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.
Walking in Europe
A complete guide to walking and hiking trips in Europe
A journey of a thousand miles may begin, as the Taoist proverb goes, with a single step. But when it comes to walking holidays in Europe, that first step comes well before you set foot on a trail. Planning – deciding your destination and route, scheduling your departure, choosing your preferred kind of accommodation and level of support, packing the right kit, and many more factors besides – is key to ensuring that your hiking trip is safe, successful and enjoyable...read more
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 €950Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro | |
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Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
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Active, Cycling, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culinary, Food, Wine |

Cycling the Eurovelo 8
Travel through Croatia, Montenegro and Albania
8 daysFrom €790Albania, Croatia, Montenegro | |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
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Active, Cycling, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culture, Culinary, Food |

Montenegro and Albania by Bike
Cycle through historical towns and explore Lake Skadar
8 daysFrom €740Albania, Montenegro | |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
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Active, Cycling, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culture, History, Culinary, Food, Wine |
The Peaks Of The Balkans
Explore the spectacular landscapes of Montenegro and Albania's mountains
8 daysFrom €990Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro | |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
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Family, Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culture, Cities, History, Culinary, Food, Wine, Solo Travel |

The National Parks of Northern Montenegro
Hiking in Durmitor, Biogradska Gora and the Prokletije mountains
8 daysFrom €815Albania, Montenegro | |
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Custom itinerary, Private guided tour, Self-guided tour |
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Family, Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culture, Cities, History, Culinary, Food, Wine, Solo Travel |

Tirana and a Taste of Illyria
Explore Tirana, Durres and the hilltop citadel of Kruja
5 daysFrom £840Tirana, Durres, Kruja | |
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Private guided tour |
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Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, National Parks, Culture, Archaeology, Cities, Museums & Galleries, History, Solo Travel |
Albania Travel Companies


3e Travel
Adventures in Montenegro & the Western Balkans
Balkans | |
Custom itinerary, Private guided tour, Self-guided tour | |
Family, Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Camping, Cycling, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, History, Culinary, Food, Wine, Solo Travel |


Kudu Travel
Cultural walking tours in the Balkans
Balkans | |
Small group tour | |
Beach, Family, Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Horseback Riding, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Archaeology, Museums & Galleries, History, Culinary, Food, Wine, Solo Travel |