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Year after year, Europe remains on the minds of countless travelers from around the world, all seeking warm sunshine, secluded sandy beaches, ancient traditions and new cuisines made from local ingredients. All this and more awaits them when they visit Albania, a small, mountainous coastal country that boasts renowned tourist attractions both inland and along the Mediterranean coast.
Albania is a predominantly Muslim country located in the Balkan Peninsula, north of Greece and south of Montenegro. Since mass tourism has yet to conquer it, visitors can still enjoy pristine beauty throughout the country. Outdoor enthusiasts tend to try the famous hiking trails of the Albanian Alps in the north, while leisure lovers prefer the picturesque Riviera in the south. If you are planning a trip to Albania, these are some of the best places and cities to visit.
The country’s southernmost historic city of Gjirokaster presents a particular challenge when it comes to exploring the Ottoman Albania period, a feeling that still persists today after Ottoman rule lasted more than 500 years and profoundly affected just about everything. While it’s possible to make a day trip to Gjirokaster from the capital, Tirana, it pays to make room in your itinerary for more exploration.
Known as the “City of Stone”, Gjirokastra is most notable for its authentic local architecture, as it is built on land that resembles the outstretched hand of the Greek mythological giant Cyclops and is the center of imagined events.
Cobblestone streets lead visitors to the majestic Gjirokastra Castle, one of the largest in the Balkans, with unparalleled views of the Gela Mountains and the Drino Valley. Although the climb is a bit strenuous, it’s also part of the exciting experience, as the green scenery and well-preserved Ottoman buildings are only interrupted from time to time by an old woman selling flowers that can be put in the tea you’ll drink there.
Meanwhile, Gjirokaster’s restaurants are acclaimed for their traditional dishes and preparations, from honey-glazed cheese and saganaki to the city’s famous arancini-like kefki, where almost everything is a revelation. In the city center, traditional textile shops and the many skilled artisans are worth visiting, and buying some of the hand-embroidered products and artworks made entirely of stone.
As for Berat, located in the center of the country, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Albania. It is famous for its beautiful historical buildings dating back to the Ottoman and Italian periods and is a great tourist destination for appreciating culture and history. The most important tourist attractions in Berat include the Berat Castle, the Gorica Bridge, and the historical churches and mosques. Visitors can also visit the city’s museums and traditional markets.
Berat is a great place to enjoy stunning scenery, hiking in the nearby Tumurt Mountains, and visiting the Osum and Bogovi waterfalls to enjoy the magic of nature.
Bogové Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful natural destinations in southern Albania, located about 20 km northeast of Berat. The waterfalls are characterized by their high height and clear blue water, which flows into the Bogové creek, where visitors can swim in and under the waterfalls. Overall, the place is great for enjoying nature, camping and hiking, and there are many restaurants and cafes offering delicious local food and drinks.
- Saranda or Himara?
Stretching for about 450 km along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, where they meet in the city of Vlora, Albania’s second largest port, the “Albanian Riviera” coastline, also known as “Prigo”, offers something special for everyone: a huge range of crumbling ruins, ancient villages, natural wonders, secluded beaches and bustling urban centers.
The city of Saranda, located on this coast, is a tourist hub with sprawling resorts, upscale restaurants such as Nam and Black Marlin, boat operators and a lively seaside promenade, all bordering a picturesque horseshoe-shaped bay.
By contrast, the former historic fishing outpost of neighboring Himara feels more authentic. While still a bit further from urban development, it’s more suitable for anyone who needs a bit of quiet. Regardless, there’s plenty to see in this area.
Start at the Blue Eye underground spring, surrounded by lush greenery, where the temperature is close to 10 degrees Celsius all year round. As its name suggests, this natural monument is reminiscent of the human eye. The turquoise water surrounds a seemingly deep blue “pupil”, which was formed by a sunken cave pumping fresh water to the surface.
- Butrint National Park
Meanwhile, Butrint National Park is Albania’s most impressive archaeological treasure, and visitors can admire a wealth of antiquities, including Roman arches and Byzantine mosaics, at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Elsewhere, you can experience water adventures at Karaburun Sazan Marine National Park, where valleys, steep cliffs and mountains add to the rich ecosystem. Rent a speedboat and swim in the crystal-clear waters before diving into Hasi Ali Cave, a karst cave named after the place where a 16th-century pirate leader once lived.
Albania’s Riviera region is renowned for its beautiful beaches, so you’ll never be beyond its shoreline. In stark contrast to the crowded pebbly beaches of Saranda, Jibi Beach was recently named one of the 50 best beaches in the world. Located between Himare and Dhırmi, this remote stretch of white sand is surrounded by high, rugged cliffs, offering breathtaking views and dazzling natural reflections.
A short cruise from the mainland will take you to a group of islands where you can relax in relative privacy. If you want to spend an afternoon in total luxury, the fashionable island of Principotes is the place to go. Although Prigo’s trendy beach clubs are different from other beach resorts in Greece, they are competitive.
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