Top 9 Places To Visit in Albania
Albania packs an incredible variety into a small space—think pristine beaches, dramatic mountains, charming old towns, and buzzing city life. Whether you’re into hiking, history, or just soaking up the sun, here are the top places to check out on your trip:
Tirana
Albania’s capital is vibrant, colorful, and full of character. It’s the perfect starting point to get a feel for the country’s modern side. Tirana mixes old communist architecture with a growing café culture and a surprisingly creative energy.
Top things to do:
Ride the Dajti Express cable car for city and mountain views
Wander the streets of Blloku, the former communist elite neighborhood turned cool hangout
Visit the Bunk’Art museum to learn about Albania’s recent history
Chill in Grand Park or sip coffee at a street café—Tirana has serious café culture
The Albanian Riviera
This stretch of coast is packed with jaw-dropping beaches, scenic drives, and charming towns. You could spend days (or weeks) hopping between them.
Top towns and beaches to visit:
Dhërmi – Trendy and lively with stunning beaches
Borsh – One of the longest beaches in Albania, backed by olive groves
Ksamil – Famous for its white sand and bright turquoise water
Don’t miss:
Driving the dramatic Llogara Pass
Watching sunset from Lukovë or Qeparo
Berat
Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is a UNESCO-listed town that oozes charm. Its white Ottoman houses climb the hillsides, overlooked by a massive hilltop castle.
Top things to do:
Explore the Berat Castle, which still has families living inside
Stroll the Gorica and Mangalem quarters and cross the old stone bridge
Visit the Onufri Iconography Museum inside the castle’s church
Himarë
Himarë deserves its own spotlight—it’s a small beach town on the Albanian Riviera and my personal favorite spot in the whole country. It’s more laid-back than Ksamil or Dhërmi, with a super relaxed vibe, friendly locals, and gorgeous beaches all around.
Top things to do:
Spend a day at Livadhi Beach or hike to secluded Filikuri Beach
Eat fresh seafood right on the waterfront
Wander up to Himarë Castle for sweeping sea views
Use it as a base to explore nearby coves and quiet beaches
Gjirokastër
Another UNESCO World Heritage town, Gjirokastër is all about cobbled streets, stone roofs, and epic mountain views. It feels like stepping back in time.
Top things to do:
Tour the imposing Gjirokastër Castle
Visit the Cold War Tunnel, a creepy-cool relic from communist days
Wander the old bazaar and check out traditional houses like Zekate House
The Albanian Alps (Accursed Mountains)
This northern region is rugged, wild, and seriously beautiful. Perfect for hikers and nature lovers, the Albanian Alps feel like a totally different world compared to the coast.
Top things to do:
Hike the legendary Valbonë to Theth trail
Visit the Blue Eye of Theth, an icy-blue spring hidden deep in the forest
Cool off at the Theth Waterfall
Spend a night in a cozy guesthouse and enjoy hearty mountain food
Shala River
Often called the “Thailand of Albania,” the Shala River is one of the most beautiful and underrated spots in the country. Only accessible by boat, the river winds through dramatic canyons and turquoise water that’s perfect for swimming.
Top things to do:
Take a boat trip from Komani Lake
Swim in the clear (and freezing!) mountain water
Chill at a riverside guesthouse or café surrounded by untouched nature
Shkodër
Often overlooked, Shkodër is a chill northern city with a creative soul and beautiful lake views. It’s also the gateway to the Alps.
Top things to do:
Ride bikes around Lake Shkodër
Climb to Rozafa Castle for panoramic views
Check out the quirky Marubi Photography Museum
Take a day trip to the Accursed Mountains
Sarandë
A lively seaside city and a popular base for exploring the southern coast. It’s also just a quick ferry ride from Corfu, Greece, making it a great entry or exit point.
Top things to do:
Visit the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) – a crystal-clear natural spring surrounded by lush forest
Explore the ancient city of Butrint, one of Albania’s top archaeological sites
Join a boat party or take a day trip along the coast
Eat gelato on the promenade—it's only 50 cents!
