It’s inconceivable to record all the finest locations to go to in Albania. It’s a rustic with probably the most beautiful surroundings, the friendliest individuals, and an intriguing historical past that’s assured to cease you in your tracks.
There are probably the most lovely 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 price range, 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 below $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 individuals and distinctive locations by no means didn’t shock me.
Finest Locations to Go to in Albania
For those who’re considering a go to, however questioning the place to go in Albania, this weblog will aid 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 record resulting from their historic significance, pure magnificence, ease of journey and the actions out there.
1. Berat
The primary UNESCO World Heritage website featured on this record is Berat. It’s among the best locations to go to in Albania for its engaging structure and probably the most lovely cityscape.
Berat’s hillside options stone homes which seem like stacked on high of each other. It’s generally known as town of 1000 home windows as a result of symmetrical openings in every constructing.
You will 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 probably 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 function lovely views of the Tomorr mountain at one finish, and the citadel on the different.
A day journey to Berat provides you with a very good period of time to discover town. You may get there simply by taking a bus from Tirana which takes round 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you could want to go to for a few days and discover the encompassing areas, that are additionally featured on this record.
It’s undoubtedly one of the distinctive locations in Albania and shouldn’t be missed. See our full submit on the Finest Issues To Do in Berat.
2. Tirana (Certainly one of The Finest Cities to Go to in Albania)
The capital metropolis is no doubt among the best 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 well-known points of interest, just like the Et’hem Bey Mosque and Clock Tower, by taking a strolling tour of town.
If you wish to be taught extra in regards to the fascinating historical past of Albania, head to Bunk’Art1, my favorite museum in Tirana. Based mostly in an previous nuclear bunker, you’ll be taught all in regards to the historical past of Albania. It’s actually near the Dajti Categorical which additionally options on this record!
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 value a go to.
Foodies additionally gained’t be disillusioned right here with some superb eating places to strive within the prestigious neighbourhood of Blloku. There are some unimaginable Tirana Airbnbs there as nicely.
Tirana must be on the high of your record – it’s among the best cities to go to in Albania. To find out about the perfect neighborhoods and lodging, don’t miss our submit: The place to Keep in Tirana – Finest Areas and Locations. Tirana is a superb place to go to, but it surely’s additionally an excellent base for day journeys from town.
3. Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is among the most lovely locations in Albania. An previous Ottoman city which is so nicely preserved it’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
Town is dominated by the Gjirokaster Fortress which gives 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 Power Jet which crash-landed throughout WWII.
The Outdated City is among the highlights, and among the best locations to go to in Albania. It’s one of many foremost points of interest that brings individuals to Gjirokaster. I cherished the candy little artisan retailers, charming cafes, and distinctive eating places.
The Chilly Warfare Tunnel can be an excellent 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 among the best 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 one of the lovely 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 all the enjoyable issues to see and do.
The Albanian Riviera is among the finest locations to go to in Albania in the summertime, not only for the attractive shoreline, however as a result of it’s turning into a haven for music festivals.
The city of Dhermi hosts common music festivals, together with Kala Competition, Turtle Fest, and ION Competition, which are a magnet for many backpackers. Additional south, the seaside city of Himare is among the finest locations to go to in Albania for a few of the finest 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 proper place for white water rafting when you’re visiting Albania on the proper time.
For those who’re staying in Berat for a number of days, ensure you go to. This highly-rated journey consists of the canyons, waterfalls, a picnic, swimming, transportation and extra. Click on right here for particulars.
The perfect time to discover Osumi is in spring. Throughout these months, the water stage 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 lovely 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 one of the lovely 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 among the finest seashores in Albania.
The principle Ksamil seashore, (Plazhi Ksamilit), and Plazhi Bora Bora, are normally the busiest as they’ve probably the most lovely, shallow water. These had 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 Seashore and The Final Bay that are simply as lovely and a very good choice within the peak of summer time when the principle seashores get slightly busy.
And wow, it does get busy. The finest time to go to Albania for seashores is between April – mid-June, and in September, whenever you’ll get the perfect climate with fewer crowds. In direction of the tip of our go to in June, the seashores had been getting very busy right here.
7. Mount Djati Nationwide Park
Probably the greatest locations to go to in Albania is the Dajti Nationwide Park. It’s conveniently positioned simply exterior of Tirana. It’s the place many locals come to flee town and warmth.
You’ll be able to 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 Categorical, an excellent 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 trip, play fairground video games, and seize lunch at a restaurant with panoramic views of town beneath. That is simply the perfect view you’ll see of town.
There are additionally numerous 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 finest issues to do in Tirana, however in Albania as an entire.
8. Butrint Nationwide Park
Butrint is no doubt among the best locations to go to in Albania. It’s one of the common points of interest and is probably the most visited UNESCO world heritage website within the nation.
Butrint has been inhabited since prehistoric instances; its lengthy and wealthy historical past consists of being occupied by the Greeks, Romans and Venetians.
It effortlessly blends historical past with nature, as the location is positioned 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 superb location.
Sights to see inside Butrint embody a Roman theatre, Temple, and Discussion board to call a number of. There’s additionally a museum on website the place you’ll be able to learn in regards to the historic historical past of this superbly preserved metropolis.
Entrance prices 1000 LEK, ($9), per particular person, and it’s finest to reach right here very first thing as it might probably 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 after we left.
It’s one of the distinctive locations to go to in Albania. For those who’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 journey from Saranda which takes in Butrint and plenty of different lovely sights.
