15 Should-Do’s in Albania: Adventures and Points of interest

There are such a lot of incredible issues to do in Albania. Whether or not you’re keen on getting out in nature and taking off-the-beaten-track adventures or are extra of a metropolis particular person, Albania has you lined.

I spent 3 months exploring Albania as a digital nomad, and there was by no means a uninteresting second. There may be simply such quite a lot of various things to do, I beloved my time right here and positively plan to return.

Albania has turn into standard due to its attractive shoreline however it’s additionally made up of 70% mountain, which makes it a wonderful vacation spot for mountain climbing. There are numerous wonderful cities to discover, and the nation has an interesting historical past and tradition to study.

With a lot to find and so many issues to do in Albania, I assumed I’d put collectively a listing of my favorites.

Greatest Issues To Do in Albania

There are some unimaginable issues to do in Albania. It’s a rustic ready to be explored and combines cosmopolitan cities, beautiful countryside, and a few of the greatest seashores in Europe. Listed here are a few of my favourite issues to see in Albania.

1. Tirana Strolling Tour

Certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Albania is to take a strolling tour in Tirana. Albania has an interesting historical past, notably its comparatively latest communist previous.

This wonderful Tirana strolling tour guides you thru this nation’s lovely capital metropolis and its distinctive historical past. It’ll assist orientate you to discover Tirana by yourself and provide you with an appreciation and perception into the place Albania has come from and the place it’s going.

The three-hour strolling tour is fascinating, and the guides are very educated. They’ve lived by way of a part of the communist period in Albania, and so that you obtain a very concerned really feel for this era in Albanian historical past.

For me, this is among the greatest issues to do in Albania and it’s a superb technique to get to know this wonderful nation.

2. The Blue Eye

The Blue Eye in Albania is among the greatest pure vacationer points of interest in Albania. Situated within the south of the nation, the Blue Eye is a deep underwater spring that attracts up probably the most extremely blue water into the river and lake on the Blue Eye Nationwide Park.

The Blue Eye is understood to be greater than 50 meters deep. Its true depth is but to be found, because the drive of the water dashing to the floor prevents divers from getting any deeper.

To get to the Blue Eye, you’ll hike up by way of the Nationwide Park. It’s a comparatively straightforward stroll on a paved observe for round 2 kilometers. Whenever you get there, you’ll be greeted by the beautiful Blue Eye pure spring, surrounded by lush forest.

There’s a small present store and a restaurant close by. Over the Blue Eye, you’ll discover a viewing platform excellent for wonderful pictures or when you’re courageous sufficient, as a spot to dive from.

The water could be very recent, so it’s a terrific spot to chill off. That is completely considered one of my favourite issues to see in Albania.

3. Dajti Mountains

Tirana is surrounded by the imposing Dajti Mountains and you may head up into them, courtesy of the Dajti Specific cable automobile.

The cable automobile is situated to the north of Tirana and is a gorgeous journey up the mountains with unimaginable views again over Tirana. On the high of the cable automobile, you’ll discover quite a lot of actions and eating places. The Ballkoni Dajtit restaurant affords wonderful views from its glass partitions and accompanying viewpoints.

Should you get pleasure from mountain climbing, there are some incredible mountain climbing trails from the highest of the Dajti Specific which take you to the summit overlooking the cable automobile and Tirana past.

Or, mix a tour of the Dajti Mountains with a go to to the well-known Bunk’Artwork 1 museum – an unimaginable museum housed in disused bunkers. Mix a visit to each on this wonderful day tour from Tirana and tick off two of the highest issues to do in Albania in a single go.

4. Ksamil and The Albanian Riviera

Shifting away from the capital metropolis of Tirana, a visit to Albania wouldn’t be full with out a journey to the Albanian Riviera.

Ksamil is the middle of the Riviera and is among the most well-known Albania points of interest. The seashores at Ksamil are a few of the greatest in Europe and really Instagrammable. Right here, you’ll discover crystal-clear, blue water and white sand. The seashores are full of seashore bars, eating places, and water sports activities alternatives.

From the Ksamil seashores, you possibly can even head out to discover the islands simply offshore. Seize a kayak or jet-ski and escape the crowds in Ksamil on these uninhabited islands for a day of journey.

I primarily based myself in close by Sarandë, which implies you possibly can escape the crowds and profit from the wonderful bars and eating places shut by. You may even seize a ferry from Sarandë to Corfu for an unimaginable day journey from the Albanian Riviera.

