas for road travel include a road through the Moraca Canyon, north of Podgorica. This twisting, two-lane road is especially overcrowded in the summer and is the site of frequent rockslides. In the winter, the Moraca Canyon and northern parts of Montenegro are covered with snow, which may slow traffic and make the road hazardous.

It’s common for drivers to pass on winding roads and hills.

Traffic Laws:

• The use of seat belts is mandatory.
• Cell phone usage while driving is prohibited.
• Vehicle lights must be on at all times.
• Right turns on red lights are prohibited, unless a distinct green arrow is seen.
• At unmarked intersections, the right of way is always given to the vehicle entering from the right.
• Each vehicle must have a reflective fluorescent vest and an emergency kit to be used in the event of an emergency road stop, as well as a European car accident report form. This form can be purchased in local automobile shops. Please note that the accident report form is in Montenegrin. If a car is rented from a Montenegrin rental car agency these items should be provided.
• Children 5 years-old and under must use a safety seat attached to a vehicle safety belt.
• Vehicles must have snow tires and carry snow chains between November 15 and March 30.  
• Pedestrians crossing in designated crosswalks have the right of way.  Drivers must stop.
• The blood alcohol limit in Montenegro is .03 percent, less than half the legal limit in the United States.

Taxis:  Metered taxis are safe, although foreigners are sometimes charged higher rates. Taxis generally do not pick up passengers on the street and must be ordered by phone or SMS.

Public Transportation:  Trains, buses, and ferries often use aging and poorly maintained equipment.

Roadside assistance is available by dialing 19807, +382 20 234 467 or +382 0 20 234 999. Other local emergency numbers are police: 122; fire department: 123; and ambulance: 124. 

For emergencies dial 112.

See our road safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Montenegro’s National Tourism Organization and the Auto-moto Association of Montenegro , the national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Montenegro, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Montenegro’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Montenegro should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Montenegro . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children’s passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.

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Albania’s underrated food scene: What to eat and where to eat it

Tucked between Greece, Macedonia and Montenegro, Albania—and its surprisingly diverse food scene—often flies under the travel radar. But not anymore. Emily-Ann Elliott has eaten her way around the country, and is spilling all the culinary secrets.

“The first thing I did when I started was employ ladies in their 60s in my kitchen,” says Altin Prenga, founder of Albania’s slow food movement, his eyes crinkling at the memory. “I knew they remembered the old recipes.”

Food is at the heart of every Albanian home, and plays a central role in any traveler’s trip — whether it’s fresh sardines in the country’s southern riviera or hearty home-cooked byrek (stuffed pastry) in the north. But to understand why food is so important to Albanians, we must understand the country’s complex history.  Albania’s unique location— in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula with Adriatic and Ionian coastlines— means its land has been fought over for centuries. As a result, you can taste the Italian, Greek and Turkish influences in the cuisine.

Equally significant is the impact of 45 years of communist rule , which ended in 1991. “Communism tried to destroy our traditional identity,” Altin explains, in reference to the dishes that were passed down as whispered secrets from generation to generation, and the recipes that survived the “square white cheese and square white bread” years. “So allowing people to discover Albanian culture through my food is my passion.”

If you’re a traveler who wants to truly experience Albanian culture, these are the culinary experiences not to be missed.

Comfort food: Finding Albania’s traditional recipes

If an Albanian grandmother’s love were to be summed up by a food, it would be petulla. Whenever we’re served the fried dough fritters, made with flour, yogurt and eggs, they come with a side of memories about someone’s Albanian granny. And as we dip the golden balls into pots of honey, we feel the same child-like joy. 

Comfort food is a common theme in Albanian cuisine. From the national dish tav ë kosi, a casserole of yogurt, eggs and garlic, hiding chunks of lamb under its crust, to flia (crêpe layers sandwiched together with cream), the dishes are often rich and filling.

Soon we are eating the best meal of our trip: Crisp layers of paper-thin pastry byrek stuffed with ribbons of spinach; wedges of pale purple cheese, soaked in grape pomace; and kid goat meat, which falls off the bone.

