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Things to do in Albania

Our most recommended things to do in Albania

Tirana: Gamti Mountain Hike with Lake Views

1. Tirana: Gamti Mountain Hike with Lake Views

Your experience begins as you are collected from your accommodation at 9:00AM, from where you depart for Bovilla Lake. The road is about 21 kilometers long, with half of it being off-road. Along the way, enjoy views of the suburban neighborhoods of Tirana, taking in the very different lifestyle to that of the city. Drive up to the lake's dam, before preparing to hike in Gamti Mountain. Your hiking track is of a simple level, with each step providing you with a more beautiful view than the last as you ascend to the top. Your hike lasts about 40 minutes, and on top of the hill you can enjoy the impressive views of the lake and the green hills that surround it. Whilst there, take some time to rest, enjoy the gorgeous view, and talk and eat food under the shadows of the cave. Following your break, return back down via the same track. Once done hiking, make a short stop at the river below the dam, which is home to unique canyon. You can also choose to refresh yourself with a swim in the fresh water of the river. At the conclusion of your adventure, your guide returns you back to Tirana.

From Vlore: Dafina Bay and Haxhi Ali Cave Guided Boat Trip

2. From Vlore: Dafina Bay and Haxhi Ali Cave Guided Boat Trip

Explore the sandy beaches, splashing bays, and scenic caves of Southern Albania on a multi-stop speedboat trip from Vlore. Cruise through the Bay of Vlora, Dafina, and Bristan, and explore the Haxhi Ali Cave. Spend free time on the beach and enjoy included sandwiches and soft drinks. After meeting your guide, hop on board and head to the Haxhi Ali Cave. The cave gets its name from the pirate Haxhi Ali, who used it as a refuge in the 16th century. After a 20-minute break in the cave, return through the Bay of Vlore.  Admire some of the most popular places on the riviera, like Zhiron and Kalasa Beach, on the way to Dafina Bay, a small horseshoe-shaped bay with white sandy beaches about 50 meters wide. The bay is one of the wonders of the Karaburun Marine Area. To get to Dafina Bay’s beaches, it takes hours of walking on foot, so being able to visit by boat is a real privilege. Dafina Bay is also known for the small cave it houses. Enter directly by boat and see a picture-perfect small beach with white stones and a palm tree.  Stop for 4 hours at Dafina Beach before leaving for another beautiful bay, Bristan Bay, a rocky beach with a shore dominated by steep cliffs that fall towards the sea and rocky pebble beaches where vegetation often grows right up to the sand. Set anchor at another one of the best beaches in Albania on the Karaburun-Sazan Peninsula, where ships used to take shelter in the past when the sea was too rough. Here, peace and tranquility are the real protagonists.  In addition to the beach, you can step onto the mainland and see an abandoned military building, a small pier, and some protected bunkers behind steep cliffs. Among the rocks, you’ll find deep canyons that were once used as fallout shelters 30 years ago.

Full-Day Berat Trip from Tirana

3. Full-Day Berat Trip from Tirana

Depart for Berat at 8:30 am and you will be transferred to this beautiful city for around 2.5 hours. This is one of the oldest cities and the pride of Albanian architecture. The three major neighborhoods of the old city are Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala where the castle itself is located. You will start our tour with the castle area. Visiting the 'Kala' involves a steep walk up a cobbled path, but those who make it to the top will be rewarded with a fine view of the surrounding area. You will visit the Museum of Iconography 'Onufri' which bears the name of the renowned fresco and icon-painter Onufri, who has left a rich inheritance. This museum is located within the cathedral of St. Mary’s Assumption. You will also visit the Red Mosque, recognized by its lonely minaret and St. Trinity Church. After the fortress you will visit the Mangalemi quarter and the National Ethnographic Museum. This museum is located in one of the most characteristic and interesting houses of the town, a rich assemblage of traditional objects (more than 1000) and is one of the greatest examples of Berat’s long history and culture. Across the Osumi River lies the Gorica neighborhood, whose houses face those of Mangalemi. The arched bridge of Gorica, built in 1780, is a beautiful architectural monument constructed to link Gorica with Mangelemi. Enjoy some free time to stroll on the bridge. After the tour, there will be optional lunch in a restaurant with traditional cuisine (at extra cost) Return to Tirana.

