There are such a lot of improbable issues to do in Albania. Whether or not you like getting out in nature and taking off-the-beaten-track adventures or are extra of a metropolis particular person, Albania has you lined.
I spent 3 months exploring Albania as a digital nomad, and there was by no means a uninteresting second. There may be simply such a wide range of various things to do, I beloved my time right here and undoubtedly plan to return.
Albania has turn into standard due to its beautiful shoreline however it’s additionally made up of 70% mountain, which makes it a superb vacation spot for climbing. There are a lot of wonderful cities to discover, and the nation has a captivating historical past and tradition to study.
With a lot to find and so many issues to do in Albania, I assumed I’d put collectively a listing of my favorites.
Greatest Issues To Do in Albania
There are some unimaginable issues to do in Albania. It’s a rustic ready to be explored and combines cosmopolitan cities, gorgeous countryside, and among the finest seashores in Europe. Listed below are a few of my favourite issues to see in Albania.
1. Tirana Strolling Tour
Considered one of my favourite issues to do in Albania is to take a strolling tour in Tirana. Albania has a captivating historical past, significantly its comparatively current communist previous.
This wonderful Tirana strolling tour guides you thru this nation’s lovely capital metropolis and its distinctive historical past. It’ll assist orientate you to discover Tirana by yourself and provide you with an appreciation and perception into the place Albania has come from and the place it’s going.
The three-hour strolling tour is fascinating, and the guides are very educated. They’ve lived by a part of the communist period in Albania, and so that you obtain a very concerned really feel for this era in Albanian historical past.
For me, this is likely one of the finest issues to do in Albania and it’s a superb approach to get to know this wonderful nation.
2. The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye in Albania is likely one of the finest pure vacationer sights in Albania. Positioned within the south of the nation, the Blue Eye is a deep underwater spring that attracts up probably the most extremely blue water into the river and lake on the Blue Eye Nationwide Park.
The Blue Eye is thought to be greater than 50 meters deep. Its true depth is but to be found, because the pressure of the water speeding to the floor prevents divers from getting any deeper.
To get to the Blue Eye, you’ll hike up by the Nationwide Park. It’s a comparatively simple stroll on a paved monitor for round 2 kilometers. While you get there, you’ll be greeted by the gorgeous Blue Eye pure spring, surrounded by lush forest.
There’s a small present store and a restaurant close by. Over the Blue Eye, you’ll discover a viewing platform excellent for wonderful photographs or if you happen to’re courageous sufficient, as a spot to dive from.
The water may be very contemporary, so it’s an excellent spot to chill off. That is completely one among my favourite issues to see in Albania.
3. Dajti Mountains
Tirana is surrounded by the imposing Dajti Mountains and you’ll head up into them, courtesy of the Dajti Categorical cable automotive.
The cable automotive is positioned to the north of Tirana and is an attractive journey up the mountains with unimaginable views again over Tirana. On the prime of the cable automotive, you’ll discover a wide range of actions and eating places. The Ballkoni Dajtit restaurant provides wonderful views from its glass partitions and accompanying viewpoints.
Should you get pleasure from climbing, there are some improbable climbing trails from the highest of the Dajti Categorical which take you to the summit overlooking the cable automotive and Tirana past.
Or, mix a tour of the Dajti Mountains with a go to to the well-known Bunk’Artwork 1 museum – an unimaginable museum housed in disused bunkers. Mix a visit to each on this glorious day tour from Tirana and tick off two of the highest issues to do in Albania in a single go.
4. Ksamil and The Albanian Riviera
Shifting away from the capital metropolis of Tirana, a visit to Albania wouldn’t be full with out a journey to the Albanian Riviera.
Ksamil is the middle of the Riviera and is likely one of the most well-known Albania sights. The seashores at Ksamil are among the finest in Europe and really Instagrammable. Right here, you’ll discover crystal-clear, blue water and white sand. The seashores are filled with seashore bars, eating places, and water sports activities alternatives.
From the Ksamil seashores, you possibly can even head out to discover the islands simply offshore. Seize a kayak or jet-ski and escape the crowds in Ksamil on these uninhabited islands for a day of journey.
I primarily based myself in close by Sarandë, which implies you possibly can escape the crowds and profit from the wonderful bars and eating places shut by. You possibly can even seize a ferry from Sarandë to Corfu for an unimaginable day journey from the Albanian Riviera.
The seashores in Ksamil must be seen to be believed, and a visit to the Riviera is likely one of the finest issues to do round Albania.
5. Eat at a Native Zgara
Considered one of my favourite issues to do in any nation is to get an actual style of native life, and there’s no higher manner to do that than by a rustic’s meals.
