Amazing Instagram Spots in Albania that Will Make you want to Visit
Albania is one of the most beautiful countries we have ever visited. The cities are small but packed with history and the countryside is rugged and unexplored. There are some challenging hikes and spectacular outdoor spaces making it a great place for a mountain holiday. Here are some of the many amazing Instagram spots in Albania that will make this country top your bucket list
Tirana Instagram Spots
Tirana is Albania’s capital and is full of fascinating sights. It’s a good idea to take a day to just explore the city. You will definitely discover things that aren’t in the guide books! Wander the streets and talk to locals. We found people to be very friendly and enjoy telling visitors about their amazing country. New building are constantly spurting out of the ground and they have some unique and unusual designs. Tirana has some of the best Instagram spots in Albania.
Skanderbeg Square is a great place for instagrammable shots. In particular, try the Statue of Skanderbeg himself (Albania’s National hero). Or look for the face of the National History Museum building.
While you’re in the vast Square, don’t miss the picturesque and ancient Et’hem Bej Mosque.
Not far from the city centre is the beautiful Tanners Bridge. If you’re with your bestie you can photograph each other walking over the bridge.
The Great Mosque of Tirana is in total contrast to the Et’hem Bej Mosque but is equally beautiful.
If you’re into 1980s brutalist architecture, don’t miss the oddly photogenic Pyramid of Tirana.
*Since posting, the pyramid has been put into redevelopment. It will soon be converted into a community hub. The original building still remains but it has definitely had a makeover*
Instagrammable Museums in Tirana
Bunk’Art has two great locations for Instagram shots both held inside original bunkers. On the outskirts of Tirana is Bunk’Art 1. Here you can walk the halls and enter the rooms of the largest military bunker in the city. Back in the centre of Tirana is Bunk’art 2. In this bunker you can read all about the Communist era in Albania in a beautifully artistic setting.
Take the Dajti ekspres to the top of Mount Dajti. Here you will find some amazing opportunities to take snaps of the city.
Ejona is a great restaurant in Tirana for Insta foodies. The food tastes as good as it looks so the only problem is remembering to take a pic before eating it!
Instagram Spots in Albania – The Blue Eye
Syri I Kalter is a captivating and intriguing body of water in southern Albania, making it very Instagrammable. The Blue Eye is shrouded in mystery and local legend. The blue Eye, or Syri i Kalter in Albanian, is a natural water spring of unknown depth and chilling temperatures. The centre of the spring is a deep, dark blue, whilst the surrounding water is a fresh green fading out to the white of the pebbly shore, giving it the vague appearance of a huge eye. Consequently, there are so many great spots to capture an Insta perfect snap. But here are a few ideas.
There is a really cute bridge on the way to the spring. Make a stop for a quick pose.
The Blue Eye itself is perhaps one of the best Instagram Spots in Albania. Make sure you get there early before the crowds for the best shot.
Gjirokaster Instagram Locations
The stone city of Gjirokaster is well known for its incredible Ottoman architecture and spectacular castle. The city is immersed in history and bursting with magnificent Ottoman architecture. The highlight for us was the imposing castle perched above the old town. Make sure you also check out the Old Bazaar, with some great souvenir shops, and stop for a strong coffee in one of the quaint coffee shops at the side of the picturesque, cobbled streets.
The town of Gjirokaster is one of the most beautiful towns in the Balkans. As a result, there is an amazing shot around every corner.
Try the old Bazaar for some beautifully authentic snaps.
Gjirokaster Castle is a stunning example of a Balkan Castle. This location is easily one of the most beautiful Instagram spots in Albania.
The stunning views over the town from the castle are also Instaworthy!
Instagram Spots in Albania – Photogenic Butrint
Butrint National Park contains the remains of ancient civilizations dating back thousands of years. The ruins are quiet and peaceful and you can walk through the old city and explore it. Roman baths, a large amphitheatre, an acropolis dating back to the 8th Century BC and, our favourite, the relatively intact basilica from the 6th century, were just a few of the ancient gems of Butrint.
The views over the lake are also spectacular.
Make sure to look out for the wildlife too!
Beautiful Ksamil
One of the most popular summer locations in Albania is Ksamil Beach – a beach lover’s paradise! Just a short trip from Saranda lies the small town of Ksamil with its serene islands, clear green waters and bright white, sandy beaches.
Ksamil has several smaller beaches, many of which are owned by bars or restaurants, so it’s often necessary to pay for a sun lounger. Saying that, it will only cost a couple of Euros (or free with a meal or drink in the off season) and you can watch the sunset over the islands with a cocktail in your hand.
