DESTINATIONS IN ALBANIA

Tirana is Albania's rapidly evolving capital. Ottoman landmarks, communist-era sites, colorful architecture, and a lively café culture shape a compact center that's easy to explore. Begin at Skanderbeg Square and the Et'hem Bey Mosque, then visit Bunk'Art and the Pyramid of Tirana for insight into the communist era and Tirana's transformation since the 1990s. Blloku once housed Albania's communist elite; today its streets are lined with cafés, restaurants, and bars. The Dajti Ekspres climbs to Mount Dajti above the city. Kruje can be visited on a half-day or full-day excursion. Shkoder and Rozafa Castle can be visited on a full-day excursion from Tirana.

Durres is one of Albania's oldest cities. Roman remains stand throughout the modern center, and long sandy beaches extend south along the Adriatic. Ancient Dyrrachium served as an important gateway to the Balkans and the Via Egnatia, a role reflected today in its amphitheater, archaeological museum, Venetian Tower, and surviving city walls. Local wineries in the surrounding countryside introduce travelers to Albanian wine. At Cape Rodon, travelers can visit Skanderbeg's Castle above the Adriatic. Ancient Apollonia can be visited on a longer cultural excursion from Durres.

Vlora marks the transition from Albania's Adriatic coast to the Ionian. Albania declared its independence here in 1912. Boat trips reach Sazan Island and the rugged Karaburun Peninsula. South of Vlora, the coastal road climbs through Llogara before descending toward Palase, Dhermi, Himare, and Porto Palermo. The route passes beaches, mountain viewpoints, small coastal towns, and secluded bays. Zvernec Monastery sits beside the wetlands of Narta Lagoon. UNESCO-listed Berat can be visited from Vlora in a full day. An overnight stop gives travelers more time for its castle and historic neighborhoods.

Sarandë faces Corfu across the Ionian Sea on Albania's southern Riviera. Just south of the city, Ksamil is known for turquoise water and small offshore islets. Nearby UNESCO-listed Butrint preserves Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian remains spanning more than two millennia. Inland, the Blue Eye is a forested natural spring known for its intensely clear blue water. Gjirokaster can be visited from Sarandë in a full day. An overnight stay leaves more time for its stone houses, castle, and Old Bazaar. Boat trips along the coast reach secluded beaches such as Kakome and Krorëza. Lekuresi Castle overlooks Sarandë, the Ionian Sea, and Corfu.