Things to Do in Albania: The Balkans’ Undiscovered Gem
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A travel guide to Albania, featuring Berat’s historic windows, the beaches of Ksamil, and the capital, Tirana.
Things to Do in Albania Guide
After remaining closed off to the world for many years, Albania has become one of the Balkans' most popular and intriguing destinations in recent years, thanks to its affordable prices, beaches that rival the Maldives and well-preserved historic cities.
1. Wander the Streets of Berat (the City of a Thousand Windows)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Berat is famous for its gleaming white Ottoman houses arranged like pearls on a steep hillside. Their enormous windows were designed so as not to block one another's views. As you wander through the old neighborhoods of Mangalem, you'll feel as though you're walking through history.
2. Ksamil and the Albanian Riviera
Living up to its nickname, "the Maldives of Europe," the Ksamil area promises an incredible summer holiday with its white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Coastal towns such as Dhermi and Himare are especially popular with those seeking an affordable luxury holiday.
3. Follow in Skanderbeg's Footsteps in Kruja (Akçahisar)
The hometown of Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg, Kruja is well worth a visit for both its historic castle and old Ottoman bazaar. You can buy traditional rugs and antiques from the old wooden shops.
4. Explore the Bunk'Art Museums
Some of the thousands of underground shelters (bunkers) built across the country during the rule of former dictator Enver Hoxha have now been turned into museums. The Bunk'Art museums in the capital, Tirana, offer a unique and chilling experience that helps visitors understand the paranoid era in the country's recent history.