It’s unattainable to record the entire 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. In my opinion, these can rival the surroundings in neighbouring international locations of Greece and even Italy.
Albania travel is an actual deal with for these on a finances, with costs only a fraction of the prices in lots of different European international locations. Decide 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 did not shock me.
Greatest Locations to Go to in Albania
When you’re considering a go to, however questioning the place to go in Albania, this weblog will provide help to get an itinerary collectively. There are infinite things 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 obtainable.
1. Berat
The primary UNESCO World Heritage web site featured on this record is Berat. It’s among the finest 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 the town of 1000 home windows because of the symmetrical openings in every constructing.
You should go to the Citadel 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 the town. Inside the town partitions, you’ll additionally see that individuals 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 superb period of time to discover the town. You may get there simply by taking a bus from Tirana which takes round 1.5 hours. Alternatively, chances are you’ll want to go to for a few days and discover the encircling areas, that are additionally featured on this record.
It’s positively probably the most distinctive locations in Albania and shouldn’t be missed. See our full submit on the Best Things To Do in Berat.
2. Tirana (One among The Greatest Cities to Go to in Albania)
The capital metropolis is surely among the finest 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 famous attractions, just like the Et’hem Bey Mosque and Clock Tower, by taking a walking tour of the 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. Primarily based in an outdated 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 a bit of extra area of interest however positively price a go to.
Foodies additionally gained’t be disenchanted right here with some wonderful restaurants to strive within the prestigious neighbourhood of Blloku. There are some incredible Tirana Airbnbs there as nicely.
Tirana ought to be on the high of your record – it’s among the finest cities to go to in Albania. To study one of the best neighborhoods and lodging, don’t miss our submit: Where to Stay in Tirana – Best Areas and Places. Tirana is a good place to go to, however it’s additionally an important base for day trips from the city.
3. Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is likely one of the most lovely locations in Albania. An outdated Ottoman city which is so nicely preserved it’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
The town is dominated by the Gjirokaster Fortress which supplies a improbable view of the 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 likely one of the highlights, and among the finest locations to go to in Albania. It’s one of many important points of interest that brings individuals to Gjirokaster. I beloved the candy little artisan retailers, charming cafes, and distinctive eating places.
The Cold War Tunnel can also be an important place to go to and expertise one of many many bunkers and tunnels dotted everywhere in 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 finest 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 positively probably the most 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 the entire fun things to see and do.
The Albanian Riviera is likely one of the finest 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 fashionable 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 finest locations to go to in Albania for among the best beaches in the country.
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 for those who’re visiting Albania on the proper time.
When you’re staying in Berat for a number 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.
One of the best time to discover Osumi is in spring. Throughout these months, the water degree is excessive sufficient to discover your entire 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 possibility to go white water rafting.
By the tip of the summer season, you gained’t be capable of 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 be capable of swim in swimming pools, hike, and luxuriate in its pure magnificence.
6. Ksamil
Unquestionably probably the most lovely locations in Albania, Ksamil attracts hundreds of vacationers from everywhere in 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 best beaches in Albania.
The principle Ksamil beach, (Plazhi Ksamilit), and Plazhi Bora Bora, are often the busiest as they’ve probably the most lovely, shallow water. These have 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 Beach and The Last Bay that are simply as lovely and a superb possibility within the peak of summer season when the principle seashores get a bit of busy.
And wow, it does get busy. The best time to visit Albania for seashores is between April – mid-June, and in September, whenever you’ll get one of the best climate with fewer crowds. In 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 finest locations to go to in Albania is the Dajti National Park. It’s conveniently positioned simply exterior of Tirana. It’s the place many locals come to flee the town and warmth.
You possibly can simply catch a bus from the 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 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 journey, play fairground video games, and seize lunch at a restaurant with panoramic views of the town beneath. That is simply one of the best view you’ll see of the town.
There are additionally various 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 best things to do in Tirana, however in Albania as an entire.
8. Butrint Nationwide Park
Butrint is surely among the finest locations to go to in Albania. It’s probably the most fashionable points of interest and is probably the most visited UNESCO world heritage web site within the nation.
Butrint has been inhabited since prehistoric instances; its lengthy and wealthy historical past contains 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 wonderful 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 web site the place you’ll be able to learn in regards to the historical historical past of this superbly preserved metropolis.
