Albania, AlbaniaSkanderbeg Square stands in central Tirana and is named after Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, the fifteenth-century Albanian leader who resisted Ottoman expansion. The pedestrian plaza covers roughly 40,000 square metres, with an equestrian monument to Skanderbeg at its centre. Unveiled in 1968, the statue is surrounded by some of Tirana’s best-known buildings, including the Et’hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower, the Palace of Culture, the National Opera, the National Library, the Bank of Albania and the National History Museum building. The square reopened in its present form in 2017 after a major redevelopment that introduced stone paving from different Albanian regions, planted areas, ground-level fountains and public seating. There is no entrance fee, and a walk around the square usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes, not including visits to the nearby mosque, museums or cultural buildings.
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Albania, AlbaniaApollonia Archaeological Park is located in Fier County, in southwestern Albania. Founded by Greek colonists in 588 BC and heavily developed under Roman rule, the ancient city operated as an extremely wealthy commercial hub. The future Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus studied here before taking power. The city was gradually abandoned after a third-century earthquake altered the course of the Vjosa River, completely cutting off its access to the sea. Today, visitors can walk among the stone ruins of the city council building, a small ancient theater, and various other structures. A medieval monastery sits on the exact same grounds, housing the local archaeological museum. Car access is straightforward from the city of Fier along a paved road.
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Albania, AlbaniaGjirokastër Castle stands on a rocky crest overlooking the Drino valley in southern Albania. The military structure dates back to the twelfth century, but its current massive layout is the result of expansions ordered by Ali Pasha of Ioannina in the early nineteenth century. Thick stone walls enclose a large perimeter where visitors can explore vaulted tunnels, ammunition depots, and a former political prison used extensively during the communist regime. A distinct visual feature of the fortress is the clock tower, along with the wreckage of an American T-33 military plane displayed on one of the bastions. Reaching the main gates requires walking up the steep, cobbled streets of the old bazaar. The ramparts provide clear sightlines over the stone city and the surrounding mountains.
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Albania, AlbaniaLlogara National Park is located in the Ceraunian Mountains of southwestern Albania. The protected area sits along the SH8 national highway, which climbs to an altitude of 1,027 meters at the Llogara Pass. Dense coniferous forests form a habitat for golden eagles, roe deer, and foxes. The temperatures here are considerably lower compared to the coastal region. The location attracts visitors interested in mountain hiking, paragliding flights, and local food cooked in wood-fired ovens.
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Albania, AlbaniaButrint National Park lies in southern Albania, close to the resort of Ksamil and around 20 kilometres from Sarandë. The protected area includes the ruins of the ancient city of Butrint, Mediterranean woodland, lakes, lagoons, wetlands and the Vivari Channel. Visitors can explore monuments from several historical periods, including an ancient theatre, a baptistery, a basilica, Roman baths, fortified gates and defensive walls. The main route runs through a shaded landscape where stone structures appear among trees and areas of water. A Venetian castle stands on the central hill and now houses an archaeological museum, while its surroundings provide broad views over the park. Butrint is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is regarded as one of Albania’s most important historical sites. A complete visit usually takes between two and three hours, depending on the route and the amount of time spent examining the individual monuments.
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Albania, AlbaniaBënjë Thermal Baths are located beside the Lengarica River, near the entrance to the canyon of the same name and a short drive from Përmet. Mineral water flows into several stone pools and usually reaches a temperature of about 23–28°C. The best-known pool stands beside Katiu Bridge, an old single-arch stone crossing that has become one of the main features of the area. Visitors come for bathing, relaxation and short walks towards the canyon. The water feels pleasantly warm rather than hot, especially during colder weather. Stones around and inside the pools can be slippery, so water shoes are useful. Mornings are generally quieter, while summer afternoons often bring more visitors. Spring and early autumn are suitable for combining the baths with a walk through the surrounding landscape
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Albania, AlbaniaMesi Bridge crosses the Kir River in northern Albania, located just a few kilometers outside the city of Shkodër. The stone structure was built around 1770 under the orders of the local ruler Kara Mahmud Bushati, serving as a vital link to eastern trade routes. The crossing measures 108 meters in length and rests on 13 asymmetrical arches. The central arch is the largest, spanning more than 21 meters to withstand the frequent river floods. The walking surface consists of uneven cobblestones, bordered by low protective walls. Today, the bridge is closed to vehicular traffic and remains strictly pedestrian. Visitors can reach the site by driving roughly 15 minutes from the center of Shkodër, following a road that runs parallel to the riverbank. The monument displays a practical example of Ottoman civil engineering.
