Albania
Europe’s best-kept secret



Once best known as the final European country to throw off the shackles off Communism (outside the USSR), Albania spent much of the 20th century closed to outsiders. However, the 30-odd years since the end of isolationism has seen Albania grow as a tourist destination – and with good reason.
This is a country blessed with both beaches and mountains; a trendy capital in buzzing Tirana and historical villages like Berat and Gjirokastra, and excellent hiking trails complete with the chance of seeing bears, wolves and wild boar.
But come quick – such is the generous welcome, delicious food and comparatively cheap travel, that the trickle of visitors might soon become a flood.
Europe walking holidays
An expert guide to the best hikes and walks in Europe
Ask any group of keen walkers to name Europe’s best hiking hut and you’ll poke a hornets’ nest. Each will vociferously champion their choice, citing the richest fondue, the iciest beer, the most jaw-dropping views, the cleanest loos. Mine is the homely Auberge de la Nova in Les Chapieux, on the Tour du Mont Blanc: the food is hearty, the café courtyard sunny and shady, the surroundings pleasant...read more
15 days
Albania Off-The-Beaten Track Itinerary
15-day walking holiday to Albania and Kosovo
5 days
Albania and Kosovo ~ Walking in Illyria and Epirus
Exploring Albania’s capital and surroundings
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Tirana
Tirana’s small size makes it a perfect place to explore in a day, but to truly get under its skin, try out its cafe culture for coffee, beer and pastries... -
The Accursed Mountains
The Accursed Mountains (also known, less dramatically, as the Albanian Alps) feel a world away from the rest of Europe... -
Albanian Riviera
Head to the Albanian Riviera for uncrowded shorelines, turquoise waters and the beauty of the Greek Islands without the price tag... -
Berat
Head up through the hills to Berat and you’ll notice the seemingly endless number of windows on the white Ottoman houses lining the way... -
Durres
The port town of Durres is home to Albania’s liveliest beach, but it is the town’s amphitheatre that is the main attraction... -
Kruja
Gjergj Kastrioti, also known as Skanderbeg, was a military commander famous for resisting Turkish invaders in the 1400s... -
Gjirokastra and the Drino Valley
The Drino Valley in southern Albania is the perfect place to see traditional Albanian villages... -
Butrint National Park
Found close to the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, Butrint National Park is one of the Balkans’ largest archaeological sites, with ruins from several different ethnic groups, including Greek, Roman and Venetians... -
Shkodra
Known to Albanians as the ‘city of bicycles’, Shkodra is a pleasant place to spend a couple of days pootling around... -
Bay of Vlore
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Gjirokastra
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Valbona Valley
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Mount Jezerca
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Apollonia
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Theth
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Places to go in Albania
Albania Tours

Balkan Express
Explore Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia by bike
9 daysFrom €950
Cycling the Eurovelo 8
Travel through Croatia, Montenegro and Albania
8 daysFrom €790
Montenegro and Albania by Bike
Cycle through historical towns and explore Lake Skadar
8 daysFrom €740
The Peaks Of The Balkans
Explore the spectacular landscapes of Montenegro and Albania's mountains
8 daysFrom €990
The National Parks of Northern Montenegro
Hiking in Durmitor, Biogradska Gora and the Prokletije mountains
8 daysFrom €815
Tirana and a Taste of Illyria
Explore Tirana, Durres and the hilltop citadel of Kruja
5 daysFrom £840Albania Travel Companies


3e Travel
Adventures in Montenegro & the Western Balkans


Kudu Travel
Cultural walking tours in the Balkans

