Things to do in Albania

Wander through the UNESCO-listed ruins of a Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian city set on a forested peninsula overlooking the Vivari Channel.

Stroll the cobbled streets of this UNESCO World Heritage town, visiting the imposing hilltop castle and traditional Ottoman-era houses with distinctive stone roofs.

Gaze into the mesmerising turquoise depths of a deep karst pool whose water emerges from an unknown underground cave in a protected nature reserve.

Relax on pristine white sands and swim in crystal-clear Ionian waters, with views of uninhabited islands just offshore that you can reach by pedal boat.

Trek among the dramatic peaks of the Accursed Mountains, passing alpine meadows, waterfalls and traditional stone guesthouses in one of Albania's most pristine national parks.

Cross the Valbona Pass to reach this remote settlement, where you can visit the old lock-in tower, see the Theth waterfall and experience traditional highland hospitality.

Wind up a serpentine mountain road to over 1,000 metres, pausing at viewpoints to take in the Albanian Riviera's coastline stretching far below.

Paddle through towering 100-metre-high rock walls and hidden waterfalls in a narrow gorge carved by the Osum River, accessible only by raft or inflatable kayak.

Climb the cobbled path to Berat Castle and gaze down on the white Ottoman houses piled up the hill, then explore the Onufri Museum's 16th-century icons.

Paddle across the largest lake in Southern Europe, gliding past floating water-lily fields and bird-rich wetlands, with the rugged peaks of the Albanian Alps as a backdrop.

Descend into a vast underground nuclear shelter built for Enver Hoxha, now a museum filled with chilling artefacts that tell the story of Albania's isolation under communism.

Savour slow food at this pioneering agritourism farm, where ingredients are grown and transformed on-site into a multi-course feast of northern Albanian traditions with a modern twist.

Bathe in sulphurous hot springs cascading over ancient stone pools beneath the graceful Katiu Ottoman Bridge, a healing spot used since Roman times.

Navigate the restored Ottoman market street lined with craft stalls, then head up to the fortress where Skanderbeg repelled the Ottoman army and visit his national museum.

Observe one of Europe's largest breeding colonies of these giant birds from a wooden birdwatching tower in a Ramsar-listed coastal wetland between sand dunes and pine forests.

After dark, join locals in the former restricted party district that is now packed with colourful bars, cocktail lounges and open-air clubs buzzing late into the night.

Cruise a narrow reservoir dramatically wedged between sheer cliffs, often compared to a Norwegian fjord, linking the Drin Valley with the remote northern highlands.

Climb to the hilltop fortress for a commanding panorama where the Ionian Sea meets the Greek border, especially magical when the sun sinks behind Corfu.

Sample a flight of artisanal fruit brandies infused with everything from walnut to mulberry at a cosy Ottoman-era café filled with vintage communist relics.

Follow a forested trail to a thundering waterfall that plunges into an impossibly blue pool, a hidden natural wonder deep within the Theth Valley.

Walk among the columns of a once-great Greek city founded in the 6th century BC, with a well-preserved bouleuterion, theatre and the Byzantine monastery of Saint Mary.

Soar up the eastern side of the capital in a 15-minute gondola ride to Mount Dajti, where walking trails, panoramic terraces and a revolving restaurant await.

Stroll through willow-shaded springs and ornate bridges at this tiny oasis on the shore of ancient Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO-listed site shared with North Macedonia.

Accessible only by footpath or boat, this narrow white-pebble beach sits at the end of a dramatic canyon where sheer cliffs plunge into the Ionian Sea.

Enter the secret tunnels of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ underground bunker, now a museum detailing the brutal Sigurimi secret police and resistance to the regime.