From Virpazar: Scenic Lake Skadar Boat Tour to Little Venice

4. From Virpazar: Scenic Lake Skadar Boat Tour to Little Venice

Begin your journey in Virpazar, the tiny fishing village located in the heart of Lake Skadar. Leave its dock, sailing along a narrow river channel bordered by reeds and rows of willows. Uncover the deep-blue waters of Lake Skadar as you exit. Admire views of mountains far away in Albania; and Vranjina, the island just in front of you, with two peaks proudly standing against the largest lake in southern Europe. Turn left, and go under the nearby bridge. Discover the 18th-century fortress Lesendro as you glide through the endless fields of water chestnuts carpeting the lake. Spy birds lining up along the remains or soaring through the sky. Observe them dry their feathers and enjoy their beauty and sound as you start smelling the wild thyme in the summer breeze. Marvel at the three nearby islets and the view they hide - meadows of white and yellow water lily flowers with their large, floating, dark-green leaves. Pass through the fjord Pavlova strana and reach Little Venice - the old fisherman's village named by the river - Rijeka Crnojevića. The historical meaning of this townlet, authentic architecture and beautiful natural surroundings construct a perfect atmosphere for you to experience true Montenegrin mentality. After exploring the village (you have around 1 hour to do that), climb aboard your boat again and head back to Virpazar. In the meantime, don't forget to pack your sunscreen, swimsuits and towels! Grab your opportunity and swim in the refreshing waters of Lake Skadar, surrounded by magnificent views.

Vlorë: Boat Trip to Karaburun Peninsula

5. Vlorë: Boat Trip to Karaburun Peninsula

You will be located on the Ionian Sea, at the eastern end of the Otranto Channel, in the center of the Bay of Vlora. Here we have the Marine Protected Area of Karaburun. A natural park that was established in 2010 by the Ministry of the Environment of Albania in order to preserve the characteristic features of this area. Where we find uniqueness and biodiversity. Visit the Pirate's Cave You will leave by boat in the early morning from Vlora, to reach the Haxhi Ali Cave, located at the end of the Karaburun Peninsula, after about half an hour on the water. Arriving at the cave by boat is a unique experience. You enter a cubic-shaped area that extends for 30 meters in length, with a maximum height of 18 meters, and 12 meters in width. Inside this cave, the view is lost between the rock formations and the stalactites, the result of the constant work of water on the rocks over thousands of years. In addition, at the end of the cave there is a source of freshwater. After a half-hour guided tour, the participants are free to choose between snorkeling in the wonderful crystal clear water, full of life, of the cave, or enjoy a pleasant drink on the boat. The best beaches on the Karaburun peninsula After the stop, you will set off again to travel along the wild coast of Karaburun. Here you will have the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful beaches with caves, of the peninsula up close. Corners of paradise such as Shen Jani, Aquamarina Beach, and San Basil Beach. After lunchtime, you will stop on the beach of Zhanpovel Beach, refreshing yourselves with the best specialties of the local gastronomic tradition at the restaurant located on the beach. Returning in the early afternoon, you will cross the bay, flanking the Vlora coast, approaching the beaches with caves, of Zhironi and Kalasa and skirting the entire Cold Water district. The story of the pirate Haxhi Ali cave owes its name to the legendary pirate Haxhi Alia Ulqinaku. Born in Calabria in 1569, he moved with his family to Ulcinj, Albania and received military education under the Ottoman Empire. After serving in the Ottoman fleet, in 1609 he moved with his children and some Albanian sailors to the Karaburun peninsula. Here he began to defend the coasts from the incursions of the Venetians and the French, cooperating with the local population, which supplied the pirate with timber and raw materials. It was an episode that handed him over to the legend. Haxhi Alia was attacked in 1623 off the coast of Otranto by a powerful fleet of Venetians and British, but he heroically defended himself, until he earned legendary fame among the inhabitants of the Karaburun peninsula, who still sing songs in his honor.

