Top Things to See and Do in Albania!
Albania is a beautiful country in South eastern Europe, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and Mediterranean coastline. Despite having visited countless times, we still keep retuning again and again and always find more amazing things to see and do in Albania! Whatever you’re in to, you will find something here. Check out our top things to see and do in Albania, as well as some useful tips for your trip
Tirana, Albania’s Capital City
There is so much to see and do in Tirana. So much so, we have written a whole blog post about it! You can check it out HERE. For now, here is a short summary of what this emerging city has to offer.
Skanderbeg Square – Right in the heart of the capital, surrounded by impressive buildings and statues, including the statue of the national hero, Skanderbeg.
National History Museum – A fascinating museum displaying Albania’s history from ancient times to modern day.
Bunk’Art – A museum located in an old nuclear bunker, telling the story of Albania’s communist past. Its quite an immersive experience and totally worth a visit.
Et’hem Bey Mosque – A beautiful, old mosque with intricate frescoes, right in the centre of the city.
Top Things to See and Do in Albania – Berat
The City of a Thousand Windows is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Berat is famous for its well preserved Ottoman architecture, including the Berat Castle, Onufri Museum, and Mangalem Quarter. The city offers stunning views over the Osum River and is a great place to explore traditional Albanian life.
Gjirokastër – The Stone City
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gjirokastër is known for its well preserved Ottoman architecture and cobbled streets. Key attractions include the Gjirokastër Castle, Ethnological Museum, and Zekate House. The views are just stunning!
Top Things to See and Do in Albania – The Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera offers pristine beaches along the Ionian Sea. The prices of the resorts are a bargain compared to places like Spain, Italy and even Croatia.
Popular spots include Dhermi Beach Known for its crystal clear waters and vibrant nightlife. Jale Beach A beautiful, peaceful beach perfect for relaxation. Ksamil, near the Greek border, is famous for its islands and turquoise waters. As it is now all over social media, Ksamil has become a little busy in the summer months.
Llogara Pass A scenic mountain pass offering stunning views of the coast and the Ionian Sea.
Butrint – Ancient Ruins
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Butrint are one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania. The ancient city includes remnants from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian civilizations. It is a truely mesmerising place to visit!
Top Things to See and Do in Albania – Shkodra
Visit Shkodra Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Balkans, and explore Rozafa Castle, offering panoramic views over the lake and surrounding region. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes. It is also known as a great place for cycling. So hire some wheels and explore the incredible surrounding area.
Theth National Park
Located in the Albanian Alps, Theth is surrounded stunning natural beauty, including dramatic waterfalls, rugged peaks, and traditional stone houses. It’s a great spot for hiking and exploring Albania’s rural life.
Top Things to See and Do in Albania – Apollonia Archaeological Site
Near Fier, in the centre of the country, this ancient Greek city was once a major centre for learning and trade. Visit the Apollonia Museum and see the well preserved ruins of temples, theatres, and the ancient city walls. We were blown away by how many well preserved artifacts there are on display here. The surrounding countryside is also beautiful.
Llogara National Park
This park is great for nature lovers, featuring diverse wildlife and scenic views. The Llogara Pass offers a thrilling drive with dramatic views of the Albanian Riviera and the Ionian Sea. If you drive, please take care on the roads. Albanian drivers have their own Balkan style.
The Cave of Saint Marina (Shën Marina Cave)
Located in the region of Pazhok, this cave offers a mix of natural beauty and religious significance, being an important pilgrimage site for many locals.
Top Things to See and Do in Albania – Vlorë
A coastal city with historical significance, Vlorë is where Albania declared independence in 1912. Key sights include the Independence Square, Muradie Mosque, and Zvernec Monastery. For more information on Vlore check out our blog post HERE.
Explore the Stunning Villages
Visit traditional villages like Cakran, Krujë, and Vuno, where you can experience rural life, beautiful landscapes, and authentic Albanian culture. Krujë is a great one to start with as is is only a few km north of Tirana. It has a stunning castle and a fascinating ancient bazaar to explore.
Hike the Via Egnatia
For avid hikers, the Via Egnatia is an ancient Roman road stretching from the Adriatic to Istanbul. Hiking along this path provides a glimpse into Albania’s history and offers spectacular views of the countryside.
Make Sure to Try Plenty of Albanian Food
Albanian food is absolutely delicious and the capital city offers an amazing mix of traditional, local food and some new, exciting fusions. Albanian food is an amazing mixture of Mediterranean cuisine and fantastic grilled meats and vegetables.
Hospitality is important in Albanian society so a good hearty meal enjoyed with friends is not to be missed. Eating as much delicious food as possible is always high on our to do list when we visit.
If you’re staying in Tirana. check out our post to help you find the BEST PLACES TO EAT IN TIRANA.
Top Things to See and Do in Albania
Albania combines stunning landscapes, rich history, and a welcoming culture, making it an excellent destination for adventurous travellers and history enthusiasts alike.
How expensive is Albania?
By European standards, Albania is pretty cheap. Of course, this varies from region to region and for different seasons. However, compared to other European countries, it is really great value and your holiday money will go far!
A coffee will cost about €1.50 – €2, a big meal at one of the amazing BBQ restaurants will cost about €30 for two people and an air BnB can be found for around €40 per night. These are average prices during the summer months. Most things are cheaper off season.
Is Albania safe?
Albania is generally a safe country. As two females we never felt in danger at any point – including while using public transport. We found people to be very helpful and curious about what we thought of their country. Take the same precautions as you would in any other country and you will really enjoy your visit.
The Albanian Currency
The local currency is Albanian Lek and 100Lek equates to around €1.00. Not many currency exchange centres will hold Albanian Lek so you may have to order it in advance. Most larger shops and restaurants in the cities will accept cards and there are ATMs around. However, it is still mainly a cash based society and you will certainly need cash while hiking in Albania if you stop for food or overnight.
What to pack for a trip to Albania
Here’s a super easy packing list to make sure you don’t forget any of the essentials
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A good book
- Hat
- Cell phone- keep in mind that Albania is not in the EU so data might be more expensive as roaming charges will apply. Consider picking up a local sim card,
- Weather appropriate clothing (this varies wildly depending on the area you visit and when)
- Power bank and charger
- Adaptor (European)
- Cash – Albanian LEK
- Travel documents and Passport
- Map downloaded on phone (if you’re going exploring)
- Walking boots or comfy shoes
- Day backpack
- Decent camera (or phone) with plenty of space for pictures of the spectacular scenery
The Albanian language
As promised, here’s a bit more about 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)
Where to go next
Looking for more information for your Albania trip? Try our Practical Tips for Visiting Albania post.
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have we forgotten anything? Let us know what else you would like to know about Albania in the winter.
Have you visited Albania or anywhere else in the Balkans? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
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Things to See and Do in Albania