The 11 Best Things to do in Albania in 2024

If you’re looking for a travel destination that’s not on everyone’s radar yet, we’d say Albania is still one of those hidden gems that might blow up really soon. Instagram and others have started showcasing the country more in the past couple of years, but trust me, it should be on your list for your European summer in 2024.

The experience here is more off-the-beaten-path compared to Greece or Italy, offering plenty of adventures, breathtaking beaches, quaint villages, and delectable food. We truly fell for the country, especially because the locals are exceptionally friendly – perhaps because they haven’t been overwhelmed by mass tourism yet?

We’ve explored both the northern mountains and the southern beaches of Albania, and we just had to share with you the best things to do in Albania in 2024!

The 11 Best Things to do in Albania in 2024

The Best Things to Do in Albania

Albania is a country full of surprises, with plenty of interesting things to do. Whether you’re a culture buff, nature lover, or adrenaline junkie, Albania has something for everyone. Here are our top picks:

You should absolutely visit the many beaches and beach towns in Albania, such as Ksamil, Saranda, and Himare. These idyllic spots offer crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and even water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving.

For a dose of history, head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Berat and Gjirokastra. Both are well-preserved ancient cities that offer a glimpse into Albania’s rich past.

Nature lovers will absolutely love the Albanian Alps, also known as the Accursed Mountains. These rugged and remote peaks offer incredible hiking opportunities and breathtaking views.

If you’re feeling adventurous, explore nature at Lumi i Shales, the Blue Eye, and try some of Albania’s amazing local cuisine.

1. Enjoy the Beauty of the Albanian Riviera

When you find yourself in Albania, one of the absolute must-do experiences is exploring the beautiful beaches of the Albanian Riviera. The sand is white, the water crystal clear, and the absence of waves makes it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Albania does have quite a few beaches (and we pretty much tried to visit them all!), which can make it tricky to choose the best ones. That’s where we step in with our personal top 3 favorite beaches in Albania.

Gjipe Beach: This gem stands out as our ultimate beach in Albania. Tucked away and surrounded by cliffs, it’s a picture-perfect spot. Though it’s gaining popularity among tourists, the journey to this beach is an adventure in itself – a 20-minute hike down a narrow and steep dirt road or a boat ride. To avoid the crowds, we suggest heading there early by car and making the hike down to have the beach to yourself before the crowds arrive.

Ksamil Beach: Yes, we’re aware that Ksamil Beach is a hot spot in Albania, hence the crowds even in the early hours. However, the beach’s beauty with its turquoise waters and fine sand is incredible. If you’re okay with a bit of hustle and bustle and don’t mind paying for a sunbed, this beach is definitely a top contender.

Himare Beach: When we visited Albania, our favorite little beach town was undoubtedly Himare. We had a pretty unique experience, particularly because we stayed at Pine Side Camp (which is a campground), which was absolutely magical. Himare, a small fishing village, isn’t as crowded with tourists as Ksamil, the food is fantastic, and there are several hidden beaches nearby, like Filikuri Beach, where you can enjoy a peaceful morning all to yourself.

2. Hiking Adventure from Theth to Valbona

One of our standout experiences, and perhaps the top must-do for us, was the hike from Valbona to Theth National Park, or vice versa in our case. Honestly, the direction doesn’t matter—either way, it’s breathtaking and one of the best things to do in Albania.

The hike in the northern Albania Alps typically takes between 8 to 12 hours, depending on your fitness level and how many breaks you take. It’s a 17km journey over a mountain ridge from one small Albanian town to another, packed with waterfalls, forests, rugged mountains, and fellow hikers along the way. While quite popular, most people trek from Valbona to Theth, which is why I suggest going the opposite way to enjoy a more private experience.

The hike itself is moderately challenging and offers four guesthouses en route, perfect for a hearty breakfast, lunch, or a refreshing beer. So, don’t worry if you’re not feeling super fit; it’s an excellent opportunity to step out of your comfort zone.

FYI: If you’re visiting during the off-season, keep an eye on the weather as it can get chilly in the Albanian Alps, with the possibility of snowfall.

Click here to check out our full guide on the Theth to Valbona Hike

3. Explore Berat, the Town of a Thousand Windows

Berat is one of those spots in Albania that holds a special place in our hearts and in our bellies. Honestly, the food and the wine here are amazing!

But back to the town itself – Berat is also known as the “town of a thousand windows” due to its unique architecture influenced by the Ottoman Empire. But honestly, it should be more accurately called the town of a thousand stairs. Yes, there are a lot of them, so when you book your accommodation, you better be careful and think twice if you want a great view because that will also mean carrying your suitcase up endless stairs and narrow cobbled streets.

