Tirana is a vibrant city with a rich history, particularly its battle against communism. We dove deep into the city’s past through a free walking tour, which was a fantastic way to learn about Albania’s recent history and political transformation.

Beyond the history, Tirana delighted us with its food scene. One standout dining experience was at Tymi King Pils, where the blend of incredible food and modern LED aesthetics made for a memorable evening. If you’re after a high-quality meal in a more touristy part of the city, Griffin Restaurant is an excellent choice—though slightly pricier, the eggplant and lamb kofta were worth it.


For a taste of traditional Albanian Raki, Komiteti Bar is a must-visit. Their cocktail menu is filled with Raki-infused drinks, and the moody decor adds to the charm of the place. We also loved Era Restaurant, where we dined with a larger group, enjoying a wide range of authentic dishes at great prices.

For morning coffee, Mulliri became our go-to spot. Despite being a chain, their coffee hit the spot for us Australians who enjoy a good, creamy brew.

After soaking up Tirana, we picked up a rental car and hit the open road with a loose itinerary—allowing ourselves the flexibility to adjust based on what we discovered along the way.

Dhermi: Beaches, Sunsets and Music

Our first stop was Dhermi, where we spent two days hanging out with friends who were preparing for a music festival they were volunteering. This beachfront town offers plenty of places to relax with a cocktail in hand, and the sunset at Luciano is hard to beat. The beachside feels vibrant, listen out for your taste of music and venture inside and enjoy the scenery.

For a surprisingly great budget bite, we found ourselves returning to Mr. Chicken more often than we expected—grab a late-night gyros or a quick lunch, perfect for refuelling between beach trips.

One highlight near Dhermi was Gjipe Beach, just a short drive away. Make sure to explore the far side of the beach—you’ll find caves to swim through (we discovered them by accident!). Bring a snorkel or simply paddle around for a fun adventure.

Himare: Lukova Beach’s Hidden Magic

Next up was Lukova Beach in Himare, which became one of our favorite spots to swim. Tucked away from the world, it felt like a secret paradise. With crystal-clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere, it was the perfect place to soak up the sun.

Ksamil: Sunset Views and Seafood Feasts

Continuing down the coast, we reached Ksamil, known for its more developed resort feel. Though a bit busier, it offers stunning sunset views, especially from Veranda By Apollonia, a rooftop restaurant that left a lasting impression.

Seafood lovers will adore King Mussel Taverna, located right on a mussel farm. The mussels here were hands down the best we’ve ever tasted, and the serene surroundings only added to the experience.

Sarande: The Gateway to Corfu

Our final stop was Sarande, a lively city on the Albanian Riviera and a convenient base for catching a ferry to Corfu (check out our blog on Greece for more!). Though we only stayed one night, Sarande offered a vibrant dining scene with plenty of options to try traditional Albanian cuisine.