The big Albania places guide

A restaurant in central Tirana

Spectacular Turkish grill experience with live music, lahmacun, beef shish and a knafeh everyone photographs

A family run fish institution on the waterfront, the catch comes in fresh every morning and locals and visitors love it alike

A restaurant in Ksamil

A restaurant in Berat

A highly rated restaurant for traditional Albanian food in Berat, including halal options

A seafood restaurant in Ksamil

A restaurant in Tirana

Albania's agrotourism gem, a farm to table menu sourced from 400 local farms that earned worldwide recognition

A family restaurant in Berat

A restaurant for traditional food right by the castle in Gjirokaster, a blend of taste and historic view

A hugely popular Italian restaurant in Tirana

A traditional Albanian grill with roast lamb, tave kosi and oven baked vegetables

The address for traditional, authentic Albanian cuisine in the heart of the capital, a meal that feels like grandma's kitchen

The most talked about restaurant in the stone city, family run, with qifqi, smoked lamb and a welcome shot

A fish restaurant in Saranda

A taverna with old music memorabilia, authentic Albanian food in generous portions at a fair price

Handmade pasta made fresh every day and Neapolitan pizza from a wood fired oven in the heart of the capital

The original Era in the Blloku district, byrek, kofta and oven baked pies that won over the locals

On Butrint Lake, mussels grown just a few meters from your table, the signature taste of Ksamil

A family restaurant in Saranda

A cafe on the marina front with shaded tables, a quiet place for a break by the water

A hugely popular bar and restaurant in Vlorë

A steak house in Tirana

A terrace with a sea view and superb seafood pasta, a winning combination of taste and view

Traditional Berat cuisine from local ingredients facing the view of the old town

A highly rated Neapolitan pizzeria in Sarandë

Permet's celebrated table on the riverbank, game and partridge meat and the best byrek in Albania with house made raki

A restaurant in Tirana

A terrace overlooking the whole bay, an outstanding seafood risotto and grilled octopus, one of the best choices for fish

A beloved home kitchen that Lili and his wife run in the old quarter, everything cooked from scratch and the tables fill up fast

A breakfast restaurant in central Shkodra

A hidden romantic courtyard with grilled sea bass and a wonderful stuffed calamari

A restaurant in Vlora

A traditional villa restaurant a few steps from the Skanderbeg Museum, a terrace with a stunning view over Kruje and classic Albanian dishes

A seaside grill with octopus and lamb chops and a menu at transparent prices

A waterfront taverna with seafood considered among the best in Albania at a fair price

Award winning Mediterranean fusion from Trilat, considered the best service in all of Sarande

A restaurant in Ksamil

A popular fast food spot in Vlorë

Chef Bledi's restaurant that reinvents Albanian cuisine using only local ingredients

A veteran institution in the Blloku district with Albanian and Mediterranean cuisine, a beautifully restored villa voted the number one traditional restaurant again and again

A taverna on Potam beach with a shrimp casserole and a superb seafood linguine

A restaurant in Ksamil

A hidden gem far from the promenade with genuinely fresh fish at low prices

An affordable, highly rated restaurant in Berat

A restaurant in Ksamil

Himare's veteran taverna since 1998, a legendary grilled octopus and a daily catch on a deck floating above the water

A hugely popular bar and restaurant in Durrës

A lakeside institution since 1996 for traditional lake fish feasts with a stunning view over Lake Shkodra

The capital's cosmopolitan hot spot for fresh fish, sushi and truffle sashimi, one of the most photographed modern dining rooms

A thirty year old family home with tave kosi and meat stews, like eating at a friend's place

An affordable restaurant, cafe and bar in Sarandë

A front row beach restaurant with a steaming shrimp casserole and a red sunset over the sea

An affordable restaurant in the mountain village of Theth

Seafood from their own boats and vegetables from the garden right by the sea

Burgers and grill in Ksamil

Albania's flagship farm to table destination near the capital, leading the slow food movement where everything is grown on the farm

A highly rated taverna in Himarë

Fresh fish over the coals, mezze and sunsets facing Potam beach

An affordable taverna in Gjirokastër with a perfect rating

Italian flavors meeting sushi on the waterfront, the seafood dish here earns high praise

Tables on the riverbank in the Gorica quarter, perfect for sunset, loved for traditional cooking right by the Osum

A hidden culinary gem in Berat with traditional, authentic roasting worth seeking out

One of Vlore's leading spots for fresh fish, a stunning beach view alongside quality plating

