Albania may be small—11,100 square miles (28,748 square kilometers) in size—but there are still plenty of things to do and see there. Its population totals just under three million. Albania won’t let you down, whether it’s with its breathtaking beaches along the Albanian Riviera or its magnificent archaeological monuments. Here is a ranking of the top 20 tourist destinations in the nation.
Albanian Riviera
Along with the nation’s capital, Tirana, the Albanian Riviera is the most visited location in the nation. The scenery is simply breathtaking, with miles of pebble and sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters, as well as charming coastal hamlets with tiny Orthodox churches, cobblestone alleyways, and an abundance of flowers. The top destinations are Dhrmi, Drymades Beach, Vuno, Qeparo, and Himara, a seaside village.
BunkArt in Tirana
One of the most vibrant capitals on the Balkan Peninsula, Tirana has many museums and galleries that are well worth seeing. When you arrive in town, make sure to check out the BunkArt, a magnificent and highly sought-after bunker that the former dictator Enver Hoxha erected in the 1970s. If you want to find out more about Albania’s Communist past, this is the place to go.
The UNESCO town of Gjirokaster
Gjirokastr is among the most beautiful places in Albania and the Balkans. This town in the nation’s south has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due to its distinctive Ottoman architecture. One of the grandest castles in the nation is located in Gjirokastr, and it provides stunning views of the city.
Berat, the City of a Thousand Windows
In the middle of Albania is Berat, one of the country’s oldest cities. Because of all the windows on the building facade, it is frequently called the City of a Thousand Windows. Since 2008, Berat has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is in large part because of the town’s exemplary record of religious tolerance.
The old city of Kruja
The National Ethnographic Museum, one of Albania’s most well-liked tourist destinations, is housed in a castle in Kruja, which is 40 minutes by bus from the country’s capital Tirana. The museum provides breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, an Albanian hero, spent nearly three decades defending his nation from Ottoman assault from the citadel. Once in town, make sure to take a trip through the ancient market and pick up some local mementos.
Porto Palermo Castle
One of the nation’s most stunning fortifications, Porto Palermo, also known as Ali Pasha Tepelena by the locals, is located close to the coastal town of Himara. According to legend, Ali Pasha Tepelena, the Albanian administrator of Ioannina, constructed the castle in memory of his wife. The castle provides breathtaking views of the mountains and the Ionian Sea.
Lively Saranda
One of Albania’s most well-known tourist destinations is Saranda, which is mostly renowned for its stunning beaches and exciting nightlife. It is situated halfway between Butrint, Albania’s most significant archaeological park, and the Greek island of Corfu, which may be reached after a 40-minute boat voyage.
Theth: rugged beauty
Theth, one of Albania’s most stunning natural locations, is located in the north of the nation, tucked away in the Albanian Alps. Theth is the ideal location for hikers and environment enthusiasts because it is situated in a stunning alpine landscape and is surrounded by wildlife.
The untouched peninsula of Karaburun, Vlora
The main city on Albania’s southern coast is Vlora, which is also recognized for being the location of the country’s independence declaration more than a century ago. Other notable historic monuments in the city include the Kanina fortress, Zvernec island, and Orikum. Every day, Teuta Boat Tours may take you from the port of Vlora to the wonderful Karaburun Peninsula (and the nearby Sazan Island), an uninhabited region with beautiful beaches.
Llogara Pass
Llogara, a mountain pass situated between Vlora and Palase, the first beach of the Albanian Riviera, is one of Albania’s most beautiful natural settings. The broadly hazardous, and the breathtaking view doesn’t help, so pay attention and carry your camera with you so you may shoot stunning images.
The City of Serenades, Korca
One of Albania’s major cultural hubs, Korca is situated in the country’s southeast, not far from the Macedonian border. The largest Orthodox cathedral in the nation, the city’s historic homes, good beer, Korca, and the Education Museum, which is housed in the original structure where the first Albanian school opened in 1887, are all well-known attractions. Serenades, which are regional songs, are another thing that makes Korca popular throughout the Balkans.
Syri I Kalter
One of Albania’s most breathtaking natural areas, Syr I Kalter, is tucked away between the towns of Saranda and Gjirokastr. It is a deep natural spring where folks go swimming during the sweltering summer months.
Valbona Valley National Park
A national park tucked away amongst the Albanian Alps, Valbona is home to breathtaking views, alpine landscapes, glaciers, rocks, forests, waterfalls, and natural reserves that together form a singular, pristine ecosystem.
Butrint Archaeological Park
Butrint has been inhabited since the beginning of time and has previously been a colony of the Greek, Roman, and bishopric. It is Albania’s largest and most well-known archaeological park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area’s assets include the basilica, baptistery, and theatre.
The lake town of Pogradec
Locals frequently take day trips to Pogradec, a tiny village on the shores of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. It is about halfway between Macedonia and Albania. Pogradec is one of Albania’s most well-liked summer holiday destinations due to its beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Dardha, the top ski destination in Albania
Known as one of Albania’s most well-known ski resorts, Dardha is a charming tiny village close to Korca. Due to this, Dardha has developed into the nation’s most popular winter resort, mostly being visited by skiers and hikers.
The stunning Lake Koman
Visitors may enjoy some of the most stunning views on the Balkan Peninsula at Lake Koman. One of the best boat excursions in Europe, the ferry travels from the Koman hydroelectric dam to harbour of the little mountain community of Fierza.
The cultural capital of Albania, Shkodra
Because of its numerous events, photography museum, theater medieval castle, and way of life, locals frequently refer to Shkodra as the cultural capital of the nation. It is the biggest town in Albania’s north and frequently serves as a base to explore the nearby mountains.
The largest amphitheater in the Balkans
Although Durres is most recognized as the nation’s primary port, it is also one of Albania’s oldest towns. Behind the port in Durres sits the big amphitheater are in the Balkans. A fascinating archaeological museum is also located in the town and features artifacts discovered nearby the theatre.
The city of Apollo, Apollonia
Apollonia, formerly one of the most significant cities in Europe and a must-see for all visitors to Albania, is a city close to the industrial town of Fier, a location situated between Tirana and Vlora. Octavian Augustus also attended school in Apollonia before ascending to the position of Roman emperor.
