So, let’s get into the top Albanian souvenirs to buy on your trip!

1. Homemade ceramics

One of the best things I have brought in Albania is a homemade ceramic vase with traditional Albanian patterns.

You will find some workshops around the country, but I highly recommend visiting ZadrimArt.

They have a shop next to Mrizi i Zanave, which is the most famous agritourism business in Albania.

Everything is handmade and they have a bunch of different designs and ceramics.

I chose a vase, but they have plates, cups, decorative pieces, and more!

2. Çifteli

Çifteli is a traditional instrument which can be found mostly in the north of Albania.

It’s a sort of guitar-like instrument with only two strings.

In the traditional Albanian songs, you will hear this unique tone of the instrument.

If you are lucky in the northern villages, you may hear an old man sitting and playing the Çifteli!

3. Olive Oil

Albania has some of the tastiest olive oil in the world.

It’s fresh, delicious and has a beautiful colour to it that only the best quality olive oil has.

Being so close to Italy, it’s no wonder that Olive oil is of equal quality of what you can get in Italy.

The Mediterranean area is known for its delicious produce.

The best way to pick up some is by going to the local markets.

The best stuff is sold usually in water bottle containers, nothing fancy but it gets the job done!

This oil usually comes straight from the farm and into the bottle.

Having access to this fresh olive oil on tap is one of the greatest perks about living in Albania!

4. Qilim

A Qilim or a handwoven rug is a fantastic souvenir that you are likely never to forget.

These beautiful handwoven rugs are a favourite of mine.

One of the best places to find one of these is the city of Kruja.

Kruja is only an hour away from Tirana and is a fantastic day trip from the city.

Within the old bazaar are people selling and making on the spot the beautiful Albanian souvenirs.

5. Drawings

There are some incredible artists within Albania, and you will find beautiful handmade drawings within the touristy areas.

One of my favourites was a drawing I brought off a family within the castle walls of Berat.

A drawing is a fantastic Albanian souvenir as it serves as a memory of that certain place you visited.

6. Pupa

Pupa is one of my favourite things to buy.

It is essentially hand-knitted socks that are worn over socks within a house.

They are sort of like fabric slippers and are usually made by grandmothers to keep your feet toasty warm in the winter months.

I have many pairs which are given to me by family but when I was visiting Theth and forgot all my warm clothes, we got talking to a woman who was a shepherd but at the same time knitting a pair of Pupa.

I bought a pair off her for around 500 lek, the best 500 lek I have ever spent.

7. Bunker ashtray

Among travelling around Albania, there’s no doubt that you will see many bunkers.

During communism, the leader Enver Hoxha was certain there was going to be war, so certain that he constructed over 700,000 bunkers to be prepared for a war that was never coming.

Nowadays around 150,000 remain and are scattered throughout the country.

Some are half-destroyed; some have been turned into hotels and tattoo parlours and some just sit there in top condition.

Either way, why not remember your time in Albania by purchasing a bunker ashtray, possibly the most kitsch but funniest Albanian souvenir to purchase during your trip.

8. Cognac

Albania cognac is some of the best in the business.

If you’re looking for an alcoholic Albanian souvenir, then try out Skanderbeg cognac which is available in nearly all small markets and supermarkets.

9. Raki

Leading on from the alcohol-themed Albanian souvenir be sure to pick up some Raki, which is a distilled spirit made from grapes, peaches or any other fruit.

It’s usually homemade and delicious, but very strong so be wary.

Raki can be anywhere from 20 to 80% proof so be careful about how much you drink at once.

Just like the olive oil, raki can be purchased in local markets and is usually in plastic water bottles.

It’s completely clear, like Vodka.

You can also buy more commercial raki in the supermarket in case you need to buy a sealed bottle.

10. Second-hand goods

This might not be a common Albanian souvenir, but I wanted to include it because to me it’s one of the best.

Within the cities, particularly Gjirokastër and Kruja, there are second-hand goods for sale that date from communism times, and even the 1800’s sometimes!

These little shops are like stepping back in time.

You can find an array of interesting things such as old photographs or maps from the communist times, you can even find old helmets, guns and other weaponry.

Although for safety reasons, probably don’t buy a gun if you’re planning on travelling around to other countries or even around Albania!

Some of the stuff you can find in these shops are really interesting, making second-hand goods one of the most unique Albanian souvenirs you will find!

This will definitely be something unique and most likely no other person will have the same souvenir as you!

There’s your big list of 10 perfect Albanian souvenirs which are great to purchase for others or a memory of your trip.

Make sure you support local businesses and small craft makers on your trip.

There are some talented people out there that may not have a commercial shop but have equal or better-quality handicrafts so if you see an artist the best way to support them is to buy their products.

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The city is a popular weekend trip for Albanians who live in Tirana as it’s about a 3-hour drive from city to city.

Korca is now being voted as one of the top places to visit in Albania but tourism is still relatively new to international travellers.

The city is filled with great things to do from exploring the market, getting the best view of the city and eating your heart out on Qofte!

1. Get the best view of the city

One of the best things to do in Korca is to climb the stairs of the red tower.

Here you get an amazing view of the city.

Entry only costs 50 Lek.

I highly recommend visiting at sunset when you can enjoy the view of the city at golden hour.

Take note that the elevator doesn’t work to take you to the top so you do have to walk up 8 flights of stairs.

2. Hang out in Pazari I Vjetër

This is my favourite part about Korce, the bazaar!

This is the most popular place to hang out and wander.

The cobbled lined streets, old architecture and ambience mimic something from a fairytale.

The Old bazaar was renovated recently and has really given it a new lease on life.

There are many bars, restaurants and boutique to check out.

Don’t forget to pick up an Albanian souvenir while you are there.

