Albania is a hidden gem in the Mediterranean, containing plenty of historical and cultural sites that are sure to wow visitors who have never been to this small Balkan country.
Under every stone and within every ruin lie rich and varied stories of the forgotten eras and bygone empires that once dominated these ancient lands. With so many cultures and civilizations having staked out their claims to Albania, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has honored three of this country’s destinations with the title of World Heritage Sites. World Heritage Sites can be cultural, natural or a mix of the two categories.
Here are Albania’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and why you should visit them on your next trip to the Balkans.
(If you’re coming to Tirana for a quick weekend trip and won’t have time to discover these UNESCO World Heritage sites, you’re in luck – Albanian Night’s nightly show offers visitors the chance to experience up to three different UNESCO World Heritage items!)
1. Butrint: Ancient City of Legends
Butrint National Park is the perfect place for travelers looking for historical sites where nature meets mythological elements. The 29-square-kilometer archaeological site located 15 minutes south of Ksamil stands as a historical time capsule of Albania. The site of Butrint holds dual status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance due to both its historical relics and the region’s stunning natural scenery.
Why Visit Butrint
The ancient city of Butrint has existed since at least the 10th century BC. The Greek tribe of Chaonians first inhabited the location before the Roman era and transformed it into a prosperous city which later fell under Byzantine then Venetian and finally Ottoman control. The site features remarkable historic landmarks including a massive Roman amphitheater and a grand basilica, along with city walls and two castles. Every stone has a story, and you can practically feel the layers of history as you explore.
How to Get to Butrint
The most convenient way to get to Butrint is by taking the bus from Saranda, which operates hourly, passing through Ksamil. Taxi services are available for visitors who want to set their own schedule; just make sure to confirm the price before beginning your trip. A car rental is another good solution, as it’ll allow you to visit the infamous Ksamil beaches as well as the quite popular Blue Eye spring.
Best Time to Visit Butrint
Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Butrint is worth visiting year-round. Summers are hot and dry, perfect for combining your trip with a dip in the Ionian Sea, while winters are mild, making it an excellent off-season getaway without the crowds.
Why You Should Visit Butrint
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover or just looking for a stunning place to wander, Butrint has something for everyone. With its mix of ancient ruins, lush landscapes and an air of mystery, it’s one of those places that sticks with you long after you’ve left. If you’re planning on doing a tour of the south or going to Ksamil, don’t miss this incredible site!
2. Berat: Albania’s City of a Thousand Windows
If you’re searching for a city that feels like stepping into a storybook, Berat is the place to be. Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”, this UNESCO-listed gem is famous for its white Ottoman houses stacked on the hillside, offering some of the most picturesque city views in all of Albania. But Berat isn’t just beautiful – it’s a city bursting with history, culture and a charm that’s hard to resist.
Why Berat is Special
Berat has been continuously inhabited for over 2,400 years, making it one of Albania’s oldest cities. Its unique mix of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Albanian influences can be seen in everything from its medieval churches to its grand mosques. Undoubtedly, the best thing to see in the city is its castle, a massive fortress that still has people living within its walls. The views from up here are special, and wandering through its narrow cobbled streets, you’ll find ancient churches, mosques, and the Onufri Museum, which houses stunning Orthodox icons painted in Berat’s signature red. The Mangalem and Gorica quarters closer to the river take you back in time to the days when Ottoman merchants and silversmiths traded goods in the bustling corners of this strategically-important stop along ancient trade routes.
How to Get to Berat
Berat is an easy hour-forty-minutes drive from Tirana, and frequent buses run between the two cities. If you’re short on time, a day trip is doable, but spending a night here lets you soak in the city’s peaceful atmosphere, especially when the streets empty out and the lights of the “thousand windows” glow under the night sky.
Best Time to Visit Berat
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, as mild temperatures and fewer tourists make it perfect for exploring. Summers can get hot, but with a cool glass of local Berat wine in hand, who’s complaining? Winters are quieter and misty, adding an extra layer of charm to the city’s medieval ambiance.
