3 days in Albania: The Ultimate Long Weekender

A long weekend in Albania!? Yes please!

If you’ve never considered Albania as a weekend break destination then you need to think again.

I know, it surprised me too and I’ll admit that my boyfriend took some convincing to join me for this trip, but it turned out to be our favourite weekend break destination. Yes, that’s a bold statement for two people who take A LOT of weekend breaks but Albania was incredible.

This was our exact itinerary for those of you who want to jump straight into the details. We were away for 3 nights in July, so it’s definitely doable for a long weekend. Of course, you could easily add on extra days and stay much longer too!

I’ve gone into more detail below, answered some of your FAQs and detailed all the costs too…

How to get to Albania from the UK

For this weekend break to Albania I wanted to spend our time in the popular seaside resorts of Sarande and Ksamil.

When travelling to these areas of Albania you’ve got two main choices:

1. Fly direct to Tirana in Albania then it’s a 4-5 hour drive to Sarande, Albania
2. Fly to Corfu and take a 30 minute ferry to Saranda, Albania

We opted to fly to Corfu and take a ferry because:

• Flights were cheaper
• There were more flights to choose from so we could be more flexible
• I’d prefer a 30 minute ferry over a 4 hour drive
• We got a bonus evening in Corfu Old Town which I hadn’t planned but loved

I’ll admit that this all felt a bit complicated and off-putting, especially for a weekend break. But I can confirm that the flight to Corfu + ferry option was really easy and actually quite enjoyable. It felt like my backpacking trips to Asia in my 20s and it was really fun and exciting.

We took a late flight from Manchester to Corfu. We arrived at 23.20 and spent the night at Corfu Art Port Studios which was a 5 minute walk to the ferry port, so we were there and ready for an early ferry in the morning.

Travel Hack Tip: The ferries depart from the far left when you arrive at the ferry port. Walk all the way to the left and passport control is in an orange building.

I booked our ferry tickets via Omio which is really easy and you can keep your tickets in the Omio app. I booked specific times but I don’t really think it matters too much. No one actually checked our tickets and for both journeys we ended up on ferries at completely different times to our tickets.

On the outbound journey we arrived early, but then had to queue for nearly an hour to get through passport control. I don’t know why there was such an unusually long delay but I’ve been told people normally get through quickly.

On the return journey we were worried it would take ages again, but we got straight through in 2 minutes and jumped on a ferry 90 minutes earlier than the one we were scheduled for.

Arriving into Sarande is easy because you’re right in the thick of it when you arrive. Taxi drivers, hotel owners and boat companies come to meet the ferry so if you need a taxi you’ll get one right away. But it can feel a bit pushy and salesy, so get out of the initial crowd quickly if you don’t need a taxi.

Sarande or Ksamil?

The two most popular areas are Sarande and Ksmail (pronounced with a silent K).

We divided our time equally between the two, mostly because I wanted to stay at Lost Seaside Hotel which is in Sarande.

I preferred Ksamil to Sarande. Sarande is busier, more modern and built up while Ksamil has a more laid-back, relaxed vibe.

I really enjoyed the itinerary we did and, as a first time visitor, it was perfect but next time I’d probably go straight to Ksamil.

Did Albania feel safe?

Most of the feedback I’ve had on Instagram is from people wondering if it’s safe in Albania.

I can absolutely, 100%, confidently say I felt safe the whole time I was in Albania.

As a woman in her late 30s travelling with a man, I felt totally comfortable.

I would definitely come back with my girlfriends and my children and I’d even consider travelling solo to Albania.

The local people were all lovely. They were so friendly, welcoming and kind without being OTT. There were some sullen and grumpy younger people working in hotels and restaurants – but I think you get that everywhere and it definitely didn’t make me feel unsafe or unwelcome.

No one felt overly pushy or salesy. Restaurant owners do try and encourage you into their restaurants, but they’re pretty chill and they’ll leave you be.

What about Albanian gangsters?

OK, I had to address this because everyone has been asking! I just want to highlight again that I felt really, really safe in Albania. If there are any Albanian gangsters it seems like they’re all in the UK and they’re certainly not hanging around middle-aged couples at a beach resort!

I saw no evidence of gangsters or even any dodgy looking or intimidating people who made me nervous or uncomfortable. There was no one on the street selling drugs (like you get all over Spain) and I’d mostly say that people ignored us. I didn’t feel like I needed to hold my bag close or be on my guard.

Is Albania touristy?

Yes, Albania is very touristy. They had 11.7 million tourist visits in 2024.

