Top places to see in Albania today

Albania tourism in 2021? In the north of the country, hidden among the Albanian Alps, there is Theth, one of the most beautiful natural areas of Albania. Theth is the perfect place for hikers and nature lovers because it is located in a dramatic mountainous scenery surrounded by nature and offers a lot of activities to do. The largest town on the southern coast of Albania is Vlora, a city with important historic sites, such as Kanina castle, Zvernec island, and Orikum, but it is mostly known as the town where Albania declared its independence over 100 years ago. From the port of Vlora, every day with the help of Teuta Boat Tours it is possible to reach the fabulous Karaburun Peninsula (and the near Sazan Island).

For the most breathtaking scenery in the entire Balkans, visiting Lake Koman in Albania should be on anyone’s bucket list. Often described as one of the world’s great boat trips, the journey takes visitors from the hydro-electric dam at Koman to the port of Fierza. While the locals that use the boat regularly may now take the rugged beauty of the Albanian mountains for granted, any first-time visitor will find the sights from the Lake Koman Ferry to be truly jaw-dropping. The trip on the ferry is also a great opportunity to see what life is like for many Albanians in remote areas.

Home to a number of diverse ecosystems and stunning archaeological sites, Butrint National Park is a popular tourist destination, in large part due to its proximity to the Greek island of Corfu. Many people come to see its majestic blend of history and nature. Covering a peninsula that is bordered by the huge Lake Butrint on one side and the Vivari Channel on the other, the natural beauty is magnificent; over 1,200 different types of animals and plants reside amongst its scenic wetlands, hills, and islands. The main attraction, however, is the amazing archaeological site which covers over 2,500 years of history; this includes ancient city walls, remnants of a Roman theater, a Byzantine Basilica and two castles. Wandering around the ruins with the beautiful scenery all around you is a delightful experience. This is undoubtedly one of the hidden gems of what Albania has to offer. Read more info at weekend in Albania.

One of the first things you should do in Saranda is going for a stroll on the Hasan Tahsini Boulevard. This beautiful pedestrian seaside walkway lies on the north shore of the little bay of Saranda. The boulevard offers beach access, while many bars and cafes serve a variety of drinks and snacks. There are fun markets to explore in summer, too, which are exceptional places to find souvenirs. This makes for a top-notch first impression of the city. Historically, a rather large Jewish community has called Saranda and southern Albania home for many centuries. One of the best places to visit in Saranda to explore this fascinating heritage is the old Synagogue Complex near the City Hall. This ancient building complex dates from the 5th century and once included a school and community center, along with various religious structures. After being destroyed by an earthquake, the synagogue was rebuilt as a basilica in the 6th century.

The capital city of Albania, Tirana will be the starting point for many people exploring the best places in Albania. The city is home to few must-see tourist locations, but the 18th-century Et’hem Bey mosque is well worth a visit. Tirana’s people, like the vast majority of Albanian locals, are exceptionally friendly and the city is supremely affordable, with surprisingly excellent food and drinks both very cheap. Skanderbeg Square is one of Tirana’s most important places and this is where the National Historical Museum can be found too. At the heart of Skanderbeg Square – and therefore the heart of Tirana – is a statue of the historic Albanian national hero Skanderbeg. Read additional info at this website.