Things to do in Albania: The Balkan Nation’s Allure

Imagine a country that’s Europe’s geographical plot twist — wedged between Greece’s ancient ruins, Montenegro’s fjords, and the Adriatic’s sapphire glow. Albania’s like that friend who shows up to a black—tie event in hiking boots and somehow pulls it off. Forty years behind the Iron Curtain? Now it’s flipping the script: communist bunkers turned into art galleries, shepherds herding goats past Unesco sites, and beaches so untouched you’ll question every “paradise” you’ve ever paid €20 for a sunbed at.

It’s that sweet spot between “too raw things to do in Albania” and “too polished.” Think of it like a teenager’s glow—up — new roads and Wi-Fi, but still blushes when you compliment its beauty. Last summer, I watched German backpackers and Italian retirees bond over €1.50 espressos in Himarë. That’s Albania now: equal parts discovery and déjà vu. Let’s discover where to visit in Albania together.

Theth National Park

The first answer to “where to go in Albania” question. A valley forgotten by time, cradled by razor—sharp peaks that claw at the sky. Welcome to Theth National Park — a high—mountain paradise where jagged cliffs play tag with the clouds. Here, the Theth Waterfall doesn’t just cascade — it roars, a relentless drum solo echoing through limestone giants.

But it’s not all raw wilderness. Scattered like ancient chess pieces, you’ll find kullas — those iconic stone bunkers where Albanian history comes alive. These aren’t quaint cottages — each thick—walled fortress whispers of tribal vendettas and shockingly warm bread shared with strangers. Blood feuds? Check. Legendary hospitality? Double—check.

• Breathtaking mountain vistas 
• Encounters with local shepherds 
• Crystal—clear mountain streams 
• Traditional Albanian mountain cuisine 
• Authentic guesthouses run by local families

Tirana

Tirana doesn’t just buzz — it throbs. Imagine a city that traded its communist—era concrete shell for a technicolor dreamcoat. Those drab apartment blocks? Now they’re splashed with neon geometric patterns and surreal murals, like a giant spilled a paintbox while breakdancing.

At its core, Skanderbeg Square morphs from Ottoman relic to communist parade ground to modern hangout — all in one glance. Teenagers skateboard past the Et’hem Bey Mosque’s delicate frescoes, while nonnas sip macchiatos nearby, unfazed by the honking Fiats. It’s history doing the tango with a side of diesel fumes.

• The colorful New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri) 
• Bunk’Art  —  a fascinating museum inside a massive bunker
• The trendy Blloku district with its cafés and nightlife
• The Grand Park, offering a peaceful escape 
• Sky Tower for panoramic city views

Saranda

Saranda clings to the cliffs like a sun—drunk lizard, tail dipping into turquoise where the Ionian Sea slams into limestone mountains. By day, it’s all sugar—cube houses stacked like a toddler’s building blocks; by night, the bay winks with a necklace of harbor lights.

But this isn’t just another Mediterranean postcard. Saranda’s secret sauce? It’s Albania’s ultimate launching pad. From here, you can day—trip to Butrint’s spooky Roman ruins (ghostly amphitheater included), then cannonball into Ksamil’s Caribbean—grade shallows by lunch.

• Lëkurësi Castle with its panoramic views
• The ancient city of Butrint (UNESCO site)
• Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër)
• Fresh seafood restaurants along the coast
• Regular ferry connections to Corfu

Ksamil

Let’s get this straight — Ksamil is the Maldives’ Mediterranean cousin who shows up uninvited and instantly becomes the life of the party. Those four dollop—sized islands? You can practically wink at them from shore. Wade out waist—deep and suddenly you’re Robinson Crusoe (if Crusoe packed a waterproof selfie stick).

The water’s not just clear — it’s stupid clear. We’re talking “spot fish debating your swimsuit choice” clear. Underneath your toes, pebbles gleam like antique marbles, while the Ionian slaps the coast in shades of blue so electric you’d swear Poseidon licked the color straight from a Gatorade bottle.

• Island hopping by pedal boat
• Snorkeling in crystal—clear waters
• Beachside restaurants serving fresh mussels
• Sunset views from elevated restaurants
• Day trips to nearby Butrint National Park

Korça

Korça struts like Paris’s long—lost Balkan cousin  —  the one who swaps Bordeaux for raki and croissants for flaky byrek. Those Haussmann—style boulevards? They’re just the opening act. Follow the cobbled streets (wearing their wrought—iron balconies like jewelry) and you’ll tumble into an Ottoman—era bazaar where butchers haggle over lamb cuts and old men play dominoes under faded awnings.