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Albania, AlbaniaThe Ksamil Islands form a small group of islets in the Ionian Sea, just off the coast of the resort of Ksamil in southern Albania. They are known for clear water, changing shades of blue and green, small coves and dense vegetation covering much of their surface. The islands can be reached by boat, kayak or pedal boat, while experienced swimmers may reach some sections when the sea is calm. Visitors usually come for swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling and a few hours away from the busier beaches of the resort. Space on land is limited, and the available facilities vary from one island to another. Morning is generally the best time to visit, before boat traffic increases and the most accessible beaches become crowded.
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Albania, AlbaniaDhërmi Beach is one of the most popular coastal destinations in southern Albania, located at the base of the Ceraunian Mountains along the Ionian Sea. The long shoreline consists of smooth white pebbles contrasting with clear, deep-blue waters. The traditional village sits higher up on the mountain slope, while the coastal area has developed with hotels, restaurants, and beach clubs. Tourists reach the site by following the road descending from the Llogara Pass. The area attracts visitors interested in swimming, water sports, and summer music events.
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Albania, AlbaniaTheth National Park covers a secluded section of the Albanian Alps in the far north of the country, near the Montenegrin border. The protected area consists of a deep valley surrounded by rugged limestone peaks that rise above 2,400 meters. At the center of the park lies the village of Theth, a mountain settlement recognized for its traditional stone houses and an iconic historic church. Hikers frequently travel here to explore an extensive network of alpine trails, including the popular route crossing over the mountain pass into the neighboring Valbonë valley. Key natural landmarks include the Grunas Waterfall and the Blue Eye of Kapre, a deep pool fed by cold underground springs. Prolonged geographic isolation helped preserve specific local structures, such as the Lock-in Tower, historically used as a safe house during blood feuds. The main access road over the Thore Pass was recently paved, allowing standard passenger vehicles to reach the valley.
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Albania, AlbaniaLengarica Canyon is a striking natural formation in southern Albania, carved by the Lengarica River near the village of Bënjë and the town of Përmet. Its high rock walls create a narrow passage that visitors can explore partly by walking directly through the water. The Bënjë thermal springs and the historic Kadiu Bridge stand near the entrance, forming one of the region’s best-known natural and cultural ensembles. During periods of low water flow, the canyon is suitable for river hiking, swimming, and guided exploration. Access conditions depend heavily on the weather, as rainfall can rapidly increase the river level and make the route unsafe.
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Albania, AlbaniaThe Durrës Archaeological Museum stands near the seafront, the Byzantine walls and the port, in an area closely connected with the ancient city of Dyrrhachium. Founded in 1951, the institution moved into its present building in 2002 and preserves material recovered from Durrës and nearby archaeological sites. Its displays cover a long period, from prehistory to the Ottoman era, although Greek, Hellenistic and Roman finds form the core of the collection. Visitors can see pottery, coins, marble sculpture, funerary stelae, sarcophagi, household objects and artefacts recovered during underwater research. Damage caused by the 2019 earthquake led to a major restoration programme, and the museum reopened in April 2026 with redesigned galleries, updated conservation systems, improved accessibility and a broader presentation of the city’s archaeological development.
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Albania, AlbaniaMount Dajti rises east of Tirana and is one of the easiest mountain areas to visit from the Albanian capital. Most travellers take the Dajti Ekspres cable car from the edge of the city to a plateau at roughly 1,050 metres, with the ride lasting about 15 minutes. Restaurants, cafés, children’s activities, an adventure park, mini-golf and several woodland paths are found near the upper station. On clear days, the views extend across Tirana, the surrounding hills and the plain towards the Adriatic coast. Two or three hours are enough for the cable car, a meal and a short walk, while routes towards the higher ridges require more time, suitable footwear and stable weather.
