Albania is a country with a rich, complex history and decades of isolation under a strict communist regime. Since opening up in the early 1990s, Albania has undergone a remarkable transformation. As a tourist destination, Albania remains somewhat under the radar, making it ideal for travelers seeking authenticity and fewer crowds.
In Albania, you can explore pristine beaches along the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, hike through dramatic landscapes in the Albanian Alps, enjoy nightlife, museums, and a buzzing café culture in the capital, or stroll through UNESCO-listed towns like Gjirokastër and Berat.
When visiting Albania, it’s helpful to know that infrastructure is still developing in some areas, but that’s part of the adventure. English is increasingly spoken, especially among younger generations and in tourist spots. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, culture, or just a more affordable Mediterranean experience, Albania delivers it all, and this blog will help you learn about some of the top destinations!
Tirana: A Capital in Color
Albania’s buzzing capital is vibrant, quirky, colorful, and full of surprises. Once isolated under communist rule, today Tirana boasts lively cafés, street art, and a youthful energy. Strolling through the city’s Skanderbeg Square, it is obvious that the city is full of culture and life, hosting nearly constant events and cultural exhibitions.
Formerly a gray, closed-off communist hub, Tirana now blends post-communist grit with Mediterranean charm, making it one of Europe’s most underrated capitals that is definitely worth exploring. With friendly locals and a rapidly growing food scene, it’s the perfect base for discovering Albania. After two full months in Tirana, I’m still left with a desire to go back for more.
Things not to miss in Tirana include Skanderbeg Square for culture and concerts, the Pyramid of Tirana for a workout and great citiy views, Dajti Adventure Park for a nature and animal fix close to the city, The Namazgah Mosque to see the biggest mosque in the Balkans, Blloku neighborhood for food and nightlife, the Bunk’Art museum for history, the Lake of Tirana for nature walks and cafes in the city, and the New Bazaar for shopping and snacks.
Tips for Tirana:
- Take a free walking tour: One of my top tips for getting to know a new location is to sign up for a free walking tour for your first or second day in a new place. This tip-based tour, led by passionate locals, is informative and entertaining, and allows you to get the context behind communist architecture, street art, and unique quirks of Tirana’s urban design.
- Tipping isn’t mandatory, but appreciated: Round up the bill or leave about 5–10% at restaurants and cafés if you’re happy with the service.
- Launguage: Albanian is one of the hardest languages I’ve ever encountered, and most people in the capital under 40 years old will speak decent english, but having a even a few local phrases goes a long way in showing respect when you travel, and locals appreciate effort- say “Mirëdita” (good day) or “Faleminderit” (thank you).
- Getting around: Tirana is a very walkable city, but if walking isn’t your style, the buses are easy to navigate using Google Maps and are very low-cost. Uber doesn’t exist in Albania, but an app called “Speed Taxi” works similarly to Uber and worked well for us during our stay.
- Don’t skip on Bunk’Art: Located inside a massive Cold War-era bunker beneath a mountain, Bunk’Art is one of the most unique museums in Europe. Housed in a vast underground nuclear bunker built for dictator Enver Hoxha and top officials, Bunk’Art combines history, art, and eerie atmosphere in a way that’s both chilling and fascinating. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the full museum, wear good shoes, and bring a jacket- the bunker stays cool underground even in the summer.
Theth: A Hidden Gem in the Albanian Alps
My favorite weekend trip we did while living in Tirana was going to Theth. Three of us rented a car for 3 days for about $130 USD and made the 170km drive to Theth on our own. The road to Theth has dramatically improved in recent years, and the road from Shkodër (a great half-way stopping point) to Theth is now completely paved, making this journey more manageable to navigate independently.
Despite the new road being fully paved, you should only drive this route in warmer months, due to rough road conditions in the winter. Keep in mind that even in the summer, this road is not ideal for nervous drivers due to thin lanes, limited guardrails, and tight switchbacks.
Theth is a fairytale mountain village tucked deep in the Albanian Alps known for its jaw-dropping natural beauty and old-world charm. Theth is home to the Theth National Park, the stunning Blue Eye spring, and the dramatic Grunas Waterfall. Many people come here to hike the iconic Valbona-to-Theth trail, one of the Balkans’ most beloved treks, but on our visit, we stuck to out-and-back trails that brought us back to our area of accommodations each night.
Stone houses, wooden fences, and endless mountain views make Theth a haven for nature lovers and adventurers seeking peace off the beaten path. If you’re chasing untamed landscapes and remote beauty, Theth is your destination. Surrounded by the dramatic Accursed Mountains, this village feels like stepping back in time.