Winter here isn’t just a season  —  it’s a mood. Imagine those Frenchified facades frosted like sugar—dusted gingerbread, smoke curling from chimney pots as the korçare (locals) shuffle to cafés in shearling coats. The real magic? When the first snowfall muffles the city, and the only sounds are skates scraping frozen Liqeni i Parkut and spoons clinking in bowls of kungull me kos (pumpkin yogurt stew).

• The Old Bazaar’s traditional shops
• Albania’s first brewery (Birra Korça)
• The largest Orthodox cathedral in Albania
• Traditional Serenata music festivals
• Local specialty: lakror (traditional pie)

Berat

Picture a hillside that’s part honeycomb, part open—air museum, where 14th—century Ottoman mansions scramble over each other like giggling kids jostling for a river view. Those thousand panes? They’re not passive observers. By dawn, they catch the sun like a chorus of flashbulbs; by dusk, they glow like amber—lit dioramas of lace curtains and simmering tavë kosi.

But here’s the twist: UNESCO got it half—right. Yes, it’s a frozen—in—time masterpiece  —  but lean closer. Those cobbled alleys reek of wet stone and wood—fired ovens. Old women yell gossip across window—to—window clotheslines, their voices bouncing off the Osum River’s lazy gurgle. It’s a place where history doesn’t sit behind glass  —  you trip over it. Literally. (Watch your step on those uneven stairs.)

• Berat Castle with living quarters still inhabited
• Onufri Museum with iconic religious art
• Traditional handicraft shops
• White stone mosques and churches
• Local wine tasting experiences

Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra doesn’t do subtlety. This isn’t a city  —  it’s a landslide of slate roofs frozen mid—tumble, every Ottoman house armored in stone like the Balkans’ answer to Game of Thrones. UNESCO calls it a “museum city,” but that’s like calling a dragon a lizard. Those zigzagging alleys? They’re not streets — they’re a stone—stitched labyrinth where donkeys still haul firewood past 17th—century merchant mansions. This is one of the unique places to visit in Albania.

• The imposing Gjirokastra Castle
• Traditional houses turned museums
• The Old Bazaar’s artisan shops
• Local qifqi (rice balls) specialty
• Stunning valley views

Llogara National Park

Llogara is where the Dinaric Alps throw a tantrum and hurl themselves into the sea. The Llogara Pass? More like Mother Nature’s rollercoaster — a dizzying corkscrew road clawing up 1,027 meters where guardrails seem optional and adrenaline’s included in the price of gas.

Hold onto your hat. One minute you’re squinting through pine forests so thick they blot out the sun, the next  —  bam  —  the world drops away. Suddenly, you’re a god peering down at the Albanian Riviera, where beaches coil like turquoise serpents and fishing boats bob like bath toys.

• World—class paragliding opportunities
• Ancient pine forests
• Mountain hiking trails
• Traditional mountain restaurants
• Wildlife observation points

Dhërmi

Nestled between mountains and sea, Dhërmi represents the perfect blend of natural beauty and beach life. This village, with its traditional stone houses cascading down to pristine beaches, offers some of the most picturesque views along the Albanian Riviera. The crystal—clear waters and white pebble beaches stretch for kilometers, while hidden coves await discovery. 

• Dhërmi Beach, one of Albania’s finest
• Drymades Beach for a more secluded experience
• Traditional Greek—influenced architecture
• Monastery of St. Theodore
• Vibrant beach bars and restaurants

Kruja

The spiritual heart of Albanian resistance, Kruja stands as a testament to the country’s fighting spirit. This historic town, perched dramatically on a mountainside, was the center of Skanderbeg’s rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.

• The restored Kruja Castle
• Traditional Ottoman—style bazaar
• Skanderbeg Museum
• Ethnographic Museum
• Panoramic mountain views
• Local handicraft shopping

Shkodra

Albania’s cultural capital — offers one of the best things to do in Albania. Shkodra boasts a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. This cycling—friendly city offers a unique blend of cultural attractions and natural beauty. The city’s Italian influence is evident in its café culture and architecture. 

• Rozafa Castle with its legendary history
• The pedestrian boulevard Kole Idromeno
• Marubi National Photography Museum
• Lake Shkodra, the largest in the Balkans
• The Lead Mosque
• Venice Art Mask Factory

Durres

One of the best places to visit in Albania. Ancient meets modern in this coastal city, where Roman ruins sit alongside beach resorts. As Albania’s main port, Durres has been a crucial gateway for centuries. The city’s rich archaeological heritage makes it a fascinating destination for history buffs.

• Roman Amphitheater
• Archaeological Museum
• Beach promenade
• Byzantine city walls
• Royal Villa
• Modern beach resorts

Lin

Considered to be one of the best places in Albania by both locals and tourists. This peaceful peninsula jutting into Lake Ohrid offers a glimpse of traditional Albanian lake life. The village, with its red—roofed houses and narrow streets, seems frozen in time.

