Best Things to do in Albania in 2024

Discover Albania’s beautiful landscapes, where tall mountains meet clear waters and ancient ruins sit in green scenery. Despite becoming more popular with tourists, Albania is still a delightful surprise in Europe. It offers varied terrain, friendly locals, delicious food, and a rich history, making a trip there truly memorable. Find out about the best places to visit and things to do for your Albanian getaway.

Read also: Renting a Car in Albania: The Complete Guide 2024

8 Amazing Things to do in Albania

Explore Albania for an amazing adventure. Discover stunning mountains, sandy beaches, and quaint villages. Begin in lively Tirana to learn about Albania’s past. Then, take scenic routes to villages like Theth and Krujë. Alternatively, head to the Albanian Riviera for clear waters and lovely beaches. Experience the beauty of Albania!

Tip : Renting a car is the best way to experience Albania. With good roads, it’s perfect for exploring the country at your own pace.

1. Explore the Beaches

Similar to the coastlines of neighboring Croatia or Greece, Albania boasts numerous breathtaking beaches. Enjoy multi-colored sands meeting crystal-clear turquoise waters and impressive rocky coves along the shore.

The Albanian coast spans about 476 kilometers, from northern Vlorë down to popular spots like Saranda and Ksamil in the south. While each location has its own charm, any beach along the Albanian Riviera is a great choice.

Reminder : Albania faces a significant issue with litter. Help by picking up plastic during your visit— a top tip for sustainable travel!

Visit Ksamil

Ksamil, a southern beach town, offers a delightful summertime escape. Set amidst lush greenery and Albania’s well-preserved historical sites, it’s a top destination along the coast. Enjoy turquoise waters, golden sands, and vibrant beach umbrellas.

In Ksamil, you can choose from various beaches—private or public, with soft sand or quiet pebbles. Relax with a book, rent a sunbed, and soak up the refreshing water and stunning views all day.

Read also: Exploring Ksamil, Albania: Must-Do Activities in 2024

Himare

Visiting Himare, a beautiful beach town in Albania, is one of the best things to do there. Although it’s not as busy as other coastal spots, this town used to be a fishing village and is now becoming more popular for vacations. Himare has clear blue waters perfect for swimming, lovely sandy beaches, and hidden spots waiting to be discovered, making it a great place to explore.

This town is about four hours south of Tirana. It’s a great place to relax for a day or two. You can enjoy sunny beaches without big crowds and walk around the pretty streets of Himare Town. Make sure to see the amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea from the castle on the hilltop.

Read also: Best Beaches to Visit in Vlorë (2024 Guide)

2. Visit Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park is famous for being one of the best-preserved historical sites and natural areas in the Mediterranean. It’s a popular attraction in Albania, only a short drive south of Ksamil beach. This UNESCO-protected park lets you explore Albania’s rich history. Take a stroll along the shaded paths and admire the remains of ancient Greek, Roman, and Ottoman civilizations.

The archaeological site seamlessly integrates with the park’s stunning natural surroundings, ensuring its proper preservation. This harmonious coexistence of historical structures and landscapes is what makes Butrint a truly distinctive destination worth visiting.

3. Discover Theth (A Must-See in Albania)

In the heart of the Albanian Alps lies Theth, a beautiful traditional village. Travel along winding mountain roads to reach it, nestled beneath towering peaks and surrounded by lush meadows filled with wildflowers. Life here is peaceful, letting you soak in the calm atmosphere.

In Theth, locals lead a deeply traditional lifestyle, with farmers often seen guiding sheep and cows along the secluded paths. The village boasts a single elongated street flanked by quaint houses and a meandering river, enhancing its enchanting ambiance. Notably, a stunning church near the village’s periphery offers breathtaking vistas, among the finest we’ve encountered!

Enjoy your days unwinding amidst nature, trekking through the renowned Valbonë Pass, and marveling at the area’s breathtaking waterfall.

Tip : The locals in the village are incredibly kind and helpful if you require anything. Even if you don’t speak Albanian, Google Translate can assist you during your journey.

