If we only had one week in Albania with our family, this is how we’d spend it.
After spending almost three months travelling around Albania with our three children, this is our 7-day Albania itinerary with kids. Although we had much longer than a week, we found a route that gives you a really good taste of what Albania has to offer without spending the whole trip travelling.
For a week, we’d go Tirana → Qerret/Golem → Pogradec.
That gives you a bit of everything: city, mountains, beaches, lakes, good food and plenty of opportunities to get outside.
We honestly weren’t sure what to expect from Albania before we went. We’d heard about the roads, the rubbish and the rapid development, and we weren’t sure how easy it would be with three children.
But we absolutely loved it.
The people were incredibly friendly, our children felt welcome everywhere, and there was always something for them to do.
Quick answer: The Best 7-day Albania Itinerary With Kids
For a one-week family trip, we’d recommend spending 2 days in Tirana, 2 days around Qerret and the coast, and 3 days in Pogradec and Lake Ohrid.
We chose this route because it gives you a mix of city, beaches, mountains, swimming and outdoor adventures, while still leaving enough time to actually enjoy each place.
Our route is:
Tirana → Qerret and Golem → Pogradec and Lake Ohrid
If you have longer, we’d slow the route down even further rather than trying to cram in every famous destination in Albania.
Albania at a glance
Best for: Outdoor adventures, beaches, mountains, lakes, food and exploring somewhere different
Best time to visit: April to July for warm weather and quieter beaches
How long: 7 days works well, 10 days gives you more time to slow down
Our favourite place: Pogradec and Lake Ohrid
Best city: Tirana
Best beach stop: Qerret/Golem
Best for young children: Pogradec and Lake Ohrid
Our children: 9, 7 and 1
Getting around: We mainly used taxis, although we’d consider hiring a car for a shorter trip
Our route: Tirana → Qerret/Golem → Pogradec
Is Albania good for families?
We think so.
Albania isn’t polished in the same way as some other European destinations. There can be rubbish on the streets and beaches, broken glass, stray dogs, construction and pavements that aren’t particularly pram-friendly. There aren’t loads of great playgrounds either.
But our children didn’t really care.
There are jetties to jump from, beaches to explore, bikes to ride, lakes to swim in, mountains to hike and plenty of cafés and restaurants to discover.
The other thing that really stood out to us was how much Albanian people love children. Our kids were given free toys, doughnuts and bracelets, and people loved hearing them try a little Albanian.
We felt comfortable travelling around as a family and found people incredibly welcoming.
Why We Didn’t Follow the Classic Albania Route
There are plenty of classic Albania itineraries that take you from Tirana to Berat, Gjirokastër and down towards Sarandë and Ksamil.
Those places look amazing, but after almost three months travelling around Albania with our children, we know that if we only had a one-week holiday, we wouldn’t want to be constantly packing up and moving on.
Instead, we chose a route that would give you a bit of everything.
A city, beaches, mountains, a huge lake, outdoor adventures, good food and plenty of time to slow down.
I think for a family that makes a more enjoyable trip.
And if you’re travelling with children, we’d much rather see less and actually enjoy it than spend half the holiday sitting in the car.
Our 7-day Albania itinerary
Days 1 to 2: Tirana with kids
Day 1: Tirana
We flew from Madrid into Tirana, arriving at around 2 am, so our first day was fairly relaxed.
If you’re flying from the UK, you can fly to Tirana from airports including Birmingham, London and Manchester, although it’s worth checking current routes when you book.
Tirana is busy and loud, and the traffic can be manic, but there’s plenty to see.
Start around Skanderbeg Square, explore the city and head to the Pyramid of Tirana.
The Pyramid is a good quick activity with children, and there’s a park nearby where they can run around.
We also enjoyed walking around the lake and exploring the cafés.
We found some great places to eat in Tirana that worked really well for our family, including when we needed gluten-free options. We’ve put together a separate guide to the places we found, what we ate and what we’d recommend. Read Our Gluten-Free Tirana Guide.
We’d recommend staying somewhere central so you can walk to plenty of places.
Day 2: Dajti Mountain
Our favourite thing to do in Tirana with the kids was the Dajti Mountain cable car.
The journey up is exciting for the children and the views over Tirana are fantastic. If you want to escape the city for a few hours, Dajti Mountain is an easy way to get out into nature without travelling far from Tirana.
