29 Gorgeous Landmarks In Albania You Have To Visit

Beyond the vague recollections of Albania’s communist past, only a few people know much about this country. I visited most of Europe’s 50 countries and I can say that this is probably the most unique country in the old continent and that there are a lot of unique landmarks in Albania you should consider visiting. Albanian people are known as Europe’s original white Muslims. Their language sounds different than anything you ever heard before, despite being part of the Indo-European language family. Albanians also don’t have significant close ties to any other nations in Europe but their mentality is similar to other Balkan nations.

I guess this has a lot to do with the fact that prior to 1991 and Enver Hoxha’s rule, Albania was the most isolated country in the world and at one point of time the only atheist nation in the world. Understandably, traveling to Albania during this era used to be a mission impossible.

Between 1968 and 1978, the country’s only ally was China, and after 1978 the country went into a full-isolation mode. Communist Albania effectively was North Korea before North Korea. All this contributed to a culture and traditions you won’t find anywhere else on the old continent and Albania being one of the least visited countries in Europe…

A Few Words About Albanians

Before we get to the most popular landmarks in Albania, let me share a few things about Albanians because the best way to start talking about a country is by introducing the people that live there. Albania is the only country in Europe (except Kosovo) with a predominately Muslim population. 59% of Albanians are Muslim, 20% are Christian, and the rest are mostly atheists. During Hoxha’s socialist regime, the Government banned all religions and turned all mosques and monasteries into storage facilities.

Today, Albania is a secular country where religion doesn’t influence the government. You can rarely see women wearing hijabs, especially in the southern part of the country. Albania is a relatively homogenous country with Albanians making up for 85% of the population. However, there are differences between Tosk Albanians and Gheg Albanians.

The Tosks live mostly in the southern part of the country, are mostly either Orthodox Christian, Catholic or non-religious. The Ghegs live in the northern part of Albania and are predominately Muslim. The former group is often referred to as a more progressive one, and there are a lot more mixed marriages in Southern Albania than there are in the north.

Both Tosks and Ghegs speak the Albanian language, which is a real tongue-twister. It’s not related to any other language and outside of the main tourist hubs, a lot of people don’t speak English. Nevertheless, Albania is still a great country to visit because the people are very hospitable and guests have a special place in Albanian culture. But when planning your Albania itinerary, keep in mind that if you’re planning to visit commuting and communicating with the locals won’t be a walk in the park.

Traveling Around Albania

Probably the most challenging part about traveling to Albania is commuting between cities. First of all, you can forget about traveling by train. There are no international rail connections to Albania and the national rail-lines are limited.

The main form of transportation are public buses and furgons. However, figuring out the schedule can be complicated because sometimes, you have to figure out where to catch the bus! A lot of cities in Albania don’t have central bus stations. Even if you find the schedule you will see departure points which are marked not as station_name but rather “opposite of the parking lot” or “after the roundabout on the main road”. As you probably figured out by now, patience is a necessity in Albania, not a virtue.

Additionally, note that most routes, especially in Southern Albania are suspended during the off-season because there aren’t enough passengers to fill the buses. During my last visit, the only shuttle leading to Tirana’s airport was suspended too because there weren’t enough people.

Looking for the cheapest tickets on flights to Albania? Use this Qatar Airways special offer and save up to 20% on your flight to Albania. 

If you’re traveling around the Balkan, you should also check out our list of most beautiful places in Serbia, most beautiful places in Macedonia, most beautiful places in Montenegro, our guide to why should you visit Bulgaria, and this list of hidden gems in Greece.

Driving In Albania As A Foreigner

Previously I wrote about the chaotic, traffic-heavy streets of Delhi and Hanoi and even though Albanian cities might not have the traffic of the above-mentioned cities, they sure have some of the craziest drivers in the world. I visited Albania with a car once and I’ll never do it again. I saw people driving in opposite directions, people passing three cars in a row on windy mountain roads with a speed of 100 km/hour and don’t even get me started about the roads.

