The Best Places to Visit in Albania
Albania is a one of Europe’s best Balkan destinations, and is located between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The country has a population of about 2.8 million people, though emigration has significantly shaped its demographics, with a large Albanian diaspora living across Europe and beyond. Culturally, Albania is recognised for its religious tolerance. The population includes Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Catholics, and followers of Bektashi Sufism, who have coexisted for centuries. Albania is known for it’s beautiful nature, friendly people, proud national identity and amazing beaches. To get around, you’ll often see ‘furgons,’ the Albanian version of a minivan, essentially. It’s classic around the country. Overall, Albania is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations, and one of the best!
Capital: Tirana
Currency: Albanian Lek
Language: Albanian
When to visit: May to October
1) Theth & Valbona Valley
Hike Name/Length: Theth to Valbona Hike (~18km)
Theth and Valbona Valley are two of Albania’s most significant mountain regions, located in the Albanian Alps in the far north of the country. They are best combined together to create Albania’s most iconic hiking route. It connects the remote village of Theth with Valbona Valley (and the tiny village of Valbona) across the heart of the Albanian Alps, following a path that has been used for centuries by local communities. It’s an incredible experience and the trail features immense beauty no matter what season you do it in.
What you’ll see:
During the hike you’ll pass through dense pine forests, open meadows and of course the main views being the breathtaking limestone cliffs and peaks. You get sweeping views down into the valley offering incredible sights as you travel down the rocky path. You may also see locals transporting goods on horseback, occasionally.
How to get there:
Many of the best hostels in Shkoder offer transport and accommodation to Theth or Valbona. Some examples include The Wanderers Hostel or Galley Party Hostel. In my opinion it’s best to stay at one of these and do it.
Alternatively, you can just book a minibus or taxi and accommodation in Theth/Valbona on your own.
2) Komani Lake
It’s not a natural lake but, a reservoir formed by the construction of the Komani Dam on the Drin River, surrounded by steep, forested mountains that give it a fjord-like appearance. It almost resembles places like New Zealand, with it’s beautiful blue waters and and peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great experience taking the ferry or any boat through the lake.
Where is it:
Komani Lake is very close to where hikers complete the Theth to Valbona hike, which is why many take this ferry on their route back to Shkodër, or on the way to Theth/Valbona.
How to get there:
If you have organised your Theth to Valbona hike with a hostel or company, it’s likely they’ll take you through here as apart of the journey.
Otherwise, you can bus from Shkodër to the village of Koman and take the ferry from there to the town of Fierza through the lake.
3) Himarë
Himarë is a small coastal town in southern Albania, set along the Ionian Sea. It’s best known for its beautiful beaches, clear bright-blue water, and laid-back seaside atmosphere. One of the things that makes Himarë stand out is the noticeable Greek influence you can feel throughout the town, from the culture to the overall vibe. With a population of under 10,000 people, it still attracts a steady flow of visitors, especially in the warmer months. Whether you’re traveling as a backpacker or visiting with family, Himarë and its beaches are great.
Things to do:
The best beaches of Himarë are all around the town’s proximity; Potami Beach, Sfageio Beach (can get crowded), Livadhi Beach, and the beautiful Gjipe Beach. You have so many stunning options nearby, and if you’re a swimmer you’ll never get bored. When you’re there, dont forget to wander the old village and see Himarë castle.
How to get there:
You can simply take a bus or a furgon from main cities around the country, such as Tirana, Vlorë, and Sarandë
4) Gjirokaster
Gjirokastër is a historic city in southern Albania, best known for its well-preserved stone architecture and deep cultural heritage. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its distinctive Ottoman-era houses built from stone, and featuring slate roofs. It’s often known as Albania’s ‘Stone City,’ and it’s clear to see why. Although you’ll find your fair share of tourists about, it feels very authentic and well preserved in terms of tradition and culture. It’s a must visit when you find yourself in Albania’s south.
Things to do:
The best thing to do is to simply just walk through the old town and the bazaar, you’ll find many cool and picturesque spots just by walking around, and it isn’t too big either. As well as that, make sure you visit Gjirokastër Castle, it offers great views of the valley and has great education about different historical periods. The fortifications and architecture of the castle is very cool. Take a walking tour as they give some great information about not just the cities history, but Albania in general.
How to get there:
You can take a bus or furgon from big cities and tourist towns; most connections come from Tirana, Sarandë, Himarë and Përmet.
