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Albania: Local Food & UNESCO Heritage

6 Days | Max 12 travelers

Albania & Montenegro Tour

9 Days | Max 12 travelers

Albania: Cultural Cities & Saranda Beach Stay

8 Days | Max 12 travelers

Albania: North to South Tour

Communist History Tour Tirana & Street Food

Day Tour | Max 8 travelers

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1 - 15 travelers

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Dejvi Cakoni

Denisa Grutkova

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"Albania has the spectacular landscapes and incredible history and culture to rival any Mediterranean country in Europe. After being buried in communism for so long, it's now open for all, and there's never been a better time to visit this wonderful country. But hurry - this secret won't be kept for much longer."

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See the Palace of Culture in Tirana

The Palace of Culture in Tirana really lives up to its name. It's a grand building where you’ll find cultural institutions like the National Library and the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The first stone of this stunning building was symbolically laid by former Soviet president Nikita Hrushov in 1959 and your Albania travel guide will show you around the highlights of this cultural treasure.

Stroll through Skanderbeg Square

Of all the top Albania attractions, you can’t miss checking out Skanderberg Square, the main square in Tirana. It’s massive at over 430,000 square feet and you’ll find some of the country’s most important buildings here including the National Museum of History, the Clock Tower and the giant Skanderberg Monument of the Albanian national hero.

See Tirana's famous Clock Tower

The 114-foot tall Clock Tower is an unmissable stop on any Tirana tour, and we’ll take you to see this famous piece of Ottoman architecture dating back to 1822. After hearing the bells ring out, you can even climb the spiral staircase to take in the spectacular views over Tirana. Be sure to come back in the evening to see the tower beautifully lit up after dark.

Walk through the winding streets of Tirana city center

One of the best parts of your Tirana trip will be roaming the colorful streets of the city, where brightly painted façades mingle with leafy streets and shopping strips. You’ll join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour, before having time to delve into the trendy café districts and vibrant markets where you’ll find some real Albanian arts and crafts.

Learn about the decades of communist rule in Albania

When you travel Albania with Trafalgar, we'll dive into the rich history of the country. You’ll learn how Albania was once ruled by a communist regime and see the remnants of this tyrannical period. Stop by former Communist buildings, visit the Bunk’Art museum, and wander through the Blloku district, once reserved for the communist elite.

Our top 5 things to do in Albania

Our Albania trips will show you all the best things to do in Albania, from the top Tirana attractions to the historical gems of the country.

National Historic Museum

The National Historic Museum is the best Albania museum to explore the country’s complex history. There are thousands of objects, ranging from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages to the 21st century. There’s a pavilion dedicated to the crimes of the communist regime, and don’t miss the Beauty of Durrës, a treasured mosaic from the 4th century BC.

House of Leaves

Also known as the Museum of Secret Surveillance, this excellent museum is located in the former headquarters of the Sigurimi, the secret Albanian police, and the German Gestapo. Used as an interrogation and torture house, you can see old surveillance items and learn the stories of those who were spied on and executed during the communist regime.

Bunk'Art

You can’t miss this fantastic museum on your Albania tour. It’s a massive underground anti-nuclear bunker constructed for the country’s communist politicians and military elite. Spread out over five stories and over 100 rooms, including a 200-seat meeting hall, you'll marvel at the architecture and learn more about Albania’s tragic communist history.

Best museums in Albania

Tirana’s museums are some of the best places to visit in Albania and we’ll show you all the historic highlights like the giant underground bunker and a former secret police headquarters.

The most popular food in Albania, byrek is a baked or fried pastry made with flaky, thin dough. It’s stuffed with all kinds of tasty fillings and the favorite is spinach and feta cheese, or you can also find ones with meat or pumpkin. Keep your eyes peeled for the street vendors selling this treat, as it’s sure to become your go-to Albanian snack.

If you’re looking for some real Albanian comfort food, you can’t go past tavë kosi, the heartwarming national dish. It’s made with tender chunks of lamb stirred with rice, garlic and oregano, and covered with a mixture of yoghurt and egg. With a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg, it’s then baked until it forms a golden, creamy crust - and it’s utterly delicious.

