Albania is a small country located in the Balkan Peninsula and it's is Europe's best-kept secret. It has a rich history and culture with a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences.
The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Albanian Alps, picturesque blue water beaches like Ksmail beach, along with crystal-clear lakes like Lake Ohrid. Albania is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the the historic center of Berat, the Castle of Girokastra, and the ancient city of Butrint, the location of the stunning National Park of Butrint.
A place rich in history, culture and natural beauty, with dynamic festivals and local food markets you will never run of things to do and places to visit. The opportunities to experience all that Albania has to offer, run from outdoor adventures to visits to unique museums and thought-provoking art galleries.
Things to do in Albania run all year-round, with summer offering the chance to chill out at the most Instagrammable beaches like Ksamil Beach, and blue water lakes nestled by stunning waterfalls, like The Blue Eye of Theth. During the off-season, the best places are the historical town, mainly the mesmerizing historical town of Berat and Girokastra. During this time, the streets are empty, and you will have the unique opportunity to visit all main attractions, without the crowds, high prices and pictures without strangers.
The capital city of Tirana is a vibrant and dynamic city with a mix of traditional and modern architecture. It's a great place to explore the local cuisine, music, and art scene. Other notable cities include the coastal town of Saranda, the historic city of Shkodra, and the mountain town of Kruja.
Overall, Albania is a unique and charming destination that offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
Here are the Top 8 Things to do in Albania
1. Explore the bustling capital city of Tirana
Tirana is a vibrant and dynamic city with a mix of traditional and modern architecture. It's a great place to explore the local cuisine, music, and art scene. The city offers a wide range intrinsic museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants. For a good overview of Albania's history and culture, make sure to visit the National History Museum or take a stroll through the colorful streets of the Blloku neighborhood. For the authentic Albanian cuisine make sure to head The New bazar (Pazari i Ri), here you will find locally made food, drinks and crafts. make sure to save a few hours to spend on the bazar, as you will be amazed with all the shopping options.
2. Visit the ancient city of Butrint:
Butrint is an ancient city that dates back to the 8th century BC. The city is located on the coast of the Ionian Sea and was an important trading center during the Roman Empire. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the city and see the impressive amphitheater and the Temple of Asclepius.
Enjoy an in-depth tour of this amazing ancient city surrounded by views of the Ionic sea. Explore the impressive architecture of Greek and Roman Art and be amazed by a medieval castle tucked in the serenity woods of this breathtaking national park. Make sure to take the opportunity to enjoy some Albanian cuisine, on the rooftop of this castle with views of the blue water of the Ionic Sea, this will be the highlight of your trip. For a private view of this picturesque site, visit in the winter, and you will have the whole place for yourself while still enjoying the lights of the sun shinning throughout the ancient ruins and fading on the sea-level horizon.
3. Relax on the Albanian Riviera:
The Albanian Riviera is a stretch of coastline along the Ionian Sea, and it is known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and stunning scenery. There are plenty of seaside towns to choose from, including Saranda, Dhermi, and Himara. The highlight of this region is no doubt the Ksmail beach, with its stunning blue waters. This beach is known as the Albania Madilves, due to its deep blue water, miles long natural beach and serene vibe. This is an awesome instagrammable beach, great for swimming and with to close it perfectly, it offers the options for full food and bar services. There is no reason to leave this place during the summer days.
4. Hike in the Albanian Alps
The Albanian Alps are a mountain range located in the northern part of the country, and they offer some of the best hiking in Europe. The Valbona Valley National Park is a popular destination for hikers, with its stunning landscapes and scenic trails. The hike to the highest peek takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, although it sounds like a long ride, on the way to the peak you will encounter the most beautiful scenery in the Balkans region.
5. Swim in The Blue Eye of Kaprre
The Blue Eye of Theth it's one of the most amazing attractions you will encounter will visiting the Northern region of Albania. It's located in Lower Keprre village, popular know as one of the most beautiful villages in the region of the Albanian Alps. While popular in the summer month, it's a year round attractions. For a quite and serene atmosphere, make sure to visit in the early Spring, and you will have this nature wonder all for yourself.
The hike to this wonderful waterfall, with deep blue waters takes approximately 3 hours, but it's totally worth the hike. you will be amazed at the this hidden gem, secretly tucked in the Albanian Alps.
6. Explore the Berat town and The Berat Castle:
The Berat Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important landmarks in Albania. The castle dates back to the 13th century and is located on a hill overlooking the town of Berat. Travel through time exploring all the intricacies of this magnificent castle. Complete the historical journey with a visit to the Onufri Museum. Make sure to stroll this UNESCO heritage city, including stops at the beautiful Gorica Bridge and the medieval city center. For local cuisine and handmade craft, make sure to visit their local market.
7. Visit the Blue Eye
The Blue Eye is a natural spring located in the south of Albania. The spring is known for its crystal-clear blue water and is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. This is one of the most popular attractions in the South of Albania, it's beautiful light turquoise river will stun anyone visiting.
8. Try Albanian cuisine
Albanian cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, and it features dishes such as fërgesë, tavë kosi, and burek. Don't forget to try the country's famous desert Petulla. While visiting the country, make sure to stick to small local restaurants, to ensure you try the best and authentic local cuisine, while supporting the small business. The local are extremely friendly, so make sure to ask your way around and you will find your way into the most amazing local cuisine, while paying much less when compared to popular restaurants around the touristic attractions. If you happen to be around Tirana or on your way to the south, make sure to drive to Lushjne and try their local Burek. There is a main restaurant located off the main street, highly popular with the locals. That places, is known to make the best Burek in all over the country. It's totally worth the stop, during your road trip.
Albania is a wonderful country and offers a variety of activities, from outdoor adventures, to connection with nature and the pleasures of witnessing the most wonderful wonders of mother nature. When visiting the small town, you will wonder through stunning historical cities and be amazed by the stunning architecture. Make sure to spend some time on the small towns and wonder on the narrow cobblestone streets of Berat and Girokastra, it will be as if you have entered a time machine and travelled back in history.
No matter where you go in Albania, you will have a wonderful time, with its beautiful nature, bustling cities, mesmerizing historical towns and warm hospitality. You will find yourself planning your next trip to this wonderful country, in no time.
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