September is the golden season for a weekend escape in Albania. Temperatures remain warm, the summer crowds have subsided, nature begins to don the first hues of autumn, and prices become more favorable. It’s the ideal time to disconnect whether for a day in the mountains, a lakeside weekend, or a stroll through historic towns.
We’ve curated 7 unique weekend escapes, ranging from crystal-clear beaches to mountain villages, stone bazaars to natural hot springs. This list is for those seeking inspiration, serenity, adventure, or simply a reason to break the routine.
1. Theth – Alpine Adventure in the heart of albanian alps
If you want to escape noise and routine, Theth invites you to the peace you need. Hidden among the sharp peaks of the Albanian Alps (Bjeshkët e Nemuna), this village offers breathtaking landscapes, clean air, crystal waters, and mountain hospitality like living inside a slowly unfurling fairy tale, serene and magnificent. In September, the weather is perfect for hiking: no snow to hinder you, no crowds to spoil the magic.
What to do:
- Walk to Grunas Waterfall for a refreshing escape.
- Discover Theth’s Blue Eye, a karst spring with ice-cold water.
- Visit the Lock-up Tower and the old Theth Church—history, identity, and Albanian heritage in every stone.
- Stop at Thore Pass for one of the most dramatic views in the Balkans.
- Hike to Qafë Pejë Lake, bathe in the natural pools of the Shalë River, picnic amidst alpine greenery, and breathe an air that feels like medicine for the soul.
Where to stay: Here are some ideas of where to stay in Theth: Top 5 best accommodations in Theth.
Food: Savor lamb cooked in a cast-iron pan (saç), fresh sheep’s cheese, and a glass of mountain rakia. Each meal comes with a story from locals that will make your dinner unforgettable.
How to get there: About 2.5–3 hours from Shkodër (thanks to paved roads), or from Tirana via Boga and Thore Pass. Start early, and don’t forget to stop for photos along the unforgettable scenic bends.
2. Berat – The City of One-Over-Another Windows
A trip back in time! Berat, a 2,400-year-old city protected by UNESCO, where houses with numerous white windows climb the hillside, makes you feel like you’re in a romantic painting. In September, the city is cool, peaceful, nostalgic, and filled with a loving air.
What to do:
- Stroll through the 13th-century Castle and visit the Onufri Icon Museum.
- Gaze at the breathtaking views over the Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods.
- Explore the old bazaar for crafts, the Lead Mosque, and the Church of the Holy Trinity.
Activities: A pleasant walk along the Osum River, maybe even rafting in Skrapar Canyon for those craving a bit of adrenaline. How about a wine tasting at Çobo Winery?
Where to stay: Here are some ideas of where to stay in Berat: Top 5 best accommodations in Berat.
Food: Try Tave me kos a traditional dish that warms your mouth and your heart with every bite. Pair it with a local wine for a satisfying finish. For an elegant experience, dine at Mangalemi Restaurant. For a cozier, homestyle vibe, stop by Homemade Food Lili, where mom’s cooking is always center stage.
For more dining ideas, read: Top 5 Traditional Restaurants in Berat
How to get there: Around 2 hours from Tirana (120 km). Regular buses run from the South Terminal. Watch your step historic neighborhoods’ cobbled streets have character… and a bit of challenge.
3. Gjirokastra – Castle City of Stone and History
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Gjirokastra is a city built of stone from gleaming rooftops to winding cobbled streets. In September, it breathes freely: the air is cool, the light soft, and the slower pace beckons you to savor it as a special guest far removed from seasonal crowds.
What to do:
- Visit the majestic Gjirokastra Castle and the Arms Museum to walk through its military history.
- Stroll the traditional bazaar and explore house-museums like Skenduli, Zekate, and the Cold War-era anti-atomic bunker.
Activities: Ease into the local rhythm sip Turkish coffee spiced with cardamom, learn how to make byrek with a local family, or catch an impromptu polyphonic concert that fills the evening air with timeless harmony.
Where to stay: Check out Gjirokastra’s best accommodations for 2025.
Food: Try the traditional qifqi, rice-and-herb balls, or finish your meal with a spoonful of warm gliko (fruit preserve). For authentic local flavors, explore the 5 best traditional restaurants in Gjirokastra for 2025.
How to get there: Approximately 3.5–4 hours by car from Tirana. Direct buses also depart from Tirana and Saranda.
