Albania Trips

Young, eclectic and bursting with history Tirana is sure to surprise every traveller after resurrecting from the decades of isolation. From the cold war bunkers transformed into the modern art galleries to the remnants of the Ottoman-style bridges, Tirana’s streets tell a story of its past and paint a picture of its future. Explore Albania’s vibrant capital before it becomes mainstream!

Spend a few days in the atmospheric Shkodra en route to the Albanian Alps. Sat on the shores of the vast lake, Shkodra will steal your heart with its Italian flair, Ottoman bridges and medieval castle towering over the city. From here you will head out to explore the stunning lake Koman, kayak down the Shala river and marvel at Valbona Valley.

The tiny village of Theth has easily got one of the most dramatic settings in the whole of Albania. Surrounded by the snowy peaks of rugged mountains and linked to Valbona valley by the iconic trail this place is a must visit for any avid hiker or nature lover.

Swap the big city vibe of Tirana for quaint streets of Kruja: the birthplace of Skanderbeg, Albania’s legendary hero. Explore the impressive medieval fortress overlooking the city, spend hours wandering around the 500-years-old Bazaar with myriads of stalls and tiny shops filled to the brim with colourful handicrafts. It’s a great place to stock up on souvenirs, even if you’re at the very beginning of your journey.

Whitewashed ottoman houses climbing up the hills of Osumi river bank, with wide windows glimmering in the sunlight. Welcome to Berat, aptly nicknamed “a town of a 1000 windows”. It’s famed for the well-preserved ottoman buildings and a fantastic setting, making it one of the most magical places in Albania. Discover this charming UNESCO site and delve deep into Albanian culture while cooking up a feast with a local chef.

Stretching over a 100 miles, the Albanian Riviera is the perfect way to finish your adventure, enjoying some well-deserved r&r after exploring the country’s mountains and lakes. Gently washed by the waters of the Ionian sea, the coast changes from rugged rocks to blissful bays, with tiny villages dotted around. Spend your days sunning on one of the many golden beaches, discover ancient sites and explore the natural wonders of this stunning region.

Sun-kissed Ksamil, casually stretched along the southern-most tip of Albania, will wow you with its views. Golden sand, emerald bay and a spectacular National Park right next to it make this peninsula one of the best places on the Riviera. Ever wanted to dip in a different destination for a day? The Greek island of Corfu, almost touching Ksamil’s shores, will make a great day trip!

If the majestic stone-built Gjirokastra was not on your list to visit, be sure to add it in: it’s so worth a detour. One of the great examples of Ottoman architecture, this medieval town overlooking the green Drina valley is full of character. Think entangled cobbled streets, bazaars and sensational views from the well-preserved castle. Your local guide will help you uncover the area’s history during your walk through the town.

Korca is one of Albania’s hidden gems that’s well worth a visit. If amazing architecture, great museums and the first brewery in the country aren’t enough reasons for a stopover, then it also breaks up the very long journey between the coast and lake Ohrid. On the way here you’ll visit a cheese factory set in an old bunker, and taste some fresh produce too.

Watch the world go by in the lakeside village of Lin. Walk around the shores of the vast lake Ohrid or kayak across its placid cobalt waters in search of secluded beaches. During your stay in Lin you’ll cross the border to North Macedonia and explore Ohrid with your guide, then return back in time for a fabulous local feast.

Wake up to a panoramic view from your very own safari-style tent; hike the high mountains and rugged canyons and share your stories with the fellow travellers by the bonfire. This unique experience in the heart of Albania’s highlands will be one of the lasting memories of your adventure through Albania.