If Albania was never on your radar, it’s not your fault — the country was kept under lock and key by a strict communist regime from1946 to 1992 where nobody could get in or out. It got forgotten and left behind, and while there’s room for improvement with wealth and infrastructure, the country is rich in so many ways. For a start, it’s blessed with a stunning coastline, the Albanian Riviera, where dreamy hidden white-sand turquoise-bay beaches are tucked discreetly within towering alpine mountains.
In the north, the Accursed Mountains offer one of the most scenic rural Balkan retreats in the region. Hikers can lose themselves for days in natural springs, alpine meadows, and shepherds huts where they’re fed homemade cheese and raki. And then there’s the cities. While Tirana gives you a realistic glimpse into the country’s recent past under the communist regime, Korçë, a cultural melting pot in the southern mountains where Orthodox churches mingle with Ottoman bazaars allows you to immerse in its fascinating East-meets-West roots.
Clearly, Albania has been underrated for way too long and while it still remains somewhat under the radar, tourism is growing fast. As travel tastemakers like you prefer to be among the first to discover a new destination, we recommend putting it on your 2025/2026 travel list. And if you want to know exactly what to see and do, and where to stay while you’re there, we’ve got you covered with this travel tastemaker’s curated destination guide for Albania 2025. So read on and see what abundant Albania can show you.
The Destinations to Visit Now in Albania (including where to stay)
Tirana - Uncover Albania’s dark secrets
From the neighborhood divisions to the brutalist architecture, statues of communist leaders, and underground bunkers, there are stark reminders of Tirana’s communist past throughout the city, despite its ideology having since progressed. As a result, Tirana is certainly not the prettiest capital in Europe, but it’s one of the most significant in modern history.
Albania and the capital city of Tirana were places that most hadn’t heard of until recent years, and the reason for it might be darker than you expect. Those who visit Tirana will have the unique opportunity to uncover the secrets of the country’s controversial communist past first-hand.
Start with a simple, locally guided walking tour for incredible insights into life before and after the communist regime, supported by eye-opening firsthand accounts. Then dig deeper by heading underground in Bunk-Art1 & 2, former communist bunkers that have been transformed into a gallery and museum, and the House of Leaves (Museum of Secret Surveillance).
Where to stay: Xheko Imperial Luxury Hotel & Spa
From the inside out, the Xheko Imperial is a standout landmark in Tirana. It’s Art Deco elegance gives it an unparalleled luxury throughout. Choose between the modern appointed Deluxe and King suites, or opt for opulence with the richly decorated Imperial suites. The hotel is centrally located in Blloku, the city’s most coveted neighborhood, just a short stroll to Skanderbeg Square, Grand Park, and trendy cafés. When you’re not exploring the city, Xheko Imperial invites you to unwind in the luxury spa, which spoils guests with a hammam, sauna, pool, gym, and Asian-style massages. For dinner, take the elevator to the rooftop restaurant and wine bar which serves exceptional city views along with Albanian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Theth National Park- The Balkans at its most wild
Theth is a small, unassuming Balkan village in a beautiful national park at the top of a steep, winding road from Shkodra Lake to the heights of the Accursed Mountains in Northern Albania. The beauty of Theth is that, unlike many European mountain destinations, it hasn’t lost its simplicity. It remains a humble, rustic village where sheep and goats roam freely around alpine meadows sporadically dotted with stone-built guesthouses, shepherds' huts, and a traditional church. Meanwhile, a handful of luxury retreats are tucked discreetly into the landscape. It’s an idyllic dynamic for discerning travelers searching for authentic rural experiences.
Beyond the towering limestone mountains surrounding Theth lies beauty beyond measure, making it the perfect base for adventure. Several stunning hikes begin in Theth, which follow the Thethi River through steep canyons, across waterfalls, and into rugged meadows. Many routes will have you home in time for a hearty traditional dinner at your accommodation, but others take you on a multi-day trek to the most remote regions where only shepherds roam.
Where to stay: Thethi Hotel & Spa
Thethi Hotel and Spa, hidden from view amongst the mountains of Theth, is a serene mountain retreat that allows guests to feel deeply connected to nature without compromising on modern luxuries. The rooms are rustic but modern, with dreamy freestanding bathtubs where guests can soak their sore muscles after a day’s hike with views of the Accursed from the floor-to-ceiling windows. As a family-run hotel, guests get a particularly warm and personal service – a window into Albanian hospitality that other hotels can’t match.
Himarë - Albania’s best beach destination
Albania’s coastline is blessed with blissful beaches overlooking the Ionian Sea. In the north, they’re long and wild. Heading further south towards Greece, you’ll find yourself in the Albanian Riviera, a chain of small turquoise bays and coves backed by lush green hills. There are several pretty beach towns along this stretch of coast, but Himarë stands out with a relaxed sophistication — and far fewer tourists than nearby Ksamil or Sarandë. The small, walkable town is tucked into a bay, giving it a sense of privacy and escapism that we all crave from a beach destination.
Once a Byzantine town, Himarë’s narrow lanes trickling down from a hilltop castle ooze historic charm. Meanwhile, the promenade spoils visitors with luxury boutique hotels, beachfront cocktail bars, and top-notch restaurants, balancing a rustic edge with want-for-nothing amenities. With so much to indulge in on your doorstep, it would be easy to forget about the adventures that lie beyond the bay. From hiking and cycling along coastal paths to kayaking and boating around the shores, Himarë is an excellent base for exploring the Albanian Riviera.
