Albania

11 stories · 3 publicationsRSS
CitiesTirana7Shkodër3Theth3Gjirokastër2Berat1Dafina Bay1Dhërmi1Koman1
Digest

See. Accursed Mountains↗ Hike the scenic 4-day route from Shkodér to Theth, via Lake Koman and Valbonë. Blue Eye Kaprre Cool off at this electric-blue natural spring in Theth, a perfect spot after hiking. Grunas Waterfall Visit this impressive waterfall in Theth, another refreshing stop on your mountain adventure. House of Leaves Explore this spy museum in Tirana for a glimpse into Albania's communist past.

Eat. seafood in Ksamil Enjoy tasty seafood in Ksamil, known for its bluer-than-blue waters.

Stay. Blloku Base yourself in Tirana's hip Blloku neighborhood for vibrant nightlife.

Lonely PlanetOct 2, 2026

How to Enjoy 4 Perfect Days in Albania's Accursed Mountains

Ready to see more of Albania beyond the beaches? Try this 4-day itinerary in Albania

18 things in this story
  • Rozafa FortressSightShkodër, AlbaniaFormer Illyrian stronghold with wonderful views.
  • Lake Koman ferryPlaceKoman, AlbaniaFerry along Lake Koman, a reservoir created in the 1970s.
  • Valbonë PassTrailValbonë, AlbaniaHike over the pass takes 5-7 hours to Theth.
  • Blue Eye KaprreSightTheth, AlbaniaElectric-blue natural pool fed by a waterfall.
  • Grunas WaterfallSightTheth, AlbaniaImpressive waterfall where you can have a refreshing dip.
  • Lake ShkodërSightShkodër, AlbaniaLargest lake in the Balkans.
  • Site of Witness & Memory MuseumMuseumShkodër, AlbaniaFormer prison and interrogation center for political detainees.
  • Marubi National Photography MuseumMuseumShkodër, AlbaniaCelebrates the work of photographer Pietro Marubi.
  • AleksiRestaurantShkodër, AlbaniaSeafood restaurant overlooking Lake Shkodër, specializes in carp.
  • KulturaCaféShkodër, AlbaniaPopular loud club-pub in the center of Shkodër.
  • KukajNeighborhoodValbonë, AlbaniaTiny stone village with a small cafe.
  • Vila DiniHotelValbonë, AlbaniaAlpine-style accommodation in Valbonë.
  • Bujtina TinariHostelTheth, AlbaniaGuesthouse with an excellent location in Theth.
  • Alps of Albania National ParkPlaceTheth, AlbaniaPark sprawling around Theth with lovely landscapes.
  • Vila BekteshiRestaurantShkodër, AlbaniaServes excellent pasta, pizza and grilled meats in Shkodër.
  • Goje GaditeseRestaurantShkodër, AlbaniaStylish bar in Shkodër for cocktails.
  • Mi Casa Es Tu CasaHostelShkodër, AlbaniaShkodër’s first hostel with knowledgeable owner.
  • Hotel TraditaHotelShkodër, AlbaniaBoutique-style hotel in Shkodër with history.
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetOct 1

The 15 Best Things to Do in Albania

With its stunning beaches, breathtaking mountains, long but complicated history, and affordable travel, Albania is perfect for your next adventure.

