What to see and do in Albania and in how many days

In recent years, Albania has become one of the most popular growing countries for Italians to spend their holidays. There are many reasons for this choice: affordable prices, proximity to our country but, in particular, natural, historical and cultural exceptionalism. In fact, thanks to the climate of the country, the holiday in Albania is increasingly in demand in all seasons. In this article, we will find out what to see and what to do in Albania and in how many days, to find the holiday that suits you better!

Why To Visit Albania

Albania is very diverse. In fact, despite its small size, this country can offer attractions and experiences suitable for every need and desire. You can find yourself walking in the Albanian Alps, or relaxing on the magnificent beaches of the Albanian coast. In addition, you can enjoy the history of Albania by visiting various archaeological sites, monasteries and mosques.

10 things not to miss in Albania 

Now, then, let’s see together what to see in Albania. Whatever your goal, a quiet holiday rather than a more lively one, Albania will satisfy your needs!

In this guide we will show you all the most important places you must visit.

1. Tiranë

In our trip to Albania you can not help but visit Tiranë, the capital of the country and a large city that contains both artistic and cultural expansion. The core of the city is Skanderbeg Square, dedicated to the one who defeated the Ottomans, who later became a national hero. The square is the main meeting point for the inhabitants of Tirana and around it there are various institutional buildings of Albania. 

Near the square, there are also some symbolic buildings, such as the Clock Tower, famous because, climbing to the top, you can observe a beautiful panorama, and the Bey Mosque, built in 1789 and considered the most beautiful mosque in the whole country. Finally, the National Museum of History also overlooks the square and houses historical finds, useful to understand the history of Albania. 

2. Gjirokastër 

In this article,we can not miss Gjirokastër, a magnificent medieval village nestled in the mountains of Southern Albania, located a few kilometers from the border with Greece. This has allowed the city to grow, especially in terms of tourism. The Castle of Gjirokastër is the main monument of the city and one of the best preserved of the whole Albania. This fortress, located in the historic center, dates back to the twelfth century and features ancient pieces of artillery, armor and cannons. 

In addition to the castle, Gjirokastër houses a large number of important historical buildings. Therefore, our advice is to take a walk through the alleys of the city and go looking for craft bazaars, the ancient Mosque and the oldest house in the city, the Skenduli House.

3. Shkodër

Shkodër, a picturesque town located on the shores of Lake Shkodra, on the border with Montenegro, is another stop to do at all costs during a trip to Albania. This is also a historic city and considered one of the most important of the whole country, precisely because it was the ancient capital of Illyria during the classical period and boasts of great strategic importance. 

At Shkodër there are many things to see, starting, for example, from the famous Bridge of Mes, of Ottoman origin, which reaches the entrance of the city. Afterwards, even if just outside the city, we can visit the Castle of Rozafa where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Shkodra, the lake and the Boiana River.

4. Berat

A city that must be in your top 10 things to see in Albania is Berat, a real gem, where you can still taste the rural Albania of yesteryear. Berat is located on the right bank of the Osum River, at the foot of Mount Tomorr. Precisely because of its location, when you arrive in front of the city, you will be enchanted; but do not dwell only on its external appearance, because Berat hosts extraordinary historical and artistic testimonies. Berat Castle, which dominates the town from above, is the symbol of the city. You can reach it by means of transport, but the best way is definitely on foot, crossing the promenade that leads to the top, in which we will walk along paths between ancient Roman remains, rock churches and mosques, surrounded by millennial vineyards.

As in the past and in the darkest periods of Albanian history, Berat is a city where religions coexist peacefully. In fact, in the districts of Gorica and Mangalemi, there are Orthodox churches and mosques facing each other.

5. Saranda

To the south of the country, you need to visit Saranda, the most well-known seaside resort in Albania and very close to Greece. The beaches of Saranda are like other more famous Mediterranean resorts. The beaches, including Mango Beach, Bistrica and Santa Quaranta, are all equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers and offer every kind of service. If instead you prefer wild and rural beaches, you can stop in the Ksamil Peninsula to enjoy real terrestrial paradises, such as the beautiful Pulëbardha. 

Saranda, however, is not only famous for the sea, in fact, 20 km from the city, towards the interior, there is the source Syri Kalter, also known as the Blue Eye, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located at the foot of the Mali i Gjerë mountains. In this wonderful spring we can admire the particular blue shades of water, with lush vegetation around. 

6. The Albanian Alps

The Albanian Alps are a real highlight for those who love the mountains! These majestic mountain ranges rise in the northern regions of the country. If you love trekking, nature and landscapes, the Valbona Valley is definitely for you. Worth a visit is also the Bajram Curri National Park, one of the most beautiful areas of the Balkans, with 8000 hectares of land.

The villages Dragobia, Rrogam and Vermosh are located along the paths of this valley and here you will enjoy the view of a more authentic Albania, between lakes and mountain rivers and extraordinary vegetation. 

7. Butrint

The Butrint National Park is one of the things to see in Albania; an archaeological site, which is part of the World Heritage by UNESCO. The panoramic position allows you to admire the panorama of the plain, on the lake and on the island of Corfu, right in front of the ancient city of Butrint.

