Discover Albania’s hidden treasures with our guide to the places you can visit in Albania.
Although the capital, Tirana, may be a familiar name, this carefully chosen list of destinations offers a fresh perspective on this captivating country.
Albania really does have it all — from natural wonders like the enchanting Blue Eye spring and pure sandy beaches with crystal-clear water, to cultural gems steeped in ancient history and stunning ancient ruins.
Join us as we uncover the secrets of this beautiful nation, tucked among the Balkan countries, and set off on an adventure promising stunning scenery and rich cultural experiences.
Albania is a country most European tourists haven’t discovered yet — though buzz is growing around this beautiful Balkan nation, most of Europe and the world remain unaware of it.
Some of the best cities to visit in southern Albania and along the coast:
Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër is known for its beautiful Ottoman architecture and its excellent location among the snow-capped peaks of the Drino Valley in southern Albania.
Charming cobbled streets lead up to the castle, the town’s most important landmark, and the reason it’s often called the “Stone City.”
While visiting Gjirokastër, you’ll also want to see Zekate House, an early 19th-century tower house considered the finest example of Ottoman-era architecture in the city.
This beautiful, striking old town is easily one of the most beautiful places in Albania.
Pogradec
Pogradec sits on the shore of Lake Ohrid in eastern Albania, one of the country’s most promising places and well worth a visit.
Lake Ohrid is the deepest lake in the Balkans, and while the Macedonian side of the lake is more popular, the Albanian shore is undoubtedly growing.
Pogradec is known for its rich folklore, and its puppet theatre festival is one of the most interesting events held in the country.
Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park sits about 30-45 minutes by car from Pogradec, near the Drilon springs.
Berat
Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows” for its classic Ottoman-style houses, Berat is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 2,000 years of rich history.
Berat’s old town is a must-visit in Albania — climb to the top of the castle and you’ll enjoy a wonderful view over the city.
Within the castle walls, you’ll see houses where people still live their daily lives.
Upper Kiparo
The Upper Kiparo area is a charming spot, and perhaps a favourite of ours in Albania — an ideal place to see a traditional Albanian village, with a twist: the village has been left half-abandoned.
After the fall of communism, many people left for abroad, and the village became entirely deserted.
About half the village has been renovated, but many of the old stone houses remain in ruins — the streets show their age, surrounded by beautiful views and rich history.
It may lack for things to do, but that’s the beauty of this quiet, authentic village.
Dhërmi
With its turquoise waters and beautiful secluded beaches, Dhërmi’s stunning scenery draws young Albanians from across the country every summer.
It’s not just the beaches — Dhërmi is also a lively nightlife hub, another reason young people flock here once the school year ends.
Although the place has a festive, upbeat atmosphere, with lively beach bars scattered throughout, there’s still plenty of beach for a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the views of the Albanian Riviera.
Theth National Park — The Albanian Alps
If you want to spend some time outdoors, Theth is without a doubt one of the best places in Albania, and makes for a wonderful weekend trip.
Nature lovers will enjoy the peaceful landscapes and charming villages, still full of authentic traditions, food, and unique culture.
Far from Albania’s largest cities and set in the north atop the Albanian Alps, Theth stays quiet and inviting most of the year.
Theth National Park might just be the most beautiful place in Albania — Grunas Waterfall and the Lock-In Tower are both hugely popular with tourists.
If you’re planning a nature getaway, Theth is definitely one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Albania.