Must visit places in albania
Albania should be on your top European destination list. It is affordable and stunning. There are so many incredible places to visit and explore. I hope this list of must visit places inspires you for planning your next trip to Albania!
Must visit places
Tirana
If you are flying to Albania this is where you will start. You can base your entire trip here if you want and take day trips. The downtown is very walkable with tons of bars, restaurants and amazing things to do. Walking around you can climb the Pyramid, see the Orthodox Church, Skanderbeg Square, Tirana Castle, which has restaurants and shops or check out some museums like Bunk’ art 2 or House of Leaves.
Lake Koman and Shala River
Wow! If you are up for a long day tour from Tirana this is well worth it. If we had more time I would have loved to go and spend more time or stayed over. The water is incredible. The boat ride is about 1 hour to River Shala and then you can lounge and dip in the cold waters. On the Shala River there are lots of restaurants, beach chairs for rent and kayaks for rent. Our tour guide also mentioned a zip line but we didn’t see anyone do that.
Sarandë
Sarandë is a great coastal town right next to Ksamil. It has more resorts and restaurants than Ksamil and it is where you would catch the ferry to Corfu. Another highlight is the Lëkurësi Castle. It gives some great views of Ksamil and Corfu from above. It is often highlighted as a great place to see sunset!
Ksamil
This beach area is a hot spot! So many beautiful beaches, bars, restaurants and things to do. It’s a great party location for sure. It is very walkable as well. Be prepared to pay for beach chairs. You can also do boat tours to the three islands. Boating, paddle boards, kayaking are also available. Sunset is so beautiful!
Blue Eye
Blue Eye, or Syri i Kaltër, is a magical natural spring in southern Albania. Crystal-clear turquoise water bubbles up from unknown depths, surrounded by lush greenery. A short walk leads visitors to viewpoints. The Blue Eye is a top tourist destination in southern Albania.
Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër is a beautiful UNESCO city with cobblestone streets and an epic fortress on the top with stunning panoramic views. The town has lots of restaurants with traditional food and tons of souvenir shops. We did a day tour from Ksamil because located in southern Albania but you could also do a day tour here from Tirana. Gjirokastër is known as the “City of Stone”.
Gamati Mountain and Bovilla Lakes
If you want to see turquoise waters with mountains come here! You do need a little fitness because it is a hike with some rocks and stairs but the views are incredible and worth the effort. The road there is a little bumpy. It’s one of the shorter day trips from Tirana.
Berat
Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” is one of Albania’s most beautiful historic towns. White Ottoman houses climb the hillside beneath Berat Castle, overlooking the Osum River. With cobbled streets, ancient churches, and rich traditions, Berat offers timeless charm and unforgettable cultural heritage.
Plan your trip
If you haven’t made it to Albania yet, consider this your inspiration to go. There are so many places that you must visit on your trip. You will really be amazed at all this country has to offer.