An Italian seaside fish restaurant in Borsh, with pizza and pasta

An atmospheric stone house from 1694 decked in ethnographic costumes with live folk music, Shkodra's signature heritage meal

A vineyard taverna crowned again and again as the best in Albania

Seafood and grilled octopus at sunset, a delicious experience right by the waves

Seafood facing a romantic sunset, famous for seafood pappardelle and grilled octopus

Considered the best fish restaurant in Vlore, a fresh daily catch on ice and seafood pastas signed by chef Aldo Mehmeti

An alpine restaurant with organic farm produce, from the milk to the plate in a rural setting

A family restaurant in the mountains with traditional home cooked meals, especially warm and tasty

Fresh farm to table local cuisine in Albania's culinary capital, traditional dishes at their best

Real Albanian home cooking that the locals love, generous and cheap far from the tourist traps

A highly rated restaurant in Qeparo

A highly rated slow food restaurant in Përmet

An institution of almost thirty years on the promenade, fresh bay fish, aged steaks and cocktails

A restaurant in Ksamil

A veteran country taverna under a giant plane tree, with homemade byrek

Restaurant about 300 metres from Gamti Mountain

An affordable traditional restaurant in Gjirokastër with a perfect rating

A rustic traditional stone house, specializing in qifqi, byrek and oshaf, a must in the old town

One of the veteran restaurants on Dhermi beach, a magical garden atmosphere at golden hour and a beloved seafood dish

A seafood restaurant in Durres

A hillside restaurant with a sunset dinner and an octopus salad that is the signature dish

Halal restaurant on Rruga Riviera, about 5 km from Rana e Hedhun beach

A seafood restaurant on the beach in Ksamil

A restaurant and bar in Krujë

A cafe in Berat serving a modern take on classic Albanian dishes in a pleasant atmosphere

This is where the locals eat, traditional Albanian dishes with plenty of vegetarian options

A beloved taverna in the heart of the historic bazaar, serving sarma, shapkat and qifqi at their best

Restaurant on the Shëngjin to Kune road, about 8.5 km from Rana e Hedhun beach

Farm to table agrotourism near the airport, a multi course country feast with wine from the estate

A seafront restaurant in Vlorë

A restaurant in Gjirokaster with a breathtaking view of the valley near the Ali Pasha Bridge

Considered the best sushi in the city and well beyond it

Slow traditional dishes at a place whose profits support women who escaped violence

A restaurant and coffee spot in Tirana

A father and son family place with kid on the skewer and lamb over the fire, one of the best meals in Albania

A promenade corner for seafood, steak and sushi at excellent value

The well known sushi restaurant in Tirana, sleek modern design and a Japanese, Chinese and Thai menu

An affordable beer hall and restaurant in Korçë

Fresh homemade pasta made by the family, a real, warm taste at a fair price

A romantic terrace in Berat with a stunning panoramic view of the city, perfect for dinner

A panoramic hilltop terrace with the finest view in the city over the castle and the valley, a sunset dinner destination

A modern restaurant in Pogradec specializing in the fresh local koran fish from Lake Ohrid

A restaurant in Permet with grilled meats and a direct view of the flowing Vjosa River

Pasta and seafood on the waterfront with a direct view of the marina

A family taverna at the castle gate serving tave kosi from a two hundred year old recipe, Elbasan's signature dish

A highly rated Greek taverna in Elbasan

A luxurious restaurant with fresh homemade pasta, careful Italian cooking and an indulgent atmosphere

A grand restaurant for traditional Albanian dishes, a rich and delicious culinary experience

Elegant Albanian Mediterranean cuisine near the Grand Park, always on the list of Tirana's best restaurants

A modern restaurant in Vlore with fresh seafood and quality steaks in a contemporary presentation

A family run Greek taverna with moussaka and a sea view at fair prices

A restaurant in Tirana

The best pizza in the city from an Italian pizzaiolo on sourdough

Restaurant about half a kilometre from Llogara National Park

Restaurant in Koman village, about 1.5 km from the Shala River

This is where the locals come for seafood, an adjoining fish shop where you pick the fresh catch yourself

A restaurant and bar with a kids zone in Sarandë

Restaurant on the Llogara Pass, about 1 km from the paragliding operator

Restaurant on the SH24 in the village of Shiroka

An authentic family lakror pie over a wood fire, by advance order only

Berat's acclaimed traditional table, local goat cheese dishes on a terrace above the old town

