21 Unique Things to Do in Albania: Best Experiences and Places to Visit

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

These are the best things to do in Albania, including unique experiences and hidden gems along with the top must-see sites.

Albania has recently been experiencing a well-deserved wave of enthusiasm and curiosity from travelers. The news has broken about the country’s incredible beaches, underrated mountain ranges, and untamed natural beauty. Fortunately, the list of things to do in Albania is long and full of exciting adventures.

If you’ve already dipped your toes into Albania tourist attractions, you’ve likely come across some repeating sites. Naturally, tourist spots in Albania are frequented for a reason – they’re amazing! However, if you’re wondering “What are some things to do while visiting Albania that a tourist might not know about?” Then you’re in the right place.

In this extensive guide, we have compiled the best places to visit in Albania in addition to some of its hidden gems.

The Essentials for Visiting Albania

✈️ Flights to Tirana are abundant from various European cities and regularly serviced by budget airlines.

⛴ It’s possible to take a ferry to Albania from either Greece or even Italy.

☔️ Albania is a safe place for travelers but not immune to petty tourist-targeted incidents (like pickpocketing) that occur in any major destination or city. Come prepared for the unexpected by purchasing travel insurance.

🚘 Renting a car and driving will allow you to experience the most unique things to do in Albania.

🧳 Without a car, you can rely on the various guided tours (with transportation included) which visit all of the top sites in Albania.

💎 Opt for lesser known destinations in Albania opposed to just the ones you see all over Instagram. Low-key places are much more enjoyable because they’re less touristy and more affordable.

The Full List: Best Things to Do in Albania

Don’t have the time to read through this entire guide? Stop here and grab the recap below of the best places and things to do in Albania.

Non Touristy Places to Visit in Albania

• Lin
• Përmet
• Vlorë
• Vjosa River
• Bovilla Lake
• Korçë
• Porto Palermo
• Kalivoj Beach
• Cold War Tunnel
• Cold Water Nature Monument
• Agritourism in Gjonëm

Popular Tourist Spots in Albania

• Berat
• Albanian Riviera and Llogara Pass
• Rozafa Castle in Shkodër
• Kruje
• Theth and Valbona Valley National Parks
• Gjirokaster
• Sarandë and the Blue Eye
• Ksamil
• Butrint National Park
• Gjipe Beach

Map of Beautiful Albania Sites

Albania Hidden Gems

1. Visit Lin, One of the Oldest Villages in Europe

The small village of Lin is situated on a peninsula along the shores of Lake Ohrid. Only a third of Lake Ohrid belongs to Albania, but Lin is unquestionably one of the most significant historic locations in the country and even continent.

Research and discoveries have found Lin to be part of the oldest settlement in Europe, around 8,500 years old.

Lin, Albania, continues to be an important site for archaeology, and a hotspot for researchers. As recently as August 2023, scientists uncovered an ancient town believed to have existed on stilts, just underneath the water’s surface outside of Lin.

For visitors, stopping in Lin is a charming and quiet experience as it has managed to stay out of the spotlight for most tourists. 

👍 Read More: Visiting the Ancient Village of Lin, Albania

2. Take a Dip in the Thermal Baths Near Përmet

The city of Përmet is a lesser-known town in Albania and a quiet destination in and of itself. However, just 20 minutes from Përmet is the municipality’s most popular attraction, the Benja Thermal Baths (Llixhat e Bënjës).

Among the exquisite natural landscape is Kadiut Bridge, an ancient Ottoman-era bridge completing the dreamy scene. The baths are located at a wide opening of the Langarica Canyon where the waters eventually run down into the Aoos (Vjosa) River. Visitors come to experience the healing powers commonly known in mineral-rich thermal waters.

Llixhat e Bënjës is a magnifacent natural outdoor spa, and the best part is, it’s completely free to visit! If you are visiting in the summer, don’t expect the site to be without crowds. Experiencing the Benja Thermal Baths near sunset is recommended as most people (especially families) will begin to head home.

3. Combine Beach and City Life in Vlorë

Most people will consider the Albanian Riviera to begin in the northern city of Vlorë and end down in Ksamil. With beach seekers racing south, Vlorë is often overlooked as a destination itself.

The third most populated city in Albania is home to a bustling and modern metropolitan area, crawling with trendy cafes, restaurants, and a charming Old Town neighborhood.

