What to See in Albania: 35 of the Most Beautiful Places

Last Updated on 8.7.2026 by Vojta

Albania is one of our favourite corners of Europe — a place that somehow still feels wild and wonderfully authentic. There are dramatic mountains, beautiful beaches lapped by turquoise sea, hearty Balkan cooking and, above all, proper adventure. We’ve been to Albania several times, and on our last trip about a dozen friends came along, so we rolled in as a proper crew. So what should you see in Albania, what should you watch out for, and what do you simply have to try?

What to See in Albania at a Glance

Before we dive in and walk you through all the places worth seeing in Albania, here’s a quick overview for anyone who hasn’t got time to read the whole thing.

Towns and History

Among the best-loved historic towns to see in Albania are:

• Berat (UNESCO) – the “City of a Thousand Windows”, with a still-inhabited fortress and the magical Mangalem and Gorica quarters.
• Gjirokastër (UNESCO) – the “Stone City” of Ottoman houses, crowned by a monumental castle.
• Tirana – a colourful capital of modern art, the Bunk’Art museums and the view from the Dajti Express cable car.
• Shkodër – a short hop from Lake Skadar, with Rozafa Castle and a trip out for fried carp.
• Krujë – the historic town of national hero Skanderbeg, with a lovely castle and an old bazaar.
• Durrës – a port city with a Roman amphitheatre and a long sandy beach.
• Vlorë – a modern resort with private beaches and the perfect springboard for the Riviera.
  

Beaches and Coast

Mainly here for the sea? These are the most popular beaches, resorts and coastal spots in Albania:

• Ksamil – the “Albanian Maldives”, with little islets, turquoise water and a family-friendly feel.
• Gjipe Beach – a hidden beach at the mouth of a gorge, reached by boat or on foot.
• Dhërmi Beach – a long beach with dazzling water, ideal for a proper relax.
• Livadhi Beach (Himara) – a favourite family spot with an easy-going atmosphere.
• Bunec Beach – unspoilt and calm, perfect for getting away from the crowds.
• Narta Beach – a natural bay with shallow water and plenty of peace.
• Durrës Beach – the country’s largest town beach, good for a taste of local life.
  

Nature

If it’s wild nature you’re most looking forward to, you’ll love:

• The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) – an impossibly turquoise spring in the middle of lush greenery.
• Theth National Park – mountains, waterfalls and stone towers; a hiker’s paradise.
• Valbona Valley National Park – the finest treks in the Albanian Alps.
• Lake Koman – fjord-like scenery on a boat trip straight out of a fairy tale.
• Llogara Pass – a mountain pass with breathtaking views.
• Bogova Waterfalls – a pretty spot near Berat, perfect for a day out.
  

Archaeology and History

Fancy some history? Albania has plenty of it, and things have been eventful here over the centuries. All across the country you’ll find Ottoman towns, ancient villages and, famously, military bunkers. 

• Butrint (UNESCO) – a vast archaeological site studded with ancient monuments.
• Apollonia – the remains of an ancient city with a rich history.
• Porto Palermo Castle – Ali Pasha’s fortress, with gorgeous sea views.
• Lekursi Castle – views over Sarandë, the Ionian Sea and Corfu.
• Ali Pasha Castle (Tepelenë) – a historic ruin above the Vjosa river.

35 Amazing Places to See in Albania

So what should you see in Albania? You’ll find beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, ancient towns, archaeological sites and even the mysterious bunkers left over from the communist era. We’ve tried to gather just about every worthwhile spot travellers head for in Albania, so there really is something for everyone. Our own favourites were the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), the historic towns of Berat and Krujë, Ksamil, the Gjipe Beach gorge and Lake Koman.

Berat (UNESCO) – One of the Oldest Towns

Berat, often called the “City of a Thousand Windows”, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Albania. It’s defined by narrow lanes and tiers of white, many-windowed houses climbing both banks of the Osum river. Wander through the historic Mangalem and Gorica quarters and visit Berat Castle, which is still lived in to this day. From the ramparts you get sweeping views over the town and the surrounding countryside.