19 things in this story
  • Xhamia Et’hem BejMuseumTirana, Albaniamosque with amazing frescoes inside
  • Bunk'Art 2MuseumTirana, AlbaniaProjekti BUNKART eshte ngritur brenda bunkerit atomike te diktatorit Enver Hoxha ne periferi të Tiranes.Bunkart i…
  • Bunk'ArtMuseumTirana, AlbaniaProjekti BUNKART eshte ngritur brenda bunkerit atomike te diktatorit Enver Hoxha ne periferi të Tiranes.Bunkart i…
  • House of Leaves MuseumMuseumTirana, Albaniasee how government spied on citizens
  • Radio BarBarTirana, Albaniahave a cocktail in Blloku neighborhood
  • Charl’s BistroRestaurantTirana, Albaniadance at this Blloku neighborhood spot
  • HanaRestaurantTirana, Albaniasip specialty coffee in Blloku neighborhood
  • KomitetiBarTirana, Albaniataste super-strong raki in Blloku neighborhood
  • Pizari i Ri marketMarketTirana, Albaniafind grilled lamb, beef, chicken
  • Taverna LabëriaRestaurantSarandë, Albaniatry delicious seafood pasta
  • Berat CastleAttractionBerat, Albaniahuge hilltop castle, a town in itself
  • Ali Pasha BridgeAttractionGjirokastër, Albaniahike to this bridge for peace and quiet
  • Stone CityHotelGjirokastër, Albaniahostel with unique tours, including bunker tunnels
  • Peaks of the BalkansTrailTheth, Albanianetwork of mountaintop hikes crossing borders
  • Rozafa FortressSightShkodër, Albaniahistoric fortress near Shkodër
  • Buna’s BridgeSightShkodër, Albaniabridge over the coast of Shkodër Lake
  • Venice Art Mask FactoryPlaceShkodër, Albaniapick up a mask for Carnaval parades
  • Oda GardenRestaurantTirana, Albania
  • EraRestaurantTirana, Albania
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetSep 27

The Best Budget Destinations in Europe for 2026

Looking to travel for less? Check out our top budget travel destinations for 2026.

25 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetSep 1

12 Months of Offseason Travel: Where to Go in Each Month of the Year

Discover 12 destinations to enjoy in the offseason, one for every month of the year, for fewer crowds, better value and more authentic travel.

23 things in this story
  • Riverside MuseumMuseumGlasgow, United KingdomIt forms part of the Glasgow Harbour regeneration project.
  • Wrigley FieldSightChicago, United Statesbaseball game at the very end of March
  • Torres del Paine National ParkSightPuerto Natales, Chileeasier to book accommodations in early fall
  • Willis TowerSightChicago, United Statesviews from the tower
  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and MuseumMuseumGlasgow, United KingdomIt is located in Kelvingrove Park in the West End of the city.
  • Bunk'ArtMuseumTirana, Albaniatwo underground bunkers turned galleries
  • Sheshi SkënderbejSightTirana, Albaniacity's top attractions are centered around this square
  • Mt DajtiSightTirana, Albaniapeak is accessible via a scenic 15-minute cable car
  • Dajti ExpressPlaceTirana, Albaniascenic 15-minute cable car to Mt Dajti peak
  • Mt Dajti National ParkSightTirana, Albaniaroad to the park is not smooth
  • Union Oyster HouseRestaurantBoston, United Statescoveted restaurant for old Boston charm
  • Hotel NizaHotelSan Sebastián, Spainwaterfront accommodations with dropped room rates in winter
  • Día de San SebastiánFestivalSan Sebastián, Spainvibrant street celebrations on January 20
  • St John's Co-CathedralPlace of worshipValletta, Maltasee a painting of John the Baptist by Caravaggio
  • The PhoeniciaHotelValletta, Maltadancing spot for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
  • Stash CaféRestaurantMontreal, Canadahearty meal of Polish pierogi, schnitzel and apple cake
  • Padang PadangSightDenpasar, Indonesialegendary location for good surf on the east coast
  • Chicago RiverSightChicago, United Statesdyed green on St Patrick's Day
  • Monte AlbánSightOaxaca, Mexicoancient site that feels magical at sunset
  • Glasgow CathedralPlace of worshipGlasgow, United KingdomIt was the cathedral church of the Archbishop of Glasgow, and the mother church of the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the…
  • The Clydeside DistilleryRestaurantGlasgow, United Kingdomwhisky tasting
  • Fort St ElmoSightValletta, Malta
  • National War MuseumMuseumValletta, Malta
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetAug 25

