best places to visit in Albania

Nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania is a land where ancient ruins whisper secrets of empires past, mountains pierce the sky like dragon spines, and beaches shimmer with unspoiled beauty. Often overlooked in favor of its Mediterranean neighbors, this Balkan treasure is a paradise for travelers seeking authenticity, adventure, and affordability. Below, we dive deep into the 10 best places to visit in Albania, offering rich details, insider tips, and cultural insights to help you craft an unforgettable journey.

1. Tirana: Where Communism Meets Creativity

Best For: Urban explorers, history buffs, and foodies on a budget
Why Visit: Tirana is a city of reinvention. Once shrouded in gray concrete and Communist austerity, today it bursts with color, energy, and a youthful vibe. Start at Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city, where the National History Museum’s mosaic façade tells Albania’s story from Illyrian tribes to modern independence. Nearby, the Et’hem Bey Mosque—one of the few religious buildings to survive Communist destruction—stands as a symbol of resilience.

For a darker chapter of history, visit Bunk’Art 2, a subterranean bunker turned museum that reveals the horrors of Enver Hoxha’s regime. Contrast this with the vibrant Blloku district, once off-limits to civilians and now brimming with hip cafes like Komiteti, which serves 40 types of raki alongside traditional byrek (savory pastry).

Local Secret: Climb the Pyramid of Tirana at sunset for panoramic views. Once a monument to Hoxha, it’s now a canvas for street art and a favorite hangout for skateboarders.

Day Trip: Ride the Dajti Ekspres cable car to Mount Dajti National Park. At the top, hike to the “Tirana” sign for Insta-worthy vistas, or dine at Ballkoni i Dajtit, a rustic restaurant known for slow-roasted lamb and homemade wine.

2. Ksamil: The Ionian Dream

Best For: Beach lovers, snorkelers, and island hoppers
Why Visit: Imagine turquoise waters so clear you can count pebbles 10 meters deep—that’s Ksamil. Part of the Albanian Riviera, this coastal gem rivals Greece’s Corfu (visible across the strait) but costs half the price. The main beach, Plazhi i Ksamilit, is a crescent of white sand dotted with umbrellas, while nearby Pulebardha Beach offers quieter coves. Rent a kayak to paddle to the four Ksamil Islands, where pine trees shade picnic spots and hidden snorkeling bays.

Foodie Tip: Dine at Guva Mangalem, a family-run spot where octopus is grilled to perfection and the catch of the day is priced by weight. Pair it with a crisp Kallmet white wine.

Beyond the Beach: Just 15 minutes away, Butrint National Park (see #6) combines history with nature. After exploring Roman ruins, cool off in the park’s freshwater lake, a habitat for turtles and herons.

3. Berat: The Timeless City of Stone

Best For: History enthusiasts, photographers, and slow travelers
Why Visit: Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, feels like a living postcard. Its nickname, “The City of a Thousand Windows,” comes from the Ottoman houses that cling to the hillside, their windows gleaming like a honeycomb. Cross the Gorica Bridge to the Mangalem quarter, where cobblestone streets lead to the 13th-century Berat Castle. Inside the fortress walls, you’ll find Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and families who’ve lived here for generations.

Hidden Gem: Visit the Onufri Museum, housed in the Church of the Dormition of St. Mary. It displays 16th-century icons painted by the master artist Onufri, whose use of vivid reds revolutionized religious art.

Local Experience: Stay in a guesthouse within the castle walls. Hotel Klea offers rooms with stone walls and terraces overlooking the Osum River. For dinner, try pasha qofte (meatball soup) at Traditional Food Berat.

4. Gjirokastër: The Stone City of the South

Best For: Architecture aficionados and literary pilgrims
Why Visit: Gjirokastër, another UNESCO site, is a labyrinth of slate-roofed Ottoman houses and steep cobblestone streets. The city’s crown jewel is Gjirokastër Castle, one of the Balkans’ largest fortresses. Inside, you’ll find a Cold War-era U.S. Air Force plane (forced to land here in 1957) and the eerie Zekate House, a 300-year-old tower with bullet holes from WWII.

Literary Connection: This is the birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning author Ismail Kadare. Visit his childhood home, now a museum, to see manuscripts and personal artifacts.

Market Day: Every Thursday, the Old Bazaar buzzes with vendors selling spices, handmade copperware, and qifqi (rice balls flavored with mint and egg)—a Gjirokastër specialty.

Pro Tip: Drive the Llogara Pass en route to Gjirokastër. This winding mountain road offers dizzying views of the Ionian coast and is a favorite spot for paragliding.

5. The Albanian Alps: Europe’s Last Wilderness

Best For: Hikers, nature lovers, and stargazers
Why Visit: The Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Namuna) are Albania’s answer to Patagonia—raw, remote, and achingly beautiful. Base yourself in Valbona or Theth, two villages connected by the iconic Valbona to Theth Hike (8-10 hours). The trail winds through meadows bursting with wildflowers, past glacial rivers, and beneath peaks like Maja Jezercë (2,694m), the highest in the range.

Cultural Highlight: Stay in a kulla, a traditional stone guesthouse. In Theth, Guesthouse Marashi serves hearty meals of flija (layered pancakes with cream) and offers guided hikes to the Blue Eye of Theth, a pool of electric-blue spring water.

Adventure Add-On: Tackle the Peaks of the Balkans Trail, a 192km cross-border route through Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Permits are free, but hire a local guide for navigation and storytelling.