The seashores in Ksamil need to be seen to be believed, and a visit to the Riviera is among the greatest issues to do round Albania.

5. Eat at a Native Zgara

Certainly one of my favourite issues to do in any nation is to get an actual style of native life, and there’s no higher manner to do that than by way of a rustic’s meals.

Probably the most genuine issues to do in Albania is to go to one of many many zgaras (grills) in Tirana and all through Albania. They serve a few of the greatest native meals within the nation.

From rooster kebabs and qoftes (native meatballs) to grilled peppers and scrumptious native salads, these little grill homes provide tasty, inexpensive, and genuine meals.

If you wish to go additional and actually perceive the meals and tradition of Albania, then I positively advocate this wonderful cooking tour. You’ll meet your information at a neighborhood market to gather elements earlier than turning your hand to a few of the native delicacies.

Meals is an effective way to get to know a rustic, and the meals in Albania is superb. Whether or not consuming or cooking, it’s among the finest issues to do in Albania for sure.

6. Discover the Stylish Neighborhood of Blloku

Blloku is a classy neighborhood in Tirana and is among the greatest issues to do in Albania at evening.

Essentially the most attention-grabbing factor about Blloku is its latest transformation. In the course of the communist period in Albania, Blloku was off-limits to residents of Tirana. It was a neighborhood reserved for communist get together members solely and residential to some lovely buildings.

For the reason that fall of communism, Blloku has been opened up and is now dwelling to a few of the coolest, trendiest, and greatest eating places and bars in Tirana. It’s turn into some of the cosmopolitan elements of Tirana and is certainly a spot to not be missed when visiting Tirana.

Head to the unimaginable museum-turned-bar Komiteti. It’s one of many coolest bars in Tirana and is packed filled with relics and artifacts from the communist period. Artigiano is an unimaginable Italian restaurant in Blloku and Period presents Albanian meals with a culinary twist.

Blloku is a superb go to in the course of the day and is among the greatest issues to do in Albania at evening because of its full of life nightlife.

7. Go to the Metropolis of 1,000 Home windows (One of many Greatest Issues To Do in Albania)

The attractive metropolis of Berat is understood affectionately as the town of 1,000 home windows. It’s a novel, UNESCO World Heritage Web site that will get its title from its Ottoman-style homes searching over Osum creating a shocking visible impact.

Berat is among the cultural facilities of Albania and is among the best-preserved historic cities for sightseeing in all of Albania.

Should you’re primarily based in Tirana, one of the best ways to go to Berat is on this highly-rated day tour to Berat. You’ll get pushed from Tirana and can go to a few of the most essential and spectacular sights in Berat. Your educated information will clarify the historical past of Berat and its significance to the previous of Albania.

You’ll take within the lovely Berat Citadel, the Crimson Mosque, and two of one of the best museums in Berat. You’ll additionally get an opportunity to have a standard Albanian lunch earlier than heading again to your lodge in Tirana. It’s a terrific day journey and a superb technique to go to some of the standard historic points of interest in Albania.

8. Go to Durrës

As some of the historical cities in Albania, a go to to Durrës is among the greatest issues to do in Albania. It’s packed filled with archeological finds, together with its spectacular Roman Amphitheater.

Durrës is fascinating because it combines its historical historical past with its location on the coast and all of the cosmopolitan points of interest you’d count on from Albania’s second metropolis.

Durrës seashore stretches for over 10 kilometers and options numerous bars, eating places, and accommodations serving it. It’s not fairly as wonderful because the seashores on the Albanian Riviera however it affords some nice options inside attain of Tirana.

Equally, the nightlife and meals scene in Durrës could be very cosmopolitan. It’s a enjoyable place to be primarily based for a day or two to get pleasure from some meals and the full of life bars that get together lengthy into the evening.

For a superb mixture of historical past, seashore, and get together, a visit to Durrës is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Albania.

9. Climbing the Accursed Mountains

Should you love mountain climbing then Albania is an unimaginable nation to go to with an enormous vary and number of mountain climbing routes accessible for all talents and ages.

For the top of mountain climbing in Albania and for skilled ramblers, the unimaginable mountain climbing path by way of the Accursed Mountains tops any listing of issues to do in Albania.

The Accursed Mountains, also called the Albanian Alps, provide a few of the most unimaginable surroundings and nature in Albania. The path begins near Tropoje and passes from one nationwide park in Valbona to a different in Theth and extends for over 30 kilometers. It’s an extended day journey and takes round 13 hours to finish.

