Best things to do in Albania

The Blue Eye or Syri i Kaltër is one of the top must-see sights for first-time visitors to Albania. It’s an easy day trip by car, taxi or coach from Sarandë (30 minutes/20 km) and when you arrive you’ll be surrounded by incredible scenery, including stunning greenery and mountain views. The Blue Eye is a natural spring in the Karst landscape, deeper than 50 metres at points, which makes the water such a stunning colour.

Other top things to do in Sarandë:

• Head to the stunning beaches in Sarandë or Ksamil
• Visit Butrint National Park
• Visit Gjirokastër
• Take a day trip to Corfu Town by ferry or hydrofoil

Berat, known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows', is a pretty city famous for its Ottoman houses and impressive hilltop castle. There’s plenty to do in Berat, including hill walking, riverside sojourns in the evening and many nice restaurants to try. You’ll want to spend several hours exploring the castle ruins. There’s also a restaurant in the castle with epic views. Berat is a great base for exploring the centre of the country either by car or on organised day trips, and it’s a good stopping off point if you’re journeying from Sarandë to Tirana, for example.

Top things to do in Berat:

• Visit Tomorri Mountain National Park
• Take a picture at Sotirë waterfall
• Eat at one of the castle restaurants
• Explore the cobblestone streets
• Day trip to the coast, e.g. Vlorë

Gjirokastër Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobbled streets, pretty architecture and balconies tumbling with flowers. It’s a must-stop on the Albanian tourist trail and is home to many cute bistro-style restaurants, cafes and quaint shops. There are several museums here, and a ruined castle, as well as the famous Ali Pasha Bridge. You’re also only an hour from the coast at Sarandë, Lukovë and the southern part of the Albanian Riviera, surrounded by the breathtaking rugged mountains.

Top things to do in Gjirokastër:

• Wander the streets and enjoy the local shops
• Visit the castle
• Eat al fresco
• Try the delicious food at local restaurants
• Visit the Blue Eye
• Travel to Petran and Langarica Canyon in the Fir of Hotova-Dangëlli National Park

Southern Albania is home to some truly breathtaking natural scenery, from its rugged coastline to its mountain meadows teeming with butterflies, from the Divjaka-Karavasta and Vjosë-Nartë wetlands to the dramatic Nikaj-Mertur and Valbona Valley National Parks – also known as the Albanian alps. There are great opportunities for walking, hiking and serious mountaineering or climbing here, but they can be tricky to navigate or find by yourself. Luckily, there are plenty of tour companies offering guided day and multi-day excursions so you can see the very best that the country has to offer.

Where to stay for hiking:

• Berat for inland hiking
• Himarë and Borsh for coastal exploration
• Përmet for lesser-known walks in national parks
• Tirana for Dajti National Park
• Shkodër, Theth and Valbona for the Albanian Alps

The Albanian Riviera was a well-kept secret for many years, but now the secret is out and beach breaks in Albania are becoming increasingly popular. If you’re staying in the capital Tirana, your nearest stretch of coast is Durrës, a popular beach town and tourist resort with hotels, loungers and shade, as well as a plethora of restaurants. In Sarandë, you not only have several town beaches but you’re also close to dreamy Ksamil. The turquoise waters and white-sand beaches here are sure to enchant, and there are plenty of facilities too. Along the Riviera itself, the most popular beach resorts are Vlorë, Himarë, Dhërmi and Borsh, each with its own beach with a unique character. Plus, if you do a road trip, you’re sure to find small, more secluded beaches between the main towns.

Where to stay for the beach:

• Sarandë, urban beaches near town
• Ksamil, sandy beaches, good for snorkelling
• Vlorë, urban sandy beaches plus rugged quiet beaches near the wetlands
• Himarë, shingle beaches with shallow sea
• Borsh, shingle beach good for swimming

Situated just south of Ksamil, close to the border with Greece, Butrint National Archaeological Park is an ancient site home to Greek, Roman and Medieval ruins. The sprawling area is shaded by olive-tree woods and surrounded by lakes, making it an atmospheric place to walk. The ruins are fascinating too, with a highlight being the very intact amphitheatre and Roman baths. Enjoy the peace as you traverse the wooded island, looking out for terrapins and birds of prey. 

