It’s inconceivable to listing the entire finest locations to go to in Albania. It’s a rustic with essentially the most beautiful surroundings, the friendliest folks, and an intriguing historical past that’s assured to cease you in your tracks.
There are essentially the most stunning locations to go to in Albania together with its beautiful shoreline, mountain ranges, and pure points of interest. For my part, these can rival the surroundings in neighbouring nations of Greece and even Italy.
Albania travel is an actual deal with for these on a price range, with costs only a fraction of the prices in lots of different European nations. Decide up a espresso for lower than $1 and lunch for beneath $5 even in excessive season.
I spent round 10 weeks exploring Albania as a digital nomad. I used to be in fixed awe of this nation that I knew nothing about earlier than. Its magnificence, welcoming folks and distinctive locations by no means didn’t shock me.
Finest Locations to Go to in Albania
Should you’re considering a go to, however questioning the place to go in Albania, this weblog will assist you to get an itinerary collectively. There are countless things to see and do in Albania.
Throughout my time spent in Albania, I visited these locations and selected so as to add them to the listing as a consequence of their historic significance, pure magnificence, ease of journey and the actions accessible.
1. Berat
The primary UNESCO World Heritage web site featured on this listing is Berat. It’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Albania for its engaging structure and essentially the most stunning cityscape.
Berat’s hillside options stone homes which look like stacked on prime of each other. It’s often known as the town of 1000 home windows because of the symmetrical openings in every constructing.
You have to go to the Fort while you’re within the metropolis, it was the spotlight of my go to. It’s tremendous spectacular, and also you get essentially the most spectacular view of the town. Inside the town partitions, you’ll additionally see that folks nonetheless reside within the historic buildings right here.
Take a stroll down the Bulevardi Republika; a large promenade lined with cafes that function stunning views of the Tomorr mountain at one finish, and the citadel on the different.
A day journey to Berat will provide you with a very good period of time to discover the town. You will get there simply by taking a bus from Tirana which takes round 1.5 hours. Alternatively, chances are you’ll want to go to for a few days and discover the encompassing areas, that are additionally featured on this listing.
It’s undoubtedly one of the distinctive locations in Albania and shouldn’t be missed. See our full submit on the Best Things To Do in Berat.
2. Tirana (Considered one of The Finest Cities to Go to in Albania)
The capital metropolis is definitely probably the greatest locations to go to in Albania. It merely can’t be missed. A metropolis nestled inside mountains and hills, this contemporary and cosmopolitan metropolis has a lot to supply.
I’d suggest studying all about Tirana’s most famous attractions, just like the Et’hem Bey Mosque and Clock Tower, by taking a walking tour of the town.
If you wish to study extra concerning the fascinating historical past of Albania, head to Bunk’Art1, my favorite museum in Tirana. Primarily based in an outdated nuclear bunker, you’ll study all concerning the historical past of Albania. It’s actually near the Dajti Categorical which additionally options on this listing!
Bunk’Art1’s sister museum, Bunk’Art2 is within the centre and focuses on the function of the key police in communist Albania. It’s somewhat extra area of interest however undoubtedly price a go to.
Foodies additionally gained’t be upset right here with some wonderful restaurants to attempt within the prestigious neighbourhood of Blloku. There are some incredible Tirana Airbnbs there as effectively.
Tirana needs to be on the prime of your listing – it’s probably the greatest cities to go to in Albania. To study one of the best neighborhoods and lodging, don’t miss our submit: Where to Stay in Tirana – Best Areas and Places. Tirana is a superb place to go to, however it’s additionally an incredible base for day trips from the city.
3. Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is among the most stunning locations in Albania. An outdated Ottoman city which is so effectively preserved it’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
The town is dominated by the Gjirokaster Fortress which supplies a improbable view of the town, the Gjere mountains, and the Drino River. The Fortress holds many historic artefacts on the grounds and the on-site museum. This features a US Air Drive Jet which crash-landed throughout WWII.
The Previous City is among the highlights, and probably the greatest locations to go to in Albania. It’s one of many principal points of interest that brings folks to Gjirokaster. I cherished the candy little artisan retailers, charming cafes, and distinctive eating places.
The Cold War Tunnel can also be an incredible place to go to and expertise one of many many bunkers and tunnels dotted all around the nation.