Along the coastline is where you’ll find a lively pedestrian promenade and quintessential beach culture. The beaches near Vlorë are particularly sought after because they are some of the few in Albania that are sandy. Vlorë is a perfect option for travellers in search of the ideal beach vacation combined with a vibrant city life. 

👍 You May Like: Best Beaches and Things to Do in Himare

4. Float Down the Vjosa River

Albania’s extraordinary beaches and coastline can be talked about for hours. What isn’t praised enough are Albania’s rivers. Although there are many that flow through different parts of the country, the one that stands out is the Aoos (also known as the Vjosa River) that flows through Gjirokaster County.

The river is particularly noteworthy as it comprises the Vjosa Wild River National Park, the first-ever national park of its kind in Europe. Furthermore, it is known to be the last significant wild river on the continent, outside of Russia.

Aside from simply soaking in the beauty of the majestic river, it’s a fantastic place to go swimming and have some good old-fashioned fun. Along the river, we saw many groups of locals floating down the Vjosa where the current was strong enough.

One of the best hidden gems in Albania is this spot in particular, which includes a tranquil pool of spring water tucked away behind the trees.

5. Hike to the Top of the Bovilla Reservoir

Lake Bovilla is an enormous reservoir and one of the best day trips from Tirana, which is only about 20 km (12 miles) away. The reservoir is nestled at the bottom of two mountain ranges and has an unmistakable bright turquoise color. Functionally, the Bovilla Reservoir is crucial to the country’s capital, as it provides drinking water to most of the county.

Whether you visit Bovilla Lake for hiking, for a scenic picnic, or for the extraordinary view, it’s certainly one of the best-kept secrets near Tirana and in all of Albania. The most accessible panoramic viewpoint of Bovilla can be seen here.

It is possible to reach the majority of this route by car, even a normal car, if you don’t want to hike. From Bovilla Restaurant, you can also walk up a set of stairs along the mountainside. This attraction is brand new as of 2023, but there are plenty of signs in the area for easy directions.

⛰ If you’re into off-roading (like us!), it’s possible to reach Bovilla Reservoir via Hida Road, beginning in Kruje. The road is not rocky, but it isn’t paved either, so it’s advisable to have a 4×4 vehicle.

Along this route, you’ll come across several picturesque waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and wildlife (including wolves) if you’re lucky!

6. Wander the Old Bazaar of Korçë

Just 30 minutes west of the border with Greece is the Albanian city of Korçë. It may not seem like it based on the surrounding fertile land, but Korçë stands at almost 900 meters above sea level.

Reaching Korçë is also a bit of a foggy experience because it’s so isolated in the southeast corner of Albania. There are no nearby cities of the same size, only tiny villages. So, it feels like you are finding a metropolis in the middle of nowhere. Upon reaching Korçë, you are hit with a wave of energy as the city is very dense.

Korçë seems to go unnoticed by mass tourism, and frankly, this is what makes it so lovely. Regardless, the town is vibrant, holds a strong artistic heritage, and has plenty of things to see and do.

Possibly the most well-known attraction in Korçë is the old bazaar quarter, which honestly feels like a movie set. Stroll through during the day, and you’ll find small shops selling handmade crafts, vintage rugs, and woodworking masterpieces.

At night, the old town transforms into a trendy hub for bars and outdoor seating under string lights. The entire town feels untouched by all the negative aspects of tourism and is simply delightful to visit.

7. Experience Paradise in Porto Palermo

Ksamil this and Ksamil that. Personally, we believe there are many other beaches on the Albanian Riviera that are more beautiful than the southernmost end. Porto Palermo in the Himare municipality is undoubtedly one of the most underrated areas to enjoy the coast.

You will not find a large half-moon stretch of beach or endless rows of umbrellas for rent in Porto Palermo. Instead, the bay is home to a handful of smaller beaches, all sharing the same pristine, clear water and with the absence of loud beach clubs.

⛱ Read More: The Beautiful Beaches of Porto Palermo

Taking accessibility, cleanliness, and quality of water into consideration, Porto Palermo Beach, located here, is by far one of the best beaches along the Riviera. It is especially rare to see such a gem without paid umbrellas and sun beds – the entire beach is public and includes one small restaurant behind it.