A highly rated pizzeria in Ksamil

Restaurant on the SH8, about 2 km from Bunec beach

A traditional grill famous for fish over the fire and lamb at fair prices

A leading restaurant inside the castle walls, fresh traditional cooking in Elbasan's atmospheric corner

Restaurant in Roshnik village, about 1.5 km from the Alpeta winery

A garden restaurant and bar in Berat

Restaurant in Lukovë village, about 1 km from Lukova beach

Restaurant in the Shpella area, about 1.5 km from Lukova beach

Restaurant in the village of Petran, in the Përmet area of Gjirokastër county

The locals' favorite for Albanian grilled meats, among the highest rated restaurants in the city

Restaurant on the SH99, about 7.5 km from the Blue Eye spring

A beloved restaurant on the Adriatic shore with fresh seafood and an open sea view, a culinary institution in Durres

Modern global Albanian cuisine, acclaimed, from the hands of a TV star chef

The spot consistently rated as the best seafood in Tirana

Restaurant in Roshnik village, about 250 metres from the Alpeta winery

A small family place far from the tourists with excellent lakror and pasta at a friendly price

Italian restaurant on Rruga Studenti in the city of Shkodër

A bar and restaurant in Durrës

A family restaurant in Pogradec with grilled koran and carp in lemon sauce, real home cooked dishes

Restaurant about 300 metres from Gjiri i Lalzit beach

One of Tirana's favorite spots for a great value meal, a rich pasta menu with the best price to quality ratio in the city

A restaurant for fresh fish and seafood at fair prices in Jal, an excellent choice for a real beach meal

Thin Neapolitan pizza charred at the edges with fine Parma prosciutto

Romantic fine dining in a beautifully restored 1930s villa, contemporary Albanian cuisine for a perfect evening for two

A simple homey garden taverna with grilled octopus and a warm local vibe

Mediterranean seafood facing a panoramic view of the Karaburun Peninsula

An affordable, highly rated restaurant in Durrës

On the waterfront with fresh grilled shrimp and octopus and an open sea view

A garden taverna near Korce with lakror and roast lamb chops from fresh local produce

Restaurant about 400 metres from Llogara National Park

Restaurant in Lekdush village, about 1.5 km from the Peshtura Waterfall

Restaurant by the Divjakë beach, about 5 km from Divjakë-Karavasta National Park

Restaurant on Rruga Sazani, in the city of Vlorë in south-west Albania

A luxury beach club with seafood, fresh crudo and refreshing salads

A small, highly rated cafe in Borsh

A veteran seaside institution famous for generous seafood platters and fresh fish on the grill

Refined Mediterranean cuisine with local octopus and regional olive oil, alongside a sea view and cocktails

Restaurant in the Kune area of Shëngjin, about 10 km from Rana e Hedhun beach

A pizzeria in Ksamil with a perfect rating

An iconic Korce style grill restaurant, authentic classic Albanian barbecue that locals have loved for years

Restaurant on Rruga Shpella, about 2 km from Lukova beach

Restaurant in Vrion village, about 5 km from Lëkurësi Castle

Restaurant in the San Pietro area, about 2.5 km from Gjiri i Lalzit beach

An elegant traditional restaurant inside the old bazaar, loved for rich local flavors at a fair price

A restaurant in Qeparo

A beachfront bistro and bar in Himarë

A straightforward, simple Balkan charcoal grill with meat platters and kofta kebab

Restaurant in the town of Divjakë, about 6 km from Divjakë-Karavasta National Park

Restaurant on the SH75, about 6.5 km from the Vjosa River

Valbona's veteran and beloved restaurant, roast kid and northern Albanian dishes from the farm beneath the peaks

Restaurant on the Shëngjin to Kune road, about 8 km from Rana e Hedhun beach

Restaurant about 1.3 km from the Blue Eye spring

Restaurant on the main Sarandë to Butrint road, in Ksamil

Restaurant in the Lalzit area, about 4 km from Gjiri i Lalzit beach

Authentic local alpine cuisine, home cooked dishes that give a real taste of the mountains

Restaurant in the town of Shëngjin, about 7 km from Rana e Hedhun beach

Seafood restaurant on Zvernec beach, about 2.7 km from Zvernec Monastery

Greek Mediterranean cuisine on a hilltop garden terrace with moussaka and lamb orzo

A hidden butcher's gem with the freshest cuts in the city, steak tartare and fiorentina