Where to stay: Green Coast Hotel – MGallery Collection
The Green Coast Hotel, part of the MGallery Collection, is one of the newest additions to Himarë and, in our opinion, it might just be the best yet. The sleek, modern beachfront hotel has thought of everything its guests might want, and gone one step further, focusing on curated experiences and luxury wellness. It features a 5-floor wellness center with a spa, sauna, hammam, and gym. As well as offering holistic treatments, guests can take advantage of the hotel’s yoga and pilates classes, herbal therapies, and sound healing sessions. After a rejuvinating morning of self care, guests can spend an afternoon immersing in local culture through authentic experiences including vineyard tours, cooking classes, and honey tastings.
Korçë - The cultural heart of Albania
Korçë is a small mountain city near the Greek border originally built by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century and later overtaken as a stronghold of Orthodox Christianity by the Byzantine Empire. The result today is a fascinating cross-cultural melting pot where Middle Eastern-style bazaars mingle with historic churches and Christian icons.
Korçë’s distinctively rich culture attracts artists, musicians, and craftspeople who add a delicious layer of creativity to the city. Wherever you turn, there’s galleries, street artists, and bands playing soulful melodies, earning Korçë the nickname ‘City of Serenades’. Sometimes, there’s nothing better to do than idly wander around the Ottoman-era hub of artisan boutiques, cafés, and intimate plazas, soaking up the sights, sounds, and smells.
Just remember to save time to explore the extraordinary scenery surrounding Korçë, including Lake Ohrid, Morava Mountains and Drenovë National Park. Although you might not have heard of these places before, their beauty will be hard to forget.
Where to stay: Life Gallery Hotel & Spa
Housed in a connected chain of historic mansions along Korçë’s central boulevard, Life Gallery Hotel & Spa is full of surprises. The elegant boutique retreat blends contemporary artful design and historic charm, creating a particularly stylish space that effortlessly immerses guests into the city’s eclectic culture. It features 28 impeccably designed rooms across the four buildings, each with a balcony or patio overlooking the mountains or leafy courtyard. The hotel’s ground floor is occupied by an expansive luxury spa featuring a hammam, sauna, indoor swimming pool, and treatment rooms. On another level, you’ll find Avenue 55, one of Korçë’s top restaurants, and Tenda Bar on the rooftop.
5 Defining experiences to add to your Albania itinerary
Explore the Albanian Riviera by boat
The Albanian Riviera’s reputation might not quite match that of the French Riviera or Cinque Terre in Italy, but those who are lucky enough to see it would agree it definitely should be. So, if you’re staying in the Albanian Riviera, it would be criminal confine yourself to one bay and not to explore the extent of its beauty. We recommend hiring a private boat where you can take your sweet time sailing steadily from one bay to the next. As it remains largely wild and untouched, the Albanian Riviera has plenty of secret beaches inaccessible by road, so be sure to bring a picnic along.
Trek through the Accursed Mountains (Theth to Valbona)
The route from Theth to Valbona in the Accursed Mountains of Northern Albania rewards those who hike it with some of the most astonishing beauty in all the Balkans. Throughout the journey, hikers are blessed with breathtaking views of the alpine peaks, wildflower meadows, and waterfalls. Along the way, you can look forward to a refreshing dip in the Blue Eye natural spring where the water is so clear you can see the bottom, and trailside treats like cheese and honey from local villagers. The hike, 18 kilometers in length, takes around 6-8 hours and although it’s not exactly a walk in the park, hikers with moderate fitness will be able to complete it easily.
Eat Albanian cuisine on a local farm
One of the most charming parts of Albanian culture is its passion for traditional farm to table dining; something no visitor can leave without trying if they want an authentic local experience. They can be found throughout the country, but our favorite is at Mrizi i Zanave, a serene working farm and family-run restaurant in the remote hills of Northern Albania that fuses traditional Albanian agriculture with contemporary cuisine. During a visit, you’ll be spoilt with a delicious feast of homemade wine and cheese, olive oil, and traditionally cooked meats like grilled lamb kebab. Afterwards, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the family’s vineyards, winery cheese-making, and jam production areas that allows you to learn all about Albania’s special agricultural traditions and techniques.
Go horseback in Llogara National Park
Sandwiched between Vlorë and Himarë on the Albanian Riviera, Llogara National Park is a breathtaking untouched stretch of the coastline where verdant alpine mountains descend into the Ionian Sea. This astonishing, rare landscape with its cozy pine forests, steep mountain passes, and advantageous ocean vistas is an unbeatable setting for some outdoor exploration in Southern Albania. Several exceptional hiking routes traverse the park, but to make the visit more memorable, we recommend exploring in true Albanian style — on horseback. Led by a local guide, the journey will be accompanied by stories of the region’s unique cultural heritage.
Get a private guide in Tirana
There are so many layers to the history and culture of Albania’s capital city that visitors can’t truly begin to become acquainted without the assistance of a local guide. It has only been 30-odd years since Albania was freed from the communist regime, meaning many locals have riveting first-hand stories about life in the country before, during, and after socialism. During a walking tour around the city, you’ll be introduced to legendary statues and landmarks, must-visit museums, and lesser-known spots with a unique story. Your guide can also point you in the direction of the best Albanian cuisine, raki bars, and cafes, giving you an insider’s guide to the city.
Ready to book your trip to Albania?
Whether you’re ready to book your trip to Albania or want some more personalized recommendations for exploring this little-known country, talk to the Tripsby Travel Planner today. We specialize in providing highly personalized itineraries and recommendations that allow travel tastemakers like you to travel further, explore deeper, and discover more than ever before. Find out more here.
