[ad_1]
There are such a lot of improbable issues to do in Albania. Whether or not you like getting out in nature and taking off-the-beaten-track adventures or are extra of a metropolis particular person, Albania has you coated.
I spent 3 months exploring Albania as a digital nomad, and there was by no means a boring second. There’s simply such a wide range of various things to do, I cherished my time right here and positively plan to return.
Albania has grow to be widespread due to its attractive shoreline but it surely’s additionally made up of 70% mountain, which makes it a wonderful vacation spot for mountain climbing. There are numerous superb 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 an inventory of my favorites.
Finest Issues To Do in Albania
There are some unbelievable issues to do in Albania. It’s a rustic ready to be explored and combines cosmopolitan cities, gorgeous countryside, and a number of the greatest seashores in Europe. Listed below are a few of my favourite issues to see in Albania.
1. Tirana Strolling Tour
One in all my favourite issues to do in Albania is to take a strolling tour in Tirana. Albania has an interesting historical past, significantly its comparatively latest communist previous.
This superb 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 offer you 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 a part of the communist period in Albania, and so that you obtain a extremely 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 an excellent method to get to know this superb nation.
2. The Blue Eye
The Blue Eye in Albania is among the greatest pure vacationer points of interest in Albania. Positioned 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 thought 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 the Nationwide Park. It’s a comparatively straightforward stroll on a paved observe for round 2 kilometers. While you get there, you’ll be greeted by the gorgeous 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 superb pictures or should 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 one among 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 automotive.
The cable automotive is positioned to the north of Tirana and is a good looking journey up the mountains with unbelievable views again over Tirana. On the prime of the cable automotive, you’ll discover a wide range of actions and eating places. The Ballkoni Dajtit restaurant provides superb views from its glass partitions and accompanying viewpoints.
For those who get pleasure from mountain climbing, there are some improbable mountain climbing trails from the highest of the Dajti Specific which take you to the summit overlooking the cable automotive and Tirana past.
Or, mix a tour of the Dajti Mountains with a go to to the well-known Bunk’Artwork 1 museum – an unbelievable museum housed in disused bunkers. Mix a visit to each on this glorious 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 and not using 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 number of the greatest in Europe and really Instagrammable. Right here, you’ll discover crystal-clear, blue water and white sand. The seashores are filled with seashore bars, eating places, and water sports activities alternatives.
From the Ksamil seashores, you’ll be able to 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 suggests you’ll be able to escape the crowds and profit from the superb bars and eating places shut by. You possibly can even seize a ferry from Sarandë to Corfu for an unbelievable 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
One in all my favourite issues to do in any nation is to get an actual style of native life, and there’s no higher approach to do that than by a rustic’s meals.
Some of the 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 number 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 supply tasty, reasonably priced, and genuine meals.
If you wish to go additional and actually perceive the meals and tradition of Albania, then I positively advocate this glorious cooking tour. You’ll meet your information at an area market to gather elements earlier than turning your hand to a number 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 stylish neighborhood in Tirana and is among the greatest issues to do in Albania at evening.
Probably the most fascinating factor about Blloku is its latest transformation. Through 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.
Because the fall of communism, Blloku has been opened up and is now dwelling to a number of the coolest, trendiest, and greatest eating places and bars in Tirana. It’s grow to be probably the most cosmopolitan components of Tirana and is certainly a spot to not be missed when visiting Tirana.
Head to the unbelievable museum-turned-bar Komiteti. It’s one of many coolest bars in Tirana and is packed stuffed with relics and artifacts from the communist period. Artigiano is an unbelievable 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 due to its vigorous nightlife.
7. Go to the Metropolis of 1,000 Home windows (One of many Finest Issues To Do in Albania)
The attractive metropolis of Berat is thought affectionately as town of 1,000 home windows. It’s a novel, UNESCO World Heritage Website 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.
For those who’re primarily based in Tirana, one of the simplest 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 number of the most necessary 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 the most effective 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 an excellent method to go to probably the most widespread historic points of interest in Albania.
8. Go to Durrës
As probably the most historic cities in Albania, a go to to Durrës is among the greatest issues to do in Albania. It’s packed stuffed with archeological finds, together with its spectacular Roman Amphitheater.