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Albania, AlbaniaEt'hem Bey Mosque stands on Skanderbeg Square beside Tirana’s Clock Tower. Construction began in the late eighteenth century under Molla Bey and was completed in the early nineteenth century by his son, Haxhi Et'hem Bey. The building is best known for the painted decoration covering the portico and much of the prayer hall, where visitors can see flowers, trees, bridges, waterfalls and architectural scenes. Such subjects are unusual in mosque painting from this period. The mosque was closed during Albania’s communist regime but escaped demolition, and in January 1991 thousands of people gathered there for public prayer, an event closely associated with the return of religious freedom. Following a major restoration, the building reopened for worship in 2021. Visitors may usually enter outside prayer times, provided they remove their shoes, dress modestly and behave quietly.
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Albania, AlbaniaThe Durrës Amphitheatre is one of Albania’s most important surviving Roman monuments. It was built in the early second century AD, during the reign of Emperor Trajan, when ancient Dyrrachium was a major Adriatic port. The elliptical structure measured roughly 132–136 metres along its longest axis and may have held between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators. Gladiatorial contests and other public events took place in the arena. After these activities ended, Christian spaces were created within the complex, including a chapel later decorated with mosaics. The monument was rediscovered in 1966 and remains only partly excavated. Located in central Durrës among modern buildings, the site preserves sections of the arena, stairways, galleries, entrances and underground passages.
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Albania, AlbaniaThe Marubi National Museum of Photography is located along the main pedestrian street of Shkodër, in northern Albania. The institution preserves a massive archive of roughly 500,000 glass plate negatives and celluloid films spanning more than a century. This collection originated in the 1850s when Italian political exile Pietro Marubbi opened the first local photography studio. Three generations of the same family continued the trade, documenting the region's transition into the modern era. The permanent exhibition displays clear visual records of daily life, traditional Balkan clothing, political leaders, and major historical events. Completely redesigned in 2016, the building now uses modern climate controls to protect light-sensitive materials. Visitors can examine the original large-format cameras, hand-painted studio backdrops, and detailed client ledgers kept by the photographers.
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Albania, AlbaniaLake Ohrid lies between Albania and North Macedonia in a basin surrounded by mountain ridges. Pogradec is the main access point on the Albanian side, offering beaches, a long waterfront promenade, and numerous restaurants. The lake is known for its clear water, depth of approximately 300 metres, and remarkable number of endemic species. The Lin Peninsula, the village of Tushemisht, and the Drilon springs can easily be included in a route along the Albanian shore. The region forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Albania, AlbaniaCape of Rodon lies on Albania’s Adriatic coast, north of Durrës, between Lalëz Bay and Rodon Bay. The peninsula has low cliffs, narrow beaches, farmland and wooded sections, with only limited development near its outer end. Close to the coast stand the remains of Rodoni Castle, built during the fifteenth century under Skanderbeg, and the medieval Church of Saint Anthony. Visitors usually leave their vehicles near the church area and continue on foot towards the beach and fortress ruins. Road conditions vary, and the final approach may contain potholes, rough surfaces or unpaved sections. The walk is not long, although mud after rain, loose stones and uneven ground can make it slower. Around two or three hours are enough for the church, castle and shoreline, while sturdy footwear is more practical than sandals for anyone planning to explore the ruins and coastal paths.
