Albania offers silky beaches, steep mountain peaks, tons of historical sites with beautiful architecture, trendy cities, and amazing food. What are the best places to visit in Albania in 2025?
Are you planning a vacation in Albania but unsure which city to choose? We totally get it – Albania has so much to offer. From the wonderful beaches in the south of Albania to mountain peaks in the north, from urban Tirana to tiny villages. We still have a lot of the country left to explore, but here’s a little overview of the places in Albania we have visited.
Saranda, Albania – Beaches and Great Day Trips
Saranda is primarily a beach town, making it perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation.
It’s also a great base for many exciting day trips. You can explore the ancient ruins of Butrint, find your favorite beach in Ksamil—often called the “Maldives of Europe,” take a boat over to Corfu, visit the natural spring “The Blue Eye,” or rent a car and explore sleepy coastal villages.
Saranda also has a better selection of bars and nightlife compared to other beach towns in the south.
Read our travel guide to Saranda.
Durres, Albania – Beaches and City Life
Durres is one of Albania’s oldest cities and the country’s most important port city. Here, you’ll find an interesting combination of historical sights and beautiful beaches. The city has one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the Balkans, a medieval castle, several beautiful churches, and interesting museums.
Durres in Albania also has great beaches and is a popular destination for families and package tours.
At the same time, it is one of the largest and most urban cities in Albania. Its proximity to Tirana, the capital of Albania, makes it a perfect choice if you want to combine city life with beach time.
Read our travel guide to Durres.
Tirana, Albania – Recent History and Modern Albania
The capital of Albania, Tirana, is a city full of life and contrasts. Here, you can explore recent communist history at the two Bunk’Art museums, take the cable car up to Mount Dajti for hiking and breathtaking city views, and enjoy trendy cafés, bars, and restaurants.
Read our travel guide to Tirana.
Himara, Albania – Beaches and Small-Town Charm
Himara in the south of Albania is a small coastal gem with a cozy promenade and beautiful beaches. It’s perfect for those looking for a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere compared to Ksamil, Saranda, or Durres.
Himara also has a charming fortress and historic churches to explore.
Read our travel guide to Himara. (In Norwegian)
Dhermi – Beaches and Activities
Dhermi also offers beautiful beaches and a wide range of water sports. It also has an old town with lovely churches and many hiking trails of varying lengths. Dhermi in Albania is a great choice if you want to combine beach life with more activity.
Read about Mill’s Trail and Dhermi Beach. (In Norwegian)
Gjirokaster, Albania – History and Architecture
Gjirokaster is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique Ottoman architecture, with stone houses clinging to the hillsides. A visit to Gjirokaster feels like stepping back in time, especially when strolling through the cobblestone streets and visiting the impressive castle that towers over the city. The town is also the birthplace of Albania’s former dictator, Enver Hoxha. Gjirokaster in Albania also has a charming shopping street, several interesting museums, and historical homes you can visit.
Read our travel guide to Gjirokaster.
Berat, Albania – Charm and History
Berat in Albania is also known as “the city of a thousand windows.” The city is divided by the Osum River, with the old town on one side and the newer part on the other. What makes Berat unique is its white-washed houses with large windows climbing up the hillsides. The town’s castle is a highlight and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Read our travel guide to Berat.
Pro tip: You should consider renting a car when you’re in Albania – read why here!
Have you visited any other Albanian cities? Let us know where we should go next!