Durrës is fascinating because it combines its historic historical past with its location on the coast and all of the cosmopolitan points of interest you’d anticipate from Albania’s second metropolis.
Durrës seashore stretches for over 10 kilometers and options numerous bars, eating places, and lodges serving it. It’s not fairly as superb because the seashores on the Albanian Riviera but it surely provides 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 vigorous bars that get together lengthy into the evening.
For a very good mixture of historical past, seashore, and get together, a visit to Durrës is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Albania.
9. Mountaineering the Accursed Mountains
For those who love mountain climbing then Albania is an unbelievable nation to go to with an enormous vary and number of mountain climbing routes out there for all talents and ages.
For the top of mountain climbing in Albania and for knowledgeable ramblers, the unbelievable mountain climbing path by the Accursed Mountains tops any record of issues to do in Albania.
The Accursed Mountains, also referred to as the Albanian Alps, supply a number of the most unbelievable 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 a protracted day journey and takes round 13 hours to finish.
It’s a difficult hike and I like to recommend robust strolling sneakers 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 on the lookout for 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 positioned within the south of Albania and is a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological web site. It’s probably the most widespread vacationer points of interest in the entire of Albania, and it’s straightforward to see why.
For those who love historic historical past, then discovering Butrint Nationwide Park might 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.
Right now, you’ll be able to 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 web site that homes some unbelievable artifacts found from the colourful historical past of Butrint.
You possibly can drive to Butrint, or should you’re primarily based in close by Sarandë then take this glorious half-day tour to Butrint. It’s an interesting take a look at Albania’s historic previous.
11. Take a Wine Tasting Tour
Albania has some unbelievable 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. Positioned within the northwest of the nation, it’s round an hour from Tirana and 45 minutes from Durrës.
Right here, you’ll discover the fantastic Duka Vineyard and Winery, which contains over 5 hectares of vineyards and gorgeous views. Attempt their well-known Duka Cupboard Sauvignon and take into account that no wine tasting in Albania is full with out some do-it-yourself raki to complete.
If you wish to mix a day journey to Durrës with a wine-tasting tour of Lali Bay, then try 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
For those who’re within the south of the nation, then a go to to Gjirokaser is one among my most extremely rated issues to do in Albania.
This Ottoman metropolis is made practically completely of grey stone, perched up within the mountains. It’s free from automobiles with cobbled streets packed stuffed with boutique outlets, bars, and eating places. It’s so well-preserved it’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Above Gjirokaster is the fortress, which is certainly value 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, fascinating to discover, and provides some unbelievable views over Gjirokaster.
For those who’re in Gjirokaster, contemplate a go to to The Barrels Winery for lunch or dinner. This family-run enterprise units tables within the vineyards and produces unbelievable seasonal meals and wine. The household is so welcoming and my go to right here was a magical expertise. It’s positively probably the most romantic issues to do in Albania for {couples}.
13. Hike to Bovilla Lake
20 kilometers north of Tirana is the gorgeous Bovilla Lake nestled within the Gamti Mountains. The lake itself is gorgeous with blue-green water and an unbelievable panorama surrounding it.
For those who need to get the blood pumping, you’ll be able to 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 number of the most unbelievable 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 approach you select to discover, you’ll want to take loads of water and your telephone for some superb pictures. 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 probably the most widespread issues to do in Albania when visiting Berat.
The Osum river flows by this spectacular canyon and should you head right here in Spring, then the water ranges permit you to discover your complete canyon by water. You possibly can lease a raft and paddle the size of the canyon, stopping on the numerous waterfalls alongside the best way.
It’s probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Albania with children or in a gaggle. Equally, if you’d like extra of an adrenaline rush, then you’ll be able to have a strive at some white water rafting. There are some superb excursions organized to Osumi Canyon, together with this day-long water tour from Berat.
For those who go to after summer time, the water ranges can have dropped, so rafting gained’t be attainable. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to nonetheless stroll across the prime 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 all the way down to a tee.
The cafe tradition in Albania is improbable. There are cafes all over the place, and locals and vacationers alike fill them day and evening.
