After spending three months living in Albania’s capital, one of my favourite things to do in Tirana was escape the city for a day and explore all the amazing places just beyond its borders. Tirana is lively and full of culture, but what makes it extra special is how easy it is to reach stunning mountains, historic towns, and sandy beaches in just a couple of hours.
Within a short drive from the city, you can hike to the turquoise waters of Bovilla Lake, wander the cobbled streets of historic Kruja, or marvel at the Ottoman charm and breathtaking landscapes of Berat. Each day trip from Tirana offers a completely different side of Albania.
In this guide, I’m sharing the 12 best day trips from Tirana, including what makes each destination worth visiting and how you can easily book the best tours or transportation. These day trips are ideal if you want to experience more of Albania without the hassle of packing up and moving around.
See Tirana from above on the Dajti Cable Car
Table of Contents
12 Amazing Day Trips from Tirana + How to Book Them
Mount Dajti Express Cable Car & BUNK’ART 1
One of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Tirana is a visit to Mount Dajti, often called the “Natural Balcony of Tirana.” The quickest way to reach the top is by hopping on the Dajti Express Cable Car, a 15-minute ride that glides over forests and rolling hills with incredible views of the city and beyond.
At the summit, you’ll find plenty to do: take a relaxing walk along the trails, snap photos of the panoramic views from the lookouts, and sit down for a meal at the Dajti Balcony restaurant. I had lunch here and really enjoyed taking in the spectacular view while trying traditional Albanian food with a glass of local wine.
Visit BUNK’ART 1 for a taste of communist history
Practical Tips & Info: The cable car costs around 1,400 lek round-trip (about €14) per adult, and card payments are accepted. To get there, take bus #11 from the Biblioteka bus stop in central Tirana (bus tickets are 40 lek per person) and ride it to the final stop, which is a short walk to the cable car station.
If you’d like to combine the trip with a bit of history, make time to visit BUNK’ART 1, located near the base of the cable car. This fascinating museum inside a Cold War bunker offers a unique glimpse into Albania’s communist past. When I did this day trip, I took the bus to BUNK’ART 1 first and then walked to the cable car; it made for a fun and easy day out in Tirana.
How to Book: You can easily book a guided day trip that includes the Dajti Express Cable Car and BUNK’ART 1 through GetYourGuide. This way transport is arranged for you, and you’ll have a guide to give context to the history and sights along the way. The tour below includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a round-trip cable car ticket, and stops at other famous Tirana landmarks.
👉Book Online: Tirana Walking Tour & Dajti Mountain Cable Car Tour
Take in the view of Tirana from Dajti Cable Car
Kruja
A day trip to Kruja from Tirana is one of the most popular excursions and for good reason. This historic town, perched high in the mountains, is best known as the home of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. Walking through the old bazaar with its quaint cobbled streets, traditional buildings, and colourful souvenirs feels like stepping back in time.
At the top of the town sits the Kruja Castle where you can explore the Skanderbeg Museum and learn about Albania’s resistance against the Ottoman Empire. The Ethnographic Museum is housed inside a traditional Ottoman home, and it’s also worth a visit if you’re curious about local history and culture.
Lunch with a view at Restorant Bardhi
I really loved wandering the bazaar, just taking in the scenes, chatting with shopkeepers, and picking up some unique handmade souvenirs before heading up to the castle to take in the epic view. I can highly recommend stopping for a slow and relaxing lunch at Restorant Bardhi for the most delicious Albanian food and unbeatable mountain/valley views.
Practical Tips & Info: Kruja is about a 45 minute drive from the city, making it one of the easiest day trips from Tirana. If you’re travelling independently, you can catch a furgon (minibus) from Tirana’s Regional Bus Station for 200 lek per person. Once you’re in Kruja, the sights are all within walking distance. Don’t forget to bring cash as many shops in the bazaar don’t accept cards.
How to Book: If you’d prefer an affordable and hassle-free option, you can book this popular guided day trip that includes transport to/from Tirana, entrance to the castle, and a guided tour of the bazaar and museums.
👉Book Online: Day Trip to Kruja Castle & Bazaar from Tirana
Take in the sights of historic Kruja
Bovilla Lake & Gamti Mountain
If you’re looking for a day trip from Tirana that combines hiking, fresh air, and stunning views, then Bovilla Lake and Gamti Mountain are a perfect choice. Just 25 km from the city, this emerald-green reservoir is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rolling hills. It’s easily one of the most photogenic spots near Tirana.
The highlight of visiting Bovilla is the short hike up Gamti Mountain, where a rocky trail leads to the lookout with jaw-dropping views over the turquoise lake and surrounding peaks. It’s not a long hike (around 40 minutes to an hour depending on pace), but it is quite steep and rocky in places, so good shoes are recommended. This hike is not recommended for those with mobility issues.
I found the climb totally worth it for the panoramic views at the top. The scenery is truly better than any photo that you’ve seen online and is guaranteed to take your breath away!
Stunning view at Bovilla Lake
Practical Tips & Info: Bovilla Lake is a remote lake about a one-hour drive from Tirana along a very bumpy, unpaved road. Bring plenty of water, snacks, sturdy shoes, and sun protection for the hike. There is one restaurant at the base of the trail for those who wish to stop for lunch before or after hiking.
