Short answer: Butrint is Albania’s finest archaeological site and first UNESCO listing — a peninsula near Saranda where you walk through 2,500 years of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman history. Entry ~€10, 4 km from Ksamil, allow 2–3 hours. The highlight of the south.

Short answer: the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a stunning spring ~30 min from Saranda — water erupts from a cave 50m+ deep, glowing electric blue. Entry is under €2, it’s a short walk in, and swimming in the eye is banned. Go early or late to beat the crowds.

Short answer: Bogovë Waterfall and Osumi Canyon are two of southern Albania’s best natural sights, both near Berat and usually visited together. The waterfall is a short hike to a turquoise (icy!) pool; the canyon is prime rafting country in spring. Go early to beat the crowds.

Short answer: Durrës is Albania’s ancient port city, 35 km from Tirana — nearly 3,000 years old. Highlights: the huge Roman Amphitheatre (once seating 20,000), the Venetian Tower, Byzantine walls, and a long sandy beach. Half a day for the historic core.

Short answer: Gjirokastër is a UNESCO-listed Ottoman “Stone City” in southern Albania. Must-sees: the castle (with a captured US spy plane), the Old Bazaar, a restored Ottoman tower house, and the eerie 800m Cold War nuclear bunker under the city. ~4h from Tirana, best as an overnight.

Short answer: one week is the sweet spot for a first trip — Tirana, a historic city or two, and the Riviera. Add the northern Alps and you need 10–14 days. Only have a weekend? Base in Tirana and use day trips. The big mistake: underestimating drive times.

Short answer: Përmet is a quiet town in the wild Vjosa valley, famous for the Bënja Thermal Baths beside an Ottoman bridge, the Langarica Canyon, rafting, and superb food and wine. It’s ~4 hours from Tirana — too far for a day trip, best as an overnight in a southern loop.

Short answer: Vlora is where the Adriatic meets the Ionian — gateway to the Riviera and birthplace of Albanian independence. Highlights: the Lungomare promenade, the Ottoman old town, hilltop Kanina Castle, and Zvernec Monastery on its island in the flamingo-filled Narta Lagoon.

Short answer: yes, Theth works as a day trip from Tirana — but it’s a long one: 06:00 start, 5–6 hours’ driving round trip, and a real hike. ~12 hours, €55–70. The payoff is the Albanian Alps at their best: the Theth Blue Eye, Grunas Waterfall and a stone village under 2,500m peaks.

Short answer: Kruja Castle, 30–40 min north of Tirana, is the most important site in Albanian history — where Skanderbeg held off the Ottoman Empire for 25 years. Free grounds, ~€5 Skanderbeg Museum, an Ottoman bazaar below. Allow 2–4 hours.