Top 12 Things to Do in Albania: Ultimate Travel Guide

For the past few years, Albania tourism has been booming as more travelers have been flocking to the pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and picturesque towns of the Albanian Riviera.

With favorable prices, prime beach resorts and charming boutique stays offering tranquil escape from reality, spectacular mountain views, crystalline Alpine lakes, hearty meals served with local wine, exciting cultural activities and a vibrant nightlife scene, why not add Albania to your travel list this year?

Below are some of our top things to do in Albania to help you map out your dream itinerary. Jetting off to Tirana? Here’s our guide to help you pick a transportation option from TIA airport to Tirana city center that suits your travel style.

And what’s more, there’s Kiwitaxi’s private on-demand airport transfer to whizz you from the airport straight to your Albania holiday in style – so no worries about heavy luggage, confusing traffic, or waiting lines.

No longer Med’s secret, Albanian Riviera is among the top holiday spots for travelers and a signature highlight of Albania tourism. Come for the crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, and rugged mountains, and stay for the great food, buzzy party scene, bucketloads of picturesque villages, and some stunning scenery to be discovered around the Riviera.

What’s more, with Kiwitaxi’s Chauffeur Hire Service, you can criss-cross the Albania tourist sites at your own pace with a dedicated chauffeur ensuring you travel in style and comfort. What better reason than that?

Saranda

Take a ferry from Corfu, Greece, to Saranda, the picturesque coastal town stretching along the Ionian Sea, and you’ll start your Albanian Riviera trip in just about 30 minutes. You’re sure to be charmed by the Saranda Promenade (Hasan Tahsini Boulevard) dotted with palm trees, cafés, restaurants, and beach clubs perfect for hanging out.

By day, hit Mango Beach for sunbathing and swimming. For snorkeling in more tranquil and pristine waters, venture to nearby beaches like Mirror Beach or Pulebardha Beach and discover the secluded coves and smaller bays along the coast.

Of course, there’s plenty to do otherwise – scuba diving to explore the various marine species and the underwater landscape, or jet skiing for a speedy perspective of the coastline, parasailing for a bird's-eye view of Saranda and the Ionian Sea, perhaps – but you can’t beat the little pleasures in life – an elegant sun lounger for perfect relaxation, a glamorous parasol and a chilled glass of rosé while you make the most of the fleeting rays. When the pace slows, but the nightlife is still lively, take a stroll along the promenade with a glass of Aperol Spritz in hand, then dine out until the early hours at tables overlooking the picturesque bay. Go to Porto Eda Rooftop for cocktails with a view, then let loose at Mango Beach Club or Shemo Beach, with DJs spinning deep house right on the sand under the stars.

Here’s what else not to miss: The 6th century mosaic pavement thought to have been the floor of a basilica and the tiny Museum of Archaeology specifically built to protect it.

Tips: The ticket costs only 100 lëke and also gives access to the Museum of Traditions located in the old Customs House in front of the marina and exhibiting Saranda’s cultural heritage. Using the same ticket, you can also visit the Art Gallery, one of the lesser-known but rewarding Albania tourist attractions showcasing the artworks by local Albanian artists.

Venture to the Saint George Monastery Complex, located on the hill of Dema and overlooking Saranda, the Ionian Sea, and the tranquil waters of Lake Butrint. The 6th-century monastery was built during the Byzantine era and dedicated to the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, a group of Roman soldiers executed for their Christian faith. The city of Sarandë itself is believed to have derived its name from this monastery, a remarkable highlight of Albania tourism steeped in history.

Explore the fortified monastery, the Byzantine architecture, and the medieval blend of religious and military design. Wander through its quiet courtyards, stone pathways, sturdy towers, and well-preserved turrets. Take in the peaceful atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims and travelers for centuries to reclaim your zen. It’s worth the visit just for the stunning views.

Visit the church of Saint George, reconstructed in the 14th century, and marvel at the beautifully preserved frescoes and the traditional Orthodox iconography that adorn its walls.

Tip. Book a guided tour for an insight into the symbolism of the religious artworks and the church’s significance as a spiritual center.

