Ready to visit Albania?

This Lesser-known European Country Has Stunning Beaches Like Greece and Alpine Towns Like Switzerland—but It’s Much Cheaper

Ready to visit Albania? Here's where to stay, what to see, and more.

By 

Stacey Leasca

 

Published on March 7, 2026

Albania Emblem Statue in Tirana, Albania.Credit: 

Mlenny / Getty Images

• Travelers seeking affordable European getaways are discovering Albania, a frequently overlooked nation on the Balkan Peninsula.
• The country offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and history, from UNESCO-recognized towns like Berat to the beaches of the Albanian Riviera.
• While best known for its coastline, Albania also boasts other incredible landscapes, like the mountainous Theth National Park and the Blue Eye spring.
  

It felt like I was getting to see and feel something I shouldn't. The water felt too warm, it was too blue, too clear, and there were too few other people around. As I tiptoed over the rocks, I let myself melt into the water, which had just the right touch of salt to make it ideal for floating. I looked up into the matching blue sky, hearing only the beating of my own heart in my ears. I closed my eyes and dove under, realizing then that paradise has another name: Albania. 

I went to Albania in early June for a summer vacation with my husband. But rather than just visit its famed beaches, we made certain to traverse inland sections and see Tirana, the capital city, to get a full view of what this nation is really like. And we loved every inch of it—almost as much as those who live there.

"Albania is a hidden gem in Europe, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. From the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera to the rugged peaks of the Accursed Mountains, there's something for every traveler," Irida Shehu, the manager of the Manta hotel in Ksamil, shared.

Recently, Albania has been experiencing a bit of a travel boom as more people discover all its untouched glory—and its relatively affordable pricing, too. 

"Known for its crisp blue seas, untouched natural beauty, and historical sites, it's no wonder Albania is gaining momentum among travelers," said Taib Dzemidzic, a local Flash Pack Pack Leader. "The country is incredibly welcoming, and locals are known for their hospitality. The relatively low cost of living and traveling also means you can experience a lot without breaking the bank. It's an excellent choice for solo travel." 

Ready to experience it yourself? Here's everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Albania.

Towns to Explore

Old town district of Berat, Albania.

Pintai Suchachaisri / Getty Images

Tirana

Tirana, the bustling capital of Albania, is a must-see. Visit one (or more) of its impressive museums, dine in its lively cafes, and have a drink at Nouvelle Vague, one of the World's 50 Best Bars. Spend a little time exploring the city's art scene, including the unique Bunk’Art museum, an old nuclear bunker turned into a gallery and history museum.

Berat

Known as the "City of a Thousand Windows," Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's worthy of a day trip from the capital. In Berat, travelers can explore its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and check out the hillside homes with their distinctive windows. Can't-miss sites include Berat Castle, where you can also get a gorgeous panoramic view of the city below.

Shkodra

Located in the north near the Albanian Alps, Shkodra is one of the nation's oldest cities. This cultural hub is home to the hilltop Rozafa Castle, which dates back at least 1,000 years. The historic center offers charming cafes and museums like the Marubi National Museum of Photography, which showcases an impressive collection capturing Albania's past.

Where to Stay

Exterior of Manta resort in Albania.

Courtesy of Manta

Rogner Hotel, Tirana

The Rogner Hotel provides a luxury home base for visiting the nation's capital city. Along with well-appointed rooms, it offers modern amenities including a spa, a pool, and multiple dining options. Its central location is within easy walking distance of attractions like Skanderbeg Square. 

Maritim Marina Bay Resort & Casino, Vlore

Located along the picturesque coastline of Vlore, the Maritim Marina Bay Resort & Casino is another high-end escape, this time with panoramic ocean views. In addition to the resort's massive infinity-edge pool and beachfront lounge areas, the stylish rooms come with balconies so guests can soak up the sun in solitude. 

Hotel Mangalemi, Berat

Located in Berat, Hotel Mangalemi offers a glimpse of Albanian history. The hotel was built in the early 1990s from the ruins of an 18th-century mansion owned by a pasha during Ottoman rule. Inside, guests will find traditional furnishings and a restaurant serving authentic Albanian cuisine, while the outside includes a gorgeous patio shaded by old-growth olive trees. 

Manta Resort, Ksamil

There's no better spot to call home for a night or two in the south than Manta Resort. The hotel, located in the popular beach town of Ksamil, is tucked away in a private corner of the community, providing easy access to its famed nightlife and delicious restaurants, but just far away enough to offer the right amount of seclusion. And, thanks to its privileged location, the hotel has a small private beach on one side and a patio where guests can dive directly into the sea on the other. 