Theth – the most Instagrammable spot in Albania?
Theth is a tiny village in the Albanian Alps and a strong contender for one of the best Instagram Spots in Albania.
In particular, the old church is a favourite location for photographers and it’s easy to see why.
The surrounding views are also breathtaking and must be snapped!
The Picturesque Lake Koman (Komani Lake)
Also in the Albanian Alps, Komani Lake is bulging with natural beauty.
Instagrammable Berat
“The Town of 1000 Windows” is a beautiful Ottoman town in the centre of Albania. You can find a great angle from the bridge for a panorama of the town.
Or zoom in to capture the beautiful architecture.
Is it Safe to Visit Albania?
Yes, absolutely! Albanians a kind and welcoming people. They will often go out of their way to help someone, especially a tourist. Many people are curious about where you come from and why you are visiting their country. Tourism is rising in Albania, but it is still unlikely you will bump into many foreigners outside the main hotspots.
Should I Rent a Car to Explore Albania?
This is a tricky one, and definitely down to personal preference. Albania’s public transport is cheap and cheerful and most places are accessible by bus. However, there are very few railways in Albania. The buses – or furgons – are great for travelling between towns and cities. However, the timetable can be a bit restrictive. If you can haggle, a taxi driver will take you anywhere!
Hitchhiking in Albania is a popular way to get around and is supposedly perfectly safe. We have not tried this ourselves but have spoken to many successful hitchers.
If you decide to rent a car in Albania, please make sure you take out the full insurance. Drivers in the Balkans have their own unique style… On our last visit to Saranda we spent 3 days in the town and witnessed 2 crashes.
Plan your journey in advance as there are many small roads that are not more than dirt tracks. Several mountain routes can be perilous if you do not plan ahead and take great care.
If you take the plunge and decide that driving is best for you, try SIXT. They are really handy if you are based in Saranda and are located just beside the port.
The Albanian language
Many Albanians in the cities speak a little English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Albanian. Like all Balkan languages, it is certainly not an easy language for English speakers. However, any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:
Hello Tungjatjeta (toon-jah-TYEH-tah)
Please Ju lutem (yoo LOO-tehm)
Thank you Faleminderit (fah-lehm-meen-DEH-reet)
Yes Po (poh)
No Jo (yoh)
Goodbye Mirupafshim (meer-oo-PAHF-sheem)
Albania is much more accessible than you might think. And, it is absolutely full of natural beauty and history. Travel around the country is easy and very cheap, however, public transport is not exactly efficient. But that’s all part of the fun! Check out our blog that shows you some practical tips for visiting Albania
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. As a result, we would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Albania or any other Balkan countries? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
Albanian transport can be a challenge. But when you’re not in a hurry it works great 🙂
Photographers are spoilt for choice in Albania!
Some beautiful spots here. Always enjoy photographing special places when I’m travelling. Albania is on my list already but more so now! 🙂
On my most recent trip to Europe, I had to skip Albania because I was short on time and had heard stories of how unreliable the public transports could be, which might be a problem when you’re on a tight schedule. But I know I’ll need to visit it someday. These pictures look amazing.
The Great Mosque in Tirana and Berat are for sure my top picks! I love this fusion of architecture, history and beauty.
I really want to visit Albania. My friend visited some years back and said it was beautiful and your pictures add to that truth
Albania looks beautiful! It seems like Croatia might get a lot of the travel buzz but that Albania might have just as much to offer. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful places and pictures…WOW! I haven’t been in Albania yet, but it is on the list for sure.
Wow! I’ve never been to Albania, but definitely a country on my bucketlist!
I must admit that Albania wasn’t on the top of my bucket list – but WOW the instagram spots are gorgeous! i’ll need to visit and add it to my bucket list
I absolutely love Albania and Theth and Berat were my two favorite places. Thanks for taking me down memory lane.
What beautiful photos! I’m very inspired to visit. I planned to travel to Albania over a year ago but we cancelled at the last minute due to the earthquake. So, we will try again another time. Thanks for the inspiration!
I would love to visit Albania! As a photographer I am always chasing for most instagrammable places so thanks for showing me some of them!
Albania looks so beautiful! The architecture is absolutely stunning, so different from here in the US. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to visit!
Looks like Albania will soon be the next country all Instagrammers are going to because these places are beautiful! My favorites are Tanners Bridge and the Mosque. Butrint looks also very very nice! 🙂
Great list! I’m planning a trip to the Balkans this year, and this has immediately plumped up on my bucket list.
That looks very inspiring 🙂 I need to put that on my bucket list 😀