The archaeological site includes ruins from different eras, Greek and Byzantine, from Bulgarian to Venetian domination. The defensive walls, the ancient Roman theater, the imperial mosaics and the Christian buildings of the Byzantine era are part of this site.

Butrint is therefore the right place if you want to know the history of Albania and where you can mix sea, mountain and archeology! 

8. Durrës

Last but not least, we have added Durrës to the list. The second most important city of Albania and the first that you will probably visit, if you arrive by ferry from Ancona and Bari. If at first glance it may seem like a modern city, in reality Durres collects a real piece of history.

In fact it has Roman origins and it still has an early Christian chapel inside a wonderful amphitheater. Also you can visit the ancient baths and the Roman forum, later Byzantine.

In Durres, however, there is also much more to see, such as the old town, still surrounded by Byzantine walls, and the Fatih Mosque, among the most beautiful in the Balkan area.

To this we add beaches and crystal clear sea, and we immediately realize the wonder of this city! 

9. Apollonia

For lovers of archaeology, we offer one of the most important archaeological sites of the entire Balkan area, near Vlora, Pojan Archaeological Park. The park is mainly known by the name Apollonia, the most important Greek and Roman site of Albania. Therefore you will understand why we recommend visiting it! 

Here you can find the agora, the odeon, the amphitheater and the acropolis; also you can visit the exhibits in the museum and the monastery of the Byzantine period of the twelfth century. 

10. Llogara

For lovers of wild nature we suggest to visit the Llogara National Park, a natural area, which extends from Vlora to Himara and gateway to the Albanian coast. You can also take the panoramic road of the Llogara Pass that will leave you speechless. 

There are many places where you can stop and admire the view of the mountains and the coast along the way. Once the route is over, you can stop at some breathtaking beaches, between Himara and Porto Palermo. 

Llogara is therefore a place to visit with tranquility, to enjoy all its landscapes.

5 Things to do in Albania, experiences not to be missed and what to see

We also list some activities not to be missed, in addition to the city tour, because in addition to the sea and history in Albania there is also mountain, nature, and food and wine to discover. So why not take a swim in the blue waters of Syri Kalter or hike through the imposing Albanian mountains, or discover the Divjake Lagoon? You could also take part in an Albanian cooking class with delicacies and typical dishes.

So let’s take a look at the 5 things to do in Albania!

1. A dive into the waters of the Blue Eye in Theth

At Theth village is the famous Blue Eye Spring, one of the most visited attractions in the area. Its beauty entices us to dive into these waters of a thousand colors, even if the water has rather low temperatures. So, if you are not brave enough, you can also go hiking in the surroundings.

2. Discovering the history of the Albanian people

In almost all Albanian cities you will find pieces of history and many national museums, so if you are a fan you can visit some museums that tell the story of the Albanian people like: the Marubi Photographic Museum in Tirana, the Ethnographic Museum of Gjirokastër and the Museum of Independence of Vlora.

3. Trekking in the Albanian Alps

If your passion is the mountains, do not miss the trekking in the Albanian Alps! Valbona Valley is loved by hikers. The route starts from the village of Theth and, after about 6 hours, you will arrive at 1800 meters over the valley. 

4. Excursion to Divjake Lagoon

In addition to the sea, mountains, villages and cities, we offer an excursion on the Divjake Lagoon, south of Durres; a magnificent natural park that contains an ecosystem unique in the world. A Jeep will take you on an excursion to explore these paradises or a kayak that will take you to the heart of the lagoon! 

5. Discover the Albanian gastronomic tradition

For those who prefer gastronomy, we offer a traditional cooking course in which to cook typical Albanian dishes such as lakror, sheqerpare and tave kosi. It is an experience worth trying, especially to witness the best moment, namely the tasting!

Recommended routes to visit Albania

After choosing what you want to visit you can leave for your trip!

So, let’s see which itineraries are best for you. Here are three itineraries for a 7, 8 or 10 day tour of Albania. 

7 Days in Albania - What to see

Albania is quite a small country, so even in a week, you can visit the main attractions in Albania. Therefore, we advise you to consult our website https:///albania.mytour.eu/en/ and choose an itinerary where you can visit the main places, such as Tirana, Shkodër, Durres, Apollonia, Vlora, Porto Palermo, Saranda, Butrinto, Gjirokastër and Berat. 

8 Days in Albania - What to See

If you want to visit Albania in total autonomy, freely deciding your routes, on our website https://albania.mytour.eu/en/ you will find a series of tours in freedom in the most famous places of Albania, including Kruje, Golem, Capo Rodon, Llogara, Himara, Gijpe, Porto Palermo and Divjake.

10 Days in Albania - What to See

If instead you have decided to stay in the country for 10 days, you will have time both to visit Albania, but also Montenegro and Greece. Visit our website https://albania.mytour.eu/en/ to see which tour is right for you!

How to Visit Albania?

In addition to the tours on the site you can also learn about the documents needed to enter the country and everything related to access information and restrictions.  

We also advise you to visit Albania during the summer season, between June and September, and to rely on a specialized tour operator, so that he can organize your trip, in order it can suits you better!