Meals are usually served family-style at small, independently owned eateries. At a restaurant overlooking Gorica Bridge in Berat, a city on the Osum River in Central Albania, our table groans under the weight of qofta (flat meat rissoles widely known as kofta in many parts of the world) and peppers stuffed with ground beef and rice. Garlic and coriander wafts in the air, cheese sizzles in clay pots, and dishes of pickled red cabbage, barley grains and plump olives appear. 

For dessert, there is always a sliver of sweetness, whether it’s finely sliced apple and orange served with crunchy walnuts, or a square of honey-soaked baklava. We pile our plates high.

Mixing tradition and technology: Slow food in Fishtë

A glance around the packed dining room of Mrizi i Zanave , Altin’s agritourism restaurant, makes it clear that a return to tradition is healing local souls and winning the hearts of tourists.

There’s no menu to peruse at the restaurant in the small farming village of Fisht ë, 90 minutes north of the capital, Tirana. Instead, all dishes are prepared with seasonal ingredients. Soon we are eating the best meal of our trip: Crisp layers of paper-thin pastry byrek stuffed with ribbons of spinach; wedges of pale purple cheese, soaked in grape pomace; and kid goat meat, which falls off the bone.

After more than a decade working in restaurants in Italy, Altin returned to his hometown determined to transform an abandoned farm by combining traditional farming practices with modern technological advances, like a solar-powered mill to produce their own flour. It has gained international recognition and counts singer Dua Lipa (who is part Albanian) as a regular customer. 

Of the utmost importance is the network of 400 farmers Altin works with and buys from, purchasing everything from grapes to milk. “I work with some farmers who have only four cows—for me that milk is gold,” he says. This style of co-op farming is growing in popularity in Albania and you can find other chefs, like Alfred Marku from Rapsodia restaurant in Lezh ë and Bledar Kola from Mullixhiu in Tirana, designing their menus in a similar way.

God and the guest above all else: Home-cooking and hospitality in the north

There’s a saying in Albania: “Before the house belongs to the owner, it first belongs to God and the guest”. Nowhere will you feel this more than in Albania’s north.

“Tonight you will come here for dinner,” says Vlora Polia in a manner which suggests there should be no arguments. We’ve met up with Vlora in the fairytale-like village of Theth, a tiny mountain town in Shkodër County, where she has lived for over 15 years.

Here on the coast where seafood is plentiful, the cuisine is lighter, but the taste buds are just as satisfied.

That evening, we settle around a table covered in a red-and-white checkered cloth in the dining room of Bujtina Polia , Vlora’s guesthouse, which is being warmed by a wood-burning stove. “Everything we serve, we make here daily,” Vlora explains, as we tuck into potato and vegetable soup, foraged wild nettle byrek, and grilled beef ribs. The challenge here in the Albanian Alps is that produce must be grown in the valley or brought in from Shkod ë r , two hours away by steep roads.

At breakfast, we sip caj mali, a mountain tea made from the sideritis plant, with a mild floral flavor similar to chamomile, and take in the surrounding snow-capped peaks. A hearty plate of boiled eggs, sliced cucumber and tomato, and crumbly white cheese called djathë i bardhë prepares us for our trek to the ‘Blue Eye’, an unbelievable aqua-colored lagoon just outside of town.

Fusion of taste: From tavë to truffles in Tirana

It is in Tirana that the melting pot of Albania’s heritage is best represented. Visitors to the capital often descend on the Blloku neighborhood, where Mullixhiu , famous for its tasting menu of locally-sourced cuisine, is based. Italian fans head to Artigiano  for the freshly made pasta, while truffle enthusiasts flock to Tartuf Shop , where dishes center around the decadent ingredient.

For a more traditional dining experience, Oda restaurant serves chicken cooked in a wooden stove, eggplant stuffed with vegetables or, for the brave, roasted lamb head. While rooftop restaurants are still somewhat of a novelty, Lift , at the Aba Business Center, has a menu that champions caviar and wagyu steak. 

However, if you’re after a view, definitely take the cable car up Dajti Mountain to Ballkoni Dajti . We recommend bagging a table next to the floor-to-ceiling windows and enjoying those city views over a dish of jufka—thin strands of homemade pasta, served with chicken, famous in the northeast Dibra region.