🏠WHERE TO STAY: We actually struggled to find a room in Berat at the last minute, so don’t leave it too late — book your accommodation in Berat well in advance, ideally somewhere near the centre so you can soak up the atmosphere to the full.

Gjirokastër, the Ottoman Stone City

Gjirokastër, another UNESCO gem, is one of the best-preserved Ottoman towns in the Balkans. Its stone houses with grey slate roofs have earned it the nickname the “Stone City”. The town is dominated by the imposing Gjirokastër Castle, home to a weapons museum and superb views. Explore the historic bazaar and visit the childhood home of Enver Hoxha — Albania’s long-time communist dictator — which today houses an ethnographic museum.

Sarandë, the Seaside Resort

If you head south towards Ksamil, you’ll pass through the seaside town of Sarandë. The beaches nearby are lovely, but the town itself is fairly touristy, with a busy town beach — so it’s up to you whether you prefer a quiet beach out of town or like a bit of buzz. Don’t miss a boat trip to Krorëz beach, for instance. At the southern tip of town the view opens right out to the open sea, which makes it a popular spot for sunsets.

🏠WHERE TO STAY: Sarandë is a popular spot too, so book your place to stay in Sarandë in advance, ideally on the edge of the centre, close to the sea.

Ksamil, Albania’s Most Popular Beach Spot

Just a short hop from Sarandë lies Ksamil, often dubbed the “Albanian Maldives”. This idyllic little corner draws you in with crystal-clear turquoise water and small sandy beaches. From the shore you can easily reach several tiny islets, either on foot when the tide is low, or on a short boat or pedalo ride.

Ksamil’s beaches are among the most beautiful in all of Albania. That said, we’d steer clear of peak season, when it gets genuinely packed and a sunbed with a parasol can set you back €10 or even €20. The best time to come is around May, or after the season winds down.

🏠WHERE TO STAY: There are plenty of both luxury hotels and cheaper apartments here. We’d recommend you ideally choose a hotel with its own beach, or at least hotel sunbeds and umbrellas, which you’ll really appreciate once you’re there.

Drymades Beach

Drymades is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera, sitting just below the village of Dhërmi. The beach comes in two parts — a larger, livelier northern stretch and a quieter southern one, separated by a rocky outcrop. Coarser sand and pebbles, crystal-clear turquoise water and dramatic mountains behind combine into a scene straight off a postcard.

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Tirana, the Capital

Albania’s capital, Tirana, is a buzzing city full of colour, history and modern art. It has undergone a huge transformation in recent years and now offers a fascinating mix of old and new. That said, if you’re really short on time, feel free to skip Tirana. There are plenty of better places to see in Albania.

If you do drop in, though, explore Skanderbeg Square with its equestrian statue of the national hero, the Et’hem Bey Mosque and the Clock Tower. One highlight is the Dajti Express cable car, which whisks you up Mount Dajti for a panoramic view over the city.

TIP: If you land in Tirana late in the evening or at night, it’s better to stay somewhere near the airport, where you can pick up a hire car straight away. There’s no point driving all the way into central Tirana just to sleep. We recommend the Airport Garden Hotel right next to the airport.

Zvernec Island – A Wooden Bridge into the Quiet

On the edge of the Narta Lagoon, not far from Vlorë, lies the little island of Zvernec, linked to the mainland by a 270-metre wooden bridge. The island is covered in pines and its centrepiece is the 15th-century Zvernec monastery. The place has a mystical feel, especially in the misty morning haze or in the evening, when a deep calm and silence settle in. It makes a lovely short stop if you’re passing by.

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The Karaburun Peninsula 

Karaburun is Albania’s largest peninsula and also a protected area where nature has stayed almost untouched. Access is by sea only — boats set off from Vlorë, for example. A trip out here means swimming off pristine beaches like Grama Bay or Gjiri i Dafinës,  and snorkelling around the caves.