Fried Kaçkavall

This beloved cheese is found all over the southern Balkans and Albania, it’s often served in traditional restaurants as an entrée. It’s a yellow salty cheese made with sheep’s or cow’s milk, and you can also eat it in all sorts of dishes like baked kaçkavall or kaçkavall salad. We say fried kaçkavall is the best of them all and you can’t miss it on your Albania trip.

Best food in Albania

If you’re dreaming of discovering the best of Albania, you can’t miss out on the delicious Albanian cuisine, from hearty baked lamb and rice to fried cheese and flaky pastries.

What to pack for Albania

Layered clothing

Whether you travel Albania in the hot summer, the chilly winter or somewhere in between, you’ll need to bring versatile clothing for any weather.

Sun protection

The Albanian sun is powerful at any time of year, especially higher in the mountains. Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen for your Albania vacations.

Insect repellent

The Balkan Peninsula is known for its mosquitoes and Albania is no different. Bring along some strong insect repellent and bite cream to soothe any itchy bites.

Albanian phrasebook

It’s always a good idea to learn a few phrases of the local language. You’ll have a better chance at connecting with the friendly Albanians and they’ll certainly appreciate your efforts.

Comfortable shoes

Whether you’re wandering the winding streets of Tirana or beyond, you’ll need a comfortable pair of walking shoes when you discover Albania.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

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Albania Tours & Vacations

If you think you know Albania, think again

This addictive country has a myriad of faces. In the rugged north, the Alps are so fierce they're 'accursed', while the south enjoys one of the least known and most beautiful coastlines in all of   Europe . Tirana is filled with craziness, from its traffic to its nightlife, but on its doorstep are mosques, citadels, Ottoman architecture and a stunning dose of medieval Balkans. The real surprise of Albania is the people. Their warmth to strangers is infectious and you’re bound to find yourself swapping stories over a glass of raki or three.

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Albania at a glance

Capital city.

Tirana (population 300,000)

3.2 million

(GMT+01:00) Sarajevo, Skopje, Warsaw, Zagreb

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)

Learn more about Albania

Best time to visit albania.

While the interior of the country sweats it out, summers along Albania’s Riviera are warm, fresh and bustling. When winter arrives so does the rain, but with temperatures above freezing for most of the country, it’s still easy to get out and about. November to March can mean heavy snowfalls in the Alps, so if you’re a fan of the white stuff it’s a great time to head to the hills.

Geography and environment

Perched along the western coast of the Balkan Peninsula, Albania borders some of Europe’s most colorful countries. Italy is within waving distance across the Strait of Otranto, Greece is to the south and Montenegro and Kosovo border to the north. This is one wild country. Most of the interior is covered with rugged mountain ranges and deep valleys. In the south, the snowy peaks give way to the sparkling waters of the Ionian Sea; Albania’s Riviera where honeymooners flock and Corfu Island is just within arm’s reach.

Top 5 Albanian citadels

Albania's most charming medieval town is home to an amazingly well-preserved citadel. Surrounded by ancient stone walls, the citadel encloses dozens of churches and historic buildings while the white Ottoman houses clambering up the hillside to the castle have earned the town the nickname ‘City of a Thousand Windows’.

2. Gjirokastra

This 13th-century citadel is hammered into the mountain top and boasts beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture. Explore the kules and the fortress once used as a prison by the Nazis. Don’t forget to look at the views of the valley plunging below and say ‘Ohhhhh…’.

Once the headquarters of Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero, Kruja Castle dates back to the 4th century, but it wasn’t until the 15th century that it really started to earn its keep. For 30 years it resisted the advances of the Turks, before finally falling to the Ottomans. Now it’s a little more peaceful and a nice spot to take in the views of olive groves, goats and the sprawling landscape.

Like all good citadels, Rozafa once rose imposingly over the region. Now in partial ruins, it’s still impressive. A stroll along its walls will transport you back to Illyrian times.

5. Pertrela

Perched on a rocky hill near Tirana, the fortress of Pertrela was part of the signaling and defense system for Kruja Castle during the 15th century. Today, it’s one of Albania's best preserved fortifications with spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Further reading

Albania travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Is tipping customary in Albania?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Albania but it’s common to round up the bill in a restaurant and a tip of 5-10% for good service will always be appreciated.