Restaurant in the town of Përmet, in Gjirokastër county in southern Albania

Restaurant in Llogara, about 700 metres from the national park point

Family restaurant on the SH8, about 1.5 km from Llogara National Park

Top rated street food with gyros and juicy skewers right on the beach

A local street food stall with pilaf and slow cooked beef, an authentic country taste

Creamy Italian gelato on Sarande's promenade, with a loyal summer crowd that returns again and again

A dining terrace in Gjirokaster famous for the local rice balls, a unique dish worth tasting

A local bakery with fresh pastries and burek, a sweet and filling stop along the way

A beloved neighborhood pastry shop with fresh cakes, kadaif and homemade ice cream

A veteran institution of Albanian ice cream and traditional sweets, a beloved meeting point for decades near the center

A simple charcoal grill institution for kofta and kebab with bread and onion, always full of locals

A legendary byrektore in the city center, people queue for hot tomato and onion byrek straight from the oven

A panini shop from Puglia with some of the tastiest sandwiches in the city

A crepe and sweet pie stand in Ksamil, a quick stop for a light, tasty snack on a stroll along the promenade

A beloved Italian gelato with three branches in Tirana, consistently rated among the best in the city

A beloved local bakery chain since 1997, known for exceptional byrek and a wide selection of fresh breads

A tiny corner in the old bazaar that makes lakror and pies over coals before your eyes

A cozy bakery with crisp byrek and a pistachio croissant you cannot stop at

The best byrek bakery near the port, spinach and ricotta byrek and a famous komshtor with lines every morning

A byrek institution a step from Skanderbeg Square, melting in your mouth straight off the tray

A hidden, tiny byrek shop, cheese, spinach and tomato for fifty lek, fresh and crisp all day

A beloved city pastry shop, traditional cakes and sweets, a local sweet stop you can count on

A veteran Italian institution on the seafront promenade, with brioche, fresh pastries and ice cream every morning

An artisanal gelateria with a large vegan selection, salted caramel and pistachio that visitors keep praising

Albania's most viral brunch, next to the Air Albania Stadium and run by a local celebrity chef

A pastry shop in Saranda

The best American breakfast in the city: pancakes, waffles and eggs benedict

A coffee shop in Berat

A cafe in Saranda

Shkodra's stylish brunch treat with an inviting garden, avocado toast and croissants that sell out fast

Farm to table brunch and a superb pour over with roasted beans in Sarande, a beloved coffee corner near Blloku

A green, light filled brunch corner with a pistachio croissant and quality coffee for photography lovers

A waterfront cafe with scenic outdoor seating, baristas who take pride in every cup

A coffee shop in Tirana

A French style patisserie considered the best bakery in Albania, with a pistachio croissant and tiramisu at a laughable price

A paradise for sweet lovers with chocolate waffles, Nutella and pistachio crepes and Italian ice cream

A brunch institution in Blloku specializing in eggs benedict and refreshing shakes, worth booking ahead

A cafe with avocado toast and coffee with plant milk, a refreshing option for health lovers

A small, well designed gem for brunch and wine, careful aesthetics for a slow morning and pretty photos

A legendary gelateria on the promenade, a must stop with Sicilian Bronte pistachio loved across Albania

A tiny, well designed cafe near the Tirana castle with a garden entrance and a rooftop terrace, great coffee and seasonal lunch

A cafe serving brunch in Sarandë

An affordable coffee shop in central Tirana

An affordable coffee shop on Vlorë's Independence Square

An atmospheric cafe in a vaulted stone building beneath the mosque, the best Albanian coffee in the city and fresh juices

A highly rated cafe and brunch spot in Vlorë

The city's leading roaster for quality coffee, pour over and coffee tonic from Ethiopia to Colombia

A hidden garden brunch beneath the lemon trees, with croque madame and cocktails in a relaxed setting

An elegant slice of Italy near Skanderbeg Square, refined pastries and authentic espresso

A highly rated coffee shop in Himarë

A warm quality coffee corner with beans from Milan, a choice that marks Tirana's rising scene

A talked about cafe in Blloku with beans from Copenhagen and Rome, a favorite of the new coffee scene

Breakfast and coffee in Gjirokastër, with a perfect rating

Country breakfasts and a boutique in Himarë

An affordable coffee shop in Elbasan

A clean, modern lounge near the old bazaar, with fine coffee, excellent sweets and a terrace overlooking the city

The highest rated cafe in Tirana for 2025, a well designed community hub loved by locals and nomads alike

An in house boutique roastery with leather sofas beneath the lighting and hanging plants, a destination for getting hooked on modern Albanian coffee

