Albania is the rising star of European tourism, but the secret’s not yet out. Facing the Balkans and two seas, Albania offers pristine beaches, timeless rhythms, and ancient heritage waiting to be discovered. With warm welcomes everywhere, it makes perfect sense to explore these poetic landscapes — as hospitable as they are beautiful.
So, what is Albania famous for? Albania’s coastline, Llogara Pass, Ottoman towns, and UNESCO Sites are just a glimpse of what lies in hidden corners. Walk UNESCO streets, hike the Alps, or toast with rakia in forgotten villages — Albania never stops surprising.
There’s definitely a variety of things to do in Albania. But is 4 days in Albania enough? Not really. Just when you think you know it, Albania reveals another side you’ll want to explore even more deeply. So time is the only sacrifice, and you’ll probably be grateful for it. Here’s what to see in Albania;
Explore Tirana: a capital full of contradictions and color
Once grey and forbidden, Tirana is now a bold, vibrant capital eager to leave its past behind. Colourful, evolving and full of life, Tirana may lack grand monuments but ranks among Europe’s liveliest cities. There are also plenty of things to do in Tirana, Albania.
Visit Skanderbeg Square, Tirana’s central plaza, framed by Italian buildings, a national museum, and a mosque-clock tower. It’s become the symbol of the city’s new life and a great place to start the day.
IDon’t miss the Pyramid of Tirana — a communist-era relic turned giant canvas and urban playground. Want nature? Hop on the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car for mountain air, forests, and panoramic views near the city. In minutes, it takes you from Tirana’s centre to Mount Dajti’s peaceful summit and breathtaking landscapes.
Explore Blloku, once reserved for communist elites — now a quirky neighbourhood filled with cafes, shops and stories. But all this is slowly being replaced by art galleries, cool shops, and hipster bars.
Relax in Ksamil: the Albanian riviera’s turquoise jewel
Ksamil is a coastal paradise near Saranda, one of the best places to visit in Albania. And there are bucketloads of things to do in Ksamil, Albania. Just think of bright white sand abutting transparent turquoise waters, all backed by bougainvillea in bloom, and you have Ksamil, the beach that most of Eastern Europe dreams about.
Add the proximity of three small and one large island, within swimming distance, which can be reached by an affordable kayak or paddle boat, and you have one of the Mediterranean’s most unspoiled jewels – a hot contender to the Maldives.
And if you are looking for some other things to do in Saranda, Albania — you can go for a more relaxed escape, very little can beat the in-between seasons, which reveal Ksamil in all of its turquoise glory. There will be fewer crowds, so more opportunity to fully appreciate the chill-out vibes of Ksamil minus the craziness of summer.
Very close to the beach town is Butrint National Park, one of the top places to visit in Albania. This UNESCO World Heritage site covers the fascinating remains of a civilisation as well as wetlands teeming with natural beauty. The Greco-Roman city includes a theatre from the Roman era, the monumental Lion Gate, as well as remains of an ancient city.
Whether you want to relax on beautiful beaches or soak in ancient history, there are plenty of things to do in Ksamil, Albania, for nature and history lovers, as well as fans of amazing summers by the beach.
Visit Berat: Albania’s city of a thousand windows
Of all the Balkan towns we have visited, Berat holds a special place in our hearts, with unique things to do in Berat, Albania. This shadow of a museum town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, looks like one of those fairy-tale villages we both grew up with in separate Balkan homes. The whitewashed Ottoman-style houses that go right up the hill give Berat the name “The City of 1,000 Windows”.
The two historical neighbourhoods of Mangalem and Gorice have the Osum River running between them, and the best place to cross the river is by the Ottoman bridge. The Berat Castle, which still has people living here, is the most obvious place for views of the city and the surrounding valley. There are a few good museums here, namely the Onufri National Iconographic Museum, which has some real beauties from the Byzantine days.
Discover Saranda: the Gateway to the South
The city of Saranda is one of the hotspots of the Albanian Riviera and has been a popular tourist destination in the whole Mediterranean basin for a long time. If you want something different, you will find a host of culturally rich things to do in Saranda, Albania.
Greece is just across the channel, and this seafront town offers some amazing views of Corfu and fancier beaches than anywhere else. Also, a personal tip: beaches here have sand, which is a welcome change from the vast majority of Albanian beaches.
Bask in the sun, swim in crystalline waters — or set off on a boat to discover the rocky shores. Those fancying these experiences can head to one of the main beaches in Saranda (or to those gems like Kakomë and Krorëz, just a short drive outside Saranda, another beautiful stop for travellers around the Balkans).
And for history enthusiasts, the ancient city of Butrint, another stone’s throw away, awaits its visitors. This Unesco World Heritage site has to be one of the most underrated archaeological sites in Europe. There, you’ll dive deep into several layers of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilisation beautifully fused with the impressive nature of the site.
For those of you around Saranda, nearby lies the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), an extraordinary natural spring emerging from the forested area surrounding the summertime. Its crystal-clear, bright-blue waters, housed in a cold, deep pool, are merely the fortunate result of a formation of underground sources.
