Where to Stay in Albania: Best Places and Beaches (+ Hotels)

You may have seen the sparkling waters of the Albanian Riviera, or the ancient city of Gjirokaster, pop up on your feed recently. This hidden gem has been making a bit of a social media splash.

If you're like most travelers, you probably know very little about Albania. However, this overlooked Balkan nation is not only one of the most budget-friendly in Europe, but it's chock-full of secluded beaches, ancient ruins, and UNESCO World Heritage cities.

In this blog post, I've collected all my favorite attractions, travel tips, and advice on where to stay in Albania. We'll hit the best beaches, dive into the incredible historic sites, and hook you up with all the info you need to visit Albania with confidence!

Why Is Albania Becoming So Popular

I must admit, I'm conflicted about the new fame of the Albanian Riviera. I was kind of hoping to keep this Mediterranean gem to myself. My first trip to Albania was in 2021, and it was a complete accident.

Rejected entry to Egypt and stranded at the airport, I remembered seeing a cheap flight to Tirana. I booked it, planning to transit through to somewhere more desirable. I ended up staying in Albania for the next two months.

The untouched charm of this Ionian Pearl is simply mesmerizing. While the tourist infrastructure is underdeveloped, and certain parts of the country could do with a few more trash cans, I found myself entranced by it. Here's what drew me in:

1. Awesome People

The people were genuinely gracious, inviting hosts. Every person we met invited us in for homemade rakia or local moonshine (all insisting theirs was the best)! We were pulled off the street to join a birthday party and had a wonderful time. The Albanians are super fun!

2. Stunning Landscapes

The landscape is just as intoxicating! The combination of the Dinaric Alps Mountains tumbling right down into crystal clear waters is perfection. Northern Albania stuns with sparkling lakes and snowy peaks. Southern Albania features “The Blue Eye”, incredible national parks, and gorgeous beaches.

3. The Food

The food is a combination of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern which is delicious. The coffee culture is strong, which I love. My favorite restaurant in the world is in Berat (more on that later)!

4. Incredible History

Albanians can date their heritage and language back at least 6,000 years, making it one of the oldest Indo-European languages still in use. Exploring Albania entreats you to Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ancient sites, as well as unique, purely Albanian heritage spots.

Where to Stay in Albania: Ultimate Guide to Albania's Top Spots

While you could explore for months and not see it all, that's not a possibility for most travelers, so I've lined up a few of the must-see spots for first-timers. Most visitors will arrive at the Tirana International Airport. Tirana is Albania's capital and while it's not a beautiful city, it's quirky and worth spending a day or two.

The historic cities of Berat and Gjirokaster are cultural hubs of Albanian history. Ksamil lies on the Greek border and is a popular destination for beach lovers. Theth National Park is a wonderland of breathtaking views and fun hiking trails in Northern Albania.

Hotel Note: For all the accommodations listed in this blog post, I quoted a high season price. If you're not traveling in the summer months, you may get a much better deal!

1. Where to Stay in Albania for Meeting Locals: Tirana

Tirana is the capital and most populated city, but it's small compared to the other capitals of Europe. After WWII, Albania was closed off to the world by The People's Socialist Republic of Albania, a separatist communist regime. Like most of the Balkan Countries, Albania was liberated in 1991. Tirana is changing quickly, but it still feels like a world apart from the rest of Europe.

Albanians have been dealt a difficult hand. They're survivors, and they're passionate about their legacy and the future of their nation. Tirana is the spot to hear heated conversations about the economy and politics over a strong coffee and get to know the minds of locals.

Things to Do in Tirana

Start in Skanderbeg Square. Here, you'll find a lovely clock tower, the National Historic Museum, and the Et'hem Bey Mosque. I highly recommend visiting this museum as it is the best place to get a grasp on the torrid history of Albania. It will help you understand the people and will give you massive respect for the culture.

Art lovers will want to visit Bunkart! Some genius has turned one of the hundreds of thousands of bunkers built by dictator Hoxha into a museum focused on the Cold War. Tirana has a lovely cafe culture, so pop in for a strong brew similar to Turkish coffee. If you need to stretch your legs, take a walk around the lake at Grand Park.

Tirana is also a great spot to try the local food! This tour takes you to the local market and then your host will teach you to cook three traditional Albanian meals.