The cable car gives you great views across the city, and if you want to make more of a day of it, you can combine the ride with a guided hike to Shengjergj Waterfall and a traditional Albanian lunch.
One thing we wouldn’t recommend is the horse riding. We tried it with the children, and it felt rushed. They didn’t feel particularly safe, so it wasn’t something we’d repeat.
For us, two nights in Tirana would be enough for a one-week trip. We actually managed to fill much longer there, but we’re definitely more of a nature family than a city family.
Days 3 to 4: Qerret and Golem
Day 3: Tirana to Qerret/Golem
A 45-minute journey will get you to the coast. Either hire a car or get a private transfer; both are very affordable options.
We stayed in Qerret, just outside Golem.
Qerret was much more relaxed than some of the bigger coastal resorts, which suited us.
If we went back, we’d probably choose a really good hotel rather than an apartment.
Durrës is another option and is easier to reach, but it’s busier.
Qerret had some of the softest sand we’ve ever experienced and the sunsets were beautiful.
We were there outside the main summer season, so the beach was incredibly quiet. We didn’t need to pay for a private beach area because there was loads of space on the public beach.
With kids, it was perfect.
Swim, walk along the coast, play ball or frisbee and then watch the sunset.
Day 4: Qerret and the coast
I’d keep this as a slow day.
We’d swim, go for a coffee, visit the bakery and fruit shop, explore the surrounding countryside and then head out for dinner.
There are opportunities for hiking and exploring the mountains too, so you’re not restricted to the beach.
If you’re visiting in the middle of summer, expect the coast to be much busier.
The famous beaches further south, particularly around Ksamil and Sarandë, are beautiful but can become very busy and commercialised.
Locals recommended Himarë to us and, if we were returning specifically for a beach holiday, that’s probably where we’d go.
For a seven-day itinerary, though, we’d stick with Qerret rather than trying to get further south.
Days 5 to 7: Pogradec and Lake Ohrid
Day 5: Qerret to Pogradec
Today, head inland towards Pogradec and Lake Ohrid.
The journey to Pogradec
The journey to Pogradec takes just under three hours and is part of the experience, with mountain roads, incredible views and plenty of places to stop for food along the way. The road had been affected by a landslide when we went, but had been safely restored.
We stopped at a lovely fruit and veg shop with homemade biscuits, only to discover that a handful of cherries cost around €10! After adding peaches, juice and biscuits, the bill came to €30, although it was reduced to €15 when we suggested leaving the cherries. It was the only time we felt we’d been overcharged as tourists.
We booked a private transfer for the journey, which cost €130 for a huge 8-seater minivan.
This was one of our favourite places in Albania.
Pogradec has a really relaxed atmosphere, with cafés, restaurants, bakeries, pastry shops, swimming spots and a long promenade.
The children cycled almost every day, and there was always somewhere to stop for food or a swim.
We’d walk along the promenade in the evening, get ice cream, have corn on the cob, watch the sunset and explore the rose gardens.
The value was fantastic too, and we ate out pretty much every day.
Day 6: Drilon and Lake Ohrid
Drilon National Park was one of the places we kept going back to.
The water is incredibly clear, and there are lots of ways to enjoy the area.
You can swim, cycle, hire a boat and explore around the lake.
It was also easy with our one-year-old. We used the pushchair and found it manageable, although a sling was easier in busy parts of Tirana.
The children loved swimming at different spots around the lake and jumping from the jetties was a firm favourite.
We also took inflatables and used a buoyancy aid for the baby.
If your children love being in the water, you could easily spend most of the day here.
Day 7: Pogradec, Tushemisht and the mountains
For the final day, we’d explore more of the area around Pogradec.
You could visit Pogradec Castle, head to Tushemisht, explore the Chestnut Trail or head into the mountains or even take a day trip to North Macedonia to St Naum’s Monastery.
We loved hiking in the mountains around the lake.
The children really enjoyed it, and it was another reminder that you don’t need a big organised attraction to have a great family day in Albania.
You can also simply spend the day swimming, cycling and enjoying the cafés and restaurants around Pogradec.
If your children are anything like ours, they’ll probably want one more swim before you leave.
What about a 10 day Albania itinerary?
If you have 10 days, we’d slow this itinerary down rather than trying to cram in more destinations.
