7 Beach Trips in Tirana to Build a Day Around

1.Gjirokastra UNESCO & Ksamil Beach – From Tirana/Durres/Golem

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 117 reviews · 12 to 13 hours (approx.) · from $58Our pick

Spend a long but rewarding day traveling from Tirana, Durrës, or Golem to Gjirokastër’s stone old town and Ksamil’s clear-water beaches. Guides such as Bledi, Klajdi, Ervin, and Antonio add local history, food tips, and humor. Expect air-conditioned transport, free time at both stops, and a great deal of road time.

“It was a really long day but definitely worth it. My guide, Bledi, was so knowledgeable about everything and kept us entertained with stories and information about not only the places we visited but also the history of Albania, things we passed along the way, and random facts about the country.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.From Tirana/Durrës: Saranda, Ksamil, and Blue Eye Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 49 reviews · 12 hours · from $56Best value

Travel by air-conditioned van with an English-speaking AlbanianBus tour leader from Tirana or Durrës to Saranda, Ksamil, Lekursi Castle, and the Blue Eye. You get seaside views, beach time, castle panoramas, and a freshwater spring for $56, but expect a very long road day.

“Beaucoup d'heures de route pour peu de temps sur place, notamment deux heures à Ksamil où nous avons été déposés dans une crique excentrée entourée de club lounge privés avec musique a fond et eau pas limpide sans doute a cause du vent fort. Toutefois, une partie de la plage, bien remplie, était, heureusement, publique. L'oeil bleu était envahi de touristes, pas toujours respectueux du site. L'Albanie souffre déjà du surtourisme... Point positif : on a pu admirer de beaux paysages et se rendre compte de la vie locale au cours des trajets.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Semi – Private Tour of Saranda, Ksamil & Blue Eye from Tirana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $235

You’ll leave Tirana early with an English-speaking guide and private transport, then visit Saranda’s Ionian waterfront, Ksamil’s beaches, and the Blue Eye spring. Guides including Sam, Ilir, Toni, Erik, and Xhonaton have led this route. Expect a scenic but demanding 10 to 12-hour day, with about four hours on the road.

“Toni was absolutely awesome with all the details, care, hospitality, facts and tips and history. Such a beautiful day of gorgeous landscapes, sites, beaches and fun. Highly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Gjirokastra, Blue Eye, Ksamil & Saranda – Day Tour from Tirana

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 12 to 13 hours (approx.) · from $198

Start early from Tirana or Durres for a full southern Albania circuit. You’ll walk Gjirokastra’s Ottoman old town, visit its hilltop castle and the Blue Eye spring, then spend time in Ksamil before a Riviera drive through Saranda. Groups are limited to eight, with guides such as Daniel, Engjell, and Josef.

“Didn’t go ahead as only one who had booked this tour. Offered the chance to go to Kosovo instead for same price which I did. Great chance to visit a new country, thanks to the operator for sorting”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Semi – Private Tour at Cape of Rodon; Hidden Beaches & History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $170

Spend 6 to 8 hours exploring Cape of Rodon from Tirana with hotel pickup, private transport, and an English-speaking guide. Walk past Skanderbeg’s 15th-century castle, Saint Anthony’s Church, communist-era bunkers, and white-sand beaches. The day includes about three hours for relaxing by the Adriatic, plus time for a moderate hike.

“This was an amazing experience! Erik was so patient and really took his time talking to us! It is a challenging hike but the views are so worth it. Would absolutely recommend to do”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Ksamil Blue Eye and Saranda Day Tour from Tirana Durres Golem

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 34 reviews · 14 to 16 hours (approx.) · from $60

Travel from Tirana, Durrës, or Golem to Saranda, Ksamil, and the Blue Eye on an English guided day trip. You get hotel pickup, transport, site entry, and time at the Ionian coast. Guides such as Beni, Andreas, Artol, and Emiglend have earned strong praise, but expect a very early start, a large group, and up to 16 hours on the road.

“Kristi was a godsend. The tour was worth the time, and the blue eye is particularly special. For the beach it can be quite crowded… consider going to one of the private beach clubs Nextdoor…. Just don’t get left behind!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Full-Day Tour of Albania’s Bunkers and Beaches, from Tirana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $144

Spend about nine hours with a private English-speaking guide exploring Albania’s bunker past and countryside near Tirana. Expect hotel pickup, the Albanian Trip collection in a 1927 house, local stories, wine and cheese, coastal views, and time to swim at Lalezi Bay. Guides may include Elton, Eridjon, or Ervin.

“Albanian Trip is fantastic! We had an amazing time on our trip! It was our first trip to Albania. We told Vilma at Albanian Trip what we were interested in, based on that she customized an incredible itinerary providing the perfect adventure around the country. Although we often plan our own trips, we would have missed a lot in Albania if we didn't have their assistance. We definitely plan to use Albanian Trip again.”

Check availability →Read our full review