Even if you’re only a passenger, you shouldn’t look only left and right before crossing the street. You should look every way because a car might appear out of places you would least expect. Cars and even buses change directions without any warning and everyone is always rushing.

Maybe all of this is related to the fact that private cars in Albania were illegal during the socialist era. Believe it or not, there were only 600 cars in the whole country prior to 1991! The only people allowed to drive these were party officials.

However, if you enjoy driving on difficult terrain, Albania’s mountain roads are some of the most spectacular ones in Europe. If you want to experience this and are thinking to rent a car in Albania, use this link and save up to 30% on your car rental for your upcoming trip.

And since I already mentioned mountains, I think it’s about time we start this list of the most beautiful landmarks in Albania…

Valbona National Park

The remote National Park Valbona in the northern part of the country is often referred to as “one of the last great adventures in Europe”. The Accursed Mountains are one of the most majestic, wildest and least spoiled scenery in the whole continent. It’s really refreshing to see people who live in a world literally disconnected from the rest of Europe.

Idyllic mountain life has remained unchanged here despite years of political unrest and the increased number of tourists. In my opinion, Valbona is one of the top places on the Balkan you must see before you die. However, the mountains aren’t everything Albania has to offer. That leads me to my next point…

The Beaches

You probably didn’t think of Albania as a summer beach destination but there are a lot of underrated towns and islands along the Albanian Riviera. Hidden towns like Ksamil, Saranda, and Valona have scenic sandy beaches with crystal clear, turquoise water and charming boardwalks. If Montenegro was the new Croatia, I don’t see a reason why Albania wouldn’t become the new Montenegro.

Enjoying this article? Then, you’ll probably like my article about things to do in Crete.

However, today asphalt roads connect almost every village alongside the Riviera and there are more hotels and restaurants. Construction activity along the Riviera increased dramatically in order to satisfy the needs of the increased number of tourists.  Even though there are more tourists in recent years, most of them are locals and you still won’t find many foreigners visiting this region.

Berat Old Town

Nicknamed “the city of a thousand windows”, Berat’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been around since the 4th century BC, swapping stories with Illyrians, Byzantines, Ottomans, and now, selfie-stick-wielding tourists like you and me. It’s a living, breathing museum, where Ottoman mosques (like the Sultan’s Mosque with its gravity-defying dome) clink glasses with Byzantine churches (check out the Holy Trinity Church with its vibrant frescoes).

Wander through the cobbled streets, past houses adorned with delicate mashrabiya screens (like lacy whispers on the wind), and you’ll stumble upon hidden gems: a quirky art gallery, a cozy café overflowing with baklava, or a wizened old man carving intricate wooden souvenirs.

Gorica Bridge, Berat

Next on our list of famous landmarks in Albania, we have Gorica Bridge- Berat’s answer to the Golden Gate, but way less crowded and with infinitely more Ottoman swagger. The bridge was built in the 18th century and has seen more history than a dusty library’s worth of scrolls. But it’s not just a museum piece. The Gorica Bridge is still Berat’s heartbeat. Villagers stroll across, kids dangle their feet over the edge, and fishermen cast their lines in the cool shadows. It’s a living link between the old town and the new, a place where history and everyday life waltz hand-in-hand.

Castle of Berat, Berat

Berat’s Castle is a colossal stone beast perched atop a craggy hill, overlooking the town like a watchful (and slightly grumpy) dragon. The castle dates back to the 13th century and inside its fortified walls, you’ll find a living, breathing village. Stone houses huddle together like gossiping hens, their windows spilling out a kaleidoscope of colorful laundry and curious faces. Kids chase stray cats through cobbled alleys, grandmothers hawk-woven tapestries in sun-drenched squares, and the scent of freshly baked bread hangs heavy in the air.

But Berat Castle isn’t just about quaint charm. It’s a history buff’s playground. Byzantine churches adorned with frescoes that could make Michelangelo weep line the streets, whispering tales of saints and sinners. Climb the watchtowers (if your calves can handle it) and you’ll be rewarded with views that’ll knock your socks off – the Osum River snaking through the valley like a shimmering emerald ribbon, the town below a patchwork quilt of terracotta roofs and whitewashed walls.

