Visiting Lin, Albania: An Ancient Site and Charming Village
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Get off-the-beaten-path and visit one of the most curiously charming places located on the banks of Europe’s oldest lake – the town of Lin, Albania!
This tiny lakeside village on the eastern border of Albania is one of the best hidden gems of the entire Balkans region. The town of Lin is geographically blessed and located on the shore of one of the most stunning lakes in the entire world.
The present-day village is endearing, filled with unrivalled Albanian hospitality and old world charm. Additionally, it also happens to be the site of one of the most significant archaeological discoveries that pertains to human settlements in Europe. Intrigued?
In this guide, learn more about why visiting Lin in Albania is worth it, what to do and how to get there!
The Essentials for Visiting Lin, Albania
✈️ Flying into Tirana is likely cheaper with more route options. However, flying to Ohrid Airport (North Macedonia) is also an option and much closer to Lin.
🚙 You’ll want to rent a car or arrive by car in order to get to Lin. Unless you have the time to deal with “public transportation” in Albania, Lin is not the most straightforward place to reach.
🧳 The village of Lin and the peninsula is not huge. A day trip or weekend getaway is enough time to enjoy it. Or, combine it with a longer trip to Ohrid just next door.
🛌 There are numerous beautiful waterfront guesthouses to stay in while visiting Lin. They’re comparatively affordable and usually offer home cooking – don’t miss out on this!
💳 Have cash on hand before arriving in Lin because cards are rarely accepted anywhere. Consider a travel money card with zero ATM fees so you’re always prepared.
Where Is the Village of Lin in Albania?
Lin is a small village in Albania, a country in the Eastern European bloc of states often known as the Balkans. The town of Lin is located on its own peninsula, on the far eastern side of Albania. Lin is part of the Pogradec district which is defined by the bigger city of Pogradec, located 20 km south of the small village.
Lin sits directly on Lake Ohrid, the oldest lake in all of Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lake Ohrid is shared by two countries. Around 70% of its shoreline belonging to North Macedonia and the remainder to Albania.
Lin is one of the last villages before reaching the border with North Macedonia, only 9 km (5.5 miles) away. From Albania’s capital city of Tirana, Lin village is just over 100 km (62 miles) and 2 hours east.
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Lin, Albania on a Map
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What Is the Archaeological Significance of Lin, Albania?
Ohrid and the Lake Ohrid region are already named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for various reasons. From ancient monasteries, preserved Byzantine-style architecture and prehistoric discoveries, the area has long been a gold mine for finding remnants of Europe’s oldest human settlements.
Off the shore of Lin in Albania is specifically where the latest discoveries and notable archaeological breakthroughs were recently made. Research has taken many years but as the result of combined efforts from Albanian and Swiss archaeologists, findings have uncovered the history of a stilt house community.
The settlement is believed have been comprised of houses built on stilts, not on land but directly in the lake. These are also known as pile dwellings.
In 2023, discoveries unearthed proof of this same settlement to have been protected by thousands of spikes as a means of defence. Why? It’s unclear how many more decades it will take for researches to complete the puzzle but for now, it’s incredible to imagine all that the village of (past) Lin endured.
It is safe to say, archaeologists are eager to keep research going and find out who lived there, how they hunted and why they chose this piece of real estate.
How Old Is the Village of Lin?
Naturally, lake dwellings such as the ancient one uncovered in Lin have been discovered by archeologists before. They’ve been historically most common in Alpine lake regions and the Mediterranean.
Up until the recent discoveries off the shore of Lin, the oldest stilt settlement was in the Italian Alps (which is said to have been dated to 5000 BC). With the newest discoveries of Lin’s ancient village, this one is older and believed to be around 8,000 years old.
The remains of this human settlement is known to be the oldest of its kind in all of Europe.
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Practical Information for Visiting Lin
How to Get to Lin, Albania
Reaching Lin in Albania is easy by plane, car, or a combination of both. The most accessible international airport to Lin is in Tirana, the capital of Albania. From the Tirana International Airport, it’s a 2.5-hour drive to the village of Lin.
