Discover the Hidden Gem of the Balkans

Historical Places

Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park is one of Albania’s most remarkable historical treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ruins preserve layers of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian history, showing how the city evolved over many centuries. What makes Butrint especially fascinating is that it is not only an archaeological site, but also part of a beautiful natural landscape of lagoons, forests, and wetlands near Saranda.

Rozafa Castle (Shkodër)

Rozafa Castle is one of Albania’s most famous fortresses, rising dramatically above Shkodër and offering sweeping views over Lake Shkodra and the surrounding rivers. The castle has roots going back to antiquity and is closely tied to the legendary story of Rozafa, a woman said to have been immured within its walls to ensure the fortress would stand. This mix of history, myth, and scenery makes it one of the country’s most memorable landmarks.

Berat Castle

Berat Castle is one of the largest and most unique castles in Albania, because it is still inhabited today. Built on a rocky hill above the city, it contains churches, mosques, stone streets, and traditional houses within its walls, reflecting centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman influence. Its living character and panoramic views over Berat make it much more than just a fortress.

Gjirokastër Castle

Gjirokastër Castle dominates the skyline of the “Stone City” and is one of the biggest and best-preserved fortresses in the Balkans. Over the centuries, it served both military and defensive purposes, and today it is known for its impressive walls, museum spaces, and commanding views over the Drino Valley. The castle also reflects the strategic importance of Gjirokastër throughout Albanian history.

Apollonia Archaeological Park

Apollonia Archaeological Park was once a major ancient Greek colony and later an important Roman city. It became a center of learning and culture, and according to tradition, even the young Octavian, who later became Emperor Augustus, studied there. Today, its elegant ruins and peaceful setting make it one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania.

Krujë Castle

Krujë Castle is one of Albania’s strongest national symbols because it was the center of resistance led by the national hero Skanderbeg against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Perched high above the town, the castle offered a strategic defensive position and became a symbol of Albanian independence and resilience. Today, it remains a powerful place of memory and patriotism, as well as one of the country’s most visited historic sites.

1 Week Itinerary in Albania

Travel Tips for Albania

• Money: Carry both cash and a card. Albania’s official currency is the lek (ALL), and while cards are commonly accepted in bigger cities, hotels, and many tourist-facing places, cash is still important for buses, small restaurants, markets, and smaller towns. ATMs are common in cities, but fees can apply, and ATMs generally dispense lek, not euros.
• Euros vs. lek: Do not rely on euros for everyday spending. Some tourist businesses may accept euros, but lek is the normal payment currency, and you may get a worse exchange rate or awkward change if you pay in euros. A good rule is to pay and withdraw in lek, and at ATMs or card terminals choose to be charged in lek rather than your home currency.
• Taxis: Use apps for taxis instead of hailing randomly when possible. Two active ride apps in Albania are Patoko and Speed Taxi; Patoko’s current app listing says it operates in Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Sarandë, and Elbasan, while Speed Taxi markets itself for Tirana and other Albanian cities as well. These are useful for airport transfers, city rides, and avoiding price misunderstandings.
• Food delivery: For food delivery, check whether your city is covered by Foodini or Baboon. Foodini and Baboon Delivery are active Albanian food-delivery apps; Foodini highlights fast delivery and live tracking, while Baboon also covers groceries and other items. They are most useful in larger cities rather than small mountain villages or remote Riviera areas.
• Intercity travel: For intercity travel, buses work, but a rental car is often easier for tourists. Albania does have intercity buses and minibuses, and Tirana Airport says buses run from the airport to Tirana, Vlorë, Fier, and other main cities. For online route checking and bookings, Gjirafa Travel is one of the main platforms covering Albania and nearby Balkan routes, but if you want maximum flexibility for places like Theth, the Riviera, or scattered beach stops, a car is usually the more convenient option.
• Language: Do not worry too much about language in tourist areas, but learn a few Albanian words. The official language is Albanian, and in cities and tourist hubs, many younger people and hospitality workers speak at least some English; Italian is also often understood, especially by older generations. Even a few words like “faleminderit” (thank you) and “përshëndetje” (hello) go a long way.
• Mobile data: Get mobile data early, especially if you plan to move around a lot. Having data helps with taxi apps, maps, restaurant bookings, and bus lookups. Travelers can use an eSIM, and current Albania eSIM comparisons also note that local prepaid SIMs are available at relatively low cost, typically requiring passport registration.
• Car rental & timing: Rent a car for maximum flexibility. Albanian roads have improved significantly, but some mountain roads can be challenging. Consider hiring a local guide for historical sites. The best time to visit is May-September for beach weather, or April-October for city exploration.