Things to Do in Albania: Our 10 Must-See Highlights

The 10 Most Beautiful Sights in Albania on a Map

For a quick overview of where each sight in Albania is located, we’ve marked them all on a map.

Albanian Alps

What do you need to know? Albania is a dream destination for mountain lovers. The Albanian Alps lie on the border with Kosovo & Montenegro, and the highest peaks rise above 8,200 feet. The most popular starting points for hikes in the mountains are the villages of Theth and Valbona. Both villages are connected by a trail: see it on Komoot.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! We completed the multi-day Peaks of the Balkans Trail through the Albanian Alps and were completely blown away by the mountain scenery.

Our tip: There are no ATMs or supermarkets in either Theth or Valbona. Make sure to bring enough cash. Most accommodations offer breakfast, dinner, and packed lunches — so you definitely won’t go hungry.

Our hotel pick: Guesthouse Gjin Thana (Theth)

Komani Lake

What do you need to know? Lake Komani is a 21-mile-long reservoir in the mountains, known for its brilliantly blue water. Ferries cross the lake daily, and the crossing ranks among the most scenic boat rides in Europe. In terms of looks, Komani Lake is somewhat reminiscent of the fjords in Norway or Milford Sound in New Zealand.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The landscapes and colors around Lake Komani are a true standout among things to do in Albania.

Our tip: You can easily combine Komani Lake with the Albanian Alps — for example, by hiking from Theth to Valbona and taking the ferry on the way back.

Book the boat ride on Komani Lake and the Shala River

Shkodra

What do you need to know? Shkodra is a city in northern Albania with plenty of highlights to offer. The stone bridge Ura e Mesit is especially beautiful — you can even swim beneath it. Other must-sees include Rozafa Castle, Albania’s oldest fortress, and the vast Lake Skadar, which extends partly into Montenegro.

Is it worth it? Yes! Within Shkodra itself, the shopping street Rruga Kole Idromeno is worth a stroll. Beyond that, the highlights mentioned above are the real draws — and they’re just a short distance outside the city.

Our tip: Shkodra is a cycling city. If you enjoy riding bikes, you can rent one cheaply in town and use it to explore the various points of interest. We biked to the castle, the Ura e Mesit Bridge, and Lake Skadar.

Our hotel pick: Çoçja Boutique Hotel

Tirana

What do you need to know? Tirana is Albania’s capital and the country’s political & economic hub. Top highlights include the Great Mosque, the Pyramid of Tirana, and Skanderbeg Square. If you want to escape the city buzz, your best bet is a day trip into the surrounding area — for example, up to Mount Dajti or out to Lake Bovilla.

Is it worth it? It’s okay. Tirana doesn’t have the most jaw-dropping attractions in Albania, but it’s still genuinely fascinating from a historical and cultural perspective.

Our tip: To learn more about the city and its history, join a Free Walking Tour in Tirana. Your guide will share plenty of interesting insider tips.

Our hotel pick: Hotel Boutique Restaurant Gloria

Berat

What do you need to know? Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a museum city, also known as the City of a Thousand Windows. What makes it so special is its well-preserved Ottoman architecture in the historic neighborhoods. Combined with the turquoise river flowing through town and a hilltop castle, Berat looks like something straight out of a picture book.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Berat is a seriously beautiful city. You can wander through the old neighborhoods, enjoy the panorama from the castle, and stroll along the river.

Our tip: If you’re looking for a great grill restaurant in Berat, we recommend Edi’s Grill in the new part of town.

Our hotel pick: GrandView Hotel

Osumi Canyon

What do you need to know? The Osumi Canyon is an 8-mile-long gorge south of Berat. A river runs through it that’s perfect for rafting. Above the canyon there are great vantage points, and you can do some really nice hiking here too. At its deepest point, the “Grand Canyon of Albania” drops about 490 feet.

Is it worth it? Yes! The Osumi Canyon makes for a great day trip from Berat — you can easily combine it with a visit to the Bogove Waterfall.

Book the guided tour to Osumi Canyon from Berat

Gjipe Beach & Canyon

What do you need to know? Gjipe Beach is one of our favorite beaches in Albania. It sits in the middle of unspoiled nature — specifically at the end of the Gjipe Canyon — and the water shines a gorgeous turquoise blue. You can park at the main road and hike two miles down along the canyon to the beach, or drive to the lower parking lot and walk 15 minutes from there.

Is it worth it? Yes! We did the two-mile hike from the main road. Along the way we had stunning views of the canyon and beach, and then cooled off in the water afterward. Totally worth it.

Our tip: Without a car, getting to Gjipe Beach can be tricky. A great alternative is a boat tour, where you can discover many stunning beaches and see the canyon from the water.

Book the boat tour along the Albanian Riviera

Gjirokastra

What do you need to know? Much like Berat, Gjirokastra is a place where you can admire stunning Ottoman architecture. The town, also known as the City of Stone, is built on a mountain slope and — in addition to its beautiful houses — offers lovely overlooks, bridges, and a castle.

Is it worth it? Yes! Gjirokastra fits perfectly into an Albania road trip or makes for a great day trip from Saranda.

Our hotel pick: Hotel Bebej Tradicional

Syri i Kaltër

What do you need to know? Syri i Kaltër means “Blue Eye” and is Albania’s most water-rich spring, with a flow of 212 cubic feet per second. It’s a karst spring and a genuinely fascinating geological phenomenon. Located beneath a mountain lake, it continuously bubbles cold, crystal-clear water upward, creating stunning shades of blue and green. Entry to the national park costs 50 lek (about 50 cents). Parking costs extra on top of that.

Is it worth it? Yes! The Blue Eye is worth visiting not only for the gorgeous color of the water, but also because it’s such a fascinating spot — especially if you’re into geography and natural wonders.

Our tip: If you’re staying in or around Saranda, you can easily combine a trip to the Blue Eye with a visit to Gjirokastra.

Book the day trip to Syri i Kaltër and Gjirokastra

Beaches near Saranda & Ksamil

What do you need to know? Albania’s southern coast is the number one destination for beach lovers. Near the towns of Saranda and Ksamil you’ll find many of Albania’s most beautiful beaches. Ksamil Beach is known for its turquoise-blue water, but it does get quite crowded. Shpella e Pëllumbave Beach is more of an under-the-radar pick.

Is it worth it? Yes, definitely — especially if you want a few days of relaxing on the beach. That said, we found this part of Albania to be quite touristy and not quite as authentic as other parts of the country.

Our tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, your best bet is to stay outside of Saranda and Ksamil. Things are much quieter there, and the beaches are far less packed.

Our hotel pick: Amar Seaside

General Tips for Sightseeing in Albania

Want to make the most of your trip? We’ve put together dedicated articles on important topics like safety and the best time to visit Albania.