10+ Best Things To Do In Albania In 2024
Albania is a state with a rich and fascinating history, boasting several cultural and historical sites that make it a popular destination for tourists. It is well known for its stunning landscapes, mighty mountains, and crystal-clear waters. The friendly locals and delicious Mediterranean cuisine are also characteristics of Albania.
From the bustling capital of Tirana to the seaside towns of Saranda and Durres, Albania has a lot to offer to the adventurous and curious traveler. With its rich history and diverse attractions, Albania is the perfect destination for your next visit.
The country has a long-standing tradition of hospitality and cultural diversity. It’s home to many historic sites and breathtaking landscapes. The government has invested heavily in law enforcement and security measures, making it a safe and secure place to live and visit. Additionally, the country is a member of NATO, providing extra peace of mind for travelers.
Things To Know Before Traveling To Albania
Where is Albania Located and How to Get There?
People in Albania mainly move around by car, bus, taxi, and plane. The country has a well-developed road network, connecting all of its
major cities and towns. Public transportation such as buses is widely available. Additionally, international flights are accessible from Tirana International Airport.
When is the Best Time to Visit Albania?
The best time to visit is all year round, as it has something for every season, including mountains for the cold winters, refreshing beaches for the scorching hot summers, and beautiful cities to visit at any time of year.
Best Things to Do in Albania
You can hike to the stunning
beach of Gjipe, which is well worth the effort. The view is breathtaking, as it is nestled between mountains. It has a campsite nearby, so try it out - you won’t get disappointed.
1.2. Dhermi Beach
1.3. Drymades Beach
Drymades is a magnificent beach located in Vlore. It’s one of the most popular beaches in the area and is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the Ionian Sea. If you’re looking for a more active experience, Drymades Beach is a great spot for windsurfing.
1.4. Himara
The beach in Himara is a picturesque beach located on the east coast of the island of Himara in the Ionian Sea. It’s one of the most popular spots for swimming, sunbathing, and other activities. The beach is lined with cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a relaxing drink or snack.
1.6. Llaman
1.7. Porto Palermo
This beach is a picturesque cove located in the south of Albania. It’s surrounded by cliffs, giving it a dramatic backdrop while providing shelter from the winds. You can explore the area by boat, or simply relax on the beach and take in the stunning views.
The Blue Eye in Saranda is a deep blue spring of water that bubbles up into a pool and then flows down into a river. The spring is said to be over 50 meters deep and is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. You can get there by car, bus, or taxi. It's a 30-minute drive from Saranda.
The water temperature can go only up to 10-13℃, so only get in if you dare; not everyone can take it!
There is a nice restaurant where you can eat called ‘’The Blue Eye”, where they serve delicious traditional food. It’s pretty busy though, so make sure to get there early.
As for accommodation, there aren’t any hotels right on the Blue Eye site, but you can stay in the nearby city of Saranda.
#3 Hike Theth To Valbone
The hike from Theth to Valbone is a four-day trek through the Albanian Alps. The trail is marked and relatively easy to follow. You’ll start your hike at Theth and wind up at Shala Valley, passing by several villages. Eventually, you’ll reach the small village of Valbone, tucked away in the mountains. Along the way, expect to encounter stunning scenery, including green-covered valleys, snow-capped mountains, and forests full of life.
The hike is suitable for all levels, but if you’re more experienced you may add a few days to the route to make the most of your exploration of the surrounding area.
Valbone offers a range of accommodation options, including traditional mountain huts, hotels, and guesthouses. There are also a variety of restaurants and cafes serving traditional Albanian cuisine as well as international dishes.
#4 Visit Gjirokaster - UNESCO Listed Old Town
Gjirokaster is located in southern Albania and is known for its Ottoman-era buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and a castle overlooking the city. It’s located in the historical region of Epirus and is the birthplace of former Albanian communist leader Enver Hoxha.
Due to its well-preserved architecture, Gjirokaster has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also well-known for its traditional crafts, such as weaving and its distinctive musical instrument, the çifteli.
Gjirokaster is home to a number of hotels where you can enjoy your stay, such as the Gjirokaster Hotel, Hotel Nalta, Hotel Dardania, etc. You can’t go anywhere without eating some delicious food, and Gjirokaster has got you covered. You can choose from a number of restaurants, including Taverna Nina, Restaurant Kastrioti, or Taverna Irena.
There are various attractions that you can visit, such as
- Gjirokastra Bazaar
- Ethnographic Museum
- Ottoman Mosque
- Gjirokastra Castle
- Lead Mosque
#5 Eat and Drink like Albanians
You can’t spend a good vacation in Albania without eating and drinking like an Albanian. From the traditional dishes to the beverages, here’s a detailed list of everything you need to try.
