Planning
How many days you need
A long weekend works for one region; a week lets you link coast and stone towns without rushing.
3–4 days: One region only
Tirana plus Berat, or a short coast stay. Do not try to cross the whole country.
7 days: The classic first trip
Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër, and the southern coast. Drive or mix bus and taxi.
10 days: Add the north (Shkodër, Theth) or go deeper south (Ksamil, Butrint) without doubling back every night.
14+ days: Coast, mountains, and lakes at a human pace. Include buffer days — mountain weather and furgon timing do not always cooperate.