Best Hotels in Tirana

($$$) Spa hotel with central location: Xheko Imperial Luxury Hotel & SPA – US$160/night

($$) Boutique hotel with excellent amenities: Lot Boutique Hotel – US$100/night

($) Budget guesthouse with central location: La Voglia Hotel Boutique – US$38/night

2. Where to Stay in Albania for Sandy Beaches on the Albanian Riviera: Ksamil

Located in Southern Albania, Ksamil is a double whammy! Not only do you get a few lovely beaches, but you have access to one of the most important national parks in the country—Butrint National Park. Plus, there's easy public transport to the nightlife hub of Sarande and the Greek Island of Corfu!

If you don't like people, visit Ksamil on a day trip! The beach towns in the South of Albania are typically more chill, but Ksamil is the exception, especially during the summer months. It has become a social media megastar, and from recent reviews, the infrastructure and service have suffered.

As with most popular tourist spots, scammers are on the prowl, and prices here are significantly higher than in other parts of the Albanian Riviera.

All that said, I still think Ksamil is worth a day trip, even if you don't make it your base. The little town features epic sunsets, great day trips, and good restaurants with both local and international cuisine. If you don't like a bustling beach town, we'll discuss a few quieter options later on.

Things to Do in Ksamil

A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Butrint National Park, is an absolute must! This place is like walking through an ancient timeline. Due to its strategic location on the Ionian Sea, this area was conquered by almost every major empire in European history, and they all left their footprint.

You'll stroll from Illyrian to ancient Greek temples, then through Roman baths, an Ottoman-era castle, and Venetian towers. Butrint National Park is also a natural wetland with an array of distinct wildlife.

Take a guided tour out to “The Blue Eye” a gorgeous natural spring that you can swim in. Take the ferry to Corfu for an international day trip, or visit Lekursi Castle in neighboring Sarande.

There are some paddle boats for rent at Ksamil Beach that you can take to the three small islands in the bay.

Best Hotels in Ksamil

($$$) Four-star hotel with all the amenities: Monel Hotel – US$208

($$) Comfortable guesthouse with beach views: Marku Palace – US$98

($) Basic private village with balcony: Villa Nertili – US$54

3. Where to Stay in Albania for History and Culture: Gjirokaster (Gjirokastra)

Located in Southern Central Albania, Gjirokastra is a UNESCO World Heritage City for its traditional architecture and cultural charms.

One of Albania's smaller cities, it's graced with tower houses overlooking cobblestoned lanes, hugging the slopes of several lush hills. Gjirokaster is the ideal place to try traditional food, shop for Albanian textiles and crafts, and drool over architecture.

Things to Do in Gjirokaster

Make the trudge to the top of the city to Gjirokaster Castle, one of the largest castles in the Balkans. It's a hilltop fortress originally dating from the 12th century, though most of what you see today is from the Ottoman era and was completed in the early 1800s.

It boasts a small museum and absolutely incredible views of the surrounding mountains and the city below. There's even an old folktale that a local princess threw herself and her child from the tower walls to escape Ottoman attack. It's one of those places where you wish the walls could talk!

Visit two excellent examples of Ottoman Era tower houses at the Skënduli House and Zekate House. Skënduli House is more of a museum and offers a walkthrough. Zekate is a self-guided tour with incredible views. Stop in to see an adorable chef and partake of the white cheese at Restaurant Gjoça Tradicional, and do some shopping in the bazaar.

Best Hotels in Gjirokaster

Tip: Book a hotel in Old Town Gjirokaster, in the heart of the action. The area has steep inclines, and the surrounding city is a Communist-era block city with not much interest.

($$$) Hilltop resort with luxury pool: Kerculla Resort – US$152

($$) Traditional villa with good location: Vila SS Kekezi – US$76

($) Dorm room in the city center: Friends' Guesthouse & Hostel – US$13

4. Where to Stay in Albania for Food and Architecture: Berat

Another UNESCO spot on the list, Berat is the best city to explore traditional architecture. Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”, it has got a very unique style with windowed homes stacked up the hillsides overlooking the Osum River.

It's home to my favorite restaurant in the world, and one of the coolest castle complexes I've ever visited!

Things to Do in Berat

Start your day at Berat Castle. Unlike almost every other tourist castle in the world, Berat Castle epitomizes how a real medieval castle complex would have operated. Within the outer walls, merchants still sell their wares. People still live in their homes. It's a fully functioning city between the keep and the outer protective walls, complete with mosques, churches, and sweeping views.

