1.Head South. Visit and retreat by the Albanian Riviera

One of the most beautiful regions in Albania are the serene beaches you find in the costal are from Vlore to Ksamil. Here are some of the top beaches in the area:

  • Dhermi
  • Jale
    These beaches are perfect for young visitors seeking vibrant nightlife, loud music, and lively party scenes.
  • Himare
  • Borsh
  • Lukova
    These spots are ideal for families with young children or older couples looking for a peaceful retreat in a quiet seaside village.
  • Saranda
  • Ksamil
    These two destinations are the most popular in the region and are must-visits for their vibrant atmosphere and unique charm

2.Visit Cultural Places

Albania is a country who has a lot of history and culture spanning from Classical Antiquity (10 BCE to Medieval Period and Modern History (20th century). There are several important historic sites you must visit in Albania, some of which being UNESCO world heritage sites like:

-Berat
-Gjirokastra

Berat and Gjirokastra are UNESCO protected cities, both mostly constructed during the Ottoman period (Medieval). Both of the cities have a castle dating back to Roman period and Old towns and city centres with the typical Ottoman architecture. This two cities are a must visit if you are visiting Albania.

-Apollonia
-Butrinti

Apollonia and Butrinti are again 2 UNESCO sites, different from the two previous cities, this two flourished during the Roman and Greek period (Classical Antiquity). In these cities you will find ancient theatres, Roman baths, acropolis, and many typical constructions of the time.

Fun Fact: The first roman emperor (Augustus) studied in Apollonia under the tutelage of Athenodorus of Tarsus.

For those who are interested in how the ancient world developed in these regions, you must visit Apollonia and Butrint.

-Kruja City

Kruja is the most important historic city in Albania as it is the center of Albanian resistance against the Ottoman invaders. Also being the stronghold of Skanderbeg, this would be a great place to learn about the Albanian history.

3. Explore Tirana City

Tirana is a modern metropolis who has experienced a vast improvement the past years. There are a lot of things you can do to make yourself busy in Tirana, some of them being:

-Visiting BUNKART 1

BUNKART 1 is the largest bunker in country, now turned into a museum you can visit to learn about the harsh communism history of Albania.

–Dajti Express

Dajti Express is the longest cable car in the Balkans. It starts very near the BUNKART 1 museum, making it a perfect combination with BUNKART 1 to visit in one day.

–Bovilla Lake

Bovilla Lake is a man-made reservoir 20 KM from Tirana, powering the metropolis electricity and water supply. The turquoise water with the sharp green hills makes this destination a favourite destination among travellers.

-Enjoy a traditional lunch in ODA restaurant

If you want to experience very delicious traditional food in Albania, you must go to ODA restaurant. This is one of the most famous restaurants in Tirana because its traditional food, music and atmosphere.

-The Grand Park of Tirana

If you are in Tirana, you must go for a walk on the grand park of the city. The lake of Tirana surrounded with the forest of the park makes walking by it an amazing peaceful experience

-Visit TEG (Tirana East Gate)

TEG, the biggest shopping mall in the Balkans is situated east of Tirana by Tirana – Elbasan highway. In TEG you can take part in different activities such as: shopping, watching a movie in the cinema, going on restaurants and much more.

-Go on a walking tour

The best way to explore Tirana’s centre attractions is through a walking tour. You will cover several landmarks like: Skanderbeg Square, The Pyramid of Tirana, Tirana boulevard etc

-Go for a drink in Tirana Castle

When you hear the words castle and drinking together you may get a little bit confused, but this is not your typical castle. Situated near the centre of the city, the remaining of the castle of Tirana boasts a number of coffee shops and lounges that create a vibrating atmosphere on the afternoon.

4. Go for a hike on the Albanian Alps

One of the best activities you can do in Albania is enjoying the wild mountain nature. There are many beautiful places in Albania where you can do hiking activities to explore the nature in a deeper level.

Some of the hikes you can do are:

-Hike to the Blue Eye of Theth

-Theth – Valbona cross

-Mount Korab Summit

-Gjipe Canyon hike

-Osumi Canyon hike

-Many other trails on the Albanian Alps

5. Experience the Village Life

Albania has a lot of agricultural land spanning across the country. One of the best places to experience the village life is Theth Village. More information about Theth: (LINK OF OTHER BLOG)

6. Experience the wild nature of Shala River with a boat tour

Save one day to go to Shala River and Komani Lake. The area around is referred to as the Thailand of Europe. Breathtaking natural beauty.

7. Take part in water activities

There are a lot of water activities in Albania. Some of them are:

-Rafting or Kayaking in Vjosa River

These activities are organised in Permet village. A nice combination of fun activities and the quiet atmosphere of Permet.

-Boat Tour to Karaburun Peninsula

If you are in Vlore, you cannot miss Karaburun Peninsula. Accessible only by boat, there are full day boat tours offered in Vlora port for people who want to join.

-Jet ski / Pedal boats in Ksamil

One of the most beautiful aspects of Ksamil if that is has 3 islands not more then 100 meters away from its shores. Imagine taking your time exploring the islands on a pedal boat.

8. Try the traditional foods and drinks

Albania offers a variety of traditional food, and a special drink called “Rakia”. If you are confused on what foods to try, here is a list:

-Byrek

Byrek is the number one pick for breakfast. The best Byrek you can find is on the smallest shops!

-Ferges

-Bakllava

-Try goat meat

If you wish to try this traditional dish, book a table to ODA restaurant.

-Notoriously fresh vegetables and fruits

Fresh hand-picked vegetables and food nowadays are getting rare. All travellers that visit Albania are amazed by the taste of the vegetables. Enjoy while you can!