4. Saranda and Ksamil – Mediterranean Beaches, Ancient Beauty & Relaxation
If you love the blend of beach relaxation with deep cultural heritage, Saranda and Ksamil are your perfect weekend getaways. In September, this southern Albanian town turns into a paradise, the sea remains warm, the sun is gentle, and the lack of crowds makes any walk or beach break much more enjoyable. Saranda offers urban life by the sea, while Ksamil invites you to beaches with white sand and clear waters reminiscent of the Caribbean.
What to see & do:
- Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Ksamil, at beaches like “Pasqyrat” or “Three Islands.”
- Explore the Butrint Archaeological Park a Greco-Roman city immersed in nature.
- Climb to Lekursi Castle for breathtaking sunset views over Saranda.
- Visit the Monastery of the 40 Saints for a mystical hilltop moment.
Activities: Dive or snorkel to explore Ksamil’s underwater world. The Blue Eye (about 35 minutes away) offers a chilly, scenic adventure ideal for photos. Evenings are for strolling Saranda’s promenade or winding down with a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the bay.
Where to stay: Discover Saranda’s Top 5 hotels for 2025.
Food: The sea offers treasures! For ideas on where to enjoy a dinner with a view in Saranda, explore the best restaurants with panoramic views in the city. If you’re in Ksamil and looking for fresh seafood, here are the 5 best restaurants to eat in 2025.
How to get there: From Tirana, the journey takes about 4.5–5 hours by car. There are also daily buses connecting the capital with Saranda. Another alternative is to fly to Corfu and take the 30-minute ferry to Saranda. To get to Ksamil or Butrint, use local vans or take a taxi. Tip: visit Butrint early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy more peace.
5. Gramshi – Canyons, lakes and quiet nature
Gramshi is one of those destinations that most people have not yet explored, a quiet place between mountains, waterfalls and lakes that offers a lot for a September weekend with nature, fresh air and few people around. It is located only 1.5 hours from Tirana, but it feels like you are in another world. The mild September weather and the rich biodiversity of this area make it ideal for hiking, relaxation and nature exploration.
What to see and do:
- Holta Canyon: a walk inside a spectacular canyon with limestone walls 100–150 m high. Knee-deep or waist-deep water, natural pools and caves to explore. Ideal for easy hiking and fascinating photos.
- Sotira Waterfall: about 100 m high, with water originating from the slope of Tomorri. An easy 1 hour hike from the village of the same name, suitable for everyone.
- Lake Dushkut (Lake of the Lily): A glacial lake at an altitude of about 1105 m above sea level, near the village of Lenie and Kodovjat. Measuring about 800×400 m, surrounded by pine forest, famous for its large water lilies and its unique biodiversity.
Recommended activities:
- Walking around the lake: about an hour of walking around the lake with peaceful and beautiful views for photography and relaxing by the water.
- Nature observation: water lilies, small aquatic creatures, birds and rare plants for naturalists and peace seekers.
- Hiking: The Gramsh → Kodovjat → Dushkut Lake route is easily accessible by foot or by vehicle. It can also be done as a day trip for more adventurous explorers.
BioFarm Gramsh – an experience that connects nature with tradition
- Hiking & walking to Lake Dushku, Holta Canyon, Sotira Waterfall and Grabova.
- Off-road 4×4 with guides in mountainous terrain.
- Horseback riding – horseback riding for individuals or groups.
- Camping in peaceful and untouched nature.
- Local guide to attractions with traditional stories.
- Farm-to-table – involvement in cooking and farm life.
Where to stay: In Gramsh you can find a wide range of accommodation options, from simple hotels in the city center, to family guesthouses and agrotourism farms that offer more authentic and nature-related experiences. Choose according to your travel style and pace.
Food: The local cuisine is simple but very tasty: country meat, traditional dishes, fresh cheeses and homemade sweets. For a picnic lunch after the hike, ask your accommodation for a local food package.
How to get there: Gramsh is only 1.5–2 hours away from Tirana by car, and the road is good. There are regular buses every day connecting it to the capital. For the Gramsh–Sotirë segment, it is recommended to use a 4×4 vehicle or walk from the village. In the Holta canyon, drive carefully, avoid rainy days, wear waterproof shoes and bring dry clothes. To reach Lake Dushku, the Gramsh–Kodovjat–Lenie off-road route is perfect for those looking for more adventure.
