14 Things To See And Do On Your First Trip To Albania

It took one trip to fall in love with Albania. I didn’t realize it immediately, but it wasn’t long. After the trip, I spend the next month or so reflecting upon the experiences.

On your first trip to Albania, you want to see and do as many things as you can but not have to drive to four corners of the country.

We suggest you mix up the experiences. Don’t visit five museums and four castles. You should do one of each and visit a national park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, beach, and select restaurants.

This blog post should help you create a trip filled with exciting pleasurable, cultural, and historical experiences. These top 14 things to see and do will give you a taste of what Albania has to offer.

1. Skanderbeg Square

At the center of Tirana, there is a larger-than-life-size monument of Gjergj “Skanderbeg” Kastriot, the national hero of Albania. The monument was inaugurated in 1968 on the 500th anniversary of Skanderbeg’s death. It is made of bronze, stands 36 feet tall, and sits on a stone pedestal.

Skanderbeg was born and raised in Albania. He was sent as a hostage to the Ottoman court, where he received military training and served the Ottomans. Later, he led Albanians in a revolt against the Ottomans for many years. If you are looking for more information about Albania’s history, check out our Resources Page for a few books we recommend.

2. Museum National History

Visit the Albanian National History Museum located in Skanderbeg Square. This Museum consists of eight pavilions based on periods from Antiquity through Mother Teresa.

3. Bunk’Art

Bunk’Art 1 and 2 museums are inside atomic bunkers built during the communist era depicting history through video exhibitions.

Bunk’Art opened in November 2014. It is dedicated to the history of the Albanian Communist Army. Many fascinating exhibits, including “The program of bunkerisation” (1975 – 1983) depicting the era where 173,371 bunkers were built in Albania.

Bunk’Art 2 opened in November 2016. It is focused on the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs from 1912 to 1991. Bunk’Art 2 is built in a pit-style bunker with a top layer of concrete measuring 7’ 10.49” thick and 24 rooms.

4. Blloku

Blloku is a section of the center of Tirana that was once reserved for the pollical elite of Albania. The area encompasses several city blocks. It was off-limits to civilians during the communist era. Blloku is now filled with shops, clubs, bars, cafes, restaurants, and residents. This trendy neighborhood boasts some of the best cafes and restaurants in Tirana. A few of our favorite restaurants are Artigano Bllok, and Era.

5. Komiteti

A beautiful script neon sign which reads “Raki & Dashni” (translation: Raki and Love) sets the mood. Komiteti (translation: The Committee) is a museum, café, and bar. The Museum boasts thousands of cultural and historical items.

At the bar, they served Raki in sample flights similar to beer flights in the United States. Try a flight but be aware that Raki is strong and meant to be sipped. Komiteti has more than 20 different types of Raki to try.

Raki is the national drink of Albania, and it is made commercially and by home-distillers. Komiteti runs its distillery outside Berat.

6. Dajti Ekspres

Dajti Ekspres (translation: Dajti Express) is a cable car that goes to the top of Dajti Mountain. The top of the mountain is over 1000 meters above sea level. The cable car ride to the top is approximately 15 minutes. Dajti Mountain boasts impressive views of Tirana and the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can see as far as Durres and the Adriatic Sea.

Fun and activities include Mini Golf, Adventure Park, Roller Blading, Playground for Children, Hiking, Paragliding, and Mountain Biking.

Dajti Tower Belvedere Hotel has a rotating bar great for enjoying the view while sipping Raki or enjoying a cocktail. If you’re hungry after a hike or walking, try the food at Restaurant Ballkoni Dajtit.

7. Kruje Castle

Just outside of Tirana, Skanderbeg Museum in Kruje contains items that date back to Skanderbeg’s time. The walk to Skanderbeg Museum located in Kruje Castle is uphill through a narrow street with shops on both sides. The shops make authentic handmade products. If you are interested in staying at Kruje Castle while visiting, the House inside Castle Kruja is available on Airbnb.

8. Fish City

Rozafa Fish City is in Elbasan. If you enjoy seafood, this is the best off-the-coast seafood restaurant in Albania. The restaurant itself is modern and beautiful. There is also plenty of outdoor seating and a playground for children. The outside grounds include massive head statues of Skanderbeg, Adem Jashari, and Leke Dukagjini.

9. Visit UNESCO Site

There are 4 world heritage sites in Albania.