I will say if you’re a solo female, just be careful in the areas of the bazaar that have no shops open late at night.

There was a street or 2 that had some dodgy drunk groups of men hanging around in a couple of dark corners, and even though I was with a group, I felt a little uneasy.

Generally, Albania is a very safe country, but it’s always best to take precautions if you are alone and are going out late at night.

3. Gaze at the largest Orthodox church in Albania

This beautiful church is probably the most impressive one I have ever seen.

The architecture is just incredible.

This is actually the largest Orthodox church within Albania.

It was built in 1995 after the original cathedral was destroyed during communism as all religion was banned throughout the country.

4. Eat Qofte

Qofte is one of the best things to eat in Albania and throughout the Balkans (except for vegetarians or vegans!).

Qofte is mince with spices, onion and some other secret ingredients.

It’s like meatballs but with way more flavour.

The outside should be a little crispy with the inside being soft and sort of melting in your mouth.

I’m drooling while writing this if you can’t tell already.

One of the best places I had Qofte (said chofta) was in a restaurant within the old bazaar.

Now that I live in Albania I try and make it at home often however it never compares to the qofte in Korca!

5. Have Korca in Korca

While you’re a beer-drinking then you will notice on your time in Albania that you may have the beer called Korca, well that’s because it’s produced in Korce.

There is a brewery in Korca which is popular however despite it being a great thing to do on paper, I do not recommend going there despite what all the guidebooks tell you.

The service is very bad. I waited over 30 minutes at a table and was constantly ignored by all the waiters even after calling them several times and them acknowledging I was there.

It seems this is a common theme reading the reviews online too.

So, instead, I suggest going to a bar within the old bazaar and enjoying a cold glass of Korca while people watching.

6. Take a nightly Gjiro (walk) down Shën Gjergj

This is the main boulevard of Korca and is a great place to soak in local life.

Here you will find many cafes and bars to have a coffee or a nightcap in and it’s a great spot to people watch.

At one end you have the cathedral and on the other, you have the red tower where I talked about earlier.

7. Visit the museum of medieval art

Korce have many great museums but one of the most interesting is the museum of medieval art!

This museum has over 7000 pieces of art and was started in 1980. Entry costs 700lek.

8. Visit the National education museum

One of the most important museums in Korca and Albania is the national education museum.

If you want to learn more about the Albania culture and language then this is a great place to do so!

This building was the first school in Albania which opened in 1887.

This museum will show you the struggles of the Albanian language which is so complex and not similar to any other language in the world!

Trust me, it’s hard as I am studying it right now!

9. Take a day trip to Voskopojë

I had never heard of Voskopojë until a friend mentioned it.

Voskopojë is a popular place for Albanian tourists but I didn’t see many international tourists while I was there.

It’s such a beautiful place in Albania which is known for having an abundant amount of churches.

In fact, originally this small sweet village had 24 churches all built between the 16th and 18th century.

Only 8 of them stand today, which is still a lot for such a small place!

Voskopojë is only a 30-minute drive from Korca, making it a fantastic day trip to the countryside.

Where to stay in Korce?

If you are coming in the weekend I highly recommend booking ahead as the city can get full of weekend tourists coming from Tirana.

I used Airbnb on Korce but wouldn’t recommend the one we stayed in however there are some other great properties on Airbnb.

One of the most recommended places to stay in Korce is Villa Ester.

It’s one of the most beautiful accommodation options with the best reviews!

If you’re travelling to Albania, make sure you don’t miss the chance to visit one of the most beautiful cities.

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I have been travelling and living in Albania since 2017, so I feel I am equipped to answer this question!

When talking about Albania there are so many negative misconceptions mainly coming from the movie Taken or events which happened in the 1900s.

The movie taken was not filmed in Albania or based on Albanians.

I have lost count of the number of times I have mentioned ‘Albania’ and the other person has said ‘Taken’.

I have travelled as a solo female, I have travelled with other friends, and with my boyfriend and I have never had a bad experience in this country since I moved to Albania in 2017.

As a solo female, you may even experience extra hospitality as Albanians have this duty to keep visitors and tourists safe.

The hospitality is second to none, similar to what I have experienced in the Middle East.

Everyone will take care of you and that is a fact.

Albanian’s are incredibly welcoming.

They will indeed invite you for coffee in their homes without even knowing you.

They will also feed you until you cannot walk anymore!

For some reason, Albanians can never leave anybody an ounce hungry. I like that!

One interesting thing about Albania is that if you go for coffee with an Albanian you will have to fight them to pay, they will not let you pay!

If you take notice of a group of friends having coffee or something to eat you will see what I like to call ‘Bill basket’’, where they fight with each other over the bill.

Whoever grabs the bill off the table first is usually the winner – similar to the game ‘eggs in the basket’.

Is there an Albanian mafia?

This is something which you never have to worry about when visiting Albania.

If there is Albanian mafia, they are most likely in London, not Albania.

Why the hell would they still be in Albania?!

But seriously this is something you don’t have to worry about as a tourist.

Where do the misconceptions of Albania come from?

Mostly from Taken and past events.

For over 40 years Albania was cut off from the rest of the world during a strict communist regime, it is said to be similar to North Korea.

In 1992 communism fell and the country found itself in a new world, which no one was familiar with.

Unfortunately, in 1997 the government got caught in a Ponzi pyramid scheme which most Albanians put their life-savings in.

Most Albanian’s lost everything so then the country went into civil unrest knowns as the Albanian rebellion of 1997.

At this time the country was not safe.

More than 2000 people were killed.

Nowadays, 22 years later, reminisce of this civil unrest is still seen around the country today.

To say it straight, Albania has been through a lot of shit in the past and economically it is still struggling with a lot of corruption and a fight for yourself attitude.