Read also: Best things to do in Theth, Albania 2024

4. Berat the City of a Thousand Windows

A trip to Albania isn’t complete without visiting Berat, known as ‘the City of a Thousand Windows’. It’s split by the River Osum and has two historic areas with Ottoman houses and UNESCO sites. Walk around on cobblestone streets filled with mosques, churches, and old ruins, all overseen by friendly neighborhood cats.

Mangalem is Berat’s most famous area, full of activity. Its Ottoman houses climb the hillside, with beautiful windows that gave the town its famous nickname. Just across the bridge is Gorica, Berat’s equally charming area. Explore the town’s streets and markets to experience its medieval charm.

Berat Castle

Visiting the ancient city of Berat isn’t complete without seeing Berat Castle. It was built in the 13th century and is Albania’s biggest castle, full of history. What’s interesting is that people still live within its walls, with cute houses and shops. Walk up the paths to the top for amazing views of the valley below. Inside, there’s a museum that tells Berat’s story over time.

Read also: Best things to do in Berat, Albania (2024 Guide)

5. Savor the flavors of Albanian cuisine!

Delight in the diverse and delicious dishes that reflect the country’s rich history, cultural blend, and culinary heritage, bringing together various influences for a truly satisfying experience.

Try all kinds of tasty dishes, like stuffed peppers and eggplants, along with olives and baked local cheeses. By the coast, enjoy fresh seafood at beach restaurants, or grab a delicious pizza at a cozy hilltop tavern. Even though Albanian food mostly features meat, there are some veggie options too.

Fun Fact : In Albania, the head gesture for ‘yes’ and ‘no’ is the opposite of most countries. Keep this in mind when encountering new experiences, such as trying Raki, the traditional alcoholic beverage of Albania.

6. Explore the Gjirokaster Bazaar

Discover the charming limestone bazaar nestled in Gjirokaster’s historic district, surrounded by traditional Ottoman architecture. Wander through its labyrinthine streets, brimming with cozy cafes and quaint shops offering intriguing finds amassed over centuries of commerce.

Explore the city’s charm by wandering through its winding streets flanked by impressive architecture. In the bustling bazaar, artisans offer herbal teas, local honey, carpets, souvenirs, and even second-hand treasures. A leisurely stroll through Gjirokaster’s bazaar is a must-do in Albania.

Tip : Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the bazaar at night. Take a stroll through the illuminated streets after sunset for an unforgettable experience.

Read also: Best Things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania (Guide 2024)

7. Kruje Old Bazaar

During your journey through the rugged northern Albanian mountains, you’ll encounter one of the nation’s historically significant villages: Krujë. Perched atop a hill, its castle overlooks the valley below. Krujë boasts a storied past, serving as the stronghold of patriots and the focal point of Albania’s struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire.

In the heart of the center lies the bazaar, a captivating spot nestled amid cobblestone streets and charming wooden houses. This old Ottoman-style marketplace is a highlight of Albania, renowned as one of the nation’s oldest, standing for over 400 years! Wander through its narrow pedestrian lanes, adorned with quaint shops.

It’s an excellent spot for souvenir shopping, where vendors offer a variety of items including handwoven fabrics, carpets, iron supplies, wooden goods, and paintings.

Read also: Best Albanian Souvenirs: Our Top Selections

8. The Pyramid of Tirana

Originally built to honor Albania’s communist leader Enver Hoxha, the Pyramid of Tirana now stands abandoned, its intended museum and mausoleum purpose never realized due to the collapse of communism. Over the years, it transformed into various uses, sparking controversy. Today, covered in graffiti, it symbolizes artistic expression and defiance, serving as a cultural landmark that reflects Albania’s transition from communism to democracy.

While Albania’s capital is steeped in its tumultuous history, there’s plenty more to experience in the city. Explore vibrant neighborhoods, savor delectable dishes at local eateries, and find tranquility amidst the bustling streets in the nearby natural settings.

Read also: Best Things to do in Tirana, Albania (2024 Guide)

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