Take in Albanian nature with a picturesque hike to the Blue Eye, a mesmerizing natural spring definitely worth seeing. Located in a protected nature park, the deep blue spring that resembles a human eye sits between the popular tourist towns of Saranda and Gjirokaster.

Take your time to wander around, soak up the lush green forest, marvel at the beauty of the spring’s subtle shades of blue, turquoise, and sapphire, and reflect on the moment. While swimming in the Blue Eye is not permitted, you can dip your feet in the incredibly clear and refreshing water where icy waters bubble up from over 50 meters deep.

Grab a bottle of red from the vineyard at Kantina e Verës ISAK and watch the most spectacular sunset with stunning views of Corfu, Ksamil, Bistrica river, Lake Butrint, and the Ionian Sea from the the 16th-century Lekursi Castle. Perched on a strategic hilltop, the historic fortress is a cultural monument and one of the most scenic Albania tourist attractions, once serving as a military outpost guarding the coastline. While much of Lekursi Castle is in ruins, we can reimagine its fortified design by the preserved walls and towers.

Leave your cosy hotel room behind for a day trip to Ksamil, a small village and one of the most popular highlights of Albania tourism. Named “the Maldives of Europe,” Ksamil boasts some of the most stunning white-pebbled beaches in the area.

Start your day at the iconic Bora Bora Beach with sparkling clean waters shimmering in turquoise, azure, and aquamarine hues and powdery white beaches. Flanked by lively beach clubs, it brings in local and international DJs to create a vibrant party atmosphere. From there, you can weave your way along a coastal path until you reach Poda Beach Bar, one of the most popular nightlife spots located right on the beach. With DJs keeping the energy high well into the night, it’s a top choice if you’re looking to party the night out. As stunning as Ksamil is at ground-level, you haven’t properly seen it until you’ve seen it from above. Ohana Beach Bar features rooftop terraces serving expertly crafted cocktails and breathtaking sunset views.

But if there’s one place you should save up for, your trip to Ksamil couldn’t be complete without visiting its tiny islets just offshore. Swimming or kayaking to Ksamil’s islets is among the most exciting things to do in Albania, for sure, for the route holds among the most picturesque views of the sea and the coastline. Paddleboarding (Stand-Up Paddleboarding, SUP, is also the way to go!) is another peaceful way to visit the islets while relaxing in the moment. And if you’re after thrills and adrenalin, nothing beats the open ride in a speedboat with the roar of the engine, the shimmer of sun-capped cresting waves, and the wind in your hair. Once on the islets, swim and snorkel in the crystalline waters to marvel at the underwater landscape and marine life or relax on the awe-inspiring beaches.

The Albanian Riviera boasts so many pristine beaches and small towns that it’s the perfect destination for Albania tourism. Consider Vlora, a historic port city known as the City of Independence, as this is where Albania’s independence was declared in 1912. Visit the Independence Monument in Flag Square and stroll along Vlora’s waterfront Promenade (Lungomare), packed with classic Albanian eateries, beach clubs, and local wines, all ready to be leisurely enjoyed on your own time.

Book one of the many boat cruises along the Riviera to discover the golden sands of Narta Beach, snorkel in the turquoise waters, and explore the famous Haxhi Ali Cave.

Then, as the road curves up, discover Llogara National Park, one of the most scenic parks in Albania, blending the rugged Ceraunian Mountains with the stunning Ionian coastline. Experience the breathtaking Llogara Pass and surprise your lungs accustomed to the polluted urban air, with the freshness of the crisp mountain air at 1,000 meters above sea level.

Try paragliding from the mountain peaks for the panoramic views and thrills, and soar high above the coastline, landing on the beaches below. It’s one of the most memorable things to do in Albania. Llogara Park evokes all sorts of nature scenes: hiking through the legendary Caesar’s Pass or the sweeping 14 km Llogara Pass Trail against a backdrop of Flag pines, birdwatching in dense forests of black pine and fir trees, and watching out for wildlife such as the golden eagle, griffon vulture, and roe deer.

