Albania – The 10 Best Things To Do

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Discover the most beautiful places and things to do in Albania and follow me to the top attractions on your Balkan trip. Away from the classic sightseeing destinations in Europe, Albania is a much lesser-known destination that is becoming more and more popular.

When planning your holiday in this Balkan country, the first question every traveler asks is: “What places should I visit in Albania?” Unlike other countries, there is still a lot to discover here, from the ancient cities, medieval castles, exotic beaches and islands to the old buildings lined up along the picturesque streets.

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A journey to the most breathtaking places in the Balkans

With only 28,748 square kilometers and a total population of just under three million, Albania may be small, but it is certainly not short of things to see. From the breathtaking beaches of the Albanian Riviera to the magnificent archaeological sites, Albania will not disappoint.

If you’re in the mood for an extraordinary vacation and don’t yet know where you want to go, then mark the most beautiful places in Albania that you absolutely have to see and enjoy a relaxing trip away from the hustle and bustle. Check out these must-see sights and activities:

Things To Do in Albania – The Most Beautiful Cities To Visit

Gjirokaster

Gjirokaster is a beautiful old town located on a hill in the south of the country. The special location offers a breathtaking view of the valley, as well as the narrow, cobbled streets of the city. Often referred to as the “ Stone City”, the old town is home to around 500 houses and buildings that have been preserved as “cultural monuments”. In addition to the stone buildings, there is also the mighty Gjirokaster Castle, which is enthroned on a hill above the Old Bazaar. If you are interested in history, this historic city is the perfect retreat for you.

Tip: Water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers will get their money’s worthin Permet near Gjirokaster. The Vjosa River can be explored there by rubber dinghy and kayak, and the Lengarica Canyon also offers the opportunity for canyoning tours.

• Location: Gjirokaster

Kruja (Kruje) or Skanderbeg

Kruje, often referred to as the “Balcony of the Adriatic”, is a historic town in Albania known for its picturesque location on a steep hillside. This charming town is located north of the capital Tirana and is considered an unmissable destination for any visitor to Albania.

• Location: Kruja

Kruje is also known as the “City of Skanderbeg”, as it was here that Albania’s national hero Gjergj Skanderbeg defended the country from the Ottoman invasion. A striking landmark of the town is the impressive castle, which not only served as Skanderbeg’s retreat, but also offers a spectacular view over the town.

Attractions: Kruje Castle, Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu National Museum, Bovilla Lake

The Capital City Tirana

The capital of Albania, Tirana, is considered a cheerful and colorful place. Characterized by communist and Ottoman architecture, the city perfectly reflects European culture and heritage. In Tirana you will find many interesting art galleries and incredible museums. A particular highlight is the Bunk’ART, a former state bunker that now houses famous art installations.

Attractions: Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bay Mosque, National Museum of History

• Location: Tirana

Saranda – Seaside Resort on the Albanian Riviera

Saranda is located directly on the Ionian Sea and is a popular tourist destination all year round. The town, which is one of the most beautiful places in Albania, offers an impressive mix of modernity and the past. The coastline is lined with modern apartment blocks, while the city center offers a variety of bars, restaurants and stores selling local souvenirs.

Attractions: Lekuresi Castle, Saranda harbor, Monastery of the 40 Saints, Blue Eye Saranda

• Location: Sarandë

Here you can both relax and enjoy the hustle and bustle. Saranda is also an excellent starting point for day trips to historical monuments and natural beauties. Not far from Saranda are the small islands around Ksamil with perhaps the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Besides the white sandy beaches of Ksamil, the Blue Eye Sarande is probably one of the most famous sights in Albania and is relatively easy to reach from Saranda and Gjirokaster.

• Location: The Blue Eye

The karst spring is located between the larger cities of Saranda on the coast and Gjirokastra inland. From Saranda, the Blue Eye can be reached via the SH8 road and then the SH99 road, which is relatively easy and stress-free to drive.

Vlora – Harbour city on the Adriatic Sea

The coastal town of Vlora has great historical significance and is quite large compared to Sarande. Albania declared its independence here in 1912. This city, whose origins date back to the 6th century, is now one of the most popular places in Albania.

Attractions: Albanian Riviera, Muradie Mosque, Kanine Castle

• Location: Vlorë

With sights ranging from historic castles to secluded, picturesque islands, Vlora offers a diversity that will fascinate any visitor. Albanian culture, cuisine and traditions characterize the cityscape, which is also considered part of the Albanian Riviera.

Durres & Golem

The port city of Durres on the Adriatic Sea is a popular destination in Albania to experience the beauty of its coastline and beaches. The town is located 35 km from the capital Tirana and has a history dating back 3,000 years.

Attractions: Amphitheater of Durres, Archaeological Museum of Durres, Port of Durres

• Location: Durrës

From great hiking opportunities to the ancient amphitheater, there is a long list of things to do in the city that reflect its rich heritage. There are also pristine beaches here, making it one of the most popular destinations in the country.

Berat & Canyons Around Çorovoda

Berat is considered one of the most beautiful cities to discover in Albania and is best known for its Ottoman-style houses. It is also known as the “city of a thousand windows” because of the windows that look out from the perfectly aligned houses on the hills. The Ottoman-style mosques and Byzantine churches make the city unique and set it apart from other cities in the Balkans. Because of its historical awe and picturesque beauty, this small town is considered one of the best places to visit in Albania.

