18 Must-Do Things to Do in Albania (From Experience!)

Hello traveler, and welcome to your ultimate virtual tour around Albania! If you’re eager to discover this beautiful country but know very little about what it has to offer, I’ve got you!

In this article, I share the 18 best things to do in Albania to become familiar with its natural beauty, notable attractions, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine.

I’ll share some of my own experiences in the country, but also the fun stuff I found that other fellow travelers and dear friends of mine did, so you’re in for a treat!

Plus, I share practical tips on how to get around Albania and give you nice hotel options to kickstart your stay in the capital!

Quick picks for your stay

Here are the main things to book in advance:

• Join a walking tour around Tirana, the capital
• Tour Albania’s most authentic old city
• Go hiking in the beautiful countryside

And here are the best hotels in Tirana, the capital: Plaza Tirana (luxury), ART Hotel Tirana (mid-range), Tirana Backpacker Hostel (budget)

Enjoy this practical map highlighting all the points of interest in Albania. It will help you visualize your own itinerary more easily!

1. See the bunker museums of Tirana

Once in Tirana, you must check out its amazing network of underground bunkers!

The nuclear bunkers of Tirana, now the main museums in the city, were built to protect the nation in case of a nuclear attack during the Cold War. There are over 750,000 bunkers across the country!

The 2 main bunker museums in Tirana are BUNK’ART 1 and BUNK’ART 2. The latter is more popular and convenient since it’s in the very center of Tirana (map), while the first one is on the city’s outskirts.

The Bunk’Art 2 is actually the country’s main nuclear bunker. Plus, you’re in for an informative exhibition (captions available in English) that depicts the reality of the ex-communist regime in Albania run by Enver Hoxha from 1944 to 1985. This guy was so paranoid because he wasn’t really friends with any party during the Cold War and expected attacks from everyone, which is why he built all these bunkers!

The museum is also a general history museum of Albania, so you’ll learn stuff beyond the dark communist history.

There are usually no waiting lines to get in and no prior reservation is needed.

PRICE: 500 Leke (US$5.30)
NOTE: Not recommended for people who get claustrophobic

2. Take a cable car for panoramic Tirana views

If you’d like to see Tirana and its surroundings from above, the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car is an ideal option! It’ll take you 1613 meters (5291 feet) high to the nearby mountain, which is also a national park.

This place has it all – the most amazing sunset views, idyllic nature, delicious food, and even family-friendly activities like mini golf! Plus, it’s just a 20-minute cable car ride to the top.

Most visitors pair a cable car trip with a visit to the Bunker’Art 1 museum since they’re adjacent. Here’s an example of a full-day tour of the 2 attractions for around US$100 per person. Do note that it’s much cheaper to visit by yourself (you’d spend at most US$60 for the taxi ride to and from the center + entry tickets to the cable car + bunker).

GETTING THERE: Public bus (line Qender – Porcelan, blue bus) departing near the main square (map), via a tour or with a taxi. Detailed info available on the official website’s “Getting here” page.

TICKET PRICE: US$14.99

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3. Mingle with the locals in Skanderbeg Square in Tirana

Tirana’s main square (map) is called Skanderbeg, after the 15th-century National hero of Albania who fought against the Ottoman empire (that Albania also used to be part of).

This is the perfect starting point for walking tours of Tirana, exploring the city attractions, and just people-watching!

I recommend visiting both during the day and night since the square comes alive in the evening with music, lights, and street dancers!

We did a short 10-minute walk from the square to Tirana Castle (map) and loved the laid-back vibe with so many authentic coffee places. The is the ideal place to experience local Albanian culture at the start of your trip!

4. Taste Albania’s national dishes

Albania’s cuisine is savory, diverse, and definitely not vegan-friendly (sorry dear vegans!). From delicious cheese pastry to lamb dishes to milk cakes, everything I tried in Albania was delicious.

Here’s a short overview of must-try foods and where you can try them in Tirana:

• Byrek – phyllo dough pie with cheese, feta, or meat, sold in all bakeries
• Tavë Kosi – a traditional dish consisting of baked lamb with yogurt and eggs, try it in Oda Restaurant (map)
• Dolma – stuffed vegetables with minced meat, rice, and spice mixture, served in all traditional restaurants, including Oda
• Trilece – tri milk cake doesn’t originate in Albania, but it’s considered a national dessert, try it in Mon Amour pastry shop (map)
• Fresh seafood – daily fresh catch from the Adriatic Sea available all around the coast but also in Varkat restaurant in Tirana (map)
• Zgara – meat grilled to perfection, best to try in Zgara Supreme restaurant (map)

Overall, food is pretty affordable in Tirana and Albania as a whole. You can expect to pay around US$10 per person for a decent meal in an inexpensive restaurant. We visited a few years ago, and I don’t remember paying more than this for any meal we had.