Make sure to grab a meal at Homemade Food Lili. It's run by a local family in their lovely backyard. Everything on the tiny menu is to die for! Do not miss the Onufri Museum of Iconography and accompanying chapel, complete with one of the most stunning altars, a total surprise in a small mountain church. History buffs will also want to check out the Ethnographic Museum.

Best Hotels in Berat

($$$) Five-star hotel in the city center: Hotel Colombo – US$73

($$) Comfy traditional guest house: Berati Castle Hotel – US$44

($)Guesthouse with bunks and family rooms: Ana Rest House Hostel Berat – US$18

5. Where to Stay in Albania for Culture Vultures: Korca

A less visited site in Southeast Albania, Korca is known as the country's unofficial capital of culture. It features a stunning Old Bazaar, and a handful of great museums, and is one of the prettiest architectural cities in the country. The only downside is that it's a bit far away from the other sights.

Check out the Prehistoric Museum or the National Museum of Medieval Art. Catch a performance at Çajupi Theatre or be serenaded by the romantic crooners in the streets. Visit the many gorgeous Byzantine churches, and enjoy the adorable taverns!

Best Hotels in Korca

($$$) Newly remodeled and regal: Life Gallery Hotel – US$115

($$) Cute traditional inn: Vila Eden Boutique Hotel – US$53

($) Cozy guesthouse with excellent location: Guest House Bujtina Leon-US$33

5. Where to Stay in Albania for Outdoor Adventure: Shkodra

Moving to Northern Albania, the city of Shkodra is the gateway to Theth National Park and the epic hiking trails of the Accursed Mountains. Set aside a few days to explore the northern part of Albanian.

It features a totally different landscape and gorgeous views around every bend. The city of Shkodra itself is nice with some cute cafes and a few historic spots, but most of your time will be spent camping in the wild.

Things to Do in Shkodra

Stop in Rozafa Fortress, a mountaintop complex with more than 2,500 years of history. Take a boat trip on Albania's largest lake, and organize your two-day trip into Theth National Park for some of the most beautiful waterfalls, lakes, canyons, and cliffs you've ever laid eyes on. If you're feeling peppy, take on the 12km hike from Valbona Valley to Theth.

Best Hotels in Shkodra

($$$) Modern 5-star hotel: Grand Hotel Europa – US$89

($$) Apartment with balcony and mountain views: All Seasons Apartments – US$53

($) Well-located dorm: North Star Hostel – US$16

Quick Guide to Albanian Beach Hubs: Borsh, Himare, Dhermi, Vlorë, and Durres

You'll likely visit Ksamil, but with so many nice beaches stretched along the Albanian Riviera, you'll want to do some beach hopping too!

Ranging from hidden coves to bustling coastal cities, Albania has a beach town for every kind of traveler!

I can't go into detail on them all, but here are the basics to help you choose a vibe that fits you.

Borsh

Borsh is a local favorite and the least visited on the list. To me, of all the beautiful beaches in Albania, Borsh stands out as an absolute paradise. It's in the South, just up the coast from the party town and unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera-Sarande.

A sleepy boardwalk features a few beachside restaurants and guesthouses along the white pebble beach, and you might share the stretch with a herd of goats in the morning.

You can walk down the coastline to popular Buneci Beach and hike up to the castle which overlooks an incredible mountain pass. Stop by for a coffee at the waterfall restaurant, Ujvara.

Himare

This little beach town is a lovely place to land. It's just north of Borsh, and you can pop into Porto Palermo Castle on the way. The town sits at the base of the Llogara Pass, which is a stunning drive.

It's also close to some of the best beaches along the Albanian Riviera. There are several restaurants and small bars for a chill night out. It's gotten more popular in recent years, but still feels laid-back in comparison to Ksamil.

Dhermi Beach

Also spelled Dhërmi Beach, this is one of the most beautiful places on the Albanian Riviera, and every local will insist that you see it. A stretch of golden coast fronted by crystal clear waters and backed by mountains, it's a truly lovely place.

If you are in Dhermi, I also recommend a day trip to nearby Gjipe Beach, claimed by many as one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania.

Vlorë

Moving from sleepy beach towns to a full-fledged coastal city (Albania's third-largest), Vlore is an ancient port city, just a few hours from Tirana, with ferry transits to both Greece and Italy.

It's a popular jumping-off spot for European travelers and has a very resort feel. The beach is honestly nothing special, but if you want a city/beach break, it can be a good option.

