Albania is an underrated gem of Europe that’s becoming increasingly popular for tourists every year. As more and more people discover the unique blend of history, adventure and stunning landscapes that Albania has to offer, it’s no wonder tourism is booming!
Whether you’re planning a road trip through Albania or seeking ideas for your next beach holiday, I wrote this post about the best places to visit in Albania to inspire your trip to this captivating Balkan destination.
From popular beach towns on the Albanian Riviera to historic mountain villages, there’s something for every type of traveller waiting to be discovered. The best way to the see the highlights on this list in a short period of time is to follow my one week Albania road trip itinerary!
After several trips to Albania over the years, I was always amazed at the beauty of the landscapes, the kindness of the people and the surprisingly low prices (when compared to other popular European countries!) In my opinion, Albania deserves the attention it’s receiving as the new “hot spot” in Europe.
I’d say that tourism numbers will continue to climb higher and higher so there’s really no better time to visit Albania than right now. So without further ado, let’s dive in and uncover the most beautiful places to visit in Albania!
Sunset views in Saranda
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Explore Albania’s diverse landscapes from the popular beaches of Ksamil to the ancient stone city of Gjirokaster
- Escape the crowded tourist areas and discover hidden gems such as the mountain village of Kruje and the spectacular Osumi Canyon
- Immerse yourself in Albania’s rich history and cultural heritage by tasting traditional foods and connecting with local culture in the mountain village of Theth
- Experience the warmth and hospitality of the Albanian people everywhere you go. Albanians are known to be friendly and welcoming people.
- Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and exploring ancient ruins
23 Bucket List Places to Visit in Albania
Berat
Known as the City of a Thousand Windows, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, rich history and cultural significance.
Take a wander through the cobblestone streets of the historic neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorica. Getting lost in the narrow alleys allows you to stumble on hidden gems like ancient churches and mosques.
These old quarters of Berat are connected by the Gorica Bridge, where you can stop and admire an amazing view of the iconic white houses built into the hillside, cascading down towards the river below. It’s no wonder Berat is often called the most beautiful city in Albania.
A visit to the Berat Castle is where it really gets exciting. Perched high up on a hilltop, towering over the old town and Osum River below, the panoramic views from top will absolutely blow you away!
Within the castle’s walls you will find restaurants, shops, towers, and Byzantine churches. Don’t miss the Onufri Museum which is home to an impressive collection of religious art and icons dating back to the medieval period.
Panoramic view from Berat Castle
Gjirokastër
The stone city of Gjirokastër is an incredibly well preserved Ottoman-era town that dates to the 12th century AD. It’s one of those places that just blows your mind with its striking features like the imposing castle and historic Ottoman houses.
Nestled within the dramatic landscapes of the Drino Valley and surrounded by mountains, the UNESCO listed old town of Gjirokastër stands as a testament to centuries of history.
The streets of Gjirokastër showcase a rich tapestry of influences from its Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman past. Take a stroll through the lively bazaar soaking in the sights and browsing the colourful shops for souvenirs. This is a great opportunity to taste some classic Albanian cuisine at one of the many local restaurants.
Finish your visit by walking up to Gjirokastër Castle to marvel at the stunning panoramic views and learn about the city’s history at the museum. Gjirokastër is an essential stop on your Albania road trip itinerary and if you’re planning a beach holiday in the south, it’s an easy day trip from Saranda.
The Old Bazaar in Gjirokastër at sunset
Butrint National Park
Take a step back in time at the ancient city of Butrint which dates back to the 8th century BC. Located only 10 minutes south of Ksamil in a picturesque location, a visit to the ruins of Butrint will take you on an exciting journey through the ages of history.
Butrint is well-preserved UNESCO listed park featuring a range of ancient sites that date back to the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman civilizations. These impressive ruins have stood the test of time, some of the monuments can be traced back over 2,500 years!
Marvel at the unique blend of history and nature as you explore the trails leading from one archaeological wonder to the next. The park is in such a beautiful setting, surrounded by lush vegetation and the shimmering blue Butrint Lagoon.
The journey through Butrint will take you through remains of temples, theatres, Roman baths and fortifications. The visit ends at the Butrint Archaeological Museum where you’ll find a display of artefacts from the Greek and Roman periods. The museum’s collection includes sculptures, jewellery, coins and everyday objects offering a valuable insight into the ancient city’s rich history.
The amazing ruins of Butrint National Park
Theth National Park
Discover the remote beauty of Theth, a small village nestled in the Albanian Alps. With its charming stone houses and iconic church, Theth is a place where time seems to stand still amidst the majestic mountains of the far north.
A visit to Theth offers a glimpse into Albanian rural life and a chance to connect with locals at your guesthouse and dine at traditional restaurants.
For the outdoor lover, it is a paradise waiting to be explored. The mountains of Theth offer an abundance of hiking trails and natural wonders to discover. Take a hike to the Blue Eye of Theth, a natural spring with a waterfall and crystal-clear waters.
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Theth and highly recommend anyone visiting Albania to add this special place to your bucket list. The landscapes and people of Theth certainly left an impression as it quickly became one of my favourite places to visit in Albania.
Exploring the village of Theth in northern Albania
Ksamil
The coastal town of Ksamil has become known as the most popular place to visit on the Albanian Riviera thanks to its pristine beaches and picture-perfect islands. Ksamil has risen to fame on social media platforms resulting in a frenzy of beach-going tourists over the months of June – August.
