We spent three weeks road-tripping through Albania with kids, traveling with our two daughters, aged nearly 2 and 5. What we found was a surprisingly unique destination for a family vacation.
Albania takes you back to basics. It’s kid-friendly in its own way, even without the modern conveniences we’re used to in the Netherlands. But that’s exactly what made it so special. From the friendly locals and stunning landscapes to the freedom to explore wherever and whenever we wanted, Albania felt like one big playground frozen in time.
In this article, we’ll share the 7 places you shouldn’t miss if you’re planning to visit Albania with children.
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- Theth with kids: a peaceful mountain village in the Albanian Alps
- Shala River (Lumi i Shales): a wild adventure with kids
- Family fun in Llogara National Park, Albania: feed the deer
- Horseback riding at Bujtina e Muriqit: a magical adventure on horseback
- Berat with kids: sleeping inside castle walls
- Gjirokastër with kids: the bazaar, castle and other highlights
- Boat trip from Himarë: explore hidden beaches and Pigeon Cave
Theth with kids: a peaceful mountain village in the Albanian Alps
Theth is a traditional village tucked away in the Albanian Alps. Every few steps reward you with another breathtaking view, and it truly feels like walking through a living painting.
If you’re exploring Albania with kids, Theth is a must. There’s so much for children to discover here: from the famous Blue Eye hike with natural swimming spots to the many animals roaming around the village.
Our daughters loved stopping at every little stream and wandering freely. Many guesthouses and restaurants had something fun for kids, such as swings, trampolines or just open space to run and play. One place even had a zipline, which gave us the perfect moment to relax while the kids played safely nearby.
Where to stay in Theth with kids: our tips
We stayed at Molla Guest House, and we honestly couldn’t have asked for a better place. The kids adored the farm animals and hammocks, and the food was outstanding. Breakfast was generous and the home-cooked dinners were among the best we had in Albania. The location was ideal too, just a few minutes’ drive from the center of Theth.
Looking for other family-friendly places to stay in Theth?
👉 Check out the best accommodations in Theth for families
Want to know more about our visit to Theth?
Curious what else you can do in Theth with kids, or how to plan your visit? In our full guide, we share more details about the Blue Eye hike, family-friendly activities, and useful travel tips.
👉 Read our full Theth guide for families
Shala River (Lumi i Shales): a wild adventure with kids
A trip to the Shala River (Lumi i Shales) feels like stepping into another world. It’s remote and only accessible by boat, which already makes the journey exciting for children. There’s no luxury here, but the sense of adventure more than makes up for it. Our oldest daughter loved kayaking and floating down the gentle rapids on her inflatable float.
If you’re exploring Albania with kids and looking for something truly off the beaten path, this is it. Picture crystal-clear water, dramatic cliffs and wooden lodges along the riverbank. Perfect for adventurous families who enjoy going back to basics.
We visited the Shala River with a toddler, our youngest was almost 2, and it was absolutely doable. As long as your child can walk a bit on uneven terrain and doesn’t mind basic facilities, this place can be a wonderful part of your trip.
Where to stay at the Shala River with kids: our tips
We stayed at Guesthouse Zgiboza, which we highly recommend. It’s located a bit farther from the main docking point, making it much quieter and more relaxed than the accommodations right next to where the boats arrive. That gave our kids more space to play and explore without the constant flow of day-trippers.
If you’re looking for other family-friendly places to stay, we also heard great things about Bee Eco Guest House and Villa’s Gio Shala River.
Just a heads-up: Booking.com sometimes shows the wrong location on the map for accommodations at the Shala River, so you might accidentally book a place that’s not at the main spot along the Lumi i Shales. To avoid confusion, it’s best to use the links mentioned above: these lead directly to the accommodations located at the popular riverside area. In our full Shala River article below, you’ll also find a complete list of recommended places to stay.
Want to know how to prepare for your Shala River adventure?
Planning to visit the Shala River with your family? We’ve gathered all our practical tips, from how to get there to what to pack and where to stay.
👉 Read our full guide with tips for visiting Lumi i Shales with kids
Family fun in Llogara National Park, Albania: feed the deer
During our road trip from Himarë to Krujë, we made a stop at the Llogara National Park Tourist Village, and it turned out to be a hidden gem for families. Our kids were thrilled to feed and pet the spotted deer, and these tame animals quickly became one of their favorite memories from Albania.
The drive there, along the winding Llogara Pass, is an adventure on its own, with spectacular views over the mountains and coastline.