• Ancient mosaics
• Traditional fishing culture
• Lake swimming spots
• Fresh fish restaurants
• Stunning sunset views
• Peaceful walking trails

Përmet

If you are still looking what to do in Albania, this is the place to visit. Known as the “City of Roses,” Përmet charms visitors with its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The town is famous for its food traditions and thermal springs. 

• Benja Thermal Baths
• Traditional raki distilleries
• Local folk music traditions
• River stone bridges
• Mountain hiking trails
• Famous local gliko (preserves)

Porto Palermo

This hidden military fortress turned tourist attraction offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The triangular castle, built by Ali Pasha of Tepelena, stands guard over one of Albania’s most beautiful bays. 

• Ali Pasha’s Castle
• Secluded beaches
• Underground tunnels
• Crystal—clear waters
• Snorkeling spots
• Sunset viewing points

Concluding the guide of Albania places to visit

Craggy mountains where shepherds still whistle to their flocks, and turquoise coves so empty you’ll swear you’ve Photoshopped the crowds out. Albania isn’t just a destination — it’s that aha moment when you realize Europe still has surprises up its sleeve.

Sure, Croatia has yachts. Greece has postcard sunsets. But Albania? It’s where your euro stretches like warm byrek dough. Roads are smoother than a decade ago (mostly), but you’ll still find farmhouse stays where breakfast eggs come from the backyard chickens. Pro tip from a 2023 traveler: “Booked a €40/night villa with a private olive grove. Felt like I hacked the system.”

Secret things to do in Albania:

• Coastline: The Riviera’s not just beaches  —  it’s cliffside seafood shacks where octopus costs less than your morning latte.
• Mountains: The Accursed Peaks? More like enchanted. Hike past waterfalls locals swear are guarded by fairies.
• Time Travel: In Berat’s white Ottoman houses, laundry flaps like 18th—century flags. In Tirana’s Blloku district, communist bunkers morph into edgy cocktail bars.
• Local Truth: That “raw charm” everyone mentions? It’s kids kicking soccer balls past Roman ruins. It’s grandmas pressing honey—soaked baklava into your hands like you’re their long—lost grandkid. Furthermore, it’s the bartender who sketches you a hiking map on a napkin — then refuses payment for your espresso.

When to Go: Coastal sun seekers, aim for May—September  —  think golden beaches and Adriatic breezes. Mountain lovers? April—October offers crisp hikes and wildflower valleys. Pro tip: Visit in shoulder seasons (May or Sept) to dodge crowds and score better deals.

Getting Around: Rent a car for freedom (yes, those Instagram—worthy mountain roads are worth it!), but fair warning: Albanian roads can be… adventurous. Think winding paths and occasional potholes. GPS? Sometimes shrugs and says, “Good luck!” Download offline maps.

Where to Stay: Hard to choose: Albania best places to visit reaches dozens. Coastal towns like Ksamil get packed. Prefer spontaneity? Try guesthouses in lesser—known villages  —  Albanian hosts often treat you like family. Once, a host insisted I join her for homemade raki… at 10 AM.

Language Hacks: “Faleminderit” (thank you) and “Mirëdita” (good day) go a long way. English works in tourist spots, but toss in a local phrase — you’ll earn grins (and maybe extra baklava).

Cash is King: Lekë is the currency. Cards work in cities, but cash rules in villages. That tiny seaside café with life—changing byrek? Probably cash—only.

Eat Like a Local:

• Tavë kosi (lemony lamb & yogurt bake)  —  sounds weird, tastes like heaven.
• Byrek  —  flaky, cheesy, eat—it—while—walking perfection.
• Coffee culture is serious here. Say “yes” if a local invites you for a cup  —  it’s less about caffeine, more about connection.

Cultural Gold: Albanians take hospitality to Olympic levels. If someone invites you home for dinner (hint: say yes), expect a feast and stories about Skanderbeg. Don’t praise their rug — they might gift it to you.

Why Albania? It’s Europe’s under—the—radar rockstar. Where else can you explore Roman ruins at sunrise, lunch on €5 fresh squid, then hike Accursed Mountains by afternoon? Pack curiosity  —  and stretchy pants.

Places in Albania dobest things to do in Albanian’t need your visit. That’s the beauty. No velvet ropes, no staged “cultural experiences.” Just salt—of—the—earth warmth and landscapes that’ll make your Instagram followers DM: “Wait… THAT’S Albania?! That’s how many things to do in Albania!”

Pack hiking boots, an empty stomach, and one rule: Say “po” (yes) to every invitation. That’s how adventures begin here.