Days 1 to 2: Tirana
Days 3 to 5: Qerret/Golem
Days 6 to 10: Pogradec and Lake Ohrid
The extra time gives you more opportunity for hiking, swimming, cycling and exploring the villages and mountains around Lake Ohrid and definitely a day trip to St Naum’s.
You could also swap Qerret for Himarë if beaches are your main priority.
What we wouldn’t do is try to fit Tirana, Qerret, Pogradec, Sarandë and Ksamil into 10 days with young children.
You’ll spend too much of the holiday travelling.
Getting around Albania with kids
We mainly used taxis and found them brilliant value, but to get the best value and days to match your itnerary you need to book in advance.
The service was excellent and the cars were clean. We felt safe using them and the drivers were very accommodating with the children.
One driver even stopped as often as we needed when the baby was crying.
For a shorter trip, we’d consider hiring a car, particularly if you want more freedom to explore the mountains.
Just be aware that Tirana traffic is manic and some mountain roads can be tricky.
We didn’t find public transport particularly easy to use, which is another reason taxis worked so well for us.
What is the food like in Albania?
We loved the food.
There was loads of fresh salad, fish, meat, soups and stews, as well as plenty of options for the children.
Our kids loved pizza from the wood fired ovens, yoghurt smoothie bowls and cheesy pancakes.
Byrek was another favourite and was incredibly cheap, often around 100 lek, roughly £1.
Around Pogradec there are loads of bakeries and pastry shops and we had some fantastic fish dishes, including a delicious fish soup made with fish from the lake.
Eating gluten free in Albania
As someone with coeliac disease, eating abroad is something we always have to think about.
There aren’t loads of obvious gluten free options in Albania, but we found that many meals are naturally based around meat, fish, salads, soups and stews.
We also found a little “secret bakery” with some of the best gluten-free bread I’ve ever eaten. Although with the other amazing baked goods that the family loved there is a high risk of contamination, I am coeliac, and it didn’t make me ill, but it did make me think I was eating regular bread. It’s magic.
There wasn’t much vegan cheese available, so we generally just went without cheese where necessary.
We found a few restaurants like Restaurant Rosa e Tymosur with specific gluten-free options, and one of my favourite meals was gluten-free pasta with duck ragu from a duck farm restaurant. It was also a favourite with the gluten-eating members of the family.
We didn’t have any problems with cross-contamination during our trip, but if you’re coeliac, we’d still recommend explaining your requirements clearly and doing your own checks.
Is Albania expensive for a family holiday?
We found Albania very good value, particularly for accommodation, food, coffee and eating out.
Taxis were also surprisingly affordable.
The main exception for us was baby products. Nappies and vitamins could be surprisingly expensive, so if you’re travelling with a baby, I’d take the things you know you’ll need.
Is Albania safe with kids?
Before we went, we weren’t sure how safe we’d feel travelling around Albania with children.
In reality, we felt very comfortable.
We went out alone with the children, I walked and ran alone in the evenings, and we regularly let the kids play and explore.
There are still things to be sensible about.
Traffic in Tirana can be chaotic, and some mountain roads are challenging.
We were also careful with drinking water and generally bought bottled water, although Pogradec is very proud of its water and locals happily drink it.
The level of poverty can also be upsetting, particularly when you see children asking for money.
But we never felt threatened.
Things to know before visiting Albania with kids
Albania is developing incredibly quickly, and you’ll see the good and the bad of that.
There is construction everywhere in some areas, rubbish in places, broken glass, stray dogs and streets that aren’t always easy with a pushchair.
Smoking in restaurants is also something you may encounter.
You quickly get used to it.
For us, these things didn’t outweigh how friendly people were or how much we enjoyed travelling around the country.
In fact, that’s part of what made Albania interesting.
It doesn’t feel like a country that has been polished for tourists. It feels like somewhere changing in front of you.
What to pack for Albania with kids
I’d definitely take:
• Reusable water bottles
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimwear and towels
• Goggles
• Buoyancy aid for younger children
• Lightweight clothing
• Comfortable clothes for evenings
• Something warmer for the mountains
• Hiking gear
• Sun protection
• Insect repellent
• A small first aid kit
• Comfortable shoes or sandals for rocky beaches
• Hoodie towel or something you can use for changing
• A pushchair suitable for uneven ground
• A sling if travelling with a baby
• Baby products you know you’ll need
• Cash for smaller shops, cafés and taxis
• Snacks for journeys and days out
Our Favourite Things About Albania
For us, the best thing about Albania wasn’t one particular attraction.
