Albania: 20 Must-See Attractions
Here are the top 20 must-see attractions in Albania. This is a small country at only 11.100 square miles (28.748 square kilometres) and has a population of just less than three million. However, there are plenty of things to do and see in Albania. Albania is sure to please, with its stunning beaches and beautiful archaeological sites.
The breathtaking Lake Koman
Lake Koman is home to some of the most stunning scenery on the Balkan Peninsula. The ferry trip is one of Europe’s most popular boat trips. It takes you from the hydroelectric dam at Koman to the port at Fierza, which is a small mountainous community.
Shkodra is Albania’s cultural capital.
Because of its many events, photography museum and theatre, as well as its historic castle and lifestyle, Shkodra is often considered the cultural capital of Albania. It is the biggest town in the northern part of Albania and is often used as a base for visiting the mountains.
BunkArt in Tirana
Tirana, one of the most vibrant capitals on the Balkan Peninsula has many museums and galleries that are well worth a visit. The BunkArt is a magnificent bunker that was built in the town’s outskirts in the 1970s by former dictator Enver Hoxha. If you are interested in learning more about Albania’s Communist past, this is the place to go.
Gjirokaster, a UNESCO-listed town
Gjirokaster is one of the most beautiful destinations in Albania and the Balkans. This small town, located in the southern part of the country, was chosen by UNESCO to be one of its heritage sites. It is known for its Ottoman architecture. Gjirokaster boasts one of the most stunning castles in the country with spectacular views over the entire city.
Berat, The City of a Thousand Windows
It is located in central Albania. Berat is the oldest town in the country. Because of the many windows on the buildings’ façades, it is known as “The City of a Thousand Windows”. Berat has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2008. This is not only because of its beauty but also because it is a rare example of religious tolerance.
Kruja’s old city
Kruja, 40 minutes from Tirana’s capital, is the home of the National Ethnographic Museum. It is located in a castle that boasts stunning views over the Adriatic Sea. The fortress was where George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, an Albanian hero, defended the country against the Ottoman invasion for nearly three decades. You should also visit the old bazaar to pick up souvenirs.
Porto Palermo Castle
Porto Palermo is located near Himara, a beautiful fortress that’s also known as Ali Pasha Tepelena. According to legend, the castle was built by Ali Pasha Tepelena, an Albanian administrator in Ioannina. The castle boasts stunning views of the Ionian Sea and surrounding mountains.
Lively Saranda
Saranda is a tourist destination that is well-known for its beautiful beaches. Beautiful beaches It has a vibrant nightlife. It’s located between Corfu (Greek island), which can be reached by a 40-minute boat ride, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Butrint is The most important archaeological park in Albania.
The City of Serenades in Korca
Korca, in the southeast of Albania near the Macedonian border, is one of the major cultural centres. It is well-known for its beer Korca, an old bazaar that was recently renovated, its largest Orthodox church, its ancient villas and the Education museum, which is located in the building where the first Albanian school was opened in 1887. The most well-known Balkan song, the serenades, is Korca.
Syri I Kalter
Syri I Kalter is a stunning natural spot in Albania, nestled between Gjirokaster and Saranda. It is a natural spring that is more than 50m deep. Locals enjoy the hot summer days.
Valbona Valley National Park
Valbona, hidden between the Albanian Alps is a national park that boasts stunning views, alpine landscapes and glaciers, forests, waterfalls and natural reserves. It forms a unique untouched ecosystem.
Butrint Archaeological Park
Butrint has been inhabited since prehistoric times. It was once a Greek colony and a Roman colony. It is the most well-known and largest archaeological park in Albania and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the theatre, baptistery, and basilica. The museum houses artefacts from the ancient region and is located in the uptown.
Pogradec, a lake-side town
Pogradec is a small, picturesque town on the shores of Lake Ohrid. It is located between Albania and Macedonia and is one of the most popular destinations in the country. Pogradec is a popular summer destination in Albania because of its beaches and lively nightlife.
Dardha is the best ski resort in Albania
Dardha, a small village located near Korca is one of the most popular ski areas in Albania. Dardha is now the most popular winter destination in Albania and is a favourite spot for both skiers as well as hikers.
Theth: Rugged beauty
Hidden amongst the Albanian Alps is theth. This natural area is one of Albania’s most stunning. Theth is a great place for hikers and nature-lovers, as it is situated in dramatic mountainous scenery and is surrounded by nature. There are many activities available.
Vlora, Karaburun’s unspoiled peninsula
Vlora is the largest town along the south coast of Albania. It is home to important historical sites such as Kanina castle and Zvernec islands but is most well-known as the place where Albania declared independence more than 100 years ago. Every day, with the help Teuta Boat Tours It is possible to reach the stunning Karaburun Peninsula (and nearby Sazan Island), a remote area with breathtaking beaches.
Llogara Pass
Llogara is a beautiful natural landscape in Albania, located between Vlora (the first beach on the Albanian Riviera) and Palase (the second). It is extremely dangerous, and the stunning panorama makes it even more so. But be careful and bring your camera to capture amazing shots.
The Balkans’ largest amphitheatre
Durres is most well-known as the country’s main port, but it is also one of the oldest towns in Albania. The largest amphitheatre in the Balkans is located in Durres, just behind the port. A fascinating archaeological museum is also located in Durres, which preserves artefacts from the theatre environment.
Apollonia, the city of Apollo
Apollonia is located near the industrial city of Fier. It’s located between Tirana (Vlora) and Tirana. This historic city was once the capital of Europe and should be visited by all travellers to Albania. Apollonia was also where Octavian Augustus studied before he became Roman emperor.
