There are such a lot of incredible issues to do in Albania. Whether or not you’re keen on 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 cherished my time right here and undoubtedly plan to return.
Albania has develop into standard due to its attractive shoreline nevertheless it’s additionally made up of 70% mountain, which makes it a wonderful vacation spot for climbing. There are lots of superb 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 an inventory of my favorites.
Greatest Issues To Do in Albania
There are some unbelievable issues to do in Albania. It’s a rustic ready to be explored and combines cosmopolitan cities, gorgeous countryside, and a number of the finest 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 a captivating historical past, significantly its comparatively latest communist previous.
This superb Tirana strolling 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 way 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 finest issues to do in Albania and it’s an excellent strategy to get to know this superb nation.
2. The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye in Albania is among the finest pure vacationer sights in Albania. Positioned within the south of the nation, the Blue Eye is a deep underwater spring that pulls up essentially 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 drive of the water dashing to the floor prevents divers from getting any deeper.
To get to the Blue Eye, you’ll hike up by way of the Nationwide Park. It’s a comparatively straightforward stroll on a paved monitor for round 2 kilometers. Whenever 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 superb pictures or if you happen to’re courageous sufficient, as a spot to dive from.
The water may be very contemporary, so it’s an ideal spot to chill off. That is completely considered one of my favourite issues to see in Albania.
3. Dajti Mountains
Tirana is surrounded by the imposing Dajti Mountains and you may head up into them, courtesy of the Dajti Specific cable automobile.
The cable automobile is positioned to the north of Tirana and is a lovely journey up the mountains with unbelievable views again over Tirana. On the prime of the cable automobile, you’ll discover a wide range of actions and eating places. The Ballkoni Dajtit restaurant provides superb views from its glass partitions and accompanying viewpoints.
When you get pleasure from climbing, there are some incredible climbing 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’Artwork 1 museum – an unbelievable museum housed in disused bunkers. Mix a visit to each on this wonderful 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 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 a number of 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’ll be able to 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 implies you’ll be able to escape the crowds and profit from the superb bars and eating places shut by. You possibly can even seize a ferry from Sarandë to Corfu for an unbelievable day journey from the Albanian Riviera.
The seashores in Ksamil must be seen to be believed, and a visit to the Riviera is among the finest 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 manner to do that than by way of a rustic’s meals.
One of the vital genuine issues to do in Albania is to go to one of many many zgaras (grills) in Tirana and all through Albania. They serve a number of the finest native meals within the nation.
From hen 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 wonderful cooking tour. You’ll meet your information at an area market to gather components earlier than turning your hand to a number of the native delicacies.
Meals is an effective way to get to know a rustic, and the meals in Albania is superb. Whether or not consuming or cooking, it’s among the finest issues to do in Albania for sure.
6. Discover the Stylish Neighborhood of Blloku
Blloku is a classy neighborhood in Tirana and is among the finest issues to do in Albania at evening.
Essentially 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 get together members solely and residential to some stunning buildings.
For the reason that fall of communism, Blloku has been opened up and is now dwelling to a number of the coolest, trendiest, and finest eating places and bars in Tirana. It’s develop into one of the crucial cosmopolitan elements of Tirana and is unquestionably a spot to not be missed when visiting Tirana.
Head to the unbelievable 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 unbelievable Italian restaurant in Blloku and Period presents Albanian meals with a culinary twist.
Blloku is a good go to throughout the day and is among the finest issues to do in Albania at evening due to its vigorous nightlife.
7. Go to the Metropolis of 1,000 Home windows (One of many Greatest Issues To Do in Albania)
The gorgeous metropolis of Berat is thought affectionately as town of 1,000 home windows. It’s a novel, UNESCO World Heritage Web site that will get its identify from its Ottoman-style homes looking over Osum creating a shocking visible impact.
Berat is among the cultural facilities of Albania and is among the best-preserved historic cities for sightseeing in all of Albania.
When you’re based mostly in Tirana, one of the best ways to go to Berat is on this highly-rated day tour to Berat. You’ll get pushed from Tirana and can go to a number of the most essential 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 Citadel, the Crimson Mosque, and two of the perfect 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 ideal day journey and an excellent strategy to go to one of the crucial standard historic sights in Albania.
8. Go to Durrës
As one of the crucial historic cities in Albania, a go to to Durrës is among the finest 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 historic 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 inns serving it. It’s not fairly as superb because the seashores on the Albanian Riviera nevertheless it provides 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 vigorous bars that get together lengthy into the evening.
For an excellent mixture of historical past, seashore, and get together, a visit to Durrës is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Albania.
9. Climbing the Accursed Mountains
When you love climbing then Albania is an unbelievable nation to go to with an enormous vary and number of climbing routes accessible for all skills and ages.
For the top of climbing in Albania and for skilled ramblers, the unbelievable climbing path by way of the Accursed Mountains tops any listing of issues to do in Albania.
The Accursed Mountains, also called the Albanian Alps, supply a number of the most unbelievable 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 a protracted day journey and takes round 13 hours to finish.
It’s a difficult hike and I like to recommend sturdy strolling sneakers and poles when you’ve got 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 actually particular, the Accursed Mountain hike is totally among the finest 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 web site. It’s one of the crucial standard vacationer sights in the entire of Albania, and it’s straightforward to see why.