Catch of the day: Seafood on the riviera

From Durr ë s to Sarande, the secret of Albania’s beautiful, extensive riviera that stretches from north to south, is officially out. Here on the coast where seafood is plentiful, the cuisine is lighter, but the taste buds are just as satisfied. In Ksamil, a small village overlooking the Ionian Sea, you can feast on skewered sardines cooked over hot coals, freshly-caught sea bass, and grilled prawns doused in lemon. The catch of the day is the most popular offering in restaurants, usually served grilled or baked and presented on the bone. Here, the flavors are simpler, with seasonings of basil, rosemary and cilantro. 

Wine and raki-making is not an easy profession here in Albania—last year’s production was decimated by changing temperatures due to climate change.

But a visit to The Mussel House on Lake Butrint, a picturesque salt lagoon south of Saranda, is a true highlight of the region. Since its opening in 1993, the mussels have been in demand across the country. And the dining experience is just as delightful—the day we visit, we sit at the open-fronted restaurant and watch as local fishermen pull up ropes thick with mussels, as we dig into bowls of the biggest shellfish we’d ever seen. Don’t forget the crusty bread to mop up the white wine sauce.

An entrepreneurial spirit: Wine and raki in Shkodër

“My father only had this land for five years before it was taken by the communist system,” Fatjon Mani, owner of Kantina Mani Winery , explains. “He died before it was returned to us, so I wanted to do something to honor him.”

Fatjon opened his 2.2-hectare vineyard, just outside Shkod ë r in 2009 and produced his first wine in 2015. He mostly grows the local kallmet grape, alongside some merlot. Besides the 6,000 liters of wine he produces a year, he also distills the country’s national drink—raki—a spirit made from grapes.

Fatjon’s unfiltered kallmet wine is matured in barrels made from Albanian oak and has notes of blackberry, cherry and vanilla. Meanwhile, a small glass of his raki, a fruit brandy which can also be made from plums, cherries and pears, is a common way to end a meal or greet new guests.

Wine and raki-making is not an easy profession here in Albania—last year’s production was decimated by changing temperatures due to climate change . But Fatjon is part of a growing number of makers doing their entrepreneurial, agritourism best. 

As we tour Kantina Mani, Fatjon sums up how it feels to experience Albanian hospitality: “We try to host people as we always did, as our family did before us.”

Having eaten my way around the country, I know that the generations who worked so hard to preserve their recipes through the most difficult of times would be proud that their heritage remains as strong as ever. 

Adventure.com strives to be a low-emissions travel publication. We are powered by, but editorially independent of,  Intrepid Travel , the world’s largest travel B Corp, who help ensure Adventure.com maintains high standards of sustainability in our work and activities. You can visit our  sustainability page  or read our  Contributor Impact Guidelines  for more information.

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• Food and travel
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Emily-Ann Elliott is a freelance travel writer and grown-up gap year specialist. She is passionate about Albania, her home county of Yorkshire in the UK and campervan adventures and has written for publications including Wanderlust, Telegraph Travel, Times Travel, The Independent and i newspaper.

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Cycling guides | Last updated: Sep 8th 2024

The Complete Guide to Cycling Montenegro

By Daniele Fasoli • Sep 8th 2024

Table of Contents

• 1. Understanding Montenegro
• 2. Why Go Cycling in Montenegro?
• 3. Which Are the Best Regions to Cycle in Montenegro?
• 4. Which Are the Best Cycling Routes in Montenegro?
• 5. When Is the Best Time for Cycling Montenegro?
• 6. Enjoying Montenegrin Cuisine
• 7. Montenegro Visa Requirements
• 8. Handy Info
• 9. Through the Notes
• 10. Come Join Us in Cycling Montengro

Understanding Montenegro

Cycling Montenegro is an adventure of discovery through tall dark-stoned mountains and the southern-most fjords of the Northern Hemisphere. The local laid-back culture, the diverse panoramas, and the overflowing nature of this country create a unique mix still mostly undiscovered by international tourists.

In this guide, you will find all you need to know to plan your Montenegro cycling tour and get the best out of your journey through this tiny, yet incredibly surprising, Balkan country: let’s dive right in!