Skanderbeg Square, Tirana

Skenderbeg Square is the main square in Tirana, Albania’s quirky capital. Skanderbeg is one of the main Albanian national heroes and his large statue dominates the square. This is one of the capital’s liveliest corners; you’ll see families picnicking on the grass, teenagers blasting music from boomboxes, and couples twirling under the watchful gaze of Ottoman-era buildings. Cafes line the square like eager puppies, begging you to sip espresso and watch the world go by. Fuel up on a flaky burek, then wander through the National Historical Museum – it’s got enough swords and armor to make Game of Thrones look like a pillow fight.

Tirana Castle, Tirana

This list of the most famous landmarks in Albania couldn’t be complete without the Tirana Castle- a 13th-century Byzantine party pad that has seen more history than a dusty library’s worth of scrolls. Inside those chunky Ottoman-era walls (imagine a fortress wearing chunky sneakers), you’ll find a vibrant little village. Picture cozy cafes spilling out onto cobbled streets, art galleries showcasing edgy Albanian talent, and maybe even a traditional bazaar hawking everything from hand-woven rugs to vintage communist mugs.

Pyramid Of Tirana, Tirana

No, it’s not a forgotten alien spaceship crash landing, but one of the quirkiest landmarks in Albania. Built in 1988, the pyramid was built as a museum dedicated to Albania’s notorious communist dictator, Enver Hoxha as a giant “me, myself, and I” trophy. Then, communism crumbled faster than a sandcastle in a tsunami, and the Pyramid became… well, a bit lost. It housed everything from radio stations to nightclubs, even served as a NATO base during the Kosovo War. Talk about a resume, right?

Et’Hem Bey Mosque, Tirana

Tirana’s Et’hem Bey Mosque is not just a place of worship, but a jewel box of history and beauty, tucked away in the heart of Skanderbeg Square. No need for a time machine, though. This 18th-century stunner still stands tall, its graceful dome and slender minaret reaching for the sky like a prayer in stone. But step inside, and you’ll be transported to a world of Ottoman wonder. Sunlight filters through stained glass windows, painting vibrant mosaics on the floor. Delicate frescoes unfurl across the walls, whispering tales of ancient landscapes and forgotten stories…

Ksamil: Albania’s Beach Paradise

Forget crowded coastlines and tourist hordes. Ksamil, on Albania’s southern shores, is a beach bum’s nirvana, a secluded gem where turquoise waters shimmer like scattered jewels and powdery sands feel like silk beneath your toes. Sure, you’ll find your fair share of sun loungers and beach bars (hello, piña coladas!), but Ksamil’s beauty goes beyond the organized chill. Kayak through hidden coves, their waters cradling ancient shipwrecks like forgotten dreams. Snorkel beneath the surface, where colorful fish flit through coral castles and the sun paints dappled patterns on the sandy floor…

Ali Pasha Bridge, Gjirokastër

Forget Instagram-worthy suspension bridges – Ali Pasha Bridge in Gjirokastër is an old-school charmer, dripping with history and whispering secrets in the wind. It was built in the 18th century by Ali Pasha of Ioannina. This ain’t just a pretty bridge, though. It’s a survivor. Earthquakes have nibbled at its edges, time has etched its stories in the weathered stone, but Ali Pasha Bridge still stands tall.

Walk across it, feel the ancient stones beneath your feet, and imagine the clatter of hooves, the murmur of merchants, and the twinkle of Ottoman lanterns that once danced across its path. Climb the steps to the top (if your calves are up for it) and be rewarded with a panorama that’ll knock your socks off.

Gjirokastër Obelisk, Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër is a town clinging to a hillside like a mischievous cat chasing sunbeams and its highlight is the Gjirokastër Obelisk perched atop, like a punctuation mark to its story. Back in 1908, when Albanians weren’t exactly allowed to celebrate their language or alphabet, this little rebel rose up, marking the spot where the first Albanian school dared to open its doors. Imagine the hushed voices, the stolen lessons, the ink-stained fingers reaching for a future where their mother tongue wouldn’t be silenced.