Traditional Dishes
List of Services
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Tave KosiList Item 1
A delicious baked lamb, rice, and yogurt dish that comes from the middle regions of Albania. The lamb is cooked in a stew-like sauce and then combined with the cooked rice and yogurt. Tave Kosi is a popular dish for special occasions.
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FergeseList Item 2
Fergese is a traditional dish made with ground meat, tomatoes, onion, and garlic. It’s a hearty and flavourful dish, perfect for a cold winter day. It’s a traditional dish from the city of Elbasan, and a great way to enjoy the flavors of Albania.
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ByrekList Item 3
Byrek consists of thin layers of phyllo dough filled with a mixture of cheese, spinach, or other vegetables. Byrek can also be made sweet, with fillings such as jam. In Albania, it’s often served with yogurt and cheese.
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Qofte me MishList Item 4
Qofte me Mish is a traditional Albanian dish that will make your taste buds thank you for giving it a try! It’s made of meat mixed with onions, garlic, peppers, and tomatoes, so you’ll be sure to get a splash of flavor with every bite. It’s usually served with rice or mashed potatoes.
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Fasule me Mish
It’s a dish made with white beans and meat, tomato, onion, olive oil, and spices. What’s not to love? The dish is usually served with bread and is always sure to please.
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Tave me Koran
Having its origin in the city of Pogradec, tave me koran is one of the most loved dishes. It can only be eaten in Pogradec, due to the fact that it’s the only place the fish of Koran can be found. It’s cooked with onions, tomatoes, nuts, garlic, and many spices, and once you give it a try it’s sure to get into your favorites list.
Traditional Beverages
List of Services
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RakiList Item 1
It’s popular throughout Albania, mostly among the older generations. It is traditionally served at celebrations and gatherings and is used as a symbol of hospitality, friendship, and bringing people together.
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BeerList Item 2
Beer is an important part of the country’s culture and tradition, enjoyed by Albanians of all ages. The country is home to many craft breweries, producing a variety of unique and interesting beer styles. You can try homemade beer in Korca, with a special and authentic flavor
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WineList Item 3
Albania has a long history of winemaking and is one of the oldest wine making countries in the world. Albanian wines are known for their intense aromas, vibrant flavors, and balanced acidity.
There is a traditional winery in Berat, called Cobo Winery, where you can taste homemade wine and experience its special flavor.
#6 Visit Berat - The City of a Thousand Windows
Berat is an ancient city located in central Albania, and is one of the oldest cities. It’s known as the ‘’City of a Thousand Windows’’, as its many old buildings are lined up with windows facing to the same side. Berat is renowned for its traditional Ottoman architecture, including mosques, churches, and old houses.
There are a variety of accommodation options in Berat, such as Hotel Doma, Hotel Berati, and Hotel Mida. As for eating, you can choose from numerous options, including Restaurant Antigone, Restaurant Amantia, Restaurant Shpresa, Restaurant Oda, and many more.
During your visit, you can visit the following attractions:
- Berat Castle
- Gorica Bridge
- The Onufri Iconographic Museum
- The Mosque
- The Ethnographic Museum
#7 Enjoy a Cycling Tour of Shkodra Lake
The cycling tour to Shkodra Lake is a stunning route that takes you through the beautiful countryside of Albania. You’ll explore the beautiful sights of the lake and its surrounding villages, as well as the local history and culture. You will also have a chance to visit the villages of Koman and Valbona, and learn more about the local culture and traditions of the area.
At the end of your tour, you can relax and enjoy a meal at Restaurant Gjeli, Restaurant Karavan, Piazza Restaurant, and more.
Also, Shkodra is home to many attractions, such as
- Rozafa Castle
- The Great Mosque of Shkodra
- Marubi National Photography Museum
- Mesi Bridge
#8 Swim in Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. Located in Pogradec, in southeastern Albania, it’s one of the most biodiverse lakes in the world. It is home to the Alcoran, a species of fish that can only be found in Lake Ohrid and Lake Baikal.
It’s a popular destination for its beautiful beaches and the summers are full of tourists from all over the world, waiting to enjoy every aspect of Pogradec. There are a number of hotels, including Hotel Pogradeci, Hotel 1 Maji, Hotel Drilon, and many more.
As for eating, you will be thankful to have come to Pogradec. All restaurants serve delicious traditional food, including here Restaurant Rosa e Tymosur, Bujtina Ollga, Restaurant The Change, Cavos Restaurants, and many many more.
