Albania is Europe's most exciting undiscovered destination — a country of dramatic contrasts where Ottoman-era UNESCO cities meet pristine Ionian beaches, and the Accursed Mountains offer some of the continent's finest trekking.
Top Albania Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate albania highlights experience
Albanian Riviera
Europe's last great undiscovered coastline
The Albanian Riviera stretches for 200km along the Ionian Sea — a succession of turquoise bays, hidden coves, and fishing villages that rival the Greek islands at a fraction of the cost. The beaches at Ksamil, Dhermi, and Himara are among the most beautiful in Europe, and the coastal road from Sarandë to Vlorë is one of the continent's great drives.
Highlights
- Crystal-clear Ionian waters
- Ksamil's four island beaches
- Dhermi and Himara — the Riviera's most beautiful villages
- The coastal road — one of Europe's great drives
- Affordable beach clubs and seafood restaurants
Things to Do
- Swim at Ksamil's island beaches
- Drive the coastal road from Sarandë to Vlorë
- Explore Himara's old castle quarter
- Take a boat trip to hidden coves
- Try fresh grilled fish at a harbour restaurant
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
June–September
Recommended Duration
3–7 days
Typical Cost
Very affordable — beach clubs from £5, seafood meals from £8
Travel Tips
- ·Fly to Corfu and take the ferry to Sarandë
- ·Hire a car — the coastal road is the best way to explore
- ·Book accommodation in advance in July and August
- ·Cash is widely used — carry Albanian Lek
Nearby Attractions
Butrint National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site of layered civilisations
Butrint is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the Mediterranean — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman civilisations have left their mark over 2,500 years. Set on a wooded peninsula between a lake and the Vivari Channel, the site includes a Greek theatre, Roman baths, a Byzantine baptistery with extraordinary mosaics, and Venetian towers.
Highlights
- Greek theatre from the 4th century BC
- Byzantine baptistery with original mosaic floor
- Roman forum and baths
- Venetian towers and city walls
- Extraordinary setting on a wooded peninsula
Things to Do
- Explore the Greek theatre
- Find the Byzantine baptistery mosaics
- Walk the Venetian city walls
- Take a boat across the Vivari Channel
- Combine with a day on the Riviera
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
April–June & September–October
Recommended Duration
3–4 hours
Typical Cost
700 ALL (approx. £5)
Travel Tips
- ·Combine with Sarandë — just 18km away
- ·Hire a local guide for context
- ·The site is large — wear comfortable shoes
- ·Visit in the morning before tour groups arrive
Nearby Attractions
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