The minimum wage in Albania is 150 per month, yes per month.

A lot of people are struggling, but one thing I can say about Albania’s is that they are very resilient.

Despite the hard times, they rise again and again.

And although some may not have a lot of money to live, they would take their coat off to keep others warm in a heartbeat.

Is Albania safe for solo females?

Yes!

Albania is safe for solo female travellers, I and many friends have travelled around the country alone and have experienced the same as me, incredible hospitality.

Travelling alone can be seen as strange to some people. I have been asked a few times when travelling alone if I have a friend I’m travelling with.

When I tell them that I travel alone it is met with a little confusion and a sort of ‘Go girl!’ attitude.

If you don’t want to travel by yourself, there are plenty of awesome tours on Viator or Get Your Guide you can check out.

The staring

One of Albanian’s favourite past times is staring!

This is something you will notice when travelling Albania.

Most people feel uncomfortable when they are being stared at, but I just want to make a note that this is NOT something you should feel bad or unsafe about.

Albanian’s stare at everyone, and for long periods of time.

If there was a staring competition in the Olympics, Albania would have the gold medal.

I have no idea why, but I have been told by Albanian’s it’s because ‘we have nothing else to do’ and ‘it’s our right’ so in short, I still have no fucking idea why.

But the funny thing is that after living here for so long, I now stare ALL the time.

So, like me, you might just take the Albanian stare as a souvenir back home with you.

Is pickpocketing a thing?

Actually no. pickpocketing is not common in Albania at all, unlike many European destinations.

Albanian’s are usually very honest people.

You can leave your phone at a table and most likely it will still be there by the end of the day.

I once left my laptop at a bar in Saranda for 2 days and it was still there when I came to get it!

You may notice cars being left unlocked, front doors open, honesty boxes selling honey and produce and people openly counting wads of cash on the street.

No one will touch them!

If you were in London or even New Zealand, considered one of the safest places in the world, you would not do that because things will get stolen!

In saying that, always take care of your belongings.

There are always some bad people wherever you go so make sure you have travel insurance to cover you in case something does get stolen or you get into an accident.

Taxi scams

The one negative I have found, which has been the truth for nearly every taxi I have taken in the world, is taxi scams, being taken advantage of and paying double, sometimes triple of what you should pay.

The taxis going from Tirana airport to the city are the worst in Albania.

The cost of this trip should be around 1000 lek. A taxi tried to charge me 5000 Lek once!!

Luckily, I know a few words in Albanian so I was able to fight with him, but he still got 2000 lek which is way overpriced.

If you catch a taxi, make sure they put the meter on.

ALWAYS. Or if they don’t, have a price negotiated before you leave.

However, you should do this all around the world, not just in Albania!

So, I hope that gave you a good insight into the safety in Albania!

Is Albania safe?

Hell yeah, it’s one of the safest countries in the world for tourists!

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I have been living in Albania since 2017 and now I have a permanent residency visa.

There’s an abundance of reasons why I choose to live in Albania. 

In my opinion, Albania is the best location in Europe for digital nomads, easily. Here’s why.

Fast internet

To my surprise, Albania has extremely fast internet, faster than anything I ever had in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom. 

The best part? 

I pay 2000 lek per month (€15) for the fastest speed.

In the 2 years, I have lived here I have only ever had one problem with the internet. 

It’s easy to set up. 

I’m with a company called Meno here in Saranda.

There is also reasonable Wi-Fi in cafes, restaurants etc so you can always find a good place to work. 

Obviously, the internet is the most important point when it comes to being a digital nomad. 

You always have to have a good, reliable fast connection and Albania really offers that.

Value for money

Albania is among the top 3 countries in Europe when it comes to affordability. 

The cost of living here as a tourist is extremely reasonable. 

For a 2-bedroom, 2 bathrooms I pay €150 per month. 

Power is roughly 2500-4000 lek (€19 – €31), water is roughly 2000 lek (€15) and Wi-Fi is 2000 lek (€15).

That means my monthly total cost to live here is roughly €200 per month (not including food).

In terms of food, you can grab a full meal here for €1-3, beer will be under €1 and, a loaf of bread is 50 lek (€0.39).

The rich culture and fascinating history

I decided to stay in Albania primarily because I am really fascinated by the culture and history here. 

The culture is still so rich unlike anywhere else in Europe. 

I feel sometimes when I’m travelling in Europe that some countries have lost a lot of the culture they had only 20 years ago, but Albania is different.

There’s so much to learn here and I find it truly fascinating. 

The south and north are completely different too. 

I live in the south (Saranda) they believe in curses, take afternoon siestas and even talk backwards sometimes.

The history in Albania is also fascinating as communism only fell in 1990, and then in 1997, civil unrest broke out after a pyramid scheme meant a majority of Albanians lost everything they own.

During communism, Albania is compared to have the same awful regimes like North Korea. 

During communism over 600,000 bunkers were built throughout the country and you will still find around 160,000 still standing. 

Some have even been turned into hotels, restaurants, and even tattoo parlours.

You can also grab some pretty interesting souvenirs from communism in the likes of Gjirokastra.

The history is very recent, and the country is still recovering but they are recovering at a rapid rate. 

Even since the first time I travelled here, I can notice a small difference.

Delicious food

I love food, maybe too much, so when visiting a country, I eat my heart out, literally. 

Food is so important when travelling. 

You can really experience a country just by eating and Balkan food is some of the best, particularly in Albania!

In the south, you can find the freshest, most delicious seafood and in the north, you can find lots of delicious casseroles and soups. 

Every destination around Albania has its own signature dish and speciality cuisine.

What I love about Albania is the use of fresh ingredients.

