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






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.

xoxo Maddie

The post 10-Day Albania and Corfu Itinerary: Beaches, History, Hidden Gems & How to Make It Happen appeared first on Bucket List Travel Fam.