Albania

Travel Guide
Albania
Bordered by the Ionian and Adriatic seas, this Eastern European country has beautiful beaches, exquisite mountain scenery and fascinating museums.

After World War II, Albania was isolated behind the Iron Curtain under the communist leadership of Enver Hoxha. Starting in 1991 as the Cold War ended, visitors have once again been able to see the natural and manmade treasures of this fascinating country. Vacation here to explore Albania’s coastal region, mountain highlands and ancient castles.

The capital and largest city, Tirana, is in central Albania. Understand the region’s past from the ancient days of Illyria to modern times with a visit to the National History Museum. Abandoned bunkers from Hoxha’s regime provide the setting for Bunk’Art, which presents performance and visual arts examining the country’s communist legacy. View the area’s buildings, lakes, farmlands, foothills and distant snow-covered peaks as you ride the Dajti Ekspres cable car.

Near Albania’s southern border with Greece is the city of Saranda. Gaze out over the Ionian Sea at the pebbled Mirror Beach. Travel inland to the Blue Eye, a deep, naturally occurring spring of clear water with brilliant colors. At the ancient ruins of the Butrint UNESCO World Heritage Site, see archaeological evidence of its occupation since 50,000 B.C. including Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian artifacts.

At the very north of the country is Shkodra, where the Rozafa Castle dominates the horizon from the top of a hill. Learn about the legend of the human sacrifice that helped three brothers build it centuries ago. Ferry up Lake Koman to the Valbona Pass and trek in the Albanian Alps.

Find more castles across the country. The Kalaja or Berat Castle originated in the 4th century B.C., with medieval additions creating a wall with 24 towers encircling a town. Gjirokaster Castle was built in the 12th century, served as a prison in the mid-1900s and now houses an arms museum with relics from World War II and Albania’s fight for independence.

Fly to Rinas Airport near Tirana and travel around Albania by train, bus or car. Enjoy warm hospitality as you explore this small country.

Popular cities in Albania

Tirana
Tirana
Known for Cafes, Museums and Historical
Get away to Tirana! Enjoy the cafes, history, and opera.

Reasons to visit

  • Skanderbeg Square
  • Pyramid
  • Sheshi Skënderbej
Gjipe in Albanian Riviera offers undiscovered and spectacular canyon and a fabulous beach.
Himarë
Known for Small town, Kayaking and Countryside
Experience quaint Himarë: its kayaking, countryside, monuments, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Gjipe Beach
Durrës
Durrës
Known for Sea, Culture and Monuments
Escape to upscale Durrës! Enjoy its culture, monuments, and diving.
Sarandë
Sarandë
Known for Camping, Small town and Sandy beaches
Trip time! Discover the camping, archaeology, and island views in relaxing Sarandë.
The Ali Pasha Bridge is located near the beautiful town of Gjirokastra in Albania. You can easily hike there within 30 minutes and you can be pretty sure not to meet any other tourists.
The bridge was part of a larger aqueduct complex commissiones in the early 19th century by Ali Pasha of Tepelenë. Tje aqueducts fed the castle's cisterns with water from the Mount Sopot. Gjirokastra didn't have water at this time and Alia Pasha discerned the need of this structure.
The aqueduct was mostly destroyed in 1932, but this section remains.

#Gjirokastra #Albania #alipasha #Bridge #Architecture #Adventure #LocalSecrets #Trovember
Gjirokastër
Known for Castle, Ruins and Small town
Quaint Gjirokastër awaits: its castle, ruins, culture, and more!
Vlorë, Albania
#BeachTips
Vlorë
Known for Sea, Castle and Historical
Explore quaint Vlorë: its castle, oceanfront, ruins, and more!

Albania