It’s a difficult hike and I like to recommend robust strolling footwear and poles you probably have them. There are a few cafes to cease at in the course of the hike. Name into Cafe Simoni to refuel.

For adventurous hikers in search of one thing actually particular, the Accursed Mountain hike is completely among the finest issues to do in Albania.

10. Uncover Butrint Nationwide Park

Butrint Nationwide Park is situated within the south of Albania and is a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological website. It’s some of the standard vacationer points of interest in the entire of Albania, and it’s straightforward to see why.

Should you love historical historical past, then discovering Butrint Nationwide Park can be an interesting journey. Butrint has been inhabited since prehistoric instances and has been occupied by the Greeks, the Romans, and the Venetians. Every has left their mark on this metropolis that’s nonetheless slowly being found by archaeologists.

Butrint sits on the sting of Lake Butrint and is surrounded by forests and water. Town itself was a jewel within the crown of the Roman Empire and was designated as a retirement spot for profitable Roman warriors.

Immediately, you possibly can discover the Roman Theatre, the Discussion board, the stays of the Nice Basilica, and the Venetian Citadel and Tower.

There’s additionally a museum on website that homes some unimaginable artifacts found from the colourful historical past of Butrint.

You may drive to Butrint, or when you’re primarily based in close by Sarandë then take this wonderful half-day tour to Butrint. It’s an interesting take a look at Albania’s historical previous.

11. Take a Wine Tasting Tour

Albania has some unimaginable wine, which maybe isn’t a shock when you think about its local weather and site on the Ionian Sea.

Lazli Bay is among the hottest wine-growing areas in Albania. Situated within the northwest of the nation, it’s round an hour from Tirana and 45 minutes from Durrës.

Right here, you’ll discover the great Duka Vineyard and Winery, which contains over 5 hectares of vineyards and beautiful views. Strive their well-known Duka Cupboard Sauvignon and remember the fact that no wine tasting in Albania is full with out some selfmade raki to complete.

If you wish to mix a day journey to Durrës with a wine-tasting tour of Lali Bay, then take a look at this full-day tour. From Tirana, you’ll take a guided tour of Durrës earlier than attending to pattern a few of Albania’s greatest wines.

12. Discover Gjirokaster

Should you’re within the south of the nation, then a go to to Gjirokaser is considered one of my most extremely rated issues to do in Albania.

This Ottoman metropolis is made almost solely of grey stone, perched up within the mountains. It’s free from automobiles with cobbled streets packed filled with boutique retailers, bars, and eating places. It’s so well-preserved it’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.

Above Gjirokaster is the fortress, which is certainly price a go to. It’s an interesting place that was first constructed by the Ottomans after which used in the course of the communist period as a jail. It’s well-preserved, attention-grabbing to discover, and affords some unimaginable views over Gjirokaster.

Should you’re in Gjirokaster, take into account a go to to The Barrels Winery for lunch or dinner. This family-run enterprise units tables within the vineyards and produces unimaginable seasonal meals and wine. The household is so welcoming and my go to right here was a magical expertise. It’s positively some of the romantic issues to do in Albania for {couples}.

13. Hike to Bovilla Lake

20 kilometers north of Tirana is the beautiful Bovilla Lake nestled within the Gamti Mountains. The lake itself is gorgeous with blue-green water and an unimaginable panorama surrounding it.

For those who need to get the blood pumping, you possibly can take a mountain climbing path from the lake up Mount Gamti. The hike itself takes round 3 hours to finish however you’ll be rewarded with a few of the most unimaginable views in Albania and you may even take a dip within the lake afterward to chill off!

Guests can both drive out to Lake Bovilla and sort out the hike themselves or take a guided tour from Tirana. I’d advocate a information because the route on the best way again down Mount Gamti is usually a little difficult to observe.

Whichever manner you select to discover, make sure to take loads of water and your cellphone for some wonderful images. A visit out to Lake Bovilla is among the greatest free issues to do in Albania.

14. Discover the Osumi Canyon

Osumi Canyon is nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Albania, and it’s some of the standard issues to do in Albania when visiting Berat.

The Osum river flows by way of this spectacular canyon and when you head right here in Spring, then the water ranges assist you to discover the whole canyon by water. You may hire a raft and paddle the size of the canyon, stopping on the numerous waterfalls alongside the best way.

It’s some of the enjoyable issues to do in Albania with children or in a bunch. Equally, if you would like extra of an adrenaline rush, then you possibly can have a attempt at some white water rafting. There are some wonderful excursions organized to Osumi Canyon, together with this day-long water tour from Berat.