A charming local patisserie in the city center, with a selection of indulgent sweets alongside a cup of coffee

A lovely cafe on the water for espresso, crepes and homemade desserts, a beloved place to sit facing the sea

A cocktail bar in Ksamil

Sarande's new hot spot, international DJs, theme parties and a huge dance floor above the sea

One of Sarande's best cocktail bars on the seafront promenade, a rich menu and an open view of the bay

The capital's iconic revolving 360 degree rooftop bar, the classic panorama for a sunset drink over the city

A bar in Tirana

A lounge bar in Ksamil

A Blloku institution for creative cocktails and a globally inspired menu, a buzzing rooftop on summer nights

A cult cafe bar in Blloku packed with old radios and remnants of the communist era, an atmospheric, photographed corner

A rooftop lounge in the Twin Towers in Tirana

A cafe museum by day and a raki bar with live music by night, packed with communist era relics and loved by all

A beach bar and restaurant on the sand in Ksamil

A rooftop lounge with a full panoramic view and hookah, a perfect spot for a cocktail on an easy evening

A beach lounge with the famous swing over the water and an island view, an Instagram magnet from morning to night

A rooftop bar and restaurant in Tirana

A green, open garden bar in the heart of Blloku, a relaxed and beloved spot for a drink at any age

A stylish rooftop terrace on the promenade with gin based cocktails and comfortable prices

A cocktail bar in Tirana's New Bazaar

A lounge bar and club in Durrës

A stylish pier bar with sunset drinks, an enchanting sea view and a stylish atmosphere

The city's celebrated cocktail bar, an intimate spot in Blloku that made the world's fifty best list

A bohemian jazz oasis near Skanderbeg Square, over a hundred kinds of rum and rotating live acts

A restaurant in Dhermi

A hidden speakeasy style bar beneath a camera shop, one of the buzzing, tucked away cocktail dens

One of the legendary beach clubs, Latin music and dancing under the stars right at the water's edge

The first cocktail bar in Tirana with hundreds of bottles and experimental drinks made from Albanian ingredients

A cocktail bar by the Gorica riverbank in Berat, a great place to end the day

A cocktail bar in central Shkodra

A bar on Currila beach in Durrës

A bar in Sarandë, on the shoreline

A cocktail bar on the Sarandë promenade

A shisha and cocktail lounge on Rruga Pavaresia, along the Durrës beach strip

A beer bar in central Tirana with a wide selection on tap

A bar and grill in Korçë

A cocktail bar in Sarandë

A well designed cocktail bar with pizza and fine drinks, a beloved place for a pleasant evening

A pub in central Tirana, on Rruga e Kavajës

A pub and cocktail spot on Rruga Currila, at the western edge of Durrës

One of the best bars in Himare, a relaxed and stylish vibe for a seaside evening drink

The ultimate sunset viewpoint over the whole promenade and the sea, the classic spot for coffee and an aperitif

A rooftop bar in Himare with fine cocktails and a mesmerizing view of the sea and sunset

A cocktail bar on the Taulantia promenade in Durrës

A beach bar in Borsh

A beach bar in Dhërmi

A wine bar in Tirana, north-west of the centre

A beer taproom on Rruga Pavaresia, along the Durrës beach strip

A bar and lounge on Bulevardi Ismail Qemali in Vlorë

A bar and lounge on the resort strip south of Durrës

A rooftop on the 14th floor with sushi, cocktails and a live DJ and a breathtaking view of the whole city

A boho chic beach club with the freshest cocktails on the coast and a DJ until dawn

A small, affordable bar in Tirana

A rooftop cocktail bar with original recipes, a live DJ and a bay view

A lively bar on the pedestrian street, a great spot for nights out and a friendly atmosphere

An indie culture center and live music stage with shows and DJ nights, a cornerstone of Tirana's creative scene

Dhermi's flagship beach club, sun soaked day parties facing the turquoise sea

A beach bar in Ksamil, facing the Ksamil islands

A highly rated beach bar in Sarandë, also a pizzeria and restaurant

A waterfront cocktail bar with a generous happy hour and the most relaxed vibe on the Riviera

A beach bar on the Vlorë promenade

A beach bar at Qeparo on the Albanian Riviera

A beach bar in Dhërmi, one of the Riviera's beach strips

A beach bar in Dhermi with pop, nighttime bonfires and a lively neon vibe into the small hours

