7 Day Albania Itinerary: Exploring Tirana, Shkodër & Theth Without a Car

Albania is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations, offering vibrant cities, mountain landscapes, and warm hospitality. But what if you don’t have a rental car—or even phone data to rely on? During my one-week trip, I explored Albania entirely by bus, furgon minivans, and word-of-mouth directions, all while keeping my budget low.

This 7 day Albania itinerary takes you from Tirana to Shkodër, through the stunning Valbonë Valley, across the famous Valbonë to Theth hike, and back to the capital. Along the way, I’ll share not just the highlights, but also the costs, transport tips, and lessons I learned traveling without a car or mobile data. Whether you’re backpacking Albania or just curious if one week is enough, this guide will show you how to make it work, cheaply and stress-free.

Quick Facts: Albania on a Budget

• Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL). €1 ≈ 100–110 ALL. Cash is essential; cards are rarely accepted outside major cities.
• Daily Budget:
  • Backpacker: €25–35/day
  • Mid-range: €40–70/day
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• Transport (No Car Needed):
  • Buses and furgons (shared minivans) connect towns cheaply.
  • Tirana → Shkodër bus: ~€4–6 (Rome2Rio).
  • Komani Lake ferry: ~€8–10.
• Internet & Data: SIM cards cost €5–10 for ~10GB. Coverage is patchy in the mountains. Wi-Fi common in cafes/guesthouses. I relied on offline maps and asking locals.
• Accommodation:
  • Hostels: €8–12/night
  • Guesthouses: €15–25/night (often includes breakfast)
• Food & Drink:
  • Espresso: €0.50–1
  • Simple meal: €3–5
  • Sit-down dinner with drinks: €8–12
  • Beer: €1–2
• Best Time to Visit:
  • Spring (May–June) & Autumn (Sept): best for hiking, mild temps.
  • Summer (July–Aug): busiest, hottest, good for beaches.
  • Winter: mountain routes/guesthouses often closed.

7 Day Albania Itinerary Overview

This 7-day route is perfect if you want to combine city life, history, and adventure hiking in one trip. It starts in Tirana, passes through Shkodër, and then takes you deep into the Albanian Alps for the famous Valbonë to Theth hike, before looping back to the capital.

Unlike most Albania itineraries, I traveled without a car or mobile data, relying only on public transport, ferries, and furgons (shared minivans). This makes the trip not just budget-friendly, but also an authentic way to see the country the way locals do.

Day-by-Day Highlights:

• Day 1: Arrival in Tirana (late night check-in at Trip’n’Hostel)
• Day 2: Exploring Tirana → Bus to Shkodër
• Day 3: Journey to Valbonë via Komani Lake ferry
• Day 4: Hike from Valbonë to Theth
• Day 5: Mountain hike + evening swim in Theth
• Day 6: Return journey to Tirana
• Day 7: Farewell Albania

Day 1 – Arrival in Tirana

I landed in Tirana late in the evening, around 10pm. With no car and no phone data, my first priority was simply finding my accommodation. Taking the bus from the Tirana Airport to city center was pretty easy to figure out, check out the official timetable here. I stayed at Trip’n’Hostel, a backpacker favorite located about a 10-minute walk from the main bus station. It was cheap, social, and perfectly placed for catching buses the next morning.

Since I arrived late, I didn’t do much exploring on Day 1. Instead, I checked in, grabbed a quick bite nearby, and got ready for an early start the following day.

Travel Tip (No Data): If you’re arriving late like I did, download offline maps in advance and mark your hostel’s location. Tirana taxis often don’t use meters, so if you’re walking from the bus station, having directions preloaded will save you time and stress.

Day 2 – Exploring Tirana & Heading to Shkodër

Since I arrived late the night before, Day 2 was my chance to properly see Tirana before heading north. The city feels young and lively, with a mix of colorful Ottoman, Italian, and communist-era architecture. Even a half-day here gave me a good taste.

What I Did in Tirana:

• Walked through Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city.
• Stopped at the New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri) for cheap food and strong Albanian coffee.
• Visited the Bunk’Art museum for a glimpse into Albania’s communist past.

By the afternoon, I made my way to the bus station to catch a bus to Shkodër, the gateway to the Albanian Alps. The ride took about 2 hours, and the city immediately felt smaller, calmer, and closer to nature than Tirana.

Travel Tip (No Car/Data): Albania’s bus stations can feel chaotic—there are no big boards or fixed timetables. The best strategy is simply to ask locals or hostel staff which bus to take. Most drivers and attendants will point you in the right direction once you say “Shkodër.” Offline maps are useful, but people are even better.

Day 3 – Journey to Valbonë via Komani Lake

After spending the night in Shkodër at Mi Casa es Tu Casa, I set off early to begin the journey into the Albanian Alps. The guesthouse was welcoming, affordable, and conveniently connected to local transport providers, exactly what I needed before tackling the mountains.

