Best Places to Visit in Albania

Stay connected while exploring the breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of Albania with Airtel’s International Roaming Plans designed for seamless communication during your travels.

Albania: A Raw, Real Balkan Adventure Destination

It’s impossible to capture all the beautiful places of Albania in a single phrase. Wedged between Greece, Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, this southeastern European country offers an intriguing blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Travellers seeking an offbeat adventure across a compact landscape of mountains, beaches, and Ottoman relics will find Albania is ripe for discovery. In 2022, Albania welcomed 7.5 million international visitors—a 32.5% increase from 2021. Despite the uptick in tourism, Albania remains lesser-visited than its Adriatic neighbours. This means you can still roam Roman ruins, hike alpine trails, and dip into the Ionian Sea without jostling for space.

Best Places to Visit in Albania

1. Berat: The City of a Thousand Windows

Berat earns its moniker from the tightly clustered Ottoman houses that blanket the hillside below its 13th-century castle. Ambling along the cobbled streets, you’ll see what UNESCO described as “a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town” when naming Berat a World Heritage Site in 2008. Inside the castle walls, you can explore Byzantine churches and the Onufri Icon Museum, home to a spectacular collection of 16th-century religious paintings.

2. Gjirokastër: Where Past and Present Mingle

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gjirokastër is known for its grand stone houses with wooden balconies—a style unique to this region. Looming over the town is Gjirokastër Fortress, one of the largest castles in the Balkans. Originally built in the 12th century, the castle has been a silent witness to the town’s turbulent history. Today, it houses the National Museum of Armaments and hosts the National Folk Festival every five years. Visitors can also explore the Cold War Tunnel, a secret nuclear bunker built into the mountain during Communist rule.

3. Tirana: Albania’s Vibrant Capital

Tirana is a city of contrasts. Drab Soviet-era apartment blocks sit alongside colourful murals and modern glass towers. At the heart of the city is Skanderbeg Square, named after Albania’s national hero. Around the square, you’ll find the National History Museum, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Palace of Culture. For a glimpse into Albania’s dark past, visit Bunk’Art—a massive Cold War bunker turned into a museum and cultural centre.

4. Theth National Park: Hike the Albanian Alps

Nestled in the Albanian Alps, Theth National Park offers some of the most stunning hiking trails in the Balkans. The most popular route is the Theth to Valbona hike, a challenging 12-kilometre trail that winds through the Accursed Mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass the famed Blue Eye, a vivid pool fed by an underground spring. The village of Theth itself is a charming base, with traditional stone houses known as kulla and a 19th-century church.

5. Ksamil Islands: Swim in Turquoise Waters

Often compared to the Greek Islands, Ksamil boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches. The town is known for its four small islands, which you can swim to from the mainland. Just a few kilometres north is Butrint National Park, home to an ancient Greek and Roman city. The ruins include a well-preserved theatre, bathhouses, and a baptistery with intricate mosaic floors.

Must-See Attractions in Albania

• Apollonia Archaeological Park: The ruins of this ancient Illyrian and Greek city include a well-preserved theatre and the impressive Bouleuterion (council chamber).

• Krujë Castle: Perched high on a hill, this 5th-century castle was the stronghold of Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero who resisted Ottoman rule in the 15th century.

• Durrës Amphitheatre: Built in the 2nd century AD, this is one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans.

• Shkodër: Albania’s cultural capital, known for its historic castle, religious sites, and the picturesque Lake Skadar.

• Valbonë Valley National Park: A pristine wilderness area with rugged mountains, glacial springs, and the serpentine Valbonë River.

Top Experiences and Activities

Albanian Cuisine: What to Eat

• Byrek: A savoury pie filled with spinach, cheese, or meat.

• Tavë Kosi: A hearty dish of lamb and rice baked with eggs and yoghurt.

• Trilece: A popular dessert—a light sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk.

• Raki: A strong brandy made from grapes or plums, often served as a welcoming drink.

Getting Around Albania

• By Bus: Buses connect most major cities and towns. Fares are cheap, but vehicles can be old and crowded.

• By Car: Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, but road conditions can be poor, especially in rural areas.

• By Ferry: Ferries run from Saranda to Corfu (Greece) and from Durrës to Bari (Italy).

Travel Tips

• Language: Albanian is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

• Currency: Albania uses the Albanian Lek (ALL). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.

• Visa: Many nationalities can enter Albania without a visa for stays up to 90 days.

Staying Connected in Albania with Airtel’s International Roaming Plans

When exploring Albania’s tourist places, staying connected is key—whether you’re trying to navigate to the most beautiful places in Albania, checking the opening hours of famous places in Albania, or simply sharing your adventures with loved ones back home.

An international roaming plan, like those offered by Airtel’s Postpaid International Roaming Plans, ensures you have reliable access to data, calls, and texts wherever your Albanian journey takes you. Airtel makes it easy to stay connected while immersing yourself in Albania’s rich history and stunning landscapes.

From the grand castles of Berat and Gjirokastër to the turquoise waters of the Ksamil Islands, Albania offers a tapestry of experiences that will leave you eager to explore more. So pack your bags, activate your roaming plan, and get ready to discover the raw beauty and warm hospitality of this Balkan gem.