I feel full and I feel healthy after eating a meal in Albania because there are no preservatives and all the ingredients are fresh and usually out of their own gardens.

The great news for vegetarians is that there are several dishes without meat too. 

They have a dish called Speca te mbushura which is stuffed peppers, or the simple dish of grilled vegetables is always delicious.

If you’re a meat-eater then you will be in heaven also because they do great grilled chicken, pork and lamb. 

There’s really something for everyone when living in Albania.

When arriving in Albania make sure you start with a food tour to get familiar with the local food!

Lots to do and see in your spare time

There’s SO much to do in Albania.

I live right in the south of Albania on the coast and I can confirm that the Albanian Riviera has the most beautiful beaches I have seen in Europe.

There are so many hidden beaches and coves as well as traditional small villages, vibrant capital and more. 

You will never be bored when living in Albania because there are lots to see and do.

Epic neighbouring countries

If you get itchy feet and want to see and experience new countries, then it’s easy to do so. 

Albania borders Greece, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro – all really beautiful countries with fascinating history and culture also.

I highly recommend visiting Kosovo if you decide to settle in Albania. 

Nature is stunning, food is incredible, and Pristina is one of the coolest cities I have been to!

Have I convinced you to come live and work in Albania as a digital nomad yet? 

I hope so! 

If you have any questions about living in Albania, then make sure you leave them below so I can answer them for you.

Living in Albania is such a great choice for digital nomads as you can see!

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Getting from the lively city of Tirana to Saranda is relatively easy when you know where to go, how to get a ticket and know what to expect.

As I live in Saranda, I have travelled this route many times, going back and forth to the capital on various occasions by bus and by car.

I’m pleased to tell you that although there’s not a whole lot of information around this route it’s super easy. 

Let’s start with the bus.

How to get from Tirana to Saranda

The bus to Saranda leaves from the national bus station just outside the centre. 

If you are getting a taxi, just tell them Saranda bus station (‘Saranda stacion autobuzi’ in Albanian), or south bus station and they should understand you.

Once you arrive at the ‘station’ you will soon say to yourself ‘where the fuck am I?’ and ‘Is this actually a bus station?’ and to answer those questions, ‘yes, this is a bus station’.

You can grab your ticket from the office which is just around the corner from the station. 

When you arrive back just yell Saranda to the 30 men asking where you are going and one of them will lead you to the bus. 

Don’t worry this is the most effective way to find it and the men asking where you are going are actually trying to help you and are assistants to the bus drivers.

The ticket costs around 1300 lek and will take around 5 hours, depending on how fast your driver drives. 

Also depending on what time you leave will depend if it’s a bus or a furgon. 

A furgon is a smaller bus like a van and can always be a little more uncomfortable than a large bus because it’s usually full and it can be very hot!

The bus is usually a standard bus, nothing fancy, no WIFI or anything like that but it’s relatively comfortable. 

In the summer, however, it can be unbearable in the heat of the day as most buses don’t have aircon. 

So, if you are travelling in the heat of summer then leave on an early bus to avoid hours of heat! 

The bus will stop halfway for around 15 minutes so you can go to the toilet and grab some food.

If you’re travelling from Saranda check the map above to see where to get your ticket from. 

The buses wait outside between the ruins and the park in the centre of Saranda.

Tirana to Saranda timetable

Check the timetable below to see when the buses run. 

I will try and update this as much as possible as the bus times can change regularly.

Saranda to Tirana (1300 LEK)

• 5:00am
• 6:30am
• 8:30am
• 9:30am
• 10:45am
• 2:00pm

Tirana to Saranda by car

If you are hiring a car and want to drive to Saranda from Tirana it’s super easy too. 

I’ve lived in Albania since 2017 and this is my favourite way to travel to the city.

There are two ways you can drive there. 

One is fast (You basically follow the SH4 most of the way) and the other is much slower, but you also have the scenery of the Albanian Riviera so if you’re not in a hurry then choose the second.

The first route will take you through Fier, Tepelena and past Gjirokastër.

The travel time is around 4 hours and the road is a highway for nearly all of it so it’s in good condition. 

Albania, in general, is a safe country to visit but I have to admit that there’s ALOT of stupid drivers here.

You may experience overtaking on blind corners, speeding, getting cut off and hazards or holes in the middle of the road. Please keep vigilant and make sure you have good reflexes.

This is the most popular way people go back and forth from Tirana to Saranda.

The second route will also take you through Fier but when you get near Levan you will take the turnoff towards Vlora and go through the city then through the Llogara Pass (one of the most beautiful drives!), Dhermi, Himara and Saranda. 

There are many beautiful villages and beaches you can stop off to have a look at.

The travel time for this route is about 6 hours but be prepared for more than that as there are ample places to see on the way!

The road along the coast is a little bendy in places but other than that it’s good. 

You will have to go slower than the other route because of that.

Tirana to Saranda by shuttle

There’s also another way you can get from Tirana to Saranda and that’s by taking a shuttle with Riviera Bus.

Riviera bus takes you the coastal route, so you get to see the Albanian riviera. 

The shuttle has air conditioning and stops along the way so you can take pictures.

The price is a lot more expensive than taking the local bus. 

A ticket costs €40 compared to the local ticket which is around €10 but you do get a more pleasant ride and see some parts of the country you will miss if you take the local bus.

Tickets can be purchased on their website. 

Take note that this is only an option between June and September, when it’s tourist season for Albania.

Tirana to Saranda by transfer

This is a small shuttle bus which takes you along the quick route and can pick you up from the airport if need be. 

Tickets are around €30 and can be booked via Viator. 

The van has air conditioning and will be more pleasant than the local bus. 

But again, you are paying a premium price for it as expected.

There are 4 different ways to get from Tirana to Saranda by bus, car, transfer, and shuttle. 