For adventurers eager to visit something more secluded, a hike (or off-road trip) to Mateus Beach is in order. By all definitions, this beach is perfect and truly a slice of paradise. With looks alone, it tops the list for the best beaches in Albania.

Mateus Beach is also a wild and public beach, which means it’s undisturbed nature at its finest.

8. Step Back Into Time in the Cold War Tunnel

The marvelously preserved historic center of Gjirokastër is worth visiting for a number of reasons, including its hilltop castle and old-town bazaar. While the sparkle of ancient cobblestone streets and cute storefronts is easy to fall for, Gjirokastër has another attraction that often gets left off the traditional itinerary.

In correlation with the endless supply of bunkers you’ll see across Albania, the then-dictator went completely overboard by building a sanctuary tunnel underneath Gjirokastër Castle.

The system of below ground tunnels was designed to only house important members of the state government in response to a potential attack. It’s a quirky, educational, and affordable activity that’s also a convenient way to cool you down if you’re visiting during the hot summer.

Tours of the Cold War tunnel are all guided and leave every hour. For less than €5, you’ll learn extensive details and facts about the attraction from one of the guides.

9. Learn About Traditions at an Agritourism Stay

People who are interested in visiting Albania and want to leave with a little understanding from the people themselves will appreciate an agritourism stay. We had this experience as one of our last stops in Albania and it was quite possibly our most memorable.

Agriculture, cultivation and even styles of cooking are important forms of maintaining a cultural heritage.

A great example in Albania is a tradition that’s performed in nearly every rural household – the production of raki. From what we were told by multiple Albanians, it’s something every family in the countryside does on their own.

Traditional preparation of meat and similar dishes is also a wonder to learn more about while in Albania. During our agritourism stay at Lahuta e Vjetër Agroturizëm, we were lucky enough to join the oldest members of the family as they prepared a carnivorous feast over hot coals and with modest handcrafted pans.

10. Find the Best Mussels of the Butrint Lagoon

Behind Ksamil village and its frenzied tourist population lies Lake Butrint, also known as Butrint Lagoon. It is a saltwater body of water faintly connected to the Ionian Sea by a narrow channel within Butrint National Park.

Although the lagoon is recognized as a wetland and is home to a diverse range of flora and bird species, it is more renowned for its mussel farming. The Mediterranean mussel thrives exceptionally well in the ideal conditions of Lake Butrint, making it the most delicious delicacy to savor while in Ksamil.

Along with guided mussel boat tours, there are a few notable places on the lake where you can enjoy some of the freshest mussels you’ll find in Albania.

The Mussel House and King Mussel Taverna are both located on the northern end of the lagoon and are really great options. Personally, we thoroughly enjoyed a much humbler experience at Restaurant Kalivoj. The restaurant is also beautifully located on a tranquil beach that’s virtually empty—a hidden paradise away from the busy coastline just next door.

11. Cool Off at the Cold Water Nature Monument

Whether you make this a pit stop or point of interest, visiting this nature site is definitely one of the most unknown things to do in Albania. In many parts of Albania, it’s not advised to drink water from the tap. When you finally reach an area where it’s not only safe but has ice-cold fresh water flowing from the hills, it’s worth a stop!

The surrounding landscape and nature are purely splendid. Throughout the site, you’ll find waterfalls and serene riverfront beaches. If you have the time, head down to the river by Uji i Ftohtë Hotel and take a dip in the crisp waters of the stream.

Along the main road is where you’ll also find countless small shops selling local products. Compared to the mass-produced tourist key chains, opt for a jar of honey to take home as a souvenir instead.

Popular Albania Tourist Attractions

12. Berat

Often deemed “the town of a thousand windows,” the central Albanian city of Berat is famously known for its Ottoman-era architecture buildings and the white-washed optical perspective they create.

Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undeniably one of the most gorgeous inland destinations in Albania. In addition to the town’s overall visual appeal, Berat offers several tourist spots to explore, including a historic quarter, ancient mosques, churches, and bridges.

The most famous attraction in the town is the Berat Castle and its castle grounds, perched on the hilltop.

13. Albanian Riviera and Llogara Pass

If you are headed to the Albanian Riviera from Tirana or the northern part of the country, you will luckily take one of the most scenic routes without even thinking about it. In order to reach the best beaches in Albania that begin at Dhermi, you must drive through the Llogara Pass.