You can visit a bunch of attractions and places, such as
- National Park of Drilon
- Guri I Kamjes
- Tushemisht, and the Statue of Teto Ollga
- The ruins of the Castle of Pogradec
#9 Skiing in Dardha Touristic Village
Dardha is a small village located in the region of Tomorri in Albania. It’s believed to be one of the oldest settlements in Albania, and is known for its spectacular views of the countryside.
The area is home to three ski slopes, with well-maintained equipment for beginners and professionals. There are also ski learning services in Dardha, making it a great place to learn to ski or improve your skills.
Being a small place, there are only a few restaurants there, but they serve delicious traditional dishes, such as tave kosi, byrek, and many more.
#10 Visit The Bunker-Museum
Located in the heart of Tirana,
Bunk’Art is an incredible museum housed in a once-secret bunker. The museum is filled with displays of the country’s turbulent past, from the Nazi occupation to the Communist rule that followed.
The museum also features a wide range of interactive exhibits, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Albania’s past.
#11 Ride on The Dajti Express
The
Dajti Express is a cable car system in Tirana, Albania. It is the first and only cable car system in Albania and offers a scenic view of the Tirana skyline from the top of Dajti Mountain.
The cable car ride takes 6-7 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the city. It is a great way to get to the top of the mountain for activities such as hiking, biking, or just enjoying the view. The Dajti Express also offers many restaurants, cafes, and bars at the top of the mountain.
#12 Swim at The Hot Springs in Benja
Benja hot springs are located in the small mountain town of Benja, Albania. The hot springs are located in the valley of the Albanian Alps, and the water is said to have healing properties.
The hot springs are surrounded by a picturesque landscape of mountains. The waters have a temperature of around 37° Celsius, and the springs are known for their relaxing and therapeutic effect. You can enjoy a soak in the warm waters and take in the views of the surrounding mountains.
The springs are also a great spot for swimming, and you can take advantage of the warm water to cool off after a day of hiking. The hot springs are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and are a great spot to relax and take in the beauty of the Albanian Alps.
#13 Enjoy the Festivals
Albania is known for its vibrant and diverse cultural festivals, celebrating music, art, theater, film, and cuisine. A few of the most popular festivals are
Unum Festival is an annual music and cultural festival that takes place in Tirana. Held each summer, the event brings together international and local musicians and performers to celebrate the music, culture, and history of the country. The festival features a wide range of genres and styles, from traditional folk music to electronic and experimental music. Unum Festival also includes talks, workshops, and art exhibitions as well.
The South Outdoor Festival Albania is the largest outdoor music and sports festival in the Balkan region. It is an annual event that takes place at the end of summer in the city of Saranda, Albania.
The festival features some of the most popular international and local music acts, ranging from rock to hip-hop, as well as extreme sports and other activities like water sports, paintball, and beach volleyball. The festival also includes a wide variety of food and drinks available for purchase. The event is organized by the South Outdoor Festival Albania organization and is supported by the Albanian Ministry of Tourism.
Held in the vibrant city of Korca, this event celebrates beer, music, and Albanian culture. People from all over Albania come together to celebrate, drink, and dance to the sounds of traditional music.
This festival is held annually in Tirana and showcases the best Albanian films. It’s one of the largest film festivals in the country and features a brunch of screenings, workshops, and events.
What To Pack For Albania
To make your journey easier on you, we’re going to list a few essentials you should pack when visiting Albania during the summer and the wintertime
During summer:
- Lightweight clothing
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Swimwear
- Camera
During winter:
- Warm clothes and layers
- Comfortable shoes and boots
- Ski gear
- Umbrella
- Waterproof jacket
- Thermos
Key Takeaways
So what you should really take from this article, is that Albania is a country full of possibilities for having fun and enjoying your stay to the max.
You can:
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera
- Visit and swim on The Blue Eye, an amazing turquoise-water pool
- Hike from Theth to Valbone, taking in all the beautiful scenery and magnificent landscapes
- Visit the ancient town of Gjirokaster, and see the beautiful old houses up close
- Try the amazing Albanian cuisine, with tons of restaurants to fulfill your stomachs requests!
- Visit the old city of Berat and its beautiful houses
- Enjoy a stunning cycling tour of Shkodra Lake, taking in all the breathtaking scenery
- Swim in Lake Ohrid, one of the deepest lakes in Europe, and visit the town of Pogradec.
- Try skiing in the small town of Dardha, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the mountains
- Visit Bunk’Art, one of the most special museums in the country, and get a deeper understanding of Albania’s history
- Take a ride on the Dajti Express, while enjoying the scenic views of the mighty surrounding mountains
- Swim and relax on the Hot Springs in Benja
- Enjoy the many festivals of Albania, such as UNUM festival, South Outdoor Festival, Tirana International Film Festival, and many more.
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