Lake Koman – A Fjord in the Heart of the Mountains

Lake Koman looks more like a Norwegian fjord than a Balkan reservoir. It was created by flooding the valley of the Drin river, and its waters wind between sheer cliffs and mountains. The ferry between Koman and Fierza is one of the most spectacular experiences in Albania — the crossing takes 2–3 hours and serves up non-stop mountain views. The lake is also a launch point for treks into the Albanian Alps and the cross-country trip over to Valbona.

⛵TRIP TIP: One of the most popular things to do here is the boat trip on Lake Koman. We recommend booking through GetYourGuide, where it’s easy to choose online and know you’re sorted.

Butrint Archaeological Site (UNESCO)

Butrint is a sprawling archaeological site listed by UNESCO, a testament to Albania’s rich history from prehistoric times all the way to the Ottoman era. You can see the ruins of the ancient city, including a Greek theatre, Roman baths, a Byzantine basilica and a Venetian fortress.

Gjipe Beach and Its Gorge

Gjipe Beach is one of the most spectacular and secretive beaches in Albania, near Vlorë, tucked away at the end of a limestone gorge. You reach it either by boat or on a more demanding hike through the canyon. The reward is a pristine beach with crystal-clear water and striking rock formations. 

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The Albanian Riviera

The Albanian Riviera, known to Albanians as Bregu, is the stretch of coast along the north-eastern Ionian Sea that starts near Vlorë and runs down through Sarandë in south-western Albania as far as Butrint National Park on the Greek border. The Riviera is home to Albania’s most beautiful beaches. The area offers dozens of gorgeous beaches, coves and picturesque villages. From lively resorts to remote bays, there’s something for everyone. Favourite spots include Dhërmi, Himara and Jala Beach. 

Northern Albania and Theth National Park

Theth National Park is a treasure of the Albanian Alps, known as the Prokletije (the “Accursed Mountains”). This remote region draws you in with breathtaking mountain scenery, deep canyons, waterfalls and traditional stone villages. You can set off for the Grunas Waterfall or the Lock-In Tower (Kulla e Ngujimit), a fortified refuge from the days of blood feuds. Only a few years back the only way in was a rough off-road track, so there weren’t many tourists. Today you can drive here in a hire car, which is great — though it does mean more people about.

TIP: Don’t forget to pack some magnesium too, if you’re going to be tramping around the mountains!

The Town and Region of Shkodër

Shkodër is one of the oldest towns in Albania, set beside Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans, straddling the border of Albania and Montenegro. There’s Rozafa Castle here and fascinating nature all around. We really loved the trip out to the lake, where you can tuck into a local delicacy — deep-fried carp. 

Valbona Valley National Park

Valbona Valley National Park is another much-loved area in the Albanian Alps, ideal for multi-day treks. It’s wild and beautiful, with crystal-clear rivers and mountain villages. The Valbona-to-Theth hiking trail is especially popular.

Krujë, the Former Capital

Krujë is a historic town of great significance to Albania, tied to the national hero Skanderbeg. It’s a smaller town up in the mountains that you can head to straight from the airport. There’s an ancient local bazaar, the beautiful Krujë Castle, which served as Skanderbeg’s seat, and a museum dedicated to him. On top of that, you can set off on shorter hikes from here, as the town sits at the foot of the mountains.

TIP: This is where we have our very best accommodation tip — a family-run guesthouse called Rooms Emiliano, where the lady of the house serves the finest local dinners. It’s right in the centre on a lovely rise, where you can watch the sunset from the castle walls.

Apollonia Archaeological Site

Ancient Apollonia is an important archaeological site near the town of Fier, once one of the largest cities in the ancient world. Today you’ll find the remains of a theatre, an odeon, a colonnade and other structures. 

The Llogara Pass

The Llogara Pass is a high mountain pass in the Ceraunian Mountains. The road winds up through the peaks, and from the top you can see all the way to the Ionian Sea and the Albanian Riviera. 

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Dhërmi Beach (Dhërmiu)

Dhërmi Beach (Dhërmiu) is reckoned to be another top beach in Albania, with crystal-clear water and gorgeous sun-drenched sands. It lies just below the village of Dhërmi in southern Albania. Plenty of travellers consider the area around this beach a slice of paradise on earth. Administratively it falls under the Vlorë district. Hotel resorts have been springing up here in recent years, but only a few years back it felt like a ghost town, with everything half-built. 