However, the town itself, with its Ottoman houses, is insanely pretty and definitely comes recommended by us, not just for the good food but also for its rich history and cultural sites. So, make sure to include Berat in your itinerary!

4. Try the Local Albanian Food

Going out and trying the local food anywhere we go is definitely part of our travel experience, and Albania is no exception. In fact, trying all those yummy dishes is one of the best things to do in Albania! The meals are hearty, filling, and simply delicious! Here are a few dishes we highly recommend trying:

Byrek | Spinach Pie: This traditional Albanian pastry dish is made from thin layered dough and filled with spinach (or meat if you prefer). Trust us; you won’t be able to stop at just one slice. It’s also one of our favorite cheap eats as you can get them on the street for $1-2. (probably among the best things to do in Albania haha!)

Qofte | Meatballs: These are not your typical meatballs, as they’re made with a mix of beef and lamb seasoned with parsley, garlic, and other spices. We always get a bunch anywhere we go. They usually come on bread almost like a kebab.

Tave Kosi | Lamb in Yogurt Sauce: This dish is the perfect comfort food – slow-cooked lamb served in a rich and creamy yogurt sauce. If you make it to a proper Albanian restaurant, then it has to be ordered!

Fërgesë | Baked Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, this is the dish for you! It’s made with local cheese, peppers, and herbs, baked to perfection. It’s basically a dip or spread served with some bread and it’s our absolute favorite go-to starter anywhere we go.

5. Discover Albania’s Rich History in Tirana

It’s pretty likely you’ll end up in Tirana at some point during your Albania trip – mainly because that’s where the only international airport is. We hung out here when we arrived and then again for a few days before leaving ’cause we were really keen on checking out more of Albania’s culture and history.

Tirana is definitely a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to its appearance. On the one hand, you have the more modern and cosmopolitan city center with trendy cafes and restaurants, while on the other hand, you can still see remnants of its communist past with grey buildings. But if you look closely, there is a lot of beauty hidden in between.

It’s also the perfect spot to learn about Albania’s past and recent history. We highly recommend visiting the BunkArt museums in the city centre, which are housed in former bunkers built during the communist era. They offer a unique insight into the country’s past and are definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in history and politics.

FYI: Another amazing museum is the Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja, dedicated to Albania’s national hero. It’s about an hour and a half’s drive from Tirana, but we definitely recommend it for its beautiful location!

6. Discover the Charm of Gjirokaster

When you’re thinking about exploring Albania, make sure not to miss out on Berat and Gjirokaster, two awesome UNESCO World Heritage towns! If you’re short on time, just pick one because they both have a cool vibe. But if you’ve got the time, why not check out both?

Gjirokaster, down south near the Greek border, has a more castle-like feel compared to Berat. It sits on a hill, and most buildings are made of stone, earning it the title “city of stone.”

One thing you definitely cannot miss here is visiting the Gjirokaster Castle, which dates back to the 12th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. You can also visit the Ethnographic Museum, which showcases traditional Albanian life and culture.

No matter which town you choose to visit, both Berat and Gjirokaster offer a unique glimpse into Albania’s history and architecture. We highly recommend adding them to your itinerary!

7. Relax at Lumi i Shales

Alright, everyone, this spot is seriously one of the coolest and our absolute favorite in all of the country, making it one of the best things to do in Albania. Plus, you won’t see huge tourist crowds here, just some backpackers and adventurers.

Lumi I Shales is a stunning oasis along the Shala River in North Albania with a few guesthouses, a chill bar, sunbeds by the river, and the most breathtaking views.

Now, since it can get crowded with day tourists, you gotta plan this right for that ultimate relaxing vibe we’re aiming for. The best bet is to spend the night at places like Blini Park or Eagles Land. That way, you catch the sunset, and wake up to a serene sunrise without the day-trippers. Enjoy a peaceful brekkie and dinner in the dreamiest setting, kayak along the river, and unwind in tranquility on the riverside daybeds.

However,I do get that not everyone can stick around, so if you’re looking to join a guided tour, check out the best guides right here.

8. Discover the Mysteries of the Blue Eye

Another absolute beauty in Albania is the Blue Eye or Syri i Kaltër. It’s a natural spring with crystal-clear blue water that looks like something out of a fantasy movie. The water is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom, creating an optical illusion that makes it seem never-ending.

It’s definitely worth a visit and a great spot to cool off on a hot day. Plus, the surrounding nature is stunning, making it the perfect place for a picnic or just lounging around.