A beach bar on Ksamil's western shore

A beach bar at Golem, on the coast strip south of Durrës

A beach bar at Qeparo

A beach bar at Borsh, on the Riviera's long beach

A beach bar and club on the shore north-west of Saranda's centre

A beach bar at Shëngjin, on the northern Adriatic

An inviting beach bar in Jal with a warm, friendly vibe, a great place to relax with a drink and your feet in the sand

The vast square and beating heart of the capital, the Skanderbeg equestrian statue surrounded by all the city's landmarks

An entire ancient city inside a lagoon, Greece, Rome and Byzantium spanning 2,500 years of history

The largest fortress in Albania crowning the stone city, cannons, a captured American spy plane and a breathtaking view

A living medieval castle where families still live within its walls, the crown of the city of a thousand windows

The hilltop fortress of national hero Skanderbeg, Albania's symbol of resistance with a view stretching to the Adriatic Sea

The brutalist pyramid that underwent a dizzying transformation, the city's symbol and the most sought after photo spot

A secret bunker in the heart of the city that became a chilling museum of the years of communist repression

A modern mall in Tirana with about a hundred shops and boutiques, a convenient option for shopping in the capital

The largest Roman amphitheater in the entire Balkans, carved into the heart of the seaside city

An Illyrian hilltop fortress with legendary walls and a view spreading over three rivers and a lake, the icon of the north

The city's green lung around an artificial lake, perfect for running, a picnic and boating for all ages

A mighty five story nuclear bunker turned museum, a full underground congress hall and the most talked about site in Albania

The vast ruins of an ancient Greek and Roman city with an impressive monument facade, one of the most important archaeological sites

An early 19th century Ottoman mosque on the main square, famous for rare wall paintings of trees, waterfalls and bridges

A restored 15th century coastal tower turned first of its kind heritage center, a landmark in the old castle walls

A magnificent 18th century Ottoman stone bridge with 15 arches over the river, a classic photo stop near the city

A beautifully restored 15th century stone paved market, the picturesque heart of the Paris of Albania

The regime's secret surveillance museum, one of the most chilling and talked about museums in the capital

The largest national museum in Albania, the famous mosaic on its facade tells the whole story of the nation

A 3.8 kilometer beach promenade of white pebbles, the beating heart of the city where everyone gathers for the evening stroll

An iconic brutalist museum inside the castle that tells the story of Skanderbeg, one of the most visited landmarks in Albania

Ali Pasha's fortress on a spit of land sloping into a turquoise bay

Tirana's new market, a lively square of vegetable, cheese and restaurant stalls all around, the heart of the local culinary scene

A Roman Ottoman fortress whose walled quarter is a living ancient town of mosques, churches and old alleys

An arched stone bridge from the late 18th century connecting the two old quarters over the Osum River

One of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the Balkans, striking modern architecture steps from the central square

A Byzantine monastery on a small island in the lagoon, a long wooden bridge leading to it between pines

The largest lagoon in Albania with a wooden trail through pines, sunsets from the boat and flocks of rare pelicans

A tiny Ottoman stone bridge in the heart of Tirana, one of the most photographed images in the city

A magnificent white marble mosque on the central square, the best known landmark on Shkodra's skyline

Inside the cathedral in the castle, more than two hundred Byzantine icons and the masterpieces of Onufri

An ancient hilltop fortress on the outskirts of Vlore, with a generous view over the whole coast and both seas

The Ottoman house most worth touring inside, a maze of hammams and carved ceilings shown by the owner family

The most impressive Ottoman mansion in the city, two towers and stunning stone arches, an architectural icon

A secret bunker tunnel beneath the stone city, a chilling window into the Cold War years

A medieval hilltop fortress above the Tirana plain, with free binoculars to watch planes at sunset

An arch surviving from Ali Pasha's aqueduct, a beloved photo destination at golden hour within walking distance of the bazaar

The first photography museum in the Balkans, keeping the very first photograph ever taken in Albania, a cultural must

A Byzantine fortress above the Erzen valley with olive groves and a Balkan panorama, a classic view for a day trip from Tirana

The largest Orthodox cathedral in Albania, a colorful, towering landmark that dominates Korce's skyline

A regal Ottoman style mosque from 1931, an impressive historic site to visit

A tall waterfall in an isolated canyon far from the known trails, that became a social media hit

The best collection of Byzantine icons in Albania, more than seven thousand works, the foremost museum of sacred art

A stone paved Ottoman bazaar with stone houses, crafts and cafes, the heart of the city declared a world heritage site

An 18th century Ottoman mansion that lovingly preserves the daily life of a well to do Albanian family

