ALBANIA
For decades, Albania was Europe’s best-kept secret, tucked away in the Balkan Peninsula and shrouded in mystery. Today, it’s rapidly emerging as a must-visit destination, offering travelers an intoxicating blend of dramatic landscapes, ancient history, Mediterranean flavors, and genuine hospitality. If you’re seeking adventure, culture, and untouched beauty, here are the highlights that make travel to Albania truly unforgettable.
THE ALBANIAN RIVIERA
Albania boasts some of Europe’s most pristine and uncrowded beaches. The Albanian Riviera stretches from Vlorë to Sarandë, with turquoise waters, pebbled coves, and sun-soaked villages. Dhermi, Jale, and Ksamil are favorites for their crystal-clear seas and lively beach bars. For a quieter experience, hidden gems like Gjipe Beach, accessible only by foot or boat, offer tranquility and spectacular scenery.
+ HOTEL LIRO, VLORË
CAPTIVATING HISTORY
& ANCIENT RUINS
Albania’s past is woven from Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman threads. Explore the UNESCO-listed city of Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” with its hilltop castle and white Ottoman houses. Gjirokastër, another UNESCO gem, enchants with its stone architecture and imposing fortress. The ancient ruins of Butrint, set amidst wetlands and forests, reveal layers of civilizations dating back to the Greeks and Romans.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
If you love the great outdoors, Albania’s mountains are a paradise for hikers and adventure seekers. The Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Nemuna) in the north offer challenging treks, breathtaking panoramas, and traditional guesthouses in villages like Theth and Valbona. The Llogara Pass winds through lush forests and dramatic cliffs, providing unforgettable road trip views and access to coastal trails.
+ THETH VALLEY
WARM HOSPITALITY
Albania’s culture is a vibrant fusion of East and West, shaped by centuries of diverse influences. Albanians are renowned for their hospitality, or “besa,” a deep-rooted code of honor. Visitors are often welcomed like family, with homemade raki and fresh-baked byrek. Traditional music and dance, colorful bazaars, and lively festivals offer an authentic glimpse into local life.
Food in Albania is a delicious adventure in itself. Enjoy fresh seafood along the coast, hearty mountain fare inland, and farm-to-table cuisine everywhere in between. Don’t miss specialties like tave kosi (baked lamb with yogurt), fërgesë (pepper and cheese casserole), and baklava. Local markets brim with seasonal produce, olives, and honey, perfect for picnics or souvenirs.
+ PERSONAL NOTE
While traveling through Albania, my husband and I celebrated my birthday in Gjirokastër. We made reservations at a local restaurant and when the owner and his wife learned of our celebration, they bought me a birthday cake with candles and we spent the evening with their family sharing wine and learning traditional Albanian dances. It was one of our favorite memories traveling in the Balkans!
From sun-drenched beaches and wild mountains to historic towns and hearty cuisine, Albania offers a captivating travel playground for every type of explorer. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this Balkan beauty will surprise and delight at every turn. Pack your bags, Albania is calling!