15 Greatest Locations To Go to in Albania in 2023
It’s unimaginable to listing the entire greatest 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 journey is an actual deal with for these on a finances, with costs only a fraction of the prices in lots of different European nations. Choose 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.
Greatest Locations to Go to in Albania
In case you’re considering a go to, however questioning the place to go in Albania, this weblog will enable you get an itinerary collectively. There are limitless issues 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 resulting from 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 top-of-the-line locations to go to in Albania for its enticing structure and essentially the most stunning cityscape.
Berat’s hillside options stone homes which look like stacked on prime of each other. It’s referred to as town of 1000 home windows as a result of symmetrical openings in every constructing.
You need to go to the Fortress 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 town. Inside 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 characteristic stunning views of the Tomorr mountain at one finish, and the citadel on the different.
A day journey to Berat provides you with period of time to discover town. You will get there simply by taking a bus from Tirana which takes round 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you might want to go to for a few days and discover the encircling areas, that are additionally featured on this listing.
It’s undoubtedly probably the most distinctive locations in Albania and shouldn’t be missed. See our full publish on the Greatest Issues To Do in Berat.
2. Tirana (One in all The Greatest Cities to Go to in Albania)
The capital metropolis is surely top-of-the-line 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 advocate studying all about Tirana’s most well-known points of interest, just like the Et’hem Bey Mosque and Clock Tower, by taking a walking tour of 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 slightly extra area of interest however undoubtedly price a go to.
Foodies additionally gained’t be disillusioned right here with some wonderful restaurants to strive within the prestigious neighbourhood of Blloku. There are some unimaginable Tirana Airbnbs there as nicely.
Tirana ought to be on the prime of your listing – it’s top-of-the-line cities to go to in Albania. To study the very best neighborhoods and lodging, don’t miss our publish: The place to Keep in Tirana – Greatest Areas and Locations. Tirana is a good place to go to, however it’s additionally a terrific base for day journeys from town.
3. Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is likely one of the most stunning locations in Albania. An outdated Ottoman city which is so nicely preserved it’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Town is dominated by the Gjirokaster Fortress which offers a unbelievable view of 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 Pressure Jet which crash-landed throughout WWII.
The Outdated City is likely one of the highlights, and top-of-the-line locations to go to in Albania. It’s one of many primary points of interest that brings folks to Gjirokaster. I beloved the candy little artisan outlets, charming cafes, and distinctive eating places.
The Cold War Tunnel can also be a terrific 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, it’s best to take a fast journey to Permet, which is simply exterior of Gjirokaster. It’s top-of-the-line 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 marvel why! It’s undoubtedly probably the most 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 enjoyable issues to see and do.
The Albanian Riviera is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Albania in the summertime, not only for the attractive shoreline, however as a result of it’s changing into a haven for music festivals.
The city of Dhermi hosts common music festivals, together with Kala Festival, Turtle Fest, and ION Festival, which are a magnet for many backpackers. Additional south, the seaside city of Himare is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Albania for among the greatest seashores within the nation.
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 right place for white water rafting should you’re visiting Albania on the proper time.
In case you’re staying in Berat for a couple of days, be sure to go to. This highly-rated trip contains the canyons, waterfalls, a picnic, swimming, transportation and extra. Click here for details.
The most effective 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 tip of the summer time, you gained’t have the ability to 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 have the ability to swim in swimming pools, hike, and luxuriate in its pure magnificence.
6. Ksamil
Unquestionably probably the most stunning locations in Albania, Ksamil attracts 1000’s 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 likely one of the greatest seashores in Albania.
The principle Ksamil beach, (Plazhi Ksamilit), and Plazhi Bora Bora, are normally the busiest as they’ve essentially the most stunning, shallow water. These have been my favorite seashores as you may 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 choice within the peak of summer time when the principle seashores get slightly busy.
And wow, it does get busy. The most effective time to go to Albania for seashores is between April – mid-June, and in September, while you’ll get the very best climate with fewer crowds. In the direction of the tip of our go to in June, the seashores have been getting very busy right here.
7. Mount Djati Nationwide Park
Among the best locations to go to in Albania is the Dajti National Park. It’s conveniently situated simply exterior of Tirana. It’s the place many locals come to flee town and warmth.
You possibly can simply catch a bus from town centre; simply hop on the blue bus heading to Porcelani which departs from the Clock Tower, and by the New Bazaar. The drivers provides you with a heads-up when it’s time to get off.
The Dajti Express, an excellent speedy fashionable cable automobile, will take you up the mountain to the park. It’s round 1000 lek, ($9), for a return ticket.
Within the park, you may play mini-golf, take a horse journey, play fairground video games, and seize lunch at a restaurant with panoramic views of town under. That is simply the very best view you’ll see of town.
There are additionally a lot of walks and hikes you may take to the mountain summit. The views from the highest are beautiful and it’s not solely top-of-the-line issues to do in Tirana, however in Albania as an entire.
8. Butrint Nationwide Park
Butrint is surely top-of-the-line locations to go to in Albania. It’s probably the most common points of interest and is essentially the most visited UNESCO world heritage web site within the nation.
Butrint has been inhabited since prehistoric occasions; its lengthy and wealthy historical past contains being occupied by the Greeks, Romans and Venetians.
It effortlessly blends historical past with nature, as the positioning 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.
Sights to see inside Butrint embrace a Roman theatre, Temple, and Discussion board to call a couple of. There’s additionally a museum on web site the place you may learn concerning the historical historical past of this fantastically preserved metropolis.
