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10 best places to visit in Albania

Whether you are a history buff, a sun-seeker, or an outdoor adventurer, Albania is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. For a long time, this Balkan gem remained off the radar, but its blend of UNESCO heritage sites, turquoise Mediterranean waters, and rugged mountain peaks is now attracting travelers from across the globe.

Based on the expert recommendations from Fiori Travel, here is your definitive guide to the 10 best places to visit in Albania, followed by a guide on how to make the most of your journey.

1. Tirana: The Colorful Capital

Your journey will likely begin in Tirana, a city that has undergone a radical transformation. Once gray and somber, the city is now famous for its brightly painted buildings and vibrant street life.

  • Must See: Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and Bunk’Art—a massive underground bunker turned into a contemporary art and history museum.

  • Pro Tip: Take the Dajti Ekspres cable car to the top of Mount Dajti for a panoramic view of the entire city.

2. Berat: The City of a Thousand Windows

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Berat is perhaps Albania’s most beautiful historic town. Its white Ottoman houses climb the hillside toward a massive 13th-century castle that is still inhabited today.

  • Must See: The Kala (castle) area and the Onufri Iconographic Museum, which houses incredible 16th-century religious art.

3. Gjirokastër: The Stone City

Another UNESCO gem, Gjirokastër is known for its unique slate-roofed houses and steep cobblestone streets. It is the birthplace of the former dictator Enver Hoxha and the world-renowned author Ismail Kadare.

  • Must See: Gjirokastër Fortress, the second largest in the Balkans, and the Zekate House, a prime example of grand Ottoman domestic architecture.

4. The Albanian Riviera (Saranda & Ksamil)

If you are looking for crystal-clear turquoise water that rivals the Maldives, the south is where you belong. Saranda is the unofficial capital of the Riviera, while nearby Ksamil offers white sandy beaches and small islands you can swim to.

  • Must See: The three islands of Ksamil and the Lëkurësi Castle for sunset views over the Ionian Sea.

5. Butrint National Park

Located just south of Saranda, Butrint is an archaeological wonderland. This UNESCO site contains ruins spanning over 2,500 years, including Greek temples, Roman theaters, and Byzantine basilicas.

  • Must See: The Great Basilica and the Lion Gate.

6. Shkodra: The Gateway to the Alps

As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Shkodra is the cultural soul of Northern Albania. It sits on the shores of Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Balkans.

  • Must See: Rozafa Castle, which offers stunning views of the confluence of three rivers.

7. Theth and the Albanian Alps

For hikers and nature lovers, Theth is a paradise. Nestled deep in the “Accursed Mountains,” this village offers some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in Europe.

  • Must See: The Blue Eye of Theth (a stunning natural spring) and the iconic Grunas Waterfall.

8. Krujë: The Historic Citadel

Only an hour from Tirana, Krujë is the home of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. The town’s medieval castle held out against the Ottoman Empire for decades.

  • Must See: The Old Bazaar, where you can buy authentic hand-woven carpets and silver filigree.

9. Vlorë: Where Two Seas Meet

Vlorë is where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. It is a city of great historical importance, as it was here that Albania declared its independence in 1912.

  • Must See: The Lungomare promenade and the nearby Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park.

10. Korçë: The Little Paris of Albania

Known for its culture, serenades, and the first Albanian school, Korçë has an elegant, European feel. It is also the home of Albania’s most famous beer.

  • Must See: The Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjetër) and the Cathedral of the Resurrection.

Travel Tips for Your Albanian Adventure

1. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Albania is during the shoulder seasons—May to June or September to October. You’ll enjoy warm weather without the intense heat and crowds of July and August. If you are heading to the Alps, June to September is the window for hiking.

2. Getting Around While there are public “furgons” (minibuses), they can be unpredictable. For the best experience, renting a car is highly recommended. It allows you to explore the hidden beaches of the Riviera and the winding mountain passes at your own pace.

3. Currency and Payments The local currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL). While major hotels and restaurants in Tirana and Saranda accept cards, Albania is still very much a cash-based society. Always keep Lek on you, especially when traveling to rural areas like Theth or Berat.

4. Taste the Local Cuisine Albanian food is a delicious blend of Mediterranean and Balkan influences. Don’t leave without trying:

  • Tave Kosi: Baked lamb with yogurt and rice.

  • Byrek: Flaky pastry filled with spinach, cheese, or meat.

  • Flija: A multi-layered pancake-like dish typical of the north.

Why Book with Fiori Travel?

Navigating a country as diverse as Albania can be a challenge. Fiori Travel specializes in curated, authentic experiences that go beyond the typical tourist paths. Whether you want a private tour of the UNESCO sites or a guided trek through the Accursed Mountains, our local expertise ensures your trip is seamless, safe, and unforgettable.

Ready to explore the Land of the Eagles? Contact Fiori Travel today to start planning your custom Albanian itinerary!