Tips for Theth:
- Have plenty of cash and don’t rely on Wifi: The limited restaurants and bars in the area rarely accept cards, and even if they do, the internet isn’t reliable enough to ensure card machines are working. Don’t expect Wifi, or English-speaking- Theth is like going back to simpler times, so leave your laptop behind, turn on your out-of-office email signature, and embrace the calm, naturistic vibes.
- Dress comfortably and Pack layers: Theth is an outdoor region, dress comfortably and sporty so you can participate in everything the area has to offer. Be sure to also bring layers- we visited in the “warm” dry season (September), and the daytime temps were lovely, but at night we were all wearing multiple layers to be comfortable being outside.
- Stay at a local guesthouse: Want hearty home-cooked meals and authentic hospitality? We loved our stay at Guesthouse Dritan Tethorja where three of us shared a private en-suite room with individual twin-sized beds and a huge breakfast buffet, for less than $25 per person, per night.
Gjirokastër, Albania: The City of Stone and Story
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gjirokastër feels like a storybook, hilltop city where time seems to stand still. Nicknamed the “City of Stone,” its Ottoman-era architecture, unique slate-roofed houses, cobblestone streets, and fortress views make it a cultural gem. With its blend of history, architecture, and dramatic landscapes, Gjirokastër is a must-see for history lovers and culture seekers.
Things not to miss in Girokastër include the massive Gjirokastër Castle, which offers sweeping valley views and a Cold War-era spy plane on display; the Ethnographic Museum, located in the former home of dictator Enver Hoxha; and wandering through the Old Bazaar, a perfect place to buy handwoven textiles and traditional woodwork
Tips for Girokastër:
- Gjirokastër is very safe, even at night: It’s a small, quiet city where crime is rare, but as always, it’s smart to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded touristy areas.
- Gjirokastër is very walkable… but: Be ready for hills, and slippery cobblestones. The Old Town is best explored on foot, but it can be steep. Remember to wear comfortable clothing & sturdy shoes and to take breaks when navigating the uneven, steep paths. Absolutely avoid flip-flops or heels.
- Getting there: While you *can* drive to Gjirokastër, parking is very tricky, and the roads are excessively steep with tight corners. If you are not skilled in driving manual shift cars, on tight, steep roads, and parking in complicated spaces, I recommend taking one of the mini-buses from another city in order to visit Gjirokastër.
- Stay overnight: I recommend staying 1-2 nights at least to be able to enjoy the city with a relaxed pace and to experience the magical evening atmosphere as the day trippers leave.
Krujë: A Day Trip from Tirana Where History Comes Alive
Perched on a mountainside just 45 minutes from Tirana, Krujë is a small city steeped in national pride and history. It’s best known as the hometown of Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, who led resistance against the Ottomans. Just a short bus ride from Tirana, Krujë offers a window into Albania’s proud past with rich history and stunning views. It’s compact, charming, and makes for a perfect half-day or full-day cultural excursion.
Things not to miss in Krujë include the Krujë Castle ruins, with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside while telling the story of Albania’s resistance against the Ottomans; the Skanderbeg Museum, which offers deep insight into the country’s past; and the Old Bazaar, a narrow cobblestone street that is perfect for picking up traditional crafs and souvenirs including handmade rugs, antiques, copperware, and traditional hats.
Tips for Krujë:
- Haggling is okay, but be respectful: Vendors in the bazaar expect some negotiation, but do it with a smile. Buying a handmade souvenir also supports local families.
- Krujë is easy to reach from Tirana: It’s about 45-60 minutes by car or bus. If driving, be prepared for narrow, winding mountain roads, or take the minibus, which is cheap and frequent, but not always with a fixed schedule, so be prepared to be flexible.
- Plan your visit in the morning: Tour buses start rolling in around lunchtime, so go early to beat the crowds and the afternoon heat.
- Bring cash: Many of the small restaurants and bars don’t accept cards, and you’ll especially need cash for shopping in the bazaar.
Visiting Albania is a journey into a land of hidden gems, where ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and heartfelt hospitality come together in a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re trekking through the Albanian Alps, relaxing on the Riviera, or getting lost in the charm of historic towns, this country offers something special for every kind of traveler. Thank you for reading my blog- I hope it inspires you to dive into your next adventure!
If you have any questions, need personalized tips, or want some help planning your trip, feel free to contact me anytime. I’d love to help you explore this beautiful world we live in!
The Ambitious Passport 