What is the internet access like in Albania?

Albania’s cities and tourist centres have plenty of Wi-Fi hotspots and internet access is available in pretty much all hotels. Outside of the major towns, access is less reliable but most towns will have an internet café.

Can I use my cell phone while in Albania?

Cell phone coverage may be limited outside of major urban areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone.

What are the toilets like in Albania?

Albania’s toilets are usually of the flushing kind, but don’t be surprised if you come across the occasional squat toilet. Expect to pay a small fee when visiting public toilets.

What will it cost for a...?

Cup of coffee in a cafe = 100 ALL Beer in a bar or restaurant = 200 ALL Simple lunch = 300 ALL Dinner in an inexpensive restaurant = 750 ALL

Can I drink the water in Albania?

Tap water may not be safe to drink in Albania. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, bring water purification tablets or ask your leader where filtered water can be found.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Albania?

Only the major hotels in Tirana accept credit cards and outside the capital they’re unlikely to be accepted. Be sure to carry multiple methods of payment.

What is ATM access like in Albania?

ATMs are becoming more and more common throughout Albania. In most towns you should have access to a machine. Always be prepared by having enough cash just in case.

What public holidays are celebrated in Albania?

• 1 Jan New Year's Day
• 2 Jan New Year Holiday
• 3 Jan New Year Holiday
• 14 Mar Summer Day
• 22 Mar Nevruz Day
• *Catholic Easter
• *Orthodox Easter
• *Catholic Easter Monday
• *Orthodox Easter Monday
• 1 May International Worker's Day
• *Lesser Bajram /End of Ramadan
• *Lesser Bajram /End of Ramadan Holiday
• 1 Sep Greater Bajram /Feast of Sacrifice
• 19 Oct Mother Teresa Beatification Day
• 28 Nov Flag and Independence Day
• 29 Nov Liberation Day
• 8 Dec National Youth Day
• 25 Dec Christmas Day

*Please note these dates may vary. See the current list of public holidays in Albania .

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Albania Tours

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Your answers to a few, brief questions will give us a better understanding of the type of traveller you are and the sort of trip/activities you are interested in, enabling us to more efficiently and effectively tailor our suggestions to your requirements.

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Albania Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable Albania tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in Albania and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 39328 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of Albania travel companies & tour operators with 39328 reviews

Visit Albania

• Excellent - 45 reviews for Albania tours

It has been an amazing tour which totally changed our impression of Albania. We are so blessed to have Albi as our guide and driver. It is because of Albi that we know everything about Albania and realize what a wonderful country Albania is. We also appreciate his excellent driving skills taking us went through hilly， bumpy and rocky roads. The weather was extremely good. No rain for all 4 days and very warm temperatures is what we were looking forward to. The tourist sites selected are fantastic, which cover different types of scenery, Mountains and rivers, Sea beach and islands, historical heritages and wine yards etc. We also extremely enjoyed the Albania food all the way. In general Albania people are very friendly to tourists, they always try their best to help us. I am sure I will go to Albania again.

Zeni made this trip into the history, culture and cuisine of Albania unbelievably precious. He gave us a gift that we will always treasure. Thank you, Zeni ???? Unbelievably special ????

Cycle Albania

• Excellent - 13 reviews for Albania tours

A great experience cycling in this area. In particular, the Durmitor nationalpark, the Tara canyon and the descent to Kotor are absolute highlights. Despite booking a single room, you cannot always expect a single room die to hotel capacity. This was announced in good time by the tour guide.