Gjirokastër Castle, Gjirokastër

Grijokaster Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Albania. Inside its fortified walls, you won’t find damsels in distress, but a bustling village clinging to history’s coattails. Stone houses huddle together like gossiping hens, their windows spilling out a kaleidoscope of colorful laundry and curious faces. Kids chase stray cats through cobbled alleys, grandmothers hawk woven tapestries in sun-drenched squares, and the scent of freshly baked bread hangs heavy in the air.

Butrint

Butrint is one of the country’s UNESCO Heritage Sites and one of the most ancient landmarks in Albania. Imagine wandering through ancient streets where Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans once strutted their stuff. Picture a Roman amphitheater where gladiator sandals scraped the sand and crowds roared for blood (or maybe just a really good toga party – history’s a bit hazy on that one). Climb the Byzantine walls and imagine yourself a valiant defender, warding off marauders (or at least taking epic selfies with the panoramic views).

Rozafa Castle, Shkodër

This ancient beast has seen it all – Illyrian warriors, Venetian swagger, Ottoman whispers, even a legendary sacrifice that might make Disney princesses blush. This castle is a history buff’s playground. Byzantine churches adorned with frescoes that could make Michelangelo weep line the streets, whispering tales of saints and sinners. Climb the watchtowers (calves permitting) and be rewarded with views that’ll knock your socks off – the Buna and Drin rivers snaking through the valley like shimmering emeralds, the town below a patchwork quilt of terracotta roofs and whitewashed walls.

Ebu Bekr Mosque, Shkodër

Picture this: Shkodër basking under the Albanian sun, and nestled in its heart, a modern oasis of serenity – the Ebu Bekr Mosque. No dusty Ottoman relic, this beauty’s more like an Instagram filter for your soul, a splash of vibrant colors and clean lines against the city’s historical tapestry. Step inside, and prepare to be wowed. Sunlight streams through stained glass windows, painting vibrant mosaics on the floor like splashes of celestial paint. The air hums with a quiet reverence, broken only by the rhythmic murmur of prayer. It’s a space that welcomes everyone, not just the faithful – a place to soak in the beauty, find a moment of peace, or simply marvel at the intricate details.

Durres Amphitheatre, Durrës

Next on our list of the most famous landmarks in Albania, we have the Durres Amphitheatre. Built by the big cheese himself, Emperor Trajan, back in the 2nd century AD, this amphitheatre could pack in 20,000 screaming spectators – more than your average Coachella crowd. Gladiators clashed, chariots raced, and thumbs (probably) went up and down, all under the scorching Albanian sun. But then, life threw a curveball in the form of earthquakes and invasions, and the amphitheatre became history’s forgotten toy, overgrown with weeds and whispered secrets.

Fast forward to the late 1960s, and an adventurous archaeologist named Vangjel Toçi unearthed this concrete behemoth. Suddenly, Durrës had a new landmark, and the amphitheatre started living a second life (complete with disco balls and neon lights in the 80s, yes, really).

Venetian Tower, Durrës

No museum relic, this concrete warrior has more lives than a stray cat – from medieval defense post to radio hub to nightclub playground, it’s seen it all, and is finally living its best life as a techie haven for young and restless souls. Forget dusty stairs and cobwebbed exhibits. This tower boasts a zig-zagging pathway that wraps around its entire structure, basically a walk-up escalator to Instagram heaven. Think panoramic views with the Adriatic Sea sparkling like scattered diamonds and the city unfolding like a colorful tapestry – all without breaking a sweat (well, maybe a little).

Inside, the tower hums with the energy of a thousand start-up ideas. The TUMO Center, a non-profit tech school, occupies most of the space, teaching everything from coding to robotics to animation. Imagine Hogwarts for tech wizards, minus the pointy hats and owls (although, a coding owl mascot wouldn’t be a bad idea…).

