Dreaming of turquoise waters, UNESCO towns, and affordable island adventures? This 10-day itinerary through Albania and Corfu, Greece, was one of our favorite trips ever—packed with bucket-list beaches, charming towns, and jaw-dropping views. Here’s everything you need to plan it yourself, including where to stay, how to get around, and must-see highlights.
Quick Look at Our 10-Day Itinerary
Day 1-2: Tirana, Albania
Day 3-5: Ksamil (with day trips to Gjirokastër & The Blue Eye)
Day 6-8: Corfu, Greece
Day 9-10: Drive back to Tirana for one final night
> Travel Tip: We flew into Tirana (from Memmingen, Germany) and rented a car to explore Albania and catch the ferry to Corfu.
Day 1-2: Tirana – Albania’s Lively Capital
Where we stayed: Doanesia Premium Hotel & Spa
Highlights:
Skanderbeg Square
National History Museum
Bunk’Art 2
Dajti Ekspres cable car for epic city views
>Travel tip: Parking in Tirana can be tricky—look for hotels with parking or leave your car and walk.
Day 3-5: Ksamil – Beaches & Day Trips to Gjirokastër + Blue Eye
Where we stayed: EMAR Hotel Ksamil
Beaches we loved: Lori Beach, Ksamil Beach 9, and Pasqyra Beach (Mirror Beach)
Day trip highlights:
The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) – Go early for fewer crowds and give yourself plenty of time to explore. They have a nice area to have a snack or even a meal WITH nice bathrooms!
Gjirokastër – UNESCO town with castle views and cobbled alleys that you have to see if you love hidden gems with lots of character!
> Travel Tip: The drive from Tirana to Ksamil takes about 4-5 hours with stops. Pack snacks and prepare for winding roads!
Day 6-8: Corfu – Greek Island Beauty
Where we stayed: Waves Apartments Harmony Glyfada Corfu
Beaches we loved
Paleokastritsa (great for views + monastery)
Canal d’Amour in Sidari
Glyfada Beach
Must-see
Achilleion Palace
Corfu Old Town
Mon Repos Palace
Food we loved: The Venetian Well, Avli in Corfu Town
> Ferry tip: Take the ferry from Sarandë to Corfu Town. It runs frequently and takes about 30-70 minutes.
Day 9-10: Drive Back to Tirana
Scenic stops on the way back:
Himarë Beach
Porto Palermo Castle
One last night to relax before an early flight home!
How to Make It Happen
Flights:
We flew in/out of Tirana Airport (TIA). Look for budget airlines into Albania or Corfu.
Car Rental
Renting a car in Albania gave us the freedom to explore at our pace. Just check border/ferry policies.
Budget Breakdown
Flights: $100–$200 roundtrip
Accommodation: $50–$100 per night
Rental car: ~$30–40/day
Food: $10–$20 per person per meal, we also ate it a lot during this trip which made things inexpensive.
Ferry: ~$20–30 per person one way.
Why You’ll Love This Trip
It’s a budget-friendly mix of culture and coastline.
You’ll visit two countries with totally different vibes.
Perfect for a mix of beach relaxation and historical exploration.
Things to Pack
Swimsuits, sunscreen (UV can be high even in spring)
Comfortable shoes for castles, cobblestones, and hikes
Travel umbrella or rain jacket (especially in early April)
Portable charger & converter plugs
(Printable coming soon!)
This trip was truly a dream. Albania surprised us with its raw beauty, kind people, and jaw-dropping coastlines. And Corfu gave us a taste of Greek island magic. If you’re looking for an affordable European escape with turquoise water, delicious food, and family-friendly adventures—this is it.