Why You Should Visit Berat
Whether you’re wandering through its castle, sipping coffee in the old bazaar, or watching the sunset over the Osum River, this city has a way of making you slow down and appreciate the moment. The history and incredible cultural sites on display at Berat will give you a new appreciation for Albania’s varied and rich history, taking you deep into the past when Roman, Serbian, Bulgarian and Ottoman forces marched through its hallowed streets. If you want to see a different side of Albania – one filled with history, warmth and incredible views – put Berat on your list.
3. Gjirokastër – The City of Stone
Walking around Gjirokastër feels like stepping into a time machine – except instead of some sci-fi portal, you’ve got cobbled streets, stone-roofed houses and a massive castle with an iconic clocktower looming over it all. This place is straight-up medieval, but in the best way possible. You’ll find old-school bazaars selling handmade rugs and stone carvings, hidden cafés where you can sip on the strongest coffee of your life and a castle that’s seen more history than most textbooks. And fun fact – this is the birthplace of Albania’s infamous (and controversial) dictator, Enver Hoxha. Whether you’re into history, photography or just exploring a place that looks like a movie set, Gjirokastër is one of those spots you won’t forget.
How to Get to Gjirokastër
Getting to Gjirokastër is fairly straightforward. If you’re coming from Tirana, expect a 3-hour drive (or a slightly longer but budget-friendly bus ride). From Saranda, it’s even easier—just 1.5 hours by car or bus. The roads are decent, but expect some twists and turns – it’s a mountain town, after all. If you’re renting a car, keep in mind that driving through Gjirokastër itself can be tricky, thanks to its steep, narrow streets. Pro tip: Park outside the old town and explore on foot – it’s much more enjoyable that way!
When to Visit to Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër is a year-round destination, but some seasons definitely have the upper hand.
- Spring (April – June): The city comes alive with flowers, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds. Perfect for wandering around without melting under the sun.
- Summer (July – August): Hot, but still manageable—especially if you’re escaping the beach crowds in Saranda. This is also when the Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival (held every few years) might take place, bringing the city to life with music and dancing.
- Fall (September – October): Warm days, cool evenings, and a golden glow over the stone rooftops—arguably the best time to visit.
- Winter (November – March): Chilly and often misty, giving the town a mysterious, storybook feel. Some restaurants and guesthouses might close, but if you like a quieter, atmospheric experience, winter’s got its charm.
Why Visit Gjirokastër
So why should Gjirokastër be on your Albania bucket list? Simple – it’s got everything:
- A jaw-dropping castle with sweeping views and even an abandoned Cold War-era U.S. military plane.
- Majestic views of Mount Nemërçka and the Drino Valley will show you just why this city has been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Quaint old streets that feel straight out of a fairytale.
- A deep history that spans from Ottoman rule to Communist-era bunkers.
- Incredible local food, including the famous qifqi (rice balls that are basically Albania’s version of arancini) and oshaf, a condensed goat-milk dessert.
- A slow, medieval era vibe you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the Balkans.
Whether you’re here for the history, food, or just unbeatable views, Gjirokastër will leave a lasting impression. It’s no wonder that it’s been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list! Grab your camera, your sense of adventure and maybe some good walking shoes, because this stone city is ready to tell you its story.
Although Albania may still fly under the radar for many travelers, these three UNESCO World Heritage Sites prove why that needs to change. Butrint transports you far into the past, Berat appeals with its ageless beauty, and Gjirokastër envelops you in medieval history with a twist of Ottoman flair. Each one has something special.
Albania surprises you in ways you wouldn’t expect whether your interests are in history, culture, or just off-the-beaten-path travel. And the best thing is that you get all of this without the large throngs you would find at comparable sites around Europe.
If you’re going to the Balkans, don’t limit yourself to the typical locations; Albania’s UNESCO sites are waiting for you to discover them. You’ll depart with amazing memories, striking pictures, and maybe even a new favorite travel spot!
