The Balkans is one of the most beautiful regions in the world. And while every Balkan country deserves appreciation, there’s one that tops all of them: Albania. Indeed, this small country might not sound like much, but it lies near the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines and even boasts a stunning section of the Albanian Alps. Its stunning location makes Albania one of the most captivating and stunning destinations in the world, but its charm doesn’t end here; Albania is home to some of the most culturally diverse and historically significant destinations, making it a true delight for tourists. And if you’re taking a trip there, you can’t miss these best places to visit in Albania:
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1. Valbona Pass
Valbona Pass is a high mountain pass straddling the Albanian Alps. This alone makes Valbona Pass one of the most popular destinations in the country, but it’s got plenty of tricks up its sleeves. The Valbona Pass is a gateway to the Albanian Alps, so it’s the first destination many mountain climbers and adventurous tourists seek. But there’s a very beginner-friendly trail there; start your hike there, and it’ll take you around 2-3 hours to reach the top. It might sound scary, but the view at Valbona Pass makes it one of the most beautiful and best places to visit in Albania. If you’re up for a challenge, you can even continue up to Theth.
2. Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër is a beautiful city in southern Albania with plenty of attractions. But first, let’s talk about what makes Gjirokastër one of the best places to visit in Albania. Well, there’s the stunning location; Gjirokastër lies perched in a valley tucked between the Gjere Mountains and the Drinos River, making it one of the most picturesque destinations in the Balkans. It’s also home to a gorgeous old town that has been granted a UNESCO World Heritage Site status because of its historical and cultural significance. And then, of course, you’ve got the mouthwatering cuisine that would make even Gordon Ramsay speechless. With all these amazing perks, Gjirokastër is one of the best places to visit in Albania and the Balkans. Explore the Castle of Gjirokastra, head up to the Skenduli House for a historical tour, and stop at Liqeni i Viroit for a serene escape from life.
3. The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye is a vast nature reserve in southern Albania. A natural water spring destination, the Blue Eye lies in Muzine, Finiq, and hosts thousands of tourists yearly. But don’t let its popularity deceive you; it’s often clear of tourist footfall, so you’re safe to visit whenever. Marked by bright cerulean, turquoise, and green hues, the Blue Eye is eye candy for every naturalist. The sprawling views, lush greenery, and the surrounding cliffs make the Blue Eye even more captivating, but once you take a dip into the surrounding calm waters (since swimming directly isn’t allowed), you’ll understand why it’s one of the best places to visit in Albania.
4. Ksamil
Ksamil is a gorgeous fishing village tucked near the Butrint National Park in Southern Albania. Usually popular for its golden coastlines and dreamy boat rides, Ksamil is a fun trip for every beach lover. And while you’re welcome to tan and grab a couple of mocktails to cool yourself, Ksamil is more than just eye candy. Ksamil is home to some of the richest mussel populations, so you can dine like a king. And while you might not find that too attractive, don’t worry; Ksamil’s mussels are renowned for their taste and quality, and you can even book mussel sailing tours to pick out your lunch. A beauty and a food destination? How could it not be one of the best places to visit in Albania?
5. Shkoder and Shiroka
Shkoder considered Albania’s traditional capital, is the perfect destination for anyone looking to learn about the country’s history. Home to countless fortifications, art galleries, and water bodies, Shkoder isn’t just one of the best places to visit in Albania; it’s also the most fun and promising. Don’t forget to visit the Rozafa Castle, Marubi National Museum of Photography, and the Site of Witness and Memory; these destinations are great for history lovers. But that’s not where your trip ends; once you’ve enjoyed Shkoder, visit Shiroka, a picturesque village that’s just a boat ride away.
6. Kruje
Kruje is a stunning town between the Ishem River and Mount Kruje and is just a few minutes from the capital, Tirana. Kruje’s charm starts with its spectacular landscapes and eye-catching views, but that’s not the only reason tourists pour in from all over the world to visit. Indeed, Kruje is one of the best places to visit in Albania because it simply has a lot to offer. The Kruja Castle is a fun trip down memory lane, where tourists can learn about Albanian history and architecture and get a bird’s eye view of the town. Sari Salltik is a nearby religious destination where you can learn more about Albanian culture, and the Old Bazaar is worth the trip every time.
7. Rana e Hedhun, Shëngjin
When talking about the best places to visit in Albania, the Lezhe region often pops up, but tourists surprisingly miss one of its most stunning destinations. Indeed, Rana e Hedhun is an alluring stretch of white-golden sand and bright blue waves, making it one of the most enthralling shorelines in Albania. But why it’s considered one of the best places to visit in Albania is the seclusion; most tourists usually skip this spot, so you’ll be able to tan and relax without worrying about running into other tourists. It’s also incredibly romantic and perfect for anyone looking to pop the question.
8. Qerret
In Shkoder County lies Qerret, a quaint and stunning seaside village. Surprisingly quiet and luxurious, Qerret is a breath of fresh air for tourists, so you can tan and drink all day. As the sun sets, Qerret picks up a slow lull, making every wave feel like bliss. It’s also incredibly sandy, which might not sound like a perk until you prop up an umbrella and spread a picnic blanket. The best thing about Qerret is its low pace; you can spend the whole day simply gazing at the sea and enjoying slow bonfires at night.
9. Llogara to Saranda Beach trip
Albania is lined with beaches, but you can make a fun trip out of them. Start at the Llogara Pass, a winding road 1027 meters above sea level, offering a stunning view of the surrounding Llogara National Park. Once you’ve completed the hike, head back to the main and travel toward Saranda, a bustling city just a few kilometers ahead. Now, while Llogara and Saranda are among the best places to visit in Albania, they aren’t your main attractions; you’ll find several secluded, rocky beaches dotting the journey between Llogara and Saranda, so it’s perfect for beach hopping.
10. Komani Lake
It’s impossible to talk about the best places to visit in Albania without mentioning Komani Lake. Surrounded by low mountains and boasting a lush green hue, Komani/Lake Koman is an artificial lake that somehow beats countless natural ones. Just a small boat ride across the Komani Lake is enough to make every naturalist stop in their path, but we recommend taking it a step further and stopping by the shore, where you can take a dip in its calm waters.
Video Guide: 10 Best Places to Visit in Albania (Coming Soon)
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Travel Resources for Planning a Trip to Albania
To make planning your trip to the best places in Albania easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do at each destination during your trip.
Flights:
Agoda: Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.
CheapOAir: You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!
Kiwi.com: What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “Nomad” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.
JetRadar: You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.
Hotels:
Agoda: Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.
Hotellook: They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.
Transportations:
Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi, Viator
Train: EuroRail, Trainline or RailEurope
Bus: Flixbus: Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.
Car Rentals: AutoEurope, EconomyBookings, or GetTransfer (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)
Bike Rental: BikesBooking (Bikes & scooter rentals)
Transportation Comparison: Omio (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)
Tours & Activities:
TakeWalks (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.
Tiqets: Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.
Musement: They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.
GetYourGuide: A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities
Viator: The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportation and transfer options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.
Need help planning a trip to Albania?
Planning and looking for the best places to visit in Albania? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!
At MultiCityTrips, multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a special trip to the best places in Albania are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize your multi-city vacations at the best price.
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To learn more about how our process of trip planning works in detail, please see our “How It Works” page or check out our video on “How to Plan a Multi-City Trip to Europe in 5 Easy Steps” here.
Have questions for us? Schedule a FREE Call with us here or contact one of the travel experts/destination specialists at [email protected], call/text us at (888)223-2316 today.
