Southern Albania Itinerary: 5–6 Days in the Sunny South
If your heart is set on turquoise beaches, ancient ruins and stone Ottoman towns — and you’d rather go deep than dash around the whole country — focus on southern Albania. This 5–6 day regional itinerary covers the Riviera, Ksamil, the Blue Eye, Butrint and Gjirokastër, and works perfectly whether you fly into Tirana or arrive by ferry from Corfu into Saranda. For the full-country versions, see our 7-day and 10-day itineraries.
At a glance – Region: the deep south — Saranda, Ksamil, Blue Eye, Butrint, Gjirokastër, the Riviera – Length: 5–6 days · Entry: Tirana (drive south) or Corfu → Saranda by ferry – Best with: a rental car for the Riviera – Best time: May–June or September–October
Day 1 — Arrive in the south
If you’re coming from Tirana, drive down (stopping at the Blue Eye en route); if you’re coming from Greece, take the Corfu–Saranda ferry (30–40 min) and pick up a car. Settle into Saranda or Ksamil and ease in with a sunset and seafood. See the Saranda guide. Stay: Saranda or Ksamil.
Day 2 — Butrint & the Blue Eye
Get to the ancient city of Butrint early (a UNESCO archaeological site on a forested peninsula, 25 km south of Saranda) to beat the heat and crowds. In the afternoon, drive inland to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), the hypnotic karst spring — there’s a short walk from the car park. Blue Eye guide. Stay: Saranda or Ksamil.
Day 3 — Ksamil beaches & islands
A pure beach day in Ksamil — white sand, calm shallows and the little offshore islands you can swim or kayak to. This is the south at its most postcard-perfect. Everything you need is in the Ksamil guide. Stay: Ksamil.
Day 4 — Gjirokastër day trip (or overnight)
Head inland (≈1.5h) to Gjirokastër, the UNESCO “City of Stone”: a hilltop fortress with a Cold War spy plane, grand Ottoman houses and a cobbled Old Bazaar. With six days, overnight here for the evening atmosphere; with five, do it as a long day trip. Gjirokastër guide. Stay: Gjirokastër (or back on the coast).
Day 5 — The Albanian Riviera
Drive up the coast along the Albanian Riviera and pick a base — Himarë for a lively town, Dhërmi for style — with stops at coves like Gjipe and Porto Palermo. Swim, linger, and watch the sun drop into the Ionian. Stay: Himarë or Dhërmi.
Day 6 — Slow morning & onward
With a sixth day, enjoy a final Riviera swim before continuing — back to Tirana (≈3.5–4h), onward to the north, or back to Corfu for your flight.
Where to stay (summary)
Saranda/Ksamil (3) → optional Gjirokastër (1) → Riviera (1–2). For choosing a base, see where to stay in Albania.
Tips for the south
- Entering via Corfu is a great hack — a short ferry drops you straight into Saranda, no Tirana backtrack.
- A car matters most for the Riviera; Saranda, Ksamil, Butrint and the Blue Eye are all linked by short hops and day tours.
- Visit in the shoulder season — Ksamil in particular gets very busy and pricey in July–August. See when to visit.
Want to see more of Albania?
Add the centre and capital with the 7-day itinerary, the northern Alps with the 10-day, or the whole country with the 2-week itinerary. Prefer the mountains? See the northern Albania itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for southern Albania? About 5–6 days lets you enjoy the beaches (Saranda, Ksamil), the ruins of Butrint, the Blue Eye, Gjirokastër and the Riviera without rushing.
Can I visit southern Albania from Corfu? Yes — a 30–40 minute ferry links Corfu with Saranda, making it an easy entry point for a southern Albania trip.
What is the best base for exploring the south? Saranda offers the broadest choice and easy access to Ksamil, Butrint and the Blue Eye; Ksamil is best if beaches are your priority. Add a Riviera base (Himarë/Dhërmi) for the coast.
Do I need a car for southern Albania? It’s best for the Riviera. The Saranda area’s main sights are close together and reachable by local transport or day tours, but a car adds a lot of freedom.
When is the best time to visit the south? May–June or September–October — warm seas with far fewer crowds than the July–August peak.
Is Gjirokastër worth including? Yes — it’s a UNESCO town with a dramatic fortress and Ottoman old quarter, an easy and rewarding inland contrast to the beaches.
Plan your trip
Build on this with best places to visit, best time to go, getting around and costs. All routes on the Albania itinerary hub.
Related guides: Northern Albania Itinerary · 7 Days in Albania · Ksamil · Saranda · Albania Travel Guide