22 Unforgettable Places to Visit in Albania

While Tirana and the Albanian Riviera tend to draw most international visitors to this Balkan nation, Albania has dozens of lesser-known destinations that offer incredible value for travelers, combining rich history and authentic local experiences without the usual tourist crowds.

From ancient archaeological sites to quiet mountain villages, here are 22 places across Albania worth exploring, whether you’re seeking coastal escapes along the Ionian Sea or cultural encounters in the country’s traditional inland communities.

Tirana

Experience Albania’s energetic capital city, where old meets new in unexpected ways. Skanderbeg Square serves as the beating heart of Tirana, surrounded by colorful buildings and the National History Museum with its iconic socialist mosaic. Take a ride on the Dajti Express cable car for views over the entire city, or spend an afternoon exploring the trendy Blloku district, once reserved for Communist officials but now filled with cool cafes and restaurants. History buffs should visit Bunk’Art, a massive Cold War bunker turned museum that tells the story of Albania’s past. For the best local food scene, head to the New Bazaar, where you can sample traditional dishes and fresh produce while chatting with friendly vendors.

Berat

Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat sits about 60 miles south of Tirana in central Albania. Like other historic towns in the Balkans, Berat features Ottoman-era architecture and hilltop fortifications, but what sets it apart is its unique cityscape of white Ottoman houses climbing up the hillside, their windows seemingly watching over the Osum River below. Thanks to its strategic position along ancient trade routes, Berat became home to both Christians and Muslims who lived together peacefully for centuries, leaving behind a mix of churches, mosques, and traditional houses that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. You’ll find the locals still living in these centuries-old homes, maintaining traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Gjirokastër

Known as the “City of Stone,” Gjirokastër draws visitors with its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and imposing castle that watches over the city from its hilltop perch. While many come to explore the UNESCO-listed old town with its characteristic slate-roofed houses, the destination also serves as a gateway to the rugged Albanian highlands. The castle houses a military museum and offers views across the Drino Valley, but the real magic lies in wandering the cobblestone streets of the bazaar area, where local artisans still practice traditional crafts. During summer, the Gjirokastër Folk Festival fills the ancient streets with Albanian music, dance, and colorful traditional costumes, though the city’s museums and historic homes make it worth visiting any time of year.

Saranda

Many travelers flock to Saranda for its pebbled beaches along the Albanian Riviera, but this coastal gem offers much more than just seaside relaxation. The town sits across from the Greek island of Corfu, treating visitors to clear blue waters and a pleasant Mediterranean climate year-round. While the beaches draw crowds in summer months, Saranda’s ancient ruins, including the UNESCO-listed Butrint National Park, provide fascinating glimpses into Roman and Greek history. You’ll find plenty of waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and local wines, and the nearby Blue Eye Spring offers a unique natural phenomenon that keeps visitors coming back throughout the year.

Butrint National Park

Located in the southernmost tip of Albania, Butrint National Park feels like stepping into an open-air museum where ancient civilizations left their mark. Unlike other archaeological sites in the Balkans, this UNESCO World Heritage site combines ruins from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian times all in one compact area. As you walk along the old stone paths, you’ll spot everything from a well-preserved Greek amphitheater to medieval towers rising above the tree line. The park’s position on a peninsula surrounded by a saltwater lagoon makes it even more special – local fishermen still cast their nets in these waters just as their ancestors did centuries ago. Thanks to its remote location and lack of overdevelopment, Butrint gives visitors a genuine glimpse into Albania’s rich past without the usual tourist crowds.

Shkodër

Located in northern Albania, Shkodër sits where the sparkling waters of Lake Skadar meet the Albanian Alps. I first visited this ancient city in 2019, drawn by its rich history as Albania’s cultural capital. The iconic Rozafa Castle, perched on a rocky hill overlooking the city, has kept watch over Shkodër since Illyrian times. The pedestrian boulevard Pedonalja buzzes with locals enjoying their daily xhiro (evening walk), while the nearby Venice Art Mask Factory shows off the city’s creative spirit. What really makes Shkodër special is its position as a gateway to the Albanian Alps – rent a bike to explore the surrounding countryside, or use the city as your base before heading into the mountains for some of Albania’s best hiking trails.

Theth National Park

Tucked away in the Albanian Alps, Theth National Park feels like nature’s hidden playground, untouched by modern development. The remote village of Theth sits at the heart of the park, where traditional stone houses dot the landscape and local families still live much as their ancestors did centuries ago. What sets this park apart is how the jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains create a natural amphitheater around the valley, with crystal-clear rivers cutting through meadows filled with wildflowers. Hikers come from all over to tackle the famous trail to Valbona Pass, but it’s the simple pleasure of watching shepherds tend their flocks and sharing homemade raki with locals that makes Theth feel like a glimpse into Albania’s mountain soul.