A vast sea cave entered by boat on the Karaburun route, with glowing turquoise water

An ancient Illyrian hilltop city with a theater and stadium and an open view of the Vjosa valley with almost no tourists

A dramatic waterfall bursting straight from the rock wall at the end of a wild hiking trail, spectacular at the peak of the snowmelt

An island fortress reached only by boat at the mouth of the channel, a perfect atmospheric addition to a Butrint visit

An 18th century stone bridge arching gracefully over the Langarica gorge right by the Benje hot springs

A giant rock with metal stairs to a 360 degree view over the wild Vjosa River, Permet's sunset landmark

A museum in an old Ottoman house in Berat that presents the traditional Albanian way of life in depth

A museum in the building of the first school in the Albanian language, a founding story of national identity

The most photogenic Byzantine church in the fortress, magical at sunset over the olive groves and the Osum valley

A mountain village that was a Balkan culture center, with ancient Orthodox churches and famous frescoes

The only nesting site on Albania's coasts of the Dalmatian pelican, among sand dunes and salt marshes

A charming photography museum honoring the famous magazine photographer born in the city, a heritage stop that completes the Balkan photo story

Shkodra's colorful pedestrian street, a stone street with Venetian houses, cafes and shops, the heart of the city

Albania's flagship beach with tiny islands peeking out of water as clear as the Caribbean

A beautiful pebble beach near Ksamil with glass clear water, a quiet corner far from the crowd

The beach that made the Riviera fashionable, white pebbles, glowing turquoise water and chic clubs at one end

The longest beach in Albania, seven kilometers of empty pebbles beneath an old Ottoman village

Clear water and a white sand beach, one of the most stunning beaches in the area

The most family friendly stretch on the Riviera, long and shallow and framed by pines just north of Himare

A bohemian bay loved by the Riviera's relaxed beach bar scene and young crowd

A hidden cove at the end of a canyon, one of the most photographed beaches on the coast

The most stylish bay in Albania, white pebbles beneath the mountains and blue water that looks retouched

One of the most beautiful beaches in Albania, white sand and pure greenish water in an authentic, quiet village

A long golden sand bay backed by a pine forest, one of the popular summer escapes near Tirana

A tiny stone cove with glass clear water, a viral boating hit between Jale and Livadhi

A bay among olive groves with a beach promenade between Porto Palermo and Borsh, slow, classic Riviera charm

A stunning pebble bay where a cold freshwater stream pours into the sea, loved for swimming and sunset

A hidden bay backed by cliffs reached only by boat or a hard trail, cold springs keep the water cool

Dramatic sand dunes up to eighty meters high meeting the Adriatic, one of the most photogenic beaches in Albania

The first beach in Albania to win a Blue Flag, a kilometer and a half of white pebbles and turquoise water beneath Llogara

The central city beach, fishing boats and tavernas right at your feet and coffee a few steps from the water

The northernmost beach in Albania, four kilometers of golden sand and shallow water safe for families

A sheltered bay at the foot of Ali Pasha's sea castle, calm turquoise water that looks like a postcard

A lively beach with bars and restaurants nearby, perfect for a sunny day with a buzzing atmosphere

A crescent of white sand beneath limestone cliffs carved with ancient sailors' inscriptions, an icon reached only by boat

A dramatic sea cave and bay reached only by boat, a signature stop on Himare boat trips

An intense turquoise karst spring bubbling up from a hidden depth, Albania's viral icon

The place where the mountains meet the sea, black pines, alpine meadows, sea eagles and Caesar's mountain pass

The heart of the Accursed Mountains, stone villages, towering limestone peaks and the gateway to the best trails in the Alps

The most beautiful hot springs in Albania in the view of many, steaming stone pools in a canyon by an Ottoman bridge

An electric blue spring pool surrounded by cliffs at the end of a breathtaking trail, the most sought after photo in the Alps

A national park with dramatic peaks and a breathtaking river valley, a paradise for nature lovers

Clear springs, willow lined channels and pedal boats near Lake Ohrid, a green and dreamy oasis

A thirty meter waterfall and a protected natural monument, a short walk from the village of Theth in the heart of the Alps

A dramatic seven kilometer gorge with walls a hundred and fifty meters high, a hike that starts right from the baths

The Thailand of Albania: impossibly turquoise water in a hidden canyon reached only by boat

The famous two hour hike to the viewpoint, with a hundred and eighty degree panorama over a turquoise lake