From Tirana: Berat city unesco heritage and Belshi lake

6. From Tirana: Berat city unesco heritage and Belshi lake

Embark on a cultural and artistic pilgrimage. See master painter Onufri's work in the churches of Berat. Visit Berat Castle, Onufri Museum, Mangalemi and Gorica neighborhoods, and Gorica bridge. Meet your guide at your hotel and start the tour of Berat city. Berat is one of the most visited and characteristic towns in Albania. It is under the protection of UNESCO and considered a World Heritage site due to its unique architecture. Visit Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum. The Berat castle is of particular interest because people still live within its walls in their traditional houses, just like their ancestors did for centuries. Explore this fortress overlooking the town of Berat and its many Byzantine churches. The castle used to have over 40 churches of which 7 still remain today, including the Church of the Dormition of St Mary. The latter was converted into Onufri Museum, honoring the 16th-century Albanian master painter who painted many orthodox churches in Albania and Greece. Witness some of the most beautiful shades of red and gold you have ever laid eyes on in the museum. Then, continue to your next stop in the old quarters of Mangalemi and Gorica that connect with each other by the Gorica Bridge over the Osumi River.

Day Trip to Saranda and Butrint National Park from Corfu

7. Day Trip to Saranda and Butrint National Park from Corfu

Explore the beauty of Albania on a guided day trip from Corfu. Step back in time at the ancient Greek and Roman city of Butrint. Visit an archaeological museum in a Venetian castle. Savor a delicious buffet lunch at a restaurant in Saranda.  Board the airconditioned bus at your meeting point on the island of Corfu. Sit back and enjoy the ride to the port city of Saranda. Enjoy a 20-kilometer guided bus tour of the stunning southern coast and its virgin shores and islands. Pass through small villages and through endless fertile plains that lead to a great lake. Arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint, where the ancient Greek city of Buthrotum disappeared under layers of silt and vegetation until its was found by archaeologists.  Tour a Venetian tower and see the remains of the theater and Temple of Asclepius. Continue to the ruins of the ancient gymnasium and Roman Baths and admire a priceless mosaic floor in the Roman Baptistery. Travel back in time as you explore the Cyclopean walls and get panoramic views of the lake and plains from the top of the hill. Return to Saranda for a mouth-watering lunch, and then take a guided walking tour before sailing back to Corfu.