I know it’s an unusual destination for British people but people from Eastern Europe have been coming on holiday to Albania for years.

Tourism is Albania is increasing massively with a 15.2% increase year-on-year, so it’s definitely one of those places you’ll want to visit while it still feels like a bit of a hidden gem for us Brits!

Is Albania cheap?

You could definitely do Albania on the cheap and it’s so much cheaper than western Europe. But, actually, this weekend break wasn’t cheap at all – mostly because it is a fairly cheap country so I opted for fancier hotels than I’d normally book because they were cheap.

We stayed in fairly expensive hotels, spent a lot of money on taxis and mostly ate and drank in very touristy areas, opting for things like sushi and cocktails because they were a bit cheaper than at home! So it didn’t feel much cheaper than going on holiday to Spain.

But if you wanted to do it cheap…you could!

For example, a beer in a 5* hotel is £5. A beer at a touristy beach bar was £3. I’m fairly sure if you went to a local bar then I’d get a beer for £1.50!

We also visited during the peak summer season. I’ve looked at the prices of the hotels we stayed at and it would be much cheaper to visit in October compared to July.

How much did your trip cost?

Flights – £211.84 (£105.92pp)

• Flights from Manchester to Corfu with Ryanair – £86.78
• Flights from Corfu to Manchester with easyJet – £125.06

Transport in Corfu and Albania – £203.01 (£101.50pp)

• Taxi from airport to the port – £17.25
• Return ferries from Corfu to Sarande for 2 people – £112.40
• Taxi from Sarande to Ksamil – £17.27
• Taxi from Ksamil to Sarande – £21.58
• Taxi from Corfu Port to Corfu Old Town – £21.58
• Taxi from Corfu Old Town to the airport – £12.95

Accommodation – £432.08 (£216.04pp)

• Night 1 – Corfu Art Port Studios – £112.23
• Night 2 – Lost Seaside – £207.19 (with breakfast)
• Night 3 – Diol Hotel – £112.66 (with breakfast)

Food and drink 

• Gyros and beer on first night – £12.09
• Breakfast in Sarande – £19
• Lunch and drinks during boat trip at deserted beach – £5 per beer, £6 for a side of chips or salad, £12 for a meal.
• Dinner and drinks at Lost Seaside £77 (including starters, cocktails and a 42 piece sushi platter)
• Lunch time sushi, cocktails and multiple beers at Lost Seaside – £65
• 2 x bottles of beer at Lost Seaside – £9
• 2 x beers in Ksamil – £6
• Snacks on the beach in Ksamil – £0.30
• Dinner in Corfu Old Town – £39.00

Activities – £73.08 (£36.54pp)

6-hour boat trip  – £73.08

Other

• Snacks at supermarket (big water, cans of coke and 2 x Magnum ice creams) – £6
• 2 x sun loungers + umbrella at Last Bay Beach Club in Ksamil – £8.63 (the beach bar was closed for renovations but the loungers were still available to hire. The price will go up to a £15 for 2 loungers and an umbrella when the renovations are complete. We loved it here because the loungers were big, squishy bean bags)

Do you pay with cash or card in Albania?

You’ll need some cash in Albania for taxis and smaller bars.

This was the first destination I visited for years where we had to pay for some things in cash.

• For hotels, restaurants and supermarkets we paid on card (we both use Monzo when travelling).
• For taxis (in both Corfu and Albania) and smaller bars and restaurants they wanted cash.
• In Albania you can pay in either Albanian Lek or Euros. We paid in Albanian Lek. 100 Lek is about 10 Euro so it’s an easy conversion and everyone seemed happy with either currency.
• There are cash machines everywhere but there’s an £8 fee for every withdrawal

Would you take your children?

Yes, I’d 100% take my children and I wouldn’t feel concerned about their safety. I think older children in particular would love it. I’d buy some inflatables on the first day and I’m fairly sure they’d spend an entire week in the sea! I’d definitely get a nice hotel with a big swimming pool. It was about 36 degrees C in early July so during that hot part of the day I think we’d just want to relax at the hotel and stay out of the sun for a few hours.

It’s probably also worth mentioning that all the hotels had great WiFi so kids won’t need to be away from their precious devices!

In terms of family friendly activities, I’d book these:

• 2 hour boat tour to 5 islands
• Blue Eye Explorer
• A day at the Splash Waterpark in Sarande (inflatables on a public beach)
• Hire kayaks, pedalos or paddle boards (available on the beach)

If you were doing a longer 2-week holiday, I’d probably do a traditional all-inclusive hotel in Corfu and then go over to Albania for the second week.