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Albania, AlbaniaGjirokastër Old Bazaar lies in the historic centre of the city, on the hillside below the castle. The commercial district began to develop in the early 17th century, where four main streets connected different neighbourhoods. A fire in the early 19th century destroyed much of the bazaar, and the buildings were subsequently reconstructed in the architectural forms of that period. Today, the stone-paved streets are lined with two- and three-storey buildings containing craft shops, small workshops, cafés and restaurants. Common products include woven rugs, textiles and objects made from wood, stone and metal. The Bazaar Mosque stands nearby, while Gjirokastër Castle rises above the commercial quarter. The streets are steep in several places and are best explored on foot. The bazaar forms part of Gjirokastër’s historic centre, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
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Albania, AlbaniaZvërnec Monastery is located on a small island inside the Narta Lagoon, in Vlorë County, southwestern Albania. The Byzantine religious complex was built between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and is dedicated to Saint Mary. Visitors reach the island by walking across a pedestrian wooden bridge, approximately 270 meters long, that spans the shallow waters of the lagoon. The monastery is surrounded by a dense pine forest that covers the entire island. During the communist regime, the site was converted into an isolation camp for political prisoners, and the religious buildings were left to decay. Today, the complex has been renovated and remains open to tourists, drawing people with its history and the local ecosystem.
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Albania, AlbaniaThe National Historical Museum stands on Skanderbeg Square in central Tirana, in a building inaugurated on 28 October 1981. For several decades, its galleries presented Albania’s past from prehistoric settlements and Illyrian culture to independence, the two world wars and communist rule. The collections include archaeological finds, coins, weapons, icons, documents, photographs, traditional clothing and personal belongings linked to notable Albanian figures. The façade carries The Albanians, a large socialist-realist mosaic showing figures associated with different periods of national history. The museum has been closed since 15 March 2024 while the building is restored and the permanent exhibitions are redesigned. It is scheduled to reopen on 15 March 2028. Until then, visitors can see only the exterior and the monumental mosaic from Skanderbeg Square.
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Albania, AlbaniaBunk'Art 2 is a museum inside a former nuclear shelter in central Tirana, only a short walk from Skanderbeg Square. The bunker was built during Albania’s communist dictatorship for senior officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and it opened as a museum in 2016. Its exhibition follows the history of Albanian law enforcement and the Sigurimi secret police from the creation of the modern state to the collapse of communist rule. Visitors move through narrow underground corridors and rooms containing documents, photographs, surveillance equipment, interrogation material, video displays and accounts from people persecuted by the regime. Several sections explain how citizens were monitored, arrested and punished, while others cover political prisons and labour camps. Most visitors need between one and two hours, particularly when they stop to read the longer displays. The enclosed setting and difficult subject matter may not suit small children or people who are uncomfortable in confined underground spaces.
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Albania, AlbaniaBogovë Waterfall is located in the Skrapar region of southern Albania, completely surrounded by dense forest near the Osum River valley. The water drops from a height of roughly 20 meters down a vertical limestone cliff, emptying into a deep natural pool known for its freezing temperatures. Visitors start their journey in the village of Bogovë, positioned halfway along the main road connecting Berat and Çorovodă. Reaching the site requires a 45-minute hike along an unpaved trail that follows a small stream. The water volume peaks during the spring months, while summer brings people looking to swim in the pool, despite the consistently cold water. Hiking to the base requires proper footwear, as the stones along the path and around the pool remain slippery and covered in moss throughout the year.
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Albania, AlbaniaKrujë Castle stands on a hill above the town and is closely associated with Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, the leader of Albania’s fifteenth-century resistance against the Ottoman Empire. The fortress survived several major sieges and was finally captured by Ottoman forces in 1478, ten years after Skanderbeg’s death. Within the walls are the National Skanderbeg Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, a clock tower, an old hammam, the remains of a mosque and several inhabited houses. Open areas around the fortress look across Krujë, the surrounding plain and the nearby mountains. The Old Bazaar begins close to the castle entrance, where a stone-paved street is lined with shops selling crafts, textiles, ceramics and souvenirs. A complete visit usually takes between two and four hours, depending on how many museums are included.
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Albania, AlbaniaThe Old Bazaar of Korçë is a historic commercial district located close to the city centre, consisting of stone-paved streets, small squares, and buildings constructed around former shops and traditional inns. The complex developed during the Ottoman period and became one of the main trading centres in southeastern Albania. At the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, the bazaar contained approximately 1,000 shops and formed a distinct district within the city’s urban structure. Its restored buildings now house cafés, restaurants, accommodation facilities, and small local businesses. The area is well suited to walking, photography, and experiencing the distinctive urban atmosphere for which Korçë is known.