Well organized trip through beautiful and challenging conditions and climbs

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,710 reviews for Albania tours

Amazing!!! Best thing I’ve ever done

Tour leader Dora was awesome. Very adaptable. Provided options on transport to save time & inconvenience. Gave us information on each place visited but didn't overload us like school children. Provided suggestions on places to visit, restaurants, etc during free time. Hotels & guest houses all very good. Would have liked to stay 2 nights in Berat instead of 1. That is our 2nd Intrepid tour, will definitely keep recommending to friends. Linda Arlaud & Rodney Barnes

CroisiEurope River Cruises

• Excellent - 313 reviews for Albania tours
• This operator has no Albania reviews

Choose Balkans

• Excellent - 290 reviews for Albania tours

The tour was a perfect blend of the historical, the wilderness and the gastronomic! Being able to learn so much knowledge about regional and urban Albania was a complete delight. Throw in having your own personal time to enjoy each day, by yourself, as well was great for me as well. The tour was extremely well structured with my guide, Daniel, being flexible and accommodating is what interested me the most. His encyclopedic knowledge of all subjects was amazing and made the journey so much more interesting. Special call out to all the accommodations along the trip which were so welcoming and first rate. I would certainly recommend this tour to others I meet wanting to travel to Albania. Cheers,

Juli was our tour guide and was fantastic! He knew the local history, architecture, culture, food, and current environment. We could not have found a more knowledgeable guide and competent driver on our own! And the Choose Balkans team that organizes and manages all the logistics are world class! I've traveled to more than 40 countries, and I'd match this tour group with any in the world I've used before. I'm grateful for a memorable experience and for making our time in Tirana worthwhile. It was a trip that we will not forget!

Albania Explorer DMC

• Excellent - 7 reviews for Albania tours

I undertook this tour in April, out of season, but with wonderful hot sunny weather on most days. This meant that in many of the places we stayed, some of the restaurants were closed, but the advantage was that there no crowds. The tour was an excellent introduction to this fascinating country and its complicated history. Throughout the tour was very well organised and our guide Edmund was excellent - very knowledgeable and with a great personality and sense of humour. He provided the perfect balance of guided tours of the sites and free time. The tour covers quite a distance, but the coach was comfortable with plenty of space, and our driver was really excellent. The hotels used were clean and comfortable but overall the breakfasts were average. In a country where there is so much fresh fruit it was a pity not to see more of this prepared for the breakfast buffet. There was a good mixture of visits to sites of historical interest and those of natural beauty. Some, such as the amphitheatre in Durres were a little underwhelming, but others - Berat, Apollonia, Butrint and Gjirokaster were truly magnificent. I only regret that I didn't take the longer tour that included Lake Ohrid. In short, this was an excellent introduction to a country with a fascinating history, beautiful scenery and very friendly people. I look forward to returning in the future to explore more of the delights of Albania.

Albania has it all and this tour gives you a taste which will have you coming back for seconds and more. I was blessed with a truly amazing guide who figured me our immediately and knew that the day needed to be 2 halves culture and beach life and my word does this tour exceed the expectations. I mean it is hard to find a fault with Albania. Perhaps the roads need some improvement but even all the pot holes add to the experience. The food and quality is beyond what I expected. But to Albanian express they need to be commended for the amazing programme that they provide it is amazing. This is a country and company that will have you returning again and again.

Balkan Insight

• Excellent - 24 reviews for Albania tours

Albania is wonderful. The best way to see it is with Vini ???? he is the perfect ambassador for his country. Thank you so much ????????

It went well . Guide was excellent. There was only two of us on the trip so extra special and vini the guide was great

Enjoy Travel and Tours

• Excellent - 13,426 reviews for Albania tours

All interesting

I went on this trip to see the archeological sites and Explore did do this

Exodus Travels

• Excellent - 13,242 reviews for Albania tours

We enjoyed our tour in general. Erion was a knowledgeable guide whose deep love of Albania imbued our tour with a delightful spirit. Some of the hotels were better than others, but none were truly horrible. We feel that there was one too many ethnographic museums. Goshi was an awesome driver.

Great trip. Particularly enjoyed the days in the mountains.

Zbulo - Discover Albania

• Excellent - 14 reviews for Albania tours

Best trip I've ever taken

Best trip I've ever been on

Good Albania

• Excellent - 36 reviews for Albania tours

A really nice tour and everything was well organised. The hotel in Tirana was great but the hotel in Saranda was nothing special and quite far away from the centre. It would be nice to know the hotels in advance and to have the opportunity to pay extra for a better hotel. But all in all, it was a great trip.

