Where should I go in Albania in autumn?

September to mid-October — the coast

The best weeks of the year for the Ionian. Warm sea, thinned crowds, falling rates and everything still running. Ksamil, Himarë and Sarandë are all at their most enjoyable, and the coast road is a pleasure rather than a queue.

Swimming often holds through the first half of October — the Ionian keeps its warmth longer than the air. By the second half it is a gamble.

Late October and November — inland

The Riviera winds down. Beach properties in Ksamil and Dhërmi close for the year, and while Sarandë keeps functioning as a town, a beach holiday is no longer what you are booking.

This is when the inland towns come into their own: Berat and Gjirokastër in autumn colour without the heat or the coaches, Tirana at its most comfortable, and rates low everywhere.

The mountains have a deadline

The Valbona Pass generally stays walkable to around the end of October, which makes early autumn one of the best times to do it — the same trail as high summer with far fewer walkers and easier guesthouse availability.

After that the season shuts. Leave the Alps to spring if your dates fall in November.

Common questions

Can you swim in Albania in October?

Often in the first half of the month, when the Ionian is still holding summer warmth. By late October it is unreliable.

Is the Albanian Riviera open in autumn?

Fully through September and into early October. From late October most beach accommodation in the villages closes for the year.

Where should I go in Albania in November?

Inland — Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër and Shkodër are all open, comfortable and cheap. The coast has largely shut.

Is autumn a good time for the Theth to Valbonë hike?

Early autumn is one of the best. The pass generally stays walkable to around the end of October with far fewer people than in summer.

Read next

• Albania in September
• Berat
• Valbonë