If you’re a foodie and completely new to Albanian cuisine, I highly recommend this 5-hour combined walking and food tour of Tirana for US$72 per person:

5. Hike from Theth to Valbona

The next few attractions take us to Albania’s North region. This area is known for its amazing rugged mountains offering breathtaking views. If you’re into hiking, a few days in this region will blow you away!

The most popular hiking route here is from Theth, a small village and part of Theth National Park (map), to Valbona, another village 17 km (10.5 miles) from Theth.

You’ll be hiking the most beautiful route in the so-called Albanian Alps, and for most people, the hike takes around 7 hours (a lot of it is spent on taking stunning pictures).

You can do the hike independently or on a tour. For independent hikers, you need to drive or take organized mini buses to the start of the trail (they depart from Shkoder (map), the city closest to the trail). Daily buses are available from Tirana to Shkoder.

But I also found this great fully guided 3-day expedition (with a slightly upgraded route, incl. the beautiful Komani Lake) that seems like an adventurer’s dream, plus it covers transport from Tirana.

NOTE: Most hiking trails are closed from late October to May due to snow.

6. Take a scenic boat ride on the Komani Lake

I briefly touched on the stunning Komani Lake in the previous section, but this natural beauty deserves a spot of its own.

Komani (map) is an artificial lake in the north of the country known for its untouched nature with landscapes resembling those of Thailand’s Ko Phi Phi (I’m just quoting the impression of people who visited this place!).

The main attraction is the ferry ride on the lake that leads to the Shala River, pretty much as described in this tour. By the way, tours like this one (starting from US$67 per person) departing from nearby Shkoder are my recommendation! Unless you’re a seasoned driver who can handle the poor, rocky road leading to the ferry terminal.

7. Visit the impressive Rozafa Castle in Shkoder

The last stop on our virtual tour of the best things to do in Albania’s North is the captivating Rozafa Castle (map) in the city of Shkoder.

The oldest walls of this castle date from the 3rd century BC! The castle has such an important strategic location it was conquered by Illyrians, Romans, Venetians, and Ottomans.

You can stroll around the castle, visit a museum inside, and, best of all, soak in the beautiful panoramic views of Shkoder Lake and the nearby mountains.

GETTING THERE: If you feel energetic, take a short and nice 3.5-km (2.1-mile) bicycle ride from Shkoder’s city center (most Shkoder hotels rent them). Alternatively, take a municipal bus or taxi. Some people actually walk the distance because they don’t want to haggle with taxi drivers (just something to be aware of).

PRICE: 400 lek (US$4.30)

8. Travel back in time to Berat, the city of a thousand windows

As a history nerd, there’s nothing I love more than old and well-preserved cities. Walking through them makes me feel like I’m transported to another era. Berat (map) is one of those cities! Located 100 km (62 miles) south of Tirana, it’s a town that waits to be explored.

Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the City of Thousand Windows because the windows on its old buildings dominate the architectural landscape. It’s one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in the world.

You can crown your visit to Berat with a visit to the 13th-century Berat Castle (map), which offers nice panoramic views of the area! The entrance to the castle is free.

GETTING THERE: This organized day tour to Berat from Tirana starts from US$54 and is the ideal way to see this beautiful city for those traveling without a car. For independent travelers, a car ride to Berat takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes, while the bus takes around 2 hours. You can take a public bus from Tirana, which is pretty affordable (around US$3.5 one-way, paid on board in cash) and runs every half an hour.

9. Explore Albanian Riviera beaches and towns

Albanian Riviera refers to the coastal area between the cities of Vlore and Ksamil, and it’s a nice 100-km (62-mile) stretch of beaches and coastal towns ideal for seaside vacations by the Ionian Sea.

Albania’s northern coast lies by the Adriatic Sea, while the southern coast, known as the Riviera, lies by the Ionian Sea. The South Coast is far more beautiful.

The most popular resorts here include Saranda (map)and Ksamil (map), which are just a short 30-minute ride away from each other. Ksamil is famed for its surreal crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches, while Saranda is better for partygoers!

You’ll be amazed by how stunning the beaches here look, it feels like Maldives! They tend to get crowded, though, and you often have to pay for private loungers and umbrellas (around US$16 per day), but getting in early to secure a spot in one of the beach bars of Ksamil is so worth it!