Also called the "Crna Gora" by locals (meaning "Black Mountain" in English or literally “Monte Negro” in Spanish), Montenegro is a tiny country located in the Northern Hemisphere, with a latitude ranging between 41° and 43° N, and a longitude of 19° 15' E.

Montenegro has been a UN-recognized country since 2006 (one of the youngest nations on Earth!), that sits right in the heart of the Balkan peninsula, in Europe.

Despite its relatively small size, which still adds up to 13,812 km2 (5,332 sq mi), Montenegro shares borders with 5 different countries: Croatia and Bosnia to the north, Serbia and Kosovo to, the Kosovo/east, and Albania to the South),

The country also has access to the Adriatic Sea, and while on a map its sea-frontier might at first eye seem way shorter than 100km (62mi), with an attentive eye it’s easy to notice how the entire coastline is composed of large fjords and inland inlets, which bring the actual length of the Montenegrin coast to measure a whooping 294 km (183 miles)!

While cycling Montenegro, the panoramas you can expect to see can be resumed in two words: mountains and waters!

The country is extremely mountainous, with mountain peaks that reach over 2500m/8202feet (like the Bobotov peak in the Durmitor National Park) and often made of a dark-shaded stone (hence the country name!) that leave space for gorgeous rivers, colorful freshwater lakes, emerald-azure bays between the fjords and of course, to the Adriatic sea to the west!

Water and mountains are ever-present in Montenegro, and thanks to the low population of the country (just 660,000 people, of which almost half are concentrated in the cities of Podgorica, Niksic, and Bar) and low touristic inflow (2M tourists a year in total!), it’s easy to enjoy them in tranquillity while pedaling at your own pace.

From a passioned cyclist point of view, the topography of Montenegro is an incredible playground to explore on two wheels: you can expect to pedal through kinked mountain serpentines, across hilly roads immersed in broadleaves trees, and on semi-deserted trails with picturesque lakes and rivers by your side!

As Montenegro is a mountainous region with constant ups and downs though, to get the best out of your cycling experience and to venture away from the coast, we recommend good physical conditions (or the support of an electrical bike!).

The south-west side of Montenegro, descending abruptly in the Adriatic sea with high cliffs and the Kotor fjords, is jagged with typical Mediterranean plants such as Aleppo pines, holm oaks, olive trees, and maquis shrubs.

Cycling toward the northeast side of the country though, you will immediately notice how the vegetation changes as you move up the steep mountains: different types of oaks, hornbeams, and hardy scrub will slowly show up more and more as altitude increases.

Inland valleys and higher elevations (above 800-1000m / 2600-3200 feet) are dominated by beech and coniferous trees like spruce and fir, but that’s also not the end of it!

Above the tree line, and especially in the Durmitor mountain region, it’s also possible to witness green pastures and mountain grasslands covered in flowers (such as thyme, sage and endemic species like the bright-yellow Verbascum Durmitoreum) alternated to bare rock areas. The best time to see the flower fields is in June and July when the blossoming season is at its peak!

Montenegro became an independent country less than 20 years ago (2006) and because of that, at this right time there has not been yet an official census of all the species of animals living in the country and data about fish, amphibians, and marine mammals populating the country are pretty limited.

Said that from experience we can say Montenegro’s animal population looks pretty similar to the ones of its neighboring countries, with large mammals such as the endangered Balkan Lynxes, brown bears (in the Biogradska Gora National Park), golden jackals, red deers, roe deers, and wild dogs.

As 38% of the country is agricultural land, it’s also common to see plenty of cows, sheep, and domesticated rabbits!

By cycling through the famous UNESCO city of Kotor and its bay, you will notice instead a humongous number of stray and domesticated cats, which are also one of the symbols of the town itself :)

Despite its relatively small geographical area, Montenegro enjoys two completely different climates. On one side, the coast facing the Adriatic Sea offers a pleasant Mediterranean climate with over 240 sunny days a year, and mild winters where temperatures rarely fall under 0°C (32°F). In summer though, temperatures might rise above 35°C (95°F), making the area too hot for an enjoyable bike ride.