1. Butrint National Park
2. Historic Centers of Berat and Gjirokastër
3. Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
4. Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region

We recommend starting with Berat or Gjirokaster.

For more information, read the blog post: UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Albania

10. Berati Castle

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Berat, The Castle is high on a hill and is fun to explore. There are spectacular views of Berat and the surrounding area.

The castle was burned down in 200 BC, then repaired in the 5^th Century, rebuilt in the 6^th Century and 13^th Century. There are 22 churches in the castle, including Christian churches, Orthodox churches, and Mosques.

Many residents live in houses built within the existing walls of the castle today. From inside some places, you can see the internal walls were built inside the existing stonework, so it does not compromise the historic structure.

Muzeu Kombëtar Ikonografik Onufri (translation: National Iconographic Museum Onufri) is located inside the Church of the Dormition of St Mary. It is dedicated to Byzantine art and iconography. The Museum houses 173 objects from Albanian churches. Tours are available daily. The Museum is closed on Monday from October to May.

The castle is accessible by car or walking on the southside.

If you are interested in staying inside the castle during your visit, there are many Hotels and Airbnb accommodations.

Bar Restorant Nova is a great place to eat while taking in the beautiful views of the castle. It is located just outside the castle. This restaurant a great place to start or end your experience at the castle.

11. Cobo Winery

The Cobo Winery (Pronounced: Chobo) in Ura Vajgurore, Berat, is one of Albania’s oldest and best wineries. They make a variety of red and wine wines, and Raki. The same family has run the winery since the early 1900s. Tours of the facilities with wine tastings run daily.

If you are interested in visiting Cobo with a tour, there are various tours offered here. You can also take a taxi or rent a car to get to the winery.

12. Kuzum Baba Vlora

Kuzum Baba is a natural terrace carved out by the sea. The views of Vlora’s coastline and the city are spectacular from this hill. The landscape and ocean views are impressive during the day and at night. Kuzum Baba is accessible by car, or you can walk to the top of the hill.

Kuzum Baba was Bektashi spiritual leader. According to the legend, Kuzum Baba was buried on this hill in Vlora. There is a Bektashi temple on the hill build in the 1600s.

The restaurant which goes by the same name Kuzum Baba is one of the best in Vlore. The dining experience combined with the view of Vlora at the beginning of the Albanian Riviera makes Kuzum Baba a top destination for locals and tourists. The restaurant also hosts mini-concerts and events.

For more information about the restaurant, see their Facebook page: Kuzum Baba Bar Restorant Piceri.

13. The Albanian Riviera

The Albania Riviera beaches are an absolute must if you are traveling to Albania in the summertime. We started in Vlora. Plazhi i Ri (translation: New Bleach) is close to the center of Vlora. It has plenty of accommodations on or across the street from the beach. There are also a few resorts, bars, and restaurants on the water. He also enjoyed the walk bike path.

Starting in Vlora, down to Saranda, the coastline of Albania rivals European tropical beach destinations in Greece and Italy at a fraction of the cost.

The Riviera boasts exquisite sandy and pebbly beaches, each with its benefits and attractions. Depending on the type of experience you are looking for, there is something for everyone along the coastline. It is easy to enjoy the warm, clear water of the Ionian Sea and the brilliant sunsets that can make you forget anything that troubles you.

If you would like to know more about the Albanian Riviera beaches, look at the blog post: Top 12 Best Beaches in Albania.

14. The Blue Eye

A natural phenomenon that is still difficult for scientists to explain Syri i Kalter (translation: Blue Eye) is a water spring near the village of Muzine in Finiq. The water is dark blue at the center of the eye, phosphorescent blue around, and crystal clear surrounding the outside of eye. The water is frigid.

It is forbidden to swim there, but it does not stop many people from jumping off a fixed metal platform into the eye. Of course, they swim out in a hurry because of the waters temperate.

The spring that feeds Blue Eye is more the 50 Meters below the surface. Blue Eye is the water source for the Bistrice River that flows 25 Km to the Ionian Sea.

TIP:
The locations in this list are in geographical order. Visiting in the order listed with save travel time.

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If you do not decide to visit all of these 15 places, you will still understand Albanian culture and history. There is a strong chance that you will find a reason to come back to this beautiful country once you visit Albania. Each time I visit, I come across a few places I want to see and learn about on my next trip.