9. Durres
With over 3,000 years of historical past, Durres is each the second largest and one of the historic cities in Albania. It’s unsurprising that it’s bursting with archaeological websites, historic buildings and remnants. Probably the greatest issues to see is the spectacular Roman Amphitheater.
In addition to being a preferred selection for historical past lovers, it’s additionally a gorgeous selection for these searching for a combination of metropolis life and stress-free seashores. For those who’re primarily based in Tirana, this is a superb day tour to Durres.
While the seashores in and round Durres aren’t as putting as these in Ksamil, they’re sandy and supply lovely views over the Adriatic Sea. My favorite seashore on this space is Spille Seashore, only a brief taxi or bus journey out of town.
10. The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye is among the finest locations in Albania. It’s a fully lovely place to go to in Albania, significantly in the summertime. Click on right here to get there from Saranda.
The Blue Eye is positioned between Saranda and Gjirokaster. It’s a crystal clear, pure spring water and pure phenomenon which descends at the least 50m. No person is certain 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’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 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’ll be able to leap instantly into the Blue Eye from the platform. Nonetheless, be warned, the temperature of the water is 10 levels all yr spherical. It’s freezing and never for the faint-hearted!
There’s a lined 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 probably the most vivid shades of aquamarine and turquoise. It’s one of the distinctive locations in Albania and undoubtedly value 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 when 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 attractive. It’s these good views and rocky ravines that appeal to travellers from throughout for the perfect climbing, climbing, and mountaineering alternatives.
For those who’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 among the best locations to go to in Albania when you love the outside.
I like to recommend that you just go to with a information to indicate you the perfect locations to climb, hike, and swim. A 4×4 automotive is right to entry the world, so a tour might be your finest guess. This tour is a superb choice.
12. Vlore
Vlore is a seaside metropolis, with a large and delightful palm tree-lined promenade. The ocean is on one facet, and bars, cafes and eating places border the opposite – it’s tremendous fairly.
To see a few of the clearest water within the area I might suggest that you just take a ship journey. You’ll be able to e-book one with one of many native companies promoting on the promenade. Be sure to 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 slim wood bridge over the encompassing lagoon.
Lastly, the seashores within the metropolis can get very crowded in the summertime. Head to Orikum Seashore to the south for a vibrant white pebbly seashore, or Narta Seashore to the north for sand.
13. Saranda
Saranda (Sarande) is a phenomenal seaside resort city simply north of Ksamil on the Albanian Riviera. It has some stress-free, pebbly seashores, and probably the most lovely 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 probably the most unimaginable sunsets, and having fun with a drink on the bar. Take a look at this enjoyable jeep journey which is an effective way to see the Saranda space.
A ship journey is a should, as most of the seashores near Saranda can solely be accessed by the water. Kroreza Seashore has probably the most superb turquoise waters, which evoke photos of Mexico. You’ll be able to hardly consider you’re in Europe.
Saranda additionally has some superb eating places, with some tasty seafood on provide. Haxhi is a private favorite, and the seafood pasta is a few of the finest I’ve ever eaten. For an genuine expertise, Fish Filipi is an efficient selection.
Lastly, Saranda gives a perfect base, and truly, I spent a month residing in Sarande in an Airbnb.
You may get buses all around the nation and throughout the Macedonian border from right here. It’s additionally near most of the finest locations in Albania. This consists of Gjirokaster, Ksamil, and The Blue Eye. This extremely rated day journey truly takes in these three locations.
14. Shkoder
Shkoder could 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 few of the finest climbing in Albania within the Albanian Alps, it’s an excellent place to keep away from the crowds. It’s among the best locations in Albania for price range backpackers, and for seeing what the Balkans had 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 excellent surroundings.
Not too removed from Shkoder is the Theth Nationwide Park. The mountains listed below are so putting, sharp and steep in opposition to the backdrop – it’s breathtaking. You’ll be able to discover the perfect surroundings in North Albania by finishing the Theth to Valbona hike when you’re up for the problem.
15. Korce
For those who’re a beer drinker, you’ll doubtless 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 attention-grabbing city to go to with plenty of lovely Ottoman structure, quaint cafes, and superb eating places. Nonetheless, Korce is turning into generally known as an excellent winter vacation spot.
With such a unbelievable shoreline, it’s simple to neglect that Albania can be lined by mountains. And what goes hand in hand with mountains? Snowboarding in fact.
Korce is residence to plenty of up-and-coming ski resorts as a result of low price of residing. This makes for an ideal place to ski on a price range. The individuals are pleasant and it has a pleasant environment. It’s the perfect place to go to in Albania in winter for certain.
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 perfect locations in Albania for seashore lovers. For nature seekers, Bovilla Lake, and The Blue Eye, are two of probably the most lovely locations in Albania.
Albania is a superb place for a trip. There’s one thing for everybody and it’s an excellent reasonably priced vacation spot. Whether or not you like exploring a metropolis, stress-free on a seashore, or get pleasure from being exterior in nature, Albania will ship every thing you need and extra.
This can be a robust query as there are such a lot of beautiful pure points of interest in Albania. For those who can solely go to one, I might suggest that you just go to Osumi Canyon. It’s among the best locations to go to in Albania and in contrast to the rest within the nation.
Sure, Albania is protected 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 in every single 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. Unbelievable 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.
For those who had been questioning the place to go to in Albania, I hope this information has given you some solutions and a few nice concepts on your journey.
