BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN ALBANIA

The Republic of Albania is a fantastic tourist destination. It offers azure beaches, natural parks with endless hiking trails, vibrant cities with many cultural sites, and a delicious cuisine. All of this at very affordable prices, without crowds, and in the middle of Europe. Thus, if you are looking for a superb holiday off the beaten path, look no further and visit Albania. This post on the best places to visit in Albania will help you tailor your ideal Albania itinerary for the ultimate Balkan vacation. 

Albania stands right across from Italy, at the other end of the Adriatic Sea. It’s surrounded by Montenegro, Kosovo / Serbia, North Macedonia, and Greece and almost 3 million people call it home. The country has been inhabited by Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, who covered its lands with wonderful heritage sites. Later on, Enver Hoxha ruled the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania until 1991, when a revolution led to the fall of communism and the establishment of the current parliamentary regime.

Consequently, expect plenty of ancient castles, archeological sites, mosques, churches, and brutalist buildings among Albania tourist attractions. Regardless of your interests, budget and timeframe, here you’ll find plenty of inspiration on what to see in Albania.

Best cities to visit in Albania

After being closed for decades, Albania is a growing tourist destination. Many of its visitors take city breaks to Tirana and embark on day trips to nearby wonders. Others rent a car and road trip the country in search of smaller towns and villages. Some come for the history, others for the architecture, none goes back disappointed. The following are the best cities to visit in Albania.

1. Tirana

Tirana, the country’s capital and largest city, leads the list of best cities to visit in Albania. Home to half a million inhabitants, surrounded by mountains and 30km from the sea, Tirana hosts many Albania top attractions. Within the city you’ll find ancient ruins, churches, mosques, clock towers, and lots of museums. As well as cozy cafes, traditional restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, and great shopping opportunities. 

Every Tirana tourist should aim to visit the following within Tirana city center: Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, the clock tower, Hoxha Pyramid, and the new bazaar. If you have time to explore the outskirts, head to Blloku district or ride the Dajti Ekspres for the perfect sunset views. History lovers will have a blast visiting local museums such as Bunk Art 1 and 2 and the House of Leaves. These are all focused on how the communist regime controlled the Albanian society back in the days. 

Make sure to read about the best things to do in Tirana for additional information in all of them. Including prices and opening hours. Tirana is without a doubt on of the best places to visit in Albania. And the best spot to embark on day trips from Tirana to explore Albania.

2. Berat

Berat is one of the nicest among the Albania cities to visit and one of the top places to visit in the Balkans. It stands in central Albania, about 100km and 2 hours from Tirana. Therefore, it can be visited on a day trip to Berat from Tirana. These are awesome if you’re short on time, don’t like driving, or want to visit with a local guide to learn about the city’s historical heritage.

What makes Berat one of the top places where to go in Albania is its stunning setup on a hillside along with its ancient cultural heritage. The town hosts so many wonderful Ottoman mosques, Byzantine churches, old houses, museums and palaces that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Therefore, walking along Berat’s narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, river, and city walls is a must in your Albania vacation. 

The best places to visit in Berat include the Churches of St. Mary, Holy Trinity, and the Red Mosque. Make sure to also visit the 13the century Berat Castle, the Onufri National Iconographic Museum, Bogove Waterfall, and the Gorica Bridge.

Bulevardi Republikawide is the place-to-go to enjoy the city’s cafe culture. While the town’s viewpoints and the banks across Osumi River offer stunning views over this Town of a Thousand Windows. A name coming from the many windows added to the front its hillside buildings. Can you spot them?

3. Kruje

Kruje is an Albania must see town standing 40km north of Tirana, reachable within an hour’s drive. Visitors come to Kruje to enjoy the 5th century Kruje castle from which the national hero Georg Kastriot hold out against the powerful Ottoman Empire for over 25 years. Known as Skanderbeg in English, he was an Albanian feudal lord and military commander who blocked the Ottoman expansion with just 3,000 men. An incredible achievement the entire town is still proud of. Nowadays, Kruje castle hosts a museum dedicated to Skanderbeg featuring his statue and coat of arms. 

Besides admiring Kruje castle and the incredible views the site offers over the surrounding mountains, the town offers lots of interesting attractions. Among them, visitors will love the old bazaar and its cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, antiques, and artisan goodies. The 15th century church, the ethnographic museum, and the tomb of Sari Saltik are also among the best places to visit in Kruje.

If you’d like to visit Kruje with a local guide and with private transportation, check out these day trips to Kruje from Tirana. They’ll take you to the castle, the bazaar, and nearby natural wonders.

