Going on holiday to Albania? 8 beautiful locations

2 April, 2024

Albania is being discovered by more and more campsite visitors … with good reason! From beaches with azure blue water to imposing mountain chains and charming villages: Albania has all you could want for a great camping holiday. What are the most beautiful locations and places of interest in this Balkan country? Here are 8 tips for your holiday in Albania.

8 tips for your vacation in Albania

• Tirana
• Durrës
• Lake Koman
• Theth National Park
• Skhodër and Lake Shkodër
• Berat
• Butrint National Park
• Ksamil

Tirana

The Albanian capital city is absolutely worth the trouble of exploring, all the more so since this city is not very commercial. In Tirana you will find an interesting mix of old ruins, castles, stately communist buildings and colourful structures. The Skanderbegplein, named after the national hero of Albania, is the pulsing heart of the city. It contains several important places of interest, such as the National Historic Museum and the Et’hem Bey Mosque. There is also a lively art and culture scene and many charming small restaurants and bars. Everyone is very hospitable and friendly.

Durrës

Are you ready to relax on the beach? Then you must go to Durrës. This is Albania’s most important port and also the second-largest city in the country. You will find no less than 10 kilometres of beach and a boulevard packed with restaurants and beach pavilions. There are also several places of interest in the city, such as a castle, an amphitheatre and the Great Mosque. The country’s largest Archaeological Museum is also located here.

Lake Koman

Do you enjoy spectacular nature? Then you must go to the north of Albania. A spectacular example is Lake Koman, a large reservoir on the Drin River. It looks a little bit like a fjord, surrounded by steep mountain walls. It is located in a rather remote area and can only be accessed by boat. Grab the ferry to Fierzë in Koman. The trip takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Enjoy the breathtaking views over the mountains and the blue water. In the summer, you can also participate in water sports, like kayaking and swimming.

Theth National Park

The Albanian Alps are also located in the north of Albania and are a ‘must visit’ for nature lovers and adventurers. The traditional village of Theth is located here. In 2022 a paved road was constructed, making it easier to reach the village. Use Theth as a homebase to go on the best hikes through the mountains, making it almost feel like you are in Switzerland. You will encounter turquoise lakes, waterfalls, mountain valleys and old farms.

Shkodër and Lake Shkodër

The largest lake of the Balkans is located in both Albania and Montenegro. This is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in Europe, making it very interesting for bird-watchers. The town with the same name, Shkodër, is also a good visit. Go to the Rozafa Castle, now largely a ruin that can be visited for a small fee. The castle is situated on a hill, which does make it quite a climb. But the view up top is beautiful!

Read our blog that presents 9 beautiful places of interest in Montenegro.

Berat

This ‘city with a thousand windows’ is located in central Albania and the city centre is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Two old districts of Berat are divided by the Osum river. The traditional white Ottoman houses have been built against a hill. Wander about through the old medieval streets and explore mosques, churches, ruins and old houses. Visit the Castle of Berat and walk over the Gorica Bridge, which connects the two historic districts.

Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park, on the south coast of Albania, is a gem with historic and natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains an ancient city that dates back to Greek antiquity, with ruins from the Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods. The ruins of temples, theatres, bathhouses and palaces show the rich history of this area. In addition, the park offers a varied ecosystem, with marshes, forests and a varied bird life and vegetation, making it a paradise for nature lovers and history buffs.

Ksamil

Idyllic beaches with crystal clear water and white sand can be found in Ksamil, which is also located in the south. This place is definitely not inferior to beaches in Greece or Southern France! There are several beaches and coves here that are popular among tourists. You can also go kayaking or stand up paddleboarding on the water or take the ferry to the Greek island Corfu.

Camping in Albania

In 2023, our ACSI inspectors went to campsites in Albania for the first time. Would you like to go camping in this beautiful Balkan country? Find your ideal campsite in Albania at Eurocampings.nl.

Read our blog with tips about camping in Albania.