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Flying to Albania
Tirana’s airport is efficiently connected to nearly all of the major European cities, especially during the summer. Nonstop flights to Tirana depart from popular hubs like London, Rome, Paris, Barcelona, and so much more.
Alternatively, you can utilize the international airport in Ohrid (Ohrid St. Paul The Apostle Airport). This airport is located in North Macedonia and primarily serves people flying to Ohrid for summer vacation.
Flight paths to this smaller airport are limited but still worth investigating in case you find an option that works in your favour. The distance from Ohrid to Lin is only 30 km (19 miles) and takes 45 minutes to reach by car.
Getting From Tirana Airport to Lin
Public transportation in the Balkans can be a complex subject and, for most travelers, not the preferred method of getting around. If you have time, patience, and are flexible, you can opt for catching a furgon (unofficial yet official minibus in Albania) from Tirana Airport towards the direction of Lin.
It is definitely possible to find public transportation to Lin (or the nearby city of Pogradec) by physically asking for options at a local bus agency office. These are very popular and a frequent sight in any Albanian city. The process just takes time and some creativity.
Renting a Car
The quickest and uncomplicated way to reach Lin is by car. If you need to rent a car upon flying into Albania, you can do so directly at the Tirana Airport. Upon exiting the bustle of Tirana, the rest of the journey to Lin takes you along major motorways that are clearly marked, paved, and uncomplicated to navigate.
If you choose to fly into Ohrid instead, it’s also possible to rent a car at Ohrid Airport or in the city of Ohrid. However, you’ll need to keep in mind that this route requires you to cross a country border from North Macedonia into Albania.
First, you must make sure the rental car agency will allow this. Then, plan for extra time to get through the border control process (usually a minimum of 30 minutes).
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The Weather in Lin, Albania
The charming village of Lin is best enjoyed in the summer or in early fall. Its climate is distinctive in all seasons, which means while summers are warm, the winters are grey, very cold, and possibly snowy. During the winter, much of the population may not even be present, guest houses could be closed, and it’ll feel too deserted.
Summer in Lin is wonderful because even if it is hot outside, you can cool off in Lake Ohrid. Temperatures won’t reach scorching highs that you may see in other parts of Albania, and August typically doesn’t see heat above 27°C (80°F).
The lake, in general, is a summer destination, so this is when you’ll see the most people out and about, cafes, restaurants, and accommodations that are open.
Language and Currency
The official language of Albania is Albanian and consists of two main dialects. In the Pogradec province (where Lin is located), they primarily speak in the Tosk dialect, which is spoken in southern Albania, while the Gheg dialect is spoken in the north.
The Albanian language is very tricky and really doesn’t resemble any other language. Therefore, it’s likely to experience language barriers when visiting small villages like Lin.
Aside from the younger population, you should not expect to communicate in English while visiting Lin. It is very helpful to learn a few fundamental Albanian phrases beforehand or use Google Translate. Alternatively, much of the Albanian population speaks Italian as a second language.
Although Lin is just minutes away from the border of North Macedonia, they use the Albanian Lek. More often than not, we’ve found that the Euro is also widely accepted throughout Albania.
Still, the residents of Lin will appreciate the Lek much more for cash payments. Using a credit card in Lin is nearly impossible so it’s highly recommended to come prepared with cash.
Wonderful Things to Do While Visiting Lin, Albania
1. Embrace the Current Harvest
During our visit to Lin in late summer, the town was in full onion mode. Like clockwork, everyone harvested their onions and was cleaning them up in the streets of the village. In front of nearly every door, there was either a rope of onions already on display or someone cleaning up a bushel that was brought fresh from their vegetable garden.
Albanians have a knack for highlighting seasonal produce. In fact, many of their regional and national dishes are strictly consumed on a per-season basis. If you are in a restaurant or eating at a local guesthouse, you’ll notice certain dishes will be heavy on “in-season” ingredients… like onions! Visiting in the peak of summer? Get ready for mounds of bell peppers and fresh tomatoes instead.
