Albania Places to Visit

• Tirana — the capital. Trees and mountains surround the city. Mt. Dajt is a popular tourist site for a great view of the city.

• Berat — Thought to be one of the oldest towns in Albania, it is a new member of the UNESCO world heritage list. Berat has long been known as the "city of 1000 windows" because of its unique Ottoman/Albanian architecture. It has a well preserved castle with residents still living inside its protective walls.


• Gjirokaster — another UNESCO city, located in the south is known for its unique Ottoman period architecture. There is a large castle on the hill in the middle of the city which served as a jail for many generations. A Military Museum and Art Gallery are now located inside. Gjirokaster is also the birthplace of former communist Leader, Enver Hoxha, as well as Albania's most internationally famous author, Ismail Kadare, their homes now serve as museums.


• Korce (Korca) — Located in southeast Albania, several miles from the Greek border, this city is Albania's cultural capital. It is full of life during the summer when you can find couples and families strolling through the city's main park, Parku Rinia. You can hike to the top of the beautiful mountain Moravia and view the city and its surrounding landscape. Don't miss the Korca Brewery (famous throughout Albania) which sponsors a week long Beer Festival every August!


• Kruje (Kruje) — ancient city of the national hero Skanderbeg. It consists of beautiful mountains; Skanderbeg's castle is now a museum. Kruje also contains an old style bazaar with shops selling traditional goods amid cobblestone streets.


• Pogradec — Overshadowed by its glitzy neighbors on the Macedonian side of the lake, the town of Pogradec has been experiencing a revival recently.


• Sarande — a city in southern Albania known for its unforgettable beaches and colorful spring blooms.


• Shkodra — the biggest town in Northern Albania. The Rozafa Castle is a major tourist attraction here.


• Vlore — Lively seaside city, nice beaches south of town. Passenger ferries to and from Italy dock here

Other Places to Visit

• Albanian Alps — This mountainous complex on the north of the country forms the border between Albania and Montenegro. Rich on rainfalls, sheep, bare rocks and scenic views it is one of the places in Albania you should see. One of the places where you can be less than 10 km away from the nearest village and still have a day long trip there.


• Butrint — Largest archaeological site from Greek era in Albania. It lies on the coast in the southernmost tip of the country, near the Greek border. Minibuses are available from Saranda.


• Bylis — second largest archaeological site from Roman era in Albania


• Dhermi — one of the finest of the many beaches along the coastal road between Vlore and Saranda, perfect for camping.


• Lure National Park — a 1,280 hectare national park with high mountains, big meadows, and glacial lakes.


• Tomorr — Mountain ridge in the southern part of Albania, not far from Berat . This part of the country is formed by parallel mountain ridges (up to around 2000-2500 m) separated by valleys. Although the ridges are not very long, they offer few days of hiking with enormous scenic beauty and fantastic panoramic views. Tomorri is one of the most known ridges with a Bektash monastery and chapel on the very top.