Albania Unlocked: 10 Best Things to Do in 2026

laurentobin20051
Feb 12
3 min read

Updated: Mar 29

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Planning a trip to Albania? From the turquoise waters of Ksamil to the "Accursed Mountains" of Theth, here are the top 10 things to do in Europe’s best-value destination.

1. Island Hop in Ksamil

Often called the "Maldives of Europe," Ksamil is famous for its three small islands that you can swim or kayak to.

The Vibe: Crystal clear turquoise water and white sand.
Pro Tip: It gets busy in July. Go in June or September to have those "Instagram vs Reality" shots actually look like the photos.

2. Explore "The City of a Thousand Windows" (Berat)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Berat is famous for its white Ottoman houses stacked up the hillside.

Don't Miss: Climbing up to Berat Castle, a massive fortress where people still live today.
The Photo: Head across the river to the Gorica neighborhood for the best view of the "windows" at sunset.

3. Take the "Fjord" Ferry on Lake Koman

Many travelers call this one of the most beautiful boat trips in the world. It looks exactly like a Scandinavian fjord but with Balkan sunshine.

The Route: Take the ferry from Koman to Fierza. It’s the gateway to the northern mountains.

4. Hike the "Accursed Mountains" (Theth to Valbona)

The ultimate bucket-list hike in the Balkans. It’s a 7–8 hour trek through the Albanian Alps.

The Vibe: Jagged peaks, wildflower meadows, and traditional stone "kulla" (tower houses).
The Hack: You don't need to be a pro hiker, but you do need good boots and a local guesthouse booking!

5. Go Underground at Bunk’Art (Tirana)

Albania’s capital is home to thousands of concrete bunkers. The largest ones in Tirana have been turned into massive, eerie, and fascinating art and history museums.

Bunk’Art 1: Focuses on the history of the communist army.
Bunk’Art 2: Located in the city center, focusing on the secret police.

6. Dive into the "Blue Eye" (Syri i Kaltër)

A mesmerizing natural spring near Saranda where the water is a deep, electric blue. It’s over 50 meters deep (nobody actually knows the bottom!).

Warning: The water is a constant 10°C. It’s the ultimate wake-up call after a hot day.

7. Step Back in Time in Gjirokastër

Known as the "Stone City," this is another UNESCO gem. The streets are paved with slippery silver limestone, and the massive fortress overlooks the entire Drino Valley.

The Shop: Visit the Old Bazaar for handmade carpets and traditional Albanian woodwork.

8. Beach Hop the Albanian Riviera

While Ksamil is famous, the stretch between Vlorë and Saranda is full of hidden coves.

Top Picks: Gjipe Beach (hidden at the end of a canyon) and Dhërmi (the trendy spot for beach clubs and music festivals like Kala).

9. Ride the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car

For the best view of Tirana, take the longest cable car in the Balkans up to Mount Dajti.

The Vibe: You rise 1,600m above the city in 15 minutes. There’s a revolving restaurant at the top and plenty of hiking trails.

10. Explore the Ancient Ruins of Butrint

A massive archaeological park where you can see Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins all in one spot, surrounded by a peaceful lagoon.

The Highlight: The ancient Roman amphitheater is still incredibly well-preserved.

Lauren’s Albania "Cheap Flight" Hack:

Flights to Tirana (TIA) from Manchester or London can sometimes spike.

The Secret: Check flights to Corfu (CFU) in Greece. You can often find a £25 flight to Corfu and then take a 30-minute ferry across to Saranda in Albania. It’s often cheaper and way more scenic!