Ancient civilizations, medieval castles, Ottoman architecture, communist-era landmarks, and very kind people.
Tirana, the vibrant capital
Tirana is known for its colourful buildings, especially in Blloku, once a restricted area for communist party officials, now a trendy district filled with cafes, boutiques, and nightlife spots. Skanderbeg Square is the heart of the city where locals of all ages gather. It provides the stage for street performers, and is the favoured venue for all sorts of events.
The city’s museums are worth visiting. The National Historical Museum and Bunk'Art offer insights into Albania's past, including its communist era. Not far from Tirana, you may want to go up with the cable car to explore Dajti Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, the surrounding countryside. On a clear day you can see as far as the Adriatic Sea.
Berat, the City of a Thousand Windows
Known as the "City of a Thousand Windows," Berat is known for its Ottoman-era whitewashed houses with numerous windows built on the slopes overlooking the Osum River.
Above the city sits Berat Castle, a fascinating citadel dating back to the 4th BC and still inhabited today. Surrounded by sturdy stone walls, you can explore a maze of narrow alleys and stairs, lined with traditional houses, mosques, churches, and other historical buildings.
One of the castle’s most notable features is its collection of Byzantine churches, including the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae and the Church of the Holy Trinity adorned with beautiful frescoes and icons, providing insight into the religious and artistic heritage of the region. As with most hilltop castles, the view of the surrounding landscape is one of its highlights.
Fascinating Apollonia
Immersed in peaceful surroundings is Apollonia, once an important city in ancient Illyria which served as a key hub for trade, culture, and religion, with its strategic location along the Via Egnatia, an ancient Roman road connecting Rome to Byzantium.
Today, visiting Apollonia offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the remnants of an ancient city that once thrived in the heart of the Mediterranean world. Whether you're interested in history, archaeology, culture, or simply want to enjoy the beauty of the Albanian countryside, Apollonia is well worth the drive.
Gjirokastër, the City of Stone
Built on the slopes of the Drino Valley featuring narrow cobblestone streets and steep staircases that wind their way up the hillside, Gjirokastër has been nicknamed the "City of Stone" or "A Thousand Steps".
Highlights of the city are its castle and Ottoman-era architecture of Skenduli House which dates back over 300 years, Zekate House which provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of wealthy Albanian families during that period, and located near the Old Bazaar, the Ethnographic Museum.
Krujë and Skanderbeg, a hero throughout the Western world
Perched above Krujë is its elliptical castle, the stronghold of the Albanian national hero Skanderbeg during his resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Today it houses a museum in his honour including an Ethnographic Museum showcasing traditional costumes, tools, household items, and artifacts from that era.
On the road leading to the castle is the Old Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace that has been operating for centuries with its wide variety of goods, including traditional handicrafts, textiles, carpets, jewellery, antiques, and local products.
Butrint and its ancient past
On the southern Albanian coast lies Butrint National Park, the most visited archaeological park in the country. This site has a long and rich history that dates back to the Bronze Age, with evidence of settlement and human activity spanning over 2,500 years.
The city flourished under various ancient civilisations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians, leaving a wealth of ancient ruins, including Greek and Roman temples, fortifications, baths, and an amphitheatre.