The 10 Most Beautiful Places in Albania to Visit in 2025

Albania is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. With mountains that rival Switzerland, and beaches worthy of Greece, Albania is a truly unique and beautiful country. To narrow down the best places to visit in Albania is a tough job as the country is full of so many stunning places. Closed off to tourists until the early 1990s due to the communist regime, this charming country is slowly becoming more popular with tourists wishing to find turquoise water, unspoiled natural wonders, and a fascinating history. Albania truly has it all.  Here are the 10 most beautiful places in Albania to head to and explore.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

To make the most of your time in Albania we would recommend renting a car, and heading on a road trip so you can explore as much of this beautiful country as possible.   If you drive in from another country then you’ll need to get hold of a green card for insurance, but you can buy those at the border.  However, most people will fly into Tirana and rent a car from there.

The 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Albania

There’s a huge variety of landscapes in Albania, so if you’re a beach lover this country has you covered, there are stunning mountains, glorious lakes, and some of the most stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit too.  Ready to get started?

1. Head to Albania’s Vibrant Capital City, Tirana

Tirana is the vibrant and beautiful capital of Albania and we definitely believe it is one of the best places to visit in Albania. This is the starting point for most people’s trip to explore Albania, though most tourists decide to skip it and head straight to the Albanian Riviera – though we’d say they’re missing out! Tirana is well worth worth visiting.

Full of colorful buildings and delicious cafés, Tirana has so many places where you can relax or delve deeper into the country’s history. Bunk’Art1 and sister museum Bunk’Art2 are the perfect places to learn about Albania’s troubled history during communism and develop a newfound appreciation for the country. Other must-visit places include Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Pyramid of Tirana, and the House of Leaves.

If you want to explore a bit further outside the city center make sure you get a bus to the Dajti Express, where you can ride the longest cable car in the Balkans and marvel at the stunning views at the top. Other great day trips include Berat, Krujë, and Durrës which are all also featured on this list! Tirana is one of hidden gems in Europe, and you can check out some of the others here.

Foodies will not be disappointed, as Tirana is home to some incredible restaurants where you can try some delicious Albania cuisine including byrek, Fërgesë, and dolma.

Tirana is also renowned for having an abundance of cafés that serve a variety of drinks and mouth-watering pastries.

2. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage of Berat

Also known as the ‘city of one thousand windows’ due to its Ottoman-style houses, Berat has earned a spot as one of the best places to visit in Albania. Berat is one of only four UNESCO World Heritage sites in Albania, and this title is well deserved.

Located less than a 2-hour drive south of Tirana, Berat is one of the most beautiful places in Albania. Make sure you head to the castle for breathtaking panoramic views of the whole city. Inside the castle, you will find beautiful mosques and the homes of people who are still living there to this day.

One of the best things to do in Berat is to head down to Bulevardi Republika, which is lined with cafés and restaurants, and is home to one of the most wholesome traditions, a ‘Xhiro’. This is where all the locals come out in the evening to socialize, talk, and play games. The atmosphere is incredible.

3. Enjoy the Albanian Riviera from Ksamil

Located in the south of Albania and a short drive from Butrint National Park, the coastal resort town of Ksamil is the perfect location for people who want to enjoy the stunning Albanian Riviera. (our guide to the Albanian Riviera is here) This is one of the most popular spots along the country’s coast due to its white sand beaches and bright turquoise water. With a large selection of hotels to stay in when in Ksamil you will find the perfect place to suit your style and budget.

Home to countless restaurants overlooking the ocean, serving a variety of delicious foods, from Greek, Italian, and of course traditional Albanian cuisine. With some of the most pristine beaches in the whole of Europe, this is the perfect place to rent a sun-lounger and soak up some Mediterranean sun.

If you are looking for a livelier atmosphere, head up the coast to Sarandë, where you can find great nightlife and a buzzing atmosphere, while still having some stunning beaches. From Sarandë, you can also get a short ferry ride over to the nearby Greek island of Corfu.

4.  Head to the mountains in Theth

If relaxing by the beach isn’t quite for you then fear not, Albania is home to some stunning mountains that are perfect for hiking. Located in the heart of the Albanian Alps, Theth is surrounded by towering peaks which adds to the secluded vibe of this must-visit place in Albania. The village is full of locals who live a very traditional lifestyle, from herding sheep to collecting their home-grown vegetables from their gardens ready for dinner.