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Albania, AlbaniaThe National Skanderbeg Museum is inside Krujë Castle, about 30 kilometres from Tirana. Opened on 1 November 1982, the building was designed by Pranvera Hoxha and Pirro Vaso, who drew on the form of northern Albanian stone tower houses. Its galleries follow the life of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg and the military campaigns fought against the Ottoman Empire during the fifteenth century. Displays contain documents, icons, weapons, historical reproductions, paintings and sculpture. The route is arranged chronologically and ends near an upper terrace overlooking Krujë and the plain below. Most visitors need between 60 and 90 minutes for the museum, depending on how carefully they read the panels. The museum currently opens every day from 9:00 to 19:00.
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Albania, AlbaniaOsum Canyon is located in the Skrapar region of southern Albania, near the town of Çorovodă. The geological formation stretches for about 26 kilometers, created by continuous river erosion cutting through the local limestone bedrock. The vertical walls rise to 450 meters in certain sections, while the distance between them narrows down to just 1.5 meters in the tightest spots. Spring brings higher water volumes from melting snow, making the river highly suitable for rafting and kayaking. As the dry summer months approach, the water drops significantly, letting people walk directly along the riverbed for long distances. The gorge contains eight main waterfalls and various unusually shaped rock formations. Local authorities have installed several metal observation decks along the upper rim, functioning as secure spots to look down into the deep valley.
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Albania, AlbaniaBerat Castle stands on a rocky hill above the Osum River in central Albania, overlooking the historical quarters of Mangalem and Gorica. Initial fortifications date back to the 4th century BC, with major structural expansions carried out during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The citadel remains an inhabited neighborhood today, featuring stone houses, narrow cobbled alleys, and several historical structures. Key sites within the perimeter include the Church of the Holy Trinity, the ruins of the Red Mosque, and the Onufri Iconographic Museum located inside the Cathedral of the Dormition of Saint Mary. Visitors can reach the main gate via a steep stone road leading from the city center. The upper plateau offers open views across the valley and the nearby Tomorr mountain range.
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Albania, AlbaniaGorica Bridge crosses the Osum River to connect the historic Mangalem and Gorica neighborhoods in the city of Berat. The current stone structure was completed during the 1920s, replacing an older wooden version built near the end of the eighteenth century. The crossing spans almost 130 meters in length and rests on seven asymmetrical arches, with the highest span located in the center of the riverbed. Thick stone piers feature smaller arched openings near the top designed to reduce water pressure during frequent seasonal floods. Traffic across the bridge is currently restricted to pedestrians. Walking to the southern bank provides direct access to the houses in Gorica and clear sightlines toward the white facades of the Mangalem district. Recent maintenance projects reinforced the masonry and restored the cobblestone pavement along the path.
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Albania, AlbaniaThe Pyramid of Tirana stands on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard, about a ten-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square. It opened in 1988 as a museum dedicated to Enver Hoxha, Albania’s former communist leader, and later served several different purposes. After years of neglect, the building was renovated and reopened in 2023 as a cultural and educational centre. The original concrete structure was retained, while broad exterior steps, terraces and colourful rooms were added inside and around it. Visitors can climb the stepped sides to the upper platform, which looks across central Tirana. The building now contains classrooms, workshops, studios, cafés and spaces used for technology and creative programmes, particularly for young people. The outdoor stairs, terraces and surrounding park can generally be visited without an entrance ticket.
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Albania, AlbaniaRozafa Castle stands on a rocky hill in northern Albania, directly above the confluence of the Buna, Drin, and Kir rivers near the city of Shkodër. The earliest fortifications date back to the Illyrian period, while the massive stone walls visible today result from successive Venetian and Ottoman reconstructions. The defensive perimeter breaks down into three terraced courtyards, separated by thick internal walls. Surviving historical structures include the ruins of Saint Stephen's Church, which was later converted into a mosque, and the former captain's headquarters, now functioning as a local history museum. Because the fortress sits at an elevation exceeding 130 meters, the upper platforms provide clear sightlines over the city, Lake Shkodër, and the mountains along the Montenegrin border. Visitors reach the main entrance by walking up a steep cobblestone path.
