Albania: 11 Best Places for Your Holiday

In recent years, Albania has been attracting more and more travelers who long for beautiful beaches, unique historical sites, and especially an authentic atmosphere. This country truly has a lot to offer, and every visit is worthwhile, if only for the local hospitality.

We’ve crisscrossed this Balkan gem several times and still love coming back – Albania can surprise and delight even in places you wouldn’t expect. In this article, “Albania: 11 Best Places for Your Holiday”, you’ll find a selection of the most interesting places and tips on what to see in Albania and where to definitely head during your road trip.

TL;DR

• If you’re looking for the sea: Ksamil is the most popular, with its turquoise beaches nicknamed “the European Maldives”. However, we have a special article about coastal destinations that you can read here.
• What not to miss on a road trip: Definitely don’t miss the city of Berat with its “thousand windows”, historic Gjirokastër (the stone city), Butrint National Park (UNESCO), and the Blue Eye.
• For mountain lovers: Head to Valbona Valley and the village of Theth in the Albanian Alps, or to the dramatic Komani Lake, reminiscent of Norwegian fjords.
• Historical Sights: Visit Kruja Castle, the capital city Tirana (surprisingly pleasant), and Kalaja Castle in Korça (even though not much remains of it today).

1) Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park is one of Albania’s most significant natural and historical sites. You’ll find it in the south of the country, a short distance from the Ionian Sea coast and also near the Greek border.

This place is a paradise for history lovers. The ancient city of Butrint is full of ruins and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You’ll find Greek, Roman, and Byzantine historical sites scattered in a picturesque setting by the lake.

I recommend visiting if you’re in Ksamil or Saranda; you can book a trip via GetYourGuide.

Butrint is unique primarily in how history intertwines with nature here. In addition to archaeological sites, the park also boasts rich fauna and flora. If you’re lucky, you might spot pelicans, herons, turtles, or otters.

The tranquil surroundings and beautiful lagoon views add to the serenity, home to many rare animals. Thanks to well-marked trails, a walk here is truly pleasant and easy.

Butrint is simply an excellent choice for anyone looking to combine historical exploration with nature.

2) Blue Eye (Syri I Kaltër)

The Blue Eye, also known as Syri i Kaltër, is one of the most famous natural attractions in southern Albania. You’ll find it between the city of Gjirokastër and the resort of Saranda. We took a taxi from Saranda to get here, but next time we’d probably go via GetYourGuide, as it works out better.

It features beautiful, crystal-clear water with an incredibly turquoise hue – it truly looks like a giant blue eye. The deepest point of the spring is over thirty meters deep.

The area around the Blue Eye is green and tranquil, ideal for a short walk. Near the spring, you’ll find benches and a small cafe where you can grab a refreshment.

3) Kruja Castle

Kruja Castle is one of Albania’s most significant historical landmarks. It’s situated on a hill with superb views of the surrounding area and the city of Krujë. The castle dominates the landscape, and a visit offers a pleasant combination of history and nature.

Inside the castle, you can explore a museum dedicated to the national hero Skanderbeg. The museum recounts the story of this famous warrior, and you’ll find many interesting exhibits there.

Additionally, there’s an ethnographic museum where you can glimpse traditional Albanian life. Within the castle walls, the original tower and other parts of the fortress have been preserved.

Around the castle, you’ll find an old bazaar where you can purchase souvenirs and various handicrafts.

4) Theth Village in the Albanian Alps

Getting to Theth was truly an adrenaline rush. Not only do you ascend for about an hour on winding and very narrow roads, then descend again, with Albanians driving like maniacs, but we also did it during a thunderstorm.

There’s nothing in Theth. Not even asphalt. It’s the end of the world. There are a lot of things under construction here, and they do have a beautiful, modern info center. We went inside. Excerpts from conversations:

“Do you have a map of trails we could hike?”
“I don’t have anything on paper; look at the board next to you.”
There wasn’t much on the board.
“Where else can we go this afternoon?”
“Go down there, there are some points of interest to see.”

Okay. But the nature here is beautiful and magical. However, expect trash everywhere, which won’t surprise you much, as we only found one trash can. Finding a bin is as challenging as finding breakfast in the morning (no restaurant serves it).

But now, a bit more about this place. Theth is a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Albanian Alps. It’s surrounded by high peaks and green meadows, which, as I mentioned earlier, is magical. The most famous activities are probably a walk to Grunas waterfall or an ascent to Valbona Pass.

5) Komani Lake

Komani Lake is located in northern Albania, so if you’re driving from the Czech Republic, be sure to stop here for at least 1-2 days. The limestone cliffs around the lake rise up to 600 meters above the water – it’s simply a must-see.