Depending on your budget and your time constraints will depend on which option you choose!

If you have any questions, make sure to comment below so I can answer them for you!

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This hike through the Albanian alps is one of the best things to do in Albania by far.

Even if you are not an avid hiker like me, the views are incredibly rewarding, and you get to see a different side of Albania.

To give you a better insight into the hike I have decided to jot down 26 questions that are being asked online and from people in my Travelling Albania Facebook group.

1. The distance of the Theth Valbona trail

The distance of the hike is around 10.5 miles (or 17km).

This can vary though depending on where you are staying in both Theth and Valbona.

This is something you should definitely check before booking accommodation!

You can get a ride to the trailheads to make it a shorter hike, just ask your accommodation.

2. How long does it take to do the hike?

The hike takes around 6-8 hours. Everyone has different paces and maybe stopping more for photos.

Also as mentioned above, it depends on where you are staying if you are not getting a ride to the trailhead.

We didn’t get a ride to the trailhead and left around 8.20 am from our hotel Bujtina Polia in Theth and arrived at our hotel in Valbona (Hotel Margjeka) around 4.45 pm so it took us just over 8 hours to complete.

We stopped a lot because of two reasons, our fitness level was poor and to take pictures and videos with the drone.

You should also factor in the stop at the very top of the trail.

It’s a great place to have your lunch and relax for 30minutes to enjoy the views!

3. What difficulty is the hike?

I would say medium difficulty.

There are some definite steep bits, but you will not find yourself rock climbing or scrambling at all.

But it depends on your fitness level and if you have done hiking before.

I have done harder hikes in the likes of New Zealand than this one and I am in no way an avid hiker.

But please make sure you have good shoes, not socks and sandals like I saw one guy doing it in.

If there is rain on the trail there are some parts which can be slippery, so having a good grip is paramount for your own safety.

4. Do I need a guide?

No, this is a common misconception.

If you’re talking to an Albanian, they will probably say you need one as Albanians are very safety-conscious and always want to keep you safe.

But having a guide is not necessary at all.

The trail is clearly marked, and chances are you will be hiking with lots of other people.

5. Do I start from Theth or Valbona?

This is something I have been thinking long and hard about.

There are many debates on whether you should start from Theth or Valbona.

In terms of difficulty, I feel like starting in Valbona may be easier as starting from Theth it is a constant uphill.

However, the Valbona side you will be walking flat and then boom, there’s more of an uphill.

So, to answer this question, I don’t know, and I would say don’t think about it too much.

I would think about what you feel like doing after the hike, in the days before or after.

I was happy that we stayed in Theth for a couple of nights before because we were able to do the Blue Eye hike and another hike to Theth waterfall which I don’t feel like we would have liked doing in the following day after a hike from Valbona.

6. When is the best time to do the hike?

I would say spring or autumn. Autumn is safer as there can still be snow until late May sometimes.

Summer is when it’s the most popular, but it can be very hot and crowded.

So, I would recommend visiting in late September or even October (if the weather holds!).

We did it at the beginning of October and it was incredible with the autumnal colours and the weather was still amazing.

It’s not possible to do this hike all year round due to snow and ice, the trail is open from around May (usually late due to snow still not being melted) and late October for amateurs.

7. When should I start the hike?

As early as possible!

I would recommend leaving at 7.30 or even 7 if you can get up that early.

Particularly in the summer as it can get hot!

I have heard of people still walking in the dark which you do not want to do so I would recommend having a light breakfast on the go and getting up to the top as soon as you can.

8. Where can I refill my water bottle?

There are cafes (about 4 of them) along the trail.

You can grab a drink and enjoy the view.

This is another reason why you should head out early, so you have enough time to stop at some of these places and enjoy the views they have.

They have fresh springs near the cafes where you can fill up your water bottle.

9. Is the trail marked?

Yes, it is.

There are clear red and white symbols showing you where to go.

There are a couple of places on the Theth side which were not marked clearly which is where my maps.me came in handy.

I would recommend downloading it just in case. It’s an offline map app that shows the trails and roads.

10. Do I have to worry about animals?

You don’t have to worry but you should be aware.

Theth National Park is one of the most biodiverse destinations in Albania so many animals can be found.

This includes brown bears, lynx, wolves, deer, and snakes.

My recommendation is to always keep to the track and if you hear something, make a lot of noise.

It’s something that you don’t really have to think about on this trail as there is usually a lot of people doing the hike and it’s too noisy for these types of animals to hang around there.

11. Can I visit in winter?

No, you cannot do the hike in the winter if you are not a professional or with a guide.

In Theth and Valbona there is heavy snowfall so if you don’t have the right gear it’s not advised.

The villages are attracting more and more people in the winter looking for a wintery escape though.

Just keep in mind that you may have to do a tour to access these places and most of the accommodation suppliers will be closed so always double-check.

12. Where to stay in Theth?

We stayed at a place called Bujtina Polia which was right near the church of Theth.

It has a big fireplace, breakfast buffet, great lunch and dinner options and cute cabins (where we stayed!).

They also have the main house which has some great rooms with amazing views.

It was a great place to stay as it was sort of a base to go either hiking to the blue eye or the other way to the start of the trail.

Click here for latest prices and availability. 

13. Where to stay in Valbona?

I would highly recommend staying at Hotel Margjeka because it’s one of the closest hotels to the start of the trail in Valbona.

They also have a delicious breakfast which is included and it’s one of the best restaurants in Valbona.

The room has a beautiful view and they had superb heating which was essential for October.

The staff were super helpful and friendly too!

Click here for the latest prices and availability. 

14. Are there ATMs in Theth or Valbona?

No, there is not.

