There’s a growing excitement around Albania, and it’s easy to see why. Travellers are discovering a Mediterranean country that still feels genuine and beautifully untouched. With its clear blue seas, dramatic mountains, historic towns, generous hospitality, and food that tastes fresh from the land, Albania offers a sense of place that many destinations have lost. It feels warm, honest, and full of character.
The Appeal Of Albania
People are falling in love with Albania because it offers something rare. The coastline is stunning yet peaceful. The mountains feel wild and natural. Towns are full of history yet relaxed and welcoming. Prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is slow and friendly. It feels like the Mediterranean before the rush, and travellers appreciate that sense of simplicity.
Every part of the country has its own charm. The south boasts turquoise bays and white pebble beaches. Central Albania features lively cities and UNESCO-protected towns. The north offers some of the most dramatic hiking landscapes in Europe. Albania is still developing as a travel destination, but that’s precisely what many people love. It feels authentic.
Ten Places To Visit In Albania
1. The Albanian Riviera: Located in the south, the Riviera is famous for turquoise water, white pebbled beaches and winding mountain roads. Villages such as Dhermi Jale and Himare offer long days by the sea and simple, delicious coastal food.
2. Ksamil: In the far south near the Greek border, Ksamil has soft sandy beaches and tiny islands close to the shore. The water is calm, clear and perfect for swimming.
3. Berat: A UNESCO-protected town known as the City of a Thousand Windows. Its hillside houses and impressive castle make it one of the most picturesque places in Albania.
4. Gjirokaster: A stone-built UNESCO town with slate roofs, cobbled streets and a dramatic fortress overlooking the valley. Every corner feels atmospheric and historic.
5. The Blue Eye: A vivid natural spring in the south where bright blue water rises from deep underground. Surrounded by forest, it is a peaceful and refreshing stop.
6. Tirana: The capital is colourful, modern and full of life. Cafes, museums and creative neighbourhoods make it a lively base for exploring the country.
7. Theth: A quiet mountain village in the north known for waterfalls, dramatic peaks and broad green valleys. The church of Theth sits in one of the most peaceful settings in the country.
8. Valbona Valley: A stunning alpine area in the far north with glacial rivers and mountain trails. The Valbona to Theth hike is one of the best in the Balkans.
9. Lake Ohrid: A calm, scenic lake in the southeast shared with North Macedonia. The Albanian side is peaceful, with pretty viewpoints and lakeside cafes.
10. Apollonia: Ancient Greek and Roman ruins set among olive trees and countryside in central Albania. It’s a spacious and beautiful site to explore.
Food Culture And A Taste Of Albania
Albanian food is a highlight of a visit to the country. The cuisine is Mediterranean in spirit, influenced by seasonal vegetables, garden herbs, fresh seafood from the coast, and warm bread from local bakeries. Meals feel generous, colourful, and full of flavour. Most traditional restaurants offer home-cooked food made to order, so you may need to wait a while, but it will be worth it!
The connection between food and land is strong in Albania. After land was returned to families in the early nineties, many households planted olive trees, vineyards, and small crops. You can see this history in the countryside, where groves stretch across hillsides, and villages still grow their own produce. It gives the cuisine a freshness that visitors always remember.
As more travellers fall in love with Albanian cuisine, emerging brands like Little Olive Oil, renowned for their high-quality Albanian extra virgin olive oil, are sharing this flavour and the traditions of their country with people eager to bring a piece of their holiday home. The founder of Little Olive Oil, Herman Pobrati, is an Albanian living in the UK with his family. He’s an award-winning landscaper with a lifelong dream of sharing extra virgin olive oil from his homeland with others. Herman tells us, “Now that people are curious about Albania, the time is right to bring extra virgin olive oil to market.” More Albanian brands are likely to emerge in food and other categories as travellers continue to develop an affinity for this country.
Final Notes About Albania
Albania has a way of surprising people. The landscapes are dramatic, the coastline is beautiful, and the food is simple, fresh and full of character. The people are warm, and the pace of life feels calm and real. Many travellers leave feeling that they have discovered somewhere special.
As interest grows, more small producers, including brands like Little Olive Oil, are helping share Albanian flavours with the world. For many visitors, it’s a way to keep a little piece of Albania in their everyday life long after they return home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Albania Travel
Why is Albania becoming so popular?
Because it offers beautiful beaches, mountains, history and incredible value while still feeling authentic and unspoiled, it’s also reasonably priced as a holiday destination.
Which part of Albania has the best beaches?
The south, especially the Albanian Riviera and Ksamil, where the water is clear and the coastline is naturally beautiful.
Is Albania suitable for outdoor activities?
Yes, the country is perfect for hiking, swimming, mountain walks and exploring nature.
What is the food like in Albania?
Fresh, colourful and Mediterranean in spirit, with vegetables, seafood, herbs and simple home-style cooking, all enhanced with extra virgin olive oil.
Can you buy Albanian products outside the country?
Interest is growing and new brands such as Little Olive Oil are beginning to offer Albanian extra virgin olive oil to consumers who want to enjoy the flavour at home.
We like these articles: Homegirl London: Albanian extra virgin olive oil from Little Olive Oil and 48 Hours In Europe: A guide to the Albanian Riviera. You might like this feature: Micro getaways that feel like a week off.
Full disclosure, I am a shareholder in Little Olive Oil.