Some of the genuine issues to do in Albania is to go to one of many many zgaras (grills) in Tirana and all through Albania. They serve among the finest native meals within the nation.
From rooster kebabs and qoftes (native meatballs) to grilled peppers and scrumptious native salads, these little grill homes supply tasty, reasonably priced, and genuine meals.
If you wish to go additional and actually perceive the meals and tradition of Albania, then I undoubtedly advocate this glorious cooking tour. You’ll meet your information at a neighborhood market to gather substances earlier than turning your hand to among the native delicacies.
Meals is a good way to get to know a rustic, and the meals in Albania is excellent. Whether or not consuming or cooking, it’s the most effective issues to do in Albania for sure.
6. Discover the Fashionable Neighborhood of Blloku
Blloku is a stylish neighborhood in Tirana and is likely one of the finest issues to do in Albania at night time.
Essentially the most fascinating factor about Blloku is its current transformation. In the course of the communist period in Albania, Blloku was off-limits to residents of Tirana. It was a neighborhood reserved for communist social gathering members solely and residential to some lovely buildings.
Because the fall of communism, Blloku has been opened up and is now house to among the coolest, trendiest, and finest eating places and bars in Tirana. It’s turn into probably the most cosmopolitan elements of Tirana and is unquestionably a spot to not be missed when visiting Tirana.
Head to the unimaginable museum-turned-bar Komiteti. It’s one of many coolest bars in Tirana and is packed filled with relics and artifacts from the communist period. Artigiano is an unimaginable Italian restaurant in Blloku and Period presents Albanian meals with a culinary twist.
Blloku is a superb go to throughout the day and is likely one of the finest issues to do in Albania at night time because of its energetic nightlife.
7. Go to the Metropolis of 1,000 Home windows (One of many Greatest Issues To Do in Albania)
The attractive metropolis of Berat is thought affectionately as the town of 1,000 home windows. It’s a singular, UNESCO World Heritage Website that will get its identify from its Ottoman-style homes searching over Osum creating a shocking visible impact.
Berat is likely one of the cultural facilities of Albania and is likely one of the best-preserved historic cities for sightseeing in all of Albania.
Should you’re primarily based in Tirana, one of the simplest ways to go to Berat is on this highly-rated day tour to Berat. You’ll get pushed from Tirana and can go to among the most necessary and spectacular sights in Berat. Your educated information will clarify the historical past of Berat and its significance to the previous of Albania.
You’ll take within the lovely Berat Citadel, the Pink Mosque, and two of the very best museums in Berat. You’ll additionally get an opportunity to have a standard Albanian lunch earlier than heading again to your lodge in Tirana. It’s an excellent day journey and a superb approach to go to probably the most standard historic sights in Albania.
8. Go to Durrës
As probably the most historical cities in Albania, a go to to Durrës is likely one of the finest issues to do in Albania. It’s packed filled with archeological finds, together with its spectacular Roman Amphitheater.
Durrës is fascinating because it combines its historical historical past with its location on the coast and all of the cosmopolitan sights you’d count on from Albania’s second metropolis.
Durrës seashore stretches for over 10 kilometers and options numerous bars, eating places, and inns serving it. It’s not fairly as wonderful because the seashores on the Albanian Riviera however it provides some nice options inside attain of Tirana.
Equally, the nightlife and meals scene in Durrës may be very cosmopolitan. It’s a enjoyable place to be primarily based for a day or two to get pleasure from some meals and the energetic bars that social gathering lengthy into the night time.
For mixture of historical past, seashore, and social gathering, a visit to Durrës is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Albania.
9. Mountaineering the Accursed Mountains
Should you love climbing then Albania is an unimaginable nation to go to with an enormous vary and number of climbing routes accessible for all talents and ages.
For the head of climbing in Albania and for skilled ramblers, the unimaginable climbing path by the Accursed Mountains tops any checklist of issues to do in Albania.
The Accursed Mountains, also referred to as the Albanian Alps, supply among the most unimaginable surroundings and nature in Albania. The path begins near Tropoje and passes from one nationwide park in Valbona to a different in Theth and extends for over 30 kilometers. It’s an extended day journey and takes round 13 hours to finish.
It’s a difficult hike and I like to recommend sturdy strolling footwear and poles in case you have them. There are a few cafes to cease at throughout the hike. Name into Cafe Simoni to refuel.
For adventurous hikers in search of one thing really particular, the Accursed Mountain hike is totally the most effective issues to do in Albania.
10. Uncover Butrint Nationwide Park
Butrint Nationwide Park is positioned within the south of Albania and is a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological website. It’s probably the most standard vacationer sights in the entire of Albania, and it’s simple to see why.