It is a narrow and curvy motorway, dramatically towering over the coastline below. As you pull over to one of the handful of picture perfect viewpoints along the pass, is only when you realise how vertical of a road you are navigating. As a gateway to the Riviera, Llogara Pass does a great job welcoming you to its collection of gorgeous beaches.

Most people visiting Albania in the summer are there for one reason – the celebrated Albanian Riviera. It doesn’t take much convincing to experience any of Albania’s breathtaking beaches and swim spots along the southern coastline.

Some of our personal favorite beaches in Albania include Gjipe Beach, Himare Beach, Porto Palermo Beach, and Borsh Beach.

🌊 Read More: The Best Beaches & Things to Do in Himare

14. Rozafa Castle in Shkodër

Similar to Lake Ohrid, Shkodra Lake in northern Albania is also shared with another country. At the base of the lake is Shkoder, the first major Albanian city you’ll come across after entering the country from Montenegro.

Balancing on top of a hill and at the end of a cobble stone path is the castle and museum. Rozafa Castle comes with an intriguing and particularly dark legend, one that you can learn much about during a modest €4 visit.

Entering the castle near sunset is recommended as the best time in order to catch a panoramic view of the lake and city with a golden filter. 

15. Kruje

The prominent and culturally rich town of Kruje that was once home to an ancient Illyrian tribe is only 40 km north of Tirana. As a symbol of national pride, Kruje is well-known for being the home of Skanderbeg, Albania’s state hero and military commander from the 1400s who led the fight against Ottoman rule.

Currently, the lovely town of Kruje is where you’ll find one of the oldest bazaars in Albania. The charming cobblestone alleys filled with kiosks, merchants, and hidden treasures are incredibly picturesque and impossible to deny for tourists.

At the top of Kruje’s bazaar streets is the Castle of Kruja which includes an ethnographic museum and sweeping views out to the sea.

16. Theth and Valbona National Park

As much attention as Albania’s beaches receive, the national parks of Theth and Valbona Valley are equally famous. There are many reasons to visit Albania’s national parks as there’s something to enjoy outdoors for everyone from reaching high peaks to admiring wild flowers.

One of the most popular activities is hiking from Theth to Valbona, which requires an entire day to trek the 19 km. For avid hikers, it’s not particularly a difficult journey but regardless, worth the expedition’s labor. Jaw-dropping views of the Accursed Mountains (also known as the Albanian Alps) greet you around every turn.

If you don’t feel like breaking a sweat, you can still relish in the national parks without hiking. Charming traditional guesthouses are the perfect nature getaway for anyone who prefers to immerse themselves in the mountains rather than the sea.

Quite often, accommodations in Theth and Valbone offer off-roading and 4×4 transportation or tours, which are convenient ways to explore without lifting a finger.

17. Gjirokaster

Most notably known for being one of Albania’s two UNESCO-listed cities, Gjirokastër is best described as magical. For starters, its geographical location cannot be beaten as it’s situated at the bottom of a mountain base with views of another mountain on the horizon.

👍 Read More: Is Gjirokaster Worth Visiting?

Gjirokastër’s historic quarter is the city’s most charming neighborhood and features a bazaar district that thrives throughout the day and well into the evening as bars liven up the night. This entire area is located at an angle along the hill’s slope, which makes walking through Gjirokastër somewhat challenging, particularly with young children who may tire easily. A few of the best attractions in Gjirokastër’s old town include:

• Castle of Gjirokastra
• Gjirokastra Bazaar
• Zekate House and Skenduli House
• Ethnographic Museum
• Gjirokastër Obelisk
• The Cold War Tunnel
• Te Kubé

👣 Book a walking tour of historic Gjirokaster

18. The Blue Eye(s)

Albania is home to two attractions that are famously known as “The Blue Eye.” Both locations can be described as sheltered bodies of water resembling a natural pool with an intense blue color.

The first “Blue Eye Kaprre” is found near Theth and requires an hour long hike to visit it. This is possibly the reason why this Blue Eye is much more enjoyable as it welcomes only those willing to trek the 2 km to reach it. By car, you can park here for around €3 and access the nature trail until you reach the crystal-clear mountain waters.

