Are you considering traveling to Albania? Albania surely has a lot of beautiful places that are ready to be explored by a traveler like you! Having tons of castles and archaeological sites, it offers an exciting and meaningful trip to anyone staying here.

The country has a lot of interesting places, not only in its capital, Tirana but in Albania as a whole. Just to be prepared before your trip, we listed the places you must visit in Albania. Going to these places, you’ll learn a lot about Albania.

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So if you’re now ready, prepare your pen and paper, and start listing all of these places so you know where to go as soon as you arrive in this Balkan country.

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1. Albanian Riviera

This is probably one of the most popular places to visit in Albania. And why not? Who wouldn’t want to see the turquoise seawater in the Albanian Riviera? The warm blue waters of the river are a unique find in all of Europe. Nightclubs are also one of the reasons why young people from across Europe make their way to this beautiful place. The Poro Palermo Beach, Filikuri Beach, and Llamani Beach are just some of the few beaches that you can visit here. The fine sand and cool blue water will help you relax after a long day in the city.

2. Tirana, Albania

For a wonderful trip, visiting Tirana in Albania is a good choice! Known for its colorful Ottoman-Fascist architecture, you’d feel energized just by wandering around. Tirana is a city for those hungry for knowledge and history. Going here, you’ll learn a lot, not only about Tirana but in Albania as a whole. Here, you’ll find the BunkArt Museum which contains information, photos, and exhibits about Albania’s dark history.

3. Llogara Pass

Llogara Pass is one of the most picturesque natural landscapes in Albania. It is a mountain pass that sits between Vlora and Palasa, which are the first beach of the Albanian Riviera. When you go here, please be reminded that the road is quite dangerous, so you need to be alert all the time. Also, don’t forget to bring your camera as you will surely take a lot of pictures here.

4. Berat

Situated in the heart of Albania, it is considered as one of the oldest towns in the country. And because of the numerous windows on the buildings and houses in Berat, it was named the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’. And within its walls, you will find Red Mosques, Byzantine churches, and the Onufri National Museum. It is also a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.

5. Saranda

Considered as one of the most famous tourist attractions in Albania, Saranda is known for its beaches, medieval castle-like the Lekuresi Castle and its lively nightlife. Not only that, but you will also find the 5th-century synagogue remains, which later becomes an early Christian Basilica, at the center.

6. Gjirokaster

Because of its very picturesque Ottoman Architecture, Gjirokaster, a town in Southern Albania has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stunning buildings and the atmosphere in the town itself feel like traveling back in time. Its castle provides a wonderful view of the town and is considered as one of the most beautiful castles in Albania. Everything about this wonderful city is the reason why it was also described as "a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town, built by farmers of the large estate".

7. Kruja

Home to the National Ethnographic Museum, Kruja is just 40 minutes away from Tirana. And since the National Ethnographic Museum is located inside a castle, it became one of the most popular tourist attractions in Albania. If you’re in Kruje, don’t miss the opportunity to wander around the old bazaar to buy some souvenir.

8. Theth

This small village in Albania will take your breath away! Hidden among the Albanian Alps, you’ll find Theth. Once you’re here, you’ll understand why it is the most beautiful natural areas in the country. If you find peace in nature, then this is a must-visit. Hikers will also love this place. The picturesque mountainous scenery that surrounds the village is truly a sight to see.

9. Ksamil Islands

It’s not really hard to understand why Ksamil Island is one of the most visited destinations in the Albanian Riviera. The fresh seafood, sandy beaches, and clear water, who wouldn’t want to experience tranquility here? The town is small, so when you go here during the peak season which is from July to August, you’ll be overwhelmed by the number of people in the area. So the recommended time to visit here is during the months of April to June and September to November.

10. Shkodra

Shkodra in Northern Albania is considered the cultural capital of the country by locals. The reason behind this is because of the numerous cultural events that happen here, theater, historic castle, lifestyle, and photography museum. And because it is the biggest town in North Albania, it is usually used as the base to visit the mountains surrounding it.

11. Vlore

A municipality in Southern Albania, Vlore is an important historic site. It is the home of the Zvernec island, Kanina castle, and Orikum. But it is well-known for its historical past. This is where the independence of Albania was declared over 100 years ago. And from Vlore, you can easily go to Karaburun Peninsula via boat. This area is secluded and has stunning beaches.

12. Apollonia

.An ancient Greek City that’s situated between Tirana and Vlore. Apollonia is near Fier County. Since this the place where Octavian Augustus (the first Emperor of the Roman Empire) studied, it became one of the most important towns in Europe. If ever you’re in Albania, this one of the places you must visit.

13. Durres

Durres in Albania is the second-largest city of the country. It also serves as one of the largest ports on the Adriatic Sea. It is also very near Tirana, which is Albania’s capital. In Durres, you’ll find its huge Roman amphitheater, its 9th-century church, and the Archaeological museum. This museum displays artifacts from the Hellenistic, Greek, and Roman era.

14. Lake Koman

Having one of the most majestic scenery in the Balkans, Lake Koman will surely take your breath away. By going here, you can have a trip on the ferry. And this trip will be one of your best boat trips. It will take you from Koman directly to Fierza port which is a small mountainous village. Just don’t forget your camera and take a lot of gorgeous pictures.

15. Pogradec

Pogradec is a small town that lies on the shore of Ohrid Lake which is one of the deepest and oldest lakes in Europe. This city is surrounded by hills and beaches with awesome bars and clubs that surround it. And because of that, Pogradec is one of the most popular destinations in Albania.

With all these places you must visit in Albania, you’ll surely have a wonderful trip. Just don’t forget to prepare yourself as you will totally be blown away.

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