Krujë

Many history buffs come to Krujë for its medieval castle and Ottoman-era bazaar, but this hilltop town offers much more than just its famous fortress. Perched high in the mountains north of Tirana, Krujë served as the center of Albania’s resistance against the Ottoman Empire under national hero Skanderbeg. The old bazaar’s cobblestone streets are lined with traditional craftsmen selling handwoven carpets, silver filigree, and wooden carvings, while the nearby Skanderbeg Museum tells the tale of Albania’s 15th-century struggle for independence. Whether you’re interested in exploring the castle’s ancient walls, bargaining for authentic Albanian crafts, or simply taking in the mountain views over a traditional meal, Krujë provides a perfect glimpse into Albania’s rich cultural heritage.

Blue Eye Spring

The Blue Eye Spring might be one of the most mysterious natural wonders I’ve encountered in Albania. This deep natural pool, located in the country’s south, draws visitors with its peculiar optical illusion – a dark blue center surrounded by lighter turquoise rings, creating an effect that truly looks like a giant eye staring up from the earth. The spring’s crystal-clear waters bubble up from more than 50 meters deep, and while the brave souls among us might be tempted to dive in, the near-freezing temperatures year-round make it more of a looking-rather-than-swimming spot. Getting here requires a bumpy ride down unpaved roads through the Albanian countryside, but watching the hypnotic dance of the underwater bubbles while perched on the viewing platform makes every jolting moment worth it.

Durrës

Ever walked on ancient Roman stones while feeling the gentle Adriatic breeze? That’s daily life in Durrës, Albania’s main port city just 35 kilometers from Tirana. This 3000-year-old coastal gem mixes history and beach life, where you can explore one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the Balkans in the morning and lounge on the long stretch of golden sand by afternoon. The bustling seafront promenade comes alive during summer evenings, filled with locals sipping espresso and families enjoying fresh seafood at traditional restaurants. You can also climb the distinctive Byzantine walls or visit the Archaeological Museum, home to some of the country’s most important artifacts from ancient Illyrian times.

Apollonia Archaeological Park

History buffs and archaeology enthusiasts won’t want to miss Apollonia Archaeological Park, one of Albania’s most significant ancient sites. This former Greek colony, founded in the 6th century BC, sits on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic Sea and gives visitors a glimpse into life during the Roman Empire. As you walk through the ruins, you’ll come across the remains of a library, gymnasium, and a remarkably preserved 2nd-century theater. The small on-site museum, housed in a 13th-century monastery, displays artifacts found during excavations. It’s not just the ruins that make this place special – the peaceful countryside setting and views of the surrounding plains make it an ideal spot to spend a few hours getting lost in ancient history.

Himara

Nestled along Albania’s southern coast, Himara is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret Mediterranean paradise. This laid-back coastal town combines the best of two worlds – crystal-clear turquoise waters lapping against white pebble beaches below, and a historic castle-topped old town perched on the hillside above. Walking through the narrow streets of the old quarter, you’ll hear both Greek and Albanian being spoken, a reminder of the area’s rich cultural heritage. The town comes alive in summer when visitors and locals gather at beachfront restaurants to enjoy fresh seafood and local wine, but even in the off-season, Himara maintains its authentic charm and relaxed atmosphere.

Ksamil

Ever dreamed of swimming in crystal-clear turquoise waters that rival the Caribbean? That’s what you’ll find in Ksamil, a small beach town on Albania’s southern coast where the Ionian Sea creates perfect swimming conditions. This hidden gem, just a 15-minute drive from the ancient city of Butrint, offers a string of small beaches dotted with umbrella-topped sunbeds and casual beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood. You can hop on a boat to explore the four tiny islands just offshore, perfect for snorkeling among schools of colorful fish, or relax at one of the laid-back beach bars where locals and tourists mix over cold beers and plates of grilled octopus.

Albanian Riviera

Ever wondered what it’s like to swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters without the tourist crowds of the Mediterranean? That’s what you’ll find along the Albanian Riviera, a hidden gem stretching from Vlorë to Sarandë along Albania’s southern coast. Small fishing villages dot the shoreline, while pristine beaches like Drymades and Gjipe Beach remain refreshingly undiscovered. The coastal road winds through olive groves and past traditional stone villages, offering spots where you can pull over for fresh seafood at family-run restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to explore Butrint National Park nearby, where ancient Greek and Roman ruins peek out from dense Mediterranean forest.