Make sure you get enough money to last you for breakfast (most are included in your accommodation for free), lunch, dinner, snacks and any souvenirs you may want.

15. Can you pull off the journey and hike in 3 days?

Yes, you could. If you don’t have enough time here’s what you can do (from Shkoder):

Day 1: Leave from Shkoder to Koman and catch the Koman ferry (3 hours and named one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world) to Fierza, then catch the shuttle to Valbona.

Day 2: Get up early and do the hike to Theth.

This will take 6-8 hours. Arrive at your Theth accommodation and stay the night.

Day 3: Catch a shuttle from Theth to Shkoder.

The journey takes around 3 hours.

You really couldn’t do this trip in just 2 days as the timings wouldn’t quite work if you don’t have your own 4×4 to get there.

16. How do I get to Theth from Shkoder?

The shuttle leaves at 7 am from Shkoder to Theth and cost 10 euro per person.

Ask your hotel or hostel to arrange it for you. Make sure you do it the day before you want to go to Theth.

Here’s the number of a shuttle if your accommodation doesn’t know (0682473011).

17. How do I get from Shkoder to Valbona?

The best way by far is doing the Shkoder-Koman-Fierze-Valbona route.

This trip is 2 shuttles and one boat trip which has been named one of the most beautiful boat trips in the world.

All of the booking can be done on their website here.

The company will pick you up from your hotel in Shkoder and drive to the ferry port of Koman which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Then you will catch the ferry which takes 3 hours.

Once you have arrived at the ferry port of Fierze you will then catch the last shuttle to Valbona which takes around 1 hour.

This whole journey costs 20 euro or 2800 lek and takes around 6 hours (by the time you wait for the shuttles etc).

All of this can be booked online or by giving them a call.

You must make an advanced booking; it cannot be made on the day.

You can choose to pay online (note that you will only pay for the ferry online, you will pay for the shuttles in cash), or it can all be paid in cash.

I highly recommend doing this trip, it was incredible to cruise over the artificial lake of Koman with the mountains on either side!

18. Which is better, Theth or Valbona?

Valbona is a lot more geared for tourism and more developed than Theth is.

I really enjoyed Theth as it had more of a village vibe and was quieter than Valbona (although both are very quiet!).

As we stayed in Theth before the hike we got to explore more of it than we did of Valbona because we left the next day to go back to Shkoder.

19. Can I drive to Theth?

Yes, and you do not need a 4×4.

Sometimes the road is closed at certain times of the year depending on bad weather.

20. Can I drive to Valbona?

Yes, there is a road to Valbona, and you do not need a 4×4.

I cannot comment personally on the road condition though as I have not driven it myself.

21. Where can I leave my bags whilst doing the hike?

I would highly recommend leaving anything you don’t need in Shkoder at an accommodation supplier.

If you stay in a hotel or hostel in Shkoder beforehand, they are usually happy to hold your luggage for you for a fee.

You can also hire a mule to take your luggage over for you.

22. Do I have to book accommodation the night before?

Yes, it is advised too, especially in the summer months as accommodation can be booked.

During the off-season (May-June and September to October) you could easily just turn up without a booking.

23. Is there are any other nice hikes I can do in Theth?

Yes! I highly recommend doing the hike to the blue eye which is 3 hours each way.

The blue eye is beautiful and well worth the walk!

There is also a nice, smaller hike to Theth waterfall which is stunning also.

There are a few more walks within Theth that you can do.

24. Are there any other nice hikes I can do in Valbona?

Yes, there is!

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to do any of them as we were only in Valbona for 1 night, but I have heard that the Meadow Loop is beautiful and well worth it.

Another great option is to walk to the Valbona waterfall.

25. What do I need to pack?

Here are the 5 things I recommend you take for the Theth Valbona hike:

• Filtered drink bottle
• Good hiking shoes
• A good camera
• Light daypack
• A mini first aid kit

26. I’m a solo female, is it safe to do this hike alone?

Although I did this hike with my boyfriend, I would 100% recommend this hike, even if you are a solo female.

As mentioned above with the guide thing, Albanians will tell you should have someone with you, but I don’t see why that would be a problem.

I saw many girls doing this hike by themselves.

Also, there will be other people on the hike too so it’s not like you would be doing it on your own.

27. Does the trail get busy?

Yes, in the summer it can.

I was even surprised when I did it (beginning of October) that around 40 people were doing the hike also.

I can imagine in the summer that this trail would get busy as it is the most popular hike in Albania after all and on so many people’s bucket lists!

I hope you found these 27 questions and answers helpful to prepare for the Theth Valbona hike (also known as the Valbona pass).

If you have any further questions, make sure you leave them below so I can add them into the post.

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After living in Albania for two years and exploring nearly all the country, I finally made it to Theth and wow, it took my breath away.

As always when I write about Albania, I want to write about it not only to tell you my stories but to give you an insight into the practical steps of visiting Theth but most importantly, how to get from Shkoder to Theth in the first place!

Note: Theth is very isolated and there are no ATMs in the village or Valbona.

Please take enough cash with you for the time you are staying there.

Getting to Theth from Shkoder by van

The most popular way to get to Theth is from Shkoder, which is a city in the north of Albania, and a very beautiful one at that!

You should absolutely spend a couple of nights in Shkoder if you can.

There is a van that leaves from Shkoder at 7 am and costs €10 per person.

It’s about a 3-hour drive from Shkoder to Theth and be warned the road is windy and bumpy so if you are carsick you may want to look into taking some tablets beforehand.

Your accommodation supplier should be able to arrange it for you if not the number of the shuttle is +355682473011.

You will need to book the night before as a furgon will pick you up from your hotel or hostel.

It will then take you to a van just outside the city which will take you all the way to Theth.