Where to stay to visit Butrint:

• Sarandë (half an hour / 17 km)
• Ksamil (10 mins / 4 km)
• Borsh (1 hour / 50 km)

Albania’s thriving capital Tirana has plenty for tourists, whether you’re just stopping over for a day or making this your base from which to explore the country. Start with centre-of-town landmarks like Skanderbeg Square, the National Historical Museum and the pyramid built by the country’s former ruler (particularly cool at night). Tirana Park is a sprawling park and garden worth visiting during the day or evening. People come here to exercise, picnic, play and walk, or sit by the gorgeous lake. Come evening, Blokku is packed with restaurants, dessert bars and cocktail bars with a cool vibe. Another great place for food is the former castle district, which was recently renovated into a trendy shopping and dining spot.

Discover Tirana’s vibrant atmosphere

Tirana, the capital city of Albania, is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the country’s vibrant atmosphere. The city is known for its colorful buildings, lively nightlife, and eclectic architecture. Start your exploration at Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city, where you can find numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. Dive into Albania’s rich history and culture by visiting the National History Museum, which offers a comprehensive look at the country’s past. For art enthusiasts, the National Gallery of Arts showcases a diverse collection of Albanian art. Tirana is also a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains, with many hiking trails and scenic views just a short drive away.

Visit the iconic Et’hem Bey Mosque

The Et’hem Bey Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Tirana and a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts. Built in the 18th century, this mosque is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate frescoes. As you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the detailed artwork that adorns the walls and ceilings. The mosque stands as a testament to Albania’s Ottoman past, offering a glimpse into the architectural and cultural influences that have shaped the country. A visit to the Et’hem Bey Mosque provides a deeper understanding of Albania’s rich heritage and its enduring traditions.

Explore the National Museum of Albania

The National Museum of Albania is a treasure trove of the country’s rich history and culture. Located in Tirana, this museum features a wide range of exhibits that span from ancient times to the modern era. Wander through galleries filled with artefacts from the Illyrian, Greek, and Roman periods, and marvel at the Ottoman-era relics that tell the story of Albania’s diverse past. The museum also offers insights into the country’s communist history, with exhibits that shed light on this tumultuous period. Additionally, you can explore displays of traditional Albanian clothing, jewellery, and handicrafts, providing a comprehensive look at the nation’s cultural heritage.

Day trips from Tirana:

• Ride the Dajti Express Cable Car for an epic view of the city
• Visit Durrës beach
• Hike the Cape of Rodon
• Explore Krujë with its stunning castle, fun bazaar and great scenery

If you’re looking to get more off the beaten track in Albania, you should head for Lake Ohrid in the north, on the border with North Macedonia. The main town on the lake shore is Pogradec – a small, sleepy resort with a lake beach and incredible scenery. It’s the perfect spot for a few days’ laid-back holiday, swimming in the lake, soaking up the sun and walking the countryside. There are plenty of casual eateries, shops and facilities in Pogradec too. You can also stay a short drive inland in Korçë. This small but lively tourist town has museums, shops and plenty of hotels and restaurants to choose from.

Where to stay near Ohrid:

• Pogradec – the main town
• Lin – a quaint lakeside village
• Korçë – a 45-minute drive away

It may not be well known, but Albania has a rich history of viniculture, with its own specialist wine-growing regions and estates, complemented by delicious food. You can taste local Albanian wine throughout the country, as its readily available in restaurants, wine shops and supermarkets and at very reasonable prices. There is also a burgeoning wine-tourism industry here too, with everything from wine and cooking experiences to wine region tours by 4x4. Berat is right in the heart of wine country, and so is the ideal spot from which to sample the local tipples, but you’ll also find wine tours in Tirana and Durrës too.

Well-Known Wineries in Albania:

• Çobo Winery – near Berat
• Alpeta Agritourism & Winery – near Berat
• Kantina Kallmeti – Lezhë, close to Shkodër
• Uka Farm – agritourism on the outskirts of Tirana

Albanian history is sombre and fascinating, while its ancient history is rich and varied. To really get to grips with the country, you’ll want to understand more about how it came to its modern state and what has influenced its development across the decades and centuries. In Tirana, Bunk’Art 2 and the House of Leaves are two museums well worth checking out to get insight into Albania’s recent past. To learn more about the ancient history of the region, check out Butrint Archeological Park. The country is littered with bunkers that speak to its communist era, as well as castles and ruins from previous centuries.

Castles to explore in Albania:

• Kalaja e Lëkurësit – just outside Sarandë
• Himarë Castle
• Kanina Castle – near Vlorë
• Castle of Gjirokastra
• Berat Castle
• Castle of Kruja