4. Gjirokaster

Gjirokaster is a beautiful old town in southern Albania, about 230km and 3h 15min from the country’s capital. It makes one of the top Albania tourist spots thanks to its winding cobbled streets and wonderful architecture. To the point that over 500 local Ottoman homes are cultural monuments and the entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

If 230km is too long of a drive, check out these day trips to Girokaster. These include transportation, a local guide, and plenty of beautiful stops to break the journey.

Gjirokaster’s nickname is the City of Stone as many of its houses are made of stone. Those visiting will enjoy its Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and castle. This massive stone fortress is the second largest of its kind in the Balkans and houses a museum, a church, a clock tower and a bunker. Additionally, at the town’s Ottoman bazaar you’ll find lots of handmade goods, souvenirs, jewelry, cafes, art galleries, and local restaurants. 

Besides its wonderful architecture, the town is known for being the birthplace of Enver Hoxha. He is the dictator who ruled Albania for over 40 years. Thus, if you love history and architecture head to this lovely hilly town. It’s a great place to enjoy the country’s ancient buildings, Ottoman gems, and awesome cuisine.

5. Shkodra

Shkodra is a pretty city in Northern Albania, close to Lake Skadar and the border with Montenegro. With only 130,000 inhabitants and a clear getaway to the Albanian Alps and Lake Skadar, Shkodra is one of the most quaint cities in Albania and a perfect place to avoid the crowds. 

Besides hiking, swimming, siling, sunbathing, cycling, and kayaking its surroundings, the city has lots of interesting ancient sites to explore. Once ruled by Illyrians, Venetians, and Ottomans, Shkodra’s old town has recently been extensively renovated and is a real delight. 

Walk by its colourful old buildings, including the Ebu Beker Mosque, the Orthodox Cathedral, Migjeni theater, and the Historical Museum. Then head to Rozafa Castle, which although now in ruins stills retains some of its 13th century glory and offers stunning views over the area.

These are the best guides tours and day trips in the Albanian Alps. They will take you to Shkodra from Tirana, and/or pick you up in Shkodra and drive you around the wonderful countryside.

6. Korce

Those exploring Albania during the winter should place Korce at the top of their list of what to do in Albania. That is because Korce is one of Albania’s most famous ski resort towns. A hidden gem about 170km and 3 hours east from Tirana.

Additionally, skiing here is very affordable as day passes including skiing rental do not exceed $25. Plus there’s plenty of accommodation options. Similarly to hitting the slopes in Armenia and Georgia, skiing in Albania can be a total game changer as it offers stunning slopes at low prices.  

Nevertheless, visiting Korce is also one of the best things to do in Albania once the snow has melted. The area is a great hiking spot and the town center hosts beautiful Ottoman houses, nice cafes and restaurants, and the brewery of famous Korça beer. These are the best fun plans to do in Korce.

Its old bazaar was quite an important trade center in the 17th century and remains a highlight, along with the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral, the National Museum of Medieval Art, and the National Education Museum.

7. Benja Thermal Baths

Benja is a small town in southern Albania famous for its Thermal Baths, also known as Permet. Those who enjoy spa towns, something quite common in ex-communist countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, should definitely bring along a swimsuit and add Benja to the list of Albania Albania best places to visit. 

Benja’s Thermal Baths are man made using water from a nearby geothermal spring. The outdoor pools are perfect to unwind while enjoying the views over the valley and Katiu bridge, and only cost $2 per person. There’s some indoor baths as well. Regardless of your preference, both have well known healing properties and make great attractions in Albania.

Best places to visit in Albanian Riviera

The Albanian Riviera is one of the most beautiful places in Albania and its coastal towns are favourite Albania holiday destinations to many. The country’s coastline extends for over 450km and is famous for its availability of white soft sand and crystal clear waters at very affordable prices. From family-friend fishermen villages to fancy resorts and party towns, following are the best places to visit in the Albanian Riviera.

8. Durres

Durres is the most famous among the coastal places to go in Albania. it’s the country’s second largest city and lies only 35km west of Tirana. This popular Albania tourist spot hosting one of the largest ports in the Adriatic sea is actually and ancient city, and the oldest in Albania. The Greeks founded it over 3,000 years ago, although Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, and Bulgarians have also ruled it over time.

Thus, exploring Durres means enjoying its spectacular Roman amphitheater, the biggest in the Balkans, and nearby archeological museum. Yet, it also means swimming in pristine beaches, enjoying delicious seafood, and walking along the port. And perhaps visiting the Royal Villa of Durres and the Aleksander Moisiu Theatre. Consequently, its mixture of city life and relaxing beaches makes Durrest ones of the best places to visit in Albania.

Looking for a tour in Durres? These I my favourite: Durres City Tour, Durres Traditional Food Tour, and Durres Wine Tasting Tour. Enjoy!

