It’s unimaginable to checklist the entire greatest locations to go to in Albania. It’s a rustic with essentially the most beautiful surroundings, the friendliest individuals, and an intriguing historical past that’s assured to cease you in your tracks.
There are essentially the most lovely locations to go to in Albania together with its beautiful shoreline, mountain ranges, and pure sights. 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 funds, with costs only a fraction of the prices in lots of different European nations. Decide up a espresso for lower than $1 and lunch for underneath $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.
Finest Locations to Go to in Albania
In case you’re considering a go to, however questioning the place to go in Albania, this weblog will allow you to get an itinerary collectively. There are infinite 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 checklist because of their historic significance, pure magnificence, ease of journey and the actions accessible.
1. Berat
The primary UNESCO World Heritage web site featured on this checklist is Berat. It’s the most effective locations to go to in Albania for its engaging structure and essentially the most lovely cityscape.
Berat’s hillside options stone homes which look like stacked on prime of each other. It’s often known as town of 1000 home windows as a result of 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 essentially 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 characteristic lovely views of the Tomorr mountain at one finish, and the citadel on the different.
A day journey to Berat will provide you with period of time to discover town. You will 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 checklist.
It’s undoubtedly some of the distinctive locations in Albania and shouldn’t be missed. See our full publish on the Finest Issues To Do in Berat.
2. Tirana (Considered one of The Finest Cities to Go to in Albania)
The capital metropolis is indubitably the most effective 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 advocate studying all about Tirana’s most well-known sights, 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. Primarily based in an previous nuclear bunker, you’ll be taught all in regards to the historical past of Albania. It’s actually near the Dajti Specific which additionally options on this checklist!
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 somewhat extra area of interest however undoubtedly value a go to.
Foodies additionally gained’t be disenchanted right here with some superb eating places to strive within the prestigious neighbourhood of Blloku. There are some unbelievable Tirana Airbnbs there as nicely.
Tirana ought to be on the prime of your checklist – it’s the most effective cities to go to in Albania. To study the perfect neighborhoods and lodging, don’t miss our publish: The place to Keep in Tirana – Finest Areas and Locations. Tirana is a superb place to go to, but it surely’s additionally a terrific base for day journeys from town.
3. Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is without doubt one of the most lovely locations in Albania. An previous Ottoman city which is so nicely preserved it’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Town is dominated by the Gjirokaster Fortress which supplies a implausible 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 Drive Jet which crash-landed throughout WWII.
The Outdated City is without doubt one of the highlights, and the most effective locations to go to in Albania. It’s one of many principal sights that brings individuals to Gjirokaster. I liked the candy little artisan retailers, charming cafes, and distinctive eating places.
The Chilly Conflict Tunnel can also be a terrific 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 is best to take a fast journey to Permet, which is simply outdoors of Gjirokaster. It’s the most effective locations to go to in Albania within the winter for its toasty scorching 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 some 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 the entire enjoyable issues to see and do.
The Albanian Riviera is without doubt one of the greatest 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 widespread 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 without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Albania for a number of the greatest 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 in the event you’re visiting Albania on the proper time.
In case you’re staying in Berat for a couple of days, be sure you go to. This highly-rated journey contains the canyons, waterfalls, a picnic, swimming, transportation and extra. Click on right here for particulars.
One of the best time to discover Osumi is in spring. Throughout these months, the water stage is excessive sufficient to discover all the 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 be capable 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 be capable to swim in swimming pools, hike, and revel in its pure magnificence.
6. Ksamil
Unquestionably some of the lovely locations in Albania, Ksamil attracts hundreds 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 without doubt one of the greatest seashores in Albania.
The principle Ksamil seaside, (Plazhi Ksamilit), and Plazhi Bora Bora, are often the busiest as they’ve essentially the most lovely, shallow water. These had been my favorite seashores as you possibly can 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 choice within the top of summer time when the principle seashores get somewhat busy.
And wow, it does get busy. The greatest time to go to Albania for seashores is between April – mid-June, and in September, if you’ll get the perfect climate with fewer crowds. In the direction of the tip of our go to in June, the seashores had been getting very busy right here.
7. Mount Djati Nationwide Park
The most effective locations to go to in Albania is the Dajti Nationwide Park. It’s conveniently positioned simply outdoors of Tirana. It’s the place many locals come to flee town and warmth.
You may 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 will provide you with a heads-up when it’s time to get off.
The Dajti Specific, a brilliant 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 possibly can play mini-golf, take a horse journey, 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 a variety of walks and hikes you possibly can take to the mountain summit. The views from the highest are beautiful and it’s not solely one of many greatest issues to do in Tirana, however in Albania as a complete.
8. Butrint Nationwide Park
Butrint is indubitably the most effective locations to go to in Albania. It’s some of the widespread sights and is essentially the most visited UNESCO world heritage web site within the nation.
Butrint has been inhabited since prehistoric occasions; 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 superb location.
Points of interest to see inside Butrint embody a Roman theatre, Temple, and Discussion board to call a couple of. There’s additionally a museum on web site the place you possibly can learn in regards to the historical historical past of this superbly preserved metropolis.
