Albania Travel Guide: Why Visit Albania?

Written by: Caitlin Middleton - Product Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Published: 22 December 2025

Tucked between Greece, Montenegro and the sparkling Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania is one of Europe’s most intriguing emerging destinations. Until recently, it sat quietly on the edge of mainstream travel, but thanks to its authentic capital, lush countryside and affordable nature, it’s quickly becoming a gem for both city breaks and more adventurous escapes.

Here's an in-depth look at all that Albania has to offer (and why it deserves a priority spot on your list).

Stretching along the Ionian Sea from Vlorë to Sarandë, the Albanian Riviera is often described as one of Europe’s final truly unspoilt coastlines. Here, turquoise water meets quiet crescents of sand and pebble, backed by olive groves and dramatic cliffs. It’s a refreshing change from more established Mediterranean destinations like Croatia or Italy. You can get a slice of the action on our Cycle Albania tour which whisks through the Riviera's winding coast.

The beaches to know:

• Ksamil: Close to the Greek border, Ksamil’s white-sand beaches and bright, shallow waters feel almost tropical.
• Himarë: A relaxed coastal town with long, inviting beaches and a charming waterfront promenade. (Pictured)
• Dhermi: Known for its powdery sand and relaxed beach bars, with quieter coves if you wander beyond the main stretch.
• Borsh and Qeparo: Peaceful, more local-feeling options perfect for travellers seeking space.

Beyond the beaches, part of the Albanian Riviera’s appeal is its authenticity. Small guesthouses, family-run restaurants and local cafés all let you experience Albanian culture at a gentle, coastal pace.

For the best time to visit the Albanian Riviera, travel between May and June or September and October for sunshine and comfortable temperatures. July and August bring warmer seas and a livelier atmosphere, but still fewer crowds than many Mediterranean hotspots.

Pictured: Buneci beach in Himarë

Albania is home to thousands of years of human history. Layers of Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influence can be seen across the country – in ruined cities, hilltop castles, medieval alleyways and UNESCO-listed towns. What makes exploring Albania’s heritage particularly special is the lack of crowds. Even at peak times, you can often wander sites that feel uncannily peaceful.

Butrint

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Albania’s greatest archaeological treasures, Butrint is a beautifully preserved ancient city set within a lush national park. Its ruins span many eras, from Greek temples to Roman baths and a reconstructed Byzantine basilica. The setting - surrounded by wetlands and lagoons - is as memorable as the history. (Pictured)

Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër, known as the “City of Stone,” is a UNESCO-listed town where steep cobbled streets wind past elegant Ottoman houses with distinctive stone roofs. Overlooking it all is Gjirokastër Castle, one of the largest in the Balkans. The town feels like a living museum, yet it remains wonderfully lived-in and characterful.

Pictured: Butrint Ancient Theatre

Berat

Another UNESCO gem, Berat is famed for its hillside of whitewashed houses stacked like terraces, earning it the nickname “the city of a thousand windows.” Its hilltop castle has been continuously inhabited for centuries and still houses small churches, guesthouses and local families.

Apollonia

Once an important Greek and later Roman city, Apollonia features atmospheric ruins spread across fields and olive groves. Highlights include the remarkable façade of the Bouleuterion (council building), fragments of temples and a peaceful monastery nearby.

Rozafa Castle

Set above Shkodra and its shimmering lake, Rozafa Castle is steeped in legend. Its views stretch across the plains to Montenegro and the Albanian Alps, making it a must-visit not just for history enthusiasts but also for photographers and walkers. (Pictured)

Pictured: Ruins of Rozafa Castle in Shkodra