Things to do in Albania

Nestled on the Balkan Peninsula between Greece and Croatia, Albania is a destination rich in history and culture, yet still relatively unknown to tourists. If you've set your sights on this territory in Southeastern Europe, then this guide reveals the most beautiful places to visit during a trip to Albania! Whether you're a nature lover, an archaeology enthusiast, a culture seeker, or a beach aficionado, I have what you need.

Founded in 1996, Llogara National Park covers an area of 10,010 acres, making it the largest park in Albania! This vast expanse of greenery, boasting exceptional biodiversity, is the perfect terrain for hiking and discovering the wonders of the local flora and fauna

Between sea and mountains, this park is filled with rich and varied landscapes ranging from protected pine forests and beautiful steep cliffs to the peaks of the Llogara mountain range! The views from the trails along the coast are breathtaking, not to mention the beaches of the Albanian Riviera! In fact, the possibilities are numerous, including birdwatching and observing endemic mammals.

Hiking, trekking, mountain biking, or 4x4 excursions, as well as swimming, are among the various activities available at Llogara Park! Although it is possible to reach the park independently, I highly encourage you to join a tour that includes a stop at the Llogara Pass!

Your trip to Albania is approaching, and you may be wondering what activities you could do once you arrive? No worries, Albania is a country full of treasures to discover, stunning landscapes, and charming towns and villages. Whether it's nature activities, visiting cities like Tirana, exploring historical sites, or enjoying the beaches, you certainly won't have time to be bored in Albania! Be sure to book your activities so you don't miss any upon your arrival

Another natural wonder deserves a visit while traveling in Albania! This is the Osum Canyon, whose landscapes formed by the Osum River over the centuries offer a spectacular setting. Over 16 miles long, this canyon features impressive cliffs reaching up to 1,476 feet high, with rock walls sculpted by erosion.

In addition to visiting Osum Canyon, you can't miss the Bogova Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Albania at 66 feet tall. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and is accessible via a hike of about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Berat. Ideally, participating in a guided hike to Osum Canyon and Bogova Waterfall is a great option! This will be a chance to admire the local nature safely, learn more about small towns like Polican, take stunning photos of canyon views, and enjoy the cool waters of the waterfall. For this activity, budget about €63 per person.

Known for its colorful architecture, visiting Tirana is a must when traveling in Albania! For good reason, this historical capital located in the heart of the Balkans is home to various buildings and monuments blending Ottoman, fascist, and Soviet styles. Tirana is bustling with life and notable points of interest such as Skanderbeg Square surrounded by pastel-colored buildings, not far from the National History Museum.

While visiting the Albanian capital, the Pyramid of Tirana is undoubtedly a must-see! This uniquely designed building, inaugurated in 1988, previously known as the Enver Hoxha Museum, hosts exhibitions dedicated to the former leader of communist Albania. The Et'hem Bey Mosque, on the other hand, features beautiful Ottoman architecture and is classified as a cultural monument.

Beyond cultural sites, visiting Tirana also means discovering its old houses, artisan shops, and numerous restaurants and cafes. The local population is particularly welcoming and warm, making the capital a truly pleasant place to stay!

Located south of Tirana, Berat is a municipality that perfectly embodies the charm and cultural richness of this Balkan country. If you're unsure which city to visit in Albania, then Berat should captivate you with its traditional houses adorned with numerous windows. This characteristic gives the impression that they are stacked upon each other, hence the nickname 'the city of a thousand windows'!

To visit Berat well in Albania, it's essential to understand its structure. The city is divided into two distinct neighborhoods: Gorica on the right bank of the Osum River, and Mangalem on the left bank. Both feature beautiful sights to see, such as mosques, Orthodox churches, old Ottoman houses, and the Berat Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Locally known as the Kala, this 13th-century fortress offers a panoramic view of Berat and its surroundings!

If visiting this site interests you, then I recommend taking a tour of the city of Berat and Lake Belshi from Tirana. During this activity, you will visit the city and its two main neighborhoods Gorica and Mangalem, Berat castle, the Onufri Museum, and Lake and the village of Belshi. For this activity, budget €88 per person.

Picturesque, romantic, and authentic, Gjirokastër is an interesting stop to add to your trip, especially if you're taking a road trip in Albania. Nestled on the slopes of the Great Mountain, only 22 miles from the Greek border, Gjirokastër is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is distinguished by its traditional stone houses, Ottoman architecture, and its impressive hilltop castle!

So, what to do in Gjirokastër? The cultural and historical heritage of this village rests on points of interest such as the Ethnographic Museum, which provides insight into the traditional Albanian way of life, as well as the Ismail Kadare House-Museum, dedicated to one of the country's most famous writers. The Cold War Museum is another interesting site to explore, while the Zekate House is a beautiful example of Ottoman style.

Regarding nature, Gjirokastër is equally impressive, as its location in the mountains offers beautiful hikes in the surroundings. Among the most popular tourist attractions, The Blue Eye, situated between Gjirokastër and Saranda, is a protected nature reserve recognized since 1996. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, the Blue Eye is included in excursions to Ksamil and Saranda.

Not far from Saranda and the Greek border lies Butrint, a small Albanian town known for hosting Buthrotum, a remarkable and unmissable archaeological site. Various archaeological excavations have revealed remains dating back to ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Byzantium, and the Venetian period!