The Blue Eye in southern Albania is widely visited and popular among tourists who are visiting the resort towns of Saranda and Ksamil. Although you still must walk to the lagoon, it is not a hike by any means, and there are even electric scooters you can rent to get you there quicker.

Directly near the Blue Eye, you’ll come across restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops, which clearly indicate this site to be a major tourist attraction. Entrance to the Blue Eye in Saranda costs around €0.50 for the day, an insignificant amount to experience one of Albania’s most remarkable natural wonders.

📷 Book a guided tour with transportation to the Blue Eye

19. Ksamil

Most of Albania’s beaches are made of pebbles or rough sand. It isn’t until you reach the southern end of the Albanian Riviera that you are in the presence of that idyllic soft sand that most people are after. Highly attributed to this reason, Ksamil is unquestionably the top beach destination in Albania.

Commonly known as Ksamil village, the area is also very unique in the way it’s set up. Opposed to long stretches of beaches which are typical between Dhermi and Sarande, Ksamil is instead comprised of 30-40 private beach inlets.

Naturally, these sandy beach areas are considerably smaller, but they are all privately owned and operated by individual beach bars. The highly rated clubs are absolutely divine to visit because since they are paid, they’re very well taken care of.

For the type of beach vacationer seeking an all-inclusive (and slightly luxe) experience, Ksamil is the one and only destination in Albania.

⛱ Read More: An Honest Review of Ksamil Beaches

20. Butrint National Park

Just 20 km north of the Greek border is Butrint National Park. The park is not only one of Albania’s most impressive archaeological sites but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is comprised of well-preserved ruins of an ancient city, a Venetian tower, Roman baths, an ancient theater, and much more.

A visit to the park can easily occupy an entire afternoon and is suitable for kids of all ages. Our toddler particularly enjoyed the turtles poking their heads out of the ponds.

The archaeological site is believed to have roots dating back to the 10th and 8th centuries BC, indicating the presence of civilization during that time. Naturally, it even became a Roman settlement after Julius Caesar discovered ancient Butrint and recognized its potential.

To visit Butrint National Park, the entrance fee for adults is around €10, and tickets do not need to be purchased in advance or online.

📷 Book a guided tour of the Butrint Ancient City

21. Camping on Gjipe Beach

If camping on a beautiful, wild beach is on your travel bucket list, consider it done by visiting Albania’s Gjipe Beach. Situated at the mouth of Gjipe Canyon, it is one of the most extraordinary beaches in the country.

During your hike down to the beach, you’ll immediately be swept away by phenomenal views of the deep blue water below. To properly immerse yourself among nature and have a no-frills experience during your trip to Albania, camping right on the beach is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The campsite situated at Gjipe Beach allows travelers to rent complete setups, which means you don’t have to be a backpacker with your own gear.

For around €12 per person, Gjipe Eco Campground provides a place to sleep in addition to a traditional Albanian breakfast. Camping on Gjipe Beach hits the mark for anyone interested in a unique and offbeat activity to include on your Albanian itinerary.

🐠 Read More: A Guide on Visiting Gjipe Beach

How to Get to Albania

Flying to Tirana

Tirana is Albania’s capital city and home to the country’s main international airport. It is well-connected from and to many major European cities. Tirana International Airport services popular airlines such as Alitalia, British Airways, EasyJet, Lufthansa, and the favoured budget airline of Wizz Air.

Nonstop flights are regularly available within Europe from departure points such as London, Rome, Munich, Oslo, Paris, and Barcelona.

The bustling city of Tirana is a point of interest itself, but it is also a fantastic starting point for tourists keen on seeing the rest of the country.

From Tirana, the gorgeous beaches of Himare and the mesmerizing mountains of Theth are both 3.5 hours away in opposite directions. Tirana is also the most convenient and economical place to rent a car for your Albania trip.

Taking a Ferry

Arriving in Albania by ferry is mostly a suitable solution for visitors traveling with a car. Ferries to Albania arrive from Italy and Greece on a regular basis during the peak season.

From Italy, it’s possible to take a car ferry to Albania from a few departure ports such as Ancona, Bari, and Brindisi along the east coast of Italy. Leaving Greece, the Corfu to Saranda ferry is a great way to experience Albania for a day or a weekend visit during a bigger trip to Corfu.

