One soft-sided bag or cabin case covers most trips. Add a daypack for hikes and beach runs. Summers are hot on the coast; mountain evenings can still feel cool. Shoulder months need a light layer. Below are focused lists — pick the section that matches your plan.
Beach & Riviera
Think sun, salt and evening promenades in Saranda, Himarë, Dhërmi or Ksamil. Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses matter more than fashion. Soft sandals for the sand; something with a grip for rocky coves. A light cover-up for boat days and village dinners. Insect bite cream helps in warmer months near water.
Alps hiking (Theth, Valbona & surrounds)
Trails reward proper shoes. Broken-in hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes, not new trainers. Weather changes fast in the Accursed Mountains — a waterproof shell and a warm mid-layer earn their space even in July. Trekking poles help on steep descents. Cash for guesthouses; card coverage is patchy in valleys.
City & UNESCO towns
Tirana, Berat and Gjirokastër are walkable and informal. Comfortable shoes for cobbles beat heels. A light jumper for air-conditioned museums and cooler evenings. One smart-casual outfit covers nicer dinners. Spring and autumn: a compact umbrella. Winter city breaks: a proper coat — inland nights are colder than the Riviera.
Useful for every trip
Passport, travel insurance details, offline maps, a little lek or euro cash, and any regular medication in hand luggage. Pharmacies are easy to find in towns; remote valleys less so. If you join a guided hike or multi-day tour, you can often leave the bulky kit at the hotel and carry only what the day needs.
Planning a mixed coast-and-mountains week? Our Signature Journey covers both worlds; for the Alps specifically, the Theth–Valbona hiking adventure is built around the trails above.
