Top 15: Things to Do in Albania

Albania has quickly gone from largely overlooked, to being one of Europe’s most exciting up-and-coming tourist destinations. With its beautiful mountain villages, stunning lakes/beaches, and fascinating cultural heritage, a vacation to Albania will leave you asking yourself: ‘Why didn’t I visit sooner?’ In this blog post, we’re going to run through the top 15 things to do in Albania, from the must-dos to the hidden gems, so you can see for yourself why this eastern European country has gotten so much attention!

To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve curated a list of the 15 must-visit places in Albania. We’ll begin in the capital, Tirana, before venturing north to the dramatic Albanian Alps. Then, we’ll explore the heart of the country and its stunning coastline. Let’s get into it!

1. Tirana – Albania’s Capital City

When you’re arriving in Tirana, you probably don’t really know what to expect, or where to start! Albania’s largest city and its main economic engine is colorful, often chaotic, though thoroughly charming. It’s home to lots of lovely museums, a buzzing nightlife (check out this Tirana pub crawl to see it for yourself), and wonderfully eclectic architecture that is a reflection of the city’s turbulent history.

Tirana was officially established by the Ottomans in 1614, this city remained a modest trading center for the next 300 years, with a population of just 10,000 at the turn of the 20th century. Albania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, but instability led to the capital moving from Vlora to Tirana in 1920. Since then, the city has been subject to numerous changes, which are immediately evident as you walk the city streets. From Ottoman mosques to Italian rationalist architecture to Communist-era structures, as well as ancient Roman structures—Tirana’s history and rich culture can be discovered at every corner, and the best way to get a feel for the city is as part of our Tirana free tour! Check out the National Gallery of Arts, the Great Mosque of Tirana, and Skanderbeg Square (the main city square), home to the National History Museum…

For a deeper dive into the city’s turbulent history, check out this tour of communist Tirana—discover the vestiges of a fascinating era of Albanian history at underground bunkers like Bunk’Art 2, the Secret Surveillance Museum, the famous Pyramid of Tirana, and more!

2. Dajti Mountain – The Best Views of Tirana

A short journey from the city, Dajti Mountain offers some of the best views of Tirana. At its peak, it measures a staggering 5292 feet (1613 meters). The best part? You can reach the top via cable car (the Dajti Ekspres) which will bring you to Dajti Mountain National Park. On this Dajti Mountain day trip from Tirana, you’ll get the cable car to the national park and then hike to the mountain’s summit, where you’ll enjoy wonderful views of the bustling capital city!

3. Dürres – A Roman Legacy

Less than 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the capital city is the lovely coastal city of Durrës, Albania’s largest seaport, with a history dating back almost 3,000 years, to the Corinthians, and later the Ancient Romans.

Exploring the city, you’ll walk past Roman walls, the ruins of an aqueduct, baths, and, perhaps most notably the Roman Amphitheatre of Durrës. With the split of the Roman Empire, Dürres went on to become part of the Byzantine Empire. You can see the history of this period at the Byzantine Forum and Dürres Castle. Learn more about the city’s fascinating history on this Dürres free tour!

As well as its fascinating historical legacy, Dürres sits right on the Adriatic coast, and as a result has fantastic seafood (some of the best mussels and prawns we’ve ever tried) it also has the lovely Dürres beach, which has both free public area and private areas, which you can get day passes for.

4. Shkodër – Albania’s Culture Capital

Now going up north, not far from the border of Montenegro, we find the city of Shkodër. This cozy city is often referred to as the cultural capital of Albania, having produced numerous musicians, painters, poets, and artists.