And let’s not forget Himara, a charming and laid-back coastal town, famous for a blend of Albanian and Greek culture. Laze on a glamorous sunbed at the spectacular beach of Livadhi that you’ll never want to leave. Party the night out at Jale beach, the perfect place to settle in with a bottle of red and feeling like you’re a star on a real-life film set.

Once you peel yourself away from your sunbed, go exploring the Old Town and Himara Castle tucked on a hill above the modern town. For an even deeper exploration of the historic sites, venture to Porto Palermo Castle, perched on a stunning peninsula surrounded by clear turquoise waters.

Book a boat tour, the best way to discover nearby hidden gems like the secluded Gjipe Beach, the Pirate's Cave (Shpella e Pirateve), and other isolated coves and bays along the coast.

Tirana, Albania’s multifaceted capital, is known for its diverse landscape and stands as one of the must-see Albania tourism attractions. From the government buildings around Skanderbeg Square and the elegant facades in the Blloku district, blending Italian influence with touches of Art Nouveau to the bold splashes of color and geometric patterns of the once-uniform Communist apartment blocks, and remnants of its Ottoman past, the city has undergone something of a renaissance in the recent years. Top it up with historical buildings, back to back museums, and a night out at the vintage Radio Bar and you have one of the most vibrant tourist places in Albania.

Start your city tour with a short trek to the Skanderbeg Square, where you’ll find the National History Museum (with its prominent socialist-realist mosaic facade), the Et'hem Bey Mosque, and the Tirana Clock Tower. Then wander around Rruga Myslym Shyri and into the New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri), packed with fresh produce and artisan shops.

On Rruga Myslym Shyri, Galeria Kalo specializes in contemporary Albanian art, while nearby boutiques sell everything from handmade ceramics to vintage finds. Just around the corner, Komiteti Kafe Museum serves traditional raki in a quirky, artifact-filled setting.

To get to Tirana Castle, a newly developed cultural hub with modern restaurants, shops, and bars, stroll along the Rruga Murat Toptani, a pleasant pedestrian street connecting the main square to the area.

Head to the House of Leaves, a museum offering a fascinating glimpse into Albania’s espionage history during the communist era. Just a short walk away, Bunk’Art 2 takes you underground to explore the stories of political persecution. For the full bunker experience, head out to Bunk’Art 1 on the city’s edge, a vast Cold War fortress turned museum that documents Albania’s communist history with immersive exhibits and installations. There’s nowhere trendier in Tirana than Blloku, once the closed quarter of the communist elite, now buzzing with cocktail bars, boutique shops, and colorful mural-covered walls. Sip a cocktail in a hip bar or savor a long, lazy lunch in one of the cafés. From here, wander down Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard, the grand Italian-era avenue, before climbing the sloping sides of the Pyramid of Tirana to explore its new cultural and tech spaces or enjoy the city view. Sky Tower’s rooftop bar offers sweeping sunset panoramas, but if you’re craving fresh air, take the Dajti Ekspres cable car up to Mount Dajti National Park, a popular Albania tourist spot. The 15-minute ride glides over rolling hills and the city below, opening onto alpine hiking trails and a panoramic restaurant at the summit.

Butrint is one of the most significant archaeological and tourist places in Albania and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has become the premiere travel destination for history and nature lovers alike. With scenic views and layers of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian influence carved into its ancient ruins, it’s no wonder travelers can’t get enough of this Albania tourist spot. And if history isn’t necessarily your thing (or if you just want to explore more of the region), you can discover the raw power of the captivating nature at the Butrint National Park.

Easily one of the most scenic hikes in Albania, you’ll experience all there is to love about Butrint, including Lake Butrint, a saltwater lagoon that connects to the Ionian Sea via the narrow Vivari Channel, towering pines, wetlands, salt marshes, and, yes, the famous blue mussels farmed in the lake.

