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 coated.
I spent 3 months exploring Albania as a digital nomad, and there was by no means a uninteresting second. There’s simply such a wide range of various things to do, I beloved my time right here and undoubtedly plan to return.
Albania has change into well-liked due to its attractive shoreline however it’s additionally made up of 70% mountain, which makes it a wonderful vacation spot for climbing. There are numerous wonderful cities to discover, and the nation has an interesting historical past and tradition to find out about.
With a lot to find and so many issues to do in Albania, I assumed I’d put collectively a listing of my favorites.
Finest 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 greatest seashores in Europe. Listed here are a few of my favourite issues to see in Albania.
1. Tirana Strolling Tour
One in all my favourite issues to do in Albania is to take a strolling tour in Tirana. Albania has an interesting historical past, significantly its comparatively latest communist previous.
This wonderful Tirana walking tour guides you thru this nation’s stunning 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 means of a part of the communist period in Albania, and so that you obtain a extremely concerned really feel for this era in Albanian historical past.
For me, this is among the greatest issues to do in Albania and it’s a superb technique to get to know this wonderful nation.
2. The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye in Albania is among the greatest pure vacationer sights in Albania. Positioned within the south of the nation, the Blue Eye is a deep underwater spring that pulls 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 dashing to the floor prevents divers from getting any deeper.
To get to the Blue Eye, you’ll hike up by means of the Nationwide Park. It’s a comparatively straightforward stroll on a paved observe 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 reward store and a restaurant close by. Over the Blue Eye, you’ll discover a viewing platform good for wonderful images or for those who’re courageous sufficient, as a spot to dive from.
The water may be very contemporary, so it’s a fantastic spot to chill off. That is completely certainly one of 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 Express cable car.
The cable automobile is positioned to the north of Tirana and is a ravishing journey up the mountains with unimaginable views again over Tirana. On the high of the cable automobile, you’ll discover a wide range of actions and eating places. The Ballkoni Dajtit restaurant gives wonderful views from its glass partitions and accompanying viewpoints.
For those who get pleasure from climbing, there are some improbable hiking trails from the highest of the Dajti Specific which take you to the summit overlooking the cable automobile and Tirana past.
Or, mix a tour of the Dajti Mountains with a go to to the well-known Bunk’Art 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
Transferring away from the capital metropolis of Tirana, a visit to Albania wouldn’t be full and not using a journey to the Albanian Riviera.
Ksamil is the middle of the Riviera and is among the most well-known Albania sights. The seashores at Ksamil are among the greatest in Europe and really Instagrammable. Right here, you’ll discover crystal-clear, blue water and white sand. The seashores are full of seashore bars, eating places, and water sports activities alternatives.
From the Ksamil seashores, you may 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 based mostly myself in close by Sarandë, which suggests you may 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 incredible day trip from the Albanian Riviera.
The seashores in Ksamil should be seen to be believed, and a visit to the Riviera is among the greatest issues to do round Albania.
5. Eat at a Native Zgara
One in all my favourite issues to do in any nation is to get an actual style of native life, and there’s no higher means to do that than by means of a rustic’s meals.
One 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 greatest native meals within the nation.
From rooster kebabs and qoftes (native meatballs) to grilled peppers and scrumptious native salads, these little grill homes provide tasty, reasonably priced, and genuine meals.
If you wish to go additional and actually perceive the meals and tradition of Albania, then I undoubtedly suggest this glorious cooking tour. You’ll meet your information at an area market to gather elements 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 among the best issues to do in Albania for sure.
6. Discover the Fashionable Neighborhood of Blloku
Blloku is a classy neighborhood in Tirana and is among the greatest issues to do in Albania at evening.
Probably the most attention-grabbing factor about Blloku is its latest transformation. Throughout the communist period in Albania, Blloku was off-limits to residents of Tirana. It was a neighborhood reserved for communist celebration members solely and residential to some stunning buildings.
For the reason that fall of communism, Blloku has been opened up and is now house to among the coolest, trendiest, and greatest eating places and bars in Tirana. It’s change into probably the most cosmopolitan elements of Tirana and is certainly 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 stuffed with relics and artifacts from the communist period. Artigiano is an unimaginable Italian restaurant in Blloku and Era presents Albanian food with a culinary twist.