Where to stay near Llogara National Park with kids
Did you know you can even spend the night here? The Tourist Village inside the park offers family-friendly lodging surrounded by nature. It’s a great place to break up the drive between the coast and inland Albania. Just be sure to book in advance, as this spot is popular with both locals and travelers.
👉 Check current prices and availability here
Horseback riding at Bujtina e Muriqit: a magical adventure on horseback
There are several places in Albania where you can go horseback riding, but we chose Bujtina e Muriqit. Our kids got to ride a pony, which was already an exciting adventure for them. Marissa also had a magical and unforgettable experience: a sunset ride with a guide through rivers and open fields, a beautiful way to end the day.
In the peaceful and scenic surroundings, we all enjoyed the nature and the laid-back vibe that made us feel instantly relaxed.
Where to stay near Bujtina e Muriqit with kids
We chose to spend the night here, and we can absolutely recommend it. The setting is calm, the rooms are simple but comfortable, and the on-site restaurant is not only great but also very affordable. This location is ideal for families looking for a relaxing and authentic countryside stop.
👉 Check current prices and availability for Bujtina e Muriqit
Berat with kids: sleeping inside castle walls
One of the most unique places we stayed during our trip was in Berat, right inside the old castle walls. For our kids, this was such a fun and adventurous location. They could climb and explore the ancient stone walls, and there was something beautiful to see around every corner.
In the city itself, there’s a large playground along the river boulevard where our daughters loved to play. Known as the city of a thousand windows, Berat is full of cozy restaurants and cafés, and the delicious ice cream on almost every corner was an instant hit with the little ones.
A great day trip from Berat is a visit to Osumi Canyon, where you can swim in the refreshing waters of the Osum River and enjoy the stunning views.
Where to stay in Berat with kids: our tips
Want to experience a unique overnight stay in Berat? We stayed at the Berati Castle Hotel, located right inside the castle walls, and we loved it. The location is magical, the views are amazing, and it’s great for kids who love to explore.
Looking for more family-friendly places to stay in Berat?
👉 Check out the best accommodations in Berat for families
Want to know what to do in Berat with kids?
Berat has so much to offer. In our full guide, we share tips for fun family activities, our favorite places to eat, and practical info for your visit, including playgrounds, viewpoints, and day trips like Osumi Canyon.
👉 Read our full article with tips for visiting Berat with kids
Gjirokastër with kids: the bazaar, castle and other highlights
Gjirokastër, with its cobbled streets and historic bazaar, was a real treat for our kids. The many market stalls filled with souvenirs and toys were simply irresistible. Our daughters were allowed to pick out a small item now and then, and that made them completely happy.
The town is quite hilly, so there’s some climbing involved. But with fun ice cream shops along the way as a reward, it was no problem for the kids at all. It felt like a little adventure through a fairytale-like setting.
Where to stay in Gjirokastër with kids: our tips
We stayed at the charming Rose Garden Hotel, one of the few places in Gjirokastër with a swimming pool. It was the perfect spot to cool off and relax after a warm day of exploring the city.
Curious about what to do in Gjirokastër with kids?
From the impressive castle and the iconic clock tower to cozy cafés and teddy bear terraces, there’s a lot more to discover. In our full article, we share more tips on what to see and do in this UNESCO-listed town.
👉 Read our full article with tips for visiting Gjirokastër with kids
Boat trip from Himarë: explore hidden beaches and Pigeon Cave
From Himarë, we took a boat trip along the Albanian Riviera, one of the highlights of our family trip. It’s a fantastic activity, especially for slightly older kids. The boat brought us to the impressive Pigeon Cave and stopped at several small, secluded beaches along the way. At one of the stops, we swam through a sea cave, an unforgettable moment we shared with our oldest daughter.
This boat tour was also the perfect way to experience quieter beaches, far from the crowds in more popular places like Ksamil.
Want to experience a boat trip like this yourself? You can check out the best boat tours from Himarë, or, just like we did, book on the spot with Exploring Himara Boat Trips, a local company we can truly recommend.
Himarë itself felt calmer and more authentic than other towns along the Albanian Riviera, making it a great choice for families looking for a relaxed coastal stay.
Where to stay in Himarë with kids: our tips
We stayed at Toni Retzo Rooms, a peaceful and welcoming guesthouse just a short walk from the beach. The rooms were clean, the hosts incredibly kind, and the location perfect for families who want to stay somewhere quiet but central.
👉 Check out all family-friendly places to stay in Himarë to find your perfect getaway
Want to discover more about Himarë?
From scenic beaches and local taverns to fun boat tours and a hilltop castle, there’s much more to enjoy in and around Himarë with kids.
👉 Read our full guide to Himarë with kids