GETTING THERE: A lot of tourists get to the area via ferry boat from Corfu, Greece, but it’s also possible to drive here from Tirana. The ride is around 5 hours, and you’ll be rewarded with scenic coastal views along the way!

10. Take a boat cruise from Saranda (but first visit the Lekursi Castle)

Saranda is a hotspot destination to explore by itself, I mean, just check out the Lekursi Castle (map), so stunning! Take a 9-minute taxi ride from the Old Town and enjoy the most charming sunset views in town! Plus, the entrance is free of charge!

But Saranda is also the town with the largest ferry terminal in the area, making it super popular for cruises on the sea!

Think boat trips to nearby Corfu, catamaran cruises, kayaking, or SUP tours. For those willing to go further, you can even catch a cruise around the Mediterranean here (to Dubrovnik in Croatia or Piraeus in Greece)! You’ll find tons of cruise agencies by the port, but Voyage agency (map) has the best reviews!

Also, check the MSC Cruises website for upcoming cruises from Saranda!

PRICE: From US$48 for day cruises

11. See the Blue Eye natural spring phenomenon

Blue Eye natural spring is one of the most stunning hidden gems in Albania! It’s located in the south of the country (just next to Riviera towns of Saranda and Ksamil), some 270 km (167 miles) south of Tirana.

The spring is called this because it looks like a human eye (it has a dark blue pupil in its center that is surrounded by light blue hues).

The water here is so clear you can see at least 50 meters (164 feet) in depth, which is the minimum estimated depth of this natural sight! Full depth until the bottom is still unknown as no one has reached it yet!

NOTE: Although it’s possible to swim in the Blue Eye, the water there is so cold you’ll probably be going out after a few seconds (even during the summer!)

GETTING THERE: This spring is best visited from Saranda, it’s just a 30-minute ride. Or, you can drive or take a tour from Tirana, in which case the ride is around 4 hours. Most of the tours to Blue Eye depart from Saranda and include stops at other nearby attractions. This is one of the best full-day options starting from US$77.

12. Visit Gjirokaster, the best-preserved Ottoman city in the Balkans

Remember how hyped I was about Berat, Albania’s old city from the Ottoman times? Well, they’ve got another one! Gjirokaster is located south of Berat (181 km or 112 miles from it) and 54 km (33 miles) northeast of Saranda.

The captivating landscape of roofs with flat-dressed stones has earned Gjirokaster the nickname “City of Stone.” This is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and today you can find traces of Greek, Byzantine, Ottoman, Sufi, and Albanian influences all over it!

Stroll by the charming bazaar, visit the timeless Castle (map), and try local delicacies like qifqi (baked rice balls with eggs and mint) for the ultimate Albanian experience!

GETTING THERE: It’s best to get here on a day tour from Saranda (like this one I already mentioned, with a visit to the Blue Eye as well). You can also drive in case you decide to go for car hire. Finally, a bus from Tirana to Gjirokaster takes 4 hours and costs around US$9.5.

13. Spend a day in the Butrint National Park

Yet another one of Albania’s UNESCO World Heritage sites is located just 18 km (11 mi) south of Saranda. Some national parks have exceptional natural beauty, and then others are considered important archaeological sites. Butrint National Park (map) is both!

From lagoons, wetlands, coastal waters, over 800 plant species, and 39 mammals to Roman amphitheaters and Christian ruins, there’s so much to explore here!

LOCAL’S TIP: Visit the park in early spring or late fall to avoid the crowds and intense heat.

Butrint National Park’s proximity to other natural and historical gems like the Blue Eye and Lekuresi Castle makes it great for day tours from Saranda. It won’t take more than two hours to explore Burtint! Again, this tour (I already mentioned it above) covers all these spots and starts at US$75, offering great value for money!

GETTING THERE: Multiple tours depart from Saranda, but you can also take a public bus or drive there yourself.

PRICE: 1000 lek (US$11)

14. Explore the countryside around Lake Bovilla

Lake Bovilla is set against stunning, lush mountain hills located less than 20 km (12 miles) from Tirana.

Known for exceptional mountain landscapes, picnic and birdwatching spots, and clear blue waters, it’s a popular destination for locals who want to get away from the fast life in the city and just enjoy being one with nature.

Lake Bovilla is an important water reservoir for Tirana. It supplies most of the city with fresh drinking water.

NOTE: Swimming in Lake Bovilla is only possible from May to September.