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Albania, AlbaniaLake Koman is a reservoir located in northern Albania, created in the early 1980s by constructing a hydroelectric dam on the Drin River. The water displays a bright green color and stretches for 34 kilometers, completely surrounded by tall, rocky mountains. Tourists and locals rely on the daily ferry service to travel between the Koman terminal and the port of Fierzë. This navigation route significantly reduces the driving time required to reach the national parks in the far north of the country. The boat journey across the lake takes approximately three hours in each direction.
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Albania, AlbaniaPorto Palermo Castle stands on a small rocky peninsula in the bay of the same name, about 8 kilometres south of Himarë on the Albanian Riviera. The fortress is mainly associated with Ali Pasha of Tepelena, the regional ruler who strengthened several strategic positions in southern Albania during the early nineteenth century. Its compact layout is roughly triangular, with powerful corner bastions, thick stone walls and vaulted rooms arranged around a central space. From this position, the garrison could watch the bay, nearby sea routes and the coastal corridor between Himarë and Qeparo. Visitors can walk through the dim interior passages, see the former military chambers and climb to the upper terrace for broad views of the Ionian Sea. Small beaches lie close to the peninsula, while the entrance to a former submarine tunnel built during Albania’s communist period can be seen across the bay. The combination of military architecture, coastal scenery and modern history makes the castle a notable stop along the Riviera.
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Albania, AlbaniaNarta Lagoon is a large body of saltwater located in southwestern Albania, just north of the city of Vlorë. A narrow strip of sand and pine forests separates it from the Adriatic Sea. The water connects directly to the sea through two natural channels, maintaining a high level of salinity. The lagoon is recognized for its traditional salt production, an industrial activity carried out here for decades. The area attracts birdwatching tourists, acting as a crucial habitat for flamingos and pelicans during their migration. Visitors can easily reach the site by car from Vlorë, driving along a paved road that leads to Zvërnec Island and the salt pans. The flat terrain makes the area highly suitable for walking or cycling.
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Albania, AlbaniaArdenica Monastery is located on a hill in southwestern Albania, close to the national road connecting the cities of Fier and Lushnjë. The religious complex was built during the Middle Ages and is famous for hosting the wedding of the Albanian national hero Skanderbeg in 1451. The stone walls protect a spacious inner courtyard, the monks' living quarters, and the Church of Saint Mary. The church interior features a massive carved wooden iconostasis and well-preserved frescoes painted in the eighteenth century. Due to its historical importance, the building survived the communist regime, functioning temporarily as a student camp. Today, it remains open to tourists and worshippers.
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Albania, AlbaniaAntigonea Archaeological Park is located on a high plateau in southern Albania, near the village of Saraqinisht in the Gjirokastër region. King Pyrrhus of Epirus founded the ancient city in 295 BC, naming it after his first wife, Antigone. The settlement existed for a relatively short time before the Roman army completely destroyed it in 167 BC. Today, the site preserves the stone foundations of former residential houses, sections of the defensive walls, and the outline of the central public square. A small early Christian church stands among the Hellenistic ruins, built centuries after the original city fell. The grassy terrain provides clear sightlines over the Drino Valley. Visitors reach the ruins by driving roughly 14 kilometers from Gjirokastër, navigating a road that is partially unpaved near the end.
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Albania, AlbaniaGjipe Canyon is located on the Albanian Riviera coast between the villages of Dhërmi and Vuno, carved by a stream into the rocky massif. The deep gorge features vertical stone walls rising over 70 meters high, ending abruptly at a secluded beach on the Ionian Sea. Tourists reach the beach by hiking a 1.5-kilometer trail from the plateau parking lot or by taking coastal boats. The area is popular for hiking, rock climbing, and swimming in clear waters.
