Tourism in Albania

Albania is characterized by its rich archaeological and cultural heritage dating back to the classical period when Illyrians and Ancient Greeks inhabited the region.

The country lies in Southeastern Europe bordering Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south.

The country's coastline length is about 481 km (299 mi) composed of both sandy and rocky beaches, bays, caves, cliffs, capes and lagoons.

The villages of Theth are surrounded on four sides by numerous two-thousanders such as Radohima in the west, Arapi and Poplluka in the north and Jezerca in the east.

Nikaj-Mërtur Regional Nature Park is an area of scenic alpine landscapes, deep river valleys, vertical cliffs, dense forests and small lakes.

The Lake Koman within the Albanian Alps, a unique journey amidst spectacular mountain views, is considered one of the most popular ferry rides in Southern Europe.

Emerging agritourism areas includes Pukë, the panoramic Ulëz lake and the nearby Vau i Dejes, Barbullush and Fishte villages in Zadrima near the city of Lezhë, Katund i Vjeter in the Mirdita region near Rubik, but also Shishtavec near Kukës, and the alpine area of Nikaj-Mertur in Lekbibaj region near Bajram Curri.

Very popular during the summer months, Shengjin is becoming worldwide known for organizing electronic music UNUM Festival at Rana e Hedhun sand dune tourist attraction.

The central region of Albania alternates between archaeological sites, castles, caves, long stretches of curative sandy beaches and lagoons, perfect for bird-watching.

Tirana, the country's capital city, officially dubbed as 'The Place Beyond Belief' by local authorities[16] is known for its cultural heritage, religious diversity, the colourful buildings, Italian and Socialist architecture, and natural attractions such as Dajti Mt and parks around artificially created lakes.

[17][18] The city organizes many festivals, sports competitions, live music performances, and is home to several regionally known shopping centers.

Krujë, the capital of the Principality of Arbër during the Middle Ages, is called by locals as the Adriatic Balcony from the view that offers day and night.

Its mediterranean climate and geology enables the presence of a wide range of animals and plants, which are fast becoming rare in Southern Europe.

It provides striking scenery with intensive fissures and mountainous landscape without any human intervention, very rare in Southern Europe.

Fir of Drenova National Park has a particular importance on the trans-boundary exchanges of flora and fauna elements, while it represents a key habitat and bio-corridor for a wide range of animals and plants.

It is particularly known for dwelling a number of different species that are fast becoming rare in the Balkans and hosting several glacial lakes within the mountains of Shebenik and Jabllanica.

The southern region of the country is mostly mountainous and has become famous for its mediterranean atmosphere, diverse landscape, scenic coastline and villages and towns by the shoreline.

Stretching in the southwest, the Albanian Riviera is well known for its pure blue and turquoise beaches and has been a favorite destination for local and foreign visitors.

Numerous monuments are well-preserved today such as the ancient city walls, a baptistery, a great basilica, a theatre and castles.

The remains are all located within a great natural woodland with a complex ecosystem and biodiversity, which depends on the nearby freshwater Lake Butrint as well as the direct proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.

The combination of history, culture and environment makes Butrint a unique place, a landscape with monuments as beloved of the tourists.

Although it features ruins of sunken ships, a rich flora and fauna, ancient inscriptions, secluded beaches and scenic views of both the Adriatic and Ionian Sea.

Sarandë is a coastal town along the southern Albanian Ionian Sea Coast situated on a horseshoe bay between mountains and hills.

The narrow and deep Lengarica Canyon in Përmet with numerous caves and thermal springs such as Banjat e Bënjës are among the most visited areas in the park.

[23] Various monuments from different ancient civilizations are still evident in this region such as the Royal Illyrian Tombs, the Byzantine Churches of Lin and St. Marina.

Within the Osum Canyon, close to the national park, there are a number of rock formations, caves and waterfalls and are a spectacular natural attraction in the region.

Korçë is known for its quarters, composed of low houses and villas and many architectural buildings of various styles such as Historicism, Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism.

From the early antiquity to the medieval period, they were originally made of earth and wood and later of stone and comes in many styles of architecture and design.

The majority of forts have been renovated throughout history and different epochs with changing rule and adaptations to war technology development.

The Via Egnatia served as a crossroad of important routes linking the Adriatic with Byzantium, today it is along the modern National Road 3 (SH3).

Scenic autumn view of Valbonë Valley National Park
Landscape within the Theth National Park
Typical architecture in Theth
Lake Koman is often compared to the Scandinavian fjords.
Shengjin Waterfront. UNUM International Electronic Music Festival is organized every summer at Rana e Hedhun coastal sand dune.
View over the city of Tirana with Mt Dajti in the distance
Golem beach, south of Durrës , is a popular summer retreat.
City center of medieval town of Krujë
Panorama of Durrës and its amphitheatre
Monument of Agonothetes in Apollonia
Liqeni i Luleve in Lura-Dejes Mt National Park
Mali i Bardhë in Korab-Koritnik Nature Park
Gjipe Canyon , along the Albanian Riviera, is the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian Sea .
The theatre of Butrint with its Proscenium
Gjiri Skalomës is one of several bays in Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park.
The waters of the city of Sarandë
Panoramic view of Lin and Lake Ohrid
The city of thousand windows, Berat
Gjirokastër is referred as the city of stone.
Scenic view of Prespa National Park and Maligrad
Rozafa Castle from distance
Petrelë Castle offers views over the Erzen Valley.
National Road 8 (SH8) running along the Llogara National Park
Flag of Albania
Flag of Albania