Is it crowded here?
Albania is steadily becoming a mainstream tourist destination as more and more people from all over the world discover this formerly closed off Balkan gem that has so much to offer.
From otherworldly beaches to soaring mountain peaks to incredible cuisine, Albania is home to a rich and bold culture that provides a feast for all the senses. Whether you’re a backpacker looking to hike winding mountain passes or a beach bum who wants to tan on a glistening Mediterranean beach, this country has something for everyone.
And don’t forget its newest attraction, Albanian Night, an evening show that takes place at 19:00 every night where you can dress like an Albanian in traditional clothes and experience a reenacted Albanian wedding, right in the center of Tirana.
But don’t worry. All the mainstays of Albania are definitely worth your time – don’t miss our guide on what to do in Albania this summer – and this country still has plenty to offer curious travelers.
As Albania becomes better known internationally, we have received plenty of questions about the hidden gems of Albania that only locals know about.
We put together this guide to answer all your questions about Albania’s lesser-known gems. Buckle up for an insider’s view into the best hidden gems Albania offers, and what makes each one so special. From hidden Ottoman bridges to the Albanian Riviera’s least-known beaches to ancient lakeside villages the outside world seems to have forgotten, Albania has plenty of secret spots you should check out on your trip to the Balkans.
Without further ado, here are 7 hidden gems in Albania you need to see before they get too popular:
1. Ura e Bratit – The Bridge of Brataj
Ottoman-Era Bridge | Swimming Spot | Albanian Riviera Drive Pit Stop
If you’re driving from Tirana to the south, this bridge is an absolute must-see. Hailing from the Ottoman era, the centuries-old bridge of Brataj is an architectural masterpiece that’s set in one of the most picturesque and jaw-dropping landscapes in all of Albania. The Shushiçe River, which it crosses, is an electric shade of blue and is a great resting point on the long drive to the Albanian Riviera. Here, you can take some pictures under the bridge’s magnificent Ottoman arch and enjoy the serenity of Albania’s wilderness. The bridge can be accessed by parking right after the village ends and walking down the hill 5-10 minutes. The panoramas you’ll see on your way down are truly amazing; don’t miss them!
2. Upper Qeparo
Traditional Albanian Village | Gorgeous Views of the Ionian | Magical Sunset Spot
Most people head to Qeparo for the beach, but you absolutely must visit the original village located a 10-minute drive up the mountain, Upper Qeparo. Imagine walking through cobblestone streets in a reinvigorated Albanian village overlooking the Ionian Sea at sunset. It’s full of authentic Albanian restaurants that serve up traditional food at reasonable prices and gorgeous renovated villas with swimming pools overlooking Qeparo below. Since it’s isolated from the chaotic development of the beach town below, the pace of life here is slow and relaxed. This is the perfect place to stay a night or two in the Albanian Riviera away from the crowds and to enjoy epic sunsets that tinge everything with a gorgeous purple-pink hue as the day comes to its end.
3. Lukova Beach – The Secret Beauty of the Albanian Riviera
Less Touristy | More Affordable | Secret Coves & Beaches
Have you fallen in love with the Albanian Riviera, but want to avoid the crowds? Head to Lukova, home to a long stretch of beach with plenty of peaceful cafes and restaurants that don’t blast loud music and offer affordable amenities. Cueva Restaurant is a great spot to eat lunch after a day of lounging on the sand, and you can swim to nearby beaches from the edge of this beach for extra privacy and to enjoy the natural serenity of the Ionian away from the crowds. Accommodations in the village are slightly more affordable than in nearby Himarë and Dhërmi, and tourists here are more of a rarity.
4. Lin – An Ancient Lakeside Village
8,500 Year-Old Village | Alpine Lake Swimming | Gorgeous Views of Lake Ohrid
Did you know that Albania is home ot one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in all of Europe? Welcome to Lin, on the border with North Macedonia – a tiny and picturesque village that sits on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Scientists used radiocarbon dating to confirm this village was established around 6500 BC, and you can feel the history in every step you take through its alleys. The village is right on the water and is home to plenty of charming guesthouses that have views of the water. You can hike up to the top of the peninsula and get incredible views of the lake and surrounding mountains; and, if you’re lucky, you can view the Lin Mosaic, the ruins of a Byzantine-era Church that are uncovered only on rare occasions but which give a glimpse into the village’s deep roots and millennia-spanning history.
5. Kisha e Shna Ndout Laç – St. Anthony’s Church in Laç
Albania’s Most Famous Church | Pilgrimage Site | Spiritual Site for Many Religions
Albania has long been known as a place of religious tolerance, and nothing epitomizes this ethos than St. Anthony’s Church in Laç, an hour drive north from Tirana. This well-kept Catholic church welcomes spiritual seekers of all faiths throughout the year and gets especially busy in the week leading up to June 13th, which is the feast day of Saint Anthony of Padua. This pilgrimage begins with a series of 13 Tuesdays starting in mid-March, with prayers recited by believers along the route. Kisha e Shën Ndout stands as a powerful symbol of faith and resilience, with devotees secretly honoring St. Anthony even during communist repression. According to legend, divine intervention guided the church’s location near the Cave of St. Blaise (where the saint is believed to have dwelled) – part of a long-standing pilgrimage tradition – when building materials mysteriously appeared overnight.
6. Shtegu i Ngjyrave – Kukës’ Most Magical Hiking Trail
Spring-Time Hiking | Wild Horses | Northern Albania Destination
Northern Albania’s most famous spring-time hiking trail is located in Kukës, along the border with Kosovo. Every spring, the flowers here blossom and create what locals have dubbed “The Trail of Colors,” a dazzling display of natural beauty that you can’t miss if you like to hike and get lost in the wilderness. Wild horses roam these fields – if you’re lucky, you may spot them! The trail is part of the High Scardus Trail, which crosses Albania, Kosovo, and Macedonia, and passes through some of the largest alpine pastures in Southeastern Europe. Keep an eye out for the rare Albanian lily (Lilium albanicum), an endangered flower that blooms here in spring.
7. Tepelenë, Home of Albania’s Premier Ruler
Historically-Significant Town | Not Touristy | Delicious Local Cuisine
If you plan on visiting Gjirokastër, don’t miss this small town along the banks of the Vjosa River. The Vjosa is a significant natural tourist spot that you can’t miss, as its Europe’s last remaining wild river, and you can easily traverse multiple rope bridges near Tepelenë here. The town itself is the birthplace of Ali Pasha of Tepelenë, a larger-than-life Albanian ruler who wrestled control away from the Ottomans in the late 18th century whose rule was controversial and marked by several hilarious and eye-opening episodes. You can learn all about them at the Ali Pasha Tepelena Museum, housed in a former Ottoman fortress that overlooks the valley. With almost no crowds, a reconstructed castle and hearty southern Albanian cuisine, Tepelenë offers an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience for travelers looking to connect with Albania’s dramatic history and natural beauty.
That’s it for the hidden gems of Albania; if you haven’t already, don’t forget to plan your visit to Albanian Night, where you’ll get a taste of what life was like in 1800’s Albania as you wear traditional Albanian clothes and learn all about our music, dance and culture in the country’s first-ever evening show. If you’re curious to try authentic Albanian food in the center of Tirana, we also offer a dinner experience that will give you a culinary overview of the country’s different regions, plus one dish from Kosovo!
