Some of the most rewarding journeys don’t involve crossing continents; they unfold along coastlines. The neighboring countries of Greece and Albania present a prime example. A trip to beach towns on the Ionian Sea, bookended by the country’s respective capitals, Athens and Tiranë, offers a simple, perfectly-paced experience packed with history, gastronomy, and seaside relaxation.
During the spring and early fall, travelers can enjoy mild temperatures, calm seas, and fewer crowds. Through decades of planning Mediterranean trips, I’ve found that this four-stop itinerary is the ultimate blend of coastal charm and cultural discovery. Here’s how to do it.
Athens
The entrance to A77 Suites in Athens.
A77 Suites
Start your journey in Athens, where the famed, millennia-old Acropolis offers a window into ancient Greece. See the Parthenon, visit the Acropolis Museum, and enjoy sweeping city views. Then, head into Psyri, a buzzy, creative neighborhood known for bold street art, independent shops, and bohemian cafés. If you have extra time, visit the Museum of Cycladic Art for a glimpse into the ancient Cyclades, one of the oldest cultures of the Aegean Sea.
Where to Stay: The Dolli, a luxurious neoclassical property, or A77 Suites, a boutique hotel tucked into the heart of Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood.
Where to Eat: The Zillers Rooftop Gastronomy for a sunset meal with Acropolis views, or CTC Urban Gastronomy to enjoy a contemporary Greek tasting menu on the terrace. For classic flavors in a more traditional setting, try Psarras Tavern or Kuzina.
Corfu, Greece
The Venetian Well bistro.
The Venetian Well Bistro
Next, fly to Corfu, a lush Greek island in the Ionian Sea, unique for its Venetian, British, and French influences. Explore the Old Town, an UNESCO World Heritage site, where pastel tones, quaint shops, and hidden gardens paint a storybook picture, and spend a day cruising along the coast to swim in coves only accessible by boat. For lovers of art, architecture, and history, don’t miss the Achilleion, a palace-turned-museum that was once the private refuge of the beloved Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
Where to Stay: Domes Miramare, a stylish resort hideaway by the sea featuring private pools and contemporary Greek fine dining.
Where to Eat: The Venetian Well for a romantic dinner, or Klimataria for authentic Corfiot cooking in a relaxed courtyard setting.
Sarandë, Albania
Downtown Gjirokaster, Albania.
Avatarmin/Getty Images
Take the hour-long ferry from Corfu to Sarandë, Albania, where clear Ionian waters meet rugged cliffs and hills dotted with olive groves. There, travelers can find the 16th-century Lëkurësi Castle; the Blue Eye, a striking 50-meter-deep natural spring; and, just outside the city, Butrint, an archaeological site layered with Green, Roman, and Byzantine history.
For a magical day trip, visit Gjirokastër, nicknamed the “City of Stone” due to its distinct local architecture featuring stone roofs, and navigate picturesque cobblestone alleys to the historic Old Bazaar.
Where to Stay: LaFe Boutique Hotel for stunning balcony views and a prime location just steps from the beach.
Where to Eat: In Sarandë, enjoy fresh mussels, grilled seafood, and seaside seating at family-run Haxhi or cozy La Petite. In Gjirokastër, try Taverna Kuka for rich lamb stews, flaky byrek, and honeyed desserts.
Tiranë, Albania
Tirana, the capital of Albanian.
Fani Kurti/Getty Images
Wrap up in Tiranë, Albania’s energetic capital. Spend an afternoon gallery hopping in the hip Blloku neighborhood, climb the Ottoman-era Clock Tower, and visit the National Historical Museum by the central Skanderbeg Square. To dive into Albanian history, head to Bunk’Art 1, a five-floor, Cold-War-era underground bunker that is now an art and history museum, and for sweeping views over the city, take the Dajti Ekspres cable car to the top of Dajti Mountain. As you wander the streets of Tiranë, keep an eye out for murals and public art installations—and make sure to try some classic Albanian street food, like crunchy byrek and sweet, syrupy Tulumba.
Where to Stay: Xheko Imperial Luxury Hotel & Spa, an ornate, glamorous stay with a rooftop terrace and convenient proximity to the beautiful Grand Park.
Where to Eat: Padam Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, where Italy-trained Chef Fundim Gjepali combines local ingredients with modern style, offering both à la carte options and a tasting menu.
Mina Agnos is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in Greece and Eastern Mediterranean trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Agnos at [email protected].