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Albania Alps Valbonia Theth
Albania Berat
Albania riviera near Himare

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
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8 days

West Balkans in a week

Croatia, Montenegro and Albania highlights
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5 days

Albania and Kosovo ~ Walking in Illyria and Epirus

Exploring Albania’s capital and surroundings
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8 days

West Balkans wine and food

A culinary adventure through the Balkans
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  • Tirana

    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

    The Accursed Mountains (also known, less dramatically, as the Albanian Alps) feel a world away from the rest of Europe...
  • Albanian Riviera

    Albanian Riviera

    Head to the Albanian Riviera for uncrowded shorelines, turquoise waters and the beauty of the Greek Islands without the price tag...
  • Berat

    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

    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

    Kruja

    Gjergj Kastrioti, also known as Skanderbeg, was a military commander famous for resisting Turkish invaders in the 1400s...
  • Gjirokastra and the Drino Valley

    Gjirokastra and the Drino Valley

    The Drino Valley in southern Albania is the perfect place to see traditional Albanian villages...
  • Butrint National Park

    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

    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

    Gjirokastra

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  • Valbona Valley

    Valbona Valley

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  • Mount Jezerca

    Mount Jezerca

    ...
  • Apollonia

    Apollonia

    ...
  • Theth

    Theth

    ...

Places to go in Albania

Albania Tours

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro

Balkan Express

Explore Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia by bike

9 daysFrom €950
Albania, Croatia, Montenegro

Cycling the Eurovelo 8

Travel through Croatia, Montenegro and Albania

8 daysFrom €790
Albania, Montenegro

Montenegro and Albania by Bike

Cycle through historical towns and explore Lake Skadar

8 daysFrom €740
Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro

The Peaks Of The Balkans

Explore the spectacular landscapes of Montenegro and Albania's mountains

8 daysFrom €990
Albania, Montenegro

The National Parks of Northern Montenegro

Hiking in Durmitor, Biogradska Gora and the Prokletije mountains

8 daysFrom €815
Tirana, Durres, Kruja

Tirana and a Taste of Illyria

Explore Tirana, Durres and the hilltop citadel of Kruja

5 daysFrom £840

Albania Travel Companies

Balkans

3e Travel

Adventures in Montenegro & the Western Balkans
Balkans

Kudu Travel

Cultural walking tours in the Balkans
Balkans

Meet Bosnia Tours

Guided tours of Sarajevo and Bosnia

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Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for impartial travel advice.

Expert itineraries

Expert itineraries

Suggested itineraries and routes to help you scratch beneath the surface, avoid the tourist traps, and plan an authentic, responsible and enjoyable journey.

Specialist advice

Specialist advice

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