Great Mosque, Durrës

This list of the best landmarks in Albania couldn’t be complete without the Great Mosque of Durrës. Built in the 1930s under King Zog, it was once the largest in Albania, a symbol of faith and national pride but with the rise of Hoxha and communism, the mosque shared the faith of most other religious objects in Albania- to be closed for decades. The mosque was reopened in 1993 and it once again became one of Albania’s most important spiritual hubs and today, it welcomes everyone, not just those on a spiritual quest.

The Blue Eye, Vlore

Imagine a giant, liquid eye gleaming in the sunlight, nestled amongst emerald cliffs in Southern Albania. Water so clear it seems to swallow the sky, swirling down a 164-foot abyss like a mesmerizing vortex. Legend whispers of bottomless depths and mythical creatures, but science tells a different story – a powerful underwater spring feeding the pool, its icy core keeping the water a breathtakingly constant 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Independence Monument, Vlore

Forget bland statues and forced solemnity. This monument’s got swagger. A 17-meter bronze flag billows in the breeze, a symbol of freedom so potent it seems to flutter with the echoes of “Ismail Qemali!” – the legendary leader who declared Albanian independence right here, right now, all the way back in 1912. Picture the jubilant crowds, the roaring cannons, the ink drying on that fateful declaration – you can almost feel the electricity in the air.

Castle Of Krujë, Krujë

Forget Disneyland castles with plastic princesses – the Castle of Krujë is history with bite, perched like a battle-scarred dragon above the Albanian town of the same name. This ain’t no damsel-in-distress fortress; it’s a whisper of Ottoman conquests, medieval whispers, and the legendary defiance of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, “The Dragon of Albania.”

Picture this: sun-baked stone walls scarred by battles won and lost, their cracks whispering tales of siege engines and clashing swords. Wander through cobbled alleys where time seems to have taken a siesta, past houses clinging to the hillside like gossiping hens.

Skenderbeu Museum, Krujë

Forget dusty museum vibes and glass cases filled with “Do Not Touch” frowns. The Skanderbeg Museum in Krujë is a fortress-turned-museum perched on a rock, whispering tales of battles won and empires defied. It’s not just a collection of rusty swords and faded tapestries; it’s a living, breathing tribute to the “Dragon of Albania,” the thorn in the Ottoman side who danced between their blades for 25 glorious years. Walk through Skanderbeg’s war camp, complete with tents, armor, and the faint smell of gunpowder (okay, maybe not that last one). Feel the weight of his legendary helmet, imagine the glint in his eyes as he gazed at Ottoman armies approaching over the mountains. 

Bunk’art Krujë, Krujë

But Bunk’Art Krujë ain’t just a hipster hangout for history buffs. This place packs a punch. One moment you’re chilling in a recreated communist apartment, complete with scratchy propaganda posters and plastic-covered furniture (hello, childhood flashbacks!), the next you’re diving into the dark world of Stasi-esque surveillance, deciphering coded messages and feeling the prickle of paranoia on your neck (don’t worry, no one’s watching… probably).

And then there’s the art. Oh, the art! Bunk’Art Krujë throws a confetti bomb of creativity, showcasing Albanian artists who, despite living under a surveillance cloud, dared to dream in color. Provocative installations, haunting video loops, and murals that punch you in the gut with their raw emotion – this ain’t your grandma’s museum stroll.

Resurrection Cathedral, Korçë

Featuring a splash of pink, blue, and brown against the Albanian mountains Resurrection Cathedral in Korçë is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Albania. Inside, the air hums with a quiet reverence, only broken by the rhythmic murmur of a prayer or the rustle of a curious visitor. Built in the 90s on the same spot where the communists demolished its predecessor, this cathedral is a symbol of rebirth, a phoenix rising from the ashes of intolerance.

Clock Tower Of Korçë, Korçë

Imagine a stone sentinel rising 17 meters above the bustling bazaar, its intricate carvings whispering tales of Ottoman sultans and clanging cymbals. It ain’t just eye candy, though. This tower has seen some action, surviving earthquakes, communist bulldozers (phew!), and even moonlighting as a nightclub in the 80s (talk about versatile!). You can climb the winding (and slightly vertigo-inducing) stairs, and the city unfolds like a vibrant tapestry: terracotta rooftops basking in the sun, vendors hawking colorful wares, and distant mountains blushing with the promise of adventure. It’s a panorama that’ll knock your socks off (hold onto your hat, though!).