A free brochure handed at the entrance will guide you through the array of ancient monuments, from Sanctuary of Asclepius dedicated to the god of medicine, built in the 4th century BC, to the Roman Theater still hosting performances today (Butrinti Summer Festival, for example). The sheer number of monuments can keep you busy for hours. Be sure to check out the Baptistery, an early Christian monument featuring one of Mediterranean’s largest and most elaborate early Christian mosaics. The Lion Gate, depicting a lion devouring the head of a bull and the Great Basilica are unmissable, as is the statue of the Goddess of Butrint at the Venetian Castle. Top it all off with mussels à la crème and local white wine at a Butrint eaterie, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a trip.

Berat and Gjirokastër, or the “museum cities,” are two of the most significant tourist places in Albania. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites and on the list of the world’s most culturally significant and visually arresting locations.

A trip to Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows,” will amaze you with the Mangalem neighborhood houses stacked one on top of the other and adorned with iconic windows. Cross the beautiful, stone Gorica Bridge and you can marvel at the unique Christian architecture of the Gorica quarter.

Book a guided tour to take a stroll through Berat’s history with Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rules over the centuries. For the ultimate history exploration, look no further than the Berat Castle (Kalaja e Beratit), still a functioning community with people living within its ancient walls. Wander through its narrow, cobblestone streets to discover remnants of Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques and enjoy the spectacular views from the castle, especially at sunset. Be sure to visit the Onufri National Iconographic Museum inside the Cathedral of St. Mary for a remarkable collection of icons and frescoes by the 16th-century painter Onufri.

Take in nature with a scenic hike to the magnificent Osum Canyon, sculpted over thousands of years. Swim through deep turquoise pools, slide down rugged rocks, climb through dramatic cliffs, and enjoy the refreshing waterfalls. Go rafting and canoeing in crystal-clear rivers and discover the stunning raw nature with every twist and turn. Rappel under cascading waterfalls from heights up to 55 meters for the thrill. And if wine-tasting is more your style, tour the vineyards, learn about winemaking from grape to bottle, and sample white and red wines sourced from century-old vines that make Berat wines so special. Get treated with local cheese and charcuterie to go with it, and savor the delicious dishes the region has to offer.

Tucked in a mountainous region in Southern Albania, Gjirokastër lives up to its nickname “City of Stones,” offering a dramatic and rugged experience and ranking high among the gems of Albania tourism. Its stone houses with slate roofs built into the side of the mountain, create a labyrinth of steep, winding streets. Gjirokastër feels more like a museum than a living city in some areas, with tower houses like Zekate House and Skenduli House restored and opened to the public as museums. Strolling around the ancient city’s steep cobblestoned lanes is the way to take in the must-sees, while stumbling on small-batch hand-carved woodwork, silver jewelry, and artisanal goods shops in the city's historic bazaar.

The region’s signature white wine, paired with green olives, local cheese, and grapes, will get you recharged for the rugged, steep, and dramatic vistas Gjirokastër is famous for. Visit the 12th-century Gjirokastër Castle and the Military museum inside its vaults, and take in the stunning panoramic views of the Drino Valley. Enjoy a sunset picturesque horseback riding tour across the serene landscapes of Asim Zeneli to rewind and recharge.

The Albanian Alps, or the Accursed Mountains, are a spectacular and rugged mountain range in North Albania, offering some of the most dramatic and raw landscapes in Europe. Home to stunning glacier lakes like Lake Komani and the Jezerca Lakes or the “Valley of the Lakes,” and cascading, tumbling waterfalls dissipating into emerald pools, it offers amazing views and unforgettable experiences to Albania tourism enthusiasts.

Follow the Theth–Valbona trail, stretching through beech forests and crystalline mountain streams and taking you over the dramatic Valbona Pass at 1,795 meters. It connects two of the region’s most picturesque villages, Theth and Valbona. The journey to get here is just as unforgettable: hire a ride from Shkodër and hop on the ferry across the fjord-like Komani Lake to traverse winding roads through deep gorges and towering cliffs.

If you want to pep things up, go hiking in Theth National park and explore the ancient traditions of blood feuds, including the historic Lock-in Tower used for protection. Indulge in self-discovery at Valbona Valley National Park through forest bathing, riverside picnics, and evenings in forest campfires under the stars and finally come full circle, inspired and refreshed.