Albania: Top 15 attractions in the country

The town of Gjirokastra

Gjirokastra is spread among the snow-capped peaks of the mountains in southern Albania in the Drina River valley.

This town is so famous for its Ottoman-era architecture, which is beautifully preserved, that it is even called the "City of Stone". Quiet cobbled streets lead to the main attraction of the city — the Gjirokastra Fortress.

The unique House of Zekate, a fortified tower house built in the early 19th century, is also worth a visit. It is known locally as Kula and is a striking representative of Ottoman architecture.

National Ethnographic Museum in Berat

The museum in the city of Berat was opened relatively recently — in 1979. The building itself, built according to traditional Berat architecture, attracts attention, as well as the amazing fixed furniture, literally built into the house. The National Ethnographic Museum allows you to get acquainted with the life of local people, their traditions and crafts, in particular, the process of olive oil production. The collection of the museum has more than a thousand exhibits.

Logara National Park

The Logara National Park is a place where beautiful nature meets the remains of history. At every turn, you'll find the remaining bunkers from Enver Hoxha's reign. And when you get tired of walking, you can sit down in a local restaurant, order delicious national dishes and feed the deer.

The city of Shkoder

The oldest city in Europe and one of the most important sights in Albania. If you find yourself in this city, it is highly recommended to visit the Sheikh Zamil Abdullah Al-Zamil Mosque, which is astonishing in its size. A few steps away from the mosque is the "Public Museum" (Museo Popullo), the basis of the composition of which are historical photographs and various archaeological artifacts.

One of the main temples of the country, the Franciscan Church on Ruga Ndre Mjeda, is also located here.

Skanderbeg Square in Tirana

If Tirana is the main city of Albania, then Skanderbeg Square is its center, the heart of the city, where the most important buildings and attractions are located. The center of the square is occupied by the monument to Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albania.

Around it are such interesting buildings as the Haji Ethem Bay Mosque, the Opera House, the National Museum and the Saat Kuda Clock Tower, built in 1822.

The village of Lin

The cozy village of Lin is located on a tiny peninsula on the shores of Lake Ohrid, separating Albania from neighboring Northern Macedonia. It's a definite must-visit in the south of the country — the ideal location allows you to enjoy the beauty of the lake as well as laze on the sandy beaches.

Have a picnic or go kayaking — Lina offers both active and leisurely vacations in Albania.

The town of Berat

This is an Albanian amphitheater town, where houses seemingly stacked on top of each other cover a hillside overlooking the Osumi River.

It is called the city of a thousand windows — and for good reason: the Ottoman architecture with its symmetrical facades gives the impression that the whole city is looking at you. At the top is an ancient fortress with residential houses inside, Orthodox churches and the Onufri Museum, which houses impressive 16th century icons.

City of Saranda

The Albanian Riviera has many attractive places for tourists. One of them is Saranda. This colorful town is famous among locals for its clean white sand beaches and lively promenade.

While strolling by the sea, visit one of the coastal restaurants serving the best of Albanian and Greek cuisine. End the day on the observation deck of Lecures Castle, watching the sun slowly set over the horizon.

Skadar Lake

The most famous and largest lake in the Balkans with rich flora and fauna is also located in Albania.

There are several islands on the lake, where churches with tombs were built in the olden days. Unique natural areas are protected by the state. It is also worth coming here because of the good sunsets!

You can book a hotel in Albania with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

Sazan-Karaburun

For a long time the history of Albania was connected with the expectation of an attack by enemies. That is why a military base was established far away in the mountains on an impregnable place, which can be seen only from a ship. NATO exercises are held here, and the picturesque nature is a bonus for good mood and good photos.

Xamil Resort

This is the most famous resort in Albania, impressing tourists with the clearest water and a beautiful beach.

At first it seems that on the beach you are greeted by ordinary, though incredibly white and very large sand. However, a closer look reveals that it is not sand, but stones polished to such a fine state. The water at the Xamil resort is an incredible blue color, like a swimming pool. In addition, there are several deserted islands that can be reached by swimming.

Blue Eye

Hidden among the green hills in the south of Albania, near Saranda, the Blue Eye is a karst spring with crystal clear water of rich turquoise color. The water temperature here stays around +10°C even in the heat — it is a true natural wonder, attracting travelers from all over the world.

It looks as if someone painted it with a brush — so unreal contrast of water color: from dark blue in the center to transparent green at the edges. Swimming in the lake is prohibited, but the scenery and photos will suffice.

Kruja

The ancient town is the birthplace of Albania's national hero Skanderbeg, a fighter for the country's independence. The town itself is very beautiful, and in the center there is an ethnographic museum, which has a unique collection of household items, clothes and ancient weapons. Plus, Kruja has the largest selection of quality silver at low prices.

City of Gjirokastra

Two things make the town of Gjirokastra unique. Here are the only tower houses that have survived in the Balkans, bullets. They are depicted on postcards and tourist guides.

And the town was also closed to tourists for a long time, as it is the birthplace of Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha, who ruled the country 41 until the mid-1980s.

Ruins of Apollonia

The remains of a city from the time of the ancient Greeks. Sights of interest to visit here include fragments of the fortress walls dating back to the 4th century BC, the colonnade of ancient Roman stores and the Mosaic House, near which there was a fountain.