Albania Vacation: Visit 'the Maldives of Europe'

Tirana, The Capital of Albania

The capital of Albania is the ideal place to start your vacation. It has a relaxed, urban feel. Art and culture can be found at every corner, and the city is also an exciting mix of architectural styles: from ramshackle Italian villas to grand communist buildings and extravagant skyscrapers, you can see it all here! The cityscape includes cute cafes and bars, green parks with an artistic touch, painted facades, and markets with a wide variety of delicacies. If you want to learn more about Hoxha's dictatorial regime in Albania, you should visit the bunker and the House of Leaves. The National History Museum, the Et'hem Bey Mosque and Tirana's local mountain, Dajti, are also worth a visit.

Berat, The City of a Thousand Windows

Berat is one of the oldest cities in Albania and delights us with its cute, historic houses. Because of this, it is also known as the city of a thousand windows and was declared a cultural history city back in 1961. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, which is why no new houses can be built in three districts of Berat. From the castle fortress, you have a wonderful view over the city and can also visit churches and mosques.

The Seaside Resort Town of Ksamil in Albania

Ksamil is a beautiful, famous seaside resort town in Albania. It's often referred to as the "Maldives of Europe" It is located in the south of the country, about 10 miles south of Saranda. The small town has about 3,000 inhabitants and has beautiful beaches and bays.

The white sand and turquoise water give it a Caribbean feel. There are four small islands just outside Ksamil that can be reached by boat. There are also some excellent seafood restaurants. In high season, the beaches get crowded and prices are higher.

Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park covers almost 23,475 acres and offers spectacular scenery. However, the main attraction of the park is the ancient site of Butrint, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts many tourists every year. The national park is an open-air museum in the middle of a southern European forest, surrounded by water and it's full of historical artifacts. Almost every empire has left its mark here, so you can feel like an archaeologist as you explore the many trails.

The best time to visit is in the early afternoon, when the tourist buses have already left.

The Albanian Alps

The highest mountains in the country are in the north of Albania. The peaks reach up to 8,500 feet and are a hiker's dream. Mountain lakes, view points, and unspoiled green nature characterize the landscape here. What's more, the north of Albania is definitely the least developed in terms of tourism! And while you're in the north, don't miss the historic Ura e Mesit bridge.

🏴‍☠️ Pirate tip: Be sure to hike from Valbona to Theth or vice versa. It is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in Europe.

The Blue Eye (Syri I Kalter)

The Blue Eye is a karst spring located about 30 minutes by car from the town of Saranda. This place is a natural paradise, surrounded by forests, lush green meadows and a light blue river that flows along the blue spring, sometimes gently, sometimes wildly. There are small bridges and footbridges where you can enjoy nature and take great photos. The spring itself looks like a giant dark blue eye, shimmering in infinite shades of blue in the sunlight. The karst hole is at least 164 feet deep, with bubbling water constantly rising from the bottom. The water temperature is around 50°F all year round, but it is well worth the effort as the water is so crystal clear that you can see all the way to the bottom.