One in all my favourite issues to do in Albania was to go out for a espresso and other people watch. I cherished the cafes across the New Bazaar in Tirana which supplied the right spot to observe the world go by.
Equally, there are some unbelievable cafes to discover in Albania. Komiteti in Tirana is packed stuffed with relics from the communist period and the cafe chains are good too; Mulliri Vjeter and Mon Cherie are positioned all around the nation, supply Wifi, and serve tasty espresso at nice costs.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Albania
If you wish to profit from your time, then listed below are my options of what to do in Albania throughout your journey.
1 Day in Albania Itinerary
For those who solely have someday in Albania, then chances are high you’ll be in Tirana. I like to recommend taking a morning strolling tour to get to know 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 unbelievable 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 number of the greatest meals in Tirana and a few drinks in a number of the vigorous bars (should you’re so inclined).
2-3 Days in Albania Itinerary
When you have a number of extra days out there, 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, contemplate a day journey to Berat for an interesting tour of town of 1,000 home windows. While 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, contemplate a day journey to close by Durrës to discover the second metropolis and its historic historical past. You might mix this with a wine-tasting journey to Lazli Bay for the last word day of historical past and tradition.
1 Week in Albania Itinerary
When you have every week to journey Albania, then begin in Tirana and observe the itinerary above. After that, I’d head all the way down to Sarandë for the remainder of the week.
From Sarandë, go to the unbelievable Ksamil seashores simply 20 minutes down the street. This will provide you with a while to work in your tan and is a pleasant mid-week break from sightseeing.
For the remainder of the week, contemplate 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 possibly can even mix Ksamil, Butrint, and the Blue Eye on this good 1-day tour of the realm.
Within the evenings in Sarandë, try 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 unbelievable meal and welcoming expertise.
Getting To Albania
The most typical method to get to Albania is through its essential worldwide airport in Tirana. Flights are frequent from throughout Europe and can be found at superb costs. From the airport, a 30-minute shuttle bus will take you into the guts of Tirana.
Alternatively, should you’re staying on the Greek island of Corfu, you’ll be able to 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 simplest ways to get round is by bus, by hiring a automotive, or by taking excursions. There isn’t an actual practice community to talk of however small minibusses function between the key cities and run often. Taxis and automotive leases are comparatively low cost and dependable.
Alternatively, excursions function from a lot of the essential cities and are glorious, cost-effective, and stress-free methods to go to a number of the greatest issues to do in Albania.
Issues To Do in Albania: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Albania.
Albania is greatest recognized for its latest communist previous, and its unbelievable museums about this period. It’s additionally dwelling to a number of the greatest seashores in Europe.
I counsel the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October; both aspect of summer time, which is the busiest and hottest a part of the 12 months.
Completely! Albania is filled with fascinating historical past, gorgeous nature, unbelievable seashores, and cosmopolitan cities, making it the right getaway in Europe.
For those who want to discover Tirana, then a protracted weekend is enough to get a really feel for this nice metropolis. If you wish to go additional afield and benefit from the seashores and different superb issues to do in Albania, then finances two weeks to see the most effective of this fascinating nation.
Albania was completely secure after I visited. Tirana feels snug, even after darkish, and I didn’t encounter any points in any respect after I visited.
Visiting the unbelievable seashores on the Albanian Riviera is among the hottest issues to do in Albania.
Ksamil has the greatest seashores in Albania, positioned on the Albanian Riviera. You possibly can keep in Ksamil or in close by Sarandë to completely get pleasure from these seashores.
Head to an area zgara or grill in Albania and take a look at some grilled meats, together with qoftas (meatballs) or grilled greens and native salads.
In Closing
I hope this submit provides you some inspiration for issues and locations to see in Albania. There are such a lot of unbelievable issues to do in Albania that you simply’re more likely to want to return repeatedly.
Whether or not you select a protracted weekend or an extended 2-week tour, there’s loads to do on this fascinating nation. There are some unbelievable excursions to take and locations to find whether or not you like historical past, nature, or meals!
I hope you get pleasure from your time on this superb nation.
Like This Article? Pin it!
[ad_2]