Should you go to after summer time, the water ranges can have dropped, so rafting gained’t be attainable. Nevertheless, you possibly can nonetheless stroll across the high of the canyon for some nice views and cease off within the many swimming pools to chill off.

15. Embrace the Cafe Tradition

Among the finest methods to get to know a rustic is to cease and easily watch. That is an artwork type that Albania has right down to a tee.

The cafe tradition in Albania is incredible. There are cafes in every single place, and locals and vacationers alike fill them day and evening.

Certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Albania was to go out for a espresso and folks watch. I beloved the cafes across the New Bazaar in Tirana which offered the right spot to observe the world go by.

Equally, there are some unimaginable cafes to discover in Albania. Komiteti in Tirana is packed filled with relics from the communist period and the cafe chains are good too; Mulliri Vjeter and Mon Cherie are situated all around the nation, provide Wifi, and serve tasty espresso at nice costs.

Fast Journey Itineraries For Albania

If you wish to take advantage of your time, then listed below are my ideas of what to do in Albania throughout your journey.

1 Day in Albania Itinerary

Should you solely have sooner or later in Albania, then likelihood is you’ll be in Tirana. I like to recommend taking a morning strolling tour to get to know the town and the fascinating historical past of this nation. For individuals who love nature, use the afternoon to take the Dajti Specific up the mountains for unimaginable views over Tirana.

Alternatively, head into Bunk’Artwork 1 or Bunk’Artwork 2 museums to get to know extra in regards to the historical past of Albania throughout its communist interval.

Within the night, head to Blloku for a few of the greatest meals in Tirana and a few drinks in a few of the full of life bars (when you’re so inclined).

2-3 Days in Albania Itinerary

When you have a number of extra days accessible, then I like to recommend you base your self in Tirana. On the primary day, observe the 1-day itinerary above.

On the second day, take into account a day journey to Berat for an interesting tour of the town of 1,000 home windows. Whenever you get again to Tirana, head to the New Bazaar for a espresso or a drink and embrace the native tradition within the space.

On the third day, take into account a day journey to close by Durrës to discover the second metropolis and its historical historical past. You may mix this with a wine-tasting journey to Lazli Bay for the final word day of historical past and tradition.

1 Week in Albania Itinerary

When you have per week to journey Albania, then begin in Tirana and observe the itinerary above. After that, I’d head right down to Sarandë for the remainder of the week.

From Sarandë, go to the unimaginable Ksamil seashores simply 20 minutes down the highway. This provides you with a while to work in your tan and is a pleasant mid-week break from sightseeing.

For the remainder of the week, take into account heading to Butrint Nationwide Park, the Blue Eye, and Gjirokaster. All of those are inside shut driving distance of Sarandë and the Albanian Riviera. You may even mix Ksamil, Butrint, and the Blue Eye on this good 1-day tour of the world.

Within the evenings in Sarandë, take a look at Haxhi Restaurant and head as much as Sarandë Citadel for dinner and drinks at sundown overlooking Sarandë Bay. In Gjirokaster, head to the homely Taverna Lani for an unimaginable meal and welcoming expertise.

Getting To Albania

The most typical technique to get to Albania is through its principal worldwide airport in Tirana. Flights are frequent from throughout Europe and can be found at excellent costs. From the airport, a 30-minute shuttle bus will take you into the guts of Tirana.

Alternatively, when you’re staying on the Greek island of Corfu, you possibly can take a ferry throughout to Sarandë in Albania to discover the wonderful seashores on the Albanian Riviera.

When you’re in Albania, one of the best ways to get round is by bus, by hiring a automobile, or by taking excursions. There isn’t an actual prepare community to talk of however small minibusses function between the foremost cities and run repeatedly. Taxis and automobile leases are comparatively low-cost and dependable.

Alternatively, excursions function from a lot of the principal cities and are wonderful, cost-effective, and stress-free methods to go to a few of the greatest issues to do in Albania.

Issues To Do in Albania: FAQs

Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Albania.

In Closing

I hope this submit offers you some inspiration for issues and locations to see in Albania. There are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do in Albania that you simply’re more likely to want to return repeatedly.

Whether or not you select an extended weekend or an extended 2-week tour, there’s lots to do on this fascinating nation. There are some unimaginable excursions to take and locations to find whether or not you’re keen on historical past, nature, or meals!

I hope you get pleasure from your time on this wonderful nation.

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