Albania in 7 days
with the family
Albania offers everything you need for a successful family holiday: adventure, culture, nature, beautiful beaches and hospitality. A week-long road trip from Tirana to the Albanian Riviera is an easily doable and wonderfully varied trip for families.
1st and 2nd day
Tirana
Tirana is a good choice for a road trip in Albania, with many cheap flight options. We also looked at Corfu as an alternative way to get there, but all direct and indirect flight options were significantly more expensive.
Once you arrive in Tirana, you can quickly pick up a rental car and start your journey.
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We chose a hotel right by the airport, the MK Hotel. Here we found everything a family could wish for: easy and free parking, family rooms, a heated children's pool, a huge playground and a child-friendly restaurant with steak for mom and dad.
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If you're a family, we recommend a day trip to Tirana with a compact program and enough time to stop off at a cozy restaurant. Start your day in Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city. Here, children can explore the large square while parents admire the impressive architecture and the equestrian statue of Skanderbeg.
If the children are a little older, you can then visit the National Museum, which offers interesting exhibitions on Albanian history. Interactive displays and child-friendly areas make the museum visit exciting for the little ones.
After the first cultural part, we continue to the Grand Park (Parku i Madh). The spacious park with its artificial lake is ideal for a picnic and relaxing walks. There are playgrounds and boat rentals, which are particularly popular with children.
Alternatively, we recommend a visit to the Blloku district, which has numerous restaurants and cafés. Here you can enjoy Albanian specialties, while the largely car-free streets make eating with children stress-free.
In den Gassen im Stadtteil Mangalemi
Day 3
Berat
In just under 2 hours we reached Berat, the "city of a thousand windows". In the evening we took a short walk along the promenade with various play options for the little ones (plastic playgrounds, but they were OK). We then enjoyed a typical Albanian dinner in our hotel Ansel. Highly recommended.
The next day we took advantage of the cool morning temperatures to visit Berat Castle, which towers high above the city. Children can run through the old alleys of the fortress and enjoy the impressive views. But be careful of the risk of falling, as the castle walls are poorly secured in places.
After the cultural morning, a stroll through the picturesque districts of Mangalem and Gorica beckons. Cross the historic Gorica Bridge and explore the charming houses and narrow streets. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals make the walk a pleasant experience for the whole family.
At lunchtime/afternoon you can stop at one of the traditional restaurants on the river bank and try Albanian specialties such as Tave Kosi.
Day 4
Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster (or Gjirokastra) was a real highlight on our trip to Albania. Starting with the hotel: The Kerculla Resort was really one of the most beautifully located hotels we have ever stayed in. Above all, the price-performance ratio, the facilities and especially the
3 panoramic pools impress.
Now to the city itself: Gjirokaster, the "City of Stones", offers numerous family-friendly activities. Start your day with a visit to the imposing Gjirokaster Castle. Children will love walking around the ancient walls and exploring the impressive weapon collection inside. From the castle you can enjoy stunning views over the city and the surrounding mountains.
For families who like a full program, there is still the Cold War Tunnel or one of the beautiful houses in the old town to visit (eg Zekate House). However, we spent the rest of the day visiting a bazaar, which offers numerous souvenirs, handicrafts and local products. Here you are guaranteed to find a souvenir of your unforgettable family day in Gjirokaster. In the afternoon / evening we then enjoyed the pools at the Kerculla Resort with our children.
Day 5 - 7 Sarande and The Albanian Riviera
After about an hour's drive you reach Sarande on the Albanian Riviera. We chose the city as a starting point for our activities on the Albanian Riviera for several reasons. There are countless practical accommodations for families and the evening can be rounded off well on the sea promenade.
We were in Albania in the pre-season in mid-May. We found the temperatures and tourists very pleasant. In summer we would probably avoid places like Ksamil. We are generally torn about Ksamil: on the one hand the sea shines in all shades of blue, on the other hand it is quickly apparent that the beaches are being thoughtlessly concreted over. However, there are enough beautiful bays with crystal clear water in the area that can make a holiday in the high season unforgettable. Other recommended activities in the area are: a visit to Butrint (our children loved exploring secret paths in ruins), a boat trip along the coast, a trip to the Blue Hole (with older children) or a day trip to Corfu.
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