Kalaja e Lëkurësit, Sarandë

This ain’t just some dusty ruin slumbering in the annals of history. This is a castle with swagger, a living, breathing testament to the resilience of human spirit. Built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Empire, its ramparts once echoed with the clash of swords and the shouts of victorious warriors. Venture through its cobbled paths, and let your imagination transport you back to a time when knights in shining armor and daring pirates roamed these very grounds.

Himara Castle, Himarë

Nestled amidst the sun-kissed hills of Albania’s Southern Riviera, lies Himara Castle, one of the most popular landmarks in Albania and Himara’s main tourist attraction. Its origins can be traced back to the 5th century BC, when the Chaonian tribe constructed the first fortifications on this strategic site. Over the centuries, the castle underwent numerous transformations, evolving from a Chaonian stronghold to a Byzantine bastion and eventually an Ottoman citadel.

Mesi Bridge

Last but not least, we conclude this list of popular landmarks in Albania with Mesi Bridge. Picture this: the Kir River snaking its way through the lush Shkodër countryside, while gracefully above it, a majestic Ottoman bridge arches its way across the tranquil waters. This is Mesi Bridge, a masterpiece of stonework that has stood the test of time for over 350 years. Built in 1770 by Kara Mahmud Bushati, the local Ottoman pasha, Mesi Bridge is a true architectural marvel with smooth, round stone slabs, 13 arches, spanning a total of 108 meters (quite impressive for its era, don’t you agree?).

Important Tips For First-Time Visitors

Sometimes Albanians add an extra zero to the end of numbers. They don’t do this on purpose but rather out of habit. Like most European Socialist countries, Albania experienced hyperinflation and older people often confuse the difference between new and old money. So, if someone charges you 1,000 instead of 100 Leks, calm down. Most of the time, it’s an honest mistake but be careful and always remember to ask whether the price is being quoted in new or old Leks.

Albanians shake their head for ‘yes’ and nod their head up and down for ‘no’.

There’s only one functional airport. More airports have been renovated in recent years but still, the only functional airport is the one in Tirana.

Albania has 750,000 concrete bunkers scattered around the country. In case you’re wondering, they were built during the rule of Enver Hoxha to protect Albania from the invasion that never happened.

Albania has serious problems with drug smugglers. There are even some places like Lazarat which are controlled by drug lords and where the police are not allowed. In 2005, the government even banned the use of speedboats to tackle drug and human trafficking.

What about the food? Similar to other Balkan cuisines, the Albanian traditional food features a lot of meat, including patties and sausages (minus pork), a lot of salads, stews, and amazing seafood.

Prices in Albania? The average salary is 45,539 Leks (330 Euros), which makes Albania one of the poorest countries in Europe. Obviously, this is great news for travelers because prices are really low! I rarely spent more than $5 USD on a meal, a beer costs around $1.50, and you can get a hotel room for as low as $20 USD.

Enjoying this post? Then you’ll surely like our list of the best food destinations in Europe.

Albania Is Off-The-Beaten-Track But Not For Long…

Albania probably won’t become a major tourist destination in the near future. However, I expect things to change as the country develops. Traveling around and discovering landmarks in Albania is like a rollercoaster and this country hides all kinds of surprises ranging from pleasant to disappointing. That’s the real beauty of Albania! You never know what you’re going to get, and if you’re a modern-day explorer, this should be music for your ears.

Helpful Tips For Discovering Landmarks In Albania

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If you’re looking to rent a car in Albania, this AutoEurope coupon will save you 15% on all car rentals in the country.

For accommodation, use my Booking discount code to get 15% on all accommodation rentals in Albania.

Does Albania seem like an interesting country to visit? Did you like this list of the best landmarks in Albania? Have you ever visited any of them? Let me know in the comments below!