In case your go to falls over the colder months, you need to take a fast journey to Permet, which is simply outdoors of Gjirokaster. It’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Albania within the winter for its toasty sizzling springs.
4. Cities of The Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera might be the place that brings most individuals to the nation. It’s no surprise why! It’s undoubtedly one of the stunning locations in Albania.
The shoreline alongside the Riviera was not what I anticipated. It was phenomenal. The water was unbelievably clear, blue and heat. In some locations, it was just like the water you see within the Caribbean or in Asia. I spent a while residing in an Airbnb in Saranda whereas having fun with the entire fun things to see and do.
The Albanian Riviera is among the finest locations to go to in Albania in the summertime, not only for the gorgeous shoreline, however as a result of it’s turning into a haven for music festivals.
The city of Dhermi hosts fashionable music festivals, together with Kala Festival, Turtle Fest, and ION Festival, which magnetize many backpackers. Additional south, the seaside city of Himare is among the finest locations to go to in Albania for a number of the best beaches in the country.
5. Osumi Canyons
A visit to the Osumi Canyons, or the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Albania, is to not be missed for adventurers. The Osumi Canyon is the proper place for white water rafting if you happen to’re visiting Albania on the proper time.
Should you’re staying in Berat for just a few days, ensure you go to. This highly-rated trip contains the canyons, waterfalls, a picnic, swimming, transportation and extra. Click here for details.
One of the best time to discover Osumi is in spring. Throughout these months, the water degree is excessive sufficient to discover your complete canyon by water. You’ll paddle proper by the canyon partitions and float subsequent to eight spectacular waterfalls. For these after a thrill, there’s even the prospect to go white water rafting.
By the top of the summer time, you gained’t be capable of see the canyon from the river because the water gained’t be deep sufficient. If the water ranges are low on the time of your go to, the canyon is simply as stunning from the highest and also you’ll nonetheless be capable of swim in swimming pools, hike, and revel in its pure magnificence.
6. Ksamil
Unquestionably one of the stunning locations in Albania, Ksamil attracts hundreds of vacationers from all around the world.
Ksamil options each pebbly and sandy seashores, and the clearest, turquoise water. The water is similar to the seashores in Southeast Asia. It’s completely beautiful. This is among the best beaches in Albania.
The primary Ksamil beach, (Plazhi Ksamilit), and Plazhi Bora Bora, are often the busiest as they’ve essentially the most stunning, shallow water. These have been my favorite seashores as you’ll be able to swim over to the close by Ksamil Islands that are only a stone’s throw away.
Additional down the coast, you’ll discover the marginally quieter seashores of Lori Beach and The Last Bay that are simply as stunning and a very good choice within the peak of summer time when the primary seashores get somewhat busy.
And wow, it does get busy. The best time to visit Albania for seashores is between April – mid-June, and in September, whenever you’ll get one of the best climate with fewer crowds. In the direction of the top of our go to in June, the seashores have been getting very busy right here.
7. Mount Djati Nationwide Park
Top-of-the-line locations to go to in Albania is the Dajti National Park. It’s conveniently situated simply outdoors of Tirana. It’s the place many locals come to flee the town and warmth.
You’ll be able to simply catch a bus from the town centre; simply hop on the blue bus heading to Porcelani which departs from the Clock Tower, and by the New Bazaar. The drivers will provide you with a heads-up when it’s time to get off.
The Dajti Express, a brilliant speedy trendy cable automotive, will take you up the mountain to the park. It’s round 1000 lek, ($9), for a return ticket.
Within the park, you’ll be able to play mini-golf, take a horse journey, play fairground video games, and seize lunch at a restaurant with panoramic views of the town beneath. That is simply one of the best view you’ll see of the town.
There are additionally a lot of walks and hikes you’ll be able to take to the mountain summit. The views from the highest are beautiful and it’s not solely one of many best things to do in Tirana, however in Albania as an entire.
8. Butrint Nationwide Park
Butrint is definitely probably the greatest locations to go to in Albania. It’s one of the fashionable points of interest and is essentially the most visited UNESCO world heritage web site within the nation.
Butrint has been inhabited since prehistoric instances; its lengthy and wealthy historical past contains being occupied by the Greeks, Romans and Venetians.
It effortlessly blends historical past with nature, as the location is situated amidst marshes, Lake Butrint, and beautiful open plains which make up the nationwide park. Climb the Venetian tower to view the splendour of Butrint’s wonderful location.
