It felt like I was getting to see and feel something I shouldn’t. The water felt too warm, it was too blue, too clear, and there were too few other people around. As I tiptoed over the rocks, I let myself melt into the water, which had just the right touch of salt to make it ideal for floating. I looked up into the matching blue sky, hearing only the beating of my own heart in my ears. I closed my eyes and dove under, realizing then that paradise has another name: Albania. 

In early June, I visited Albania for a summer vacation alongside my husband. But rather than just visit its famed beaches, we made certain to traverse inland sections and see Tirana, its capital city, to get a full view of what this nation is really like. And we loved every inch of it — almost as much as those who live there.

“Albania is a hidden gem in Europe, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. From the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera to the rugged peaks of the Accursed Mountains, there’s something for every traveler,” Irida Shehu, the manager of the Manta Hotel in Ksamil, shared.

In the summer of 2024, Albania experienced a bit of a travel boom as more people discovered all its untouched glory — and its relatively affordable pricing, too. 

“Known for its crisp blue seas, untouched natural beauty, and historical sites, it’s no wonder Albania is gaining momentum among travelers,” Taib Dzemidzic, a local Flash Pack Pack Leader in Albania, added. Best of all, it’s a place where travelers are receiving a warm welcome. “The country is incredibly welcoming, and locals are known for their hospitality,” Dzemidzic added. “The relatively low cost of living and traveling also means you can experience a lot without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent choice for solo travel.” 

Ready to see it for yourself? Here’s everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Albania. 

Towns to Explore

Tirana

Tirana, the bustling capital of Albania, is a must-see for visitors. Travelers can pay a visit to one (or more) of its impressive museums, dine in its lively cafes (and even visit one of the World’s 50 Best Bars for a drink). And while you’re here, make sure to spend a little time exploring its art scene, including spending an afternoon at the rather unique Bunk’Art museum. 

Berat

Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is another UNESCO World Heritage Site tucked in Albania that’s worthy of a day trip. In Berat, travelers can explore its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and check out the hillside homes with their distinctive windows. Can’t-miss sites include the Berat Castle, where you can also get a gorgeous panoramic view of the city below.

Shkodra

See one more spot in the north of Albania at Shkodra, one of the nation’s oldest cities. The cultural hub is also home to plenty of old-school sites like the Rozafa Castle. Travelers should also visit its historic center, which is filled with cafes worthy of spending an entire day in, alongside museums like the Marubi National Museum of Photography, which showcases an impressive collection of historical photographs of Albania’s past.

Where to Stay

Rogner Hotel, Tirana

The Rogner Hotel offers a luxury home base for visiting the nation’s capital city. Here, guests will find well-appointed rooms along with all the modern amenities you’d need, including a spa, a pool, and multiple dining options. And its prime location means it’s within easy walking distance to nearby attractions like Skanderbeg Square. 

Maritim Marina Bay Resort, Vlore

Located along the picturesque coastline of Vlore, the Maritim Marina Bay Resort is yet another high-end escape, this time with panoramic ocean views. The stylish rooms come with balconies so guests can soak in the sun in solitude, along with a massive, infinity-edge pool with a swim-up bar to boot. 

Hotel Mangalemi, Berat

Find yourself in the center of Albania with a stay at Hotel Mangalemi. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Berat, the hotel offers a tiny glimpse into Albanian everyday life. The hotel was actually the one-time home of Ahmet Kurt Pacha, who came to Berat in the mid-18th century. Inside, guests will still find traditional furnishings and a restaurant serving authentic Albanian cuisine, while the outside includes a gorgeous patio shaded by old-growth olive trees. 

Manta, Ksamil

There’s no better spot to call home for a night or two in the south than Manta. The hotel, located in the popular beach town of Ksamil, is tucked away in a private corner of the community, providing easy access to its famed nightlife and delicious restaurants, but just far away enough to offer the right amount of seclusion. And, thanks to its privileged location, the hotel has a small private beach on one side and a patio where guests can dive directly into the sea on the other. 

Things to Do

Hike in Theth National Park.