Attractions: Berat Castle, National Ethnographic Museum, Gorica Bridge, Osumi Canyon Çorovoda (rafting, canyoning).

• Location: Berat

The Osum Gorge is the canyon of the Osum River in southern Albania, located just south of the town of Çorovoda in the Skrapar region close to Berat. Vertically rising walls characterize the canyon. The canyon is 13 kilometers long in total.

The Osum Canyon is one of Albania’s most spectacular natural attractions and can be explored by rafting and canyoning when the water level is high enough in spring and early summer. The rapids are class II, so no previous experience of white water is required to navigate them.

The Most Beautiful Nature Attractions In Albania

Beaches of Himara

Located on the Albanian Riviera, Himara (Himarë) is a secluded beach resort that stands out for its sparkling waters and hilly coastline. Located north of Saranda, this place attracts water lovers who want to spend a day in the sun. In addition to the spectacular beach, there are also cliffs from which travelers can overlook the entire town. You should also not miss out on taking a boat tour, exploring the countryside and visiting the old churches and monasteries.

Attractions: Castle of Porto Palermo, Gjipe beach

• Location: Himarë

Butrint National Park

The National Park of Butrint, located near the Greek island of Corfu, is considered a jewel on the tourist map of Albania. This UNESCO World Heritage Site fascinates visitors with its remarkable combination of natural beauty and historical significance. Surrounded by the idyllic Lake Butrint and the picturesque Vivari Canal, this national park offers a rich flora and fauna with around 1,200 animal and plant species. The main attraction is the archaeological site within the park, which boasts 2,500 years of history. This unique symbiosis of nature and history makes Butrint National Park an unmissable destination for any visit to Albania.

Attractions: Kalaja-E-Ali Pashes, Ksamil Beach, Butrint Lake

• Location: Butrint National Archaeological Park

Opening hours: 08:00 – 20:00

Shkoder & Lake Skadar

Shkoder is located near Lake Skadar and is known as the cultural capital of Albania. It is the largest city in northern Albania and lies close to the border between Montenegro and Albania. This small town hosts exciting events such as the Carnival, the Day of the Lake, the Children’s Day Festival and the famous Shkoder Jazz Festival. The town is also home to the famous Rozafa Castle, which is of great historical importance. The ruins of the castle blend in well with the lush green surroundings.

There are also many other historical buildings in the town, such as the Ebu Beker Mosque, the Orthodox Cathedral and a historical museum, which is a paradise for history buffs. The town is a good starting point for shorter and longer hikes.

Attractions: Rozafa Castle, Lead Mosque, Marubi National Museum of Photography, Mesi Bridge north of the town

• Location: Lake Shkoder

Tip: It is only a 2-hour drive from Shkoder to Theth. Thebeautiful Albanian Alps awaityou in Theth and a hike around Theth and Valbona is the dream of every nature lover and outdoor enthusiast.

Bunkers of Albania

The widely scattered mushroom-shaped structures were built by the late communist dictator Enver Hoxha to protect the greater Albanian area from various real and imaginary enemy attacks. It is estimated that 750,000 Albanian bunkers dotted the Albanian landscape in the decades from 1967 onwards. (Enver Hoxha ruled Albania from 1945 (after World War II) until his death in 1985.) Strategic bunker locations on hills, farm fields, beaches, transport routes and urban centers were the result.

Enver Hoxha justified the construction of the bunkers by saying that he wanted to protect communist Albania from enemy imperialists, revisionists, counter-revolutionaries and “doomsday scenarios”. Each bunker was built to protect a family or a defending soldier. The cost would be in the billions at today’s value. Furthermore, the Albanian bunker reinforced Enver Hoxha’s futuristic plans that made Albania one of the most isolated countries in the world.

These are the must-see highlights for your trip to Albania, a jewel of the Balkans. Every town, every village has its own history engraved in its architecture and streets, just waiting for you to discover it. So if you are planning a vacation in Albania in the near future, you should definitely make a checklist of these places and spend a unique time in this Balkan country.

Frequently asked questions about Things to Do in Albania

Is it safe to visit Albania?

Albania is a very safe country to visit, where even small crimes such as pickpocketing are very rare.

Is Albania worth a visit?

If you are looking for a relaxing and peaceful vacation, then Albania is definitely worth a visit. The serene beauty, stunning beaches, amazing architecture, beautiful lakes and tranquility of the country are simply alluring and attract many tourists every year.

Are there islands in Albania?

Yes, there are 13 unique islands and islets in Albania, only two of which are larger than one square kilometer: Sazan and Kunë.

When is the best time to visit Albania?

If you want to go on a mountain or beach vacation, the months of April to June and September to October are the best time to visit Albania. This is also the time when you will see fewer crowds and can enjoy your vacation in peace.

What is Albania famous for?

Albania is not only known as the birthplace of Mother Teresa, but also for its medieval castles, exotic beaches and Ottoman buildings lining the streets.

Albania Tourist Map

Reasons that speak for your vacation in the popular trend destination Albania:

• Albania’s 360 kilometers of coastline with beautiful beaches
• Albania’s 12 national parks, which offer you great nature for hiking and active vacations
• Great value for money and Albania’s delicious food
• Albania is still considered an insider tip and is therefore not too crowded
• Short journey – you can reach Albania in just over two hours by plane from central Europe

There is also the option of flying via Corfu and taking the ferry from there to Saranda in the southern part of the country. The ferry trip only takes about 1 hour. In summer there are also direct connections to the small coastal town of Himare.