Where is Albania Located?

Albania is located in the southeastern part of Europe. Its neighbors are Greece, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Kosovo, and its coasts are hit by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. 



The perfect time to visit Albania would be during the months of April to June or September to October. By visiting at this time, you’ll be able to avoid the scorching heat of the summer and the blistering cold of the winter. It’s just the right time for cycling, sightseeing, or just wandering around. 

If you want to experience a proper Albanian summer, though, come during the months of July and August to enjoy the amazing atmosphere offered by the locals. 

The Ancient Roots of Albanian History

Albania has a pretty complex and dark past, dating back to the 500-year Ottoman invasion, which lasted until 1912, all the way to its communist era, defined by the infamous dictator Enver Hoxha.

If you ask around in Albania today, you won’t find a lot of fans of Enver Hoxha. He employed some cruel ways to keep the country under his control, executing rivals and innocent people, thus keeping Albania in a constant state of fear.

After his death, Albania’s economy started to grow and transition toward a capitalist society. Despite going through such a rough time during these past years, Albania has managed to embrace its past and become the evolving and welcoming country that it is today. 

How to Get to Albania?

You can visit Albania by plane, bus, car, or ferry.



10+ Places to Visit in Albania

Here is a list of some of the best Albania travel destinations to guarantee you an unforgettable visit to the Land of the Eagles. 

#1. Tirana

You can’t visit Albania without passing through Tirana. It’s the largest city in Albania, and it has a long and rich history. It experienced a period of rapid growth and modernization with the construction of the airport and Tirana University. These days, it’s the cultural and economic center of the region. 

With every walk outside, you’ll see a unique spot, like the Pyramid, the New Bazaar, and more. Tirana has become a youthful and vibrant city, with interesting spots all over the place. 

While in Tirana, there are lots of things you can do to spend your time. You can explore the big Skanderbeg square, visit Bunk’Art and learn more about Albania’s history, or go to the National Museum. 

For a little extra adrenaline, you can take a ride on the Dajti Express, where the cable cars will take you to the top of Dajti Mountain. You can also spend a day at the Poligon Action Target, an inside shooting range featuring the latest equipment, guaranteeing an experience to remember. 

#2. Saranda

In the south of the Albanian Riviera lies the beautiful coastal city of Sarandë. It’s one of the most bustling cities during the summer, with tourists from all over the country coming to enjoy Albania’s beaches. 

Saranda dates back to the 3rd century B.C. and was known as Onchesmus in antiquity. It later fell under the control of the Byzantines, the Ottoman Empire, and Greece as well. From these times, countless archaeological sites still stand in the area, along with a significant Greek population. 

You are sure to have a great time in Saranda. For a paradise-like experience, you can visit the Ksamil Islands, with their crystal-clear water, soft sand, and amazing atmosphere. 

For a pinch of history, you can also visit the Synagogue Complex, an ancient complex dating back to the 5th century that includes a school, community center, and various religious structures. 

#3. Kruja

Kruja is a beautiful historic city just 30 km away from the capital of Tirana, in central Albania. It’s also known as the city of Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero. It has a special significance, as Kruja Castle was used by Skanderbeg as a headquarters during the battle with the Ottomans, with him protecting the castle’s walls until his last breath. 

It’s just the place to dive into Albanian history, with the Skanderbeg Museum located inside the castle and the Ethnographic Museum giving you some insight into traditional Albanian life. 

We can’t leave out the wonderful Kruja Bazaar, located on a narrow cobblestone street on the way to the castle. There you can find traditional souvenirs, handmade rugs, wooden pieces, antique objects, and much more. 

#4. Pogradec 

Known as the city of flowers, Pogradec is the ideal destination for a nice and tranquil summer. The name Pogradec has a Slavic origin, meaning the city under a castle. It refers to an ancient settlement whose ruins are still on a hill above the city. 

Pogradec is the hometown of the most famous Albanian poet, Lasgush Poradeci, who has dedicated many beautiful poems to this small but charming city. There is also a statue of Lasgush in the center of Pogradec, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. 

While in Pogradec, you can enjoy a day at the beach on the refreshing Lake Ohrid; you can take an evening walk along the long boulevard; or you can have a delicious traditional meal at one of the many welcoming restaurants on the lakeside. 

#5. Korça

Just a short drive away from Pogradec, Korça is an amazing spot for tourists looking for fun and culture in the same place. It’s known for its stunning architecture, with its beautiful churches, museums, and boulevards. 

Korça is a very compact city, so you can explore everything on foot just fine. The first thing you should do is visit the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in the city center, which is also the monument Korça identifies with. 

Next, you can go hang out at Pazari i Vjetër, where you’ll find traditional souvenirs, beautiful cafes and restaurants, and welcoming gathering spaces. Going into the bazaar, you’ll feel like you’re in a whole different time, with the old cobblestone streets, rustic architecture, and Ottoman influence in the whole place. 

#6. Durrës

A mesmerizing coastal city, Durrës has much to offer its tourists, especially in the summer, when you can experience the hot beach days and chill evenings by the coast. Durrës has an ancient history of over 3000 years, with significant influences from Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman cultures throughout the city.

Besides going to the beach, there are many other things to do in Durrës, like exploring the ancient amphitheater, the second-largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans. There’s also the famous Venetian Tower, the once-geographical border between the Muslims and Christians of the area. 