Public transport doesn’t reach the lake, so the best option is to either join a guided tour, rent a car or take a taxi. If you go by taxi, expect to pay around 3,000–4,000 lek for a round-trip (most Tirana taxi companies will decline as the road is too rough).
Renting a car starts from 25 – 35 euros per day; however car rental companies will advise you to avoid rough dirt roads. In my experience, booking a guided tour is the most affordable and convenient option for reaching Bovilla Lake.
How to Book: Guided tours are the best way to visit Bovilla Lake without worrying about expensive taxis or potentially damaging a rental car on the rough dirt road. This highly-rated Bovilla Lake tour includes hotel pick-up/drop-off, a guided hike to Gamti Mountain to the best viewpoints, and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.
👉 Book Online: Hiking Tour to Bovilla Lake & Gamti Mountain
Take in the beauty of Bovilla Lake on a day trip from Tirana
Pëllumbas Cave & Erzen Canyon
For an adventurous day trip just outside Tirana, head to the small village of Pëllumbas, home to one of Albania’s most impressive caves. The hike to Pëllumbas Cave, also known as the Black Cave, takes you along a scenic mountain trail with amazing views of the Erzen River valley below.
The cave itself is about 360 meters long and filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and a cool, otherworldly atmosphere. I remember stepping inside and feeling like I’d entered a hidden world. I even saw bats in there! The cool cave air is a welcome escape from the hot, Albanian sun.
After exploring the cave, it’s worth continuing down to the Erzen Canyon, where the turquoise waters of the river wind through steep rock walls. It’s important to note how difficult and steep the hike from the cave to the river is. I would advise only attempting this part of the trail on a guided tour.
Hiking to Pëllumbas Cave
In spring and summer, it’s a refreshing spot to dip your feet or even go for a swim (if you’re willing to brave the icy water). I brought along a picnic and took a break by the river before continuing the hike.
I booked the guided tour and really enjoyed this day trip; it was a highlight of my time in Tirana. The whole area around Pëllumbas feels untouched and peaceful, a side of Albania you’d never expect to find so close to the city.
Practical Tips & Info: Pëllumbas is around 20 km from Tirana. You can get there by taxi, rental car, or by joining a guided tour, as public transport isn’t the most reliable option. The trail to the cave takes about 45 minutes each way, so wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and don’t forget a head torch (your phone light isn’t good enough inside the cave!)
How to Book: Guided tours are the easiest way to combine both the cave and the canyon in one trip. They typically include hotel pick-up, a local guide, a helmet, head torches, and plenty of time to hike and explore.
👉 Book Online: Pëllumbas Cave & Erzen Canyon Hiking Tour
Hiking in the amazing Pëllumbas Cave
Durrës
If you’re craving some sea air during your stay in Tirana, then a day trip to Durrës is the perfect escape. This lively coastal city is just 35 km from the capital, making it one of the easiest seaside getaways in Albania. With a long sandy beach, a bustling promenade, and layers of history to uncover, Durrës offers a great little break from the city.
One of the highlights is visiting the impressive Roman Amphitheatre of Durrës, which is the largest in the Balkans dating back to the 2nd century AD. Walking through the ancient ruins while imagining the gladiator battles that once took place here was a neat experience!
I also enjoyed a visit to the Archaeological Museum to learn more about the region’s rich history and marvel at the extensive collection of artefacts from the Ancient Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. A walk through here doesn’t take too long, but it’s worth a stop on your day trip.
Visit Durres on a day trip from Tirana
When in Durrës, take a stroll along the seafront promenade and stop for lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants. There’s nothing better than enjoying a traditional meal and glass of wine with a view of the Adriatic. If you’re visiting in summer, you might also want to pack your swimsuit for a dip at the local beach.
Practical Tips & Info: Durrës is only a 40-minute drive or bus ride from Tirana. Buses leave regularly from the Regional Bus Station and tickets cost around 150–200 lek per person. Once you arrive, most of the main attractions are within walking distance of the centre. Bring cash for entrance fees and meals, although many restaurants do accept cards here.
How to Book: For a more convenient excursion, organised day trips from Tirana will take you on a guided tour of Durrës, including transport, free time to swim, relax, and soak up the sun.
👉 Book Online: Durrës Ancient City, Sun & Sea Views Daily Tour From Tirana
Pretty palm-lined streets of Durrës
Shkodër
A day trip to Shkodër is a must for anyone who wants to experience the cultural heart of Albania. Known as one of the oldest cities in the country, Shkodër sits on the shores of Lake Shkodër with the dramatic Albanian Alps rising in the distance. The city has a relaxed, artistic vibe and is full of history. Shkodër has a distinctly different vibe from Tirana.
The highlight for me was climbing up to Rozafa Castle, a hilltop fortress with sweeping views over Lake Shkodër, winding rivers, and surrounding mountains. Although the castle is largely in ruins, the view from its vantage point totally blew me away.
After exploring the castle, I enjoyed wandering through the colourful streets of Shkodër’s old town, stopping for coffee in one of the many cute cafés and picking up a gelato cone along the way. The city feels slower-paced and welcoming, with locals always happy to chat.
Another spot not to miss is the iconic Mesi Bridge, a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era stone bridge stretching across the Kir River. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks near Shkodër and offers a fascinating glimpse into Albania’s past.