Around waterfalls and lakes
Waterfalls, springs and beautiful lakes. Lake Komani is the jewel of Albania, followed by the Shkodra Valley and Lake (which it shares with Montenegro), Lake Ohrid (which it shares with Macedonia) and Lake Butrint. If there is one thing you should not miss in Albania, it is a cruise on Lake Komani, which is considered one of the most beautiful waterways in the world and is often compared to sailing through the Norwegian fjords. During the several-hour cruise, you will find yourself in the middle of steep rocks and will be able to see mountain villages and snow-capped mountain peaks up close. All the lakes are so different and so beautiful... In addition to lakes, Albania also has natural springs. These springs are called SYRI I KALTER or "Blue Eye". It is possible to swim in the clear turquoise water, similar to the waterfalls near the city of Berat.
The largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar
The imaginary cherry on the cake is the breathtaking Skadar Lake National Park, which stretches along the borders of Albania and Montenegro. If you are looking for an ideal place for rest and relaxation, then do not hesitate to go here. Skadar Lake has up to 40 islands, on whose shores you will find numerous cultural and historical monuments that will breathe the atmosphere of ancient history.
Behind the most beautiful view
The most beautiful viewpoints in Albania are offered by the Albanian Alps (Prokletije) for wild mountain scenery, the Llogara Pass with views of the Riviera, Dajti above Tirana with a cable car, Lake Koman resembling a Norwegian fjord, as well as the ridges of the Valamara or Nemërçka mountains in southern Albania, often with fewer tourists, and Kanin Castle near Vlora.
The most beautiful Albanian canyon Osumi
Albania boasts a number of beautiful canyons, with one of the most beautiful and spectacular being found on the upper reaches of the Osum River, from where you will be treated to magnificent views of the sheer cliffs and other natural wonders such as waterfalls and river springs. Probably the most beautiful view of this unique play of nature will be enjoyed by paddlers. Just be careful, the ideal time to raft down the river is in the spring months, when the canyon fills with water due to melting ice. In the summer months, the river is often impassable, as the riverbed almost dries up.
Under the wings of UNESCO
Many places in Albania have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of them is Butrint – a 2000 year old Roman ruin. It is located on a beautiful lake near the border with Greece and is almost always completely deserted, making it a beautiful place to walk and take pictures. For us, it is definitely one of the most interesting places in Albania! Gjirokastra is another UNESCO site, just as breathtaking as Butrint. It is a "museum city" built in the Ottoman era with a beautiful castle ruin, which is perched on a massive hill. In fact, Gjirokastra is also home to folk music, a unique Albanian tradition recognized by UNESCO as an intangible heritage. Every year, performances are held here to keep this tradition alive. It is incredible what singers can create with their voices, creating unique, haunting sounds without using a single instrument. Berat is Gjirokastra's more famous twin and in our opinion, it is just as beautiful, but completely different. Berat stands out with its white color and large narrow windows, which has earned it the nickname "the city of a thousand windows". There are many other places worth visiting on the UNESCO tentative list, awaiting assessment: the Durrës Amphitheatre, Apollonia and Ohrid.
Theth National Park and the mountains that will enchant you
If you are heading to Albania to explore the natural beauty, then you definitely cannot miss a visit to the Theth National Park, which is located in the valley of the mountain range with the poetic name of the Cursed Mountains. However, you do not have to worry, despite the slightly mysterious name, this is a peaceful area, where in the traditional village of the same name you will find beautiful original stone houses with wooden roofs, which give the impression that time has stopped here. The national park can be found in the north of Albania, almost on the border with Montenegro. You can look forward to wild animals, colorful orchids, roaring waterfalls, gorges and emerald blue rivers.
TIRANA
Tirana – the capital of Albania, located in central Albania, about 35 km from the Adriatic. It is the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country and home to several universities. Tirana is also where you'll find Mother Teresa International Airport.
KSAMIL
Ksamil – a seaside resort and former municipality in the Vlora region, and the southernmost settlement of the Albanian Riviera. Located about 8 km southwest of Sarandë, Ksamil is a popular and rapidly developing destination. Often nicknamed the "European Maldives," it captivates visitors with turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and nearby cultural sites.
BERAT
Berat – historically known as the "Albanian Belgrade," lies in the south-central part of Albania in the valley of the Osum River. It is the administrative centre of the Berat region and is often referred to as the "City of a Thousand Windows," thanks to its distinctive Ottoman-era architecture.
SARANDÄ
Sarandë – located in the south of Albania on the coast of the Ionian Sea, about 280 km from Tirana and 35 km from the Greek border. It is one of the warmest cities in the country, with around 300 sunny days per year. Sarandë stretches across hills that descend steeply to the sea, where you'll find numerous coves and beaches.
DURRËS ( Drač )
Durrës – the second-largest city in Albania and the country's main port, situated 35 km from the capital. It is one of the oldest cities in Albania and a popular seaside destination with several sandy beaches.
GJIOKASTËR
Gjirokastër – a city in southern Albania, roughly 20 km northwest of the Greek border, at an elevation of around 300 m. The old town lies on the eastern slopes of the Gjerë Mountains and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an exceptional example of a well-preserved Ottoman town.
SYRI KALTER
The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) lies roughly halfway between Sarandë and Gjirokastër. It is a karst spring feeding the Bystrica River, with depths reaching several dozen meters. The water is crystal-clear and very cold, but swimming is not prohibited. Albania has several thermal springs, though the most famous are near the town of Përmet. Right next to the springs stands the Kadiut Bridge — a stone bridge so iconic that it often appears on Albanian souvenirs.
