As of: February 14, 2024, 11:32 a.m
By: Franziska Kaindl
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Albania is increasingly becoming a destination of choice for tourists.
So it's time to explore the most beautiful corners of the country.
1 / 10The capital of Albania is often overlooked when planning a vacation.
Compared to metropolises like London or Rome, the attractions are usually seen quickly, but that doesn't make them any less worth seeing.
Tirana looks back on an eventful history, which can be seen in the buildings from Ottoman or Soviet times.
The center of the city is Skanderberg Square, where the Et'hem Bey Mosque from the 18th and 19th centuries is located.
The Namazgja Mosque is even larger and, with its four impressive minarets, is already becoming the city's landmark (see photo) - although construction is not yet finished.
© Pond5 Images/Imago
2 / 10In the south of Albania is Gjirokaster, also known as the “City of a Thousand Steps”.
It nestles on the slopes of the Mali i Gjerë peak and reveals a wonderful panoramic view of the Drino Valley.
The old town is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique Ottoman architecture.
Many of the two-story buildings were built in the 17th century, as was the Bazaar Mosque.
Visitors can stroll through the fascinating, narrow streets and enjoy authentic Albanian cuisine.
© Pond5 Images/Imago
3 / 10Dhërmi is a beautiful village on the coast of the Albanian Riviera - making it a perfect place for a beach holiday.
In summer there is loud music and well-stocked restaurants and bars.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, you will still find a quiet place on the extensive stretch of coast.
The village itself is also worth a visit, with its cobbled streets, small churches and white houses reminiscent of Greek villages.
© Pond5 Images/Imago
4 / 10Far in the north of Albania, near the border with Montenegro, is the town of Shkodra.
Historically, it is the oldest in the country, being first mentioned in the 4th century BC.
Due to its location along important trade routes, it was often the center of conflicts - and was sometimes in Roman, sometimes Serbian and sometimes Ottoman hands.
This can also be seen at the former Ura e Mesit trading bridge about eight kilometers away from Shkodra, which is now a popular photo opportunity (see picture).
There is also a lot for tourists to marvel at in Shkodra: the most famous sight is the Rozafa Fortress on the southern edge of the city.
Immediately afterwards is the lead mosque, which owes its name to the lead domes with which it is roofed.
© Benedetta Barbanti/Imago
5 / 10After the “City of a Thousand Steps” comes the “City of a Thousand Windows”: Like Gjirokaster, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is characterized by the typical architecture of the Ottoman period.
It owes its name to the windows that are evenly set into the stone facades.
Sights include the 15th century Royal Mosque, which is one of the oldest in the city.
Kalaja Castle also looks back on a long history: in its current form it was built in the 13th century, but its origins go back to the pre-Christian 4th century.
© Nikola Dubivská/Imago
6 / 10Not far from Berat lies the breathtaking Osum Gorge.
It is one of the most impressive landscapes in Albania due to its spectacular rock formations and lush vegetation.
Active holidaymakers can even venture into the water at natural pools and watercourses to take a refreshing swim.
Nearby, hidden between the forests, is the idyllic Bogove waterfall.
© Bruno Kickner/Imago
7 / 10For many years, Saranda was known primarily to the locals as a seaside resort.
However, Albania is now growing beyond its status as an “insider tip” and more and more tourists are discovering the charming port city.
Mirror Beach is considered the most beautiful beach in the area, but Pulebardha Beach also attracts numerous sun seekers.
By the way, the Greek island of Corfu can also be easily reached from Saranda - a ferry ride only takes 30 minutes.
© Pond5 Images/Imago
8 / 10Not far from the bathing paradise of Saranda is the Butrint National Park.
Its center is the ruined city of the same name, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors come across numerous traces from antiquity, such as the remains of a Roman amphitheater.
But there is also a Byzantine church and a baptistery as well as a hilltop castle from the Venetian period to visit.
© Maria Maar/Imago
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9 / 10The city of Korça is located in southeast Albania and is far from beaches and other tourist hotspots.
This means holidaymakers can see the “cradle of Albanian culture”, as it is often called, without any crowds.
The city's architecture is characterized by Ottoman and French influences.
There are wide boulevards, green parks and neoclassical villas - which is why Korça was once considered the Paris of Albania.
The most beautiful sights include the Resurrection Cathedral (see photo), the Mirahor Mosque, the Old Bazaar and the Museum of Medieval Art.
© Martin Siepmann/Imago
10 / 10If you're looking for exercise and wonderful landscapes, the Albanian Alps are the right place for you.
In the remoteness of the national park there are only smaller settlements such as Theth or Valbona, from which hikers can start their journey through the impressive mountain panorama.
On the way there are, among other things, the Grunas waterfall and the lake Syri i Kaltër (English “blue eye”) to discover.
© Unai Huizi/Imago
Albania has been considered the cheaper alternative to Greece for some time now.
But it is no longer a real insider tip - the Balkan country is now part of the repertoire of the travel group FTI.
Nevertheless, Albania is still relatively free of mass tourism and has plenty of idyllic beaches and bays to offer, as well as authentic towns and villages that look back on a rich history.