Lake Koman

Ever floated through a maze of towering limestone cliffs rising straight from emerald waters? That’s what awaits at Lake Koman, a man-made wonder tucked away in Albania’s northern mountains. This three-hour ferry journey feels like cruising through fjords, where narrow passageways open up into wide valleys and local families hop on and off wooden boats at tiny makeshift docks. It’s one of Europe’s most scenic boat rides, cutting through what locals call the “Grand Canyon of Albania.” You can spot eagles soaring overhead and traditional stone houses clinging to the rocky slopes, while fishermen cast their lines into the crystal-clear depths below.

Rozafa Castle

Have you ever walked the ancient stone steps of a fortress that’s withstood nearly 2,000 years of history? That’s exactly what awaits at Rozafa Castle, perched high above the city of Shkodër where three rivers meet. This impressive fortress tells the tale of Roman, Venetian, and Ottoman rule, with its thick walls offering some of the best views across northern Albania. Local legend speaks of a young woman named Rozafa who was buried alive in the castle walls – a sacrifice believed necessary to keep the fortress standing. Today, you can explore the museum inside, climb the weathered ramparts, and enjoy a coffee at the hilltop café while gazing out at the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Llogara National Park

The Llogara National Park stands as one of Albania’s most impressive natural treasures. Perched high in the Ceraunian Mountains, this protected area draws visitors who come to experience its dramatic landscape where the mountains seem to dive straight into the Ionian Sea below. The winding road through the park, known as Llogara Pass, climbs to over 3,300 feet and offers some of the country’s most memorable views. What really makes this place special isn’t just the scenery – it’s the way ancient beech forests meet Mediterranean vegetation, creating unique habitats for wildlife like golden eagles and fallow deer. Pack a picnic and your hiking boots, because the network of trails here lets you explore everything from dense woods to windswept ridges.

Lake Ohrid

Straddling the border between Albania and North Macedonia, Lake Ohrid holds a special place in my heart as one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. This ancient body of water, formed over 3 million years ago, creates a natural paradise where crystal-clear waters meet rugged mountain landscapes. The Albanian side of the lake offers a quieter, more laid-back experience compared to its Macedonian counterpart, with small fishing villages dotting the shoreline and hidden beaches waiting to be discovered. It’s not just the natural beauty that draws visitors – the area is rich with history, featuring medieval churches and ancient ruins that tell stories of civilizations past. Whether you’re swimming in the cool waters, exploring the nearby Lin Peninsula, or simply watching local fishermen bring in their daily catch, Lake Ohrid offers a slice of Albanian life that feels wonderfully unchanged by time.

Drymades Beach

Located along Albania’s southern coast, Drymades Beach feels like a secret that Europe hasn’t quite discovered yet. Unlike the packed beaches of Greece or Croatia, this stretch of pristine white pebbles and clear blue waters remains wonderfully low-key. The beach sits at the bottom of rugged hills dotted with olive trees, where local shepherds still tend their flocks just like they have for generations. What makes Drymades special isn’t just its natural beauty – it’s the way it combines the laid-back vibe of a hidden cove with just enough beachside tavernas serving fresh seafood and cold beers. You won’t find big resorts or crowds here, just wooden umbrellas, family-run guesthouses, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that’s getting harder to find along the Mediterranean.

Pogradec

Nestled along the shores of Lake Ohrid, Pogradec has become one of my favorite spots in Albania’s southeastern region. This lakeside town offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and local culture, where families gather at waterfront restaurants to enjoy fresh fish caught that morning while looking out at the mountains reflected in the crystal-clear waters. The beach promenade comes alive in summer when both locals and visitors stroll along the shore, stopping at cafes or taking boat rides across the lake. It’s not the most famous destination in Albania, but those who make their way here discover a peaceful retreat where life moves at a slower pace and the connection between the town and its ancient lake runs deep.

Korçë

Located in southeastern Albania, Korçë draws visitors with its blend of Ottoman architecture and European influences, but this charming city offers much more than its historic buildings. The well-preserved old bazaar serves as the cultural heart of the city, where locals gather to shop, dine, and share stories over cups of traditional Albanian coffee. During winter months, Korçë becomes a gateway to nearby skiing destinations, while summer brings the Korçë Beer Festival, one of Albania’s largest celebrations featuring local brews, regional food, and live music. Whether you’re exploring the Medieval Museum, wandering through the tree-lined boulevards, or sampling specialties at one of the many traditional tavernas, Korçë provides a genuine glimpse into Albanian daily life.