With its sparkling crystal waters, impressive mountains and affordability for all types of travelers, Albania is taking its place as a true jewel of the Balkans. If you arrive with an open mind and a rough plan, you’ll encounter a rich culture like no other in Europe.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are making a return visit, you’ll want to consider our roundup of the Albania’s most intriguing places.
1. Theth
Best for hiking and adventure lovers
A small village nestled in the Albanian Alps, Theth might just be the most peaceful place to visit in Albania. If you’re looking for superior hiking and dramatic landscapes to enjoy, don’t miss it.
Once you get to Theth, two hikes are essential. The first leads to the Blue Eye, through a forest, over rivers and finally to a vibrant blue natural spring. This hike is easy to moderate, and very doable for less-experienced hikers.
The second is one of Albania’s most popular – and most beautiful: the Theth-to Valbona-hike. This trail starts from the top of Theth village, near Guest House Gjelaj, and leads through the mountains to breathtaking views at the top. It’s not for the faint-hearted, as it will take roughly 6 to 8 hours to complete – but the effort will be well worth it.
Planning tip: Make sure you bring cash with you, as ATMs are few and far between, and cards are barely accepted.
2. Saranda
Best for summer fun
Saranda is the southern gateway to the Albanian Riviera and one of its best cities to visit, not least because it’s close to one of the region’s best beaches, Ksamil. Book a hotel in Saranda, where you’ll be close to some of the best restaurants and nightlife in the country. Then explore the nearby beaches by day.
One of the best things to do from Saranda is to hop on one of the day trip boat tours that leave from the boulevard and go to the beaches of Kakomë and Krorëz. Tickets start at €30.
Planning tip: The best time to visit Saranda is in May, June or September when the crowds are not crazy but the beach bars and restaurants are open. As this is a summer destination, most businesses close during the offseason.
3. Korça
Best for historical appeal
When you visit Korça in Central Albania, make sure to stroll through the Pazari i Vjetër, the city’s old bazaar. Cobblestone streets and Ottoman-style architecture testify to the site’s history, which stretches back to the 13th century.
When you visit this area, be sure to visit one of the many coffee houses in the Old Bazaar. Try the popular, traditional alcoholic drink called raki, made from distilled grapes. You might even catch someone chasing a glass of raki with their morning espresso.
4. Gjirokastra
Best for Albanian traditions
Known as the City of Stone, UNESCO-listed Gjirokastra in the south of Albania offers a glimpse of a pre-modern past. (It’s also the birthplace former Communist dictator Enver Hoxha.) After you’ve wandered through the town’s bazaar and taken in its impressive castle, be sure to take a wander around Zekate House. Built between 1811 and 1812, this traditional family home beautiful brings to life Albanian domestic traditions. When you visit, one of the family members will show you around and explain the different rooms and their purposes.
If you love wine as much as you do hearty food, then you need to take a trip to Te Fuçitë (The Barrels), a family restaurant and winery. Here, you’ll sample the reds and whites alongside platters of local delicacies – and views of the vineyards and surrounding mountains.
Planning tip: Try the dish called pasha qofte, essentially a cream soup made from milk with small meatballs. It’s a delicious dish you’ll find only in Gjirokastër.
5. Dhërmi
Best for beaches
If you’re craving less culture and more lying about, getting a suntan and enjoying a dip in the sea, then you need to visit Dhërmi. One of the pearls of the Albanian Riviera, the town has idyllic beaches, trendy beach bars and views that might make you never want to leave.
Dhërmi also hosts several summer music festivals, including the Kala Festival and ION Festival, making it a hot spot for younger generations looking for different summer vibes on the Mediterranean. Try Restaurant Luciano for delicious food overlooking the water, or head to Alevra restaurant and beach bar to try super-fresh seafood with a twist.
Planning tip: Make sure you book well in advance if you’re visiting in July and August, as hotels can be booked out during the festivals mentioned above.
6. Shkodra
Best for exploring by bike
The city of Shkodra is a unlike any other in Albania. When you arrive, you’ll notice most of the population peddling around the city by bike – and you should join them by renting a cycle for the day. Start by pedaling down to Liqeni i Shkodrës to enjoy the beautiful lake views.
While you’re in the area, make sure you visit Rozafa Castle and ask one of the guides about the legend of Rozafa, a local woman reputed to have sacrificed herself during its construction. When you reach the top, you can take in a magnificent 360-degree view.
Planning tip: If you plan to tackle the Theth-to-Valbona hike and don’t fancy taking your luggage with you, ask about leaving your bags at your accommodation in Shkodra. It’s easy to get from the city onward to the mountain villages.
7. Lin
Best for a peaceful village vibe
Positioned on Lake Ohrid, Lin is a quiet village where fishing is a primary activity, and life is otherwise slow and blissfully tranquil. At a hilltop archaeological site, you’ll find the well-preserved mosaics of a Paleo-Christian church built in the 6th century. If you visit in the summertime, the mosaics will be uncovered, and there should be a guide who can tell you all about their history. From this vantage point, you can also admire the village from above – and even look over to North Macedonia in the distance.
8. Përmet
Best for white-water rafting and mountain biking
On a bend in the fast-flowing, turquoise Vjosa River – about 32km (20 miles) from Greece, from where the river springs – the town Përmet is a hub for adventure. From here, you can organize activities from white-water rafting to camping, hiking and mountain-bike riding in this mountainous region. Once an Ottoman-era commercial center, Përmet is today the center of one of Albania’s greenest and most pristine regions. Indeed, the Vjosa was recently designated as a wild river national park, Europe’s first.
Detour: A 29km (18-mile) taxi or bus ride away, the Bënjë Thermal Baths lie next to an Ottoman-era bridge on the Lengarica River (a tributary of the Vjosa). In summer, you can pick up supplies from small vendors here; in the offseason, bring your own food and drinks.
9. Porto Palermo
Best for a crowd-free Riviera experience
The triangle-shaped castle is a great reason to stop at Porto Palermo, as are the beautiful, unspoiled and peaceful beaches you’ll find here. Filled with history and spectacular swimming bays, this under-visited Riviera town is an excellent place for camping. You can also rent a kayak and paddle along the beaches and quiet bays. As you kayak, you’ll see the old military submarine bunker situated on the hill not far from the main beaches.