There’s lots to see in the city, including the stunning Rozafa Castle—one of the most important fortresses in the country. Dating back to the 4th century BC, this structure overlooks the city and provides surrounding views of local landscapes. You can see it for yourself as part of this Rozafa Castle tour, which also includes the Mesi Bridge and the medieval village of Drisht. Other highlights in the city include the Cathedral of Shkodër, and the Lead Mosque

But Shkodër has even more to offer! Located near the southern edge of Lake Shkodra, one of the largest lakes in the Balkans. Here, you can enjoy a boat trip, go kayaking/canoeing, cycle around the lake (in fact, Shkodër in general is full of cyclists), or just take in the views! If you’re in the area, check out tours & experiences in Shkodër with Civitatis.

5. Lake Koman – Epic Natural Beauty

Not far from Shkodër (about a 2-hour drive), you’ll come to another lake: Lake Koman. This must-visit lake is simply out-of-this-world beautiful, and surprisingly not a tourist hotspot. The lake’s crystal clear waters are fully navigable, meaning you can enjoy a relaxing cruise along the waters as you take in the stunning dramatic landscape. This area is also super for trekking enthusiasts, with lots of fantastic trails running through the mountains.

Discover Koman Lake on this day trip from Shkodër, which includes transportation and an expert guide, making the trip easy as pie!

6. Theth – A Magical Mountain Village

Also in the north of Albania is the magical mountain village of Theth, one of the most beautiful in the country. Extremely isolated, Theth is only accessible via a 15-mile (25-kilometer) unpaved road. It is said it was founded by Catholics fleeing persecution by the Ottoman Empire. Theth is most extraordinary for its stunning mountain views, which are all the more extraordinary when framed by such buildings as the Church of Theth—a gorgeous little church dating back to 1892.

The best way to visit is as part of this Theth day trip from Shkodër. You can make your own way by hiring a private car, or by hiking from Valbona—if you opt for the hike, be aware that it takes around 6 hours and is quite physically demanding.

7. Korçë – A Southern Gem

Now that we’ve explored the north, it’s time to check out the south, and what better place to start than Korça? Somewhat of a hidden gem, Korçë is another highly cultural city, with lots of great museums, music festivals, theaters, and eateries to discover. Of all the cultural events, however, our favorite is definitely the August beer festival: Festa e Birrës.

At the heart of the city, you’ll find the Ottoman bazaar, an open market on a cobbled square, where people buy and sell clothes, lamps, cosmetics, spices, and porcelain pieces. You’ll also find the Museum of Medieval Art, the Mirahori Mosque, and the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ—the largest Orthodox temple in Albania!

If you’re planning to visit, we highly recommend booking a guided walking tour of Korçë, to gain a deeper insight into the city accompanied by an expert guide.

8. Berat – Albania’s Most Beautiful City

For us, Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the most beautiful city in the country. Wandering through the cobbled streets of its ancient citadel is like walking through time, offering a unique journey through centuries of history, stunning natural beauty framed by Ottoman homes, Orthodox churches, and mosques, with all harmoniously blending to create the ‘town of a thousand windows.’

With Civitatis, there are lots of tours & experiences in Berat to check out. Enjoy a free tour of the Berat, or even try a traditional cooking class!

9. Apollonia – Explore an Ancient Greek Trade Colony

Less than an hour’s drive from Berat we arrive at Apollonia, an off-the-beaten-path archeological site in southern Illyria. This hilltop site was founded as a polis of Ancient Greece. Later, under the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, Apollonia was granted the title of a ‘free city’, and later, the future emperor Agustus was sent here to complete his studies. However, the city, which had an important riverport, fell out of favor after an earthquake diverted the river away from the town.

At the site, you can explore the remains of a Greek Hellenistic theatre, a triumphal arch, a library, and villas, some of which contain beautiful mosaic floors.

The best way to see this site is as part of this Apollonia + Ardenica Monastery tour, which also includes a visit to a 13th-century Byzantine monastery.