Points of interest to see inside Butrint embrace a Roman theatre, Temple, and Discussion board to call just a few. There’s additionally a museum on web site the place you’ll be able to learn concerning the historic historical past of this fantastically preserved metropolis.
Entrance prices 1000 LEK, ($9), per particular person, and it’s finest to reach right here very first thing as it could actually get extremely heat, and the crowds intensify because the day goes on. We arrived at 8 am when the park opened and it was undoubtedly a good time to reach judging by the scale of the queue once we left.
It’s one of the distinctive locations to go to in Albania. Should you’re staying in Saranda or Ksamil, you merely can’t miss Butrint, because it’s only a brief journey down the coast. Take a look at this high-rated day trip from Saranda which takes in Butrint and lots of different stunning sights.
9. Durres
With over 3,000 years of historical past, Durres is each the second largest and one of the ancient cities in Albania. It’s unsurprising that it’s bursting with archaeological sites, historic buildings and remnants. Top-of-the-line issues to see is the spectacular Roman Amphitheater.
In addition to being a well-liked alternative for historical past lovers, it’s additionally a lovely alternative for these looking for a mix of metropolis life and stress-free seashores. Should you’re primarily based in Tirana, this is an excellent day tour to Durres.
While the seashores in and round Durres aren’t as placing as these in Ksamil, they’re sandy and supply stunning views over the Adriatic Sea. My favorite seashore on this space is Spille Beach, only a brief taxi or bus journey out of the town.
10. The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye is among the finest locations in Albania. It’s a completely stunning place to go to in Albania, notably in the summertime. Click here to get there from Saranda.
The Blue Eye is situated between Saranda and Gjirokaster. It’s a crystal clear, pure spring water and pure phenomenon which descends no less than 50m. No one is certain precisely how deep it’s as a result of the water strain is so intense that no diver has been in a position to attain any additional.
You’ll be able to stare into the magical Blue Eye from the platform instantly above it. Within the centre, is an underground cave which releases hundreds of gallons of water. Its depth makes it look black, just like the pupil of a watch, and the intense blue round its centre is akin to an iris.
You’ll be able to leap instantly into the Blue Eye from the platform. Nevertheless, be warned, the temperature of the water is 10 levels all 12 months spherical. It’s freezing and never for the faint-hearted!
There’s a coated cafe by the Blue Eye the place you’ll be able to seize refreshments. The cafe is constructed proper on the river and the water right here is essentially the most vivid shades of aquamarine and turquoise. It’s one of the distinctive locations in Albania and undoubtedly price a go to.
11. Bovilla Lake
Travellers who’ve a passion for nature and getting the blood pumping will adore Lake Bovilla. It’s good for exploring if you happen to’re primarily based in Tirana because it’s round 20km north of the capital.
The area surrounding the lake is beautiful. The water of the lake is a vivid turquoise blue, and the views over the peaks are beautiful. It’s these good views and rocky ravines that entice travellers from throughout for one of the best mountaineering, climbing, and mountaineering alternatives.
Should you’re mountaineering in the summertime and work up a sweat, take a load off and have a refreshing swim to complete your day. It’s undoubtedly probably the greatest locations to go to in Albania if you happen to love the outside.
I like to recommend that you simply go to with a information to point out you one of the best locations to climb, hike, and swim. A 4×4 automotive is right to entry the realm, so a tour might be your finest wager. This tour is a great option.
12. Vlore
Vlore is a seaside metropolis, with a large and delightful palm tree-lined promenade. The ocean is on one aspect, and bars, cafes and eating places border the opposite – it’s tremendous fairly.
To see a number of the clearest water within the area I’d suggest that you simply take a ship journey. You’ll be able to e book one with one of many native companies promoting on the promenade. Be sure you see the Karaburun area and Sazan Island – the water is so blue and dreamy.
Different issues to see in Vlore are the colorful buildings and enjoyable bars in Previous City, and a visit north to Zvernec to see St Mary’s Monastery. That is notably cool because it’s accessed throughout a slim picket bridge over the encompassing lagoon.
Lastly, the seashores within the metropolis can get very crowded in the summertime. Head to Orikum Beach to the south for a vivid white pebbly seashore, or Narta Beach to the north for sand.