9. Himare

Himare is a quiet historical town on the Albanian Riviera, about 250km south of Tirana. It’s famous for its turquoise waters, sunshine, golden sand, and peaceful promenade. These place Himare among the Albania famous places for couples and families. An ideal place for relaxing and enjoying the nice weather.

Founded by the Greek and rules by Byzantines and Ottomans, the town is a lovely place to wander around. Expect plenty of cozy restaurants, delicious seafood, and taverns of Mediterranean vibe.

There’s also lots of hiking trails in the nearby mountains, packed with old churches and monasteries well worth a visit. Therefore, those looking for a relaxed beach getaway will love having Himare within their list of things to see in Albania.

10. Sarande

Sarande is a famous resort town in the Albanian Riviera. It offers a great mix of stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and wonderful historical sights. The town lies in the middle of a horseshoe-shaped bay. It’s surrounded by mountains and features the coolest water promenade among Albania tourist places. There’s also lots of parks where to relax and many bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops. To the point some consider the city is overdeveloped and get too crowded during the high season.

In terms of beach life, expect year-round warm weather, turquoise waters, soft sand, waterspouts, and unforgettable sunsets by the Ionian Sea. The bets known beaches in the are are Kroreza beach, Mango beach and Saranda beach. Regarding the town’s cultural heritage, the ruins of Lekursi Castle, the ethnographic museum, and the old synagogue are the best places to visit in Sarande.

11. Dhermi

As your Albania tourist guide, let me tell you that Dhermi is the ultimate party town to visit in the Albania Rivier. The place is really famous among young locals, who love coming over to enjoy a beach holiday with a great weather and a better price. You’ll find it in Southern Albania, about 220km from Tirana.

Dhermi stands on a mountain slope overlooking the sea. Therefore, it’s an awesome palace where to enjoy the sun set over the waters cold beer in hand. Of course, after a wonderful day enjoying its sunshine, turquoise waters, and waterspouts. And right before having a delicious dinner in one of tis many restaurants and partying the night away.

12. Vlore

Vlore is the very place where Albania claimed its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. Thus, it’s a coastal town where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea has a very special historical importance. The town dates back to the 6th century and many has lived within its borders, including Illyrians, Greeks, and Romans. Consequently, history lovers can have a blast visiting its ethnographic museum, independence proclamation site, and Kanina Castle.

Additionally, Vlore features crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, green mountains, beautiful islands, and beaches such as Bora Bora, Orikum, and Narta. These have many available facilities and on site lifeguards, which makes them perfect for families.

13. Porto Palermo

Porto Palermo is used to be an Albanian military base during the communist times. It even hosted a submarine base and a military prison belonging to the Albanian Naval Force. However, the days of being off limits to tourists are long gone and this southern coastal town is now one of the best places to visit in the Albanian Riviera.

Besides it’s azure waters, rocky beaches and great eateries, Porto Palermo is well known for tis 19th century castle and bastions. As the town stands on a small peninsula united to the mainland by a very small strip of land, the surrounding area is really beautiful and an absolute must see in Albania.

14. Ksamil

Ksamil has some of the best beaches in the Balkans. Which means the best beaches in the Albanian Riviera are in this resort town with a Caribbean vibe. Ksamil stands very close to the Greek border, in front of Corfu, and is part of the Butrint National Park. Therefore, its area offers plenty of islands, lake, wetlands and mountains to explore.

Visitors to Ksamil should get ready for the most azure waters and softest sandy beaches. Despite being quite untouched, local beaches such as Ksamil beach, Plazhi Bora Bora, Lori Beach, and Last Bay feature many seaside bars and restaurants. These are also great for swimming and diving, with the Ksamil islands just a stone’s throw away. if you are looking for the ultimate beach getaway, Ksamil should top your best places to visit in Albania.

Best natural and historical places to visit in Albania

Albania is packed with natural and cultural wonders near and away from the sea. Natural parks, unusual sites, communist bunkers and castles fills its hills and make the delights of history, nature, and culture lovers. The following are the bets natural and historical places to visit in Albania. Make sure not to miss them in your Albanian itinerary.

15. Blue Eye

The Blue Eye is one of the most unique natural wonders to visit in Albania. It’s a chilly and deep spring of translucent fresh waters famous among divers and swimmers. No one knows it’s real depth, as the maximum experienced divers have reached is 50 metres yet it seems to be way deeper. As this is a mountain spring, water pressure is different from that at the sea so only experienced divers should attempt an immersion here. Nevertheless, everyone can enjoy the surroundings, sunbathe, swim and take a picnic nearby.

If you’d like to give it a try, the Blue Eye stands in Theth National Park. That’s about 270km and 4 hours from Tirana yet only 20km and 30min from Sarande. A lovely trail will take you form the carpark to the waters, where there is a platform perfect for jumping in. Just beware that the waters are quite cold and hardly ever go above 10°C.