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Albania, AlbaniaThe Onufri National Iconographic Museum operates inside the Cathedral of the Dormition of Saint Mary, located within the fortified walls of Berat. The institution opened in 1986 and honors a prominent sixteenth-century painter known for his distinctive style. The exhibition space gathers dozens of religious works rescued from old Albanian churches and monasteries. Visitors observe creations signed by Onufri, recognized for their intense red tones, alongside pieces painted by his son Nikolla and other regional masters. Beyond wooden panels, the collection displays liturgical objects made of precious metals and old ecclesiastical garments. The central structural feature of the building remains a large iconostasis carved from walnut wood and finished with gold leaf. Reaching the site requires walking up to the Kalaja neighborhood, where access requires a standard admission ticket for the permanent galleries.
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Albania, AlbaniaValbonë Valley National Park covers 8,000 hectares in the mountainous region of northern Albania. The terrain consists of tall limestone peaks and dense forests. The Valbonë River runs through the center of the valley from west to east. The main village is also named Valbonë and provides accommodation in traditional stone houses. Hiking on mountain trails is the primary activity. The most used route connects the valley to the neighboring village of Theth over the mountain pass. Tourists arrive here via a paved road from Bajram Curri or by taking a ferry across Lake Koman.
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Albania, AlbaniaMangalem Quarter lies on the right bank of the Osum River, directly at the foot of the hill supporting Berat Castle. The district expanded during the Ottoman administration as a residential area for the local Muslim community. It stands out through its traditional architecture adapted to the steep hillside terrain. Stone houses feature white facades, projecting upper floors, and long rows of wooden windows facing the valley. This terraced arrangement of the buildings earned the settlement its popular description as the town of overlapping windows. The street network consists entirely of narrow pedestrian alleys paved with river stones, making vehicle access impossible due to the sharp inclines. Among the preserved public buildings scattered between the private homes are the King's Mosque and the Bachelors' Mosque, both situated near the riverbed.
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Albania, AlbaniaThe National Museum of Medieval Art in Korçë houses one of Albania’s most important collections of religious art. Its holdings include thousands of icons, church fragments, and objects made from wood, stone, metal, and textiles. The exhibition presents the development of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art and includes works associated with major painters such as Onufri, Kostandin Shpataraku, and the Zografi brothers. The museum occupies a modern building on Fan Noli Boulevard, designed to display and preserve its extensive collection.
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Albania, AlbaniaGrunas Waterfall is located in Theth National Park in northern Albania, hidden along the western slopes of the valley. The constant water flow originates entirely from underground karst springs and melting snow, ensuring a steady volume throughout the year. A powerful stream drops down a limestone cliff from a height of about 25 meters, creating a small, freezing pool at the bottom. Visitors reach this natural monument by following a marked trail starting from the center of Theth village and running parallel to the Shala River. The hike takes nearly an hour, leading people through beech forests and over uneven, rocky terrain. High water pressure creates a permanent mist around the plunge pool, keeping the immediate area constantly cool. The walk requires moderate physical effort and sturdy hiking boots, as the final approach gets quite slippery.
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Albania, AlbaniaPrespa National Park protects the Albanian side of the Prespa lakes together with the forests, meadows, and mountain landscapes surrounding them. Located near the borders with North Macedonia and Greece, the park is known for its quiet villages, waterbirds, and open views where the mountains descend close to the shoreline. Visitors can hike, take boat trips, watch birds, or travel to Maligrad Island, home to a small historic church built partly into the rock. The area also forms part of the Ohrid–Prespa Transboundary Biosphere Reserve.
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Albania, AlbaniaMount Tomorr is located in south-central Albania, east of Berat, between the Osum River valley and the Skrapar area. Its highest point is Çuka e Partizanit, which reaches an elevation of about 2,416 metres. The massif lies within Tomorr National Park and includes forests, mountain grasslands, limestone slopes, springs and rocky upper ridges. Tomorr also has an important place in Albanian folklore and in the Bektashi religious tradition. A shrine dedicated to Abbas Ali stands near the southern summit and attracts many pilgrims, particularly during the annual gathering held from 20 to 25 August. The mountain can be explored on hiking routes and rough mountain roads, although access to the higher areas depends on weather and ground conditions. Several viewpoints provide extensive views towards Berat, the Osum valley and the surrounding ranges.