Driving

The idea of a Balkan road trip is growing on travellers looking to switch things up. After completing a few road trips throughout the Balkan countries ourselves, we can easily recommend it as one of the best destinations to tour by car in all of Europe. Since state borders are so close to each other, it makes visiting a handful of different countries possible within a short timeframe.

If you are road tripping to Albania from another Balkan country, border crossings tend to be more relaxed and quite similar to one another. Still, there are things to be mindful of. Double-check your navigation or GPS system for the actual border crossing point. You’ll want to make sure it’s an official border location which:

• 1. Allows travel for non-residents of either country.
• 2. Doesn’t lead through a secluded forest without a border station. We’ve unfortunately experienced both of these scenarios, which only caused us to lose time and forced us to backtrack.

For driving routes from or to the European Union from Albania, prepare for a lengthier process. Entering the EU typically means you’ll spend much longer at the border. Expect an extended customs, passport control, and security procedure.

🛣 Read More: The Albanian Road Trip Guide

Albania Travel FAQs

Is Albania Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Albania is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe and definitely worth visiting. Adventurers will love Albania for its untamed natural beauty and endless corners to explore without tour bus crowds.

Vacationers won’t want to leave Albania after experiencing its iconic coastline bursting with one gorgeous beach after another. Culture and history fanatics will have itineraries filled with ancient landmarks, archaeological ruins, and UNESCO sites.

👍 You May Like: 7 Best Places to Visit in the Balkans

Whichever traveler you may be, everyone can appreciate Albania’s affordability. This makes traveling to Albania advantageous, whether you’re staying for one week or three months. The value for practically every aspect of a trip is fantastic, which alleviates the stress of paying a fortune to travel.

What Unexpected Things Should First Time Visitors to Albania Know?

1. Cash is a must

Coming from the U.S. or a Western European country, it may be second nature to pay with a card or Apple Pay. In Albania, you will not get far without cash. Even large hotels, restaurants, and transportation companies will not accept cards.

To come prepared to Albania with local currency, ask your home bank for lek before arriving in Albania. Alternatively, you can exchange currency at an office in Albania or withdraw cash at an ATM.

We personally opt for the latter as the fees and value are better than exchanging cash. If you are traveling on a budget, it’s worth your time to do the math before committing to an option.

2. You will see a lot of trash

For a few different but equally unfortunate reasons, Albania has a trash problem. It is a combination of the country’s government and residents’ overall approach towards garbage and its disposal or recycling solution (lack of).

As tourists, it’s critical that we don’t contribute to the problem and do our best to improve it instead. We strongly hope that for the sake of Albania’s future in tourism, attention to the matter will at some point, be prioritized.

3. Albanian cuisine is really good

The food in Albania is on par with Greek dishes made famous all over the world yet it holds its own flavor and distinctness. Albania still maintains the traditional classics found throughout neighbouring Balkan states such as the burek.

However, it is additionally influenced by outside cultures including Italy and Turkey. Above all, the food in Albania is real and comparable to the Mediterranean diet in regard to emphasis on seafood, in-season vegetables, and fruit.

4. Can’t speak Albanian? Try Italian

The Albanian language is difficult to grasp and is different from the South Slavic dialects that you would hear in most Balkan countries. Luckily, there is another option to successfully communicate while visiting Albania, in addition to English.

In the wake of historical ties between the two countries, as well as the geographical proximity, Italian is widely spoken among Albanian citizens.

We’ve experienced countless interactions (mostly with the older generation) where English was not a possibility, but Italian was. The younger Albanian citizens continue to be influenced by Italian culture through TV shows, movies, and the Italian media shown in Albania.

5. Is Albania Safe?

With Americans in particular, Albania has received an undeservedly bad reputation. We can unfortunately confirm this negative opinion because while traveling within Albania during peak season, we hardly heard any American English.

Most tourists currently traveling to Albania are from Europe. For many Westerners, one of the main reasons for hesitancy to visit Albania is simply the fear of the unknown. We hope that with resources such as ours and maybe with the help of Croatia’s PR team, Albania will soon appeal to visitors worldwide.

Like with nearly every nation, Albania isn’t perfect. If you want a fairy tale destination where nobody steps a toe out of line, head to the Netherlands instead. While visiting Albania, you should exercise common sense and remove yourself from petty theft situations. This includes not flashing expensive items in public and keeping your belongings in sight.