10. Vlorë – The Gateway to the Albanian Riviera

Albania is known for its beaches and the town of Vlorë is the ultimate beach destination to enjoy a dip. Known as the gateway to the Albanian Riviera region, Vlorë has long been a favorite among Albanians but has recently become increasingly popular with visitors, thanks to its stunning coastline, typical Mediterranean climate, and great prices. Some of our favorite beaches in the area include Grama Bay (just 30 minutes from Vlorë) and Gjipe (1 hour from Vlorë), but there are lots to check out. If you have time, rent a car and go beach hopping!

More than a beach town, Vlorë is another city founded originally by the Ancient Greeks, and would later become a cultural hub in the country during the 18th/19th century. It was also here, specifically at Sheshi I Flamurit (Flag Square), that Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.

A highlight of the city is the city’s mosque, which dates back to the 16th century and is, in fact, the last remaining work in Albania designed by legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Also explore Vlorë’s historical center and the Ethnographic museum, all of which you can do on this guided tour of Vlorë with Civitatis.

11. Llogara National Park – Nature at its Best

Just south of Vlorë lies the Llogara National Park, an incredible mountainous landscape with an abundance of pine, oak, and fir trees, sitting right on the edge of the Albanian coastline. For those who enjoy hiking, cycling, or nature in general, Llogara National Park is a must. For adrenaline junkies, Llogara also offers paragliding experiences—take in the views in style!

The park is also home to a wonderful diversity of wildlife, including red foxes, red squirrels, chamois, and European wildcats.

12. Blue Eye – Crystal Clear Waters

We continue our journey through southern Albania to discover the Blue Eye, or Syri i Kaltër—a deep natural spring where crystal-clear water bubbles up from the depths of the earth, giving life to a river that flows into a serene lake.

The Blue Eye’s waters take on a deep blue or, depending on the light, a striking aquamarine color that leaves visitors in awe. Lush greenery surrounds this natural wonder, making it even more breathtaking. However, keep in mind that it is forbidden to swim in these waters.

If you’re interested in visiting Blue Eye, check out this guided tour of Blue Eye + Fortress of Lekuresi, which also includes a visit to a 16th-century fortress!

Pro trip: If you’re visiting during high season, make your way to Blue Eye early in the morning to avoid crowds.

13. Gjirokastër – A UNSECO World Heritage Site

Another of the most beautiful towns to visit in Albania is Gjirokastër. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this charming destination is packed full of history. Home to lots of traditional Ottoman architecture, one of the largest castles in the Balkans, and Cold War Tunnels, Girokastra is a must-visit destination. Girokastër is also known as the birthplace of Albania’s former communist dictator, Enver Hoxha.

Also, check out the old bazaar, known locally as Qafa e Pazarit. Here, you’ll find artisan shops, souvenir stalls, cozy cafés, and delicious restaurants. Learn all about this fascinating destination on this Gjirokastër guided tour with Civitatis!

14. Ksamil – Home to Some of Albania’s Finest Beaches

We’ve arrived at Ksamil, one of Albania’s southernmost points. Situated across from the Greek island of Corfu, Ksamil is often dubbed the ‘Maldives of Europe’ for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters make it a top destination in Albania. Words can’t fully capture its beauty; it’s a place you need to experience firsthand, perhaps enjoying a refreshing swim in its inviting waters.

15. Butrint National Archaeological Park – A Historical Marvel

To conclude this list, we’re heading to Butrint National Archaeological Park, famous for both its incredibly beautiful nature and also for being one of the most important archeological sites in the country. Butrint is so important as a national park because over the course of around 3,000 years, it has been the site of (and thus a repository for) a number of civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans Byzantine Empire, and the Venetians. Among what has been found on the site are Roman villas with intact mosaic floors, shrines, a Venetian Castle, and a stunning Byzantine palace. If you’re in Saranda, you can visit Butrint National Park on this day trip with Civitatis.

From top to bottom, Albania feels like an off-the-beaten-path adventure. There’s lots to do and see in Albania, and we could only include so much in our list. So, if you want to see more of what Albania has to offer, check out more tours & experiences in Albania with Civitatis.