Albania Travel Guide: What To Know and Where to Stay
Prepared for an adventure to Albania? Our ultimate Albania Guide covers everything you need to know, from where to stay to what to see and more.
Lately, Albania has been experiencing a high volume of travel by tourists and this is because people are discovering how beautiful the country is.
Why visit Albania? Firstly, it is an affordable destination, rich in culture and dishes, also, the home to UNESCO World Heritage sites.
What’s Albania most famous for?
The country is famous for its UNESCO world heritage sites, which are in Berat, Gjirokastra and Butrint. These are the top tourist attractions and we recommend scheduling three days to visit them.
Can you fly directly to Albania from the UK?
Yes, you can. The cheapest way to travel directly is to book a flight to Tirana. Also, you will spend approximately 3 hours, 8 minutes travelling, but it will be worth your comfort and pocket.
Also Read: Five Destination Picks for First-Time Female Solo Travellers 2026
When’s the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Albania is from April to June and September to October to avoid the harsh heat of the summer. This weather is ideal for travellers who want to walk, cycle, sightsee, and enjoy the scenery of the country.
Furthermore, bear in mind that the best time to visit depends on the place you intend to stay. If you love the heat or cold and don’t want balanced weather, you can visit the city anytime.
Where to Stay in Albania
There are different accommodation choices for solo travellers, couples, and tourists. Picking the best hotel or resort depends on your budget and comfort level.
If you want a place with luxury, aesthetics, and good room service, or one that offers scenery and a natural feel, our Albania guide has you covered.
However, if you’re a first-time traveller, picking a place in Tirana is the best choice.
Starlight Hotel
Located a few miles from Skenderbej Square, the hotel offers air-conditioned rooms which are comfortable, free Wi-Fi service, and an à la carte breakfast, perfect to start your day.
Most importantly, it is located close to Tirana ‘s cultural monuments, so, you don’t have to miss out on your tours.
Holiday Hotel
For lovers of scenery, Holiday Hotel is the perfect accommodation choice. Sink into the comfort of large beds, a garden, a free private parking space, and a lovely room service. In addition, it’s located close to the terminal, so it’s not difficult for you to locate.
Da Luz Boutique Hotel
Situated in Saranda, Da Luz Boutique offers a perfect and high-quality feel. There’s a private beach area, sweet Italian cuisine, and comfortable rooms. In addition, guests can enjoy the oceanic views, garden, and balconies to relax and have good views.
Maritim Resort Marina Bay
Enjoy a luxurious escape to one of Vlore’s finest resorts, Maritim Marina Bay. The resort offers exceptional world-class service, a casino, soft accommodation perks, and an outdoor swimming pool. Furthermore, guests can enjoy free parking and a fitness gym during their stay.
Top 10 Things to Do in Albania
With the current travel boom in Albania, you must have seen a lot of beautiful photos of the city. The alpine peaks, coastlines and the stunning tourist attractions of popular spots of the country.
However, there are other parts of the country that need exploration and we created our favourite places in this Albania guide:
Explore the city of Tirana:
Tirana should be the first city you explore. Why? It’s the country’s capital and offers a lot of historical attractions. Start the day by checking out the numerous cafes and restaurants located in Bollku and step in to have a taste of traditional Albanian meals. Based on reviews, Odas Garden is highly recommended. Make sure to hop in and enjoy their culinary services. Secondly, explore the city’s heartbeat, Skanderbeg Square, where you will find the National History Museum and learn about the city’s history.
Next, visit the Bunk’Art. These were bunkers built during Enver Hoxha’s dictatorship to protect the government against the threat of nuclear war. Although it’s located on the outskirts of the city, it’s a must-visit if you want to learn about Albania’s history and the role the secret police played during the communist years.
Finally, end your tour by checking out the Pyramid of Tirana, which is hard to miss. It was once a museum dedicated to Enver Hoxha but over the years, there have been a lot of changes.
Visit the “city of a thousand windows,” Berat
You can’t travel to Albania without visiting Berat’s famous castle and soaking in the beauty it offers. Explore the Holy Trinity Church, the ruins of the white mosque, the red mosque, and you can view the statue head of Constantine the Great. Interesting, right?
Also, opposite Berat Castle lies the Gorica Ruins. Although, the history of the ruins isn’t fully known, it is still highly important to the people. In addition, view different parts of the city by climbing to the top, and if you have a tour guide, he or she will delve into historical facts to fill your day.
Wander to the city of Gjirokastër
Located in South Albania, Gjirokastër is one of the most beautiful cities to visit. It’s one of UNESCO’s heritage sites and is known for a surviving Ottoman house which belonged to the Zekate family. It’s famously referred to as the Zekate House and is known to have played an important role in the social and economic life of the city.
Lastly, explore the cobblestone houses and the restaurants, and don’t forget to take breathtaking photos of the views of the city.
Stop by Blue Eye
The Blue Eye is also known as Syri i Kaltër. It’s a popular spot for tourists, and here you will find the water spring which contains blue water- that’s how it got its name. You can stay in one of the cabins surrounding the spring and have a perfect view of Blue Eye in the morning. Although, you aren’t allowed to swim in the spring, some tourists still do.
The Albanian Alps
You entered the city of Albania, but forgot to hike the Albanian Alps? No, don’t! This is one breathtaking adventure you must participate in and being a professional hiker isn’t necessary. We suggest scheduling a day for the hike and packing food, water, and a backpack for emergencies.
Once you make it to the top, it’s going to be an interesting walk; you will be able to see the villages of Theth and Valbone, which offer a mixture of scenery and a perfect view.
Although, there’s no scheduled time to visit the Albanian Alps, you should note that during the winter season, the mountain hiking trails will be covered in snow, and it will be difficult for you to hike the Alps.
Chill at Himare
Himare is home to a trio of public beaches where you can chill, have a sun bath, take boat tours, and take a beach-hopping day trip. Also, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy an airy day. Moreover, you can find the best beach spot in the south and north of Himare.
Explore Ksamil
You must have come across the city of Ksamil on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. It’s a famous spot for tourists due to its featured beach and clubs. Lately, new restaurants and resorts have been popping up due to the travel boom and the money spent by youths who come visiting.
However, if you love a cool Kasmil adventure, you should visit and explore it to the fullest.
Butrint Archaeological Park
This is one of UNESCO heritage sites and is famous for being the settlement for Greeks and Romans. It was abandoned in the Middle Ages due to diseases, earthquakes, and marshes. Years later, archaeologists were able to dust the sands, and first, the theatre emerged, followed by the baptistery, basilica, and a gateway was cleared.
Take a tour guide with you to understand the history of the park and explore the walls of the park. Although it might not sound adventurous, it’s a welcome change from beaches and cafes.
Explore the city of Sarande
Sarande is a coastal town situated in southern Albania. It’s closer to the island of Corfu and offers a calm and natural view of the city. Start with the city’s promenade to get a scenic view of different parts of the port and to experience a panoramic view, ride the Ferris wheel known as the “Eyes of Sarande”.
Then, explore the restaurants, bars, and cafes of the city. Follow it up with relaxing at the main beach and unwind. Finally, round it up by experiencing the sunset at Lekuresi Castle.
See the Forty Saints Monastery
It’s a 45-minute walk from Saranda and a must-see for history lovers! The Forty Saints’ Monastery was built in the 6th century as a pilgrimage site and to honour the forty saint martyrs for their piety and teachings. It was bombed by the British and was in ruins, but back then, it had forty rooms, which represented each of the saints.
Additionally, it’s one of the most religious monuments in the city, and it’s free to visit. However, you can’t get a car to drive you over there, so it’s best if you walk.
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