Best Tourist Attractions in Albania 2025 | Complete Guide

Arriving by Air

Most international visitors arrive at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA), located 17 kilometers northwest of Albania's capital. The airport operates direct flights from major European hubs including London, Rome, Istanbul, Vienna, Milan, and Athens. Budget carriers like Wizz Air and Ryanair have significantly expanded Albania's connectivity in recent years.

Traveling by Sea

Ferry services provide scenic access to Albania's coastal tourist places from Italy. Regular routes connect:

• Bari to Durres (8-9 hours)

• Ancona to Durres (16-20 hours)

• Brindisi to Vlore (seasonal service)

• Corfu to Saranda (30 minutes)

These maritime routes offer travelers stunning views of the Adriatic and Ionian coasts while transporting vehicles for road-tripping adventures.

Entering by Land

Albania's well-maintained border crossings make overland travel straightforward from neighboring countries. Primary entry points include:

• Montenegro border: Shkodra region (Muriqan crossing)

• Kosovo border: Pristina to Tirana route (Morina crossing)

• North Macedonia border: Lake Ohrid region (Qafe Thane crossing)

• Greece border: Multiple crossings including Kakavia

International bus services operate regularly between Albania and major Balkan cities.

1. Tirana – Albania's Dynamic Capital

The vibrant capital seamlessly blends Ottoman-era architecture with communist-era monuments and contemporary European flair. Essential tourist spots in Tirana include:

• Skanderbeg Square: The city's central plaza featuring the National History Museum

• Et'hem Bey Mosque: An 18th-century architectural masterpiece

• Blloku District: Former communist-era restricted zone, now Tirana's trendiest neighborhood

• Dajti Mountain: Accessible via cable car, offering panoramic city views

Tirana serves as an excellent base for exploring Albania's tourist places, with day trips possible to most major attractions.

2. Berat – The City of a Thousand Windows

This UNESCO World Heritage Site ranks among Albania's most photographed tourist places. Berat's distinctive white Ottoman houses cascade down hillsides, creating the iconic "thousand windows" effect. Key attractions include:

• Berat Castle (Kala): A living fortress with families still residing within its walls

• Onufri Museum: Showcasing Byzantine iconography

• Mangalem and Gorica Quarters: Historic neighborhoods separated by the Osum River

• Church of Holy Trinity: Offering spectacular valley views

3. Gjirokastër – The Stone City

Another UNESCO-protected treasure, Gjirokastër features remarkably preserved Ottoman architecture built entirely from stone. This Albania tourist spot offers:

• Gjirokastër Fortress: Commanding hilltop position with weapons museum

• Skenduli House: Traditional Ottoman mansion with guided tours

• Old Bazaar: Authentic marketplace selling handcrafted goods

• Ethnographic Museum: Former home of communist dictator Enver Hoxha

4. Saranda and the Southern Coast

Positioned along the turquoise Ionian Sea, Saranda serves as the gateway to Albania's southern tourist places. The town combines beach resort amenities with proximity to important archaeological sites:

• Ksamil Islands: Three small islands with Caribbean-like waters

• Butrint National Park: UNESCO site with Greek and Roman ruins

• Lekuresi Castle: Sunset viewpoint overlooking Saranda bay

• Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër): Natural spring with mesmerizing deep blue water

5. The Albanian Riviera

Stretching from Vlore to Saranda, the Albanian Riviera represents Europe's last undiscovered Mediterranean coastline. Top beach destinations include:

• Dhërmi: Pebbly beaches with crystal-clear waters and beach bars

• Himara: Traditional coastal town with authentic Albanian atmosphere

• Jale Beach: Popular with young travelers and water sports enthusiasts

• Gjipe Beach: Secluded canyon beach accessible by hiking trail

• Dhermi: Dramatic coastal scenery with mountain backdrop

These tourist places in Albania offer pristine beaches without the crowds found in Greece or Croatia.

6. Shkodra – Cultural Heart of Northern Albania

Albania's traditional cultural capital combines historical significance with natural beauty:

• Rozafa Castle: Legendary fortress with panoramic views

• Lake Shkodra: Balkans' largest lake, shared with Montenegro

• Marubi National Photography Museum: Historical photography collection

• Pedestrian Street (Rruga Pedonale): Vibrant café culture and shopping

Shkodra serves as the gateway to the Albanian Alps, making it essential for exploring northern tourist spots.

7. Kruja – Albania's Historical Mountain Town

This mountain town holds special significance as the stronghold of national hero Skanderbeg, who resisted Ottoman invasion for 25 years:

• Kruja Castle: Dramatic mountain setting with museum complex

• Skanderbeg Museum: Documenting Albania's medieval resistance

• Old Bazaar: Restored Ottoman market selling traditional handicrafts

• Ethnographic Museum: Traditional Albanian house museum

Kruja is just 32 kilometers from Tirana, making it an ideal half-day excursion.

8. Valbona Valley National Park

For nature enthusiasts, Valbona Valley represents one of Albania's most spectacular natural tourist places. The park offers:

• Valbona to Theth hiking trail: Full-day trek through Albanian Alps

• Traditional guesthouses: Experience authentic mountain hospitality

• Pristine mountain landscapes: Snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows

• Traditional stone towers (kulla): Unique Albanian architectural heritage

The journey to Valbona includes a scenic ferry crossing on Lake Komani.

9. Llogara Pass

This dramatic mountain pass on the SH8 coastal highway offers one of Europe's most spectacular driving experiences. The route climbs to 1,027 meters before descending to the Albanian Riviera, providing:

• Panoramic viewpoints: Overlooking the entire Ionian coastline

• Llogara National Park: Mediterranean pine forests and hiking trails

• Paragliding opportunities: Popular launch site for aerial adventures

• Mountain restaurants: Traditional Albanian cuisine with spectacular views

10. Apollonia Archaeological Park

Located near Fier in central Albania, Apollonia ranks among the Mediterranean's most important classical sites. Founded by Greek colonists in 588 BCE, this Albania tourist spot features:

• Ancient Theatre (Odeon): Well-preserved performance venue

• Bouleuterion: Council chamber ruins

• Monastery of St. Mary: Byzantine-era church with museum

• Library of Apollonia: Documented as one of antiquity's great learning centers

The site received far fewer visitors than comparable Greek or Italian archaeological parks, offering peaceful exploration.

Best Time to Visit

• May-June: Ideal weather, fewer crowds, wildflowers in bloom

• July-August: Peak beach season, warmest temperatures, highest prices

• September-October: Pleasant temperatures, lower prices, autumn colors

• November-April: Off-season for coastal areas, but good for city exploration

Getting Around Albania

Rental Car: Provides maximum flexibility for visiting multiple tourist places. Roads have improved significantly, though mountain routes require careful driving.

Intercity Buses (Furgon): Connect major cities and tourist spots, though schedules can be irregular in remote areas.

Organized Tours: Companies like Zenith Travel offer comprehensive packages covering Albania's top tourist places with expert local guides.

Domestic Flights: Limited internal flights between Tirana and coastal destinations.

Visa Requirements

Citizens from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Albania visa-free for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Always verify current entry requirements before departure, as policies are subject to change.

Essential Travel Tips

• Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL). Euros widely accepted but less favorable exchange rates

• Language: Albanian is official; English spoken in tourist areas by younger generations

• Budget: Albania remains one of Europe's most affordable destinations

• Safety: Very safe for tourists with low crime rates and hospitable locals

• Connectivity: 4G coverage excellent in cities; limited in mountain areas