From Shkodër, I caught a furgon (shared minivan) toward Komani Lake, where the road ends and the adventure really begins. The only way forward is by boat. The Komani Lake ferry is often called one of the most scenic rides in Europe, and it didn’t disappoint. Jagged cliffs and deep-green waters made the few hours on the ferry fly by. Surprisingly, there was quite a bit of trash in the water which turns out is a huge problem in Albania.

On the other side, another minivan was waiting to take passengers further into the valley. The final stretch into Valbonë was a winding but breathtaking drive, with mountain peaks towering higher around every bend.

By the time I arrived, it felt like I had stepped into another world. Life in Valbonë moves at a different pace, calm, quiet, and surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in the Balkans.

Travel Tip (No Car/Data): The Komani ferry isn’t something you just “turn up for.” You’ll want to have the bus-ferry-minivan combo arranged in advance. Thankfully, most guesthouses in Shkodër, including Mi Casa es Tu Casa, will happily organize the whole route for you if you ask the night before. Even without phone data, everything ran smoothly thanks to their help.

Day 4 – Hiking from Valbonë to Theth

This was the centerpiece of my Albania trip: the Valbonë to Theth hike, a mountain trail often described as one of the most beautiful day hikes in the Balkans. The route connects the two remote villages of Valbonë and Theth, cutting across a high mountain pass with breathtaking views the entire way.

The trail is around 17 kilometers (10 miles) and takes most hikers 6–8 hours to complete. I set off early in the morning with my backpack, knowing I’d be on the trail most of the day. The first section was a steady climb through forests and meadows, with occasional small cafés where locals sell drinks and snacks to hikers.

As the trail rose higher, the views opened up into panoramic mountain vistas. Snow-capped peaks, alpine valleys, and the raw beauty of the Accursed Mountains made the climb worth every step. Reaching the pass between Valbonë and Theth felt like standing on top of the world. From there, the trail descended into Theth, winding through rocky paths and green valleys before finally reaching the village.

I spent the night at Shpella Guest House, a cozy family-run guesthouse surrounded by stunning mountain views. After a long day on the trail, sitting down to a hot home-cooked meal there felt like heaven.

Travel Tip (No Car/Data): Even without phone signal, the trail is straightforward and well-trodden during hiking season (June–September). I downloaded the route in Komoot ahead of time, which worked perfectly offline. Still, the path is clear and there are usually plenty of other hikers along the way, making it easy to stay on track.

Day 5 – A 22km Mountain Hike & Evening Swim in Theth

Most travelers use their time in Theth to recover after the long Valbonë to Theth hike, but I decided to push further. In the morning, I set out on a 22km hike that climbed high into the surrounding mountain range.

The trail was challenging and far less traveled — in fact, I didn’t see another hiker the entire day. That solitude made it feel like a true adventure. The climb was steep, but every step revealed more of the Accursed Mountains: jagged peaks, wide-open valleys, and untouched alpine wilderness. Reaching the top brought both breathtaking views and a huge sense of accomplishment.

By late afternoon, back in Theth, I rewarded myself with an evening swim in the river. The water was icy cold, but after 22km on foot, it was the perfect way to refresh and soak in the scenery. Surrounded by mountain peaks on all sides, it was one of those raw travel moments that stays with you long after the trip ends.

Travel Tip (No Car/Data): If you’re planning to attempt longer, less popular trails in Theth, make sure to download the GPS track in Komoot ahead of time. The paths aren’t always marked, and without mobile signal you’ll need an offline map to avoid getting lost. Let your guesthouse know your plan as well, since these routes are much quieter than the main Valbonë–Theth trai

Day 6 – Returning to Tirana & Free City Tour

After several days in the mountains, it was time to make the long journey back to Tirana. Getting out of Theth isn’t as straightforward as catching a train — there are no timetables or ticket counters. Instead, I had Shpella Guest House arrange a furgon (shared minivan) to Shkodër, where I connected to a larger bus back to the capital.

By mid-afternoon, I was back in Tirana and checked into Hostel Albania Loft, a friendly and centrally located hostel that made exploring the city on foot easy.

To make the most of the evening, I joined a free walking tour of Tirana, which turned out to be super interesting. The guide shared fascinating stories about Albania’s communist past, including the fact that during Enver Hoxha’s dictatorship, the country built over 170,000 concrete bunkers across the landscape, many of which are still scattered around the city and countryside today.

Travel Tip (No Car/Data): Free tours in Tirana meet in central spots like Skanderbeg Square, so even without mobile data, you won’t have trouble finding them. Just ask your hostel staff for the meeting point and time.

Day 7 – Farewell Albania

My final day in Albania was mostly about wrapping up the trip. With my bus back to the airport in the evening, I spent the morning wandering around Tirana, revisiting Skanderbeg Square and grabbing one last Albanian coffee, still the cheapest and strongest I’d had anywhere in Europe.

