The village of Dhermi itself is charming, you could easily spend a few days soaking up the sun and partaking in some adventure activities. Too bad, because the city itself is very pleasant and calm! Its called The Town of a Thousand Windows because of the hillside houses sitting side by side overlooking the city. Etara Caves, caves and more caves 19. The city is home to the largest amphitheatre in all of Europe, which is named after the city it lies in. The beautiful monastery dates back to the 14th century and parts of it are still in use. Top Tourist Places to Visit in Albania and Tirana:Tirana. Tirana is the capital city and its the political, cultural and entertainment centre of Albania. Albanian Riviera. If you are thinking of the things to do in Albania, explore Albania Riviera and its beaches. Kruja. Porto Palermo Castle. Llogara Pass. Blue Eye. Lively Saranda. Valbona and Theth. Ksamil Islands. Gjirokaster. More items The luxurious Villa Ester is a popular choice among those who visit Albania. Today, this part of the municipality of Pogradec is occupied by a charming fishing village where red-roofed houses sit side by side. Along with its sister city Gjirokastra, Berat has the honor of being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. 26 Incredible Things to do in Tirana, Albania, 21 Dazzling Balkan Holiday Destinations to Visit, Best Tips to Prepare for a Balkan Road Trip. Another popular attraction is the Blue Eye Of Theth, which is a wonderful blue water body. She loves befriending dogs, drinking coffee, geeking out about wine, and cooking food from around the world. Ksamil is located within Butrint National Park in the South of Albania. If you want an easy way to get to the Albanian riviera then taking the ferry from the Greek island of Corfu is the best! You will marvel at the occasional remote farms its unbelievable that anyone could live there. Its popular to go for a boat ride and enjoy the lush scenery. Kruja | Chris Walts / Flickr. I highly recommend eating at Guvat or Korali when visiting. There are also some other great hikes you can do in the hour such as the hike to Blue Eye. Independence Monument, Vlore, Albania 5. Some towns actually close their roads to motor traffic at certain hours to accommodate this ritual. The most important landmark of Kruj is the characteristic yellow castle Kalaja e Krujs. A great thing to do in Himara is rent a kayak so you can explore the beautiful beaches nearby and hidden coves. Places to Explore: Sarande Embankment, Monastery Of 40 Saints, Mango Beach. Here are the 15 best places to visit in Albania. A historical town, about 20 km north of Tirana. History and architecture enthusiasts will find much to appreciate in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your style is really unique compared to other people Ive | We may earn a commission for purchases using our links, Trusted Travel Review Aggregator by Real Travelers Since 2011. There are plenty of great things to do if you do want to learn more about the communist past. The fortress at Kruj 12. The Park is regionally known as the Balkan Park, given that it extends between the borders with North Macedonia and Greece. I always say that Shkoder is like walking into an old-fashioned film set. The UNESCO city of Berat is located not far from Tirana and is one of the prettiest places to visit in Albania. The water itself is a constant 10 degrees Celsius, requiring some fortitude to wade forth in its midst. Kruja is famous for being the first capital of the Albanian state in the middle ages, and later as the capital of the Kingdom of Albania. This little village can only be accessed by a 44 or an 8-hour hike from Valbona. It is believed that the city flourished during the 4th century AD which is now an archaeological park open to visitors. Located some 70km from the historic city of Shkodra, Grunas Waterfall is a popular tourist spot in the National Park of Theth. Beyond just the waterfall, the area is rich in places to explore, such as the cold-water sources of Okol, the caves of Birrat me Rrath (Round Holes), and Mount Arapi. Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com. Otherwise, enjoy your time walking around the streets of Korce. Inside the city are various monuments to Albanias independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, which was signed in Vlor. Just 20 km north of the capital city Tirana, this medieval town is a fantastic reason to visit Albania. In the south of Albania lies a town that in recent times has become a popular tourist attraction in Albania. 02:21. A visit to the Mirahori Mosque is a must too. May 22, 2022 Admin Leave a comment. According to legend, Roman soldiers visited the small peninsula of Lin thousands of years ago and named it Lyhnidasthe Lake of Light. The castle is located near the city of Shkoder and is one of the oldest towns in all of the country. While divers have explored fifty meters of its depths, its actual size is unclear. This beach city is small and not as busy as the likes of Ksamil in the middle of summer. You can even go parasailing if youre an adventure lover! Kruja is one of my personal favourite places to visit in Albania. Kanine Castle 8. You must also take a trip to Ksamil and the ancient city of Butrint (mentioned below). Elbasan old town founded 1466 by the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II. Then read on for the 10 most beautiful places in Albania. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Make sure you try a restaurant called Laberia, its run by a local family who knows how to cook the most delicious Albania/Greek food with big portions! The lake is a massive reservoir that lies in northern Albania and in the heart of steep and lush mountainous hills. The town of Shkodra in northern Albania is close to the border of Montenegro and is a natural stopping off point between the two countries as buses often will not connect between the two without a stop in Shkodra. The reason behind this is that the city is the cultural capital of Albania, with the city hosting numerous festivals, several cultural shows in museums and various cultural events at the Migjeni Theater. Hey! Those with an interest in Byzantine history can visit the Castle of Trajan and several Byzantine-era churches and their magnificent frescoes. Located between Durrs and Vlor, the lagoon features a park that is home to over 250 bird, mammal, and amphibian species, including rare birds like the endangered Crispy Pelicanindeed, the park is known as the most western nesting point of this kind of bird in all of Europeas well as the Dalmatian Pelican. The Blue Eye Spring is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South of Albania. All history lovers should visit this museum. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Sotira Waterfall is located in Tomorri Mountain National Park, named after the famous mountain from which the waterfall itself flows. You will see lots of olive oil plantations within Borsh so if you can pick up a bottle of oil while youre there, do it! And after youve had your fill of powdery white sand and the Ionian Seas turquoise water, you might want to head to a cozy restaurant in Ksamil village for some tasty Albanian cuisine. Places to Explore: Mali I Cukalit, Maja e Murges, Paqe Island. Kruja also has the oldest bazaar in Albania and the best in my opinion! I am so surprised that many people dont even know Borsh castle exists because its beyond beautiful! Another important landmark to see while in the city is Berat Castle. The beach paradise of Dhermi is perfect for a holiday in the sun. I am going to watch out for Brussels. Some of them are the golden eagles, European wildcats, chamois and many more. You can hike in the Albanian alps, relax in crystal clear waters or visit one of the many UNESCO sites and cities. Top travel destinations to watch while you're quarantined With hair salons closed in many countries during the coronavirus lockdown we are, Facial hair is a hot topic during the coronavirus pandemic with individuals, organisations. The city is also known as the city of one thousand windows which you will soon see why. There are 4 islands located just off the shore and if you want to enjoy the beaches and the crystal clear water of them then you can there by boat or pedalo. Drop by the Maskollata area in Valbona village for a quick bite or look for abandoned houses in Gjelaj, a village in the Rrogam area. Places to Explore: Kisha e Shn Kollit, Rafting Vjosa, Guri I Qytetit. Cape Kaliakra 17. There are many reasons to visit Vlor and the Zvrnec Monastery, but not many travelers do. The city has come far from its days of colonial lifelessness to the wonderfully painted and decorated buildings and streets. The old part of Gjirokastr is located on a hill with the castle slightly above. The previous mayor, Edi Rama, believed that the citys safety and local pride could be improved by painting it in bright colors. There are no restaurants or cafs nearby so make sure that you take any water or food you need for the trip. The colourful buildings and chilled vibe make it one of the best places to visit in Albania. Tirana 2. Pobiti Kamani 16. I highly recommend it as there is also a room there which a lot of information about Albanian history and the castle which I havent seen before. The cascading waters provide a stunning spectacle that has attracted many tourists over the years. Many of the beaches in the town are small with deckchairs available to rent and hotels/restaurants have deckchairs available if you buy a drink/eat there. Located The Albanian Riviera is a tranquil stretch of land with sandy beaches stretching all the way from Sarande to Dhermi. Outside the high season, its a budget destination as accommodation is quite affordable and eating out delicious Albanian, Balkan, and Mediterranean specialties always come at a good price. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains and is home to more than 20.000 people. Whats certain is that the deepest that divers have reached is 50 meters. The hike between Valbona and Theth has been named one of the best and least experienced hikes in Europe. Its located not far from Saranda or Himara so if you wanted to do a day trip here its possible. These cookies do not store any personal information. Tourist Attractions in Albania, Visit 25 Best Amazing Places: Butrint, Pogradec, Finiq, Permet, Durres, Fier, Vlore, Theth, Jale, Vuno, Dhermi, Borsh, Kruja The lively capital city of Tirana has had a huge makeover in the last few years and has come alive. The town itself is also quite enjoyable: there are delicious seafood restaurants serving up the catch of the day plus mouthwatering gyros and gelato which can be had for about a euro a pop. We add new content almost daily! While the blue-water Mediterranean beaches are absolutely gorgeous, Ksamil has another advantage with visitors as it is within a short drive of two different UNESCO heritage sites: Butrint and Gjirokastra. Llogara national park is along the Albanian Riviera and the Llogara Pass is one of the most beautiful drives ever! One of the coolest areas in Tirana is Blloku. The region is one of the most popular locations, perfect for travellers looking for hiking and a one on one with nature. Komani Lake in northern Albania is actually a reservoir, created by a hydroelectric dam in the village of Koman. The charming buildings have earned Berat the nickname The City of a Thousand Windows, while its thousands of years of history has earned the town a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The waterfall is only 16 km away from the southern town of Gramsh, from where your hike will begin. Grama Bay is located south of Vlor, and the only way to get here is either by hiking for 7 hours or go by boat. Below is an overview of some of the top 15+ best places to visit in Albania this summer. Here you will see fantastic views of mountains, water and nature at its finest. It is a small beach town about 14km from Sarand on the same road to Butrint. https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-places-to-visit-in-albania Its located on the Albanian Riviera, between Dhermi and Himare. Blue Eye Albania. Did you know that you can go skiing in Albania? Crystal-clear waters in stunning shades of blue and green make Blue Eye spring (Syri i Kaltr) one of the 10 most beautiful places in Albania. In the winter, you can enjoy a drive along the snow-covered mountains that surround the Pass, while reveling in view of the sparkling waters of the Ionian Sea below you. Berat is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Albania! Kruja is still relatively off the radar to tourists but it shouldnt be because this city holds important history for Albania. Now, based in the Balkans she gives you the best advice on the region through this website. Thanks to its remote location, you can expect to enjoy this paradise without massive crowds. Places to Explore: Castle Of Kruja, Ethnographic Museum of Kruja, Sari Salltik. What You Should Know Before Travelling to AlbaniaIt is a safe country. Albania is one of the least dangerous places in Europe. The beaches along the Riviera are gorgeous. Albania isnt just about fantastic beaches. Albania is very affordable. Albanian food is delicious. Raki is the answer to everything. The Albanian language is unique in Europe. the end of spring is the perfect time to visit in my opinion as there is still hardly any tourists, the flowers are in bloom and the country starts to have a summery feel to it. Shkoder. Cheers! Located some 70km from the historic city of Shkodra, Grunas Waterfall is a popular tourist spot in the National Park of Theth. You can arrange with your accommodation to get a 44 taxi which will take you to the village of Theth. She has been published in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, Matador Network, and the Huffington Post. If youre traveling to Albania anytime soon or just want some travel inspiration, Ive made this list of 25 Amazing places to visit in Albania! For the most convenient of sightseeing excursions, book a full-day Berat trip from Tirana. Through several epochs, the city of Shkodr has kept its importance and has been a strategic location since it was founded. Spanning an area of 34 square kilometers, Lake Koman is a picturesque way to travel between the towns of Koman and Fierza in northern Albania. It is important to trade with the salesmen. If youre looking for a breath of fresh mountain air, then be sure to stop here and take in the beautiful views! 