Visiting this archaeological site is one of the main reasons why Butrint is essential during a trip to Albania. This ancient Greek city, which was supposedly founded in the 8th century BC, thrived for centuries as a trading center. The ruins of theaters, temples, and fortifications occupied by the Romans, who added public baths and villas, can still be found.

Of course, Butrint also stands out for its exceptional environment and landscapes! In addition to being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it includes Butrint National Park, which spans 23,000 acres, comprising plains, mountains, and wetlands bursting with ponds and lakes. The town also houses Ali Pasha's castle and Butrint Lake, connected to the sea by the Vivari Canal.

If you're unsure how to get to Butrint, I recommend booking this day trip to the Butrint archaeological park and Ksamil from Saranda. It includes round-trip pick-up, entrance to the site, a French-speaking guide, and a visit to Ksamil. For this activity, budget about €80 per person.

Nothing beats a sunbath and beach pleasures on the Albanian Riviera! This coastal area, also known as Bregu, runs along the Ionian Sea from north to southeast. This part of the territory is famous for its golden sandy beaches, isolated coves, and breathtaking azure waters

If you're unsure where to stay in Albania and looking for a relaxing vacation, then the Albanian Riviera is clearly the ideal place to unwind. This enclave, highly popular among tourists, is filled with villages boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania such as Dhermi, a stunning beach resort, Orikum for its wild and charming atmosphere, Lukovë with its paradisiacal views, and Saranda, the unmissable capital of the Riviera located inland, facing the island of Corfu. By the way, if you're wondering where to stay in Corfu, I have an article for you!

This stretch of coastline, extending over a hundred kilometers, is undoubtedly a must-see! It is especially a destination to prioritize if you plan to visit Albania in the summer.

This natural wonder of rare beauty, Lake Ohrid, is the deepest lake in the Balkans and one of the oldest in the world, along with Titicaca and Baikal. Situated between North Macedonia and Albania, this tectonic lake has a history dating back over three million years. Known for its clear waters, Lake Ohrid spans 138 square miles and has a depth of 72 feet.

Unsurprisingly, Lake Ohrid is home to incredible biodiversity and numerous endemic species of plants and animals. There are at least 17 original species of fish, and the surroundings of the lake are inhabited by various animal species such as bears, deer, lynxes, wolves, and foxes! Its great ecological value has led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979!

Beautiful activities are available on site, starting with a day trip to Lake Ohrid. It includes a visit to a church, a fortress, and a monastery. If you have your own means of transport, you can opt instead for a panoramic cruise to admire the old town of Ohrid. During this activity, you can appreciate the village of Ohrid from the lake, see the churches of St. Sophia and St. Clement, the Love Caves, and the Fortress of Tsar Samuel, all while enjoying the explanations provided by your captain during the excursion. For this activity, budget around €20 per person.

Another archaeological site deserves special attention, Apollonia of Illyria, one of the main cities founded by Corinth and Corcyra in the 7th century BC. This ancient city thrived for centuries as an economic, political, and cultural center! It is currently the largest archaeological site in all of Albania, covering 247 acres within its walls

As an important trading port, this ancient city facilitated exchanges between East and West by connecting Brindisi in northern Greece via the Via Egnatia, which led to Thessaloniki and Byzantium. Over the centuries, the city found itself amidst conflicts and changes of dominion, the last being Roman before gradually declining from the 3rd century, especially after an earthquake.

Complete the site visit with the Apollonia Museum located within the monastery of St. Mary, which exhibits some archaeological finds although most artifacts are displayed in Tirana. Budget around €6 per person to access the site. It is open every day except Monday during the low season from 8 am to 4 pm/6 pm.

Located west of Tirana on the Adriatic coast, Durrës is a fantastic vacation destination for travelers wanting to visit Albania in the summer. This charming coastal city is home to one of the oldest ports in the country, which was an important crossroads for trade between Europe and the East. Durrës also boasts a rich historical heritage, having been founded by the Greeks under the name Epidamne, later Dyrrachium.

While visiting Durrës, one can easily observe its numerous Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian influences in its architecture and culture. Among the historical sites to see are the Durrës Amphitheater, located in the middle of the city and built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan. The Durrës Archaeological Museum, near the beach, offers a large collection of artifacts dating back to antiquity.

Of course, it is impossible not to mention Durrës without bringing up its beautiful beaches lined with crystal-clear waters, its pleasant promenade along the seafront, and the multitude of available restaurants. It is a favorite destination for enjoying the Albanian sun, water activities, and other beach pleasures.

To easily reach Albania, flying is undoubtedly the most convenient way! From France, many direct flights connect Paris with Tirana International Airport. Expect a budget of between €250 to €300 depending on the time of year, with a flight time of about 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is reasonable. If you're staying in Paris, prioritize Paris CDG airport, as most flights to Tirana come from there.

To find the best-priced flight, I recommend checking a flight comparison site like Ulysse.

With a typically Mediterranean climate influenced by continental weather from the mountainous regions, Albania enjoys beautiful weather year-round, featuring very hot summers and mild temperatures in winter. While the summer season is perfect for enjoying the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, traveling to Albania in spring and early autumn is highly recommended! In other words, prioritize the months of May, June, and September if you fear extreme temperatures.

As the capital, Tirana is by far the best city to stay in Albania! However, depending on your holiday itinerary, other cities to consider are Saranda, Durrës, and Ksamil for the most beautiful beaches in Albania, as well as Berat if you are looking for an authentic and traditional setting.

That's it for this article! I hope you now know what to do in Albania during your next trip