Best things to do in Albania

• Capital: Tirana
• Language(s): Albanian
• Currency: Lek (ALL)
• Dial Code: + 355

Albania Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit, Top Attractions and Fun Things to Do

If you’ve been dreaming of a destination that's off the beaten path, packed with jaw-dropping landscapes, rich culture, and absolutely no crowds elbowing you at every sightseeing spot, Albania is calling your name!

Welcome to Albania — officially the Republic of Albania — a gem tucked away in Southeast Europe, right in the heart of the Balkans. This country is the ultimate underdog of European travel. It borders Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece, and boasts coastlines along both the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Fun fact: it’s just 72 km (45 miles) away from Italy, across the Strait of Otranto. You could almost swim there... almost.

Albania isn’t just about good looks. It's a proud member of international organizations like the UN, NATO, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. It’s also been knocking on the European Union’s door since 2009 — fingers crossed!

This travel guide to Albania will take you through the best places to visit, top attractions, must-do activities, and all the sightseeing adventures you didn't know you needed.

Tirana: The Colorful Capital You’ll Instantly Love

Start your Albanian adventure in Tirana, the capital and heartbeat of the country. Home to around 600,000 people (who somehow all seem to be hanging out in coffee shops at any given time), Tirana is lively, colorful, and full of surprises.

Things to do in Tirana:

• Visit Skanderbeg Square, the city's grand centerpiece, where you can take the ultimate “I’m-in-Albania” selfie.

• Check out the Pyramid of Tirana — originally built as a museum for a former dictator but now standing as a weirdly fascinating urban ruin.

• Take a cable car up Mount Dajti for panoramic views and maybe a picnic with a view.

Pro tip: Tirana is a rainbow explosion. From buildings to street art, this city believes in color therapy and you’ll love every second of it.

Berat: The City of a Thousand Windows

If you're a fan of ridiculously photogenic towns (who isn’t?), Berat is a must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its white Ottoman houses stacked along the hillside like charming dominoes.

Top attractions include:

• Berat Castle: Yes, people still live inside this ancient fortress. It’s like stepping into a medieval Airbnb!

• The Onufri Museum: Home to some of the most stunning religious art in Albania.

Berat is one of those places to visit that you’ll immediately want to brag about to your friends.

Saranda and the Albanian Riviera: Beach Lovers, Rejoice!

Forget overcrowded beaches! The Albanian Riviera is the Mediterranean paradise you didn’t know existed. Think crystal-clear waters, white pebbled beaches, and secret coves — all without selling your kidney for a sunbed.

Things to do:

• Chill in Saranda, a lively beach town perfect for sunset cocktails.

• Visit Ksamil, often dubbed "the Ionian Maldives," for its powdery beaches and turquoise waters.

• Explore the ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where ancient history meets jungle vibes.

Gjirokastër: Where Every Street Tells a Story

Another UNESCO darling, Gjirokastër will make you feel like you've wandered into a fairytale. With cobblestone streets and stone-roofed houses, it’s a dream for sightseeing lovers.

Highlights:

• Gjirokastër Fortress: Complete with an old Cold War-era American spy plane (seriously).

• Bazaar Quarter: A labyrinth of artisanal shops, perfect for finding that quirky souvenir your friends will pretend to love.

Theth and Valbona: Hiking Heaven

Nature lovers, rejoice! Northern Albania is packed with jaw-dropping mountains, lush valleys, and epic hiking trails. The trek between Theth and Valbona is one of the most breathtaking hikes in Europe — and you don’t need to be an Olympian to enjoy it.

Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, traditional villages, and enough scenic views to overload your camera roll.

Sightseeing and Food: A Match Made in Heaven

Sightseeing makes you hungry, right? Lucky for you, Albania’s food scene is criminally underrated. Think Mediterranean flavors with a Balkan twist: lots of grilled meats, fresh seafood, hearty stews, and of course, byrek (a flaky pastry filled with cheese or spinach that you will eat way too much of — no judgment).

Don't miss:

• Tavë Kosi (baked lamb with yogurt sauce)

• Fërgesë (cheese and pepper casserole)

• Fresh seafood along the Riviera

And let's not forget raki, the traditional Albanian spirit. Sip it carefully... it’s basically friendship in liquid form.

Why Albania Should Be Your Next Trip

Lonely Planet wasn’t kidding when they crowned Albania the top country to visit back in 2011. This travel guide just scratches the surface. Albania offers a perfect cocktail of stunning nature, rich history, vibrant cities, mouth-watering food, and genuine hospitality — all at prices that will make your wallet do a happy dance.

Whether you're craving mountains, beaches, ancient ruins, or bustling nightlife, Albania delivers. Plus, you’ll have the ultimate bragging rights when you tell everyone you discovered Europe’s coolest secret before it became mainstream.

Pack your bags, lace up your sneakers, charge your camera — Albania awaits!