GETTING THERE: This day tour, starting at less than US$11, is the best and safest option to visit Lake Bovilla since the road there isn’t paved (it’s only suitable for SUVs). I mean, just imagine how bad it is when it takes one hour to pass 20 km! But it’s so worth it in the end!

15. Buy authentic souvenirs in Kruje’s Old Bazaar

Kruje (map) is a historic city located 32 km (20 mi) north of Tirana, and it’s one of the most attraction-packed small towns in the whole country!

I’ve heard so much about this town from friends who couldn’t recommend it enough. You have the charming Kruje Fortress (map), which was the center of Skenberbeg’s fighting against the Ottomans, and then the Skanderbeg Museum (map) where you can see artifacts and memorabilia from that time.

But my personal highlight of the town is its Old Bazaar, or Pazari i Vjetër (map) in Albanian! You can walk around surrounded by traditional Albanian homes, buy local handmade souvenirs (think ceramics, clothes, and other crafts), and soak in all the culture.

INSIDER’S TIP: Don’t buy anything at the first store because you’ll find the same items much cheaper in the next ones! Also, feel free to haggle (this goes for pretty much all bazaars in Albania).

I found an awesome day tour that takes you from Tirana to Kruje that starts at US$75 per person and includes hotel pickup and dropoff!

GETTING THERE: Take a day tour from Tirana, drive there, or take a public bus (they have multiple daily departures, price is less than US$2 one-way).

16. Go wine tasting in the countryside

Wine aficionados, unite! Vino has been made in Albania since ancient times, and modern-day winemakers here combine their expertise with old-world techniques to deliver a wide range of varieties with different flavors.

Kallmet prestigj is Albania’s most prestigious dry red wine made from the indigenous Kallmet grape variety.

The countryside of Durres (map), the largest coastal city on the Adriatic Sea, is one of the best wine regions of Albania, so this is where you want to be for some quality wine tasting!

Abaia Winery and Vineyard (map) is the most popular winery in Durres that offers wine tours and, apparently, serves the best meat to pair!

If you’d rather go wine tasting on a tour so you don’t have to worry about driving (recommended), this GYG Countryside Wine Tour with Food Tasting is awesome! They can pick you up from Durres or Tirana.

WINE-TASTING PRICE: From US$21 (without transport)

17. Soak in Albania’s thermal springs

If you thought that pristine beaches, rugged mountains, delicious wine, and ancient history sum up Albania, this is not the whole list yet! This Balkan country is also known for its therapeutic thermal springs rich in sulfur, magnesium, and calcium.

Known as Illixa in Albanian, the thermal baths in this region were used by the Romans and Ottomans and can be found in various locations.

FUN FACT: As opposed to natural parks, you can visit the thermal baths of Albania year-round! The water has a temperature of around 36°C (96.8°F). Imagine it in the winter overlooking snowy mountain tops or in summer when the vegetation is lush!

The most popular thermal bath is in Permet (map), located 93 km (58 miles) northeast of Saranda. This awesome private day tour takes you from Saranda to Gjirokaster Castle and then to the Permet baths for just US$95!

I read so many reviews from people who said that these thermal baths at Permet were the highlight of their trip! So it’s definitely worth checking out.

GETTING THERE: On a day tour from Saranda or by car. The road to the thermal baths is paved and there’s no need for an SUV. There’s also a large free parking space.

PRICE: Free of charge

18. Go canyoning in Osum Canyon

The last gem for the adventurers among my readers will take you to Osum Canyon (map), some 150 km (93 mi) south of Tirana.

Osun Canyon is actually a 26-km (16-mile) long river gorge with unique wildlife, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking views, ideal for rafting, canoeing, hiking, and swimming. I mean, if you just look at the pictures of this place, you’ll see why tourists love it!

IMPORTANT: You can only go rafting and canoeing here with a professional guide due to complex routes. It’s dangerous to go here alone, so don’t test your luck! All guest houses in the area can hook you up with a guide. You can join a tour like this one for less than US$85 with a transfer from Berat or join a tour offered by a local Berat agency that specializes in Osum Canyon tours.

GETTING THERE: Most people get here from Berat, which is an hour and a half away by car, and the road to here is nicely paved. If you don’t have a car, you can always take a tour.

PRICE: Free of charge

Where to stay in Tirana, the capital

Tirana is the ideal place to start your adventure in Albania. It’s a great base for day tours since many of the hidden gems are located nearby!

After visiting Tirana, you can always drive to other cities along the Riviera if you want to stay by the sea for a few days. I have a full guide on where to stay in Albania where I talk about all the different places where you can sleep, so make sure to check that to get a better picture!