Everything was superbly organised and our driver / guide, Megin was excellent. There was slight discrepancy between the itinerary he had been given and the one we had but this was soon rectified. I would thoroughly recommend this tour to anyone.

Local Friends Albania

Receptivo Aborigen Tours

• Good - 94 reviews for Albania tours

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Tours: Berat & Theth. Date: 26 September 2020 Nationality: Japan

We were only 2, but during Berat visit there were also 2 other tourists who joined in the van, so in total 4. Bledar was really a good driver and guide. This is a good value for money. We had a nice walk in the castle and a very delicious lunch after. While hiking in Theth was the best hike i have ever done in my life.

Highly recommend, Bledar and BTOURS Albania

Tours: Berat, day trip from Tirana. Date: 5 September Nationality: Germany

I ‚m a Traveller with 85 countries in the World but this Guide Bledar was one of the best Guides ever . Thank u so much for show me around.

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• Good Albania

3 trips by Good Albania

• Starts Tirana, Albania
• Ends Tirana, Albania

Mini Tour: Kosovo & N. Macedonia from Tirana | 4 Days

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• Age Range 4-79 yrs
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• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Mini UNESCO Food Tour – 4 Days

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & City sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='21596'>+1 more
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Local Food & UNESCO Heritage Tour - 6 Days

• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Food tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites Food tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='21576'>+1 more
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The 9 best places to visit in Albania

Nov 18, 2023 • 7 min read

A hike to the Theth Waterfall can be combined with the trail to the Blue Eye © Ben Pipe Photography / Getty Images

Albania is slowly becoming the jewel of the Balkans due to its sparkling crystal waters, impressive mountains and affordability for all types of travelers. Come with an open mind and a rough plan, and be ready to be submerged in a rich culture like no other in Europe.

If you’re planning a trip to this magnificent destination and are looking for the most beautiful places to visit but have no idea where to go in Albania , we’ve got you covered.   

1. The village of Theth

Best place for hiking and adventure lovers

Theth might just be the most peaceful place to visit in Albania. This small village nestled in between the Albanian Alps is perfect if you’re looking for the best hiking in the country and dramatic landscapes to enjoy.

There are two hikes you must do while visiting Theth . The first is the hike to the Blue Eye , which leads you through a forest, over rivers and finally to a vibrant blue natural spring. This hike is easy to moderate and perfect if you’re not an experienced hiker.

The second is one of the most popular in the country and one of the most beautiful: the Theth to Valbona  hike. This trail starts from the top of Theth village, near Guest House Gjelaj, and it leads you through the Albanian Alps to breathtaking views at the top. It’s not for the faint-hearted, as it will take roughly six to eight hours to complete – but you will be glad you did it!  

Planning tip: Make sure you bring cash with you, as ATMs can be hard to come by, and almost everything will need to be paid for in cash.

Prettiest place in Albania

When you visit Korce, make sure to stroll through the Pazari i Vjeter , which is the old bazaar of the city. Here, you can admire the bazaar’s 13th-century style in the form of old cobbled streets and Ottoman-style architecture.  

When you visit this area, be sure to pop into The Kooperativa, a communist-themed cafe that gives you a glimpse of Albania’s communist history from 1944 until 1991. 

Try the traditional alcoholic drink called raki, made from distilled grapes and very popular in Albania. You might even catch someone having a glass of raki with their morning espresso!

3. Gjirokastra

Best city for Albanian traditions

Known as the city of stone, Gjirokastra is a UNESCO city in the south of Albania. It was the birthplace of the former communist dictator, Enver Hoxha. 

One of the best things to do here, apart from walking the bazaar and visiting the castle of Gjirokastra, is to wander around  Zekat e House .  This traditional family home was built between 1811-1812 and is a beautiful example of some of the most fascinating Albanian home and marriage traditions. When you visit, one of the family members will show you around and explain the different rooms and their purposes.

If you love wine and want a foodie experience, then you need to take a trip to Te Fucite  (The Barrels). This family restaurant and winery specializing in smooth handmade wine offers platters of local cuisine for you to try while overlooking their vineyard and the surrounding mountains.

