City: Albania
Top Things to do in Albania
10 Sights & Landmarks in Albania That You Shouldn't Miss
in Europe (grey)
Restaurants in Albania
1. Kruja Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 530 reviews
Reviewed By Rotty300 - Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
A place not to be missed. The little cobbled streets up to the castle have cafes and quirky shops to look at, then when you reach the castle it is amazing. A museum that is one of the best I've been in. A restaurant for lunch and drinks and the views are stunning. A leisurely day can be spent here and one not to be missed. Make sure you have proper shoes
2. Berat Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,008 reviews
This 13th-century fort includes a number of preserved Byzantine churches, including the 13th-century Church of St. Mary of Vllaherna and the 14th-century Church of the Holy Trinity.
Reviewed By nadiaolson - Montenegro, null
Take a guide, worth it! An amazing living castle. People still live here, beautiful houses, businesses, souvenir shops, ruins, mosques etc. Beautiful view of the city. highly recommend!
3. Butrint National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,421 reviews
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
Along with Berat and Gjirokaster, Butrint left the strongest impression on our 2 week Albania tour. It's an UNESCO heritage site, not to be missed if you're in Albania's south. Butrint national park is just a 10 min drive south of Ksamil. There's a big parking lot in front, and the entrance fee is low as around 6 Euros. The site dates back to 8th c BC, showing the Mediterranean historic timeline. Within the site you'll find Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman heritage. Highlights not to be missed include: - Hellenic Lake and Lion gates from 4c BC - ancient Roman theater from 3rd c. and Roman baths, - Agora from Greek era, later Roman Forum as a center of civic and commercial life, - remains of 6th c Byzantine Baptistery, - Great Basilica from 6th c (perfect), - Acropolis on the middle hilltop with a small museum and great views, - Venetian tower. All around the park, there are explanations in English which is great and makes it very easy to navigate and understand. Great souvenirs inside the park at very reasonable prices. Count on around 2 hours for a visit.
4. Penisola Di Porto Palermo e Castello
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
You will spot the peninsula from the coastal road. Just make sure you exit the narrow unpaved lane leading to an off road parking lot, and have at least 2 hrs free time. One hour to explore the Ali Pasha Tepelena castle at the peninsula top (read that review), and afterwards to take a relaxing swim or two in beautiful and calm Palermo bay beach.
5. Gjirokaster Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 838 reviews
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
We've travelled entire Albania during our 2 week tour and two towns I can point out being the most beautiful are Berat and Gjirokaster. Gjirokaster is only an hour drive from the seaside resorts of Saranda and Ksamil, and I'd suggest everyone holidaying there to make a day excursion. Gjirokaster sits on slopes of Gjere mountains overlooking a huge valley. The Castle occupies a commanding position and is a beautiful site while approaching the town. The fortress dates back to 12 c, modified and reshaped over the centuries. It's main feature, the clock tower was added in 1800's by Ottoman governor Ali Pasha Tepelena who's also responsible for a magnificent sea fortress at Porto Palermo north from Saranda on the Ionian coast (read that review). The Castle houses a military museum consisting mostly of captured WWII Italian and German weapons and a US fighter plane from the cold war era (different versions on it), as well two Pasha tombs and some underground Ottoman era rooms. However, most impressing are the views of the valley and old town below. Like most such places in Albania entry fee is extremely cheap and there are good English explanations throughout the place.
6. Rozafa Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 808 reviews
Reviewed By marybC8078UU - London, United Kingdom
We went here on a very rainy day with two kids. Despite the rain they really had a great time! A huge castle where kids can roam and discover freely. And there is a lovely little cafe next to the museum in the old Venetian building in the centre of the castle keep, that hangs off the side of the cliff and has floor to ceiling windows with stunning views. Great toasted cheese sandwiches on a cold and wet day to warm us up!
7. Skenduli House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
If you really want to know the best model of local architecture in 19th century, a visit to Skenduli house is a must. Everything is totally original and is the most authentic building in Gjirokastra. This is the best preserved house in old city of Gjirokastra, more than 300 years old (built in 1823). The owner of the house, Nasip Skenduli, a descendant of the family that originally build the house, is an amazing story teller. He will explain you everything about the house and the preserving process in years. It used to be the original Ethnographic museum during communist time, but now the owners have their house back and keep it open for visitors. What makes this house so special? Its structure shows that this has been the richest houses in Gjirokastra, because it had 9 fireplaces, (more fireplaces more richer the family was); 6 bathrooms, 12 rooms, 44 doors, 64 windows, and 4 hamam (turkish bath). Many rooms are preserved in their original shape and this is amazing.
Reviewed By pharonl - San Jose, United States
We took a great guided tour of this wealthy families home from 100-200 years ago (I forget the actual age). What a different way of life! The home is not occupied now.
8. Ngjallja e Krishtit Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By IgorMarkovic - Smederevo, Serbia
Korca's Resurrection of Christ Cathedral is situated in its city center. Although it was built in 1995, it was actually rebuilt on the place where an orthodox church once stood before it was destroyed by the Hoxha's brutal regime. Today it is one of the main symbols of the beautiful city of Korca. The interior of the Cathedral is very interesting and inspirational, especially due to an unusual painting frescoes. All in all, if you're in Korca's center, don't miss this place!
9. Skanderbeg Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,367 reviews
Reviewed By Abeckydeen - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Loved this square and although, we weren't able to stay until the Christmas market was fully built, it would have been so good! (From what was built) Points of interests are easy to find from this historic square.
10. Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 383 reviews
Reviewed By SteveRainville99 - Orlando, United States
We really thought that this was the best peice of architecture in all of Tirana. The modern look, as well as the bright colors makes it stick out in the heart of a city that has so much old Yugoslavia architecture all around. Beautiful inside too, with great paintings all around!
