Turismo Dentale

Visit Albania

In recent years, Albania has been experiencing an unprecedented tourism boom. The reasons are many. It is home to wonderful beaches. It offers the possibility of adventurous road trips. Satisfy lovers of history and culture with fascinating cities full of traditions. It's cheap and the local people are incredibly welcoming. In this post you will discover the 10 places to see in Albania but you will also find practical and first-hand details to best organize your holiday in splendid Albania!

The most beautiful places to see in Albania

If you have chosen theAlbania as a destination for your holidays I can only congratulate you, a truly excellent choice! One of the first questions you will ask yourself is what to see in Albania the first time you visit, but also how much time you will need and what you should make sure to visit. If you are wondering these things you are in the right place.

I have returned to Albania several times and I have always felt at home and well-liked, perhaps also due to the fact that the older generations, I am also talking about those my age (up to 40 years old), speak Italian which probably facilitates communication.

Neighbor of Corfù to the south and bordering the Montenegro, the North Macedonia, the Grecia and Kosovo, theAlbania collects the best of nature Southern Balkans..
Stunning beaches, national parks, stunning mountains, historic cities and record bunkers in the world.

All this is concentrated in a small country full of lovely places and interesting, to the point that you can also consider it out of season because Albania is not just the sea. On the contrary!

In this post you will find everything you need to know to organize yours holiday in Albania, a complete list of things to see and where to go.

From the north to the south of the country, Albania will surprise you and will leave you with the desire to return as soon as possible.

The 10 things to see in Albania – From North to South

I've been thinking about starting to write gods 10 places to see in Albania starting from the capital Tirana, continuing towards the south and concluding towards the north.
This could make it easier for you to plan an itinerary to be covered in 2 weeks also dedicating time to the sea, which is wonderful here, without neglecting other places, cities and hinterland, which I recommend visiting.

1. Tirana the capital of Albania

Tirana, the capital of Albania, it's a city that surprised me. I thought it was ugly, gray and boring so much so that I was thinking of skipping it altogether. However, I am happy to have changed my mind because I found a capital profoundly different from how I had imagined it.

From the streets lined with communist buildings, from the Ottoman era to contemporary times Tirana has evolved into a festive city and vital, full of bars and restaurants, museums and art galleries.
The capital reflects European culture and heritage at its best and I am not surprised to know that in recent years, with the growth of tourism in Albania, its capital has also become one of the places not to be missed.

Tirana is a small city and can be visited in one day, however if you can I recommend staying at least two.
Among the things you absolutely must visit, consider the following:

Bunk’Art 1 & 2 – In Tirana you can visit the two most famous bunkers in the country: Bunk’Art 1 e 2, a project born in 2014. Bunk’Art 2, which is the one I visited, is located near Scanderbeg square and reconstructs the history of the Ministry of the Interior of Albania by telling the secrets of the political police. Bunk’Art 1 it is located near the cable car that takes you to Mount Dajti and shows how Albanians lived during the years of the regime and tells the stories of the army allowing you to explore the secret rooms. I visited the 2nd which from what I understand is the largest. But I read that 1 is also very beautiful and worth visiting, if I could go back I would visit both. to know more read here.
Skanderbeg Monument and Skanderbeg Square – Skanderbeg was an Albanian statesman and general who led a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire from 1443-1468. His rebellion gave birth to the notion of one independent Albanian state hich would arrive in 1912 (444 years later). For his military valor and the creation of an Albanian identity he is considered a national hero.
Et'hem Bey Mosque – This small mosque is located nearby Skanderbeg Square it is an important place of worship for the Muslim majority in Albania. Completed in the 19th century, it remained unused during the communist era when all religions were banned.
The old house of dictator Enver Hoxha – The former residence of dictator Enver Hoxha is not accessible, but a an article in The Guardian that there is discussion about opening it to the public and in the article there are photos of the interior, and you can see it from the outside but it is still one of the things that is worth seeing also because during the communist era it was forbidden to walk along the surrounding streets.
The House of Leaves – This is one of the most unusual museums in Albania and is considered the equivalent of the Stas headquartersfrom the former East Germany. In this museum you can see what was hidden in the headquarters of the infamous National Intelligence Service, also known as the House of SpiesThe original house was built in 1931 to be a medical clinic. During the Second World War, under German occupation, it was used by GestapoImmediately after the end of the war it was used by the Albanian communist regime as security office for investigations. In questo museo si vede il lato peggiore del regime dittatoriale in Albania e si conosce la storia delle migliaia di persone perseguite perchè lottavano contro il regime.
The Mount Dajti – – Il Dajti Mount over Tirana , the summit can be reached with a cable car that takes you to the top in about 15 minutes. From here you can obviously see Tirana from above but if you love trekking you can follow one of the many hiking trails.
At the Pyramids – In Tirana you will come across one Pyramid which is located on the main road leading from Skanderbeg Square to the Presidential Palace on the banks of the Lana River.
This curious building was designed to be a muse of dictator Enver Hoxha.. It is currently empty and we don't know what will happen to it. Street art enthusiasts may want to take a tour around the back and see the murals painted by local street artists.
The Block – Blloku is a trendy neighborhood south-west of Tirana full of bars, shops and restaurants. This area has always been home to the city's elite. During the communist era the top party officials all lived here. Today this neighborhood is the place to party and have fun at night.