6. Butrint: Where Myths Meet History

Best For: Archaeology nerds and nature enthusiasts
Why Visit: Butrint, a UNESCO site since 1992, is a layered archaeological wonder. Founded by the Trojans (according to legend), it became a Greek colony, Roman city, and Byzantine bishopric. Wander through the Lion Gate, a 5th-century BCE entrance adorned with carvings, then explore the Roman theater, Venetian tower, and Byzantine baptistery with mosaics of peacocks and vines.

Wildlife Bonus: The park is part of a wetland ecosystem teeming with 246 bird species. Bring binoculars to spot purple herons and Dalmatian pelicans.

Nearby Escape: After Butrint, unwind at Mirëdita Beach, a secluded stretch of sand framed by olive groves. It’s quieter than Ksamil but equally stunning.

7. Shkodër: The Cultural Crossroads

Best For: Artsy travelers and lake lovers
Why Visit: Shkodër, Albania’s northern gateway, blends Balkan grit with Italian flair. Start at the Marubi National Photography Museum, home to 500,000 images dating back to 1858—a visual journey through Albania’s turbulent history. Then, hike (or drive) to Rozafa Castle, a fortress steeped in legend: locals say its walls were strengthened by the sacrifice of a young bride buried alive.

Lake Life: Rent a bike and cycle to Shiroka, a lakeside village where restaurants serve tave krapi (carp baked with walnuts). For a deeper adventure, take a boat to Shurdhah Island, a medieval ruin in the middle of Lake Shkodër.

Festival Alert: Visit in July for the Shkodër Jazz Festival, a week of free concerts in atmospheric venues like the Migjeni Theater.

8. Apollonia: The Silent City of Stones

Best For: Solo travelers and history purists
Why Visit: Apollonia, founded in 588 BCE, was once a thriving Greek city and learning center (Julius Caesar sent his nephew to study here). Today, its ruins slumber under olive groves, offering a peaceful alternative to crowded European sites. Walk the Sacred Way, lined with columns, to the 2nd-century BCE theater. Don’t miss the Odeon, a small concert hall with near-perfect acoustics.

Museum Gem: The on-site Apollonia Museum, housed in a 14th-century monastery, displays statues of Roman senators and intricate Hellenistic jewelry.

Local Interaction: Chat with farmers tending the site’s olive trees—many have worked here for decades and share stories passed down through generations.

9. Gjipe Beach: The Hidden Paradise

Best For: Adventurers and digital detoxers
Why Visit: To reach Gjipe Beach, hike 45 minutes through a canyon dotted with wild oregano and fig trees. Your reward? A crescent of white pebbles lapped by crystalline waves, framed by 70m limestone cliffs. Unlike Saranda’s busy beaches, Gjipe has no hotels—just a seasonal café and a rustic campsite.

Thrill Factor: Climbers flock here for the Gjipe Canyon Walls, a series of routes graded 5a to 7b. No gear? Snorkel the caves near the beach entrance, where light filters through underwater arches.

Sustainability Note: Help preserve Gjipe’s beauty by carrying out trash. The beach has no formal maintenance, so travelers’ respect is crucial.

10. Dhërmi: The Riviera’s Beating Heart

Best For: Partygoers and culture mixers
Why Visit: Dhërmi is where tradition meets modernity. By day, swim in the Drymades Beach coves or hike to the Gjipe Waterfall. By night, join the Kala Festival (June), a 5-day celebration of music, art, and Albanian folklore set against the beach. For quieter moments, explore the Old Dhërmi Village, where stone houses and century-old churches cling to the mountainside.

Food & Drink: Sip a Dhërmi Mule (vodka, lime, and ginger beer) at Luna Beach Bar, or try qifqi at Taverna Lefteri.

Day Trip: Boat tours from Dhërmi visit the Cave of Pirates, a natural grotto once used by smugglers.

Beyond the Top 10: Albania’s Hidden Gems

• Krujë: A mountaintop town with a stunning castle and the Old Bazaar, where artisans have sold silver and carpets since the 15th century.
• Llogara National Park: Drive the thrilling Llogara Pass and hike to the “Balcony of the Riviera” for views of the Ionian Sea.
• Korçë: Albania’s “Little Paris,” famous for its beer festival, Orthodox cathedral, and winter carnival.

Why Albania Should Be Your Next Destination

Albania is more than a budget alternative to Croatia or Greece—it’s a destination that defies expectations. Here, you’ll find:

• Affordability: A meal with wine costs €10-15; guesthouses start at €20/night.
• Authenticity: Tourism is still young, so interactions with locals feel genuine.
• Adventure: From diving WWII shipwrecks in Saranda to shepherding in the Accursed Mountains, unique experiences abound.

Final Tips for Travelers:

• Transport: Rent a car (€30/day) for flexibility. Buses are cheap but unreliable.
• Language: Learn faleminderit (thank you) and ku është banjoja? (where’s the bathroom?).
• Safety: Albania is remarkably safe, but avoid remote border areas at night.

Pack Your Bags—Albania Awaits!
With its untamed landscapes, layered history, and warm hospitality, Albania is Europe’s best-kept secret—but not for long. As word spreads, now is the time to explore its beaches, mountains, and ancient cities before the crowds arrive. Whether you’re sipping raki in a Tirana speakeasy or sleeping under the stars in Gjipe, Albania promises a journey you’ll never forget.