Country guide

Things to do in Albania

Tirana is Albania's natural base – a fast-changing capital that puts the country's biggest draws within day-trip range, from a UNESCO old town to Europe's least-crowded turquoise coastline.

1
Cities
4
Experiences

Tirana, Albania's capital, is less a single destination than the base that makes the rest of the country reachable in day trips. Berat, UNESCO-listed for its stacked Ottoman houses, and Kruja Castle, built around national hero Skanderbeg's stand against the Ottoman Empire, cover the country's layered history within a couple of hours' drive each.

Closer still, Bovilla Lake and Gamti Mountain pair an emerald reservoir with a short, steep hike, while the Albanian Riviera – the Blue Eye spring, Ksamil's islands and Sarandë – makes for a longer day trip south to a coastline that spent decades off-limits to ordinary Albanians under communism.

Choose a city

AlbaniaTiranaAlbania's capital, more a launchpad for a UNESCO hillside town, an alpine reservoir and turquoise coastline than a destination in itself.4 experiences→

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Base yourself in Tirana and day-trip out – Berat, Kruja Castle, Bovilla Lake and the Albanian Riviera are all reachable this way, without needing to change accommodation.