Durres

The last on our list is the beachside city of Durres. It's a fascinating ancient port with a large Roman amphitheater, an interesting archaeological museum, and a fun central plaza. Durrësi Beach is long with a bustling promenade. It's Albania's second-largest city and a popular beach escape from Tirana.

Know Before You Go: Truth of Albanian Travel

As mentioned, parts of Albania have soared to social media fame as a cheap alternative to Greece, Croatia, and Italy. Like all places that are subject to a sudden travel boom, the infrastructure wasn't quite ready for the hoards.

While I adore Albania, the prudent traveler should know that this isn't going to be a typical European beach vacation. Albania, in my opinion, is still one for the more intrepid travelers. Here's what I mean:

1. Transit Is a Challenge

The public transit is functional but slightly confusing. Many cities don't have a central bus station. You may walk several blocks to a random side street to get on your next van.

There aren't many signs or online help, so you'll have to rely on friendly locals sometimes. The best way to get around is to sit down with your host the night before and plot your pick-up points. The locals know where they are.

Most buses and the train system are of nominal quality, so don't expect luxury. Taxis are available, but they are expensive!

2. Pollution Is an Issue

There are some other areas where public infrastructure is not up to par with the rest of Europe. Unfortunately, Albania has a major pollution problem. Locals dump trash in the mountain passes and just toss their snack papers on the ground.

The beaches and lakes are often full of plastic, and the views on personal responsibility for public spaces are a bit archaic. This isn't helped by the massive influx of tourists on a system that already lacked efficient trash disposal.

3. Service Standards Are Still Evolving

Part of the charm of Albania is that it isn't polished! However, if you're used to a certain standard of customer care, you might be in for a shock. Hoteliers and restauranteurs here are not trained in the same way as in typical resorts along the French or Italian Riviera, so don't expect overly pampered service.

Additionally, guided tours are now available on Viator of GetYourGuide, but quality varies. Your tour might be amazing, or it might be bordering on sketchy. Museums may not have audioguides or only be written in Albanian. Even famous sites are not always labeled well in English, and there are few tourist shuttles or cable cars to get you up the steep hills. You're on foot folks!

4. Communication Is a Challenge

While some blogs declare that communication is impossible, that's not the case. You'll need Google Translate a few times, but you'll mostly get by in English. Most young Albanians speak at least basic English and many coastal Albanians speak Greek or Italian as a second language.

When you find someone you can communicate with, ask tons of questions. Most Albanians love to show off their beautiful country and will help get you to the best spots!

5. Beware of Names

Everything in Albania has at least three names! Seriously, your hotel may have three variations on Booking, Google, and Google Maps. For instance, the town of Shkodra is labeled Skadar, Shkodër, Scutari, and Skutari. This goes for everything. Always check the actual address and don't try to navigate by hotel or restaurant name.

6. Guard Your Words

The intricacies of Albanian geopolitical history are something that you will never understand as a tourist. The vast majority of ethnic Albanians live outside the country, and opinions on the state of the nation are highly varied. Be careful when discussing history, architecture, or culture. Stay away from talking about how cheap everything is, and refrain from comparisons to other nations.

Don't be surprised if you see heated arguments on the bus. Albanians are kind of feisty.

Where to Stay in Albania – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Is Albania worth visiting?

Albania is a fascinating travel destination for those who don't mind putting in a little work. The South features incredible historic sites and some of the best beaches along the Albanian Riviera. Northern Albania is known for its stunning mountains and hiking adventures.

🏝️ Which part of Albania has the best beaches?

Albania is loaded with gorgeous beaches. Tourists flock to Ksamil, known as the Ionian Pearl, but my personal favorites are in Southern Albania, on the stretch from Borsch to Dhermi. These tend to be more remote and less crowded.

🏙️ Which city should I stay in Albania?

Albania has some wonderful cities. Vlora is great for an urban beach break. Tirana is the capital and is of cultural importance. Spend at least 1-2 days there. Berat is a great city for exploring the interior and experiencing traditional Albanian food and architecture.

Where to Stay in Albania – Final Words

If you're looking for a completely different side of Europe, you must visit Albania. While it can be rough around the edges, and lack some of the social graces you may be accustomed to in Europe, Albania is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

The culture is interesting, and the people are charming. The coast is dotted with a beach for every kind of traveler, and it's just untouched enough to still feel intriguing. If you're up to the challenge, make Albania your next adventure!