Getting to Theth by 4×4

You MUST have a 4×4 to visit Theth, a normal car will not do.

The roads are extremely bumpy and there’s a lot of steep and slippery parts to the road.

I visited in October when there was some rain and the road in places was mud.

If you do have a 4×4 make sure you drive it when the road is open.

Currently, they are paving a new road which will mean cars will be able to drive there in the near future, which is exciting!

Times are above.

For a 4×4 the road is great fun!

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of places to pull over and take pictures but it’s a beautiful drive even if you cannot stop.

Getting to Theth by taxi or tour

It is also possible to hire a 4×4 private taxi if you don’t fancy catching the shuttle bus.

The price can vary from €50 to €100 per person.

There’s a great tour that you can do from Shkoder that takes you to the village of Theth and tour of the church, blood tower, the canyon and Waterfall of Grunasi.

They also have the option to see the blue eye (which is an extra charge).

The tour is around €65 per person.

Getting to Theth from Valbona – The Valbona to Theth hike

The Theth to Valbona hike is one of the best things I have done, and I’m not even a hiker.

The journey can take form 6 – 8 hours depending on your fitness levels and how long you stop at the top on the way.

It took us 8 hours, maybe a little over because we stopped to take a hundred photos as well as flying the drone and stopping to take a break.

I would recommend leaving at the latest 8 am, otherwise if you do take a lot of breaks you may be walking to Valbona in the dark which can be a little scary.

There are a few cafes on the way where you can buy a drink and freshen up along the way.

The food in Theth is amazing by the way – some of the best food in the Balkans in my opinion!

You do not need a guide to do this hike.

The path is relatively easy to follow.

There were about 3 times where there were 2 paths but luckily, I had maps.me downloaded on my phone to tell me which way was right.

I highly recommend you download that before the hike because it gives you offline maps and the correct paths for the hike.

I did meet one person who said they got lost and took an hour detour which wouldn’t be nice to do on an already long hike!

Usually, you can leave a bag with your accommodation supplier in Shkoder before doing the hike, so you don’t have to hike with all your stuff.

There is also the option to hire a mule to take it over to the other side for you.

Once you arrive into Theth and your accommodation supplier (check out the best hotels in Theth here), then make sure you organise a shuttle to pick you up the next day.

However, I do recommend that you stay a couple of nights in Theth as there are some great things to do in the area.

We stayed a total of 2 nights, but I could have happily stayed longer as there are a few different walks you can do.

I highly recommend hiking to the blue eye (3 hours one way) and the Theth waterfall which is around 45mins-1 hour walk from Theth.

There are the top ways to get to Theth, whether you’re an adventure lover or not there are options for everyone.

If you’re not a huge hiker, it is possible to still enjoy Theth.

The area is beautiful and although there isn’t a lot to do other than walk and hike, it’s still the perfect place to relax and take in the surroundings.

If you have any questions relating to getting to Theth make sure you leave them below and I will do my best to answer them for you.

Other articles you will love:

• The Best Places to visit in Albania

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You may have seen photos of this small village with the stone church and the alps in the background.

It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Albania, and in the Balkans.

I highly recommend staying at least 2 nights to get the most out of the area.

There’s a lot of beautiful things to do in Theth.

If you are wondering the best way to get to Theth make sure you read this detailed guide on how to get from Shkoder to Theth (4 different ways).

1. Visit the church

The famous church of Theth is a must-visit and inevitably you will see it as Theth is very small!

Theth church has possibly the most beautiful backdrop a church has ever had.

The church was built in 1892.

In 1917 the church was used as a school for the children in Theth to learn reading and writing.

2. Buy a local souvenir

Upon my exploration of Theth, we came upon a woman shepherd who was multitasking and not only looking after her heard but also knitting pupa, which is a sort of sock but is thicker, more like a fabric slipper.

It was the perfect souvenir to take home from Theth, and, I was highly underprepared and didn’t bring anything warm.

We visited in October!

3. Visit the blood feud tower (lock-in)

If you haven’t heard about the infamous Albanian blood feuds, then you’re missing out on a key part of northern Albania’s history.

Blood feuds started as far back as the 15th century when the law of kanun came into play for the tribes in northern Albania and some other countries within the Balkans.

The kanun states that when blood is taken the only way to solve is to take that of who stole the blood.

Meaning if you murdered someone, the family of who has been murdered has the right to kill you and any of your (male) family members.

It’s basically a revenge law.

This tower is where men would hide, it was a sort of safe house where you couldn’t be touched.

Believe it or not, although this law is old, over 300 families in Albania still live in fear in 2019 and don’t leave their homes because of blood feuds and the fear of being killed.

4. Blue eye hike

Distance: 12 miles (19.3km)

Hours: 6- 7 hours

Difficulty level: Medium

One of the best things to do in Theth is to visit the blue eye (Syri i Kalter).

Don’t get it mixed up with the one in the south of Albania, they are different!

Visiting the Blue Eye is a great thing to do for the day.

The hike takes around 3 hours and is medium difficulty.

The hardest bit is the last hour, other than that the path is flat most of the way.

There is an option to get a ride for most of the way and then you will need to walk for around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

I walked there and got a ride back with some friends which I am so happy I did because after 3 hours (and preparing for the big hike the next day) it was a great option for an amateur like me!

There is a couple of restaurants/cafes at the start of the entrance of the blue eye (around the 2-hour walking mark).

Don’t be fooled like I was and think that you are nearly there when you still have another 1 hour to go with nearly all of it uphill.

The blue eye is worth the slog and is one of the most beautiful natural sites in Albania.

When you get to the site there is even a restaurant there which has some beautiful views of the blue eye from above.

5. Theth waterfall

Hours: 45 minutes from Theth church

Difficulty level: Easy/Medium

This is a great thing to do for a couple of hours.

