Albania resides on the Balkan peninsula, located between Greece and Montenegro.
The country is experiencing a period of prosperity. After being inaccessible to the outside world for thirty years, it has since prospered and is now attracting millions of tourists who are eager to experience its distinct customs and culture.
There’s an Albanian proverb that sums up exactly what visitors may expect: “An Albanian’s house belongs to God and guest.” It portrays the welcoming nature of the nation. And everyone who enters Albania feels that right now.
Tirana, the capital, is a great place for weekend trips because of its interesting blend of brightly colored, fascist-era Italian buildings and mural-covered communist-era apartments.
But the real charm of Albania is found outside the cities, where vast mountain ranges run from north to south like a craggy spine, with azure rivers winding through their vast canyons. Here are the 5 top things to do in Albania.
1.Explore Berat and Gjirokastra, two world heritage towns.
For their Ottoman architecture, castles, and bazaars, the southern Albanian cities of Berat and Gjirokastra—UNESCO World Heritage Sites—are not to be missed. Visit the Solomon Museum in Berat, which chronicles the history of the Jews in Albania; in Gjirokaster, the old Skenduli House and the Ethnographic Museum offer a distinctive look into the peculiarities of Albanian culture.
2.Visit Butrint and experience a history of a thousand years
See the ancient amphitheaters, bastions, and forts of Butrint, a Unesco World Heritage Site on Albania’s western coast, or Apollonia, which is believed to have been built in the sixth century BC. Both offer a glimpse into thousands of years of Balkan history. With its bike routes, lagoons, beaches, pelicans, and flamingos, Divjake is another must-see. Dine at the “horse”-themed restaurant Ali Kali, where a server rides a horse while serving unlimited fish.
3.Enjoy the Albanian Riviera
The stunning Albanian Riviera stretches along the serene Ionian Sea from the city of Vlora to Saranda, offering a mesmerizing blend of whitewashed villages nestled on rocky cliffs and endless stretches of pristine beaches. Amidst the labyrinthine alleyways and flourishing olive groves, visitors can immerse themselves in vibrant music festivals and explore ancient abandoned towns like Tragjas.
4. A visit to the Accursed Mountains
When visiting the Accursed Mountains, be sure to explore the remote village of Theth, nestled in the Albanian Alps. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a ferry ride across Komani Lake to reach stone guesthouses that can only be accessed by water. While there, indulge in hiking or simply unwind while savoring traditional Albanian dishes like meat baked in yoghurt, flavorful bean stews, and fresh fish paired with seasonal salads. Additionally, in the villages of Lezhe and Shkodra, you can explore wineries, pottery studios, and ateliers where beautiful fabrics are hand-woven from wool and silk.
5. Follow the path of the Vjosa river
Vjosa Wild River National Park beckons with its vast expanse, inviting visitors to explore, discover, and unwind. This breathtaking park boasts stunning canyons, braided river sections, and meandering stretches, offering much more than meets the eye. Beyond its initial beauty, the park embraces peaceful solitude on the river and shelters vital creatures within its hidden habitats. Visitors can partake in a myriad of activities such as rafting along meandering waters, hiking and camping in lush forests, or climbing and swimming in impressive canyons. With over 400 km of waterways, the extensive Vjosa riversystem presents the opportunity to uncover one of the last wild rivers in Europe.