Best Places to Visit in Albania: Our 7 Favorite Cities

The 7 Most Beautiful Places in Albania on a Map

So you can get a better overview of where the best places to visit in Albania are located, we’ve marked them on a map for you.

Berat

What you need to know: Berat is an absolute must-see in Albania. With its two historic old-town districts, the city looks like a living museum of Ottoman architecture. The turquoise Osumi River flows through the town, separating Berat’s two neighborhoods from each other. Throughout Berat you’ll find great restaurants and cafés where you can recharge after a day of sightseeing.

Highlights in Berat: The panorama from Berat Castle, the historic neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, and the Gorica Bridge over the Osumi River.

Restaurant tip: We ate at the grill restaurant Eni’s Grill and can highly recommend it.

Our hotel tip for Berat: GrandView Hotel

Gjirokastra

What you need to know: Just like Berat, Gjirokastra is a town set among hills where Ottoman culture is remarkably well preserved. With its many beautiful houses and stunning hillside setting, Gjirokastra is definitely one of the top places to visit in Albania.

Highlights in Gjirokastra: Wander through the old town, visit Gjirokastra Castle, and check out the Ali Pasha Bridge.

Personal tip: Combine your visit to Gjirokastra with a day trip to the natural phenomenon Syri i Kaltër — a karst spring beneath a lake. It’s seriously worth it.

Our hotel tip for Gjirokastra: Hotel Bebej Tradicional

Korça

What you need to know: Korça is known as the historic heart of Albania — in the 19th century, it was an important center of the Albanian national movement. Today, it’s a cool mix of charming historic architecture, impressive religious sites, and a lively urban energy that really surprised us.

Highlights in Korça: The lanes of the old quarter, the Korça Bazaar, and the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ are absolute standouts. The Mirahori Mosque and the National Museum of Medieval Art are also well worth your time.

Our hotel tip for Korça: IN Gallery Hotel & Spa

Shkodra

What you need to know: Shkodra is one of the largest cities in Albania, and we especially loved the pedestrian zone Rruga Kole Idromeno in the city center. Most of the other top attractions are a bit outside the center — but since Shkodra is super bike-friendly, exploring on two wheels is a great option.

Highlights in Shkodra: Don’t miss Albania’s oldest fortress — Rozafa — ride out to the massive Lake Shkodra, and take a swim in the river beneath the Ura e Mesit Bridge. Shkodra is also the gateway to the Albanian Alps: from here you can head to Theth and set off on the Peaks of the Balkans Trail.

Restaurant tip: We had a fantastic meal at the authentic “Bar Restorant Qilari” right in Shkodra’s pedestrian zone.

Our hotel tip for Shkodra: Çoçja Boutique Hotel

Tirana

What you need to know: Tirana is the largest city in Albania and the country’s economic hub. The capital isn’t classically pretty, but it’s genuinely fascinating — home to interesting museums and landmarks where you can learn a lot about Albanian culture. We really recommend joining a Tirana Free Walking Tour to get your bearings.

Highlights in Tirana: The Great Mosque was our personal favorite. Also worth seeing: Skanderbeg Square, the Pyramid of Tirana, and the Bunk’Art museums.

Personal tip: If Tirana feels too loud and hectic, take a stroll through Tirana Park — there’s even a lake where turtles live. A nice escape from the city buzz.

Our hotel tip for Tirana: Hotel Boutique Restaurant Gloria

Vlora

What you need to know: Vlora is, for us, the most beautiful coastal city in Albania. The historic center sits about 1.5 miles from the coast — stroll between rows of charming houses, then head to the beach to soak up the sun or treat yourself at a fish restaurant.

Highlights in Vlora: A wander through the old town, a walk along the beachside promenade, and the view from the Kuzum Baba lookout point.

Personal tip: We thought the area by the sea slightly south of the center was really beautiful. At “Tuneli” (open in Google Maps) you can catch a seriously stunning sunset.

Our hotel tip for Vlora: Ulcas Guest Huse

Tepelena

What you need to know: During our Albania road trip, Tepelena wasn’t on our radar at all — we made a spontaneous stop there. And we absolutely loved it! The town sits slightly above the beautiful Vjosa River, with stunning views of the water and the surrounding mountains at every turn.

Highlights in Tepelena: In town, the promenade along the Vjosa River and the Ali Pasha Bridge are worth seeing. We weren’t all that impressed by Tepelena Castle, but the Ali Pasha Aqueduct just outside of town is really cool.

Our hotel tip for Tepelena: Guesthouse Lord Byron

Which Cities in Albania Aren't Worth It?

There are some places in Albania that, in our opinion, aren’t worth a dedicated city trip. Of course, that’s always a bit subjective and depends on what you’re into.

These cities in Albania aren’t worth it for a city trip:

• Durres: It’s a popular destination near Tirana because it has the best sandy beaches in Albania. But we don’t really find the town itself worth seeing.
• Saranda: Also a popular coastal town with many dream beaches nearby. For a city trip, though, Saranda isn’t worth it. The same goes for the small town of Ksamil just south of Saranda.