If you have little time I recommend you prenote un free walking tour..
Choose from these and I recommend booking in advance to guarantee that it will not be cancelled. Once you have sent the request (you can choose between multiple suppliers) you will receive a confirmation email (or not).

2. Kruja City

Kruja is a stop not to be missed when traveling in Albania even if it is too often skipped
This small town positioned on top of a mountain is known as the home of the Albanian national hero Gergj Skanderbeg, who saved the Albanians from being conquered by the Ottoman Empire.

The town is small so you can visit it in a morning or an afternoon and can easily be reached in 45 minutes from Tirana. In Kruje you must visit the castle, the ethnographic museum, the national museum and the beautiful and picturesque one. souk.

3. Pogradec (Orhid in North Macedonia)

Lake Ohrid is one of the most beautiful places in the Balkans and is divided between Macedonia and Albania.
But while everyone goes to the city of Ohrid in Macedonia (which actually in my opinion is more beautiful and I recommend you visit) also Pogradec, on the Albanian side it has its reasons.

Located in a narrow plain between two mountain ranges and with a Mediterranean climate, it is a destination that locals choose for their holidays.

The lake is below the UNESCO protection because it is the home of 17 species of aquatic animals which are mostly native to this lake with crystal clear waters. Before leaving the city be sure to take an excursion to Drilon National Park.

4. Gjirokastra

Many people go to Berat or Gjirokastёr because there is a misconception that they are similar. In truth the two cities are very different and both are worth seeing.

I recommend you dedicate a whole day to Gjirokaster. In addition to discovering the center and its beautiful souk, reach the castle where you can see and climb, if you wish, on the old army tanks, as well as having an incredible view.
Inside the castle, visit the underground tunnels, the weapons museum and the prisons. I wrote a dedicated post about Gjirokastra that I recommend you read.

5. The Albanian Riviera – The Albanian sea not to be missed

One of the reasons why people choose Albania as a holiday destination is certainly its sea. The Albanian sea it's truly spectacular, especially in the south of the country particularly in the region that is called the Albanian Riviera.

In this section that begins Vlora and ends the Saranda in addition to the beautiful sea there are also coastal cities and UNESCO world heritage sites that make the destination a “must do”!

The Riviera is home to one of the most beautiful coastal routes in Europe, although the roads here and throughout the country are quite challenging given the poor conditions.

The region is full of history and beauty, an exceptional sea and possibilities for truly remarkable road trips. In short, it is the perfect place for a beach holiday in Albania.

The places not to be missed in the Albanian Riviera are:

Saranda – The main city of the Riviera where there is no shortage of bars and restaurants.
Ksamil – The small village with probably the most beautiful and famous beaches in Albania. To find out more, read the post What to see in Ksamil
The Blue Eye – A short distance from Ksamil and Saranda on the way to Gjirokastra stop at the Blue Eye a water source. Read also The Blue Eye in Albania
Gjipe Beach – Gjipe is a hidden beach accessible only on foot or by 4x4. The beach is unique because it is formed inside a canyon.
Himare – This sleepy beach town is one where you should plan to stay for at least a few days as there are so many amazing beaches nearby. Make sure you reach the castle from which you will have a beautiful view.
Port Palermo – A beautiful bay to visit Porto Palermo Castle very well preserved and where you can discover something more about Ali Pasha Tepelena. From the castle terrace you have a wonderful view of the coast.
Lukove – Lukova is a small village with a beautiful beach (Shpella) which can be reached in 5 minutes by car.
Kakome – Kakome is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera but it is difficult to reach by road because the road is private. The best thing is to take a boat from Saranda. Near Kakome visit Krorez beach accessible only by boat or horseback.
Llamani Beach – This is a 200 meter beach squeezed between rock walls. Pleasant and equipped, it is a nice place to relax.
Filikuri Beach – Filikuri Beach is located between Potami and Llamana and is surrounded by high cliffs. It is difficult to reach, only by boat or kayak, and for this reason it is almost never crowded. Bring enough food and water with you if you plan to spend a few hours in Filikuri because it is not equipped.
Dhermi – Dhermi has beautiful beaches, coves and hidden coves. One of the most picturesque is Drymades, considered one of the most beautiful on the Riviera.
Palase beach – Palase beach is simply beautiful. It is said that Julius Caesar and his troops arrived in Palase during the Roman civil war in 48 BC and there are archaeological remains to prove this.

6. Butrint National Park

Located opposite the Greek island of Corfu, the Butrint National Park it is one of the places I liked most in Albania.
The park is home to numerous ecosystems and a truly beautiful archaeological park in excellent condition. The national park is also a refuge for around 1,200 different species of animals and plants.

7. Llogara

The Llogara is one of the most famous places in Albania because here you drive along a route considered among the most spectacular in the world. The pass is located in the middle of the Llogara National Park and the road along which you travel reaches 1,000 meters above sea level with constant wonderful views.

In the surroundings of the pass you will find many restaurants and also trekking routes during which with luck you might see some animals in the area including the golden eagle, the European wild cat and the fallow deer.

8. Berat – The city of a thousand windows

Considered as one of the most beautiful cities in Albania, Berat, also known as the “city of a thousand windows” it is a UNESCO site and is famous for its wonderful Ottoman style housesand the Byzantine churches that make it different from other Balkan cities.
The city is not particularly large and can easily be visited in a day.

Among the must-see places in Berat be sure to see these:

Castle of Berat – Berat Castle dates back to the 4th century, although most of the current remains are from the 13th century. The castle still has examples of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture within its walls. Inside Berat Castle you can see old houses, where people still live today, and explore the old churches and mosques on site. From the castle you have an almost 360 degree view of the surrounding landscape. To reach it you have to go up a rather long climb or you can drive and park nearby.
Church of the Holy Trinity – Inside Berat Castle there are 10 churches but the best maintained is certainly the Church of the Holy Trinity which dates back to the 13th century and has beautiful frescoes inside. From here you will certainly have the best view of the city.
Gorica – Gorica is the neighborhood just across the Berat bridge characterized by small alleys, cobbled streets and from here you can clearly see the Ottoman houses which earned Berat the nickname of the City of a Thousand Windows.
Ethnographic Museum – To find out more about the history of the city I recommend you visit the ethnographic museum. Originally the building was a house and here you can see what the traditional houses of Berat looked like.

9. Komani lake & Shala River

The trip across Lake Komani is one of the things to do in Albania that I recommend to everyone. I did it twice coming from Kosovo, and both times I enjoyed the 4 hours of navigation among the Albanian fjords. Komani Lake and Shala River Day Trip is ideal for those looking for a cool and peaceful day with panoramic views of Komani Lake and Shala River. You will have the chance to take the boat trip in Komani Lake and then swim and relax in the cool crystal clear waters of the Shala River with views of dreamlike nature.

10. Shkodra

Located right next to the lago Shkoder, Shkodra is known as the cultural capital of Albania. Shkodra is the largest city in northern Albania near the Montenegro border.
This small town hosts very important events including the carnival, lake day, children's festival and the famous Shkodra Jazz fest.
The city is also home to the famous Rozafa castle, la mosque Ebu Beker, the Orthodox cathedral and an interesting history museum.
Shkodra è una cittadina piacevole se non fosse per il traffico alimentato da ciclisti in ogni angolo che pedalano incuranti della guida selvaggia degli albanesi al volante (in Albania infatti le strade sono in buona parte in cattive condizioni e gli albanesi guidano in maniera piuttosto aggressiva. Anche i ciclisti a quanto ho visto). Se fate la tratta in traghetti lungo il Lago Komani molto probabilmente passerete qui la notte.