Entrance prices 1000 LEK, ($9), per particular person, and it’s greatest to reach right here very first thing as it may well 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 probably the most distinctive locations to go to in Albania. In case 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 plenty of different stunning sights.
9. Durres
With over 3,000 years of historical past, Durres is each the second largest and probably the most ancient cities in Albania. It’s unsurprising that it’s bursting with archaeological websites, historic buildings and remnants. Among the best issues to see is the spectacular Roman Amphitheater.
In addition to being a preferred alternative for historical past lovers, it’s additionally a beautiful alternative for these searching for a combination of metropolis life and enjoyable seashores. In case you’re primarily based in Tirana, this is an excellent day tour to Durres.
While the seashores in and round Durres aren’t as putting 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 town.
10. The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye is likely one of the greatest locations in Albania. It’s a fully stunning place to go to in Albania, significantly 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 at the very least 50m. No one is bound precisely how deep it’s as a result of the water stress is so intense that no diver has been in a position to attain any additional.
You possibly can stare into the magical Blue Eye from the platform immediately above it. Within the centre, is an underground cave which releases 1000’s of gallons of water. Its depth makes it look black, just like the pupil of an eye fixed, and the intense blue round its centre is akin to an iris.
You possibly can leap immediately into the Blue Eye from the platform. Nonetheless, 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 lined cafe by the Blue Eye the place you may 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 probably the most distinctive locations in Albania and undoubtedly price a go to.
11. Bovilla Lake
Travellers who’ve a ardour for nature and getting the blood pumping will adore Lake Bovilla. It’s good for exploring should you’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 vibrant turquoise blue, and the views over the peaks are beautiful. It’s these good views and rocky ravines that appeal to travellers from throughout for the very best climbing, climbing, and mountaineering alternatives.
In case you’re climbing in the summertime and work up a sweat, take a load off and have a refreshing swim to complete your day. It’s undoubtedly top-of-the-line locations to go to in Albania should you love the outside.
I like to recommend that you just go to with a information to indicate you the very best locations to climb, hike, and swim. A 4×4 automobile is good to entry the realm, so a tour might be your greatest guess. 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 among the clearest water within the area I might advocate that you just take a ship journey. You possibly can e book one with one of many native companies promoting on the promenade. Ensure 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 Outdated City, and a visit north to Zvernec to see St Mary’s Monastery. That is significantly cool because it’s accessed throughout a slender wood bridge over the encircling lagoon.
Lastly, the seashores within the metropolis can get very crowded in the summertime. Head to Orikum Beach to the south for a vibrant 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 enjoyable, pebbly seashores, and essentially the most stunning promenade proper on the water.
There are such a lot of nice issues to do in Saranda; like heading as much as Lekarsi Fortress for essentially the most unimaginable 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 most of the seashores near Saranda can solely be accessed by water. Kroreza Seashore has essentially the most wonderful turquoise waters, which evoke photos of Mexico. You possibly can hardly consider you’re in Europe.
Saranda additionally has some wonderful eating places, with some tasty seafood on provide. Haxhi is a private favorite, and the seafood pasta is among the greatest I’ve ever eaten. For an genuine expertise, Fish Filipi is an efficient alternative.
Lastly, Saranda offers a really perfect base, and truly, I spent a month residing in Saranda in an Airbnb.
You will get buses all around the nation and throughout the Macedonian border from right here. It’s additionally near most of the greatest locations in Albania. This contains Gjirokaster, Ksamil, and The Blue Eye. This highly rated day trip really takes in these three locations.
14. Shkoder
Shkoder would 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 among the greatest climbing in Albania within the Albanian Alps, it’s a terrific place to keep away from the crowds. It’s top-of-the-line locations in Albania for finances 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 putting, sharp and steep in opposition to the backdrop – it’s breathtaking. You possibly can discover the very best surroundings in North Albania by finishing the Theth to Valbona hike should you’re up for the problem.
15. Korce
In case you’re a beer drinker, you’ll doubtless be acquainted with this little city because it’s the place the favored Albanian beer will get its title.
Korce, (pronounced kor-cha), is an fascinating city to go to with a number of stunning Ottoman structure, quaint cafes, and wonderful eating places. Nonetheless, Korce is changing into referred to as an outstanding winter vacation spot.
With such a unbelievable shoreline, it’s simple to overlook that Albania can also be lined by mountains. And what goes hand in hand with mountains? Snowboarding in fact.
Korce is dwelling to a number of up-and-coming ski resorts as a result of low price of residing. This makes for an ideal place to ski on a budget. The individuals are pleasant and it has a pleasant ambiance. It’s the very best place to go to in Albania in winter for positive.
FAQs About Visiting Albania
Solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting the attractive locations in Albania.
Ksamil, Saranda, and the Albanian Riviera are the very 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 good place for a trip. There’s one thing for everybody and it’s an excellent inexpensive vacation spot. Whether or not you’re keen on exploring a metropolis, enjoyable on a seashore, or take pleasure in being exterior in nature, Albania will ship every thing you need and extra.
It is a powerful query as there are such a lot of beautiful pure points of interest in Albania. In case you can solely go to one, I might advocate that you just go to Osumi Canyon. It’s top-of-the-line 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 secure all over the place I visited.
You must go to one among Albania’s beautiful seashores, a nationwide park, and one of many cities. Relying in your time, you might discover Tirana, then head to Berat, and end it off in Saranda the place you may be part of a day journey to Ksamil, the Blue Eye and extra.
Now You Know the Greatest 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, endless nature to find, and charming historic cities and cities dotted all around the nation to discover and fall in love with.
In case 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 in your journey.