Himara

Himara lies between Sarandë and Vlorë and is the second-largest town on the Albanian Riviera after Sarandë. It used to be one of the quieter resorts, but there’s a lot of building going on these days, and it’s where people escape to when the crowds in Ksamil get too much. Himara is ringed by lovely green hills, with rocky mountains rising behind them. The beaches are long, the water clean and turquoise, and compared with other destinations it’s genuinely cheap here.

Porto Palermo Castle

Porto Palermo Castle is a 17th-century fortress rising on a small peninsula in Porto Palermo Bay. Legend has it that it was built by Ali Pasha of Tepelenë himself. The castle is well preserved and offers interesting tours and beautiful sea views. 

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Lekursi Castle

Lekursi Castle stands on a hill above Sarandë and offers one of the best views of the town, the Ionian Sea and even the island of Corfu. It’s a wonderful spot for watching the sunset.

Vlorë (Valona)

Vlorë is a port town that increasingly reminds us of Croatia. If you arrive by car from the north, you’ll quickly notice things are a bit tidier here than in, say, Durrës. New businesses, hotels and apartments are popping up all the time. There are lovely beaches nearby, and compared with the southern coast it’s much cheaper here. We’d recommend focusing on hotels and apartments with a private beach, as the public beaches tend to get packed in summer.

🏠WHERE TO STAY: It’s a good idea to stay near the beach here too, ideally somewhere with a hotel beach and sunbeds, because they’re usually lovely and clean and you’ll save on hiring loungers. What are the popular low-cost places to stay in Vlorë?

Durrës

Durrës is Albania’s largest port city and one of the oldest towns in the country. You’ll find a Roman amphitheatre here — one of the biggest in the Balkans — and an archaeological museum. The town also has long sandy beaches that are popular with locals, especially at weekends when residents gather here. Although there are already plenty of pleasant places to stay and campsites, and the beaches are sandy, you won’t find the brilliant white sand and turquoise water of southern Albania.

Bogova Waterfalls

The Bogova Waterfalls are beautiful falls near the town of Berat. They’re easy to reach on a short walk, and you can cool off here when you’re feeling scorched by the sun.

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The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a natural spring not far from Sarandë. It’s a deep freshwater abyss, from which water flows in an unbelievable turquoise shade, like the iris of an eye. It really is stunning, and the water is properly icy. Swimming isn’t allowed here, unfortunately, even if plenty of tourists ignore the rule. There’s a small restaurant by the Blue Eye where you can grab a bite or an ice cream.

Ali Pasha Castle (Tepelenë)

Do you love castles and fortresses? Ali Pasha’s Castle sits near Tepelenë and is the ruin of a castle that belonged to the powerful Ottoman ruler Ali Pasha. Interestingly, it stands practically on the water. It looks like an impregnable fortress, yet it’s actually rather small. 

Livadhi Beach (Himara)

Halfway between the resort of Sarandë and the port city of Vlorë (or within the resort of Himara) lies the broad sandy Livadhi Beach. It’s a big favourite with families with young children. Parents will appreciate the many shops, restaurants and quality places to stay nearby. The beach is ideal both for a family day out and for a romantic rendezvous. 

Bunec Beach

Unspoilt, 800 metres long and pebbly, Bunec Beach is made for anyone after a calmer atmosphere. Imposing crags rise skyward from the turquoise-blue sea, and shoals of little fish dart about beneath the surface. And all of it just a few minutes’ drive from the lively centre of the well-known resort of Sarandë.

Pogradec Beach (For Cold-Water Swimmers)

Pogradec Beach holds a special place on our list. You’d search in vain for wild surf here, because it’s a lake beach, sitting on Lake Ohrid, which forms a natural border with North Macedonia. Around one of the oldest lakes in the world you’ll find a whole host of unique plants and animals. You can swim and sunbathe here, cast a line and try your fishing luck, or visit the nearby Pogradec museum.

