ALBANIA

AN UNDERVALUED PARADISE

Visiting Albania is like discovering a hidden gem in the heart of the Balkans. With its stunning coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, you can explore beautiful beaches like those in Ksamil and Dhermi, often with fewer crowds than its Mediterranean neighbors. The capital city, Tirana, is vibrant and full of life, with colorful buildings, bustling markets, and a growing café culture. History lovers will appreciate the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Ottoman architecture in Gjirokastër and Berat. Plus, Albania's welcoming locals and affordable prices make it an ideal destination for travelers looking for authentic experiences without breaking the bank.

€€€€

€15

€58

BEST STOPS & ACTIVITIES ON A ROADTRIP THROUGH ALBANIA

When you're in Tirana, there's no shortage of things to do! Start your day with a coffee at one of the many bustling cafés—Albanians take their coffee culture seriously. Head over to Skanderbeg Square, the city's main hub, where you can visit the National History Museum and admire the giant mosaic mural. Stroll through Blloku, the trendy neighborhood once reserved for Communist elites, now packed with lively bars, restaurants, and shops. Don't miss a ride on the Dajti Ekspres cable car for stunning views of the city from Mount Dajti. Finish your day at the Grand Park of Tirana, a beautiful green space with a lake, perfect for a peaceful walk or a picnic. If you're only in Albania for a short period of time, consider skipping the busy capital and heading straight for nature.

Starting in the capital, Tirana

Head to the Albanian Alps in the North

Exploring the Albanian Alps is an unforgettable adventure, and it all begins in Shkodër—a lively northern city known for its rich history and as the gateway to the mountains. From Shkodër, many travelers embark on the scenic journey to Valbona via the Lake Koman ferry—a breathtaking boat ride through fjord-like canyons. Once in Valbona, you're surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Accursed Mountains. The highlight here is the hike over Valbona Pass to Theth, a 6–7 hour trek covering about 9–12 km, depending on your starting point. The trail is well-marked and popular, so a guide isn’t necessary. You can also drive from Shkodër to Theth, book a stay in the mountains and hike to the Blue Eye (around 3 hours total).

The Cape of Rodon is a hidden coastal gem in Albania, perfect for a peaceful day trip away from the crowds. Located just a short drive from Durrës, this narrow strip of land stretches into the Adriatic Sea, offering stunning views and a serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore the ruins of the 15th-century Rodoni Castle, built by Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero, as well as the charming St. Anthony Church nearby. The cape is ideal for hiking along its rugged coastline, swimming in its clear waters, or simply enjoying a picnic with panoramic sea views. Many bunkers can be explored in this area.

Wander around the Cape of Rodon

Head down to the coastal city of Vlore

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest and most atmospheric neighborhood, a maze of steep, cobbled streets that survived the 1755 earthquake and now have a historic and charming vibe. Walk past backdrops of whitewashed houses, colorful laundry lines, and tiled façades. Must-sees include the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge for sweeping city views, the Lisbon Cathedral (Sé), and the National Pantheon, where many of Portugal’s most notable figures are laid to rest. Don’t miss the Miradouros de Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol, two stunning viewpoints perfect for sunset photos. For a cultural deep dive, visit the Fado Museum to learn about Portugal’s iconic music genre.

Belém is a scenic riverside district in Lisbon, rich in maritime history and iconic landmarks. The standout attraction is Belém Tower, a 16th-century fortress that once guarded the city’s harbor and now offers panoramic views over the Tagus River. Admission to the tower is €8 for adults, free for children under 12, and included with the Lisboa Card. Opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (October to April) and 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM (May to September), closed on Mondays and select holidays. Getting to Belém is straightforward: hop on tram 15 from Praça da Figueira or Cais do Sodré for a scenic 25–40 minute ride along the waterfront . Alternatively, take a train from Cais do Sodré to Belém Station, which takes about 7 minutes . Bus lines 714 and 728 also serve the area.

Head to the next coastal gem: Saranda

Take a day trip to Corfu, a Greek island

Lisbon's Pink Street, officially known as Rua Nova do Carvalho, is a vibrant and iconic spot in the Cais do Sodré district. Once a notorious red-light area, it underwent a transformation in 2011 when the street was painted pink, turning it into a trendy nightlife hub. Today, Pink Street is lined with a variety of bars and clubs that cater to diverse tastes. Notable venues include Pensão Amor, a former brothel turned eclectic bar with vintage decor, and Music Box, a popular nightclub located under the bridge. The street comes alive at night, offering a lively atmosphere for both locals and tourists. Getting to Pink Street is straightforward. It's just a short walk from the Cais do Sodré metro and train station, making it easily accessible by public transport.

Perched atop the Sintra hills, Pena Palace is a colorful 19th-century castle that looks straight out of a fairytale. Built by King Ferdinand II atop the ruins of a 16th-century monastery, the palace showcases a mix of architectural styles. The palace is surrounded by Pena Park, a forested area featuring exotic trees, winding paths, and hidden gardens. Pena Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal's most visited landmarks, so prepare for crowds, especially in the high season. Admission is €20 for adults and €18 for youths and seniors, with a 15% discount available for online purchases . From Lisbon, take a train from Rossio Station to Sintra (about 40 minutes), then hop on bus 434 or 516 to reach the palace. The link below takes you to the ticket page of multiple palaces in the Sintra region.

The most popular beach town for tourists: Ksamil

Just under an hour south of Lisbon, Arrábida Natural Park is a coastal gem known for its turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and serene beaches like Praia da Figueirinha and Praia de Galapinhos. It’s ideal for hiking, swimming, or simply soaking up nature. There’s no admission fee, and during summer, free shuttle buses (routes 4474 and 4477) help visitors reach the beaches from Setúbal. To get there, take a bus (line 4710) from Lisbon’s Oriente station to Palmela, then transfer to local buses or shuttles.

Head inland to Gjirokaster

Perched atop the Sintra hills, Pena Palace is a colorful 19th-century castle that looks straight out of a fairytale. Built by King Ferdinand II atop the ruins of a 16th-century monastery, the palace showcases a mix of architectural styles. The palace is surrounded by Pena Park, a forested area featuring exotic trees, winding paths, and hidden gardens. Pena Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal's most visited landmarks, so prepare for crowds, especially in the high season. Admission is €20 for adults and €18 for youths and seniors, with a 15% discount available for online purchases . From Lisbon, take a train from Rossio Station to Sintra (about 40 minutes), then hop on bus 434 or 516 to reach the palace. The link below takes you to the ticket page of multiple palaces in the Sintra region.

Go river rafting on the Vjosa River in Permet

Just under an hour south of Lisbon, Arrábida Natural Park is a coastal gem known for its turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and serene beaches like Praia da Figueirinha and Praia de Galapinhos. It’s ideal for hiking, swimming, or simply soaking up nature. There’s no admission fee, and during summer, free shuttle buses (routes 4474 and 4477) help visitors reach the beaches from Setúbal. To get there, take a bus (line 4710) from Lisbon’s Oriente station to Palmela, then transfer to local buses or shuttles.

Last stop: The city of a thousand windows, Berat

Follow us for more travel tips & hotspots!