When you love historic historical past, then discovering Butrint Nationwide Park shall be a captivating journey. Butrint has been inhabited since prehistoric instances 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’ll be able to 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 web site that homes some unbelievable artifacts found from the colourful historical past of Butrint.
You possibly can drive to Butrint, or if you happen to’re based mostly in close by Sarandë then take this wonderful half-day tour to Butrint. It’s a captivating take a look at Albania’s historic previous.
11. Take a Wine Tasting Tour
Albania has some unbelievable 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 Vineyard and Winery, 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 home made raki to complete.
If you wish to mix a day journey to Durrës with a wine-tasting tour of Lali Bay, then take a look at 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
When you’re within the south of the nation, then a go to to Gjirokaser is considered one of my most extremely rated issues to do in Albania.
This Ottoman metropolis is made practically fully of grey stone, perched up within the mountains. It’s free from automobiles with cobbled streets packed stuffed with boutique retailers, bars, and eating places. It’s so well-preserved it’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
Above Gjirokaster is the fortress, which is unquestionably price 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, attention-grabbing to discover, and provides some unbelievable views over Gjirokaster.
When you’re in Gjirokaster, take into account a go to to The Barrels Winery for lunch or dinner. This family-run enterprise units tables within the vineyards and produces unbelievable seasonal meals and wine. The household is so welcoming and my go to right here was a magical expertise. It’s undoubtedly one of the crucial 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 unbelievable panorama surrounding it.
For people who need to get the blood pumping, you’ll be able to 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 a number of the most unbelievable views in Albania and you may even take a dip within the lake afterward to chill off!
Guests can both drive out to Lake Bovilla and deal with 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 is usually a little difficult to comply with.
Whichever manner you select to discover, be sure you take loads of water and your cellphone for some superb pictures. A visit out to Lake Bovilla is among 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 one of the crucial standard issues to do in Albania when visiting Berat.
The Osum river flows by way of this spectacular canyon and if you happen to head right here in Spring, then the water ranges can help you discover your entire canyon by water. You possibly can hire a raft and paddle the size of the canyon, stopping on the varied waterfalls alongside the way in which.
It’s one of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Albania with children or in a bunch. Equally, in order for you extra of an adrenaline rush, then you’ll be able to have a strive at some white water rafting. There are some superb excursions organized to Osumi Canyon, together with this day-long water tour from Berat.
When you go to after summer season, the water ranges can have dropped, so rafting gained’t be potential. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to 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
Probably the greatest methods to get to know a rustic is to cease and easily watch. That is an artwork type that Albania has all the way down to a tee.
The cafe tradition in Albania is incredible. 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 move out for a espresso and other people watch. I cherished the cafes across the New Bazaar in Tirana which supplied the proper spot to look at the world go by.
Equally, there are some unbelievable 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 all around the nation, supply 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 ideas of what to do in Albania throughout your journey.
1 Day in Albania Itinerary
When you solely have at some point in Albania, then chances are high you’ll be in Tirana. I like to recommend taking a morning strolling tour to get to know 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 unbelievable views over Tirana.
Alternatively, head into Bunk’Artwork 1 or Bunk’Artwork 2 museums to get to know extra in regards to the historical past of Albania throughout its communist interval.
Within the night, head to Blloku for a number of the finest meals in Tirana and a few drinks in a number of the vigorous bars (if you happen to’re so inclined).
2-3 Days in Albania Itinerary
When you have just a few extra days accessible, then I like to recommend you base your self in Tirana. On the primary day, comply with the 1-day itinerary above.
On the second day, take into account a day journey to Berat for a captivating tour of town of 1,000 home windows. Whenever 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, take into account a day journey to close by Durrës to discover the second metropolis and its historic historical past. You would 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 per week to journey Albania, then begin in Tirana and comply with 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 unbelievable 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, take into account 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, take a look at 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 unbelievable meal and welcoming expertise.
Getting To Albania
The commonest strategy to get to Albania is by way of its most important 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’ll be able to take a ferry throughout to Sarandë in Albania to discover the wonderful seashores on the Albanian Riviera.
When you’re in Albania, one of the best 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 foremost cities and run commonly. Taxis and automobile leases are comparatively low cost and dependable.
Alternatively, excursions function from many of the most important cities and are wonderful, cost-effective, and stress-free methods to go to a number of the finest 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 finest identified for its latest communist previous, and its unbelievable museums about this period. It’s additionally dwelling to a number of the finest seashores in Europe.
I recommend the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October; both aspect of summer season, which is the busiest and hottest a part of the 12 months.
Completely! Albania is filled with fascinating historical past, gorgeous nature, unbelievable seashores, and cosmopolitan cities, making it the proper getaway in Europe.
When you want to discover Tirana, then a protracted 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 superb issues to do in Albania, then finances two weeks to see the perfect of this fascinating nation.
Albania was completely secure after I visited. Tirana feels snug, even after darkish, and I didn’t encounter any points in any respect after I visited.
Visiting the unbelievable seashores on the Albanian Riviera is among 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 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 publish offers you some inspiration for issues and locations to see in Albania. There are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Albania that you just’re more likely to want to return repeatedly.
Whether or not you select a protracted weekend or an extended 2-week tour, there’s a lot to do on this fascinating nation. There are some unbelievable excursions to take and locations to find whether or not you’re keen on historical past, nature, or meals!
I hope you get pleasure from your time on this superb nation.
