Explore the best places to visit in Albania, including Berat, Kruja, Thethi, Durres, and Tirana, with insider travel tips!
Albania might not be the first place that comes to mind for a European getaway, but after living here, we can confidently say it’s a must-visit. From wandering ancient towns and hiking the Albanian Alps to relaxing on quiet beaches and enjoying Tirana’s vibrant energy, we’ve fallen in love with this country. With something for every traveler, we genuinely believe Albania is one of Europe’s hidden gems.
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5 Best Places to Visit in Albania
Berat
We absolutely loved our time in Berat. It’s a city that feels like stepping into the past with its cobblestone streets and white Ottoman-style houses. One of the highlights was exploring Berat Castle, which dates back over 2,400 years. Perched on a hill, it offers incredible panoramic views of the city and the surrounding valley. You can either hike up or take a quick €8 taxi from the old town to get there. Once inside, we wandered through a small village and visited landmarks like the Church of the Holy Trinity and the ruins of the Red Mosque.
The castle itself is free to enter. We also loved strolling through Berat’s Old Town, famously known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” The unique architecture and river views were mesmerizing, and we enjoyed getting lost in the charming streets while meeting local stray cats and dogs. For the best view, we walked across the Varur Bridge, which gave us an amazing vantage point of Berat’s beauty, easily making it one of the best destinations Albania has to offer.
Top Things to Do:
- Berat Castle: Admission to the castle grounds is free.
- Old Town Stroll: Explore the Mangalem and Gorica quarters.
- Varur Bridge: Best spot for stunning city views.
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Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Berati Castle Hotel, nestled within the castle walls, offering a perfect mix of historical allure and contemporary convenience, along with stunning views of Berat.
- Breakfast: Included, tasty, with a castle view
- Location: Inside Berati Castle, scenic and historic
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, on-site restaurant
- Cost per night: Around €60–€80
For a more central stay, Hotel Borklad in the old town is also a great choice, with clean rooms, friendly staff, and a short walk to top attractions.
- Breakfast: Included, simple, and satisfying
- Location: Old Town Berat, walkable to main sights
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, friendly staff
- Cost per night: Around €40–€60
Eat at Homemade Food Lili’s
If you’re looking for an intimate dining experience, we can’t recommend Homemade Food Lili’s enough. This little gem is one of the best places to visit Albania if you want an authentic taste of local life, run by Lili and his wife, who offer an unforgettable home-cooked meal in their cozy home, accommodating only 12–16 guests. Lili was such a warm host, making us feel like part of the family from the moment we arrived.
His wife’s dishes were simply incredible, lamb baked in yogurt, stuffed eggplants, fried pork, and the amazing ricotta with tomato and egg sauce. Don’t forget to try the homemade red wine made by Lili’s father, and a complimentary shot of raki to end the meal. This experience made us even more grateful that we decided to visit Albania, as it was small, warm, and truly one-of-a-kind.
- Cost: Around €8 (~$8.75 USD) per person
- Hours: Daily except Sundays, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM (kitchen closes at 9 PM)
- Tip: Reservations are essential; book well in advance!
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Kruja
We took a quick one-night trip from Tirana to Kruja, and it quickly became one of our favorite getaways. We started our day at Kruja Castle, which offers stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Inside, you can explore the National Museum of Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, learning about Albania’s national hero.
Afterward, we wandered through the Kruja Bazaar (the #1 reason to visit Kruja, imo), where we picked up handmade crafts and chatted with friendly locals. They have some really cool vintage shops, too. I’m not good with knowing the whole legitimacy of those sorts of things, but loved the vibes regardless!
Top Things to Do:
- Kruja Castle: 9 AM – 5 PM | Free
- Skënderbeu Museum: Inside the castle | Separate entrance fee (200 Lek, €2)
- Kruja Bazaar: Free to explore | Great for souvenirs | Most shops open 9 AM – 6 PM
- Getting There: 1 hour by car from Tirana | Renting a car or private tour is best
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Where We Stayed
We stayed at an Airbnb that’s no longer open. But the Hotel Panorama looks stunning with the panoramic views of the mountains and the castle.