Things to Do

Hiker in Theth National Park in Albania.

Westend61 / Getty Images

Hike in Theth National Park.

Immerse yourself in nature at Theth National Park in the Albanian Alps. It's a destination beloved for its massive, craggy peaks, gorgeous waterfalls, and lush valleys. The park is tiny compared to other national parks around the globe, clocking in at just over 10 square miles, but it punches above its weight class with a fantastic array of plants and animals, including 50 species of birds.

See the Blue Eye.

Make your way to the opposite side of the country, to the southern town of Muzinë, to gaze into the Blue Eye, a natural spring boasting some of the bluest water in the world. The eye itself is actually a 164-foot-deep cave, which gives it a pupil-like dark center ringed by iris-esque electric blue waters. You're not supposed to swim here, though you will see people doing it. (And really, you may not want to, as the water is absolutely freezing.) Swimming also makes it harder to truly take in the colors, which are best appreciated from viewing areas surrounding the spring.

Walk through the City of Stone.

Gjirokastër, known as the "City of Stone," is a must-see for history lovers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in the southern region began as a single castle built in the fourth century and evolved into a small city by the 19th century. Today, visitors can still tour its founding castle and its Museum of Arms, stroll its cobblestone streets, and duck into its delicious restaurants serving traditional meals. 

Visit the National Archaeological Museum.

Get to know more about Albania's history at the National Archaeological Museum in Tirana. The first museum to open in the country following World War II, it's home to a collection of historic artifacts spanning the Stone Age to the Ottoman occupation, giving visitors a glimpse into every stage of the nation's past. 

Best Beaches

Beach in Ksamil, Albania.

Inna Luzan / Getty Images

Ksamil Beaches

Ksamil is the best-known beach destination in Albania for a reason: It's simply stunning. Here, travelers will find white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters. In the hotel area, visitors either have to stick to the beach in front of their accommodations or pay a small fee to grab a chair and an umbrella at neighboring beaches. But you can also find public beaches along the coast, including hidden spots down steep mountainsides that you may just be able to get all to yourself—at least for a little while. 

Dhermi Beach

About two hours north of Ksamil, travelers will find another sensational beachside setting in Dhermi. In fact, there's plenty of room for everyone here as Dhermi Beach is one of the longest on the Albanian Riviera. The beach offers a mix of pebbles and fine sand, so you're bound to find your preferred style of shoreline, and facilities like bathrooms and restaurants so you can relax all day long. 

Jale Beach

Looking for some peace and quiet? Bookended by rocky hills, Jale Beach, located just north of Himara, is known for its more intimate atmosphere. Calm waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. And though it's both quieter and smaller than the other area beaches, it still boasts a beach bar, so you can grab a snack.  

Best Time to Visit

Theth National Park in Albania.

Andrea Pistolesi / Getty Images

The best time to visit Albania, according to Shehu, is "during the spring, in April to June, and early autumn, September to October. These periods offer pleasant weather, ideal for exploring both the beaches and the mountains without the summer crowds." Visitors can expect temperatures ranging from the high 60s to mid-80s.

However, the summer high season in July and August has its own perks, including a party atmosphere at the beaches that will have you dancing all day and night. Just be prepared for temperatures—even by the coast—to hit close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

You may also want to time your visit with an annual event like the Tirana International Film Festival, held in the fall, or the South Outdoor Festival, a massive event featuring outdoor activities, music, and more that typically takes place in late spring. If you time your trip right, you could even attend the Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival, usually celebrated every five years in the historic city (the last iteration was in 2023).

How to Get There

Highway going through Tirana, Albania.

Bardhok Ndoji / Getty Images

By plane: The easiest way for international travelers to get to Albania is by flying into Tirana International Airport (TIA). The airport is connected to major European cities, with airlines like Lufthansa and Ryanair offering regular flights. Just be prepared for a layover if you're coming from the United States, as no airlines have a direct route to the country (yet). 

By ferry: Travelers already visiting Greece or Italy have the easy option of simply hopping on a ferry to Albania. There are several routes you can take, including ferries between Bari, Italy, and Durrës (which takes about nine hours) or between the Greek island of Corfu and Saranda (which takes about 30 minutes). 

By car: If you happen to be road-tripping through Europe, then getting to Albania is a breeze. Drivers can get into the country from Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece. The roads here are well-maintained. However, be ready for tight corners in the mountains and lots of traffic in the major cities. 

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