What was the food like?

The food was great. Every restaurant mostly sold seafood and it was all really good (no iffy tummies during this trip!)

We had lots of seafood pasta as well as sushi and salads. There are also lots of pizza restaurants. I’d say the food was ‘easy family friendly food’. It was delicious and always an easy crowd pleaser.

How did you rate your hotels?

Corfu Art Port Studios – £112.23

This felt expensive for what it was but we were paying for the location next to the port. It was really nice, spacious, clean, comfortable with a really hot shower and really cold air-con. So it was perfect. It was down a maze of narrow streets and you’re sent the Google coordinates to find it on Maps. 

It was easy enough to find with the coordinates but if you’re travelling solo you might feel a bit nervous walking around this maze of quiet streets alone.

An alternative would be Europe Hotel which doesn’t look as nice but it has a 24 hour reception and a taxi can pull up right outside.

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Lost Seaside – £207.19 (with breakfast)

So this was the boujee, Insta-famous one I was excited about. And it was really lovely but, honestly, all the girls posing for photos was a bit off-putting. It’s very posey!

But it was also beautiful and if that’s your vibe then you’ll love it.

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Diol Hotel – £112.66 (with breakfast)

We loved this hotel. It was unpretentious and friendly, clean, spacious and the pool was lovely. The breakfast was also better than at Lost Seaside! The location was great as it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the beach so you’re close enough for an easy stroll but not so close you’ll hear any music at night. I’d give this a 10/10 and would definitely return.

Are the beaches really busy and are the sun loungers expensive?

Expect to pay about £10 for 2x loungers and an umbrella for the day.

Prices vary depending on whether you’re getting a basic bed, a comfier bed or a cabana. You can get really lovely cabanas with drapes and little nets suspended above the water.

I’d read that the beaches were so busy you have to arrive super early to get a sun lounger. And if you want a lounger, they’re really expensive.

Thankfully, this wasn’t our experience at all.

In Ksamil we arrived at the beach at about 10.30am and there were hundreds of beach beds. It didn’t get busy until about midday and even then there were free loungers.

You can lie on the beach for free but many of the beaches are stoney and the sand, stone, pebbles or shells are SO HOT so I’d always pay for a lounger.

If you want to visit more of a beach club (like Lost Seaside) then yes, the loungers here are very expensive. If you stay at the hotel you can spend the day on a basic sun lounger all day for no fee.

 

What’s the deal with the beach bars?

If there’s one thing Albania does really, really well…it’s beach bars! Our holiday basically revolved around beach bars.

The beach bars are where you’ll rent your sun loungers from and there’s a beach bar for everyone. Some are really quiet and chill. Some are family friendly, others are noisy with music playing. Just wander along the beach and find the beach bar that suits your vibe.

Did 3 days in Albania feel like long enough?

It really did! As with anywhere, it would have been nice to stay longer, but if you don’t have the luxury of a full week or two then a long weekend is well worth it.

I know that looking at this itinerary it probably looks like we were crazy busy but we actually spent most of our time relaxing at the beach, in the pool or at a bar or restaurant.

It felt really relaxing but also exciting and adventurous so it was a great mix for us.

Could you visit for a day from Corfu?

Yes, absolutely. Most people on our ferry didn’t have luggage so I’m assuming they were mostly visiting for a day.

The only thing I’d say is that the evening/sunset was really magical in Albania so if it’s possible to stay for that then I would (although I imagine Corfu is similar).

If you’re staying at an affordable hotel for a week in Corfu and don’t mind paying extra then I’d get the ferry over to Albania and spend a night Ksamil!

Is it best to take a backpack over a suitcase to Albania?

You definitely don’t need a backpack but we found it much easier for flexibility. For example, when we got to Sarande I’d planned to go to the hotel and drop off our bags before our boat trip, but passport control took so long in Corfu that we were late and didn’t have time and took our bags onto the boat trip with us. The boat was small so you weren’t allowed to take your luggage but they obviously thought our backpacks were just our day packs.

There is luggage storage around Sarande so it’s not a big deal at all if you have suitcases but I’d definitely recommend packing light if you’re following an itinerary similar to ours. 

We packed really light and just used backpacks suitable for the free underseat luggage with Ryanair. I used The Travel Hack Backpack.

We didn’t need to walk far with our luggage but it’s just easy and, honestly, we didn’t need much other than swimwear and a few basic outfits.

Is there a language barrier and do people speak English?

I didn’t find any kind of problem with communication. Everyone who works in hospitality and tourism speaks English so there was no language barrier at all.