Things to Do in Albania

Beaches and Seaside Resorts

Albania has become THE new destination in the Adriatic and almost in Europe, so it’s no surprise that its (long) coastline has seen numerous changes and developments in recent years.

To keep it simple, the coast can be divided into two parts: the north and centre, which are more built-up, and the south, known locally as the Albanian Riviera, stretching roughly from Vlorë to Sarandë. The latter offers stunning landscapes and has (so far) been less developed than the north, which is geared more towards "mass tourism." This is where you’ll find more tranquillity, though it can still get busy in summer.

As for the most popular resorts, you’ll find Durrës (the closest to Tirana, which explains the crowds), Vlorë (in the middle), Ksamil (beautiful but busy in season), and Sarandë, which positions itself as the main seaside city and lively hub in the south.

Water Activities

Fishing: Whether from the shore or at sea, the best opportunities are along the southern coast. For those who want to move from the sea to rivers (like the Vjosa) and inland lakes (such as Lake Shkodra and Lake Ohrid), there are also plenty of options for trout, salmon, carp, or pike.

Diving: With the rise in tourism, diving has grown in popularity. The south, around Sarandë and Ksamil, is ideal for exploring beautiful seabeds and discovering a few shipwrecks. You can also visit the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Park, with its caves—a protected area rich in biodiversity.

Watersports: While you can surf a little on the northern coast, Albania stands out more for kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to strong winds, especially in summer. As a result, you’ll find plenty of spots to practice along the entire coastline.

Hiking

Hiking on Foot

Whether in the Albanian Alps or one of the country’s ten national parks, there are plenty of hiking opportunities, often in wild and not always well-developed settings.

Of all the routes, the Valbona trek (in the north) usually gets the most attention, even though it’s only about twenty kilometres long. It connects two isolated mountain villages via a spectacular pass in 7 or 8 hours of walking. For those looking for something longer and more challenging, there’s a roughly 200 km route that takes about two weeks with some planning, passing through Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Otherwise, there are plenty of shorter coastal hikes that combine walking and swimming along the Albanian Riviera.

Cycling

This is another activity that has grown with the influx of tourists. By bike—including e-bikes—you can explore the entire southern part of the country in stages (though watch out for traffic), taking in the sea, cities, villages, and historical sites. For mountain biking enthusiasts, trails in the hinterland and along the coast offer good opportunities for all levels and difficulties.

Horseback Riding

Two areas—Gjirokastër and the Albanian Alps—offer great terrain for those who already enjoy this activity. From a few hours to several days, the possibilities are there.

Other Outdoor Activities

Whitewater Sports

For whitewater activities, you can go rafting or river kayaking between March and May in the Osumi Canyon, near Berat, or along the Vjosa River.

Winter Sports

Albania isn’t a major skiing destination. There are only one or two "snowfields," like at Bigëll-Dardhë or near the Kosovo border. That said, for cross-country skiing, the snowy trails in the Albanian Alps can offer great winter walks.

Cultural Life and Activities

Sandwiched between Greece and Italy, it’s no surprise that Albania is home to many ancient remains from both civilisations. The archaeological sites of Butrint (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Apollonia alone justify a visit.

Beyond these distant traces, Albania also boasts fortresses, monasteries, historic centres and cities (Berat, Gjirokastër...), museums, and even the last remnants of one of Europe’s harshest 20th-century dictatorships—Enver Hoxha’s regime—still visible in the countless bunkers scattered across the country. Add to that the cultures and traditions of the diverse populations that make up the Balkans.

Nightlife

While Tirana used to be the centre of nightlife in Albania, the growth of tourism along the Adriatic coast means that the action is now also—and especially—in the main seaside resorts, like Dhërmi, Ksamil, and above all Sarandë.