Albania's Top Destinations: Mountains, Cities, and Coasts
Source:
@Ryan Shirley
17 places in Albania featured in a youtube post by Ryan Shirley, verified on Google Maps: Berat Castle, Llixhat e Bënjës, Castle of Gjirokastra, and 14 more.
Berat Castle
Place
4.7
Berat Castle is a historic fortress perched on a hill overlooking Berat, dating back to the 13th century with significant Byzantine and Ottoman architectural elements. The castle walls enclose a vibrant neighborhood with churches, mosques, and a museum. Exploring its ancient streets offers incredible views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Llixhat e Bënjës
Spa
4.6
The Benja Thermal Baths are a series of natural hot springs located about a 1.5-hour drive from Gjirokastër, known for their unique shape and surrounding Ottoman bridge. The main pool offers a relaxing experience, even if the water isn't always hot, and is surrounded by stunning canyon scenery. Visitors can also find more private thermal pools further into the canyon.
Castle of Gjirokastra
Castle
4.6
Gjirokastër Castle is a formidable fortress overlooking the city of Gjirokastër, believed to have been constructed in the 12th or 13th centuries. It features thick stone walls, impressive arched corridors, and an old clock tower offering panoramic views. The castle houses a weapons museum and provides a fascinating glimpse into the city's rich history.
Gjirokaster
Place
Gjirokastër is another historic city in Albania, about a 2.5-hour drive from Berat, renowned for its distinctive Ottoman architecture and dramatic setting. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, often called the "Stone City" due to its unique stone roofs. Its crowning feature is the impressive Gjirokastër Castle.
Ksamil
Place
Ksamil is a beautiful coastal town located just south of Sarandë, close to the Albanian-Greek border, a 30-minute drive away. It is famous for its stunning turquoise waters, picturesque small islands, and beautiful beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the small islets just offshore, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers.
Gjipe Beach
Beach
4.4
Gjipe Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach located at the base of a stunning canyon on the Albanian Riviera, accessible mainly by boat or a hike. It's known for its pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and relaxing. The dramatic canyon setting adds to its unique charm and allure.
Himara Castle
Place
4.5
Himara is a coastal town on the Albanian Riviera, offering stunning views and a great starting point for boat tours. Foti, who owns Himara Beach Hopping Tours, provides excellent boat trips to explore the area's beautiful coves and sea caves. The scenery along the coastline, with its massive mountains meeting the sea, is truly breathtaking.
Skanderbeg Square
Landmark
4.5
Skanderbeg Square is a large, central public square in Tirana, serving as a focal point of the city. It's a beautiful and expansive area, ideal for relaxing and observing city life. The square is surrounded by important buildings and is a great starting point for exploring Tirana.
Berat
Place
Berat is a historic city in Albania, located about two hours from Tirana, known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. It is often referred to as the "City of a Thousand Windows" due to its distinctive white Ottoman houses stacked on a hillside. Visitors can explore the charming Old Town and enjoy scenic views from the Gorica Bridge or Berat Castle.
Sarandë
Place
Sarandë is a scenic coastal city on the Albanian Riviera, serving as a popular base for exploring the surrounding region. It's known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant promenade, and easy access to nearby attractions within an hour's drive. The city offers a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants and cafes overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Tirana
Place
Tirana is the capital and largest city of Albania, serving as a central hub for travelers flying into the country. Founded in 1614, it's a beautiful area with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for exploring for a day or two. The city offers a mix of historical sites and modern developments, making it an interesting stop for visitors.
Corfu
Natural feature
4.7
Corfu is a Greek island located across from Ksamil, accessible by ferry from Sarandë, making it a popular day trip destination. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lush green landscapes. Visitors can explore charming villages, historical sites, and enjoy the clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
Theth
Place
Theth is a village in the Albanian Alps, known for its stunning mountain scenery, clean rivers, and unique stone church built in 1892. Visitors can enjoy swimming in crystal-clear natural pools and exploring cave-like chasms, with a rewarding moderate hike to the Blue Eye. The roads leading to Theth can be narrow at times, but the views are breathtaking.
Valbonë
Place
Valbona is an incredible Alpine valley in the Albanian mountains, known for its stunning natural beauty comparable to Theth. It's accessible by a scenic 4-6 hour drive from Shkodër, or a challenging 6-9 hour 16km hike from Theth, offering insane views along the way. The valley is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Komani Lake
Lake
4.6
Komani Lake is a stunning reservoir located about a 3-hour drive from Tirana, featuring breathtaking mountain scenery. The best way to experience the lake is by boat, with tours like Miki Tours offering rides through its impressive canyons. The area is particularly known for the Shala River, often compared to landscapes found in Southeast Asia.
Maja e Vajushës
Hiking area
5.0
Maja e Vajushës is a viewpoint located on the Albania-Montenegro border, offering one of the most incredible panoramic views of the Alps. Accessible via a 9km trek from Lepushë in Albania or Grebaje Valley in Montenegro, it rewards hikers with spectacular mountain vistas. This ridge-line offers an unforgettable experience for those willing to make the journey.
Shala River Boat tours
Tour agency
4.3
The Shala River is a picturesque river known for its incredibly clear, turquoise waters, reminiscent of landscapes in Southeast Asia. Located off Komani Lake, it can be reached by a 1-hour boat trip. The area features a pebbled beach with bars, restaurants, and hotels, offering opportunities for relaxing, swimming, and even jumping off a bridge.