Albania is a stunning land made up of soaring mountain peaks, gorgeous Mediterranean beaches and picturesque, quaint villages. With so much culture, beauty and incredible nature packed into one tiny country, people often get overwhelmed when trying to figure out what to see in Albania.
That’s why we wrote this blog post – if you’re wondering what the must see places in Albania are, we’ve got you covered.
These are the 11 best places to visit in Albania on your next trip to the Balkans, organized by geographic proximity so you can easily reach each one. If you want a full guide on what to see in Albania, check out our previous guide for what to see in Albania.
Without further ado, here’s where to go in Albania:
1. Albanian Night – Tirana
Local Culture | Interactive Evening Show | Handmade Albanian Souvenirs
Albanian Night is Tirana’s brand new cultural center teaching visitors all about Albanian culture through an interactive, humorous evening show that immerses participants in Albanian village life. This 2,500 square meter space is thoughtfully constructed with a blend of modern architecture and traditional Albanian techniques; during the show, you get to dress in traditional Albanian clothes and can even choose the dinner option to try traditional Albanian dishes from all over the country! Right next to Skanderbeg Square, the venue also hosts Albanian Bazaar, the largest souvenir hall in the Balkans; which is dedicated to Albanian craftsmanship and sells only handmade, high-quality products that make for memorable gifts and souvenirs.
(And if you’re curious about the what to do in Tirana while you’re in the capital, check our our previous post for the 15 best things to do in Tirana.)
2. Bovilla Lake – Near Tirana
Spectacular Lake Views | Grassy Picnic Area | Scenic Hiking
This water reservoir is located a bit under an hour away from Tirana and is a must see place in Albania: the colors in this region are absolutely irresistible, with a nearby platform providing the best spot to snap terrific pictures and the perfect spot to picnic and take in the view. You can spend the day in this area, choose to have lunch or dinner at a restaurant right off the road (the food is local and delicious) or opt to hike Gamti Peak, a trail taking 1.5-2 hours each way which takes you through a well-marked path lined with fragrant medicinal herbs and past friendly mountain goats. The view from the top of this peak is absolutely jaw-dropping and very much worth the effort!
3. The Castle of Berat
Medieval-Era Fort | UNESCO World Heritage Site | Scrumptious Local Cuisine
The Castle and old town of Berat are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making them one of the best places to visit in Albania. The vibe as you walk through this Ottoman-style town an hour and forty minutes away from Tirana is rustic and endearing, with locals still living within the fortification walls and selling handmade goods in the streets. Get lost in the meandering alleys of the Mangalem and Gorica quarters and enjoy the views of this town, called the “city of a thousand windows” due to its unique architecture and dazzling array of cascading houses. Check out our full guide on what to do in Berat in a day trip here, as well as recommendations for the best local food!
4. The Alpine Village of Theth
Typical Northern Albanian Village | Idyllic Greenery | Relaxing Atmosphere
Have you ever wanted to visit the Swiss or French Alps, but didn’t want to break the bank? You’re in luck – the Albanian Alps are just as impressive as their more northern European counterparts, but offer affordable stays and local, tasty food and sights! The village of Theth is North Albania’s most iconic and charming alpine village, offering welcoming homestays, amazing waterfalls, marvellous hiking trails and captivating natural sights. Consistently rated one of the best places to visit in Albania due to its wide array of things to do, check out our full guide to what to do in Theth before you head north!
5. The Blue Eye of Theth
Massive Water Spring | Electric-Blue Waters | Refreshing Summer Swim
Even if you aren’t a hiker, you can’t miss Theth’s most famous attraction – the Blue Eye. You can easily take a shuttle bus from Theth to nearby Nderlysaj for a few euros, get a coffee and start the short and pleasant journey to this huge watering hole that has drawn visitors from all over the globe. Its rare color and shape – the teardrop formation has given it its name, Syri i Kaltër – make it a must see place in Albania and a great swim spot in the summer.
