After decades of isolation under Enver Hoxha, Albania opened its borders in the early 1990s. The country’s tourism sector remained modest for years, but recent figures tell a different story: in 2025 the nation welcomed 11.9 million visitors – a 93.6 % jump compared with the pre-pandemic level of 2019. This surge is fueled by a blend of affordable prices dramatic coastlines, and a growing reputation as the “Maldives of Europe”.
Modern air links, especially the 2020 establishment of a Wizz Air base at Tirana International Airport, have turned Albania into a convenient stop for European backpackers and families alike. Budget carriers now fly to and from Barcelona, London, Rome and Stockholm, while the well-developed bus network enables seamless hop-ons between Tirana, the Albanian Alps and the Adriatic shore.
What makes Albania a travel hotspot?
The appeal lies in its diverse offerings. History enthusiasts can wander the streets of Tirana, where Skanderbeg Square honors the 15th-century hero, while the former communist Secret Police museum Bunk’art 1 exposes the lingering shadows of the past. Coastal lovers head south to the Albanian Riviera where crystal-clear waters lap against pebble beaches in Dhërmi, Sarandë and the postcard-perfect Ksamil. Meanwhile, outdoor aficionados trek the Albanian Alps with the Valbona-Theth corridor delivering seven-hour hikes through untouched valleys and the famed Blue Eye of Theth.
Lake Shkodër, the largest lake in Southern Europe, offers a relaxed lakeside vibe. The historic Rozafa Castle crowns the lake’s western shore, and cycling around the water’s edge is a favorite pastime. From this gateway, day-trips to the Shala River or the dramatic Koman fjord are just a short drive away, making the region a natural launchpad for alpine adventures.
Sample 12-day slow-travel itinerary
Day 1–2: Tirana → Shkodër – Arrive in Tirana, explore Skanderbeg Square, the Pyramid and Bunk’art 2, then travel north to Shkodër for a night of lakeside serenity and a visit to Rozafa Castle. Day 3–4: Theth – Drive up the winding mountain road to Theth, discover the iconic Church of Theth, the Lock-in Tower and, if you feel energetic, hike to the Blue Eye. Day 5: Krujë – Descend to Krujë, wander its medieval bazaar and the imposing Krujë Castle, the birthplace of the national hero.
Day 6: Durrës – Head to the Adriatic coast, admire the Roman Amphitheatre and Venetian Tower, then unwind on the sandy promenade. Day 7: Berat – Journey inland to the UNESCO-listed city of Berat, climbing the hill-top castle and strolling through the “City of a Thousand Windows”. Day 8: Gjirokastër – Continue south to the Stone City, where Ottoman stone houses and the imposing Gjirokastër Castle dominate the skyline.
Day 9: Sarandë & the Blue Eye – Stop at the magical Blue Eye spring before arriving in Sarandë, where Lëkurësi Castle offers sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and nearby Corfu. Day 10: Albanian Riviera – Spend a leisurely day island-hopping between Himarë, Borsh, Qeparo or the hidden Gjipe Beach, soaking up sun and fresh seafood. Day 11–12: Butrint & Ksamil – Conclude the journey at the archaeological marvel of Butrint, then relax on the white-sand beaches of Ksamil before departing from Tirana.
Getting there and getting around
Direct flights land at Tirana International Airport from major European hubs such as London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Istanbul, though many routes operate seasonally. For those preferring ground travel, long-distance buses connect Tirana with neighboring capitals – Skopje, Podgorova, Pristina – and can be a scenic way to enter the country.
Inside Albania, the public bus system is reliable and cheap, while car rentals provide flexibility for remote mountain roads. The newly extended airport terminal and the growing presence of low-cost carriers have made the country more accessible than ever, allowing travellers to weave a multi-country Balkan adventure that includes North Macedonia, Kosovo or Montenegro alongside Albania’s own highlights.