Sunbathe in Vlore: where the Adriatic meets the Ionian
Come nightfall, the city takes on a festive atmosphere, with its bars bursting at the seams, beach clubs filling up, and Saranda’s characteristic nightlife enticing wanderers around the Balkans. It is one of the best places to visit in Southern Albania. Plus, there are many things to do in Vlore, Albania.
Vlore is located quite conveniently on the spot where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. It is a lovely port town surrounded by wide and sandy beaches and the inevitable turquoise colored waters. The salty breeze and the contrast of the marvellous beaches with the city’s developed downtown core make it a hospitable place for all visitors, a strategic city, and one of those rare coastal places where southeastern Europe rarely boasts any more.
The long seafront promenade, ideal for relaxed strolls in the evenings or an early morning jog, still echoes tales of the past when Vlore, as one of the oldest cities of Albania, held a very important place in the country’s history.
The city of Vlorë (home of the Albanian Declaration of Independence) marks the point where Northern and Southern Albania end and begin. This makes it a perfect stop in your journey as these two parts of Albania have their differences from the way the language is spoken to even the mentality of the people in the regions.
Of new interest, but essential if nature is your call, comes another gem in the area, just about a half an hour drive from Vlore – the Llogara National Park, a park conveniently located at the meeting point of the Adriatic and the Ionian sea, close-by to the city of Vlore.
Spend a day in Durres: beach, history, and urban vibes
If you want the feel of the seaside without leaving the city, Durrës (snugly situated only 30km from Tirana, it’s an easy day trip and perfect for a quick reprieve by the ocean) is definitely the answer. It features the best beaches and arguably the best restaurants in the country.
Travelling here, you are guaranteed to never run out of things to do in Durrës, Albania. History buffs will find plenty to love in the town’s gigantic Roman amphitheatre – one of the largest in the Balkans. And surprisingly, Durrës has built itself up around this large, archaeological wonder; it’s a fascinating peek into this town’s important history.
You’ll also find the Archaeological Museum of Durrës located near the amphitheatre, showcasing the Illyrian, Greek, and Roman cultures to give you more insight into the background of this area.
But of course, Durrës is also a beach town along the coast with its long strips of sandy beach and palms swaying. Beachside restaurants cater for some of the freshest seafood on offer while you hang out along the seafront watching as the sun sets over the Adriatic Sea.
And the great thing about Durrës is that it’s a beach lover’s dream, being a smaller resort town, and it’s easy to navigate. Plus, it is accessible and easy to get to from the bustling capital.
Go off-the-grid in the accursed mountains
For nature lovers and lovers of the great outdoors, have no fear, there are plenty of top things to do in Albania, too. If you are searching for things to see in Albania for nature, visiting the Accursed Mountains is an adventurer’s dream.
Otherwise known as the Bjeshkët e Nemuna Mountains, they are about as natural as you can get when it comes to landscapes in Europe. This rather isolated territory in the North of the country is perfect for any hiking enthusiast.
One of the most famous treks, the Valbona to Theth trail, gives you some of the most stunning views. It is hard going; you’ll have to tackle the most picturesque and best-kept secret in nature, the Valbona and Theth valleys, and you’ll have to cross the stunning Valbona Pass Mountains. Then, of course, besides that, you’ll cross alpine forests, azure mountain eyes, valley streams, and the head of the Theth Valley.
Why Albania deserves a place on your travel bucket list
Albania is a country that feels like a well-kept secret, remaining quite a hidden gem in the south of Europe. From the captivating city streets of Tirana to the historic heritage of Berat and the crystal-clear beaches of Ksamil and the dramatic peaks of the Accursed Mountains, you’ll quickly see why Albania is the most beautiful country to explore.
This tiny country fits so much in, there’s something for every type of traveller. Relax on the Albanian Riviera if you’re a sunseeker, explore ancient ruins in Butrint or Durrës if you love history, hike the mountain paths from Valbona to Theth if you’re the adventurous type. And when you’re done exploring, there’s a café by the river or a fish restaurant by the sea just around the corner, ready to offer you the country’s delicious food and famous warm hospitality.
You can get a really good flavour of the place in just a few days – truly authentic and totally rewarding. The longer you stay, the more you find – unknown villages, empty mountain trails, local people with stories to tell.
Book your trip to Albania
An organised group trip to Albania gives you the opportunity to experience nature, cities, and the coast, totally unlike the rest of Europe. Your local guide will take you closer to the people and places that few independent travellers ever get to see for themselves. Further, you will get to explore all the best things to do in Albania.
So make the most of your time in Albania and see all the best bits. This way, you can really explore the different regions of Albania and its hidden secrets, receive the best knowledge and pick tips from those who know it best, and experience the culture and people in a genuine way. Whether you stay for a weekend or a couple of weeks at a time, Albania will give you a warm welcome, stay in your memory long after you leave, and keep you coming back for more.