The capital city of Montenegro, Podgorica, which is located not far from the coast and near the famous Schroeder (Scutari) lake, is one of the hottest cities in Europe with temperatures that during summer can peak even above 40°C (104°F).

On the other side, we have the northern part of the country, characterized by tall mountain ranges such as the Durmitor, the Sinjajevina, and the Dinaric Alps, where we find a completely continental climate, with snowing and freezing-cold winters (where temperatures can plummet under -15°C (5°F), and short, yet enjoyable summers (with temperatures between 20-30°C / 68-86°F).

Montenegro is one of the youngest independent nations in the world, as it became an officially recognized country just in 2006.

With a GDP of US $ 6,3 billion (2022), Montenegro has the 156th largest economy in the world, which to give you an idea is comparable to the amount of money generated by the tiny Liechtenstein, Fiji, or Barbados Islands.

Its GDP per capita is US$ 12.500 and positions the country in the 72th position in the world rankings.

Among European countries, Montenegro is surely one of the poorest (37th place out of 48), but also one of the fastest-growing, with a GDP growth that in 2023 was at 6%!

As a visitor, while cycling Montenegro you can expect cheaper prices than in most continental Europe, in line with other south-Balkan countries such as Bosnia, Serbia, or North Macedonia.

The economy of Montenegro is currently mostly based on services (71,5%), agriculture (6% - one of the highest percentages in Europe!), and industry (22,5% - as of 2023).

The major products of Montenegro are non-ferrous metals, metal scraps, beverages, wood, olives, oranges, and electricity.

In recent years, the Montenegrin government has been investing strongly to foster tourism and position the country as an “elite destination”, although at the moment the objective seems still pretty far and prices remain generally low compared to most of Europe.

According to numbeo in fact, the cost of living in Montenegro is about 40% of that of living in Germany, an important data to keep in mind when budgeting your trip!

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Why Go Cycling in Montenegro?

Montenegro is one of the most “uncharted” countries in the world, as most people wouldn’t be able to pinpoint it on a map let alone know about its mesmerizing diversity, breathtaking panoramas, and welcoming local culture.

If you are wondering why you should choose Montenegro as your next cycling destination, here are four solid reasons:

1. Tourism Is Still Particularly Low

Forget the masses of tourists, queues, and the feeling of being overwhelmed by large crowds. Montenegro is scarcely populated (660.000 inhabitants) and it attracts barely 2 million visitors every year (to give you an idea, just the city of Venice in Italy, attracts 30 million every year!). Here, also in the most popular destinations such as Kotor and Budva, you can still find your spaces and your dimensions! For cycling through Montenegro, low crowds mean fewer vehicles on the road and much more silent routes!

2. Breath-taking Mountains and Waters

Are you a nature lover? Then Montenegro will be your playground! With skyscraping dark peaks, rocky mountain trails, and serpentine routes around fjords, rivers, and lakes, Montenegro is a panoramic mix of ups and downs that can make any cyclist fall in love!

3. It’s Affordable!

The cost of living in Montenegro is between 40-50% lower than compared to western-Europe countries such as Italy, Germany, or France. Accommodation even in high season is affordable, and the average quality of rooms is one of the highest in Europe according to Hotelstatistics.com.

4. Locals are Open, Talkative, and Friendly

Montenegro is a country that has been conquered several times throughout history: by the Romans, the Slavs, the Serbians, and the Venetians… and the influence of different cultures is still visible today in the architecture, in the traditions, in the local religion and of course in the Montenegrin people! Montenegrins are indeed a very relaxed and open population, which makes tourists extremely welcome and find pride in seeing people coming to visit their own little country! :)

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Which Are the Best Regions to Cycle in Montenegro?

Montenegro is divided into three main regions: the coast, the mountains, and the tiny semi-flatty heartland close to Podgorica and Skadar Lake.

