What is the right Albania sequence for coast, towns and mountains?
Albania can deliver mountains, heritage towns and coast in one trip, but not at sightseeing speed. Choose a northern and southern rhythm rather than treating every named stop as equally essential.
Answer
The strongest first route runs north to south: Shkodër and Theth, then the stone towns of Berat and Gjirokastër, finishing with one southern-coast base rather than a nightly shuffle along the Riviera. Decide first whether the mountains or the coast deserve the deeper block. Hikers should give the north the extra days and shorten the beach section; travellers coming mainly for the sea should keep Theth brief or save it for another trip. Reverse the order only when the arrival or departure point makes it plainly easier. On a short trip, choose the north or the south instead of forcing both. Albania feels generous when the route has shape; rushed, it becomes a sequence of bags, bends and late arrivals.