For now, I’ll give you a head start and suggest the best hotels to kickstart your journey in Tirana:

Luxury (US$110 and up)

• Plaza Tirana – a top-rated 5-star hotel in the heart of Tirana just next to Skanderbeg Square, perfect for exploring the city while enjoying first-class service
• Marriott Hotel – another 5-star hotel a bit further from the city center, but still an excellent location, stunning views, and delicious buffet breakfast

Mid Range (US$55 – US$110)

• ART Hotel Tirana – the cutest mid-range hotel you’ll find in Tirana has free parking, colorful rooms, and an excellent location
• Rex Hotel Boutique – cozy and compact rooms with complimentary breakfast in the city center of Tirana

Budget (up to US$55)

• La Gioia Apartment – a great centrally-located apartment suitable for short and extended stays, best for couples
• Tirana Backpacker Hostel – mingle with fellow travelers in this friendly hostel with plenty of indoor and outdoor space

Practical Information

Now, I’ll share some practical information on how to get around and how to get the best SIM card deal, all from my personal experience!

How to get around Albania

TLDR: Rent a car (recommended), take public transport (buses), or go on tours

For most of its modern history, Albania was under a strict communist regime with a slightly paranoid leader. But what does this have to do with getting around in Albania today?

Well, this leader refused to make highways (or any decent roads, for that matter) because he thought that’d give an advantage to the enemy in case of a ground invasion. Yes, that’s the same guy who built all those bunkers from TTD #1 above!

So, as a result, today’s road infrastructure in Albania isn’t the best. By the 2000s, they built a small network of highways, including the one connecting Tirana and Durres, so you can expect to travel at decent speeds between major towns.

However, travel to most places I mentioned in the article will take more time than usual. For example, the distance from Tirana to Berat is 101 km (62 miles), and the travel time is around 2 hours.

You can rent a car, take public transport, or go on organized tours to get around the country. I think the best combination is car hire + tours for inaccessible places. I’d stay away from buses just because they are the least comfortable and bus stations around Albania are really not up to date! But more on that below.

Bus travel

We took a bus from Tirana to Durres, and the process looked something like this: We arrived at the main bus station (map) slightly outside of the city center, we were dropped here by a previous bus we took from Ohrid, Macedonia. We walked under the extreme heat with no shade around the terminal until we found the bus for Durres, entered the bus (which was late), bought the ticket with the driver (cash only), and departed.

The “bus terminals” in Tirana are technically large parking places with no shaded areas, just tourist agencies lined around, so if your bus is not there yet, you’ll have to wait in the sun.

TIP: If you’re traveling during the summer months and decide to use buses to get around, definitely have a hat, water, and sunscreen on while at the bus terminal.

Still, buses are very affordable in Albania and can take you to most places I talked about in the article for less than US$10 per ride.

Taxis

I don’t recommend booking taxi rides for getting around the country unless you have no other options. It’s best to use them to get from one place to the other inside one city.

Taxis in Tirana are very old-school and can scam you, especially if you take one at the airport. Normally, you shouldn’t pay more than US$20 for a ride from the airport to the city center.

I recommend booking a ride with the Patoko app that’s relatively new in Albania but kicked off pretty well. As far as I know, they’re the only ones that accept card payments for taxis in Tirana. Patoko is a local version of Uber (which doesn’t operate in Albania).

All about SIM cards

I’ll keep this one short but efficient: if you need a data plan for Albania, don’t buy local SIMs – get an eSIM instead!

Vodafone and ALB Telecom have stands at the Tirana airport and in most big cities, but I don’t recommend them. An eSIM is more convenient because you can set it all up before departure, so once you’re there, you can focus on other things instead of looking for a SIM card stand at the airport.

I use Airalo for all my international travels across Europe and Asia and have never run into an issue! You can get an Albania-only plan starting from US$4.50 for 1 GB of data or a regional eSIM, suitable for travels across multiple countries.

FAQs about things to do in Albania

Final thoughts on things to do in Albania

That’s it, my fellow adventurer! You’ve reached the end of my post on the best things to do in Albania. I hope it gave you a nice overview of the country’s highlights and that you’ll soon start planning your trip there!

I say hurry up and visit the place since it’s still relatively raw and not overcrowded with mass tourism! Of course, if you visit during the high season, make sure to book your hotels and tours in advance to secure the best deals.

Now, if you have any questions about Albania, share them in the comments below! I’d love to help!

Safe travels,

Darija

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