Immerse yourself in Mother Nature at Theth National Park, located in the Albanian Alps. It’s a destination beloved for its massive, craggy peaks, gorgeous waterfalls, and lush valleys. The park is tiny compared to other national parks around the globe, clocking in at just over 10 square miles, but it’s home to a fantastic array of plants and animals, including 50 species of birds, making it a park that punches far above its weight class. 

See the Blue Eye.

Make your way to the opposite side of the country, to the southern town of Muzinë, to gaze into the Blue Eye, a natural spring boasting some of the bluest water in the world. The eye itself is actually a 164-foot-deep cave, which gives it a darker center, like a pupil, surrounded by electric blue waters like an iris. You’re not supposed to swim in the water, though you will see people doing it. (And really, you may not want to as the water is absolutely freezing.) However, you’re welcome to walk over the bridge to get a view of it from above instead. 

Walk through the City of Stone.

Gjirokastër, known as the “City of Stone,” is a must-see for history lovers. The UNESCO World Heritage Site in the southern region began as a single castle built in the 4th century and evolved into a small city by the 19th century. Today, visitors can still tour that castle and its Museum of Arms inside, stroll its cobblestone streets, and duck into its delicious restaurants serving traditional meals. 

Visit the National Archaeological Museum.

Get to know more about Albania’s history at the National Archaeological Museum in Tirana. It was the first museum that opened following World War II and is home to a collection of historic artifacts from the Stone Age all the way to the Ottoman occupation, giving visitors a glimpse into every stage of the nation’s past. 

Best Beaches

Ksamil Beaches

Ksamil is the most well-known beach destination in Albania for a reason: It’s simply stunning. Here, travelers will find white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters. In the hotel area, travelers will either have to stick to the beach in front of their accommodation or pay small fees to grab a chair and an umbrella at neighboring beaches. But guests can also find public beaches just outside of the hotel area, including hidden spots down steep mountainsides that you may just be able to get all to yourself — at least for a little while. 

Dhermi Beach

About two hours north of Ksamil, travelers will find another sensational beachside setting in Dhermi. In fact, there’s plenty of room for everyone here as Dhermi Beach is one of the longest on the Albanian Riviera. The beach is a mix of pebbles and fine sand, so everyone can find the style of shoreline they like, and it’s home to all the facilities you need, including bathrooms and restaurants, so you can relax all day long. 

Jale Beach

Looking for some peace and quiet? Find it at Jale Beach. Tucked between two cliffs, Jale Beach, located just north of Himara, is known for its more intimate atmosphere. Its calm waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. And though it’s both quieter and smaller than the other area beaches, it still boasts a beach bar, so you can grab a snack.  

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Albania, according to Shehu, is “during the spring, in April to June, and early autumn, September to October. These periods offer pleasant weather, ideal for exploring both the beaches and the mountains without the summer crowds.” 

Indeed, these times allow visitors to enjoy everything Albania has to offer, including its awe-inspiring beaches and mountains, while they are still warm (ranging in between the high 60s to mid-80s) but not as sweltering as the mid-summer days can be. 

However, the summer high season in July and August offers its own perks, including a party atmosphere at the beaches that will have you dancing all day and all night. Just be prepared for temperatures — even by the coast — to hit close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

There are also plenty of other reasons to visit year-round, including attending one of the nation’s famed festivals like the Tirana International Film Festival held in the fall and the South Outdoor Festival, a massive music festival, in May. And if you time your trip right, you could even attend the Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival, held every five years in the historic city of Gjirokastër. 

How to Get There

By Plane: The easiest way for international travelers to get to Albania is via a flight to Tirana International Airport (TIA). The airport is connected to major European cities, with airlines like Lufthansa and Alitalia offering regular flights. Just be prepared for a layover if you’re coming from the U.S., as no airlines have a direct route to the country (yet). 

By Ferry: Travelers already visiting Greece or Italy have the easy option of simply hopping on a ferry to Albania. There are several routes you can take, including ferries between Bari, Italy to Durrës (which takes about nine hours) and Corfu to Saranda (which takes about 30 minutes). 

By Car: If you happen to be road-tripping through Europe, then getting to Albania is a breeze. Drivers can get into Albania from Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece. The roads here are well-maintained. However, be ready for tight corners in the mountains and lots of traffic in the major cities.