A lovely waterfall into a cool emerald pool, the classic swimming stop on any trip to the Osum canyon

An artificial lake between dramatic cliffs shaped like a fjord, a spectacular cruise not to be missed

A shrine and cave at Kruje on a cliff a thousand one hundred and seventy six meters above the city, a breathtaking Adriatic view

The largest lake in the Balkans, a bird reserve and calm swimming at Shiroka

UNESCO twin lakes at the tripoint of three borders with pelicans and no crowds

A dizzying mountain road plunging from pine forest down to the Riviera, one of Albania's defining viewpoints

An ancient karst cave 40 thousand years old, reached by a scenic trek and revealing one of Albania's most dramatic caves

A stone church from 1892 standing beneath jagged peaks, the most photographed church in Albania

A turquoise mountain reservoir surrounded by dramatic cliffs near Tirana, one of the most spectacular views in central Albania

One of the last wild rivers in Europe, the turquoise lifeline of the Permet valley declared a national reserve

A towering sacred giant rising 2416 meters above Berat, a Bektashi pilgrimage summit with alpine trails and a view to Italy

A deep sky blue karst spring pool in the heart of nature, one of the most spectacular sights in Albania

A vast national reserve of Balkan fir forest above Permet, the region's green nature for hiking and clear mountain air

A cluster of tiny turquoise islands you can swim or boat to, the postcard everyone chases

The high peak of the Riviera at 2044 meters rising straight from the sea, a 360 degree view over the Ionian coast

The Grand Canyon of Albania, towering limestone walls and waterfalls, the number one rafting destination in the country from Berat

A waterfall in the forest near the small village, a pleasant walk in wild, fresh nature

A wild, protected peninsula near Vlore, stunning sea caves and turquoise water barely touched

Twelve glacial lakes in a pine forest, a former royal hunting reserve

A deep, dramatic gorge in Kurbnesh, one of the longest canyons in Europe

An Ottoman hilltop fortress with a stunning view of the bay, a perfect photo spot

The iconic quarter of Berat, known as the city of a thousand windows, the most classic viewpoint in the city

A clifftop restaurant in Dajti with floor to ceiling windows and a stunning mountain view, an unforgettable meal with a vista

A palm lined promenade along the bay, a pleasant walk with an endless sea view

A mountain pass at 1800 meters in Valbona with a stunning panoramic view of the Albanian Alps

The liveliest way to see the marine park, speedboats to Karaburun and Sazan with thousands of excellent reviews

White water rafting on one of the last wild rivers in Europe, cliff jumps and swimming stops

A cable car to the top of Mount Dajti with a stunning panorama over all of Tirana

An estate on the slope beneath Mount Tomorr for vineyard tours, local wine tastings and farm to table meals

An organic family winery whose red was named the best Albanian wine, a must stop on Berat tours

A motorboat cruise to the islands, the Pigeon Cave and Mirror Beach with snorkeling stops along the way

A family workshop that handcrafts Venetian masks, the very masks that starred in Kubrick's film

An iconic spring shanman cruise through the Osum gorge past waterfalls and narrow walls, the region's defining adventure

A fifteenth century Ottoman bazaar with carpets, antiques and felt craft, the most photographed market in central Albania

Albania's famous winery, four generations and the award winning Puls wine, cellar tours and generous tastings

A legendary ferry between cliffs in a fjord like turquoise canyon, one of the most beautiful cruises in the world

A fast cruise day along the Riviera to hidden bays and sea caves reached only by boat

A green fjord cruise and then pure turquoise river water, Albania's signature sea day nicknamed the Maldives

A family wine cellar near Berat for vineyard tours and tastings of local Albanian varieties alongside country cooking

Classic Korce family cooking served to live serenades, the atmospheric taste of the city of serenades

A fast cruise to the largest island in Albania, a former military base, alongside a cave and hidden bays

A paragliding launch from a thousand meters above turquoise water and a landing on Palase beach, the thrill that marks the Riviera

A northern water experience in the Drin canyon, kayaking between cliffs and wild landscapes

The playground on the mountain summit across the cable car, panoramic scenic trails and a refreshing escape from the city

An open jeep off road safari to Tira, a hidden beach and viewpoints over Ksamil and Corfu

A traditional Albanian cooking workshop with a professional chef, making byrek and tave kosi and tasting raki alongside cultural stories

A legendary mountain pass through the Accursed Mountains, the most famous trek in the entire Balkans

The largest winery in Albania near Berat, a popular cellar visit for tasting local grapes and raki