Entrance prices 1000 LEK, ($9), per individual, and it’s finest to reach right here very first thing as it could possibly get extremely heat, and the crowds intensify because the day goes on. We arrived at 8 am when the park opened and it was positively a good time to reach judging by the dimensions of the queue after we left.
It’s probably the most distinctive locations to go to in Albania. When you’re staying in Saranda or Ksamil, you merely can’t miss Butrint, because it’s only a quick journey down the coast. Take a look at this high-rated day trip 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 probably the most ancient cities in Albania. It’s unsurprising that it’s bursting with archaeological sites, historic buildings and remnants. Among the finest 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. When you’re primarily based in Tirana, this is an excellent day tour to Durres.
While the seashores in and round Durres aren’t as placing as these in Ksamil, they’re sandy and supply lovely views over the Adriatic Sea. My favorite seashore on this space is Spille Beach, only a quick taxi or bus journey out of the town.
10. The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye is likely one of the finest locations in Albania. It’s a fully lovely place to go to in Albania, notably in the summertime. Click 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 not less than 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 paranormal Blue Eye from the platform instantly above it. Within the centre, is an underground cave which releases hundreds 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 soar 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 probably the most distinctive locations in Albania and positively price a go to.
11. Bovilla Lake
Travellers who’ve a passion for nature and getting the blood pumping will adore Lake Bovilla. It’s good for exploring for those who’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 vivid turquoise blue, and the views over the peaks are attractive. It’s these good views and rocky ravines that entice travellers from throughout for one of the best climbing, climbing, and mountaineering alternatives.
When 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 positively among the finest locations to go to in Albania for those who love the outside.
I like to recommend that you simply go to with a information to point out you one of the best locations to climb, hike, and swim. A 4×4 automotive is good to entry the realm, so a tour might be your finest wager. 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 facet, and bars, cafes and eating places border the opposite – it’s tremendous fairly.
To see among the clearest water within the area I’d suggest that you simply take a ship journey. You possibly can ebook 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 notably cool because it’s accessed throughout a slender picket 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 vivid white pebbly seashore, or Narta Beach to the north for sand.
13. Saranda
Saranda (Sarande) is a lovely 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 great things to do in Saranda; like heading as much as Lekarsi Citadel for probably the most unbelievable sunsets, and having fun with a drink on the bar. Take a look at this fun jeep trip which is an effective way to see the Saranda space.
A ship journey is a should, as lots of the seashores near Saranda can solely be accessed by the water. Kroreza Seashore has probably the most wonderful turquoise waters, which evoke footage of Mexico. You possibly can hardly imagine 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 finest I’ve ever eaten. For an genuine expertise, Fish Filipi is an efficient selection.
Lastly, Saranda supplies a great base, and really, I spent a month living in Sarande in an Airbnb.
You may get buses everywhere in the nation and throughout the Macedonian border from right here. It’s additionally near lots of the finest 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 will 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 best hiking in Albania within the Albanian Alps, it’s an important place to keep away from the crowds. It’s among the finest 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 shocking 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 placing, sharp and steep in opposition to the backdrop – it’s breathtaking. You possibly can discover one of the best surroundings in North Albania by finishing the Theth to Valbona hike for those who’re up for the problem.
15. Korce
When you’re a beer drinker, you’ll possible be accustomed to 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 a number of lovely Ottoman structure, quaint cafes, and wonderful eating places. Nonetheless, Korce is changing into generally known as an excellent winter vacation spot.
With such a improbable shoreline, it’s straightforward to neglect that Albania can also be lined by mountains. And what goes hand in hand with mountains? Snowboarding after all.
Korce is house to a number of up-and-coming ski resorts because of the low value of residing. This makes for an ideal place to ski on a budget. The persons are pleasant and it has a pleasant ambiance. It’s one of the 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 one of the best 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 good place for a trip. There’s one thing for everybody and it’s an excellent inexpensive vacation spot. Whether or not you like exploring a metropolis, stress-free on a seashore, or take pleasure in being exterior in nature, Albania will ship every little thing you need and extra.
It is a powerful query as there are such a lot of beautiful pure attractions in Albania. When you can solely go to one, I’d suggest that you simply go to Osumi Canyon. It’s among the finest locations to go to in Albania and in contrast to anything within the nation.
Sure, Albania is safe to journey round. While there’s 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 in every single place I visited.
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. Unbelievable seashores on the west coast and to the south, unending nature to find, and charming historic cities and cities dotted everywhere in the nation to discover, and fall in love with.
When 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 on your journey.
