Best Places to Visit in Albania (& Where to Skip Going)
Albania has got to be one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. I mean, more people are picking up on it, so try to go before it gets busy! In this post, I’ll go through the best places to visit in Albania. I was surprised by how diverse the landscapes in this country are. It has beautiful beaches, charming towns, and amazing food. It rivals Italy and Greece, but so much more affordable. But not every stop lived up to the hype — so I’m sharing the places that are actually worth your time… and which ones I’d skip if I were planning it all over again.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read our Affiliate Disclosure here.
Before you go:
💱Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL)
Just think of 100 lek as about 1 euro, so 1,000 lek is around 10 euros. Euros are widely accepted but some places may refuse or add a small extra charge if used.
🏨 Everywhere I stayed in Albania linked below:
Sarande: Hotel Myrtai ($$)
Gjirokastër: The Barrels ($)
Dhermi: Zoe Hora ($$$)
Himare: Potam Sea Bliss ($)
Berat: Hotel Ansel ($)
🚖 Pre-book your Tirana airport transfer to your hotel
⛴️ Or if arriving at Corfu Airport, book your ferry tickets to Sarande
🧷 Travel Insurance with SafetyWing in case of any accidents. Better safe than sorry!
📱Mobile eSIM card to stay connected for less than a few dollars a day. There’s no hassle of changing out your physical SIM card!
Best Places to Visit in Albania
These are the best places to visit in Albania (in my opinion!). If you want a further look at my exact stops in Albania, you can read my 10 day Albania itinerary.
1. Berat
Berat was my favorite town during my Albania road trip. It’s one of the most charming places in Albania. The white Ottoman-style houses stacked along the hillside make it known as the “town of a thousand windows.”
I loved wandering the cobbled streets of the old town and climbing up to Berat Castle — the views were insane. You get a panoramic look over the whole valley.
One of the best surprises? Berat is also a wine region! I’d definitely check out a local winery like Cobo Winery.
If you’re planning a trip to Albania, do not skip Berat!
2. Himare
Himare should be at the top of your list if you want a beach vacation without the crowds of Ksamil. There were so many amazing beaches to choose from! We loved Potam Beach as it felt super accessible, which means it’s also great for families. Our hotel had a balcony view of the beach, and it was epic! You can book it here before it sells out! Super affordable place too, and it included sunbeds.
We also took this amazing boat tour, which had us pass by many of the beaches and even dropped us off at a secluded beach, accessible only by boat!
Besides beaches, there’s plenty to do. Check out the Himare Castle for the hidden church and insane views.
During our stay in Himare, we tried so many delicious restaurants in Albania (<– and this blog post includes all my foodie recommendations!)
Himare is a really beautiful place, and you must add it to your Albania bucket list!
3. Theth
Photo by Linda Gerbec on Unsplash
I still can’t believe I missed Theth on my Albania trip — it’s been on my bucket list for so long, and I’ve heard nothing but amazing things! If you’re into nature, hiking, or just want to experience a completely different side of Albania beyond the coast, Theth looks like the place to be.
One of the most popular things to do there is the Theth to Valbona hike — it’s meant to be one of the most scenic trails in the entire Balkans. And don’t miss the Blue Eye of Theth, a stunning natural pool with the clearest (and coldest!) water. You can hike to it or even go horseback riding part of the way.
The whole area is full of cozy guesthouses with traditional home-cooked meals — think hearty mountain food and the warmest Albanian hospitality. It just feels like the ultimate peaceful escape.
If you’re planning a trip to Albania and want a mix of mountains and adventure, definitely save Theth to your list. I know I’ll be making it a priority next time I go back!
4. Dhermi
I thought Dhermi was the most picturesque village in Albania and it was definetly a quiet escape from the crowds.
You only need about a day here. I’d recommend starting with a long, lazy lunch at Luciano. They have the most delicous seafood, pasta, and more. Plus you can enjoy the views of Dhërmi Beach while you dine. Then you’ll want to swim in that unreal turquoise water.
As golden hour sets in, head up to the old village for dinner at Zoe Hora, which is also a hotel. You don’t have to be a guest to dine here. However, we actually splurged and stayed the night at this stunning hotel. We got a room with a view for around €360 a night but you can find cheaper rooms there too (you can book a stay at Zoe Hora here).
5. Komani Lake
Komani Lake is one of the best hidden gems in Albania. That’s why I was super sad to have missed it. I just couldn’t squeeze it into my 10 day Albania itinerary. But I hope to come back to Albania one day to see the North and pay a visit to Komani Lake.
Komani Lake is actually a man‑made reservoir in northern Albania, but you’d never guess it with its fjord‑like scenery, towering cliffs, and emerald waters.