1. Kruj is one of the oldest places in Albania its beginnings start in 3rd century! There are many ways to enjoy the views from a countrys capital, but theres nothing quite like taking in a new place from the ground up. On the hilltop there is the Berat Castle the remains of a large 13th century fortress, and within its walls you can also see Byzantine churches, the Red Mosque and the Onufri National Museum. Its one of the best in Albania! Lets visit Albania! Butrint is easily accessible by bus from Saranda or Ksamil, and whats even more interesting is that Butrint was colonized by Julius Caesar himself, who saw this as an important strategic location. Weve visited Albania extensively, spending six weeks or so in the country between the two of us, but we wanted to also have other travel bloggers tell us their favorite places to visit in Albania. Dyavolski Most 23. Beyond the gorgeous city and river views, you can also explore the different Byzantine churches and cafes within the castle walls. We recommend referring to our Albania itinerary guide, which has ideas on how to travel for 1, 2, or 3 weeks in the country (or longer!). The architecture and charm of this city are amazing so Korce is worth a stop if you have time! If youre looking for some interesting places to visit in Albania, youve come to the right place. The city is home to numerous tourist attractions that speak a thousand words about the communal harmony that exists among the local Muslims and Christians. and there are many windows. The beautiful Valbona River stretches roughly 50 km along the valley and is a wonderful spot for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. A large city where about 30% or so of the total population lives. Take supplies with you, in Theth there are no shops or restaurants but youll get amazing home cooked meals at the guesthouses (usually included in the price). One of the underrated locations that have made ripples in the new travel domain is the country of Albania. The Rila Monastery 13. One of the most happening and cool breezy locations in Albania is the city of Sarande, which is a popular location for the best beach resort in Albania. Dont miss great views from Sky Caf and a stroll down the main pedestrian boulevard, where youll see the first official Albanian school. It features a castle, locally known as the Kala, most of which was built in the 13th century, although its origins date back to the 4th century BC. Sofia Adventures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. For example, its been referred to as Albanias Little Paris because of its grand, French-style villas and coffee culture. The popular tourist attraction is the apt location for every member of the family. A majestic mountain range running along the borders of Albania and North Macedonia, it is part of the European Green Belt. Another great one which is just before the town called Llaman. Today, Alba Iulia Citadel is a great place to visit and discover. For visitors looking for something off the beaten track, Albania, a small and yet unexplored corner of the Mediterranean, is the perfect place for nature lovers and beachgoers alike. The location is also awesome as its located within the castle walls and the homestay is set in a house that has been there for over 400 years! Bunk art 2 was built for the ministry of internal affairs and is in Skanderbeg square. The location is one of the UNESCO heritage sites in Albania, attracting several visitors every year. The best is to the south and north of the city (not the centre beaches). Kruj is one of the oldest places in Albania its beginnings start in 3rd century! Its landscape is quite unusual, consisting of hills of sand that descend into the sea. will just book mark this web site. Few international tourists find their way here, but you can be sure to get a unique ski experience! Its near the city center and has all the comforts of home. Flanked by the majestic peaks of the Dinaric Alps, the valley is a mountainous paradise carpeted by wildflowers and teeming with forests of pine, oak, and beech. The place is one of the best places to explore when visiting the country of Albania. Crystal The most popular time in Albania is summer. Many use this city as a stopover to explore the Albanian alps. Saranda has an abundance of great food restaurants with its speciality of seafood, Italian and Greek. Its definitely one of the best places to visit in Albania, and you should stay a couple of nights here to enjoy it fully. A walk along the steep, cobbled streets will lead you to the Gjirokastr Castle (or Gjirokastr Fortress), which also houses the Armaments Museum. Some of the popular locations along the riviera include locations like Palase, Vuno, Borch and many more. Stretching across the north of the country they are home to the Valbona National Park and offer incredible hiking opportunities. The city is home to cobblestone streets and bazaars that exude Ottoman architectural styles. Currently there are about 30 market booths. First, start by reading our post onplanning a trip to Albania. Have a nice lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants on the lake and enjoy the tranquillity! Places to Explore: Lori Beach, Plazhi Paradise, Avlaki Beach. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Perperikon 24. For 500 lek each person you can get an array of local dishes, the experience was fantastic! Nestled in a valley between the Drino River and Gjer Mountain, this ancient city is an amazing place to visit in Albania. Perhaps one of the most well-known destinations in Albania, many tourists from around the globe flock to the Blue Eye of Saranda, a spring with chilly waters and an arresting blue color that bubbles forth from a deep pool. Home to the 8,000-hectare Valbona Valley National Park, this region in the Tropoja district is surely among the most amazing places in Albania. Another interesting place in Kruj is the Ethnographic Museum. Devetashka Cave 21. Valbona Valley is one of the countrys most famous National Parks, and one of its most beautiful. Located a half an hour ride from the northern city of Bajram Curri, the park offers impressive vistas, featuring vertiginous alpine ridges and the Valbona Valley itself. Theres a local tradition called the xhiro. Its when people go for a stroll in the evening. The Blue Eye is the nickname of this natural cold water spring which bubbles from an unknown depth at least 50 meters deep but likely way more. It hosts polyphonic singing which is one of Albanias intangible cultural heritage designations from UNESCO. The region has a few well known attractions that one can explore, however, there is one attraction that is like Permets secret weapon. Arbanasi 15. Borsh is also a mass producer of olive oil. Have your cameras ready for this particular spot, as the waters of the Grunas Waterfall, cascading down the trees and craggy hillsides of the Albanian Alps present a view that begs to be immortalized. The lake and the surrounding area known as the Eye of the Cyclops (Syri i Cikllopit) is a popular weekend getaway among residents of Tirana and the area. Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here. 2. The next location on the list of 15+ best places to visit in Albania brings us to the Ksamil Islands. One of the best jumping off places for visiting the beaches of Albanias Riviera is Himara, a small beachside town about 1.5 hours north of Saranda. The other way to get to Komani is to take the shuttle from Tirana or Skhoder. 3) Cavaliero Photo: Cavaliero Facebook page You can see the restored city gates, the massive city walls, the museums, and the beautiful cathedrals. This is by far one of my favourite places to visit in Albania. For nightlife, we can recommend you the cold waters of Uji I Ftohte. Also notable is the Gorica Bridge, which is among the countrys oldest and most famous Ottoman bridges. I have stayed in one of their Bungalows which overlook the mountains and it was incredible. Its known as the city of Skanderbeg, an Albanian hero who helped the fight against the Ottoman empire. Vlor is located on a beautiful bay of the Albanian Riviera. To enjoy the view, visitors can hail a ferry that was set up for this reason. This way, youll maximize your time in this beautiful city and not have to worry about transportation or finding your way around. Its incredibly beautiful and is famous for being home to the Gjirokastr National Folklore Festival which is one of the most famous cultural events in Albania each year. Shameless thieves stealing toilet paper - a crime picking up in several countries., Frieze Sculpture returns to London's Regents Park showcasing artworks of over 20, Top things to do on a long weekend break in Bucharest, including tips and photos!, 2010 - 2019 retoxmagazine.com All Rights Reserved, Create a Record Cover with Londons Salvador Dali of Rave, How to cut your own hair during the Coronavirus pandemic, Facial Hair Styles During the Coronavirus Pandemic, Crazy: Attempts to Escape the Coronavirus Lockdowns, Coronavirus: Bog Roll Bandits - toilet paper theft during Covid-19 outbreak, Bucharest: 5 superb ideas for things to do in the Romanian capital. Hey Stan, it's all good as long as you include a link back to my article as your source, which I saw that you did :) Good luck with your site, and maybe we see each other sometime in Albania! The best way to enjoy the majestic lake is by boarding the famous Lake Koman Ferry. Even in the middle of summer, the air is crisp and offers an unforgettable panorama. One can also hop around in Greece as one of the Greek islands of Corfu is just a days trip and a short ferry ride away. They have a super cool bar with bean bags and fairy lights right on the beach. Shala River is the perfect summer destination, a respite from the heat and an opportunity to be one with nature. Hi, thanks for the detailed list. The archaeological site also has a museum where you can get even deeper into history. Also, just above the mosque is an epic sunset spot too! Berat has been inhabited since at least 6th century B.C. Places to Explore: Llogara Pass, Butrint Archaeological Site And National Park, Gjipe Beach. Tirana is the largest city in Albania and is home to some of the largest collections of old age wonders. Valbona Valley, the Albanian Alps and the Koman Lake will make this one of the most spectacular trips. Its also the jumping off point for the Valbona to Theth hike (above) that any hiking-loving tourist makes a focal point of their Albania itinerary. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. As I have been living in Albania for 2 years now, I have plenty of great recommendations on places to visit in Albania.