In short, don’t leave a purse on the front seat of a car while you’re at the beach and then blame the country for it being stolen. Negative scenarios like these also tend to happen in bigger cities where there are crowds. We have walk around towns, rural areas and secluded village streets at night in Albania. Never did we feel unsafe or at risk.

What Is the Most Popular Thing to Do in Albania?

Whenever we bring up going to Albania in a conversation, people often ask, “Did you go to Sarande and Ksamil?” Even for people who have never visited the country, these are typically the two most popular places in Albania that will get brought up.

Most tourists will head to Albania to experience its coastline and have a holiday by the sea, so this common reaction is completely justified.

From the surface, the Albanian Riviera and beautiful beaches are definitely the country’s most prized possessions. Furthermore, visitors tend to choose a summer vacation in Albania because of its value.

Although prices are quietly and slowly increasing, going to Albania instead of Greece is very popular among people looking for a more affordable beach destination.

👍 You May Like: A Review of Ksamil – Albania’s Most Popular Beaches

For a different set of interests, Albania attracts many people to its northern mountains. Theth National Park and Valbone Valley are magnificent and frequented attractions in Albania for those looking to get their hike on and immerse themselves in the country’s natural beauty.

The great thing about these national parks is how wild they’ve remained. So although they are certainly not a secret in Albania, they don’t feel like they’re overrun by tourists even for being so favoured.

Where Should You Book Tours in Albania?

Whether you’re a dedicated self-guided traveler or not, taking guided tours is sometimes the only way to truly experience a certain place. Take the historic Ottoman town of Berat, for example. Passed down through generations, stories and legends are facts and details that a typical tourist may never know unless we learn them from the source.

We typically depend on two online resources for locally guided tours: Viator and GetYourGuide. This also allows you to book in advance, which is ideal for those who like to plan ahead and know what they’re in for.

What Is the Best Way to Travel Around Albania?

With a Car

In the map below, you’ll see that many of Albania’s best things to do and see aren’t consolidated in one area. If you’re planning a grand tour of the entire country, the best way to do this is by car. Whether it’s your own car or a rental car, driving will allow you to see both Albania’s hidden gems and top tourist attractions.

As a slight caution, driving in Albania is a colorful experience and not recommended for inexperienced drivers. Still, this warning can be brought up in other countries like Italy and France, so take it with a grain of salt. A majority of the European tourists we see in Albania are driving rental cars, so it is very common.

Top Tips for Driving in Albania

• Aggressive drivers – They exist all over the world, and Albania is no exception. If someone is tailgating you, do not provoke them or speed up. Maintain your speed and let them pass. It is also recommended to ignore any hostile honking situations so you don’t engage in making a situation worse. 
• Animals in the streets – You’ll frequently see stray dogs and farm animals on the side of the road or even in the middle. Always keep an eye out for potential obstacles.
• Unpaved roads – Unexpected gravel or dirt roads tend to show up out of nowhere, and your navigation won’t differentiate these from paved roads. Do your best to determine if a road is actually manageable for the type of car you are driving before embarking on a journey.
• Curvy and narrow roads – While driving in the Albanian mountains, roads are mostly narrow and curvy with little or poorly maintained barriers. If you feel nervous while driving in the opposite direction of another car, slow down or pull over.

✍🏼 Plan your own epic Albanian road trip! Our guide includes a suggested route and itinerary to discover the country’s best highlights.

Without a Car

Travelers like backpackers who may have the luxury of time, it is possible to explore Albania by hitchhiking and public transportation. The primary bus system in Albania is not as straightforward as something you’d find in Western Europe, but it’s not entirely out of reach.

For locals, it’s very common to rely on furgons, which are Albanian minibuses and the most affordable form of public transportation. Although it’s the less expensive option, getting around by furgons in Albania will cost you time. Naturally, it will take longer to get places, and you’ll have to follow the timetables that may or may not have a rhyme or reason.

The best way to confirm the timetables for buses and furgons in Albania is at bus terminals directly. Terminals are usually only found in frequented cities (Tirana, Vlora, Durres, Saranda, Berat, Gjirokaster, etc.) and can be found with a Google Maps search or by asking a local resident.

👍 You May Like: Is Visiting Gjirokaster Worth It?

Albania Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

---