While I agree that the beaches of Ksamil are comparable to those of the Maldives, it’s important to time your visit right to enjoy the best of this stunning beach town. Aim to visit Ksamil during May/early June or September/early October to avoid the overcrowded beaches and heightened peak season hotel prices.
Ksamil is the ultimate beach lover’s destination where you can bask in the sun on soft white sand, swim in the azure-coloured sea and taste fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants that overlook the Ionian Sea. The best part? This is all possible for a fraction of the cost of popular European countries like Greece or Italy!
One of Ksamil’s beautiful beaches
Saranda
Saranda is the largest town on the Albanian Rivera and a bustling hub for travellers to the south of Albania. Full of fascinating history and Mediterranean charm, Saranda captivates visitors with its sun-soaked beaches, lively promenade, and panoramic ocean views.
Saranda is the kind of place where you can get comfortable and stay a while in one of the many affordable apartments the town has to offer. It has become a hot spot for expats and digital nomads who reap the benefits of the mild climate and reasonable cost of living.
During my 3 month stay, some of my favourite things to do in Saranda were trying all the delicious restaurants, discovering sunset bars and exploring the amazing nearby beaches. Check out my blog post to see a round up of the top beaches near Saranda.
Saranda makes an excellent base for those looking to explore the riviera by day trip. Take a boat tour to the spectacular beaches of Kakome & Kroreza, enjoy a sunset from the hilltop Lëkurësi Castle and venture out to the natural wonder of Syri i Kalter (the Blue Eye). Read my guide on the best day trips from Saranda to plan your adventures.
Taking in a magical sunset at Lëkurësi Castle
Shkodër
Known as the cultural capital of Albania, Shkodër entices visitors with its charming blend of medieval architecture, lively streets, and picturesque landscapes. The city is located at the foothills of the Albanian Alps offering the perfect gateway to places like Theth or Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Balkans.
Make your way up to Rozafa Castle for an amazing panoramic view of the city and Lake Shkodra, this is particularly nice to do at sunset. Take an easy day trip to the Mesi Bridge, a traditional Ottoman bridge in a beautiful river valley that dates to 1770.
One of my favourite things to do in Shkodër was simply strolling the pedestrian-only streets, stopping at cafes, browsing the cute shops and snapping photos of the pretty historic buildings.
Visit Mesi Bridge on a day trip from Shkodër
Dhermi
Sandwiched between the mountains and the sea, the seaside village of Dhermi is a must-see on your Albania road trip itinerary. A visit to Dhermi is often the first stop for those who have completed the scenic drive over the Llogara Pass.
Dhermi may be small but it’s full of history and pretty scenery. With its cute white-washed buildings and blue domed church, the Santorini vibes are strong. The main draw to Dhermi is the idyllic beaches replete with clear turquoise water and backed by towering mountains.
Visit the hidden gems of Drymades Beach and Gjipe Beach and don’t miss a quick stop at the nearby Monastery of Saint Theodore. Stay awhile and soak up Dhermi’s serene beauty and laid-back charm, you’re bound to fall in love with the relaxed rhythm of coastal life.
Swim at Drymades Beach near the village of Dhermi
Vlorë
The historic port city of Vlorë is often referred to as the gateway to the Albanian Riviera. From here, you can begin the drive over the famous Llogara Pass and then visit towns such as Dhermi and Himare as well as the spectacular beaches the region is known for.
Vlorë had an important role in Albania’s independence, be sure to visit the Independence Monument and the Museum of Independence to learn more about the nation’s liberation.
Take an easy day trip to the ancient city of Orikum, located 20 minutes from Vlorë, which is home to ruins dating back to the Hellenistic period. Orikum Beach is a stunning place to spend a few hours soaking up the sun and swimming in the vibrant turquoise water.
Add the city of Vlorë to your Albania bucket list
Borsh Beach
Escape the crowds of Ksamil and Saranda and opt to stay at this peaceful town on the Albanian Riviera instead of the tourist hot spots. Borsh Beach is the longest beach in Albania which is known for its laid-back atmosphere and traditional Albanian hospitality.
Enjoy dining on fresh seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants and lazy days spent lounging on the beautiful white shore. Head up to the ruins of Borsh Castle which was built in the cliffs behind the town sometime around the 4th century BC. Panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and coastline can be found from this prime vantage point.
The town of Borsh is famous for producing some of the finest olive oil in Albania. Take a tour of a local olive grove which has over 500 years of history to learn all about the harvest and production of Albanian olive oil.
I can highly recommend staying at Guest House Luiza, a beautiful property with friendly hosts and incredible beachfront location.
Borsh Beach, Albanian Riviera
Himare
Himare is another coastal gem on the Albanian Riviera which is easy to reach on a day trip from Saranda or as a stop on your Albania road trip. With plenty of hotels, restaurants, historic sites and stunning beaches, Himare makes a perfect beach getaway on its own.
Being a smaller town, Himare has a more relaxed vibe compared to Ksamil and Saranda making it a great option for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere. There are many attractions surrounding the town such as the Old Town of Qeparo, Porto Palermo Castle and the gorgeous Livadi Beach.
You can book a boat tour with a local operator that will take you to the secluded coves and hidden bays around the area. Himare Beach is also stunning so you don’t have to go far to relax in paradise. See my Saranda to Himare day trip guide to plan the perfect adventure.