Should you love historical historical past, then discovering Butrint Nationwide Park can be a captivating journey. Butrint has been inhabited since prehistoric occasions and has been occupied by the Greeks, the Romans, and the Venetians. Every has left their mark on this metropolis that’s nonetheless slowly being found by archaeologists.
Butrint sits on the sting of Lake Butrint and is surrounded by forests and water. Town itself was a jewel within the crown of the Roman Empire and was designated as a retirement spot for profitable Roman warriors.
At this time, you possibly can discover the Roman Theatre, the Discussion board, the stays of the Nice Basilica, and the Venetian Citadel and Tower.
There’s additionally a museum on website that homes some unimaginable artifacts found from the colourful historical past of Butrint.
You possibly can drive to Butrint, or if you happen to’re primarily based in close by Sarandë then take this glorious half-day tour to Butrint. It’s a captivating have a look at Albania’s historical previous.
11. Take a Wine Tasting Tour
Albania has some unimaginable wine, which maybe isn’t a shock when you think about its local weather and site on the Ionian Sea.
Lazli Bay is likely one of the hottest wine-growing areas in Albania. Positioned within the northwest of the nation, it’s round an hour from Tirana and 45 minutes from Durrës.
Right here, you’ll discover the fantastic Duka Vineyard and Winery, which includes over 5 hectares of vineyards and gorgeous views. Attempt their well-known Duka Cupboard Sauvignon and remember that no wine tasting in Albania is full with out some do-it-yourself raki to complete.
If you wish to mix a day journey to Durrës with a wine-tasting tour of Lali Bay, then try this full-day tour. From Tirana, you’ll take a guided tour of Durrës earlier than attending to pattern a few of Albania’s finest wines.
12. Discover Gjirokaster
Should you’re within the south of the nation, then a go to to Gjirokaser is one among my most extremely rated issues to do in Albania.
This Ottoman metropolis is made almost fully of grey stone, perched up within the mountains. It’s free from autos with cobbled streets packed filled with boutique retailers, bars, and eating places. It’s so well-preserved it’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Above Gjirokaster is the fortress, which is unquestionably value a go to. It’s a captivating place that was first constructed by the Ottomans after which used throughout the communist period as a jail. It’s well-preserved, fascinating to discover, and provides some unimaginable views over Gjirokaster.
Should you’re in Gjirokaster, contemplate a go to to The Barrels Winery for lunch or dinner. This family-run enterprise units tables within the vineyards and produces unimaginable seasonal meals and wine. The household is so welcoming and my go to right here was a magical expertise. It’s undoubtedly probably the most romantic issues to do in Albania for {couples}.
13. Hike to Bovilla Lake
20 kilometers north of Tirana is the gorgeous Bovilla Lake nestled within the Gamti Mountains. The lake itself is gorgeous with blue-green water and an unimaginable panorama surrounding it.
For those who wish to get the blood pumping, you possibly can take a climbing path from the lake up Mount Gamti. The hike itself takes round 3 hours to finish however you’ll be rewarded with among the most unimaginable views in Albania and you’ll even take a dip within the lake afterward to chill off!
Guests can both drive out to Lake Bovilla and sort out the hike themselves or take a guided tour from Tirana. I’d advocate a information because the route on the way in which again down Mount Gamti generally is a little tough to observe.
Whichever manner you select to discover, make sure to take loads of water and your telephone for some wonderful images. A visit out to Lake Bovilla is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Albania.
14. Discover the Osumi Canyon
Osumi Canyon is nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Albania, and it’s probably the most standard issues to do in Albania when visiting Berat.
The Osum river flows by this spectacular canyon and if you happen to head right here in Spring, then the water ranges mean you can discover your entire canyon by water. You possibly can hire a raft and paddle the size of the canyon, stopping on the numerous waterfalls alongside the way in which.
It’s probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Albania with children or in a gaggle. Equally, if you need extra of an adrenaline rush, then you possibly can have a strive at some white water rafting. There are some wonderful excursions organized to Osumi Canyon, together with this day-long water tour from Berat.
Should you go to after summer time, the water ranges may have dropped, so rafting received’t be doable. Nonetheless, you possibly can nonetheless stroll across the prime of the canyon for some nice views and cease off within the many swimming pools to chill off.
15. Embrace the Cafe Tradition
Among the best methods to get to know a rustic is to cease and easily watch. That is an artwork kind that Albania has all the way down to a tee.
The cafe tradition in Albania is improbable. There are cafes all over the place, and locals and vacationers alike fill them day and night time.
Considered one of my favourite issues to do in Albania was to move out for a espresso and other people watch. I beloved the cafes across the New Bazaar in Tirana which offered the proper spot to look at the world go by.
