Albania Holidays

Popular sights

Here are some of Albania’s main sights.

• Skanderbeg Square – This central hub is surrounded by major landmarks like the National History Museum, Opera House and the Et’hem Bey Mosque. Named after Albania’s national hero, it’s a good starting point for exploring the city – visit around sunset when the lights come on and the square really comes to life.

• Bunk’Art 2 – A former Cold War bunker turned underground museum, right in the centre of Tirana. You can walk through long, dimly lit tunnels filled with artefacts that explore Albania’s communist past. It’s an immersive experience, so it’s worth giving yourself at least an hour and picking up the audio guide for more detailed information.

• Durres Amphitheatre – Built in the 2nd century AD, this is one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans. You can explore the underground tunnels and see the remaining mosaics, all right in the heart of coastal Durres. After your visit, it’s easy to head to the promenade for a walk or grab seafood with a sea view.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

These places have UNESCO World Heritage status, highlighting their cultural and historical importance.

• Berat – This UNESCO-listed town is known for its Ottoman-era houses climbing up the hillside. Head up to Berat Castle for wide views over the town and visit the Onufri Museum inside to see centuries-old artwork. There are also local wineries nearby, where you can sample traditional Albanian wine.

• Gjirokaster – Gjirokaster is home to dramatic stone houses, cobbled streets and a hilltop fortress overlooking the Drino Valley. It’s also the hometown of writer Ismail Kadare. You can explore small museums, browse local artisan shops and try traditional Albanian dishes – but be careful as the streets are steep, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Outdoor adventures

Add some outdoor activities to your holiday to Albania.

• Hiking in the Albanian Alps – If you’re after adventure and big views, the Albanian Alps – also known as the Accursed Mountains – are a great choice. Expect rugged peaks, traditional villages like Theth and Valbona, and trails that pass waterfalls, wildflower meadows and small guesthouses. Late spring to early autumn works best for hiking – just make sure to pack sturdy walking boots and layers.

• Llogara National Park – Set above the Ionian coast near Vlore, this park is known for pine-covered trails, wildlife and roadside spots serving local Albanian food. The Llogara Pass is particularly good for photos, and beach towns like Dhermi and Himara are close by, so you can hike in the morning and swim in the sea later.

• Dajti Express cable car – The Dajti Express offers an easy nature escape from Tirana. A cable car ride takes you up Mount Dajti, where you’ll get panoramic views over the city and countryside. At the top, there are walking paths, traditional restaurants and options like horseback riding to fill a relaxed afternoon.

Shopping

Here’s where you can go for a shopping spree in Albania.

• Markets and bazaars – Head to Kruja Old Bazaar for handcrafted, traditional items like handwoven rugs, copperware and embroidered clothing. For local food and everyday shopping, Tirana’s Pazari i Ri (New Bazaar) is a lively spot selling fresh produce, spices and locally made goods – it’s colourful, relaxed and ideal for a slow afternoon wander.

• Modern shopping centres – Toptani is a mall right in the centre of Tirana with popular high-street brands and cafés, making it easy to combine shopping with sightseeing. For something bigger, TEG (Tirana East Gate) is the city’s biggest shopping mall with global brands, food courts and cinemas.

Daytrips

Albania holidays offer the chance for daytrips to see other places.

• Shkodra – Shkodra is the laidback capital of the north, with a mix of art, history and scenery. Set beside Lake Shkodra, it also works well as a base if you’re planning to explore the Albanian Alps.

• Shengjergj Waterfall – About an hour from Tirana, Shengjergj Waterfall is a good choice if you’re after fresh air and forest scenery. The route is suitable for all abilities and feels more like a gentle walk than a full hike. The waterfall itself is cool and quiet, with misty air and mossy rock pools.

• Ksamil Islands – Near Saranda, the Ksamil Islands are known for clear, shallow water and a relaxed beach setting. You can paddle or kayak out to the small islands just offshore, and there are a handful of beach bars serving fresh seafood and drinks nearby.

Beaches for everyone

Visit one of these popular beaches on your holiday to Albania.

• Ksamil Beach – Swim out to the small islands just offshore, often nicknamed the ‘Maldives of Albania’. It can get busy in peak summer, so going early in the day or around sunset offers a more relaxed experience, and the clear water also makes it a good spot for snorkelling.