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Albania, AlbaniaKaraburun-Sazan Marine Park is the only maritime reserve in Albania, located at the exit of the Bay of Vlorë, on the border between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The protected area includes the waters surrounding the Karaburun peninsula and Sazan Island. The zone protects rare marine species, such as sea turtles and the monk seal. Ancient shipwrecks and World War II relics lie on the seabed. Tourists reach this location exclusively by boats departing from the port of Vlorë. The site is ideal for scuba diving, snorkeling, and exploring sea caves, providing a completely wild environment without artificial tourist infrastructure.
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Albania, AlbaniaLake Shkodër lies on the border between Albania and Montenegro and is the largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula. Its size changes through the year as winter rain and melting snow raise the water level, while drier summer conditions expose reed beds, mudflats and low shoreline areas. On the Albanian side, Shirokë and Zogaj are the easiest lakeside settlements to reach from the city of Shkodër. Restaurants, guesthouses, small beaches and waterfront roads are found in both villages. The lake supports more than 280 bird species, including Dalmatian pelicans, pygmy cormorants, herons and egrets. Visitors can take boat trips, paddle kayaks, fish or cycle along parts of the southern shore. Swimming is common in selected areas, although reeds, mud and aquatic plants make some sections unsuitable for entering the water.
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Albania, AlbaniaBylis Archaeological Park is located in the Mallakastër region of southern Albania, sitting on a hill that provides a wide view over the Vjosa River valley. The Illyrian Bylliones tribe founded the city in the fourth century BC, turning it into a major political and economic center. The site preserves the stone foundations of a large ancient theater, a stadium, and several early Christian basilicas recognized for their detailed floor mosaics. The city was permanently abandoned at the end of the sixth century AD following foreign invasions. Today, visitors can explore the ruins on foot, enjoying a much quieter atmosphere compared to other ancient settlements. Car access involves driving along a mountain road starting from the town of Ballsh.
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Albania, AlbaniaKrujë Old Bazaar follows the cobbled street leading uphill towards the castle, only a few minutes from the fortress entrance. The market developed under Ottoman rule, while much of the layout seen today dates from the seventeenth century. Shops have timber fronts, wide shutters and roofs projecting over the pavement, based on forms once common in Balkan trading streets. Their displays contain carpets, embroidery, copperware, jewellery, musical instruments, traditional felt caps and modern souvenirs. Some goods are made in Krujë workshops, while others come from different parts of Albania or are mass-produced. Walking from one end to the other takes about thirty minutes, although browsing shops or stopping at a café can extend the visit. Entry is free, but the uneven polished stones become slippery in rain and are less comfortable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
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Albania, AlbaniaLocated in southern Albania between Sarandë and Gjirokastër, the Blue Eye Spring is a powerful karst water source. The water rushes to the surface from fully unexplored depths under immense pressure, eventually feeding the Bistricë River. Divers have managed to reach 50 meters down, but the actual bottom of the vertical shaft remains unknown. The water holds a constant temperature of ten degrees Celsius year-round. The sharp visual contrast between the dark center of the basin and its light blue edges gave the site its name. A grove of oak and sycamore trees surrounds the pool, keeping the local air cool. Visitors walk roughly two kilometers from the designated parking area along a flat, paved road. A wooden deck stands directly over the main current, giving people a clear view into the deep water.
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Albania, AlbaniaDivjakë-Karavasta National Park lies on Albania’s Adriatic coast, west of the town of Divjakë, and brings together lagoons, coastal pine forest, dunes, salt marshes and long sandy beaches. Its best-known area is Karavasta Lagoon, the largest lagoon in Albania and an important habitat for Dalmatian pelicans, cormorants, egrets, herons and many migratory birds. In the central visitor area, paths cross the pine forest and lead to a tall wooden observation tower, information points and the road towards Divjakë Beach. Visitors can walk, cycle, watch birds or spend time by the sea. Early morning is usually better for birdwatching, especially during migration periods. The beach area becomes busy in summer, while the forest paths and lagoon edges are generally quieter.
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