2. Rent a Kayak or Swim in Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid boasts some spectacularly calm water which is especially ideal for activities like swimming or kayaking. Lake Ohrid’s water is pristine, and its transparency can play tricks on your eyes.
Thanks to a very low sedimentary presence and the process of being spring fed, the water avoids the accumulation of impurities and algae. It may be one of the clearest, deepest, and oldest lakes in Europe but is also the most beautiful.
From Lin village, the lake is accessible to swimmers from the main (and only) road that runs through the village until the very end of the peninsula. On the south end of the peninsula, you’ll also find a few noteworthy beaches near Camping Fish Restaurant Korca and Kukësi Resort Aldo.
In the summer time, you will see signs posted in the streets of the village which advertise kayak rentals. Or, if you’re staying at a lakefront guest house, chances are that you’ll be able to use some kind of water sport equipment during your stay.
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3. Shop Local Products
There are very few storefronts in Lin. Instead, you’ll come across people who set up their inventory in front of their house or on a street corner. Aside from traditional tourist souvenirs like magnets, the majority of what you’ll find for sale are homemade products.
Pickling is one of the most popular ways to handle an abundance of produce that can’t be consumed right away. In Albania, I learned that pretty much everything and anything can end up in a pickle jar.
Many people who live in Lin have began to take advantage of the slowly increasing number of tourists who wander through their village, particularly in the summer. They’ve started to put out jars of pickled cucumbers, onions, carrots, garlic, and even some fruits.
If you have some Lek on hand, buy a jar of pickles and strike up a fun interaction with one of the locals. These small acts help contribute to the growth of tourism in small yet incredibly historic villages like Lin.
In addition to packaged goodies, we came across a couple of vendors who sold crafts and even an artist with paintings. Among all the local products being sold in Lin, it was incredible to see how not one item was mass-produced. We really hope it stays this way, even when most tourists begin to visit.
4. Hike Around the Peninsula
With the village included, a well rounded trip to Lin starts with hiking the peninsula and making one big loop around. The top of the peninsula offers sweeping views of Lake Ohrid, Lin village below and surrounding lakeside towns in the distance.
If you’re driving, it’s recommended to leave your car near the Restorant Leza at the beginning of town. Then, complete the rest of your tour on foot.
The entire peninsula is lined by a walking path. This is where you’ll find a signature Albanian bunker, private lake beaches and the ruins of an old church. There is an ancient tile mosaic found at the remnants of Paleo Christian Church just above the village.
You must call the gatekeeper in order to see it but it is free and one of Lin’s best kept secrets.
5. Stay at a Lakefront Guesthouse
You will not find any big brand hotels in the village of Lin. Instead, much of the population has opened up their homes to guests, creating charming local bed and breakfast-type accommodations. There is an abundance of beautiful guesthouses in Lin that are directly on the waterfront or at least have a panoramic view of the lake.
Staying at guesthouses or family-owned places means you’re also likely to receive home-cooked meals – one of the best ways to eat in Albania! And if you’re interested, you’ll also be able to learn about the history of Lin from people who have had family there for generations.
The number of well-rated accommodations in Lin is kind of shocking. For such a small place, it sure has loads of places to stay that are rated 9 out of 10 or more. Many of the guesthouses take place in historic stone homes that have been tastefully redesigned, renovated, and offer a variety from modest to boutique.
Where to Stay in Lin, Albania
Vila 43 Lin (9.6/10) – Beautifully renovated stone house with waterfront location
ROLEO House (9.3/10) – Family owned guest house with homemade meals and a garden
Helga’s Guesthouse (9.4/10) – Renovated rooms with lake views and a quiet location
Rosa B&B (9.4/10) – Rustic rooms with a private beach
⭐️ Find Hotels in Lin, Albania
Check accommodation prices with Booking.com.
Lin, 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
