Albania: the sights that are really worth it

There are plenty of things to do in Albania – but not all of them are worth it. So here is our honest list: what we saw ourselves, how much time you should allow and what you can safely skip.

Albania is smaller than it looks on the map. But between the highlights there are often mountain roads, and the driving style is creative. So it’s better to plan fewer stops. We were in Albania in July 2025 on our Balkan road trip: a stopover in Durrës, six days in Vlorë, then Sarandë and Ksamil. So we know the coast from our own experience. Berat, Gjirokastër, the north and the entrance prices are researched and marked as such. Our whole route is in our story 40 days around Europe by car: Krka, Kotor, Albania, Zakynthos, Athens, Mykonos, Santorini – and back via the Balkans.

The top list at a glance

Prices are rounded guide values (as of 2026) and change. Check them on site or on the official websites of the sites.

The south coast: Vlorë, Sarandë, Ksamil

Vlorë and the Albanian Riviera

Vlorë was our base for six days. The nicer beaches are south of the town, and from there you can easily reach the wild coast. If you want peace and quiet, this is the part of Albania we would most likely book for longer. The coast feels rougher and less built-up than in many Mediterranean countries. We found food and accommodation cheaper than on the rest of our trip. A sunbed costs something on almost every beach, usually a low double-digit euro amount per day – ask the price beforehand. The coastal roads were better than their reputation; only the other drivers’ style demands attention.

Sarandë and Ksamil

We spent two days in Sarandë and Ksamil. The water in Ksamil is turquoise, almost Caribbean. In July, though, what bothered us most was the density: sunbed after sunbed, hardly room for a towel. You only get the postcard view there in the off-season or early in the morning. Sarandë itself works well as a base for Butrint, the Blue Eye and Gjirokastër, as all are 30 to 60 minutes’ drive away.

Butrint

Butrint is an ancient city between forest, lagoon and sea, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow two to three hours. Come in the morning, before it gets hot and the coaches arrive. There’s little shade, so bring water and sun protection. We didn’t go there ourselves – this assessment is based on research.

Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

The Blue Eye is a karst spring with a deep-blue centre. The stop is beautiful but short. An hour is usually enough; after that it gets crowded. According to various reports, swimming isn’t intended. Combine the visit with Gjirokastër or Butrint to make the drive worthwhile.

Central Albania and the hinterland

Berat: the “city of a thousand windows”

The white Ottoman houses stacked up the hillside are among the most impressive sights in the country. Allow half a day to a full day. Climb up to the castle, which is still inhabited and feels more like a village than a ruin. Bring comfortable shoes – the cobblestones are steep and slippery. It’s about two hours’ drive from Tirana and a little less from Vlorë. It’s worth staying a night, because the town gets quieter in the evening.

Gjirokastër

The “city of stone” has steep alleys, stone roofs and a mighty castle with views over the valley. The old town has few cars and the approach is narrow. Park below and walk. Gjirokastër works well as a day trip from Sarandë, about an hour each way. If you only want to see one inland town, choose Berat or Gjirokastër – both are similarly impressive.

Apollonia

The ancient site lies peacefully in the landscape and is spread out. It’s worth it if you’re interested in archaeology or pass Fier and Vlorë anyway. If you’re short on time, drop it and spend more time in Berat instead.

Tirana and the north

Tirana

The capital is good for a day: colourful buildings, cafés and the Bunk’Art bunkers, which show the history of the dictatorship. Driving in the city is tiring because traffic is heavy, so park on the outskirts or at your accommodation and walk. Durrës, which we only drove through, is about 35 kilometres away. A stop there mainly suits those who want to see the Roman amphitheatre. As a beach resort, Durrës didn’t tempt us when we passed through – the south coast is better for that.

Shkodër and Rozafa

Shkodër is close to the border with Montenegro and a good stop if you’re combining Kotor and Albania. Rozafa Castle offers wide views over the lake and rivers. One to two hours are enough.

Theth and Lake Komani

The mountains in the north are the wildest side of the country. Theth is known for its hiking trails; the last kilometres are now paved. The ferry across Lake Komani is often described as a highlight in its own right. Plan several days for both, otherwise you’ll drive more than you see. With a child and a dog, we would only tackle it on a dedicated trip to northern Albania.

What is overrated

• Ksamil in high summer: the water is beautiful, but the beach is overcrowded. In June or September it’s much more relaxed.
• The Blue Eye as a day trip: good as a short stop, too little for a whole outing.
• Too many stops: ticking off Albania in three days mostly means driving. On our trip we learned that we should spend more time here and less in the Cyclades.
• Only beaches: if you see Albania just as a cheap beach destination, you miss Berat, Gjirokastër and the mountains.

Typical mistakes

• Relying only on cards: we needed cash in Albania more often than in other countries on our route. Carry lek, especially for parking, small restaurants and beaches.
• Underestimating driving times: bends, roadworks and oncoming traffic easily turn 100 kilometres into two hours. Don’t drive mountain roads in the dark if you don’t know the route.
• Roaming: EU roaming doesn’t apply in Albania. Install an eSIM for the Western Balkans in advance or buy a local SIM.
• Forgetting the Green Card: Albania is part of the Green Card system, but before you leave check that the country isn’t crossed out on your card.
• Going to the beach at midday: come early or in the late afternoon if you want space.

Routes and distances

Guide values for driving, depending on traffic and road conditions:

A sensible order is north to south: Shkodër, Tirana, Berat, Vlorë and the Riviera, Sarandë with Butrint, Gjirokastër and finally on to Greece. We drove it the other way round because we came from Montenegro and wanted to continue to Greece. We skipped the north and centre of the country.

Getting there, money and safety

The borders into Albania are checked, and in summer there’s sometimes a wait. A passport or ID card was enough for us. For current entry and safety advice, check your government’s official travel advice before you leave – also if you’re travelling with a dog, as separate rules apply to pets. We paid in local currency almost everywhere with a multi-currency card, but needed cash more often in Albania. More tips in our post on money abroad.

If you want to visit Berat, Gjirokastër or Butrint without planning it yourself, you’ll find guided tours and tickets with fixed times here:

Things to do in Albania: our verdict

Albania is worth it above all for the mix of coast, old towns and landscape – not for any single superlative. We would drive the route again, but outside high season and with more time. If you only have a week, combine Vlorë or Sarandë with Berat or Gjirokastër and leave the rest out.

Our verdict on things to do in Albania: plan less and take your time for the places you really like. It also pays to visit the most famous sights early in the morning or in the evening, because it is quieter then. You’ll find more places we have been to ourselves in our travel stories; general background on the country’s history is on Wikipedia.

Frequently asked questions

Last updated: 20 Oct 2026. Prices and rules change – please check with the official sources before you travel.