I recently spent 3 packed days exploring Albania and honestly came away impressed by how much variety the country offers.
Day 1: Tirana → Sarandë → Ksamil → Shkodër
This was a long day, but I wanted to experience both the Albanian Riviera and the north of the country.
Started in Tirana and headed south to Sarandë and Ksamil. The water around Ksamil really is as clear as the photos suggest. Even though it was busy, it was easy to understand why it's become one of Albania's most popular destinations.
Covering that distance in a single day was ambitious, but it gave me an appreciation for how geographically diverse Albania is.
Day 2: Theth, Grunas Waterfall & the Blue Eye
This was easily my favourite day.
The drive into Theth National Park alone was worth the trip. The scenery became more dramatic with every turn.
I hiked to Grunas Waterfall and then continued towards the Blue Eye. The water was unbelievably clear, with that bright turquoise colour that almost doesn't look real in photos.
Of course, I couldn't resist jumping in for a swim. It was freezing, but absolutely worth it.
The combination of mountain landscapes, waterfalls, hiking trails, and swimming spots made this one of the most memorable outdoor experiences I've had in Europe.
Day 3: Mesi Bridge, River Swimming & an Unexpected Discovery
On the way back, I stopped at Mesi Bridge near Shkodër, a beautiful Ottoman-era stone bridge that feels surprisingly untouched.
Later, I found a spot near one of the river canyons and spent some time swimming in the crystal-clear water. One thing that stood out throughout Albania was how many natural swimming spots there are that would probably be major tourist attractions elsewhere.
The most unexpected part of the trip, however, was visiting a workshop that creates Venetian-style masks. I learned that their masks are supplied across the UK and Europe and are used in films, events, and productions. It was one of those random travel discoveries that ends up becoming one of the most memorable parts of the journey.
What Surprised Me Most
The diversity of landscapes in the country.
How affordable everything was compared to much of Europe.
The friendliness of locals.
The number of beautiful swimming spots beyond the famous beaches.
How quickly you can go from Mediterranean coastline to dramatic alpine scenery.