6. Grama Bay – Karaburun Peninsula
Julius Caesar Landing Site | Gorgeous Cliffs | Crescent-Shaped Bay
History, natural beauty and epic panoramic views blend into one in Grama Bay, one of southern Albania’s most dramatic and singular beaches. This bay was the purported landing site of many well-known historical figures, including Julius Caesar, who used to sail across the sea to Albania to extract stone and marble from this and other beaches for use in Roman construction projects. You can still see their stamps on the cliff walls today! Grama is one of Albania’s most legendary beaches and offers plenty of photo-taking spots, as well as a protected bay for your essential leisurely swim under the hot Mediterranean sun.
7. Filikur Beach – Himarë
Virgin Beach | Awe-Inspiring Views | Serene and Secluded
After you visit Filikur Beach, you’ll understand why we think it’s the best beach in Albania – this pristine, untouched stretch of stony beach offers drop-dead gorgeous views of the Ionian Sea and striking shades of blue you won’t find elsewhere. You can access this beach by kayaking from Himarë or hiking down from Filikur Hill (a trek that involves a bit of ropework and slippery gravel, so wear good shoes). The beach here has no bars, music or infrastructure, making it an ideal escape into the wild.
8. Gjipe Canyon and Beach – Himarë
Easy Gorge Walk | Renowned Albanian Beach | Distinctive Landscape
If you love to hike, explore nature and get lost as you listen to birdsong, the Canyon and Beach of Gjipe are for you. This attraction is one of Albania’s most special natural sites, offering an enchanting walk along a calm river as well as lovely views of an unusually large gorge that carved its way out of the mountainside. The beach here is also a superb spot for long, lazy swims and is close to the famed Pigeon Cave, an enormous grotto that’s a more strenuous twenty-minute swim away. A bar and campground offer refreshments as well as space to sleep over in this can’t-miss spot!
9. The Castle of Gjirokastër
Majestic Castle | Historical Site | Best Museum in Albania
If you want to leave this reality and enter a fairytale-like medieval town that typifies the wealthy Ottoman-era merchant lifestyle many Albanians used to enjoy in the 1500s, put Gjirokastër on your list of places to visit in Albania! The town and Castle of Gjirokastër, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offer some of the most distinct architecture you’ll come across in the Balkans, with towerhouses and cobblestone-lined streets transporting you back in time. The castle is home to the country’s most detailed and impressive museum, outlining the history of Albania from the Bronze Age through the World Wars and the 21st century, and the views from its ramparts are to die for. Read our full guide for what to do in Gjirokastër in one day here.
10. Drymades Beach – Dhërmi
Upscale Beach Vibe | Great House Music | Top-Rated Albanian Beach
Those seeking an upscale and relaxed vibe by the sea have their pick of beach bars in southern Albania, with Drymades Beach offering the most luxurious and laidback spot to enjoy the Ionian in the Albanian Riviera. This beach is long, pebbly and utterly peaceful, offering uninterrupted stretches of azure waters and beach bars playing relaxed house music. Cocktails and food here are top-notch, so you can easily spend the entire day napping on a sunbed and dipping into the sea until sunset.
11. Benja Thermal Springs – Përmet
Warm Sulfur Springs | Views of Albanian Alps | Notable Ottoman Bridge
Last but not least, one of the best places to visit in Albania is the Benja Thermal Springs of Përmet, a unique geothermal pool that offers views of snow-capped mountains and a centuries-old Ottoman bridge. This pool area underwent major renovation and investment in 2026, making it more comfortable and easier to reach. The warm, mineral-enriched waters here are excellent for psoriasis and other skin conditions, and the nearby Langorica Canyon offers other, more secluded pools you can soak in, each one treating a different skin condition!
That’s it for the best places to visit in Albania. Whether you’re a history lover, beachgoer or cultural enthusiast wondering where to go in Albania, this country offers something for every type of traveler. We hope you fall in love with our country the way we have!
