Butrint Archaeological Site
Region: Near Sarandë, Vlorë County
Cultural heritage
UNESCO World Heritage ancient city featuring overlapping Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins.
Tourism in Albania
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Berat Historic District
Region: Berat County
Cultural heritage
Hillside city known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows,' featuring white-walled Ottoman architecture.
Gjirokastër Old Town
Region: Gjirokastër County
Cultural heritage
World Heritage site known for stone houses and fortress, birthplace of writer Ismail Kadare.
Albanian Riviera
Region: Vlorë to Sarandë coast
Nature
Popular resort area featuring crystal-clear Ionian Sea and cliff beaches.
Skanderbeg Square
Region: Tirana
Urban landscape
Central square of the capital, facing the National Historical Museum and mosque.
Valbona Valley National Park
Region: Kukës County
Nature
Valley scenery and hiking routes in the Albanian Alps.
Llogara Pass
Region: Vlorë County
Nature
Scenic mountain pass drive at 1,043m altitude offering panoramic Ionian Sea views.
Lake Skadar National Park
Region: Shkodër County
Nature
The Balkans' largest lake and wetlands, popular for bird watching.
Apollonia Archaeological Park
Region: Fier County
Cultural heritage
Ancient Greek colonial city ruins founded in the 6th century BC.
Bektashi World Headquarters (Kryegjyshatë)
Region: Tirana outskirts
Religious architecture
World center and gardens of the Islamic mystical Bektashi Order.
Suggested itineraries
World Heritage and Riviera Circuit
Duration (days): 7
Highlights: Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër, Butrint, Albanian Riviera
One-week course visiting three World Heritage sites, then heading south along the Ionian coast to relax at beach resorts.
Alpine Scenery and Lakeside Village Walk
Duration (days): 5
Highlights: Lake Skadar, Theth National Park, Valbona Valley, Koman Lake Ferry
Adventure route trekking through northern mountain regions and crossing canyons by lake ferry.
Travel tips
- Strong UV protection essential in summer
- Long-distance buses between major cities are affordable and convenient
- Lek is difficult to exchange abroad, so reconvert to euros before departure
- English is widely spoken among younger generations, but Italian is useful in rural areas
- Tipping culture is minimal, but around 5% of the total is customary at restaurants
- Road signs are bilingual in Albanian and English
- Tap water quality varies by region, purchasing bottled water is recommended
- Credit card acceptance is mainly in urban areas, carrying cash is advisable
- Mountain passes have many curves, careful driving required when renting cars
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques or churches
- ATMs outside the capital may run out of cash at night
- Free Wi-Fi is often provided at cafés
- Accommodation prices surge June-September, early booking recommended