Planning tip: Try the dish called pasha qofte , which is essentially a cream soup made from milk with small meatballs inside. It’s a delicious dish you can only find in Gjirokastër.

Best place to go for beaches  

If you’re looking for a destination where you can lay about, get a sun tan and enjoy a dip in the sea, then you need to visit Dhermi . It’s one of the pearls of the Albanian Riviera and home to many summer music festivals, including the Kala festival and ION festival .

With idyllic beaches, trendy beach bars and views that might make you never want to leave, Dhermi is a hotspot for younger generations looking for the hottest parties and the best vibes of the summer. 

Try Restaurant Luciano for delicious food overlooking the water, or head to Alevra restaurant and beach bar to try some mouthwatering seafood with a twist.

Planning tip: Make sure you book well in advance if you’re visiting in July and August, as hotels can be booked out due to the festivals mentioned above.

5. P ë rmet

Best for white-water rafting and mountain biking

On a bend in the fast-flowing turquoise Vjosa river, about 32km (20 miles) from Greece where the river springs, is the hub town of Përmet. From here you can organize adventure activities from white-water rafting to camping, hiking and mountain bike riding in the region. Once an Ottoman-era commercial center, Përmet is "one of the greenest and cleanest parts of the country" today. The Vjosa River was recently designated as a wild river national park , Europe's first. 

Detour :  A 29km (18-mile) taxi or bus ride away is the Bënjë thermal baths next to an Ottoman-era bridge on the Lengarica River (a tributary of the Vjosa). In summer, you can pick up supplies from small vendors here; in the off-season, bring your own food and drinks. 

Best northern city in Albania

The city of Shkodra  is a breath of fresh air and is unlike any other city in Albania. When you arrive, you’ll notice most of the population peddling around the city by bike. While you’re there, do as the locals do and hire a bicycle for the day. Then head down to Liqeni i Shkodrës to enjoy the beautiful lake views. 

While you’re in the area, make sure you visit Rozafa Castle and ask one of the guides about the legend of Rozafa. Also, when you reach the top, you’ll experience a magnificent 360-degree view.

Planning tip: If you would like to do the Theth to Valbona hike and don’t fancy taking your luggage with you, a popular option is to leave your bags in Shkodra at your accommodation. Shkodra is a great city to base yourself in, as transfers will leave from there to take you to either Theth or Valbona.

Most peaceful village in Albania

Lin is a quiet village positioned on Lake Ohrid, which means there is excellent fishing here. If you’re looking for a lake getaway and craving silence and tranquility, this is a perfect choice. 

One of the best things to do is walk to the archaeological site on the hilltop, where you’ll get to see the well-preserved mosaics of a Paleo-Christian church built in the 6th century. If you visit in the summertime, the mosaics will be uncovered, and there should be a guide who can tell you all about their history.

You also get an incredible view from the top of Lin and can see North Macedonia as you look over Lake Ohrid.

Most visited place in Albania during summer

Saranda is the southern gateway to the Albanian Riviera and one of the best cities to visit, not least because it’s close to one of the region's best beaches, Ksamil Beach. 

Get a hotel in Saranda, where you’ll be close to some of the best restaurants in Albania and the city’s buzzing nightlife. Then explore the beaches of Saranda and Ksamil during the day.

One of the best things to do from Saranda is to hop on one of the day trip boat tours that leave from the boulevard and go to the beaches of Kakome and Krorez. Tickets start from €30.

Planning tip: The best time to visit Saranda is in May, June or September when the crowds are not crazy but the beach bars and restaurants are open. As this is a summer destination, most businesses close during the off-season.

9. Porto Palermo

Most underrated Albania Riviera destination

The triangle-shaped castle is a great reason to stop at Porto Palermo castle, as are the beautiful, unspoiled and peaceful beaches you'll find here – making for an excellent camping spot along the Albanian Riviera coast. 

You can also rent a kayak and paddle along the beaches and quiet bays. As you kayak, you’ll see the old military submarine bunker situated on the hill not far from the main beaches of Porto Palermo. 

Porto Palermo is filled with history and spectacular swimming bays and has a peaceful positioning along the Riviera.

This article was first published Oct 3, 2022 and updated Nov 18, 2023.

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