- Breakfast: Included, scenic terrace with mountain views
- Location: Near Kruja Castle, short walk to top sights
- Amenities: Spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, peaceful atmosphere
- Cost per night: Around €50–€70 (~$55–$75 USD)
Hotel Kruja, situated in the heart of the old town, is another excellent choice, offering easy access to the castle, bazaar, and restaurants, along with cozy rooms and exceptional service.
- Breakfast: Included, local-style
- Location: Central Old Town, steps from the bazaar and castle
- Amenities: Cozy rooms, warm hospitality, convenient location
- Cost per night: Around €40–€60 (~$43–$65 USD)
Thethi
Visiting Thethi National Park in the fall was an unforgettable experience. It’s one of the best places Albania has to offer, surrounded by mountains and vibrant autumn colors. The village felt like a step back in time. The traditional stone houses and peaceful atmosphere made it the perfect escape from city life. Despite some rain, the moody skies added to the charm.
One highlight was Kisha e Thethit (Thethi Church), a picturesque spot surrounded by meadows and dramatic peaks, especially magical in the morning mist. We also hiked to Grunas Waterfall, a stunning 30-meter cascade that is even more impressive in the rain, with a scenic trail that passes through forests and stone houses.
For nature lovers planning their Albania visit, and those seeking a peaceful, low-key destination, Theth is a must-visit, especially in fall when the foliage is at its peak. Friendly locals, fresh mountain air, and unforgettable sights make it one of the nicest places in Albania for a memorable trip.
Note: this used to be a rough road to visit Theth, but it is now nicely paved and an easy drive from Shkoder. There is just a little dirt road paths once you cross the river in town.
- Tip: Bring cash, no ATMs in the village
- Hiking Tip: Waterproof shoes are a good idea if it’s been raining
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Kompleksi Gjoni, a cozy, family-run guesthouse overlooking the village. While Theth is smaller compared to the bigger Albanian cities, the rooms were clean and comfy, the hosts were warm and helpful, and the homemade breakfast, with fresh bread, eggs, and jam, was a highlight. A simple, welcoming stay is perfect for hikers.
- Breakfast: Included, homemade, and hearty
- Location: Central Theth, close to trails
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, hot showers, traditional meals
- Cost per night: Around €30–€40 (~$32–$43 USD)
Durres & Golem
We spent a few relaxing days exploring Durres and Golem, and despite being separate areas, the long beach felt like one big coastal retreat. It’s definitely one of the prettiest places in Albania, and visiting in the off-season meant it was peaceful and quiet, perfect for a laid-back escape. We could easily imagine the lively summer vibe with busy beach bars and families enjoying the sun.
In Durres, we visited the ancient ruins, including the Durres Amphitheatre and the Venetian Tower, although both were closed during our visit. Even from the outside, the historical sites were impressive, offering us a glimpse into the past.
A standout experience was the Island Restaurant, located on a small island just off the coast, accessible via a wooden bridge. While it was closed for the season, we were allowed to walk around and enjoy the serene views. We also spotted a nearby campsite on the mainland that seemed perfect for a future trip and definitely one of the best places to visit in Albania during summer.
- Best Time to Visit: May–September for beach vibes
- Getting There: 40–60 min drive from Tirana
- Tip: If you visit off-season, lots of shops and cafés are closed, so have backups!
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Beach-Hopping in Golem, Qerret & Durres
We loved the variety of beaches along this coastal stretch, which truly showed us some of the Albania beautiful places. We stayed at the Supreme Hotel in Golem, right by Qerret Beach, which was calm and uncrowded, perfect for relaxation. Golem Beach had more energy, especially at sunset, when we enjoyed drinks at Bar Venezia. Durres Beach had a lively vibe, with hotels, loungers, and a long boardwalk lined with ice cream shops and cafés.
For a taste of local seafood, we visited The Oyster Restaurant on the Durres boardwalk, where we had the best grilled fish and baked oysters. The beachside restaurants offered fresh seafood platters and homemade wine at affordable prices, leaving us satisfied every time. It was a great reminder of how many beautiful places in Albania are waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re seeking peace or action, there’s a beach for everyone here.