13. Saranda
Saranda (Sarande) is a gorgeous seaside resort city simply north of Ksamil on the Albanian Riviera. It has some stress-free, pebbly seashores, and essentially the most stunning promenade proper on the water.
There are such a lot of great things to do in Saranda; like heading as much as Lekarsi Fort for essentially the most unbelievable sunsets, and having fun with a drink on the bar. Take a look at this fun jeep trip which is a good way to see the Saranda space.
A ship journey is a should, as lots of the seashores near Saranda can solely be accessed by the water. Kroreza Seashore has essentially the most wonderful turquoise waters, which evoke footage of Mexico. You’ll be able to hardly consider you’re in Europe.
Saranda additionally has some wonderful eating places, with some tasty seafood on supply. Haxhi is a private favorite, and the seafood pasta is a number of the finest I’ve ever eaten. For an genuine expertise, Fish Filipi is an effective alternative.
Lastly, Saranda supplies a great base, and really, I spent a month living in Sarande in an Airbnb.
You will get buses all around the nation and throughout the Macedonian border from right here. It’s additionally near lots of the finest locations in Albania. This contains Gjirokaster, Ksamil, and The Blue Eye. This highly rated day trip truly takes in these three locations.
14. Shkoder
Shkoder will be the most quaint of the Albanian cities, and you’re feeling such as you’ve stepped again in time right here. It’s tremendous relaxed, with a thriving cafe tradition, and cheerful vibrant buildings.
As many vacationers use Shkoder to cross into Montenegro or to do a number of the best hiking in Albania within the Albanian Alps, it’s an incredible place to keep away from the crowds. It’s probably the greatest locations in Albania for price range backpackers, and for seeing what the Balkans have been like earlier than the crowds arrived.
It’s on the border with Montenegro with which it shares Lake Shkodra, a surprising physique of water and the biggest within the Balkans. Discover the lake by boat or kayak and benefit from the very good surroundings.
Not too removed from Shkoder is the Theth National Park. The mountains listed below are so placing, sharp and steep in opposition to the backdrop – it’s breathtaking. You’ll be able to discover one of the best surroundings in North Albania by finishing the Theth to Valbona hike if you happen to’re up for the problem.
15. Korce
Should you’re a beer drinker, you’ll probably be conversant in this little city because it’s the place the favored Albanian beer will get its identify.
Korce, (pronounced kor-cha), is an fascinating city to go to with numerous stunning Ottoman structure, quaint cafes, and wonderful eating places. Nevertheless, Korce is turning into often known as an outstanding winter vacation spot.
With such a improbable shoreline, it’s straightforward to neglect that Albania can also be coated by mountains. And what goes hand in hand with mountains? Snowboarding after all.
Korce is residence to numerous up-and-coming ski resorts because of the low value of residing. This makes for an ideal place to ski on a budget. The individuals are pleasant and it has a pleasant environment. It’s one of the best place to go to in Albania in winter for positive.
FAQs About Visiting Albania
Solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting the gorgeous locations in Albania.
Ksamil, Saranda, and the Albanian Riviera are one of the best locations in Albania for seashore lovers. For nature seekers, Bovilla Lake, and The Blue Eye, are two of essentially the most stunning locations in Albania.
Albania is a superb place for a trip. There’s one thing for everybody and it’s a brilliant reasonably priced vacation spot. Whether or not you’re keen on exploring a metropolis, stress-free on a seashore, or take pleasure in being outdoors in nature, Albania will ship the whole lot you need and extra.
It is a powerful query as there are such a lot of beautiful pure attractions in Albania. Should you can solely go to one, I’d suggest that you simply go to Osumi Canyon. It’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Albania and in contrast to the rest within the nation.
Sure, Albania is safe to journey round. While there may be petty crime across the nation, it’s nothing that doesn’t occur elsewhere round Europe. I discovered the locals to be each welcoming and pleasant, and felt very protected all over the place I visited.
Now You Know the Finest Locations To Go to in Albania
Albania is a rustic that has a lot to supply. Magnificence, historical past, tradition, and journey, all wrapped into one. Unimaginable seashores on the west coast and to the south, unending nature to find, and charming historic cities and cities dotted all around the nation to discover, and fall in love with.
Should you have been questioning the place to go to in Albania, I hope this information has given you some solutions and a few nice concepts to your journey.
