Whether you're a history buff or a beach bum, there's a lot to see in Albania. The country is small, but it has a large number of castles and archaeological sites, and the interior is dotted with peaks of the Albanian Alps.
Durres
Located along the Adriatic Sea, Durres is one of the most beautiful places in Albania. This coastal city is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. The city has traces of Hellenic and Roman cultures.
Durres is home to the largest Roman amphitheatre in the Balkans. It was built in the second century AD by Emperor Tragan. It originally had a capacity of 20,000 people. The Amphitheater is a popular tourist attraction.
The city's old town is located in the northern part of the city. The main streets of the old town start at the Town Hall Square. The Alexander Moissiu theater is located opposite the square.
The Albanian College Durres looks more like a museum than a college. The walls of the college were built in the late 5th century. Its interior is equally impressive. It is a great place to learn about Albanian culture.
Durres is also home to one of the best beaches in Albania. This long beach stretches 10 kilometers along the city waterfront. It is filled with colorful umbrellas and is popular with locals and tourists. The beach is open from early spring to late August.
Berat
Located on the Osum River in the mountains, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its old town is lined with cobblestoned streets and colourful buildings. There are many hostels and hotels within walking distance of the old town.
Berat has several ancient mosques and churches. One of these is the Red Mosque, a Turkish style structure built in the 15th century. Visitors can ascend a cylindrical staircase in the minaret to gain a 360 degree view of the city.
The Ethnographic Museum is also a good place to learn about Berat's history. This museum is located in the Mangalemi neighbourhood and provides an informative glimpse into traditional Albanian life. It is also a good place to pick up a souvenir.
Berat is a great base for exploring other parts of Albania. There are regular buses from Tirana that take you to Berat. You can also rent a car, which is the best way to see off-the-beaten-path places.
The Tomorri Mountain National Park is located in Berat. This national park is home to a waterfall, which is located at the base of a cluster of sandstone rocks. The trail to the waterfall is dusty and a little challenging.
Butrint
Located 18 km south of Sarande, Butrint is an archaeological site with an ancient history that dates back more than two thousand years. Butrint was a thriving trading center for the Adriatic Sea throughout the centuries. The city was abandoned in the Middle Ages, but was rediscovered by Italian archeologists in 1927.
Butrint has many attractions to explore. One of the highlights is the Great Basilica. This large church has impressive mosaic floors that have been preserved. The church was built in the 6th century.
Another interesting attraction is the Tower and Water Gate. This structure was built in honor of Apollo Delphinios. The gate was made from a stone with a lion carved into it. The gate was not part of the original wall, but was added many years later.
Another monument that is worth seeing is the Roman forum. This public meeting place was built by Julius Caesar in the first century. It was used for religious and political activities. There are three shrines to the north of the forum.
Gjirokaster Fortress
Located in the southern part of Albania, Gjirokaster is a beautiful place that is home to the largest castle in the Balkans. The castle has a long artillery gallery that is filled with World War II artifacts. It is also home to a US American plane that was shot down during the communist regime.
Gjirokaster is characterized by its stunning Ottoman-style architecture. Most buildings date back to the seventeenth or nineteenth centuries.
The city has an enchanting old town that is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. There is a beautiful bazaar that contains artisanal shops. Guests can spend an entire day here.
The Ethnographic Museum is a great place to learn about Albanian culture. It contains a collection of artifacts that date back to the 19th century. You can see traditional dresses, household items, and artifacts from that period.
The castle is one of the most visited sites in Albania. It is home to a collection of armory and cannons, as well as memories of World War II.
The castle has two museums. The first is the Ethnographic Museum, which contains household objects and artifacts from the 19th century. The second is the Cold War Tunnel, which is an underground bunker that once served as a reminder of Albania's communist past. The entry fee is 200 LEK.
Ksamil beach
Known as the "Ionian Pearl," Ksamil beach is situated in south Saranda. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania. There are many different beaches in Ksamil. This beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Albania.
Ksamil beach is situated on a small island and has many attractions for visitors. It has both a rocky beach and a fine sandy beach. There are a number of bars and restaurants along the beach. One of the restaurants serves Mediterranean food.
The sand at Ksamil beach is soft and powdery. It is a popular tourist destination because of its natural beauty. It is also famous for its seafood specialties. It is a good place for swimming and sunbathing. It is not overly crowded and is the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation.
It has a number of amenities that include toilets, showers, and an onsite restaurant that serves Albanian and Italian food. It is also possible to rent kayaks and water pedalos. It has a wooden jetty that allows for small boats.
Lengarica Canyon
Located in Fir of Hotove-Dangelli National Park, Lengarica Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Albania. The canyon is located near the town of Permet. The canyon is approximately four and a half kilometers long and is known for its thermal pools. It is also surrounded by the Dangelli Mountains.
The canyon features several caves, which are said to be filled with sulfur-scented waters. These waters are said to have healing properties and are suitable for swimming. You can also visit the nearby Benja thermal baths, which are located about 13 kilometers from Permet. These baths are said to have healing effects for skin and rheumatism.
The canyon features a wide variety of trees and shrubs. The river is also known for its healing properties. The canyon is also known for its beautiful bridges. The stone bridge is built in Ottoman times and is one of the most beautiful structures in Albania.
The canyon is also known for its rock formations. Some of the rock formations are about 30 metres tall. You can also enjoy hiking in the canyon. The trail is lined with a green carpet of grass, which provides relief from the hot weather. The canyon is also popular for rafting.
Valbona Valley National Park
Located in the north of Albania, Valbona Valley National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the country. It is a protected area that covers 8,000 hectares of land. This park is known for its high mountain peaks, waterfalls, and biodiversity.
The park is mostly forested with forests occupying nearly 90 percent of the land. Various species of trees can be found in the area, including Norway spruce, birches, and common beech.
A hiking trail is available that connects Gusinje to Maja e Jezerces, the second highest peak of the Albanian Alps. The trail is approximately 20 km long and has an elevation gain of 2,000 m. It is recommended to bring a map and hiking shoes.
The river in the Valbona Valley is known for its clear water and canyons. It is also a popular spot for skiing. The Valbona river descends Ragan and Cerem, and the water is one meter deep. The river's waters are clean and offer excellent fishing.
The park is also home to many wildlife species, including brown bears, gray wolves, and golden eagles. The park is a great place for hiking and wildlife viewing. It is also a popular destination for adventurers.
Lake of Koman
Located in Northern Albania, Lake of Koman is one of the most beautiful places in Albania. The lake was created by a hydroelectric power station built on the Drin River in the 1980s. It is one of the best places in the world to enjoy a boat ride.
Lake of Koman is also a popular site for camping and fishing. Lake Koman is also surrounded by mountains. This makes it a great destination for sunbathing. It is also home to many species of birds and animals.
During a boat ride on Lake Koman, visitors are treated to stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The water can sometimes be very narrow, which makes for a scenic ride.
The lake is home to more than 1,200 species of animals and plants. Several tours are offered to visitors. One of the most popular tours is the Lake Koman Ferry. It is a popular tourist attraction and offers the best view of the Albanian mountains.
Ferries to Koman are operated by the Berisha company. Tickets can be purchased online. There are also tour packages available. Depending on the number of visitors, the service can get quite busy during the summer.