Albania Travel Guide

Increasingly celebrated as one of the more remarkable and unusual tourist destinations in Europe, Albania is something of an undiscovered gem of coastal beauty and traditional culture that has remained relatively untouched by the more commercial aspects of globalisation.

History enthusiasts will spot the influence of Albania's 20th-century past, shaped by decades under one of Europe's most isolated Communist regimes. Though never under Soviet rule, Albania was initially aligned with the Eastern Bloc before severing ties with Moscow in the early 1960s and pursuing a fiercely independent path under Enver Hoxha. It wasn't until 1991 that the one-party state began to transition toward multiparty democracy, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this Balkan nation.

However, Albania's treasures date much further back. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint is one of the country's crown jewels. This archaeological wonder is nestled on a lush peninsula overlooking the island of Corfu. The remarkably preserved site offers a sweeping narrative of Mediterranean civilisation, with visible layers from the Bronze Age through Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods.

In the leafy capital of Tirana, visitors can take in sweeping views of the city and surrounding landscapes from Mount Dajt, easily reached via a panoramic cable car ride. Down below, the city's vibrant café culture invites tourists to relax at sidewalk tables and sample traditional Albanian cuisine, which blends Ottoman, Balkan, and Mediterranean influences.

To the south, the coastal town of Saranda is renowned for its crystalline beaches and warm Ionian waters, especially alluring in late spring and early autumn when the crowds thin but the sea remains swimmable. Further north, Shkodra is home to one of Albania's most important historical landmarks: Rozafa Castle, perched above the city and steeped in legend.

Across the countryside, Albania's seasons are on full display. In autumn, orchards and hillsides glow with shades of ochre, burnt orange, and gold. In spring, apple and cherry blossoms line rural roads in soft hues of pink and white. Spring and autumn are widely considered the best times to visit, offering pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes without the peak-season bustle.

With both coastal and mountain holidays on offer, as well as a rich tapestry of ancient history, Albania more than merits its growing reputation as one of Europe's most exciting up-and-coming destinations.