It was the everyday stuff.
Swimming in Lake Ohrid.
Jumping off jetties.
Cycling around Pogradec.
Eating in little restaurants.
Watching sunsets on the beach.
Hiking in the mountains.
Getting free doughnuts from people we’d just met.
Watching our children make friends with local children.
And those evenings when we sat together and felt incredibly lucky to be experiencing somewhere completely new as a family.
Albania isn’t perfect, and it won’t suit everyone.
But if you want somewhere where your children can actually experience a country rather than just ticking off attractions, we think it’s well worth considering.
For a week, we’d stick to Tirana, Qerret and Pogradec.
You get the city, the coast, the mountains and Lake Ohrid without spending your entire holiday travelling.
And if we were going back tomorrow, we’d probably start in Pogradec.
FAQ: Albania with kids
Is Albania good for a family holiday?
Yes. We found Albania a great destination for families, particularly if you enjoy being outdoors. Our children loved the beaches, lakes, mountains, cycling and swimming, and we found Albanian people incredibly welcoming towards children.
How many days do you need in Albania?
You can see a good mix of Albania in seven days, but we’d recommend slowing down if you have longer. For a one week family trip, we’d choose Tirana, Qerret/Golem and Pogradec rather than trying to see the whole country.
What is the best part of Albania for families?
For us, Pogradec and Lake Ohrid were the highlight. The relaxed atmosphere, swimming, cycling, mountains, restaurants and outdoor activities made it particularly easy and enjoyable with children.
Do you need a car in Albania?
Not necessarily, but public transport doesn’t take you everywhere. We mainly used taxis and found them affordable and easy, although we’d consider hiring a car for a shorter trip if we wanted more freedom to explore the mountains and countryside.
Is Albania expensive for a family holiday?
We found Albania very good value for food, coffee, eating out and taxis. Baby products were one of the things we found surprisingly expensive.
Is Albania safe with children?
We felt very comfortable travelling around Albania with our children. As anywhere, there are things to be aware of, particularly traffic and mountain roads, but we never felt threatened during our time there.
What is the best time to visit Albania with kids?
We travelled between April and July. We particularly enjoyed being there before the main summer season because the beaches were much quieter. If you visit during the middle of summer, expect the popular coastal areas to be considerably busier.
Should you visit Ksamil and Sarandë with children?
They are beautiful, but they can be very busy and commercialised during the main season. For a seven day family itinerary, we’d rather spend longer around Qerret and then head to Pogradec. If beaches were our main priority, we’d consider Himarë instead.
Can you visit Albania without hiring a car?
Yes. We travelled mainly by taxi and found it worked really well for us. Public transport wasn’t particularly easy to use, but taxis were affordable and the drivers were very accommodating with our children.
What we’d book before travelling to Albania
If we were planning this trip again, these are the things we’d sort before we left:
Airport transfer: Especially if you’re arriving late at night with children.
Accommodation: We’d book somewhere central in Tirana, somewhere comfortable around Qerret and somewhere close to the lake in Pogradec.
Dajti Mountain cable car: One of our favourite things to do in Tirana with the kids.
Activities around Lake Ohrid: Especially if your children love swimming, cycling and getting out on the water.
Car hire: Worth considering if you want more freedom to explore outside the main towns.
Ready to plan your Albania adventure?
Planning a family trip can mean having accommodation, activities, bookings, places to eat and a hundred other ideas scattered across your phone.
That’s why we created the ALMO Trip Planner.
Keep your ideas, bookings and plans together in one place so you can spend less time organising and more time looking forward to the adventure.
More from our Albania travels
Albania Guides
If you’re looking for more ideas for your time in Tirana, we’ve also written about Things to Do in Tirana With Kids, Best Places to Stay in Tirana and Gluten Free in Tirana: Where I Ate as a Coeliac.
For the coast, take a look at our guide to What It’s Really Like to Stay in Qerret & Golem.
Once you reach Pogradec, our Ultimate Pogradec Travel Guide has lots more ideas for things to do, places to stay and exploring the area around Lake Ohrid.
If you’re wondering what Albania is really like with children, we’ve also shared our experience in Is Albania Safe for Families?.
