12 must-visit Attractions in Albania

Travel Resources › 12 must-visit Attractions in Albania

Even though the Balkan country is already pretty well-developed, there are still plenty of unknow attractions to discover. Albania is a real insider tip. With wild nature, rich culture, delicious food and lively cities. That’s why I’ve put together the best must-visit places in Albania that you shouldn’t miss.

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Top attractions in Albania at a glance

Albania is located in the Western Balkans, between Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece. Covering an area of 28,748 km², it boasts a particularly rich flora and fauna, making Albania’s unspoilt nature one of the most diverse in Europe.

Albania also has 14 national parks and its own Alps, whose peaks reach heights of over 2,500 metres. In addition to hiking holidays, the country is also very popular with those interested in culture. For example, a visit to Berat, the city of a thousand windows and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to its long coastline, Albania is also ideal for relaxing on the beach for a few days.

Shkoder – The Cultural centre of northern Albania

Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in Albania and is well worth a visit. Located on the shores of Lake Skadar, it offers numerous opportunities for activity or relaxation. Strolling in the old town in the shadow of the mighty mosque is a highlight at any time of day. The small town is also famous for its museums. For example, the Museum of Photography and the Shkoder National Museum are highly recommended.

• Population: approx. 200,000
• Must-see: Rozafa Castle Shkoder
• Must-do: visit Lake Skadar

Also interesting: Shala River – The hidden natural gem of the Albanian Alps

Gjipe Beach: A Paradise for campers & nature lovers

• Length: approx. 200 metres
• Must-Do: Camping
• Must-See: Gjipe Canyon

This place is a camper’s paradise by definition, because the parking area is right on the beach. The nearest town is far away, making Gijpe the perfect place for those who want to relax.

There is also a good chance of seeing turtles and dolphins in the shallow bay. The beach is surrounded by dense forest, and the 800-metre-long and between 10 and 20-metre-wide Gjipe Canyon is only a few minutes’ walk away.

Osum Canyon – Spectacular Nature near Berat

• Length: 13 kilometres
• Must-Do: Canyoning
• Height: Up to 80 metres

This place is reminiscent of the film Lord of the Rings, when the companions take a small boat through a huge gorge. The canyon, which was formed by the Osum River in southern Albania, is a spectacular 13 kilometres long and up to 80 metres high.

The gorge is particularly popular with sports enthusiasts because the area can be explored by canoe. Those who like it a little faster can book a rafting tour.

Mount Jezerca -The highest mountain in the Albanian Alps

• Highest point: 2,694 metres
• Must-do: hiking and mountain climbing
• Best time to go: June to October

If you love wild nature, this is the place for you. The northern Albanian Alps are home to raging mountain rivers, narrow valleys, deep forests and high peaks.

The highest mountain, by the way, is Jezerca, which reaches 2694 metres. It is possible to climb it, but there are plenty of things for less experienced hikers to do in the region too. Those who enjoy trekking will find numerous opportunities here, even across borders.

Mangalem Quarter in Berat – The City of a Thousand Windows

• Inhabitants: approx. 38,000
• Must-see: Onufri Museum
• First written record: 9th century

You will hardly find more compact attractions, because the city of Berat does not bear its nickname, the city of a thousand windows, for nothing. Here, countless historic buildings seem to cling to each other on a hill.

The museum city, which also includes the old town quarter of Mangalem, is home to a particularly large number of mosques and churches. But even those who wander aimlessly through the streets will discover incredible things.

Syri i Kaltër – The Blue Eye as a crystal-clear mountain spring

• Water temperature: approx. 12 °C
• Must-Do: Cool your feet
• Catering: Restaurant

What looks like a painting by the old masters is actually a real place in Albania. This particularly colourful and abundant spring, Syri i Kaltër, is located in the western part of the Mali i Gjerë mountain range.

The exact depth of the basin has still not been determined. It is precisely this mysterious flair and the variety of colours that make this special place a real Instagram hotspot. The path to the source leads through a dense, untouched forest, which only adds to the mystique of this attraction.

Komani Lake – Impressive reservoir

• Area: 13 km²
• Must-Do: Boat tour
• Depth: Approx. 96 metres

In northern Albania lies a real giant. With an area of 13 km² and a depth of 96 metres, the Komani reservoir is one of the country’s best attractions.

On sunny days, the water glows emerald green and the mighty, overgrown rock walls rise up next to it. You can experience the fjord-like landscape with a passenger ferry that runs between Koman and Fierzë. Smaller boats can also be used to reach the remote small villages in the north.

Ura e Mesit – Ottoman trade bridge near Shkodra

• Origin: approx. 18th century
• Must-see: Kir River
• Number of arches: 15

Less than 10 kilometres from the city of Shkoder lies the historic and absolutely worth seeing bridge arch Ura e Mesit, which translates as Bridge of Mes.

The structure, which probably dates from the 18th century, spans the Kir River and consists of 15 arches, with a maximum height of 18 metres. Depending on the season, travellers will find a river or a dry riverbed.

Skanderbeg Square – central square in Albania’s capital Tirana

• Size: 38,000 km
• Must-see: Et’hem Bey Mosque
• Must-do: climb the clock tower

There are countless things for travellers to discover in the capital, Tirana, such as the Pyramid of Tirana, the Grand Park of Tirana or the beautiful Et’hem Bey Mosque.

The absolute highlight for those who may not have so much time on site, however, is Skanderberg Square, named after an Albanian national hero. Several streets converge at the 38,000-square-metre square, which is framed by historic buildings. At night, the lighting makes it almost romantic.

Ksamil Beach – Beautiful seaside resort in Albania

• Length: approx. 100 metres
• Must-see: turquoise water
• Must-do: excursion to the Ksamil Islands

Travellers are almost showering this beach with praise. Descriptions such as Caribbean-like, dream beach or the pinnacle of the Albanian Riviera are used. The fine pebble beach in the region of the same name attracts both national and international tourists. It can get quite crowded here, especially during the high season.

The four small Ksamil Islands, which can only be reached by boat and are famous for their turquoise waters, are also located off the coast.

Llogara National Park – Hiking area with a sea view

• Area: 1,010 hectares
• Must-Do: Trekking tour
• Established: 1966

The Llogara National Park is located in the Qark Vlora region in southern Albania. With an area of almost 1,000 hectares, it is dedicated primarily to the protection of pine trees. Since the park is not far from the Ionian Sea, the higher altitudes offer spectacular views.

If you have a good day, you can even see the Greek island of Corfu. There are several hiking and trekking routes in the park itself, but there is also a take-off site for paragliders.

Shpella e Pëllumbasit: The impressive caves of Pellumbas

• Depth: Up to 400 metres
• Must-see: stalagmites and stalactites
• Must-do: guided tour

If you like things to be a little spooky, then this is the place for you. After a hike of just under an hour from the village of Pellumbas, travellers descend almost 400 metres into the black nothingness.

There are impressive stalagmites and stalactites to admire here. Be sure to pack a torch or head torch, otherwise it will be dark. And yes, there are bats in the cave that fly quite close to your head.

More travel tips in Albania