5) Berat
Berat is one of Albania’s most iconic and historically rich cities, often called the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’ because of its hillside Ottoman houses with large, closely spaced windows that seem to cascade down the slopes (as seen in the image). Located in central Albania, along the Osum River, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its unique architecture. It’s one of Albania’s top reccommended spots for tourists because of it’s distinctive city layout.
Things to do:
Make sure to head up to Berat Castle, which overlooks the city and is the focus point of tourists. There you’ll see ancient stone walls and towers alongside narrow cobble streets. Visit Gorica Bridge, and some of Berat’s churches and mosques. The best ones are Lead Mosque and St. Mary’s Church. The best museum to visit in Berat would be The Museum of Iconography of Onufri.
How to get there:
Your best option is to take a bus or furgon from Tirana or Vlorë, for direct options.
6) Sarandë
Sarandë is a vibrant coastal town in southern Albania, located near the border with Greece. It’s another amazing coastal destination in Albania, with many bars, restaurants and tourist opportunities despite it’s small permanent population of ~40,000. Sarandë, also called Saranda, is surrounded by hills on one side and the sea on the other, making it another one of Albania’s great picturesque destinations. It’s worth mentioning that it’s a great base for surrounding beauty.
Things to do:
Of course since you’re likely going to swim, Sarandë’s whole coastline is essentially a beach. Most of the beaches are privatized by resorts and hotels, but Sarandë city beach is free. Lekursi Castle overlooks the city, and next to it is also a lighthouse. The small town of Ksamil is a very short bus ride away, and definitely 100% worth visiting and checking out the beaches there.
How to get there:
You can get to Sarandë by bus or furgon from Tirana, Vlorë, Himarë and possibly Gjirokaster too.
7) The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye is a deep, intensely blue pool of water surrounded by lush forest, which creates an impression very much like a giant eye embedded in the earth. It’s a freshwater spring and is part of a protected nature monument in Albania. Swimming is not allowed here.
Where is it:
The Blue Eye is located around 20km from Sarandë, making it a very popular day trip for those in the town.
How to get there:
There is a bus route from Sarandë to The Blue Eye running frequently.
8) Tirana
Tirana is the capital and largest city of Albania, and the country’s political, economic, and cultural centre. It has a population of roughly 550,000 people in the city proper, with over 800,000 in the wider metropolitan area. Located in central Albania, Tirana sits in a broad valley surrounded by hills, with mountains visible to the east. It’s a pretty lively city, and is the heart of arts and music in the country.
Things to do:
Walk around the city and explore the massive Skanderberg Square. BUNKART 1 and BUNKART 2 are cool museums set inside old cold war bunkers, and are very informative. Tirana is the best place to just walk around and see Albania for what it’s really like, with many opportunities for local dishes, shopping, and especially nightlife.
How to get there:
Tirana International Airport (TIA) serves destinations all across Europe and is where most flights to Albania end up.
You can pretty much bus from all other cities in Albania into Tirana.
9) Shkodër
Shkodër is one of Albania’s oldest and most culturally important cities, located in the far north of the country near the borders with Montenegro and Kosovo. It sits between Lake Shkodër (Lake Skadar), the largest lake in the Balkans. It’s the main gateway to the Theth to Valbona hike, and has great viewpoints for tourists.
Things to do:
Visit Rozafa Castle for views of the city and the lake together, it offers an all around great view of the landscape of Northern Albania.Shkodër is also well designed to cycle around, and you can cycle all the way to the lake even. There is also a nice old town for you to walk through, and it really comes alive at night especially in peak tourist season. There is many open bars and restaurants around.
How to get there:
You can take a bus or furgon straight from Tirana and Durrës, or even from Podgorica and Ulcinj in Montenegro. Other destinations usually route through Tirana.
10) Vlorë
Vlorë is a coastal city in southern Albania, uniquely positioned where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. It has a population of around 130,000 people, making it one of the country’s larger cities and an important regional hub. The city is known for its long seafront and numerous beaches, and is a beautiful destination along the coast of Albania for everyone.
Things to do:
You should walk down the Lungomare promenade to get a feel for the cities atmosphere. Plazhi i Ri is a big stretch of sandy beach and is great for relaxing and swimming. Independence Square is an important place, as it’s where Albania declared independence in 1912, making it a historical landmark. Vlorë is often the starting point for trips south along the Albanian Riviera as well, making it a good base.
How to get there:
Vlorë is an easy bus or furgon trip from Tirana or Durrës.
Support the Site
If these guides have helped your travels, consider buying me a coffee — it helps keeps the content free!
buymeacoffee.com/roamingideas