If it looks like Albania is becoming super touristy, that’s because it is.

Thanks to Instagram, sustained efforts by the government and word of mouth, the world has discovered the Balkans’ new It Girl.

What was once a laidback and quaint country is now starting to show signs of saturation. Not something unpleasant – we haven’t yet reached Spain-levels of tourism – but Albania’s main attractions may have you feeling like you’re in Paris or New York, surrounded by throngs of tourists who read the same blog post you did while planning your trip.

If you want to go off the beaten path and enjoy the rustic charm of the Albanian countryside without the crowds, we’ve compiled this list of 9 incredible Albanian villages to visit on your next trip to Albania. They offer incredible views, delicious food, unique histories and friendly locals who will happily welcome you into their homes and share their stories with you.

And before you go off traipsing into the Albanian countryside, don’t forget to check out Albanian Night, an evening show where you can feel the warmth and magic of Albanian village culture, right in the heart of Tirana – in this experience, you’ll get to wear traditional Albanian clothes and experience a reenacted Albanian wedding! It’s a must-do when before you leave the capital for Albania’s beaches, villages and mountains.

But we digress. Ready? Here are 9 mystically-beautiful Albanian villages you must visit this summer. 

 

1. Guri i Bardhë

Historical Village | Highlands of Albania | Beautiful Ottoman Bridge

Guri i Bardhë, which literally means “The White Stone,” is an ancient Albanian village nestled in the Highlands of Albania a 45 minute drive from Tirana (navigate here and cross the small bridge to get to the town on the new road). This mystical little town punches above its weight – its massive fortified houses testify to it being one of the most ancient settlements in Albania, and in the medieval era, it was one of the most inhabited areas in the country. The village itself has preserved the home of Pjetër Budi, a renowned Albanian archbishop and writer whose work laid the foundation for early Albanian literature and religious thought. You can discover one of Skanderbeg’s castles in nearby Petralbë for amazing views of the Mat Valley as well as a picturesque Ottoman bridge, Ura e Vashës, which spans the Mat River. Stay at GuestHouse Fatmira Resuli – the owners are a lovely Albanian couple who will cook traditional food for you and treat you to some traditional Albanian hospitality.

 

2. Upper Qeparo

Albanian Riviera Views | Cobblestone Streets | Gorgeous Sunsets

If you’re planning a beach holiday in the Albanian Riviera and want a more exclusive and rustic place to spend the night, consider Old Qeparo – this is the original hillside village looking out over the beach of Qeparo. This town is full of winding cobblestone streets and ruins of mansions, many of which have been renovated as elegant villas with swimming pools and modern amenities. This authentic village offers delicious local food and lovely spots for watching the sunset, making it a perfect serene getaway in the heart of Albania’s busiest beach locales.

 

3. Rroshnik

World-Class Agrotourism | Wine Country | Easy Hiking Trails

Just half an hour drive away from Berat lies Rroshnik, a gorgeous village with a top-notch agrotourism called Alpeta Agrotourism which serves up delicious local dishes and wines. Berat is the heart of Albania’s wine country, and you’ll love the different vintages on tap here. A 15 minute walk away from the agritourism is a beautiful lake you can swim, SUP and kayak in, and moderate hiking trails that take you through vineyards and along mountain trails offer epic views of central Albania.

 

4. Lin

Ancient Lake Settlement | Peaceful | Gorgeous Lake Views

Lin might be small, but it’s packed with history and attractions. A July 2025 announcement from Albanian and Swiss researchers confirms: Lin, Albania, is home to Europe’s most ancient lake settlement, which was likely inhabited six to eight thousand years ago by hunter-gatherers who helped spread agriculture and livestock to the rest of the continent. Today, you can stay in this picturesque village on the shores of one of Europe’s oldest lakes at a charming guesthouse and bike around Lake Ohrid, crossing over to North Macedonia and visiting the town of Ohrid, the Bay of Bones and St. Naum’s Monastery. Lin itself offers an ancient Byzantine-era mosaic and gorgeous views from its peninsula which you don’t want to miss.

 

5. Voskopoja

Hiker’s Paradise | Gorgeous Churches | Untouched Nature

If you’re looking to swap the beach for alpine air and rolling green hills, Voskopoja is calling. Once one of the most important cities in the Balkans during the 18th century, this quiet village near Korça is now a peaceful mountain getaway known for its beautiful Orthodox churches and scenic hiking trails. You can hike through fragrant pine forests, admire centuries-old frescoes and eat some of the best qifqi (rice balls) and lakror (stuffed pie) in the country. Stay at a cozy guesthouse and enjoy fresh mountain air, warm wood fires and the kind of tranquility that’s getting harder to find in Albania’s better-known spots.

 

6. Leusë

Gorgeous Byzantine Church Murals | Sleepy Village | Hiking Near Përmet

This sleepy town near Përmet is a must-visit if you’re spending a night or two as you soak in Përmet’s thermal baths. Its Church of Saint Mary, built in the 18th century, boasts incredible, massive frescoes depicting scenes from the bible and a gorgeous interior you cannot miss. This village was likely established in 1413 and has seen plenty of changes, but now consists entirely of Eastern Orthodox Christians who perform a unique ritual called the Feast of the Dormition of Mary on August 14th every year. Transhumance, seasonal movement of livestock, is still practiced here, and hiking from here to Lipe is a great way to see the Albanian countryside and Përmet below.

 

7. Shëngjergj

Famous Waterfall | Gorgeous Alpine Lake | High-Quality Meats

Nature and meat lovers have their work cut out for them in Shëngjergj, located an hour’s drive from Tirana in the heart of the Albanian highlands. This small village is home to mouth-watering meat restaurants that raise their lambs and goats in the rich and fertile lands of Albania’s highlands, and it’s home to two gorgeous natural attractions you don’t want to miss. Ujëvara e Shën Gjergjit is a 30-meter-tall waterfall cascading over a kaleidoscope of colorful rocks that’s inspiring to experience. After the waterfall, hike to a beautiful alpine lake, Liqeni i Lepurit, a rabbit-shaped, turquoise-blue lake set against a soaring mountain where you can relax, picnic and swim. 

 

8. Shishtavec

Endless Hiking Options | Cultural Festivals | Skiing

Shishtavec is the kind of place you go when you really want to disappear into the mountains – and we mean that in the best way possible! Tucked away in the northeastern Kukës region near the Kosovo border, this high-altitude village offers jaw-dropping views, endless hiking trails and a surprisingly rich cultural life for such a remote spot. In the summer, traditional festivals fill the town with music, dancing, and incredible regional food, such as the Potato Day Festival, the Feast of Saint George and Immigrants’ Day. In wintertime, the surrounding slopes transform into a playground for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. 

 

9. Leskovik

World-Class Distillery | Vjosa River Kayaking | Unique Local Food

Perched high in the mountains near the Greek border, Leskovik is one of Albania’s most underrated mountain towns that’s still very much under the radar. The town is home to one of the best distilleries in the country that was recently featured in Time Magazine (try the aged raki or wild pear brandy), and is the perfect base for kayaking the wild Vjosa River or exploring Fir of Hotovë-Dangëlli National Park. Local cuisine here includes hard-to-find dishes like roasted chestnut stew and foraged mushroom pies, all made with ingredients from the surrounding forests.

That’s it for Albania’s most mystical and beautiful villages you can’t miss on your next trip to Albania. And don’t forget to check out Albanian Night before you head out to the countryside to experience Albanian culture, music and dance firsthand!