Albania continues to be one of the favorite destinations of foreign tourists. Dozens of places in Albania are visited by tourists during the year, especially during the summer season. Last year alone, tourists in Albania spent about 1.91 billion euros, a figure doubled from the pandemic period. The number of tourists from the United States is increasing.

There are countless opportunities that this country offers, however, what are the destinations that should definitely be visited in Albania? Recommendations also come from foreign tourists, who in an attempt to try more special holidays, are fascinated by the natural beauties in Albania.

Tirana
In the center of Tirana we can see “Skenderbej” square, the Clock Tower and the Namazgja mosque, all elements important for Albanians. Something very interesting about Albania is the fact that there are many bunkers, built to protect members of the government of the communist regime. Today, many of the bunkers have been turned into museums or exhibitions. This city has the largest bunkers: BunkArt 2, of 3 kilometers underground rooms and tunnels with floors. The National Historical Museum is another historical place to visit in Tirana. It is the largest and most important museum in the country, with many pavilions showing the past in chronological order. The Pavilion of Antiquity is amazing, with many prehistoric objects and a stone human head, among other figures, showing the anthropomorphic aspect of man at that time.

Kruja
Very close to Tirana, Kruja is a place to be visited by all those who go to Albania for the first time. Kruja is the home of the National Ethnographic Museum, but is best known for the fact that it also houses the Skanderbeg Museum. The museum located in the Castle of Kruja is one of the most important and famous tourist attractions of the country. From this fortress, the National Hero of Albania, Gjergj Kastriot Skenderbeu defended the country from Ottoman occupation for a period of three decades. The castle also offers amazing views of the Adriatic Sea. Qafe-Shtameim National Park and the tomb of Sari Salltik are also near Kruja.

Butrint
In Albania you will find an ancient city called the City of Butrint. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a 3000-year history. It is one of the most important archeological centers in the country. Here you will see the archaeological remains of the civilizations of Ancient Greece, Rome, Byzantium and Venice. It is not only an important archeological site, but it is also a natural park with many landscapes and an attractive natural environment. This is why it is the most recommended site as a tourist attraction.

Berat
Berat is called the city of windows. This city has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is close to the capital, just 2 hours away. Why would you like it so much? The city itself is a large museum, with over 2000 years of history and many monuments to visit. The city has a very interesting view especially in terms of architecture and construction. Here you can visit the Castle of Berat, with the famous fortress, temples and the famous Onufri Museum.

Dajti
This mountain is located east of Tirana and is a National Natural Park. With 1613 meters above sea level it is one of the most sought after destinations by locals and tourists, especially in the winter months. We recommend you take a cable car ride, from where you can get a wonderful view of the city. Once you reach the mountain, you will be able to walk through the forest. The roads are very well marked and not long. If you are hungry, you can head to one of the many restaurants around. Try a traditional dish, in order to enjoy the local gastronomy. The famous cheese and spinach pie and carrier meatballs are wonderful.

Gjirokastra
Stone City, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this city the architecture is traditional Ottoman. They call it the stone city because all the streets are cobbled, amazingly, so wear comfortable shoes because the city is quite attractive and well worth a visit. The thing you will do most is walk, since the streets attract so much attention. Go and enjoy the view of the traditional houses as well as a castle that has the name of the town. It is the largest castle in Albania. If you like nature, you should visit the natural monument called the Blue Eye, which we will talk about shortly.

Blue eye
A water source, a natural phenomenon, near Muzina in the municipality of Finiq, in the south of Albania. It is a famous tourist attraction. The water is clear and blue and is more than 50 m deep. When you get there, there is a small metal balcony from where you can see the fountain. The water is so clear that you can almost see the bottom. If you get hungry, you can go to nearby cafes and restaurants, which are created for tourists and are very enjoyable.

Apolonia
National Archaeological Park, where there is another archeological museum. It is eight kilometers from the city of Fier, to its west. There you can see the ruins of old houses, wells, fountains, the foundations of an antique craft shop, the theater, the temple of a goddess and a Roman statue unearthed in 2010. In the museum are found remains of objects discovered during excavations. There are plates, jewelry, tools, architectural elements and antique sculptures.

Alps
The mountains of the Albanian Alps are very famous. The landscapes are impressive. We recommend you Valbona Valley, where we suggest you visit Dragobi Cave. It is a very famous place that holds the remains of a national hero. You can also visit Thethi National Park, which is 30 minutes away from the village of the same name. People consider it one of the most beautiful roads and a fantastic place to watch the sunset in the fall.

Ksamili
The natural beauties of Albania are really impressive and walking along the crystal clear water or sunbathing on the beaches of Albania can not be compared to anything. Although the entire Albanian coast has wonderful beaches, the part of the coast that is washed by the Ionian Sea is ‘guilty’ of the fact that so many tourists fall in love with this place. This area is known as the Albanian Riviera and there you will find Ksamil beach. Ksamil has no swearing. The blue water exceeds expectations. It is one of the most famous and sought after beaches in Albania and yet it is so large that you will not feel surrounded by the large number of tourists who visit it, not only during the tourist season. Located in the town of the same name. The city has many pleasant and comfortable places to stay, as well as shops and restaurants.