As a cyclist, these are the areas you surely don’t want to miss out:

1. Kotor Bay (also called “Boca Bay”)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site between the fjords, and one of the most iconic places in Montenegro! The Kotor Bay is characterized by unrealistically light-azure waters which to an unknowing eye could look like lakes instead of a salty tentacle of the Adriatic Sea. The bay is enshrined in tall, dark mountains which complete the panorama as the perfect backdrop, and the coastline roads are very well-suited for semi-flat panoramic tours. Of course, if you’re in for the challenge, around Boca Bay there are plenty of demanding trails you could add to your Montenegro cycling tour! ;)

2. Durmitor National Park

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site of breathtaking beauty! Coniferous forests, pristine pastures, light-blue rivers, mountain lakes, and the tallest peaks in Montenegro are what you can expect to find while cycling around the Durmitor National Park. For nature lovers, this is probably the number one destination in Montenegro to check out!

3. Budva to Skadar Lake

The coastal area of Montenegro is incredibly fascinating (jagged with olive trees, lemon trees, and tranquillity), but even nicer is pedaling beyond the peaks from Budva to Bar and beyond Ruminja peak, to reach the Skadar Lake and the heartlands near Podgorica. While not a UNESCO-recognized site yet, Skadar Lake is a candidate and especially gorgeous between April and June when part of the water's surface gets covered by lush green water lilies.

Which Are the Best Cycling Routes in Montenegro?

Although a small country, Montenegro is not short on great cycling routes. Here are the best routes for cycling in Montenegro:

1. Kotor-Lepatane-Pisan Loop

A 57km (35,4mi) cycling tour around the natural marvels of Kotor Bay, which takes approximately 3 hours and a half to complete. This loop is mostly flat (as it runs close to sea level between the fjords and the water) and ideal for cyclists of any fitness level. The loop includes taking a small five-minute ferry in Lepatane to cross the water and close the loop.

2. Kotor Serpentine to Cetinje

Starting from Kotor town, this is a panoramic 83km-long road (51,5mi) that requires excellent fitness levels (or a good e-Bike), which contains up to 2000m of altitude ups and downs and 6 hours to complete. The “serpentine” is a kinky mountain road that bends on itself 17 times, and that looks both rewarding and stunning seeing from the top. This trail ends in Cetinje, Montenegro’s historic capital which sits in a valley overlooked by the Lovcen Mountains.

3. Durmitor National Park Loop

Starting from Zabliak, this is the number one loop in Montenegro for nature lovers, which can bring you through the most surreal and explosive beauties of the Durmitor mountain chain and close to the highest peaks in Montenegro (such as the Bobotev). The road is mostly paved (with few dirt-road connections), takes about 6 hours to complete, and is a journey into the overflowing nature of Montenegro. Expect to see a lot of fauna (such as lynx, wolf, bear, chamois, doe, and if you’re lucky also the dark skunk), mushrooms, plants, and rocky panoramas that will accelerate your heartbeat!

4. Budva to Lake Skadar

Straddling the border with Albania, Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans at a whopping 400km² (154 sq. mi ). You can reach the lake from both Podgorica (if you’d like an easier/flatter trail) or from Budva (if you’re in for the 43km mountain pass through Bukovic until Virpazar). Cycling the hilly banks of the Skadar Lake is a chance to immerse yourself in the chestnut groves, pretty Montenegrin villages where stalls sell local rakija and honey, and, on top of all, a chance to relax while enjoying the long views over the lake and the Albanian Alps.

5. Eurovelo 8 Mediterranean Route

EuroVelo is a network of 17 long-distance cycling routes crisscrossing Europe and one is also passing through Montenegro. Starting from Dubrovnik (Croazia), the road crosses Kotor Bay, Budva, and Bar and ends up near the Shkodër lake before entering Albania. The trail part through Montenegro is about 180km (111 mi) and a multi-day itinerary for the braves!

When Is the Best Time for Cycling Montenegro?

Montenegro doesn’t suffer from over-tourism, so prices for accommodations are generally affordable year-round. With that aside, the climate should be your Northern star when deciding when to go cycling in Montenegro

Best Season

The best seasons to cycle through the coastal area are spring (late March to June) and fall (September to October). In this period, temperatures are usually in the range of 10-25°C (50-77°C) which will make your adventure of cycling Montenegro much more enjoyable!

The coastal area includes the Kotor-Lepatane-Pisan loop, Budva, Bar, and Eurovelo 8 trail. To visit the Lovcen mountains and, especially the Durmitor National Park, the best period is instead summer (June to September) when the peaks are free of snow and temperatures rise in a comfortable biking range (10-25° again - 50-77°F).