A boat trip on the lake is one of the most popular experiences. If you’re visiting in summer, be sure to book your trip in advance, for example, via GetYourGuide (cancellable). You’ll discover narrow coves and hidden villages that you likely wouldn’t reach otherwise. The atmosphere here is truly calm and feels quite authentic.

Many people compare the surroundings to Norwegian fjords. The combination of clear water and dramatic cliffs makes Komani an attraction for travelers from all over the world.

6) Berat – the City of a Thousand Windows

Berat is one of the most beautiful cities in central Albania. Pit earned the nickname “City of a Thousand Windows” thanks to its white Ottoman houses with large windows, which create a truly unique panorama – especially in the Mangalem and Gorica quarters.

You’ll find a medieval castle, old churches, and mosques here. The city is known for the coexistence of different religions, which gives it a special atmosphere. The city is simply worth a visit, whether you’re a history enthusiast or not. It truly has its charm.

Besides beautiful views of the Osum River, Berat boasts many galleries and museums. Above the city rises Mount Tomorr, which is shrouded in legends. Since 2008, Berat has been on the UNESCO list due to its historical and architectural significance.

Further details about the sights and experiences in Berat can be found in this city guide.

7) Ksamil Beaches

Ksamil is one of Albania’s most famous seaside resorts, sometimes nicknamed “the European Maldives”. You’ll find stunning sandy beaches here, which many consider the most beautiful in the entire country. The beaches are picturesque, with fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, but they can also get quite crowded with tourists.

The main city beach, Plazhi i Ksamilit, is located in the northern part of the town, but all the beaches are beautiful. The best approach is simply to walk around and find your own slice of paradise.

8) Gjirokastër – the Stone City

Gjirokastër is located in southern Albania and is primarily known for its stone houses and narrow streets. It’s often called “the Stone City” precisely because of its ubiquitous architectural style.

Its dominant feature is a vast fortress with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Inside, you’ll find a museum with historical exhibits worth seeing.

Gjirokastër’s center is formed by the Old Bazaar, where you can admire traditional crafts and purchase souvenirs.

A walk through the old town reveals houses with stone roofs and entrances. Many of them house small cafes or galleries, so you definitely won’t get bored there.

Gjirokastër is on the UNESCO list, which only confirms its significance and uniqueness within Albanian cultural heritage. If you enjoy history and architecture, you definitely shouldn’t miss this place. I’m including a nice video below.

9) the Capital City of Tirana

I was a little apprehensive about this city. It surprised us, and not just because of the large number of bicycles. Tirana, the heart of Albania, truly has a unique atmosphere. We originally stopped here just to eat, but we ended up really liking it.

The city center is Skanderbeg Square, featuring a statue of the national hero Skanderbeg.

Popular stops include the National Historical Museum, the largest of its kind in the country. You’ll find exhibitions covering all of Albanian history, which will be appreciated by any history enthusiast.

Also worth visiting are the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Palace of Culture, and the colorful Blloku district, known for its cafes and bustling nightlife. Definitely don’t skip Tirana.

10) Kalaja Castle in Korça

When visiting the Albanian city of Korça, the area between the current “6 Dëshmorët” street, “Shën Gjergjit” boulevard, and the road leading to the market is worth noting. It was precisely here that a medieval castle once stood, boasting an interesting history.

The castle was built in the period after 1496, when the territory was acquired by Iljaz Bey Mirahori, the founder of the city of Korça. The primary reason for its construction was the protection of his wife, the daughter of Sultan Mehmet II. Although no visible remains are on the surface today (wall remnants were accidentally discovered only in 1923 and 2000), the site retains its historical value. .

Practical Information:

• The location is easily accessible on foot from the city center.
• Nearby is the “Vangjush Mio” playground (park).
• For better orientation: the castle was located on the eastern side of the former Morava River (today “Fan Noli” Boulevard).

After the castle’s demise (which lost its significance after Mirahori’s death in 1512), Korça continued to develop. Mirahori transformed the area into a so-called vakuf (exempting it from taxes), which significantly contributed to the prosperity of the entire region.

11) Valbona Valley

Valbona Valley, spanning 8,000 hectares in northern Albania, represents a true gem among the Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps). It lies about 30 km northwest of the city of Bajram Curri and borders Theth National Park, together forming a region called Malësi (Highlands).

You’ll be enchanted by the contrast of rugged mountain peaks like Jezerce, Iron, and Kollata with the peaceful valley through which the Valbona River flows. Valbona village serves as the natural center of the entire area, offering typical mountain accommodation with homemade organic food prepared by locals.

The area is becoming increasingly popular not only among foreign tourists but also among Albanians seeking an escape from the crowded coast. Clean air, rich biodiversity, and the hospitality of the local people make Valbona Valley a perfect destination for all nature lovers.