Albania’s hidden treasures: A guide to the country’s best attractions

Albania is an incredible destination offering something for every type of traveler. It is still quite underrated and it’s traditionally known for its affordability. However, there is so much more than affordable prices. Albania offers stunning natural beauty, great beaches, amazing food and very friendly locals. Albania is one of those places you may not have considered visiting, but once you do, you’ll find yourself planning your next trip back.

Albania offers great value for money, for those on a budget. You can enjoy great food, nice accommodations and unique experiences without going bankrupt. Even if you wanted some luxury, this country has got you covered and you can stay in five-star hotels with amazing views enjoying the Mediterranean vibe, at a fraction of the price you’d typically pay elsewhere in Europe.

Even though the country is just developing, it’s still packed with many unforgettable experiences and attractions. So whether you’re after nature, culture or history, it’s got it all. Let’s go through the main attractions that should be on your list when you visit!

TL;DR for busy readers

If you’re too busy to read the whole post, expand the section below, to see the TL;DR version!

Note: This guide highlights some of the best attractions in Albania, focusing primarily on northern and central regions, such as Tirana, Berat, and Durrës. While some southern Albania’s gems like Gjirokastër and Butrint are mentioned in this post, Southern Albania and Albania’s best beach destinations are covered in detail in this post.

Tirana

Albania’s vibrant capital Tirana is a interesting blend of old-world charm and modern energy. I suggest spending a few days in Tirana during your visit to Albania, to learn about the country’s history and to enjoy the capital’s lively atmosphere.

• Bunk’Art Museums: As the name suggests, these are bunker museums. There are two Bunk’Art’s in Tirana, and the Bunk’Art 1 is a must-visit for you. Albania was ruled by a communist dictator Enver Hoxha, who during his rule and time of isolationism built over 175,000 bunkers around the country. Bunk’Art 1 is an enormous bunker that he had built for himself and his government in case of a war. Bunk’Art tells the story of Albania’s communist past and it’s a must visit on your trip to Albania. The experience itself is very exciting and different from what you’ve previously experienced, but it’s also very educating. Bunk’Art 1 is located in the outskirts of Tirana, reachable by feet (about 1 hour walk) or by bus from the centre. While you’re here, you should also make your way to the Dajti Ekspres, which is Albania’s most popular tourist attraction.
  
• Dajti Ekspres: Austrian built cable car takes you through Balkans longest cableway all the way to the top of Dajti mountain. The mountain is a perfect day-trip destination, offering multiple experiences from hiking and Mini golf to paragliding for adventure-seekers. Additionally you can enjoy amazing local cuisine here on the restaurant opening picturesque view to the country from above. There is also a rotating bar on the very top of the building, which allows you to enjoy your favourite drink while immersing the beautiful changing view.
  
• Skanderberg Square: Named after Albania’s national hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderberg. The square is surrounded by Tirana’s most iconic landmarks including the Et’hem Bey Mosque, National Museum of History and the Opera House. The square is a hub for many activities and various events, markets and performances are often hosted here. At the center of the square is the monument of the national hero Skanderberg, which symbolizes Albania’s fight for freedom and independence.
  
• Tirana pyramid: during your visit to Tirana, you should also visit the Tirana pyramid. Originally built as a museum to the former communist dictator leader Enver Hoxha, but now it is a symbol of Tirana’s transition. It’s a good idea to visit here during the sunset, as you can climb up the pyramid and watch the sun cast its golden rays over the city’s skyline.

durres

Durrës is Albania’s second-largest city and as a port city it has been historically very significant. It’s located conveniently just a short drive from Tirana, and its an easy addition to your northern Albania itinerary. Make a day trip from Tirana, or spend a few days in the capital and a few days in Durrës. While the city itself is worth visiting for its historical significance and attractions such as the Durres amphitheathre, the main attraction is the Durrës Beach.

The 10-kilometer stretch of sandy coastline is the most visited beach in the country, making it a great destination for beachgoers in northern Albania. The warm and shallow waters are perfect for swimming and water sports, alongside a lively promenade filled with bars, restaurants and hotels.

Despite its respectable length, Durrës Beach gets very busy during summer months. Durrës beach is very ideal for anyone visiting the area, offering many activities and amenities. Whether you’re making a day trip to Durrës or choose to stay in, the beaches shouldn’t be missed.

Berat

Head to the postcard-perfect city of Berat, also known as the city of a thousand windows. Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its well-preserved Ottoman-style houses built on a steep hill, one above another, creating a picturesque and iconic view. Berat should definitely be on your list when visiting Albania.

Berat’s unique Ottoman architecture is one of its main attractions. After wandering around the city and admiring the city’s and local unique charm and local life, head up the hill to Berat Castle. The castle is located on a hill above Berat about 2 kilometers from the city centre. If you’re moderatively fit, I suggest you to take the steep walk up to the castle. Optionally you can drive or take a taxi to the main entrance.

Berat Castle

UNESCO sites in Albania

Albania is home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from natural treasures like the Lake Ohrid, to historical places such as Berat and Gijrokastër.

berat

Berat, again also known as the “city of a thousand windows”, has rightfully earned its place as Albanias most famous UNESCO site. Reasons to visit, its unique Ottoman architecture, cobblestone streets and Berat Castle were already discussed earlier in this post.

Despite its popularity, Berat remains a relaxed and authentic destination, which every traveler should visit.

Gijrokastër

The historic town of Gjirokastra in southern Albania is a
rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town, built by
farmers of large estates.

UNESCO

Butrint

Easily reachable from Saranda, Albania’s largest ancient site, Butrint is a must-visit archaeological treasure.

Butrint has been inhabited since prehistoric times, evolving through Greek colonization, Roman dominance and a Byzantine revival the 5th century. In the next centuries it changed hands multiple times, including an Ottoman period, before finally being abandoned. The area remained unoccupied until Albania’s independence.

Only so much has been found so far, regardless there is a lot impressive sights to see. The Roman Theater stands out as a centerpiece and it’s actually still used to host events today. Other mentionable sights include the Sanctuary of Asclepius, The Great Basilica and the Venetian Acropolis castle, built to protect the area.

Due to its popularity, it’s recommended to arrive early in the morning, if possible. Plan to spend around 3 hours exploring the site. If you’re lucky, the archaeologists will have found some new spectacles by the time you visit!

Durrës Amphitheatre

Once the home to gladiator battle -spectacles, hosting over 20,000 Roman spectators, these magnificent well-preserved Roman ruins are found at the heart of Durrës, attracting around 20 000 visitors per year. Only about half of the site has been excavated so far. Ongoing restoration aims to uncover more of the area, working towards fully integrating this landmark into the modern, urban area of Durrës. As the largest amphitheathre in the Balkans, it’s a site full of history. Perhaps not the most amazing attraction to see, but definitely a spot to check, if you’re nearby!

Conclusion

As you can see, Albania is Europe’s hidden gem, offering a nice blend of history, culture and nature, only at a fraction of the cost compared to its coastal neighbors. Albania is perhaps one of my favorites so far, and I can’t wait to get back to explore more of its wonders.

So, what are you waiting? The spring starts sooner than you’d expect and now is the perfect time to book your trip to Albania!

By the way, you can find my other guides to Albania from below.