Peak Season

The peak season, when more tourists come to Montenegro, is surely the summer.

International visitors, mainly from nearby Balkan countries, come to enjoy the sea in Montenegro by choosing Budva, Bar, and Kotor as their main holiday destinations.

Luckily, the peak season in Montenegro doesn’t overlap with the best time for cycling: mid-season.

Winters in Montenegro are cold, rainy, and snowy (depending on the region). Of course, accommodations are even cheaper, but panoramas are not that great and many mountain trails might be closed because of snow. Winters are not recommended for cycling in Montenegro!

Enjoying Montenegrin Cuisine

Montenegrin cuisine reflects a blend of Mediterranean and Balkan influences, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Coastal areas are known for seafood dishes like buzara (a stew made with various kinds of shellfish), while the inland mountainous regions offer hearty meals such as the kačamak (a creamy dish made from cornmeal and potatoes) or Njeguški pršut, a dry-cured ham from the village of Njeguši, (a prized specialty, often served with local cheese).

In Montenegro, you can certainly find also traditional Balkan dishes such as the delicious Cevapi (soft-meat spiced sausages), the Kačamak with kajmak (Balkanic porridge), and the ever-present Burek (fast and cheap cheese-filled pastry to eat on the go!).

Montenegrin cuisine is simple yet flavorful, embodying the country’s rich multicultural heritage and its diverse natural landscapes.

Montenegro Visa Requirements

Montenegro presented its candidacy to the EU in 2008 and the negotiation for its joining has been ongoing ever since, but still hasn’t reached the end.

Because of this Montenegro is not yet an EU country, and to enter non-citizens require a Visa. EU residents, and citizens of the USA, Britain, Australia, and Canada are exceptions to this rule as they can stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days Visa-free.

As of today, most visitors can apply for a convenient e-visa and obtain granted access to the country online with a few clicks: here is the official e-visa website , and here is all the information you need about Montenegro entry requirements .

Montenegro is neither a member of the European Union (EU) nor of the Eurozone.

However, the country unilaterally adopted the Euro as its “de facto” domestic currency in 2002.

So, despite the Euro not being legal tender in Montenegro, it is treated as such by all citizens and their government.

As of 2024 1Euro = 1,10 US$.

All major credit card circuits are generally accepted in Montenegro (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express), but, contrary to EU member countries, here merchants are not obliged by law to offer the possibility of paying by card.

Because of this, it’s always better to bring liquid cash with you as you cycle Montenegro as sometimes street vendors or even local BnBs won’t leave you a receipt for their services.

Renting a car is surely the fastest way to get around Montenegro for tourists, but for cyclists, that’s usually not necessary at all.

From North-to-South and East-to-West Montenegro measures around 200 km (125 mi) in total, which makes cycling through the country pretty attainable for anyone looking for a 3-7 days journey (depending on your fitness level!).

Public transport is also a great option to move your bike between routes, popular hotspots (such as Kotor, Budva, Podgorica, Lake Skadar, or the Durmitor in summer), and the nearby Balkan countries.

Buses are usually on time and relatively cheap, Globaltour, Flixbus, Montenegro Express and Blueline are the main bus services in Montenegro.

The most commonly spoken language in Montenegro is Montenegrin Serbian (with around 232,600 native speakers), although Croatian, Bosnian, Albanian, and Serbian are also recognized as official minority languages and widely spoken!

Except for Albanian, all other languages are pretty much mutually intelligible (after all, until 1991 all countries were just part of the one, larger Yugoslavia) and comprehensible by all Montenegrins.

English is not widely spoken in Montenegro (only 26% of the people, those living in tourism mostly), so learning a couple of useful sentences before traveling there might be a smart idea to show respect and also to make your navigation easier 😊

Culture and Religion

Montenegro is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country, the result of the many populations that lived on this land through the ages!

The culture is generally laid-back and locals tend to leave for tomorrow anything that doesn’t have to be done today!

Most Montenegrin people identify themselves as Christian Orthodox (72%), with minorities of Muslim (19%), Roman Catholics (3%), and other religions.