There are a variety of things to do in Theth, including challenging yourself to the famous Theth to Valbona hike, which takes around 6-8 hours and is full of some of the most gorgeous views you will have ever seen! This was one of our favorite things to do in Albania. However, if you would rather complete a slightly flatter hike then look no further than the Blue Eye. Located around a 3-hour hike from Theth, the Blue Eye is home to some of the bluest water you will ever see. Along the route, you can stop at Grunas Waterfall, located just 30 minutes outside of Theth, to enjoy a quick dip (if you are brave enough) before carrying on with your hike.

Don’t worry if you would rather relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounding nature, as Theth village is home to beautiful meadows where you can sunbathe whilst watching the locals go about their day. Make sure you stop at the famous Theth Church as it is most certainly one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Albania.

5.  Discover Ottoman Styled Gjirokastër

Located in the south of the country, this Ottoman-styled UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect city for history enthusiasts. Dating back to the 4^th century, this city has beautiful white stone buildings down every cobble-stoned street.

One of the best things to do in Gjirokastër is to head up to the castle to not only learn about the second-largest castle in all of the Balkans but also get breathtaking panoramic views of the whole city and surrounding mountains. After exploring the castle make sure to head to the Bazaar and admire all of the beautifully crafted wooden souvenirs and hand-woven rugs.

6. Visit Beautiful Himara in the Albanian Riviera

Another one of the best places to visit in Albania is Himara, located in the centre of the Albanian Riviera, Himara is full of hidden coves where you can enjoy a peaceful swim in the crystal clear blue sea, whilst enjoying a relaxing day exploring this beautiful area. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, this is the perfect place to not feel guilty for doing nothing.

Himara is not only home to some of the most beautiful beaches, but Himara Town is full of amazing places to visit when you aren’t relaxing by the beach. Located just outside of the old fishing town is Porto Palermo Castle (also known as Ali Pasha Fortress) which stands on a small fortified island, and has now been connected to the mainland, as well as the picturesque town of Dhërmi.

7. Take a Visit to Butrint National Park

Thought to be one of the best preserved archeological sites in the whole of the Mediterranean, Butrint National Park is one of the best places in Albania. Located just a short 15-minute drive from Ksamil, Butrint is a great place to discover some of this country’s fascinating history. No wonder it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

With a mixture of Greek, Roman, and Ottoman architecture, this national park is a unique stop on your Albanian trip. Not only does Butrint have some stunning historical marvels, but it is also home to a wide range of natural beauty.

With a large bird population and surrounded by a freshwater lake and salt marshland, Butrint has earned a spot as one of the best places to visit in Albania.

8. Discover Historic Durrës

The coastal city of Durrës is not only one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in Albania, but it is also a perfect location to enjoy the amazing Mediterranean weather. Durrës contains the largest Roman amphitheatre in the Balkans, as well as a picturesque harbour making this a sought-after holiday destination for locals and tourists alike.

When visiting Durrës, it will be hard to resist the beautiful beach which stretches for 10 kilometres along the Adriatic Sea. With countless bars and restaurants lining the promenade, you will be spoilt for choice. Just a short drive from Tirana this would make a great first stop on any Albanian itinerary.

9. Don’t Miss One of Albania’s Blue Eyes

There are two “Blue Eyes” in Albania, and you won’t want to miss them.  I touched on the Blue Eye of Theth earlier, but you’ll want to head south for this one.  The Blue Eye is a natural wonder located in the south of the country and is one of the best places to visit in Albania. The Blue Eye is an underwater spring that draws up the bluest of water making it a marvel to observe.

Interestingly, it is not known how deep the Blue Eye is, as divers have only been able to reach a depth of 50 meters. The Blue Eye National Park is the perfect place to enjoy a gentle walk, whilst taking in the tranquillity of nature.

From the car park, it is a relatively easy 2-kilometer (1.25 mile) walk along a paved track to reach the natural spring. Along the way, you will pass a restaurant where you can stop and enjoy the views.