Mini Tour: Kosovo & N. Macedonia from Tirana | 4 Days

8. Mini Tour: Kosovo & N. Macedonia from Tirana | 4 Days

Day 1: Sightseeing tour of Prizren & Prishtina We travel towards Prizren in the morning. Prizren, considered to be the cultural capital of Kosovo, this charming, vivacious town with mountains all around is a real treasure hidden in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula. We arrive in Prizren in about 2 hours and meet our local guide for a walking tour of the city entering the Sinan Pasha Mosque, The Church of Our Lady of Ljevis (Unesco), The Museum of Prizren League and the Ottoman Old Town known for its gold and silver filigree craftsmen. Enjoy free time for lunch in Prizren and leave the town for the capital of Kosovo, Prishtina. In the afternoon, have a walking tour of Prishtina to discover the city with its many mosques, cathedrals and markets. Day 2: Matka Canyon & Sightseeing Tour of Skopje This morning we head towards North Macedonia with our first stop at Matka Canyon known for its butterfly colonies. Here we embark on a private boat ride for a short exploration of the Vrelo Cave, one the deepest in the world, before enjoying free time for lunch with a great view. With a short drive we arrive in Skopje the capital of North Macedonia Have a walking tour of Skopje discovering the city with its highlight like Mother Teresa Memorial House, opened in 2009 to pay tribute to the life of the celebrated humanitarian, the old railway station and the Stone Bridge, which dates back to 1451. Enjoy a relaxing evening in Skopje. Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Ohrid (Unesco) Reach and take in all that the Unesco–recognized charming city of Ohrid has to offer on a guided tour with a local guide. Pass by the glorious Church of Saint Sophia and the National Workshop for a handmade paper-making demonstration. Enter Samuil’s Fortress and walk along its historic 4th-centrury walls. Discover the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, built in the Hellenistic style. Walk up to the cliff-top Church of Saint John at Kaneo for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Day 4: Tirana via Saint Naum Monastery & Bay of Bones On our way to Tirana, visit the Bay of Bones Museum, a prehistoric settlement located on Lake Ohrid. A one of a kind in the region, it is an authentic reconstruction of a part of the pile-dwelling settlement, dating back between 1200 and 700 Bc. Then, continue exploring the medieval Monastery of Saint Naum. See the resident peacocks that roam the grounds Enter the monastery to view its intricate frescoes We drive towards the border of Albania to Pogradec, where you have free time to enjoy lunch on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Travel to Tirana in the late afternoon. (Hotel accommodation in Tirana is not included on tour)

Tirana Walking Tour

9. Tirana Walking Tour

Tirana is the largest city of Albania and has something to offer for everyone. This morning tour starts at 9.30 from the main boulevard at Skenderbeg Square. You will visit the National Theater, Skanderbeg Statue (dedicated to the National Hero), The Historic Museum, Cultural Palace, Et’hem Bey Mosque, Clock Tower and going through the Boulevard you will walk towards 'the Pyramid', built in 1988 as a museum for Enver Hoxha, the dictator of the period. After the tour you will go for a walk in the 'Bllok' area where you will see Enver Hoxha’s villa, the former dictator of Albania. You will enjoy a coffee break in this lively area offering a considerable number of coffee shops, restaurants and shops.

From Tirana: 2-Day Private Tour of Theth National Park

10. From Tirana: 2-Day Private Tour of Theth National Park

Explore Theth National Park on a 2-day guided tour and see breathtaking natural wonders such as the Blue Eye and the Grunas Waterfall as well as historical marvels like the Church of Theth and the Lock-in Tower. Arrive in Theth and take some time to settle into your room. Then, head down to the valley for a scenic walk along the river before stopping at the Lock-in Tower. Hear the fascinating history of this old prison from your expert guide. Continue to the Grunas Waterfall, and see one of the most unique natural formations in the Albanian Alps, proclaimed a state-protected natural monument. Then, head back to the guesthouse. Start your morning with a traditional breakfast before traveling to the Blue Eye. As you go, admire the incredible scenery along the trail with mountain ranges above you and rocky pools of freshwater - excellent for swimming. Finally, arrive at Cape Kapre, one of the most beautiful villages in the Alps. Here, marvel at the spectacular Blue Eye pool. Take the opportunity to capture incredible photos or just relax with your group on the edge. While walking back, make a stop at Qafe Thore. Here, admire sweeping views of the national park before your last stop: the Church of Theth. Explore the grounds of this picturesque church built in 1892. After a delicious lunch, travel back to Tirana city.

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What people are saying about Albania

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 668 reviews

Our guide Ilir was an absolute gem; knowledgable, personable and went out of his way to ensure we had a great day. I learnt so much from him and it was a genuine pleasure to spend a day in his company. Thank you so much.

Amazing experience ! Ilir was extremely knowledgeable, sympathic, adaptive. He took the time to explain me everything and had answers to all my questions. I couldn’t recommand more !

Amazing experience. It was outter wordly beautiful. I will keep this memory forever. The activity was perfectly set up ! Couldn’t recommand more

Wonderful Time had a blast thanks to our wonderful tour guide Kris. If you time in Tirana this is highly recommended 10/10!

Excellent trip. Excellent English guide. Just amazing!