The percentage of atheists and agnostics is under 2%, which is one of the lowest in Europe (along with other Balkan countries such as Serbs, Bosniaks, and Albanians).

Some of the largest festivals in Montenegro are the Kotor Boka Night (decorated boat defile – end of August), the Spring Carnival in Budva (February), St. Tripun’s Day (3rd of February in Kotor), the Days of Camelia in Stoliv (flower festival between March and April), and the International Klapa Music Festival in Perast (in September).

Appliances and Devices

Electricity in Montenegro, as in most of the European continent, is supplied at 220-240 volts, and Montenegro uses a frequency of 50 Hz.

The electrical sockets in Montenegro are of two types: type-C (2 simple round pins) or type-F (shuko- two large round pins). Those are the most common types of sockets in Europe which work with most electronics coming from the old continent.

If you’re coming from the UK, USA, or Asia, we suggest you bring or purchase a universal adapter.

Mobile Coverage

4G and 5G coverage are widely available in all major tourist hotspots and cities (Kotor, Budva, Podgorica, Bar, etc.), but almost completely absent in the mountainous and scarcely populated regions of the North and eastern part of the country.

As we’ve seen, Montenegro is a predominately mountainous country, and the many Montenegrin peaks contribute to creating vast “dark areas” where you could cycle for kilometers without any mobile service or data available.

That’s why it might be smart to download offline maps before venturing yourself into remote areas!

Notice also, that using an EU-Sim card is not a good option, as roaming fees outside of the EU are humongous (up to over 1 Euro/megabyte!).

Your best bet is, therefore to switch off data before entering the country and purchase straight away a Montenegrin sim or e-sim card.

The main Montenegrin phone companies are Mtel, T-Mobile, and Telenor Mobile.

You could also think of conveniently getting an e-sim by e-travelsim, Alosim, Maya mobile, Airalo, or Holafly.

Montenegro is situated in the Central European Time (CET) zone, which is UTC+1.

However, during daylight saving time, it switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2.

Through the Notes

Read : The Mountains of Montenegro Trekking Guide (Rudolph Abraham, 2007); Black Lamb and Grey Falcon (Rebecca West, 1941 ), Bridge of the Drina (Ivo Andric, 1945 – a good book to understand Balkan culture); A hero on a Mountain (Miodrag Bulatovic, 1967)

Listen : Crnogorsko Oro (traditional Montenegrin folk song), Božidar Ivanišević (Folk artist), Knez (Modern Pop artist)

Watch : Meet Me in Montenegro (2014), Montenegro Tango o perle e porci (1981), Montenegro: A Land Divided (2021)

Eat : Brav u Mlijeku (Lamb braised in Milk), Kačamak with kajmak (Balkanic porridge), Buzara (garlicky seafood mix cooked in red wine sauce), Cevapi (the signature dish of all ex-Yugoslavian countries, small sausage-like patties of spiced meat, absolutely delicious!), Burek (fast and cheap cheese-filled pastry to eat on the go!)

Drink : Mammut Beer, Trebjesa beer, Niksic beer, rakija, grape brandy

Learn : Montenegrin and Balkan history with a guided tour,

Experience : Explore the savage beauty of Skadar Lake on a boat trip or by kayak, cycle up the iconic Kotor Serpentine road, get stunned by the Durmitor mountains, stroll around the modern Podgorica, feed dozens of friendly stray cats within the Kotor Fortress, visit the oldest olive tree in the world near Bar city (2000 years old!)

Come Join Us in Cycling Montengro

Our Montenegro cycling tours are experiences designed for those who don’t want to only visit Montenegro but also immerse in its rich history and culture.

Each guided bike tour we offer is organized by a passionate local leader, who will provide you with all the support you need, world-class bikes and equipment, and plenty of tips and information on what to visit, where to eat local, and what to try.

Electric bikes are also available for this trip to help you conquer all the magnificent ups and downs that Montenegro has to offer.

So, get ready to experience the undiscovered, cycle through untouched nature, and hit the roads of Montenegro with us!

For more European adventures, have a look at our guides to cycling Spain and cycling Italy respectively.

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