Equally, there are some unimaginable cafes to discover in Albania. Komiteti in Tirana is packed filled with relics from the communist period and the cafe chains are good too; Mulliri Vjeter and Mon Cherie are positioned everywhere in the nation, supply Wifi, and serve tasty espresso at nice costs.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Albania
If you wish to benefit from your time, then listed below are my strategies of what to do in Albania throughout your journey.
1 Day in Albania Itinerary
Should you solely have in the future in Albania, then likelihood is you’ll be in Tirana. I like to recommend taking a morning strolling tour to get to know the town and the fascinating historical past of this nation. For individuals who love nature, use the afternoon to take the Dajti Categorical up the mountains for unimaginable views over Tirana.
Alternatively, head into Bunk’Artwork 1 or Bunk’Artwork 2 museums to get to know extra concerning the historical past of Albania throughout its communist interval.
Within the night, head to Blloku for among the finest meals in Tirana and a few drinks in among the energetic bars (if you happen to’re so inclined).
2-3 Days in Albania Itinerary
When you’ve got just a few extra days accessible, then I like to recommend you base your self in Tirana. On the primary day, observe the 1-day itinerary above.
On the second day, contemplate a day journey to Berat for a captivating tour of the town of 1,000 home windows. While you get again to Tirana, head to the New Bazaar for a espresso or a drink and embrace the native tradition within the space.
On the third day, contemplate a day journey to close by Durrës to discover the second metropolis and its historical historical past. You could possibly mix this with a wine-tasting journey to Lazli Bay for the final word day of historical past and tradition.
1 Week in Albania Itinerary
When you’ve got every week to journey Albania, then begin in Tirana and observe the itinerary above. After that, I’d head all the way down to Sarandë for the remainder of the week.
From Sarandë, go to the unimaginable Ksamil seashores simply 20 minutes down the highway. This will provide you with a while to work in your tan and is a pleasant mid-week break from sightseeing.
For the remainder of the week, contemplate heading to Butrint Nationwide Park, the Blue Eye, and Gjirokaster. All of those are inside shut driving distance of Sarandë and the Albanian Riviera. You possibly can even mix Ksamil, Butrint, and the Blue Eye on this good 1-day tour of the world.
Within the evenings in Sarandë, try Haxhi Restaurant and head as much as Sarandë Citadel for dinner and drinks at sundown overlooking Sarandë Bay. In Gjirokaster, head to the homely Taverna Lani for an unimaginable meal and welcoming expertise.
Getting To Albania
The most typical approach to get to Albania is by way of its fundamental worldwide airport in Tirana. Flights are frequent from throughout Europe and can be found at excellent costs. From the airport, a 30-minute shuttle bus will take you into the center of Tirana.
Alternatively, if you happen to’re staying on the Greek island of Corfu, you possibly can take a ferry throughout to Sarandë in Albania to discover the superb seashores on the Albanian Riviera.
When you’re in Albania, one of the simplest ways to get round is by bus, by hiring a automotive, or by taking excursions. There isn’t an actual prepare community to talk of however small minibusses function between the key cities and run repeatedly. Taxis and automotive leases are comparatively low cost and dependable.
Alternatively, excursions function from many of the fundamental cities and are glorious, cost-effective, and stress-free methods to go to among the finest issues to do in Albania.
Issues To Do in Albania: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Albania.
Albania is finest recognized for its current communist previous, and its unimaginable museums about this period. It’s additionally house to among the finest seashores in Europe.
I recommend the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October; both aspect of summer time, which is the busiest and hottest a part of the yr.
Completely! Albania is filled with fascinating historical past, gorgeous nature, unimaginable seashores, and cosmopolitan cities, making it the proper getaway in Europe.
Should you want to discover Tirana, then an extended weekend is adequate to get a really feel for this nice metropolis. If you wish to go additional afield and benefit from the seashores and different wonderful issues to do in Albania, then price range two weeks to see the very best of this fascinating nation.
Albania was completely protected after I visited. Tirana feels snug, even after darkish, and I didn’t encounter any points in any respect after I visited.
Visiting the unimaginable seashores on the Albanian Riviera is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Albania.
Ksamil has the finest seashores in Albania, positioned on the Albanian Riviera. You possibly can keep in Ksamil or in close by Sarandë to totally get pleasure from these seashores.
Head to a neighborhood zgara or grill in Albania and take a look at some grilled meats, together with qoftas (meatballs) or grilled greens and native salads.
In Closing
I hope this put up offers you some inspiration for issues and locations to see in Albania. There are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Albania that you simply’re more likely to want to return repeatedly.
Whether or not you select an extended weekend or an extended 2-week tour, there’s lots to do on this fascinating nation. There are some unimaginable excursions to take and locations to find whether or not you like historical past, nature, or meals!
I hope you get pleasure from your time on this wonderful nation.