Blloku is a good go to in the course of the day and is among the greatest issues to do in Albania at evening because of its full of life nightlife.
7. Go to the Metropolis of 1,000 Home windows (One of many Finest Issues To Do in Albania)
The gorgeous 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 title from its Ottoman-style homes searching over Osum creating a surprising visible impact.
Berat is among the cultural facilities of Albania and is among the best-preserved historic cities for sightseeing in all of Albania.
For those who’re based mostly 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 vital 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 stunning Berat Fort, the Pink Mosque, and two of the most effective 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 a fantastic day journey and a superb technique to go to probably the most well-liked historic sights in Albania.
8. Go to Durrës
As probably the most historical cities in Albania, a go to to Durrës is among the greatest issues to do in Albania. It’s packed stuffed 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 anticipate from Albania’s second metropolis.
Durrës seashore stretches for over 10 kilometers and options varied bars, eating places, and motels serving it. It’s not fairly as wonderful because the seashores on the Albanian Riviera however it gives some nice alternate options inside attain of Tirana.
Equally, the nightlife and meals scene in Durrës may be very cosmopolitan. It’s a enjoyable place to be based mostly for a day or two to get pleasure from some meals and the full of life bars that celebration lengthy into the evening.
For a great mixture of historical past, seashore, and celebration, a visit to Durrës is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Albania.
9. Mountain climbing the Accursed Mountains
For those who love climbing then Albania is an unimaginable nation to go to with an enormous vary and number of hiking routes out there for all skills and ages.
For the top of climbing in Albania and for knowledgeable ramblers, the unimaginable climbing path by means of the Accursed Mountains tops any checklist of issues to do in Albania.
The Accursed Mountains, also called the Albanian Alps, provide among the most unimaginable surroundings and nature in Albania. The path starts close to 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 robust strolling footwear and poles if in case you have them. There are a few cafes to cease at in the course of the hike. Name into Cafe Simoni to refuel.
For adventurous hikers on the lookout for one thing actually particular, the Accursed Mountain hike is totally among the best issues to do in Albania.
10. Uncover Butrint Nationwide Park
Butrint National Park is positioned within the south of Albania and is a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological web site. It’s probably the most well-liked vacationer sights in the entire of Albania, and it’s straightforward to see why.
For those who love historical historical past, then discovering Butrint Nationwide Park shall be an interesting 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. The town itself was a jewel within the crown of the Roman Empire and was designated as a retirement spot for profitable Roman warriors.
As we speak, you may discover the Roman Theatre, the Discussion board, the stays of the Nice Basilica, and the Venetian Fort and Tower.
There’s additionally a museum on web site that homes some unimaginable artifacts found from the colourful historical past of Butrint.
You possibly can drive to Butrint, or for those who’re based mostly in close by Sarandë then take this glorious half-day tour to Butrint. It’s an interesting take 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 placement on the Ionian Sea.
Lazli Bay is among 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 Winery and Vineyard, which contains over 5 hectares of vineyards and gorgeous views. Attempt their well-known Duka Cupboard Sauvignon and remember the fact 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 greatest wines.
12. Discover Gjirokaster
For those who’re within the south of the nation, then a go to to Gjirokaser is certainly one of 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 automobiles with cobbled streets packed stuffed with boutique outlets, 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 certainly value a go to. It’s an interesting place that was first constructed by the Ottomans after which used in the course of the communist period as a jail. It’s well-preserved, attention-grabbing to discover, and gives some unimaginable views over Gjirokaster.
For those who’re in Gjirokaster, think about a go to to The Barrels Vineyard 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 need to get the blood pumping, you may 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 tackle the hike themselves or take a guided tour from Tirana. I’d suggest a information because the route on the best way again down Mount Gamti could be a little tough to observe.
Whichever means you select to discover, you should definitely take loads of water and your cellphone for some wonderful pictures. A visit out to Lake Bovilla is among the greatest 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 well-liked issues to do in Albania when visiting Berat.
