Top places to see in Albania in 2021? Located in the middle of Albania, Berat is one of the oldest towns in the country. It is also known as the City of a Thousand Windows due to the several windows on the buildings’ façades. Berat is part of UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2008, not just for its beauty, but also because the town is a unique example of religious tolerance. Located 40 minutes by bus from the capital Tirana, Kruja is home to the National Ethnographic Museum, located inside a castle, one of the most popular tourist attractions of Albania, that offers stunning vistas over the Adriatic Sea. From the fortress, the Albanian hero George Kastrioti Skanderbeg defended the country from the Ottoman invasion for almost three decades. Once in town, don’t miss a stroll through the old bazaar and buy a local souvenir.
One of the most up-and-coming places to visit in Albania is Pogradec, which can be found on the shores of Lake Ohrid in the east of the nation. Lake Ohrid is the deepest lake in the Balkan region and while the Macedonian side of the lake is more popular, Albania’s shore is definitely on the up. Pogradec is famous for its rich folklore, while its Puppet Theater Festival is one of the most interesting events on Albania’s tourism calendar. The stunning Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park is around 30-45 minutes away from Pogradec as well, while the springs of Drilon are also close.
Once full of grey, unwelcoming communist buildings, Tirana has transformed considerably since the early 90s. Albania’s capital is now a fun, friendly and festive place to visit. Full of life, the now brightly colored pedestrian streets showcase some delightful Ottoman-era buildings and Italian architecture that highlights the country’s rich past. There are a number of great museums and art galleries worth checking out. Of particular interest is BUNK’ART, which was once a huge government bunker but now hosts art installations. While it can be slightly chaotic in the traffic-filled center of town, the scenic Mount Dajti is just a short cable car ride away. With fantastic views of the city below and resplendent nature all around, it’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon. With endless bars, cafes, and restaurants to be found around the trendy Blloku area, Tirana has a lively nightlife scene. Visitors to this under-visited capital invariably come away impressed at all that the city has to offer. See additional info at camping for students.
Located just before Ksamil, Mirror Beach is a relatively secluded beach that offers great snorkeling opportunities and is pretty quiet. However, the question is how long that will remain this way since this beach is continuously mentioned in overviews of the best beaches in Saranda, Albania. Yes, that includes this post, too! That being said, Mirror Beach does get crowded in summer, though. And because the road in and out is small and bumpy, you’re advised to leave early. Just north of Saranda, you’ll find the village of Dhermi, built on the seaward slopes of the Ceraunian Mountains. This small town is home to one of the greatest beaches in the Albanian Riviera.Additionally, experiencing its nightlife is regarded as one of the top things to do in Albania by the youth of Albania. Even though it’s home to a glorious Saranda beach, this is a small village though, so it will never be too overwhelmingly busy.
Berat is in the middle of Albania and it is believed to be one of the country’s oldest towns. Berat is often known by its nickname – the City of a Thousand Windows – due to its mix of Ottoman and Albanian architecture. Berat’s main tourist site is the 140th century castle, Kalaja, which is still home to hundreds of people. Formerly among the most important Albanian cities of the Ottoman Empire, Berat was added to the list of Unesco World Heritage sites in 2008. The Church of St. Mary of Blachernae is a must-see sight for anyone visiting Berat, as is the Mangalem Quarter. Read even more information on https://incredible-albania.com/.