10. Take a Day Trip to Krujë from Tirana

Located just a short drive north of Tirana, the small town of Krujë makes an ideal day trip from the country’s capital. With a well-preserved castle overlooking the valley below, this town is full of rich history and unique décor. As the home of the nation’s hero Skanderbeg, Krujë is a historically significant location in Albania, therefore Krujë has to be one of the best places to visit in Albania.

When exploring Krujë, notable things to do include visiting the National Ethnographic Museum, which allows tourists to discover how residents lived in the 18^th century, as well as visiting Krujë Old Bazaar. The Old Bazaar is one of the most interesting places in the town and is not to be missed. As one of the oldest bazaars in the country, it is a beautiful place to buy a variety of souvenirs, from paintings, wooden magnets, and iron tools.

Map of Things to Do and Places to visit in Albania

You can see the live map of Albania’s things to do here.

Travel Tips for Visiting Albania

Albania is pretty easy to reach if you’re self-driving – and visiting from some of the other Balkan countries is simple.  Here’s how to get to Albania and what to expect when you get there.

Getting to Albania by Air

There are two international airports in Albania, although Albania’s main airport is located 6 miles from the capital, Tirana.  The other international airport is located on the coast near Vlora.  There are domestic airports in the cities of Berat, Kukës, and Korçë.

Getting to Albania by Train

There are no international rail connections to Albania.  The only functioning passenger trains are weekend services from Durrës to Elbasan and from Shkoder to Laç on the Vlore – Han – Hotit line (but this service is limited to just a few months a year).

Getting to Albania by Bus

If you’re using public transport to get to and around Albania, then buses are your best option.   You’ll find connections from neighboring countries and can even get here from Istanbul!  Your best option for finding connecting bus services to Albania is Bookaway.

Getting Around Albania

We’d highly recommend hiring a car to drive around Albania. This allows you to stop wherever you feel like and spend as long as you want in each destination for maximum flexibility.   Public transport is available, however, buses can be a little unreliable and only link the major towns and cities.

Safety in Albania

It’s pretty safe here in Albania, but there are a few things to watch out for and while we can only speak from personal experience, Albania is absolutely a safe place to visit! After spending a month exploring the country, we never encountered any problems. In fact, the locals were some of the friendliest and most welcoming we’ve ever met.  We would recommend exercising the usual caution in cities and busy areas, such as not going out alone at night and keeping your belongings close to you, just to be on the safe side.

Travel Insurance for Albania

Although Albania is a pretty safe country, it always pays to cover yourself in case the unexpected happens. Get Travel Insurance: Civitatis includes medical expenses, repatriation, theft, luggage delays. No deductibles or upfront payments. Get a quote here.

Do they speak English in Albania?

Yes and no. As Albania has only relatively recently opened to tourism, many people don’t speak English. During the communist regime, English was not taught, and as such many of the older generations may struggle to speak more than a few words.

However, in the more touristy locations, many people will likely speak English. We’d recommend downloading the Google Translate app to use offline to overcome any language barriers you encounter.

Payments & Currency in Albania

The currency in Albania is the Albanian Leke. 100 ALL is equivalent to €0.96, £0.83, and $1.05. Euros are also widely accepted in Albania, with the general exchange rate being 100 ALL = €1.

Albania is mostly cash only and cards are rarely accepted. Make sure you get plenty of cash out in the cities if you’re heading somewhere remote, as some small towns and villages, such as Theth, do not have cash machines.  For free cash withdrawals, head to Credins Bank. It’s the only bank in Albania with free withdrawals.

Travel Tips for Exploring Albania

• Get Travel Insurance: Civitatis includes medical expenses, repatriation, theft, luggage delays. No deductibles or upfront payments. Get a quote here.
• Arriving by air? Book your airport transfer with Welcome Pickups here
• Get online immediately with an Albania eSIM here.
• Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Albania > discount coupon here
• Book Transport in Albania with Bookaway
• Rent a car in Albania with Discover Cars
• Book the best Albanian tours and guides on Get Your Guide
• Book accommodation in Albania with Booking

Final Words on the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Albania

Albania is full of a variety of stunning places and it is hard to choose where to visit. Whether you’re after a relaxing beach to soak up the sun or want to challenge yourself to a hike, Albania truly has something for everyone.  We hope that this overview of what we think are the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Albania gives you an idea of just what there is to offer in this stunning country.

ASocialNomad is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, and amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.