Narta Beach

Narta Beach has a gentle entry into the sea and lies just outside the town of Vlorë, which is considered the point where the Adriatic Sea ends and the Ionian Sea begins. Three kilometres long, the beach offers plenty of privacy even in high season, and it’s a favourite with Albanians too.

Sazan Island and Its Beach

The remote island of Sazan lies in the Ionian Sea, just 15 kilometres off the Albanian coast. This paradise island is still holding out against mass tourism, and the handful of visitors who sail over from the resorts of Vlorë and Sarandë get the peace they came for. And you don’t have to stick to the beach. The island is scattered with the remains of military bunkers from the Cold War, when it was used as a naval base. You’ll fall for its small sandy beach, hidden among the cliffs, at first sight.

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Velipoja

Another popular beach worth seeing in Albania is the vast Velipoja Beach. Lots of families with children come here. The water is turquoise and clear, and there’s a gentle entry into the sea.

Lalzit Beach

Lalzit Beach in central Albania, not far from Tirana, is covered in fine white sand and fringed by endless conifer forests growing along the shore, which is fairly unusual. The entry into the water is gentle.

Drymades Beach – The Quieter Side

The sand is coarser here, but the water is turquoise, it’s peaceful and there are fewer tourists than on other beaches in Albania. As everywhere else in Albania, there’s plenty of building going on. 

Getting to Albania: The Best Ways to Arrive

You can reach Albania by car, by flying into Tirana, or by flying to Corfu and then crossing to Albania by ferry.

• Driving to Albania: at the border they’ll want to see your vehicle registration document. An international driving permit isn’t strictly required, but it’s best to have one with you.
• Flying to Albania: the easiest option is to fly into the capital, Tirana, where you can hire a car through RentalCars. If you’re heading to Ksamil, the simplest route is to fly to Corfu and take the boat across to Sarandë, from where Ksamil is an easy hop (14 km).

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Where to Stay in Albania

A holiday in Albania is wonderful, and there’s something here for everyone. Plenty of places are still largely undiscovered by tourists, which makes it just the spot for adventure, especially if you venture into the lesser-known regions (the north in particular). We’d definitely recommend hiring a car, so you can explore beyond the resort.

When it comes to accommodation, we always book through Booking. Accommodation in Albania is often a family affair, in smaller guesthouses or even in someone’s home, which we loved. It gave us a really authentic experience. You’ll find our specific accommodation tips with each destination (where we liked the place, that is).

What Is the Sea Like in Albania?

Albania’s beautiful sea is one of the main reasons more and more tourists head here every year. The loveliest sea in Albania is in the south, near Greece. That’s where you get the classic turquoise water and sandy beaches, but it’s also pricier, with more resorts and more tourists. If you go north, the sea is beautiful too — more natural, but also more pebbly.

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What’s the Weather Like in Albania and When to Go 

If it’s mainly the sea drawing you to Albania, the summer months are of course ideal. But our top tip is to come around the turn of May and June, or after the summer season in September. That way you’ll avoid the crowds and enjoy all those beautiful spots that little bit more. You can swim from May right through to October (or depending on how hardy you are).

Sea temperature in Albania (°C)

• January: 10–15
• February: 12–17
• March: 15–20
• April: 18–23
• May: 21–26
• June: 24–29
• July: 27–32
• August: 29–34
• September: 26–31
• October: 23–28
• November: 20–25
• December: 17–22

Air temperature (°C)

• January: 5–10
• February: 7–12
• March: 10–15
• April: 13–18
• May: 16–21
• June: 19–24
• July: 22–27
• August: 24–29
• September: 21–26
• October: 18–23
• November: 15–20
• December: 12–17

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Albania: Guided Tour or Go It Alone?

Albania is easy to reach by car, and although Albanians often drive like maniacs and some of the roads aren’t ideal, we think Albania is wonderful, wild and perfect for exploring under your own steam. Aside from the driving, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Still, if you’d rather not go it alone, there are plenty of interesting organised tours to Albania these days (though that’s not for us).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)