You can spot details of different empires just by looking at the walls of the tower. 

#7. Vlora

Vlora is a pretty significant city to Albanians, as it’s the city where the country gained its independence when Ismail Qemali waved the Albanian flag over the people. This happened in what is now the Museum of Independence, close to the port. The museum was established in 1936 and was the first museum in Albania. 

Vlora also promises you a unique and delicious cuisine with the perfect combination of many types of foods. The seafood is amazing, as is the traditional Albanian food, such as roast lamb with rice, byrek, etc. 

#8. Gjirokastra

Gjirokastër is a picturesque southern city known for being the birthplace of famous Albanian writer Ismail Kadare. It’s a beloved city, with its ancient cobblestone streets and Ottoman-style architecture.

The Gjirokastër Bazaar is definitely a must-visit, built in the 17th century and drawing people in to this day. In the bazaar, you’ll find rows of beautiful shops and cafes, handmade souvenirs, local honey, and countless other artisanal products.

For some fun in nature, you can hike to Ali Pasha’s bridge, which rather functions as a water channel to Gjirokastër from the mountain springs. It takes about 45 minutes of walking, and the stunning nature will be your companion along the way. 

#9. Theth

Theth is a breathtaking mountainous village in northern Albania that offers some of the most amazing views in the whole country. It’s everything an adventure seeker could wish for and more. 

Firstly, you should go and visit the Blue Eye. It’s just a small hike away, but the view will definitely be worth it. It’s a natural spring of crystal turquoise water along with a small waterfall, making it one of the most beautiful places in Albania. The water is ice cold, but if you dare, jump in for a refreshing swim!

Hiking towards Valbona is a journey every hiker should take when visiting Theth. It’s a 5-hour hike, so it’s only for the well-prepared. The experience will be unforgettable; just make sure to wear some comfy shoes and stock up on water and snacks!

#10. Shkodra

Located close to Albania’s border with Montenegro, Shkodra is a pretty popular tourist destination. While visiting Shkodra, you can immerse yourself in Albanian history and culture, visit historical sites, visit craft hops, etc.

Starting off with the Historical Museum, you’ll get to learn a lot about the ancient activity in the region, about the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, and also about the times of Enver Hoxha, Albania’s former dictator.

Another interesting spot is the Venice Art Mask Factory, a combined workshop and museum. It’s run by an Albanian artisan who emigrated to Italy in the past to master the art of mask-making and returned to Albania to share his work with the locals. It’s a unique experience where you’ll get to see how the masks are made and also try to design one yourself!

#11. Berat

Berat is an elegant city in central Albania, known for its Ottoman-style houses that cascade down the river. It’s known by tourists as "The City of the Thousand Windows" because of the beautiful facades of stone and windows.

It’s a UNESCO-listed center thanks to its cultural significance and unique buildings. With its delicious local cuisine, Ethnographic museum, and the famous Berat Castle, the city has a lot to offer. 

You should also visit the Church of the Holy Trinity, built in the 13th century and combining Byzantine and Western elements. Its interior is also mesmerizing, with beautiful columns and murals. 

Transportation in Albania

Getting around is another thing you should know when you visit Albania. You can choose to rent a car and drive around, or you can just use public transportation. 

Let’s go through each of these options so you can see which one fits more with your preferences.

Why Visit Albania?

If you haven’t made up your mind quite yet, here is a list of reasons why a visit to Albania should be on your bucket list for 2023:

• Beautiful Riviera. Albania is famous for the breathtaking beaches of the Albanian Riviera. From the hidden Gjipe Beach to the beautiful Drymades, you’ll never want to leave this paradise.

• Delicious Traditional Dishes. As we all know, love comes through the stomach, just like your love for Albania will arise as soon as you try the amazing cuisine. You’ll get the chance to try some of the most tasty traditional Albanian food, like byrek, tavë kosi, fërgesë, etc. 

• Religious Harmony. In Albania, you’ll find people of various religions living together in harmony. There is no discrimination whatsoever, allowing the people to lead a nice and peaceful life among each other.

• Fascinating History. Albania has gone through some tough times under tight communist rule for almost 50 years. All religions were banned, and it was declared the first atheist country in the world. All that is in the past now, but if you want, you can find out more about Albania’s interesting history in the many museums, like Bunk’Art or the National Historical Museum. 

• It’s pretty safe. If you think Albania is not a safe country, you should probably stop associating it with its image from the movies. There are bad people and criminals all over the world, no matter the country. This shouldn’t be an obstacle to visiting Albania. Wherever you go, you’ll find friendly locals who are more than willing to help you with anything you might need.
  

Don't Forget!

• Albania is a small but promising country in southeastern Europe with much to offer.

• To visit Albania, you can come in by plane, bus, or ferry. Each option has its advantages, and it solely depends on your preferences.

• Albania is home to amazing and interesting cities, like Tirana, Pogradec, Durrës, Shkodër, etc., where you can learn and have a great time as well.

• If you’re looking for a reason to visit Albania, there are plenty: the beautiful Riviera, the amazing religious harmony, and its fascinating history as well.



• As for getting around, you can easily rent a car in any of the major cities or just use public transportation. 

Visit Albania FAQ