- Beach Access: Free at most public beaches
- Lounger Rental: Around €5–€10 (~$5.50–$11 USD), depending on location
- Tip: Head to Golem for a quieter stay and better beach views
- Avg Meal Cost: Around €10–€15 (~$11–$16 USD)
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Supreme Hotel in Golem, right on Qerret Beach, and it was perfect for a relaxing getaway. The hotel was modern, clean, and comfortable, with a peaceful, local vibe. The staff was friendly, and the location made it easy to explore the coast. Breakfast was included, offering both local and continental options, making mornings even better.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, restaurant, beach access
- Breakfast: Included (local + continental options)
- Location: Qerret Beach, Golem
- Cost per night: Around €50–€70 (~$55–$75 USD)
Taste the best of Berat, our top 7 dining picks await!
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Tirana
Tirana quickly became one of our favorite cities in Albania, and it’s also where we’ve been living for a while now. The vibe here is a mix of modern energy and post-communist history, which lends the city a unique character. We love wandering through the streets and experiencing the lively atmosphere, with numerous street vendors, cafes, and a great mix of local culture and international influences. It’s easily one of the best places to visit in Albania in winter, thanks to its cozy cafés, festive lights, and mild weather.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend the whole day exploring, whether you’re checking out quirky architecture, relaxing in one of the city’s many parks, or soaking up the history at its museums. Tirana truly has something for everyone, whether you’re into food, history, or just people-watching in a park, and it’s definitely among the most beautiful places in Albania.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; spring and fall are perfect for the weather
- Getting Around: Walkable city center, and public transportation (buses)
- Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL), cash is preferred in most places but contactless payments are getting more popular
Skanderbeg Square & Tirana Park
Skanderbeg Square is the vibrant heart of Tirana, filled with locals, kids playing, and local events. Surrounded by historic sites such as the Et’hem Bej Mosque and the Clock Tower, it’s a perfect spot for taking photos and exploring. You can climb the Clock Tower for great views and admire the National Historical Museum’s mosaic. The iconic Skanderbeg Statue adds to the charm, and the nearby Adrion Bookstore is an excellent spot for English books. It’s definitely one of the top 10 places to visit in Albania.
- Skanderbeg Square: A bustling central spot surrounded by cultural landmarks
- Clock Tower: Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM | €2 (~$2.20 USD) entry fee for panoramic views
- Adrion Bookstore: Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM | Great selection of English books
Just a short walk away is Tirana Park, a peaceful escape featuring an artificial lake, cafes, and ample green space. We love walking by the lake, sipping coffee, and renting pedal boats in the warmer months. It’s a calm contrast to the city’s energy, making it the perfect place to relax, have a picnic, or go for a run.
- Tirana Park (Grand Park of Tirana): Free entry, open 24/7, best during daylight hours
- Tip: Grab a blanket and some snacks for a peaceful picnic at Tirana Park.
Is Tirana Worth Visiting? Here’s Why It Might Surprise You!
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Best Restaurants in Tirana
We had an amazing time sampling the best food Tirana has to offer, from cozy wine bars to upscale dining. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a fancy night out, these spots have something unique to offer. Here’s a rundown of our favorite places:
- Vena Vinoteka Wine Shop – A cozy wine bar where we sipped all-Albanian wines and enjoyed personalized tastings with light bites. It was the perfect spot for a relaxed evening.
- Terracotta – A true hidden gem with no menu, just daily specials based on fresh ingredients. The vibe was super homey, and Romeo, our server, made it even more special.
- Ceren Ismet Shehu – For a fine dining experience, this place blew us away. The set menu kept coming with surprises, and the fireplace room made it extra cozy.
- Salt Tirana – If you’re in the mood for sushi and cocktails, Salt is the place. We loved the modern vibe, and happy hour made it even better.
- OPA Greek Street Food – For a quick, delicious bite, we always went to OPA. Their chicken souvlaki and excellent sauces always hit the spot.
Wander. Explore. Fall in Love with Albania
Albania is full of hidden gems, from its historic sites to stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the ancient castles, relaxing by the crystal-clear beaches, or soaking in the mountain views, there’s something for every kind of traveler. We hope this guide helps you plan your adventure and discover the beauty of Albania for yourself, and maybe even inspire your next trip around the world!
Remember, the best experiences often come from those unexpected moments, so stay curious and let the journey surprise you. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram and share your Albanian adventures. We can’t wait to see what you discover! And if you’d like to stay updated on more travel tips, make sure to sign up for our newsletter. 📸🌟
