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.
15 days
Off-the-beaten path in the Balkans
Albania and Kosovo’s hiking trails
8 days
West Balkans in a week
Croatia, Montenegro and Albania highlights
5 days
Tirana and Albania’s countryside
Exploring Albania’s capital and surroundings
8 days
West Balkans wine and food
A culinary adventure through the Balkans
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The Accursed Mountains
The Accursed Mountains (otherwise known as the less-dramatic 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... -
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...
Where to go in Albania
Our recommended places
The Accursed Mountains
The Accursed Mountains (otherwise known as the less-dramatic Albanian Alps) feel a world away from the rest of Europe. Adventurous hikers can expect deep valleys, forests where wolves howls and stone villages straight out of a fairy tale.
Albanian Riviera
Head to the Albanian Riviera for uncrowded shorelines, turquoise waters and the beauty of the Greek Islands without the price tag. Try the fishing village of Himara for its pebbled bay, exclusive Dhermi for its stunning mountain backdrop and the Bay of Vlore for beach-hopping.
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. Once there, stroll around the old town, get a bird’s eye view from Kala Castle and see the Bachelor’s Mosque in the city centre.
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. One of the Balkan’s most impressive surviving architecture, the amphitheatre was built in 100AD by Roman emperor Hadrian and could seat 20,000 spectators. Make sure to visit the onsite chapel.
Kruja
Gjergj Kastrioti, also known as Skanderbeg, was a military commander famous for resisting Turkish invaders in the 1400s. Skanderbeg was born in Kruja and made it his citadel. As soon as you reach Kruja, you’ll come face-to-face with an enormous statue of Skanderbeg and his mighty sword, before exploring the museum in his name.
Gjirokastra and the Drino Valley
The Drino Valley in southern Albania is the perfect place to see traditional Albanian villages. Make sure to try the local Kallmet wine, check out the 6th-century Dhuvjan Monastery complex and visit the castle at hillside Gjirokastra.
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. Look for the historic Rozafa Fortress for views over Lake Shkodra, visit its collection of quirky museums and enjoy the Old Town.
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. If you’re lucky, a local will invite you for a rakija (plum brandy) and a chat.
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