If you’re planning your trip to the Balkans or are just researching the best cities to visit in Albania, this one’s for you.
A lot of people aren’t sure what the most beautiful cities in Albania are, and we’re happy to confirm that Albania’s metropolises have plenty to offer tourists! Whether you’re interested in Ottoman architecture, communist history or Italian fascist building design, Albania’s cities offer a diverse array of sights and attractions that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
The top cities in Albania are Tirana, where you’ll most likely start your trip, followed by Berat and Gjirokastër if you love unique architecture, Shkodër, Himarë and Pogradec if you like quiet, relaxed vibes, and Dhërmi if you like beach parties and clubs.
Without further ado, here’s an overview of the most popular cities in Albania, and why you should visit as many of them as you can when you come to this beautiful country!
1. Tirana
Authentic Cultural Experiences | Vibrant Nightlife | Communist History
Most people will land in Tirana, a vibrant and chaotic city whose colorful architecture reflects the different civilizations and eras that have left their mark on this country. The capital of Albania offers a beautiful evening show where you can dress in authentic Albanian costumes and take part in a recreated Albanian wedding, a lively nightlife scene full of classy bars and excellent dance spots, museums made out of former nuclear bunkers dedicated to the country’s communist past and gorgeous mountain peaks accessible by cable car.
You can also see examples of 18th-century Ottoman architecture in Skanderbeg Square and eat authentic Albanian food at any of the delicious local restaurants you’ll find strewn throughout its different neighborhoods. Check out our full guide for what to do in Tirana, here, if you want a deep dive into its attractions.
2. Berat
Quaint Medieval Town | Ottoman Architecture | Unique Vistas
Next up is Berat, an hour and forty minutes away from Tirana by car. This Ottoman-era town is called “The City of a Thousand Windows” due to its distinctive layered design, whereby traditional windows overlook one another. At the top of the town you’ll find the castle of Berat, an ancient citadel where locals still live, which offers panoramic vistas of the valley below. This tiny yet fascinating town is perfect for getting lost in winding alleys and exploring iconographic museums and displays, as well as eating unique traditional Berati food. If you have a car, you’re in luck, as Berat is considered Albania’s wine country and is home to many famous vineyards like Çobo Winery. Check out our full guide to what to do in Berat in one day here if you want more insight into this gorgeous, unique town in central Albania.
3. Gjirokastër
Stone City | Splendid Tower Houses | Epic Castle Views
Albania’s Stone City, as locals call it, doesn’t disappoint: with majestic views of the Drino Valley and cobblestone streets, you’ll feel like you’re traveling back in time to the era of Albanian grandeur and wonder. This used to be an Ottoman-era merchant town where the wealthy lived in soaring tower houses, many of which are open today as museums that the public can visit. Gjirokastër is also where the country’s infamous dictator, as well as its most beloved writer, Ismail Kadare, were born, both of whose homes have been converted into museums that you should definitely check out! And don’t forget the Castle of Gjirokastër, which is home to Albania’s best museum and the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous views of the city. Check out our full guide for what to do in Gjirokastër, here.
4. Shkodër
Relaxed Vibe | Largest Lake in Balkans | Mythical Castle Ruins
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a whole day kayaking the largest lake in the Balkans? Lake Shkodër is half in Albania, half in Montenegro and is home to unique bird species as well as water lilies that bloom in the spring! Beyond its eponymous lake, Shkodër is a quaint town with a bustling main avenue lined with art galleries, cafes and restaurants, as well as a mythical castle – named after an Albanian woman, Rozafa, who sacrificed herself in its walls so it would stop crumbling – offering great views of the entire plain, below. If you like fish, most restaurants offer fresh catches from the lake daily, and there’s no paucity of hiking trails nearby, too.
5. Himarë
Quiet Beach Town | Gorgeous Beaches | Kayaking and SUP
Himarë is the best coastal city in Albania and is home to the best beaches in Albania; the public beach is itself heaven on earth, and if you like to be active, you can rent a kayak or stand up paddle board from its shores and go all the way to nearby Filikur Beach, which is a pristine and virgin beach with absolutely no construction on it! The way is peaceful since the waters are protected by the crescent shape of the bay. Nearby Potam also offers great, relaxed beaches to lounge on during the day, and at night, the boardwalk of Himarë comes alive with street vendors and restaurants overflowing with visitors. Once you visit, you’ll see why we think it’s the best beach town in Albania (check out our full guide to its beaches, here).
6. Pogradec
Charming Lake Town | Easy Access to North Macedonia | Oldest Lake in Europe
Pogradec has a different vibe from Himarë, offering a very quiet and relaxed atmosphere without the crowds or higher prices. It’s a town frequented by Albanians rather than foreigners, and since it’s at a higher altitude, the temperatures here are much cooler than the coastline and central Albania. The lake offers plenty of serene spots for swimming, and we definitely recommend doing a day trip to nearby Sveti Naum in North Macedonia, which is home to a gorgeous monastery full of peacocks and dazzling views of the water. Fun fact: Lake Pogradec is the oldest in all of Europe and is home to a unique species of eel that migrates all the way to Jamaica each year to mate before swimming all the way back to the Balkans!\
7. Dhërmi
Beach Clubs Galore | Pristine Coastline | Delicious Food
If you came to Albania to party by the beach, don’t miss Dhërmi. This upscale beach town is perfect for those who want to lounge by the water during the day and get their steps in at night, offering a long strip of beach clubs that play fun music throughout the night. The beaches in Dhërmi are gorgeous, and there are plenty of high-end restaurants like Luciano right by the water that serve up fresh fish and delicious food throughout the day.
Albania is a beautiful country – whether you like hiking, swimming, culture or museums, you’ll find something unforgettable wherever you go. If you’re curious about the best places to visit in Albania in general besides the cities, check out our guide for 11 must see places in Albania. Albania’s top cities and destinations offer visitors plenty to do, and we hope you love them as much as we do!