Entrance prices 1000 LEK, ($9), per particular person, and it’s greatest to reach right here very first thing as it will 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 undoubtedly a good time to reach judging by the dimensions of the queue once we left.
It’s some of the distinctive locations to go to in Albania. In case 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 journey from Saranda which takes in Butrint and lots of different lovely sights.
9. Durres
With over 3,000 years of historical past, Durres is each the second largest and some of the historical cities in Albania. It’s unsurprising that it’s bursting with archaeological websites, historic buildings and remnants. The most effective issues to see is the spectacular Roman Amphitheater.
In addition to being a well-liked selection for historical past lovers, it’s additionally a gorgeous selection for these searching for a mix of metropolis life and enjoyable seashores. In case you’re primarily based in Tirana, this is a wonderful day tour to Durres.
While the seashores in and round Durres aren’t as hanging as these in Ksamil, they’re sandy and supply lovely views over the Adriatic Sea. My favorite seaside on this space is Spille Seashore, only a quick taxi or bus journey out of town.
10. The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye is without doubt one of the greatest 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 a minimum of 50m. No person 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 may stare into the paranormal Blue Eye from the platform immediately 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 may soar immediately into the Blue Eye from the platform. Nonetheless, be warned, the temperature of the water is 10 levels all 12 months spherical. It’s freezing and never for the faint-hearted!
There’s a coated cafe by the Blue Eye the place you possibly can seize refreshments. The cafe is constructed proper on the river and the water right here is essentially the most vivid shades of aquamarine and turquoise. It’s some 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 excellent for exploring in the event 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 vivid turquoise blue, and the views over the peaks are attractive. It’s these excellent views and rocky ravines that appeal to travellers from throughout for the perfect climbing, climbing, and mountaineering alternatives.
In case 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 undoubtedly the most effective locations to go to in Albania in the event you love the outside.
I like to recommend that you simply go to with a information to indicate you the perfect locations to climb, hike, and swim. A 4×4 automotive is good to entry the realm, so a tour might be your greatest guess. This tour is a superb choice.
12. Vlore
Vlore is a seaside metropolis, with a large and exquisite palm tree-lined promenade. The ocean is on one aspect, and bars, cafes and eating places border the opposite – it’s tremendous fairly.
To see a number of the clearest water within the area I might advocate that you simply take a ship journey. You may e book one with one of many native companies promoting on the promenade. Be sure you 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 picket 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 vivid white pebbly seaside, or Narta Seashore to the north for sand.
13. Saranda
Saranda (Sarande) is a stupendous seaside resort city simply north of Ksamil on the Albanian Riviera. It has some enjoyable, pebbly seashores, and essentially 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 Citadel for essentially the most unbelievable sunsets, and having fun with a drink on the bar. Take a look at this enjoyable jeep journey which is a good 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 essentially the most superb turquoise waters, which evoke footage of Mexico. You may 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 number of the greatest I’ve ever eaten. For an genuine expertise, Fish Filipi is an effective selection.
Lastly, Saranda supplies a great base, and really, I spent a month residing in Sarande in an Airbnb.
You will get buses all around the nation and throughout the Macedonian border from right here. It’s additionally near most of the greatest locations in Albania. This contains Gjirokaster, Ksamil, and The Blue Eye. This extremely rated day journey really takes in these three locations.
14. Shkoder
Shkoder often is 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 number of the greatest climbing in Albania within the Albanian Alps, it’s a terrific place to keep away from the crowds. It’s the most effective locations in Albania for funds 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 shocking physique of water and the most important 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 here are so hanging, sharp and steep towards the backdrop – it’s breathtaking. You may discover the perfect surroundings in North Albania by finishing the Theth to Valbona hike in the event you’re up for the problem.
15. Korce
In case you’re a beer drinker, you’ll seemingly be conversant in this little city because it’s the place the favored Albanian beer will get its title.
Korce, (pronounced kor-cha), is an fascinating city to go to with numerous lovely Ottoman structure, quaint cafes, and superb eating places. Nonetheless, Korce is turning into often known as an excellent winter vacation spot.
With such a implausible shoreline, it’s simple to neglect that Albania can also be coated by mountains. And what goes hand in hand with mountains? Snowboarding after all.
Korce is house to numerous up-and-coming ski resorts as a result of low price of residing. This makes for an ideal place to ski on a funds. The individuals are pleasant and it has a pleasant ambiance. 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 seaside lovers. For nature seekers, Bovilla Lake, and The Blue Eye, are two of essentially the most lovely locations in Albania.
Albania is a superb place for a trip. There’s one thing for everybody and it’s a brilliant reasonably priced vacation spot. Whether or not you’re keen on exploring a metropolis, enjoyable on a seaside, or take pleasure in being outdoors in nature, Albania will ship the whole lot you need and extra.
This can be a robust query as there are such a lot of beautiful pure sights in Albania. In case you can solely go to one, I might advocate that you simply go to Osumi Canyon. It’s the most effective locations to go to in Albania and in contrast to the rest within the nation.
Sure, Albania is secure 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 all over the 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. Unimaginable 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.
In case you 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.