6. Pogradec – Tranquility, white wine & lakeside villages
Pogradec sits peacefully on the shores of Lake Ohrid one of the oldest and cleanest lakes in the world. In September, it’s a serene escape filled with soft breezes, quiet beaches, lakeside charm, and surrounding villages like Tushemisht and Lin offering rich cultural experiences.
What to see & do:
- Lake Ohrid Promenade – Perfect for walking, cycling, or relaxing by the water.
- Drilon Park – A tranquil spot with canals, swans, and cafés built over water.
- Tushemisht – A picturesque village known for films and fresh trout restaurants.
- Lin – Explore its cobbled streets, Byzantine mosaics, and breathtaking lake views.
- Pogradec Castle – Climb for panoramic views over town and lake.
Activities:
- Bike ride along the lake shore.
- Swim or relax on the quiet beaches of the city.
- Wine tasting at local wineries, especially white wine from Tushemishti.
- Optional excursion to Voskopoje or Korça if you have Monday free.
Where to stay: For ideas on your accommodation, here are the 5 best hotels in Pogradec where you can stay in 2025.
Food: Try the fried koran, an endemic fish that grows only on Lake Ohrid. If you have an appetite for more, try the turkey with pershesh, këllefthi (a pastry with noodles and nuts), and the local artisanal glikote. These are the best restaurants in Pogradec to enjoy local cuisine by the lake.
How to get there: From Tirana, the journey takes about 2.5–3 hours by car via Elbasan, Librazhd and Qafë Thanë. There are regular bus lines from Tirana and Korça. You can easily get around the city by bike or on foot. To visit Tushemishti or Lin, use local taxis or vans that depart from the city center.
7. Permet – Serene Nature & Traditional Flavors
Known as the “City of Roses”, Permet is one of the most authentic places for a September getaway. Surrounded by mountains, forests and the wild Vjosa River, the city is perfect for those seeking tranquility, nature, thermal baths and a deep local experience. The clean air, slow pace and traditional hospitality of the Përmet residents make this city a brilliant alternative to noisier destinations.
What to see & do:
- Benje Thermal Baths – Natural mineral springs set in a pristine alpine canyon.
- Lengarica Canyon – Ideal for easy hiking amid sculpted rock formations.
- Guri i Qytetit & Leusa Church – Scenic lookout points with cultural and spiritual significance.
- Këlcyrë Castle & Nearby Villages – Hidden gems offering peaceful history and natural beauty.
Activities:
- Diving in the thermal baths of Bënja.
- Rafting on the Vjosa River or fishing on its banks.
- Hiking in the Hotova Fir National Park, which in September is full of life, freshness and color.
- Cooking with locals or listening to Përmet polyphony in the evenings in the square.
Where to stay: These are the best accommodations in Përmet for 2025, ideal for a peaceful stay close to nature and tradition.
Food: Permet is synonymous with glikë – don’t leave without trying glikë with walnuts, roses, cherries or watermelon. Traditional dishes include tavë me sërshëk, pies, and a dish with beans and mountain spices. These are the 5 best traditional restaurants in Permet perfect for enjoying authentic dishes with local flavors.
How to get there: From Tirana, the journey takes about 4–4.5 hours by car, via Tepelena or via the road from Berat. The roads are in good condition and there are daily vans departing from Tirana, Gjirokastra or Korça. You can easily get around the city on foot, while to reach Banja e Bënjës you can use a taxi (about 15 minutes) or a bicycle. There is public parking and a quiet atmosphere for a relaxed visit.
Albania in September is Yours – Discover it now!
From the wild Alps of Theth to the tranquil lakes of Dushku, from Gjirokastra’s stone tales to Ksamil’s crystal waters, Albania shines brightest in September. This magical season offers a more authentic, peaceful, and beautiful experience. A weekend getaway here transcends tourism, it becomes a renewal of the spirit, culture, and connection to oneself.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the best weekend getaways in Albania during September?
This article offers 7 unique weekend suggestions, including quiet beaches, mountain villages, historic towns, and untouched nature perfectly selected for September. - Is September an ideal month to visit Albania?
Yes. Temperatures are mild, nature begins to change colors, prices are more affordable, and destinations are quieter after the summer rush. - Where can I go hiking in Albania in September?
Albania offers great hiking options in September such as Theth, Holta Canyon in Gramsh, Lengarica Canyon in Përmet, or mountain trails like Qafe Peja and Lake Dushku.
👉 If this article sparked your next adventure idea, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with friends and family and plan a memorable September weekend together. Albania awaits, more beautiful than ever.