16. Butrint National Park and archeological centre

Butrint National Park is in southern Albania, about 300km and 4 hours from Tirana. It lies right in front of the famous Greek island Corfu, bordered by Lake Butrint and the Vivari Channel. Consequently, it’s an area of outstanding natural beautify offering the perfect mix of history, nature, mountains, and sea. Its 9 hectares shelter over 1,000 species of flora and fauna and some well-preserved ruins from the Greek and Roman times.

This Butrint UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back 2500 years and is known for its 6th century basilica and baptisterio. The theater, temple forum, and museum are also worth a visit. Along with the Venetian Tower and the Ali Pasha Castle. The entrance fee is $6 and definitely makes one of the best places to go in Albania for nature and history lovers.

17. Llogara Pass

Love road trips? Then make sure to pay a visit to Llogara Pass. This winding coastal road within Llogara National Park offers unreal views over the Ioninan Sea and its coastal villages and is one of the Albania most beautiful places to visit. Additionally, it’s a greta palace to spot golden eagles, fallow deers, and European wildcats. 

Officially the SH-8 highway linking the towns of Dhermi and Dukat, the roads stretches for over 30km and its highest point stands at 1,043m above sea level. It’s one of the world’s most spectacular drives. Therefore, drivers need to keep focused and beware of the altitude, sharp turns, and lack of barriers. The beautiful scenery is a fantastic reward, and so is the delicious restaurant standing at the top.

18. Albanian Alps

The Accursed Mountains, also known as Albanian Alps, are a mountain range standing among northern ALbania, southerns Nokoso, and northeastern Montenegro. The area is one of the best places to visit is Albania and a true paradise for hiking and trekking lovers. You’ll find these about 200km and 4 hours from Tirana. 

The highlights of the Albanian Alps are its highest peak, Maja Jezerce stating at 2,694m above sea level, and the southernmost glacier in Europe. Lake Skadar, Rugova Canyon, and the many valleys and mountain villages in the area, especial Valbona, are also great Albania places to visit. Thus, if you love snowy peaks, breathtaking canyons, and beautiful valleys make sure to add this side of the Accursed Mountains to your list of Albania must see places.

19. Bunkers

Communist dictator Enver Hoxha ruled Albania for over 40 years, from 1944 to 1985. These were the times of the cold war and he was extremely scared, almost paranoid, about receiving a nuclear attack. Thus, Hoxha built over 170,000 nuclear bunkers across his country. These were meant to host himself, family and close friends along with his government in the event of an attack, allowing the to survive the aftermath. 

As you may know, fortunately such nuclear attacks never came and the bunkers were never used for its original purpose. Nevertheless, spotting and exploring these bunkers is quite a unique one among the best things to do in Albania. Although most of the bunkers have been abandoned and are now home to greenery and goats, some have been turned into museums. Among them, when in Tirana, make sure to visit Bunk’Art 1, Bunk’Art 2, and or The House of Leaves to learn more about the history of the bunkers and what life looked like by regular Albanians back in the days.

20. Apollonia

Apollonia is one of the most beautiful places in Albania. And one of the best at combining history, architecture, and nature. This UNESCO World Heritage Site now in ruins was once one of the most important cities in the entire world: Gylakeia, renamed as Apollonia.

This Greek-then-Roman city was established in 588 BC. Here visitors will encounter beautiful theaters, the house of mosaics, museums, temples, libraries, and even a philosophy school. The ancient buildings remain in great condition and are a must see for ancient history and architecture lovers. All of them surrounded by beautiful green hills of olive trees. 

There’s still lots of underground ruins to excavate and uncover. Wandering around the Apollonia ruins and imagining how the city must have looked is one of the best things to do in Albania. The place is open daily from 9am to 6pm and the entrance fee is $6.

Recap on the best places to visit in Albania

Albania is a wonderful country to explore. Having a weekend getaway in Tirana is the perfect way to unwind. And a gret opportunity to learning from the country’s past while enjoying a delicious meal. Touring smaller towns like Berat or Kruje will take you back to the days of the Ottoman. Nature lovers will adore the Albanian Alps and Butrint National Park. While holiday makers will have the best time enjoying the Albanian Riviera. Last but not least, architecture and history lovers will fall for the ancient castles, and communism remains in Albania.

There’s Albania famous places to delight every traveler wondering what is Albania known for. Book those flights or get on that car and have the time of your life exploring this Balkan pearl. The secret can’t be kept much longer, so enjoy Albania before the crowds arrive or regret it forever. Feel free to leave a comment with any questions. Or head to my Instagram and Tiktok pages for additional insights on my balkan trips.