Albania Travel Guide: Towns, Castles and Coast

Albania's national tourism agency describes Tirana as the capital and the starting point for the surrounding natural and historical areas. Berat and Gjirokastër are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and Vlora is the main base for the southern coast and its marine park.

This guide covers the places where the tours on this page run: Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër and Vlora.

Places to visit in Albania

Tirana

Tirana is the capital of Albania, in the central part of the country near Mount Dajti. The tourism agency lists the National History Museum, the Et'hem Bey Mosque, the Clock Tower and the New Bazaar among its sights. The New Bazaar centres on a covered market, with cafes, restaurants and artisan workshops around it.

Berat

Berat lies on both banks of the Osum River. The agency calls it a protected world heritage site and says its UNESCO protected old town includes the neighbourhoods of Mangalem, Gorica and the Castle District. Berat Castle dates from the 13th century and holds Byzantine churches and the National Museum of Iconography "Onufri".

Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër sits on the slopes of Mount Gjerë above the Drino valley, and the tourism agency says it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is known as the "City of Stone" for its tower houses with stone-tiled roofs. The castle, the Old Bazaar and museum houses such as the Skëndulat House are the main sights.

Vlora

Vlora is in the southwest, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, and Albania's independence was declared here on 28 November 1912. Nearby is the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park, which includes the Karaburun peninsula and Sazan island. The park's allowed activities include diving, coastal exploration, wildlife observation and sailing with non-motorized vessels.

Getting to Albania

Tirana International Airport is the airport for the capital. Its website lists a bus line between Tirana and the airport that runs 24 hours a day, with departures every hour in both directions, and a second line between the South and North Bus Terminal and the airport. Timetables change, so check the airport site before you travel.

The airport site also lists shuttle services from the airport to Durrës, Fier, Vlora and Shkodër.

Getting around

For buses across the country, the airport site points to eTransport, a platform that gathers official bus lines, stations and schedules in one place. Check it for the route you need.

The tours listed on this page include day trips from Tirana to Berat and a boat day trip from Vlora to the Karaburun and Sazan islands. Check where each tour meets before you plan your own transport.

When to go to Albania

Summer

The tourism agency describes summer as the time for the southern coast, with Saranda, Dhërmi, Himara and Vlora offering beaches. In Tirana, it says Dajti and the surrounding hills offer coolness and hiking trails in the hot summer.

Spring and autumn

In Tirana, the agency says spring brings green parks and squares, and autumn is suited to walks and cultural visits.

Winter

The agency suggests mountain towns such as Korçë for winter, with winter fairs. It also names Boga and Theth in the Albanian Alps for snow.

What to book ahead

• Check the bus or shuttle timetable for your route, because the airport site lists separate operators and times for each destination.
• Boat trips to the Karaburun and Sazan islands run on set days; confirm the date before you fix your route along the coast.
• If you plan to visit Berat or Gjirokastër on a day trip, confirm the meeting point and return time in advance.
• Guided tours run on fixed days; check dates before fixing your route.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the official Albanian e-visa portal before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Republic of Albania e-Visa portal.

Frequently asked questions

Which Albanian towns are UNESCO World Heritage sites?

The national tourism agency lists Berat and Gjirokastër on the World Heritage List, along with Butrint. Both towns are known for their historic old quarters.

Why is Gjirokastër called the City of Stone?

The tourism agency says almost everything in the city, from houses to streets, is built with stone. Its tower houses have stone-tiled roofs and small windows.

How do I get from the airport to Tirana?

Tirana International Airport lists a bus line between Tirana and the airport that runs around the clock, with departures every hour. Check the airport website for the current timetable.

What can you do in the Karaburun-Sazan marine park?

The tourism agency says allowed activities include diving, coastal exploration, wildlife observation and sailing with non-motorized vessels. It was declared a national park in 2010.

Do I need a visa for Albania?

It depends on your nationality. The official Albanian e-visa portal publishes the current process, so check it before you book.