However, it does get super touristy down there, especially in high season. If you have a car, we recommend hitting the road as early as possible to catch the Blue Eye in a crowd-free state. Alternatively, try visiting later in the day when most of the crowds have left.

9. Discover the Wonders of Butrint National Park

Not too far away from Ksamil and the Blue Eye, you’ll find Butrint National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an ancient city dating back to the 4th century BC and offers a fascinating glimpse into Albania’s past and it is absolutely one of the best things to do in Albania.

You can wander around ancient ruins, temples, and theatres, from different time periods that have been preserved incredibly well. The park also has stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding mountains. We recommend hiring a guide to learn more about the history of Butrint and make the most out of your visit. But even if you don’t want to do that, just wandering through the ruins of Butrint National Park is well worth the day trip from Ksamil.

10. Take a trip to Corfu

When we landed in Saranda, we finally realized how close Greece really is to Albania, and let me tell you, it’s super close! The ferry ride from Saranda to Korfu only takes half an hour with the speed ferry and just over an hour for the normal/car ferry. It’s safe to say we got a bit sidetracked and spent a weekend in Korfu, which turned out to be one of our best decisions.

Albania can be a bit rough around the edges at times, but once you hop on that ferry to Korfu, Greece, you’re immediately greeted by that amazing European summer vibe. The roads and houses are absolutely stunning, the food is mouthwatering, the sun is scorching, and in general, the whole island is just absolutely mind-blowing.

So, for all of you traveling to Albania and haven’t had the chance to visit Greece yet, this is like your golden ticket to get a sneak peek. Don’t forget to check out our guides on how to spend three days in Korfu and on how to get from Albania to Korfu to totally rock your trip.

11. Exploring Mount Dajti National Park

Right next to Tirana, you’ll find Mount Dajti National Park, perfect for a day trip if you’re staying in the capital and want to escape the city for a while. There are many activities to choose from, such as hiking, horseback riding, or taking a cable car ride up to the top of the mountain for stunning views.

Hiking here is definitely less of a commitment than the big hike from Theth to Valbona, making it ideal for anyone who wants to experience the Albanian mountains without heading to the northern regions of the country Albania.

The cherry on top is that in winter, you can go skiing right here in Tirana! How cool is that? So, if you’re visiting during the colder months, make sure to pack your ski gear and hit the slopes at Dajti.

The Best Things to do in Albania in 2024 – Frequently Asked Questions

🚗 What’s the best way to get around Albania?

When it comes to getting around in Albania, the best way by far is with a car. Renting a car is quite affordable and offers you the freedom to discover the country at your own pace. If you ever get the chance, I’d definitely recommend it, especially since public transportation in Albania isn’t the greatest yet due to the lack of tourists and infrastructure.

🏖️ What’s the best time of year to visit Albania?

Albania’s peak season falls during the European summer, with June, July, and August offering the best weather but drawing the most tourists. It’s important to note that Albania may not be fully equipped for large numbers of visitors during these times, so consider avoiding peak tourist seasons to fully enjoy the beaches and hotels without feeling overwhelmed. For a more tranquil experience, I recommend exploring Albania in April, May, September, or October when the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are more manageable.

🔒 Is Albania safe for travelers?

Absolutely! Albania is one of the safest countries in Europe and boasts a low crime rate. The locals are incredibly welcoming and friendly, making it easy for travelers to feel at home while exploring the country. However, like with any destination you visit, it’s always best to exercise common sense and take necessary precautions to stay safe during your trip.

🤔 What else should travelers know before visiting Albania?

I can’t stress enough the fact that Albania is beautiful, but it’s still very much up-and-coming as a tourist destination. Therefore, you’ll find that the country is not fully prepared for proper tourism. Many people don’t speak English, public transport isn’t great, the number of decent hotels is limited, and some areas may lack proper infrastructure. However, this just adds to the charm of visiting a place that’s still relatively untouched by mass tourism. Just be prepared for a more adventurous trip and embrace the local culture and way of life.

The best things to do in Albania in 2024 – Final Words

Needless to say, Albania holds a special place in our hearts as one of our favorite destinations. It’s not your typical polished and glamorous European summer spot. Albania is more rugged, offering a unique adventure experience – and that’s the beauty of it. If you’re up for stepping out of your comfort zone while still enjoying an off-the-beaten-path European summer, Albania is the perfect choice.

We adored Albania for its incredibly friendly locals (truly the friendliest we’ve encountered in any European country), stunning natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, and, of course, incredibly affordable prices. Our guide on ‘The best things to do in Albania in 2024’ aims to give you a taste of what this beautiful country has to offer. So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure when you visit Albania!

Girl on a Zebra