The best way to get there is by taking the ferry from Komani to Fierza – expect narrow gorges and tiny remote villages along the shore. Most people base themselves in Shkodër and take a 1.5–2 hour minibus to the ferry terminal, making it an easy day trip.
You can also stop at the Shala River for a swim or lunch in a lakeside guesthouse if you join a tour.
6. Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër is known as the “Stone City,” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Coming here will instantly transport you back in time as you walk through the streets full of beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture.
The town is on a hillside overlooking the Drino Valley and you will find endless cobbled streets with a beautiful mountain backdrop.
In just one day, you can explore the Gjirokastër Castle, which has panoramic views of the town. Wander through the old bazaar to shop for handmade crafts and souvenirs. We also stopped at a traditional restaurant called Restaurant Gjoça Tradicional to try Albanian specialties like qofte (meatballs) and byrek.
Don’t miss visiting the Obelisk for even more views of the city – it’s a bit of a hidden gem. Gjirokastër’s charm lies in its mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery—making it a must-visit stop on your Albanian adventure.
7. Tirana
Tirana wasn’t at the top of my list when thinking of the best places to visit in Albania. Despite it being Albania’s capital, I heard it was not very worthy of visiting. That’s because initially it isn’t the prettiest place you will discover in Albania. However, it has so much appeal and is really trending upward. Some are even starting to call it the NY of Europe. This isn’t because it’s huge or that similar in looks. While you will find a lot of skyscrapers here, the city is alive at night and chaotic with all the traffic and cars going around in the city center.
You will find endless nice cafes and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy time outside. Some of the best things to do here include exploring the Blloku neighborhood for its trendy bars and restaurants, strolling through Skanderbeg Square, riding the Dajti Express cable car for views of the city, and checking out the Bunk’Art museums.
Read my full guide on the best things to do in Tirana!
Where I’d Skip in Albania & Why
1. The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye (near Sarande) was a bit of a disappointment for us. We visited on the way to Gjirokastër from Sarande, as it was on the way. In July, it was of course, super hot outside, and we walked about 40 minutes from the parking in the dire heat. Once we arrived to the Blue Eye, we saw this viewing platform of the beautiful blue stream. However, it was inundated with tourists, as you can see in the photo above. It felt like a long walk in the heat for nothing that exciting to be honest. You aren’t even allowed to swim here, but people were breaking the rules and doing it anyway.
We found out there’s a nice hiking path behind the viewing platform. You will need some good trainers for this hike, which might be a better escape from the crowds. There is also a train that takes you from the parking to the Blue Eye and vice versa for €3. We did this on the way back.
On my Albania trip, I ran into a few other tourists who also felt that the Blue Eye was not worth their time. But don’t rule it out if you have the time. I think you can have a lovely time if you plan a kayak trip or go early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Also, there is another Blue Eye in Theth – I haven’t gone there to advise if it’s worth it or not. But don’t get the two confused.
2. Sarande & Ksamil
Sarandë can be a convenient base to explore Ksamil and nearby attractions, but it’s become increasingly crowded and commercialized. If you’re after quieter, more authentic vibes, I’d recommend limiting your time here and instead staying in Himarë, which feels far more relaxed and less built up.
That said, there are a few gems worth checking out. Lekursi Castle, just outside of Sarandë, is perched on a hilltop with panoramic views—perfect for sunset drinks. In Ksamil, I had a beautiful dinner at Guvat, a restaurant right on the water with an unforgettable sunset backdrop.
Still, if your main goal is beach time and relaxation, I personally found both Sarandë and Ksamil a bit too touristy for my taste—especially in peak season. They’re worth a visit, but I wouldn’t linger too long.
3. Durrës
Photo by Árpád Czapp on Unsplash
One of Albania’s largest cities and a common entry point if you arrive by ferry, but honestly, the beaches are underwhelming and the vibe feels more industrial than inviting. It’s fine for a short stop, but I wouldn’t stay overnight.
4. Llogara Pass
Unless it’s already on your route, I’d skip it. The drive is steep and full of sharp curves, often with low visibility due to fog. The viewpoint is nice, but not worth a detour on its own—especially with better views along the coast. If you’re driving at night, I definetly would avoid as it could be dangerous.
5. Vlorë
This port city has some nice restaurants and is where the Riviera technically begins, but the beaches here aren’t the prettiest, and it lacks the charm of other coastal towns. We visited for a quick stop on the way to Berat from Himare. We found a random restaurant along the way with an incredible view.
For more reading, you may also like:
🌃 Best Things to do in Tirana
⛴️ How to take the Ferry from Corfu to Albania
🇦🇱 Albania 10 Day Itinerary
🍴Best Restaurants in Albania
🇬🇷 Corfu 7 Day Itinerary