• Himara Beach – Set in a slow-paced coastal town, Himara Beach is known for clear water and a peaceful atmosphere. Take a stroll along the promenade and stop at a local taverna – it’s ideal for laidback beach days that don’t feel too touristy.

Quieter beaches

Albania holidays are often quieter than other parts of Europe, so these spots are a good choice if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.

• Borsh Beach – Borsh is a hidden gem, with a long pebble beach backed by olive groves and mountains – there’s no loud music from big beach bars here, just the sound of the waves. Stop for seafood at a simple local shack or hike up to Borsh Castle for wide-angle views along the coast.

• Gjipe Beach – Gjipe isn’t your average beach. Tucked between cliffs, it’s only reachable by boat or via a short adventure hike. It’s popular with campers, hikers and people looking for something a bit off the beaten track, so it’s best to bring lots of water and snacks for the day.

Lively beaches

If you like your beach days with a bit more buzz, these spots are known for music, beach bars and a livelier atmosphere.

• Dhermi Beach – Dhermi brings together beautiful views and a strong nightlife scene. Its pebble beach is ideal for sunbathing by day, and in the evening the beach bars come alive with music.

• Jala Beach – Jala’s made for long days that turn into beach party nights. The water is clear and it’s also a hub for watersports – plus there’s camping if you want to stay close to the waves, and plenty of beach bars to keep the energy high.

Classic dishes

Albanian cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan influences.

• Fergese – Made with roasted peppers, tomatoes and cottage cheese (known locally as gjizë), this dish is sometimes cooked with small pieces of meat. It’s baked until rich and bubbly and is especially popular in Tirana and Elbasan.

• Tavë kosi – Often described as Albania’s national dish, Tavë Kosi is a baked mix of lamb, rice and yoghurt. It originates from Elbasan but is widely found on menus in traditional restaurants across the country.

• Fresh seafood – Along the coast, seafood plays a big role on local menus. In places like Saranda, Vlora and Durres, you’ll find freshly grilled fish, calamari, mussels, prawns and octopus, usually served simply with olive oil, herbs and a slice of lemon.

Street food

Albanian street food is ideal for eating on the go and is a great budget option.

• Byrek – Byrek is a go-to Albanian street snack, made with thin layers of filo pastry and filled with ingredients like cheese, spinach, minced meat or potatoes. You’ll find it in bakeries, cafés and street stalls, and it’s eaten at any time of day – from breakfast to a quick bite between sights.

• Qofte – These grilled or fried meatballs are made with beef or lamb and plenty of herbs and spices. They’re usually served with warm bread, pickled onions and a spicy sauce on the side.

• Petulla – Albania’s take on doughnuts, petulla can be sweet or savoury. They’re often served with honey or jam in the mornings or topped with cheese for a salty snack.

Wine tasting

Albania might not be widely known for its wine, but there are a handful of tasting experiences worth seeking out.

• Authentic experiences – Many of Albania’s wineries are family-run, which keeps tastings small and personal. It’s common to be welcomed by the owners or winemakers themselves, with tours focusing on local traditions, everyday life and the stories behind the wines.

• Scenic vineyards – Vineyards can be found among the rolling hills around Berat and Permet, along coastal areas near Durres and Vlora, and even in mountain regions like Korça and Shkoder – so wine tasting is easy to combine with sightseeing.

Car hire

Hiring a car is a great way to explore the more remote areas and coastal regions in Albania. While the highways connecting the major cities have improved, you’ll find more winding, rural roads in the mountainous area.

Bus and minibus (furgons)

Public transport is the most affordable way to travel between cities and towns in Albania. The bus schedules can be inconsistent though, so it’s a good idea to confirm the departure times locally, as the online information can be limited and outdated.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in urban areas like Tirana, Durres and Saranda. The rides can be reasonably priced, particularly for shorter trips, but to avoid getting overcharged, it’s recommended to agree on the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is running.

Bike

Cycling is great for short distances and scenic routes, especially along the Albanian Riviera or around Lake Ohrid. However, the cycling infrastructure is a bit more limited in Albania, so remember to be cautious on busy or narrow roads.