9 of the Best Places to Visit in Albania

Plan your visit to Albania with our pick of the nation

11 things in this story
  • Blue EyeSightTheth, AlbaniaVibrant blue natural spring reached by a hike.
  • Theth to ValbonëTrailTheth, AlbaniaPopular, beautiful mountain route taking 6-8 hours.
  • Pazari i VjetërRestaurantKorçë, AlbaniaOld bazaar in Korçë with Ottoman-style architecture.
  • Rozafa CastleAttractionShkodër, AlbaniaCastle with a legend and magnificent 360-degree views.
  • Zekat e HouseSightGjirokastër, AlbaniaTraditional family home built 1811-1812.
  • Te Fuçitë (The Barrels)RestaurantGjirokastër, AlbaniaFamily restaurant and winery with vineyard views.
  • Kala FestivalFestivalDhërmi, AlbaniaSummer music festival in Dhërmi.
  • Restaurant LucianoRestaurantDhërmi, AlbaniaRestaurant with delicious food overlooking the water.
  • Alevra restaurant and beach barRestaurantDhërmi, AlbaniaOffers super-fresh seafood with a twist.
  • Vjosa RiverRestaurantPërmet, AlbaniaDesignated wild river national park, Europe's first.
  • Bënjë Thermal BathsSightPërmet, AlbaniaThermal baths next to an Ottoman-era bridge.
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetAug 18

Montenegro vs Albania: how to choose between two Balkan beachfront countries

Montenegro and Albania should both be on your travel wishlist. But how do you decide which one to visit first?

13 things in this story
  • Durmitor National ParkSightDurmitor, Montenegroone of the deepest canyons in Europe, carved by River Tara
  • Stari BarNeighborhoodBar, Montenegroold town ruins up in the hills above Bar
  • River TaraPlaceTara, Montenegrofor white water rafting
  • Morača MonasterySightMorača, Montenegrofeatures 13th-century frescoes
  • Bay of KotorSightKotor, Montenegrowildly indented coastline encloses a bay shaped like a double anvil
  • Lake SkadarSightSkadar, Montenegrolargest lake in the Balkans, amazing birdwatching area
  • Crmnica wine regionPlaceCrmnica, Montenegrotry reds from small-scale producers
  • Dafina CaveSightDafina Bay, Albaniasnorkel here
  • Pyramid of TiranaAttractionTirana, Albaniacultural hub with panoramic city and mountain views
  • Hora VertikalePlaceTirana, Albaniasustainable residential development made of 13 stacked cubes
  • Bond TowerPlaceTirana, Albaniaballet-inspired building with bent shape and zigzag towers
  • Bunk'Art 1MuseumTirana, AlbaniaProjekti BUNKART eshte ngritur brenda bunkerit atomike te diktatorit Enver Hoxha ne periferi të Tiranes.Bunkart i…
  • Bunk'Art 2MuseumTirana, AlbaniaProjekti BUNKART eshte ngritur brenda bunkerit atomike te diktatorit Enver Hoxha ne periferi të Tiranes.Bunkart i…
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetAug 12

11 things to know before heading to Albania

Albania is neither dangerous nor “undiscovered“ – but it is fabulous. Read our crucial pointers and tips before you set off for your next trip there.

9 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Atlas ObscuraAug 7

Skanderbeg Memorial in Lezhë, Albania

Gjergj Kastrioti, better known as Skanderbeg, was an Albanian nobleman who led a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century and is now regarded as a national hero. In 1444 Skanderbeg founded the League of Lezhë, an alliance of noble Albanian families to fight against the Ottomans. This event started a long resistance against the Ottoman Empire that lasted even after his death in 1…

2 things in this storyRead the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Condé Nast TravelerNov 6, 2025

The Best Hotels in Albania, the Next Big Balkan Destination

Traditional guesthouses, boutique boltholes, heritage properties, and more.

11 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerOct 31, 2025

The 30 Most Underrated Cities in Europe

Seasoned travelers let us in on their secret spots, from Norway to Portugal and beyond.

24 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerOct 31, 2025

23 of the Caribbean’s Dreamiest Villas and Airbnbs to Book Now

Soak up those sunny island vibes in Barbados, St. Barts, Aruba, and beyond.

24 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →
Ask AI · Albania

AI answers grounded in the 11 recent stories about Albania shown on this page. It can be wrong — the linked articles are the source of truth.

↑↓ to navigate · Enter to open · Esc to close