The Osum river flows by means of this spectacular canyon and for those who head right here in Spring, then the water ranges permit you to discover all the canyon by water. You possibly can lease a raft and paddle the size of the canyon, stopping on the varied waterfalls alongside the best way.
It’s probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Albania with children or in a bunch. Equally, if you’d like extra of an adrenaline rush, then you may 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.
For those who go to after summer season, the water ranges could have dropped, so rafting received’t be attainable. Nonetheless, you may nonetheless stroll across the high of the canyon for some nice views and cease off within the many swimming pools to chill off.
15. Embrace the Cafe Tradition
Top-of-the-line methods to get to know a rustic is to cease and easily watch. That is an artwork type that Albania has right down to a tee.
The cafe tradition in Albania is improbable. There are cafes in all places, and locals and vacationers alike fill them day and evening.
One in all my favourite issues to do in Albania was to go out for a espresso and folks watch. I beloved the cafes across the New Bazaar in Tirana which supplied the right spot to observe the world go by.
Equally, there are some unimaginable cafes to discover in Albania. Komiteti in Tirana is packed stuffed with relics from the communist period and the cafe chains are good too; Mulliri Vjeter and Mon Cherie are positioned everywhere in the nation, provide Wifi, and serve tasty espresso at nice costs.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Albania
If you wish to take advantage of your time, then listed below are my recommendations of what to do in Albania throughout your journey.
1 Day in Albania Itinerary
For those who solely have sooner or later in Albania, then likelihood is you’ll be in Tirana. I like to recommend taking a morning walking tour to get to know the town and the fascinating historical past of this nation. For many who love nature, use the afternoon to take the Dajti Specific 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 greatest meals in Tirana and a few drinks in among the full of life bars (for those who’re so inclined).
2-3 Days in Albania Itinerary
When you have a number of extra days out there, 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, think about a day trip to Berat for an interesting 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, think about a day journey to close by Durrës to discover the second metropolis and its historical historical past. You might 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 have every week to journey Albania, then begin in Tirana and observe the itinerary above. After that, I’d head right down to Sarandë for the remainder of the week.
From Sarandë, go to the unimaginable Ksamil seashores simply 20 minutes down the street. This offers you a while to work in your tan and is a pleasant mid-week break from sightseeing.
For the remainder of the week, think about 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 area.
Within the evenings in Sarandë, try Haxhi Restaurant and head as much as Sarandë Castle 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 technique to get to Albania is through its most important worldwide airport in Tirana. Flights are frequent from throughout Europe and can be found at superb costs. From the airport, a 30-minute shuttle bus will take you into the guts of Tirana.
Alternatively, for those who’re staying on the Greek island of Corfu, you may 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 automobile, or by taking excursions. There isn’t an actual practice community to talk of however small minibusses function between the main cities and run usually. Taxis and automobile leases are comparatively low cost and dependable.
Alternatively, excursions function from many of the most important cities and are glorious, cost-effective, and stress-free methods to go to among the greatest issues to do in Albania.
Issues To Do in Albania: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Albania.
Albania is greatest recognized for its latest communist previous, and its unimaginable museums about this period. It’s additionally house to among the greatest seashores in Europe.
I recommend the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October; both facet of summer season, which is the busiest and hottest a part of the yr.
Completely! Albania is full of fascinating historical past, gorgeous nature, unimaginable seashores, and cosmopolitan cities, making it the right getaway in Europe.
For those who 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 most effective of this fascinating nation.
Albania was completely safe once I visited. Tirana feels comfy, even after darkish, and I didn’t encounter any points in any respect once I visited.
Visiting the unimaginable seashores on the Albanian Riviera is among the hottest issues to do in Albania.
Ksamil has the best beaches 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 an area zgara or grill in Albania and check out some grilled meats, together with qoftas (meatballs) or grilled greens and native salads.
In Closing
I hope this submit provides you some inspiration for issues and places to see in Albania. There are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Albania that you just’re more likely to want to return repeatedly.
Whether or not you select an extended weekend or an extended 2-week tour, there’s loads 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.