After a week of cities, mountain villages, and long hikes, I left with a much deeper impression of Albania than I expected. Traveling without a car or phone data wasn’t always easy, but it worked, and in some ways, it made the experience richer. I had to rely on locals, guesthouses, and a bit of trial and error. That’s exactly what turned this trip into more of an adventure than a vacation.

By the time I boarded my flight, I felt like I’d only scratched the surface. Albania is affordable, diverse, and still under the radar compared to its neighbors. One week gave me a taste of it, but it’s the kind of country I’d happily return to, especially to explore more of the southern coast.

How Much Does 7 Days in Albania Cost?

One of the biggest questions travelers ask is: “Is Albania expensive?” The short answer: no. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest countries in Europe, especially if you’re traveling without a car. Here’s exactly what I spent during one week in Albania (7 days, solo traveler):

Category	Cost in Albanian Lek	Cost in Euros	Notes
Accommodation	79,000 ALL	€79	Hostels & guesthouses (breakfast often included)
Public Transportation	54,000 ALL	€54	Includes airport bus, Tirana–Shkodër bus, Shkodër–Valbonë (via ferry + furgon), Theth–Shkodër transfer
Groceries	11,900 ALL	€11.9	Snacks, water, picnic supplies
Eating Out	81,700 ALL	€81.7	Restaurants, cheap eats, daily meals
Drinks (Coffee & Alcohol)	30,000 ALL	€30	Espresso, beers, occasional drinks
Entertainment (Museums & Tours)	25,000 ALL	€25	Includes Bunk’Art museum + Tirana free walking tour tip
Total	281,600 ALL	~€282	~€40/day average

What This Means

• Daily Average: ~€40/day for a mix of hostels, guesthouses, eating out, and transport.
• Backpacker Level: If you cooked more, skipped alcohol, and stuck to hostels, you could easily travel Albania for €25–30/day.
• Mid-Range Level: Staying in private guesthouse rooms with daily meals would push costs closer to €50–60/day.

Albania is not only affordable, but it also offers excellent value for what you get, cheap coffee culture, hearty guesthouse meals, and mountain hikes that cost nothing but the effort.

Travel Tips for Albania Without a Car

Traveling Albania without a rental car — and even without mobile data — is absolutely possible. Here’s what worked for me:

Use Furgons (Shared Minivans)
These are Albania’s unofficial buses. They don’t run on set schedules but instead leave when full. You’ll usually find them at informal bus stations or town squares. Just ask locals or hostel staff, and someone will point you to the right van.

Download Offline Maps
Mobile coverage is patchy, especially in the mountains. Download your routes in Komoot or Google Maps offline before you set off. It’s also worth carrying addresses written in Albanian in case you need to ask for help.

Let Guesthouses Handle Transport
In places like Shkodër, Valbonë, and Theth, guesthouses act like mini travel agencies. They’ll book your bus–ferry–minivan combo for Valbonë or arrange the furgon back from Theth. This makes logistics simple, even without internet access.

Carry Cash (Small Bills)
Albania is still a cash-based economy. Public transport, cafés, and even some guesthouses don’t accept cards. Stock up on lek before leaving Tirana or Shkodër, and carry small notes for buses and furgons.

Be Flexible
Without a car, things won’t always run on time. Buses may leave late, take longer than expected, or stop randomly to pick up passengers. It’s all part of the rhythm of traveling Albania — and being flexible will make it far less stressful.

Final Thoughts – Is Albania Worth Visiting?

After a week of buses, ferries, mountain hikes, and plenty of coffee, I can confidently say Albania is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you’re a budget-conscious traveler.

What stood out most was how affordable everything was compared to the rest of Europe. Meals, transport, and accommodation were cheap without ever feeling like I was sacrificing quality. Guesthouses in the mountains offered generous home-cooked meals, and a coffee in Tirana cost less than €1. For a total of about €40 per day, I experienced both the chaos of the capital and the tranquility of the Albanian Alps.

Traveling without a car or phone data wasn’t always easy, but it was doable, and in some ways, it made the trip better. Relying on locals for directions, having guesthouses handle transport, and figuring things out on the spot added a sense of adventure that you don’t get with turn-by-turn navigation.

Is 7 days enough for Albania? Yes and no. A week is plenty of time to see Tirana, Shkodër, and the Valbonë–Theth hike, but it only scratches the surface. The southern coast, with towns like Sarandë and Ksamil, is a completely different experience and one I’d love to return for.

If you’re looking for a destination that’s affordable, welcoming, and still a little off the beaten path, Albania is hard to beat.

Related Posts

If you enjoyed this Albania itinerary, here are a few more adventure trips you might like:

• Andorra Hiking Guide: Exploring the Pyrenees on a Budget – Another mountain escape, packed with affordable hikes and alpine views.
• Camino Inglés from Ferrol: 3-Day Itinerary & Solo Experience – A shorter Camino de Santiago route, perfect for testing yourself on a pilgrimage-style hike.