The Theth waterfall is not too far from the centre of Theth and it’s a beautiful walk.

The uphill stage of the walk only lasts around 15 minutes so it’s not too bad and totally worth it when you reach the bottom of the waterfall.

6. Theth to Valbona hike

Distance: about 10.5 miles or 17 km

Hours: 6- 8 hours

Difficulty level: Medium

The most popular hike within Albania and often referred to as ‘the hike’ by other backpackers, the Theth to Valbona hike (or Valbone to Theth, whichever way you want to do it), is not to be missed ad truly is one of the best things to do in Albania.

I am not a hiker at all, but I do enjoy walking and I found this hike to be medium difficulty.

The last hour was the hardest (coming from Theth) as it’s all uphill and it can be steep in some places with it feeling like it may never end.

Or this could simply be me complaining a little too much.

The distance may vary a lot depending on where you stay.

You could easily add another hour onto the walking time depending on where your hotel is, which is why you will hear this hike with so many different times.

We stayed near the church of Theth and left our hotel at around 8.20, and arrived at our Valbona hotel at 4.45 pm so it took us just over 8 hours to complete.

We stayed at one of the first hotels in Valbona which I am thankful for too.

Depending on where you stay, it may also add another hour walk on the road to your guest house!

Stay at … if you’re looking for good accommodation near the end/ start of the Valbona track.

There are a few cafes along the walk where you can buy drinks and fill up your water bottle.

Make sure you bring some food with you. Often the guesthouses will offer to pack you a lunch for the hike so ask you guesthouse about this!

If you have luggage you can hire a mule to take it over the track for you.

Otherwise, a better idea is to leave anything you don’t need an accommodation supplier in Shkoder.

Only pack the essentials!

7. Eat at Guesthouse Shpella

The best place we ate at what this Guesthouse Sphella.

It’s great food, very affordable, a super friendly family who run it.

We got a big grill platter each which was only €7. Soup is only €2!

After a trip to the blue eye or the waterfall make sure you stop here to fill up on yummy food.

8. Stay at Bujtina Polia

This is where we stayed for 2 nights and I highly recommend it.

We had a little cabin which was nice and cosy.

It’s located right next to the Theth church and about a 20-minute walk to the centre of Theth (where the mini market is). The family were friendly, and the food was good.

Breakfast was a buffet and was filled with all the right things to prepare for the days hiking.

We also had lunch there (500lek pp) which was a range of dishes like meat, cheese, salad, soup, bread and water.

They also have family dinners which were €10 per person.

There was a lot of food and a typical Albanian style of lots of different dishes, so you get a bit of everything.

To check their latest prices and availability click here.

When visiting Theth, don’t do what I did and forget just about everything you need to hike with.

There were lots of people with professional hiking gear, walking poles etc but, you don’t need anything fancy.

Still here’s a list of what I recommend you bring with you to Theth:

• A good water bottle 
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Hiking Backpack

I hope this guide has given you a good insight into the best things to do in Theth and the surrounding area.

If you have any questions about Theth or any of the places I have mentioned, then please leave them below and I will do my best to answer them for you.

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You can hike in the Albanian alps, relax in crystal clear waters or visit one of the many UNESCO sites and cities.

As I have been living in Albania for 2 years now, I have plenty of great recommendations on places to visit in Albania.

Depending on what kind of holiday you would like, you can choose your ideal destinations and go from there!

When to visit Albania?

The most popular time in Albania is summer.

The Albanian Riviera is bustling with travellers and locals on holiday although you can find near-empty beaches in summer as Albania is still unexplored by many.

My favourite time in Albania is spring which is March-June. the end of spring is the perfect time to visit in my opinion as there is still hardly any tourists, the flowers are in bloom and the country starts to have a summery feel to it.

Tirana

The lively capital city of Tirana has had a huge makeover in the last few years and has come alive.

The city is filled with cool cafes, bright colours and a lot of history too.

One of the coolest areas in Tirana is Blloku.

This neighbourhood is where the best cafes and restaurants are as well as where some of the elite hang out.

The former communist dictator Enver Hoxha used to live in this area and his old house still stands today.

There are talks that they might turn it into a museum for the future.

There are plenty of great things to do if you do want to learn more about the communist past.

You should visit Bunk art 1 and 2.

Bunk art 1 is just slightly out of the centre and was the underground nuclear bunker for Enver Hoxha and the communist party.

Bunk art 2 was built for the ministry of internal affairs and is in Skanderbeg square.

Whilst in Tirana make sure you visit Kometit Museum bar to try one of these many flavours of raki or enjoy a cocktail at radio bar.

the best accommodation in tirana

Berat

The UNESCO city of Berat is located not far from Tirana and is one of the prettiest places to visit in Albania.

It’s well known for its white Ottoman houses.

From a distance, the houses look like they are stacked on top of each other (by the way, they aren’t!) and there are many windows.

The city is also known as the city of one thousand windows which you will soon see why.

Whether you’re in Berat for just a night or the weekend it’s a great place to explore.

The city is small so you can see everything it has to offer within a day making it a great day trip from the capital.

You must wander around the old cobbled streets as well as visit the castle which sits on the hill above the city.

It’s one of the only castles today that residents are still living within the castle walls.

the best accommodation in berat

Gjirokastër

Gjirokastër is another UNESCO city which is often referred to as being the same as Berat (which is not the case).

It is also known for its ottoman style houses and has the name stone city due to the architecture of the city.

The old part of Gjirokastër is located on a hill with the castle slightly above.

The castle is one of the best in Albania to visit.

You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around and enjoying the views from the top.

There is also an arm and prison museum which you can pay extra to see.

I highly recommend it as there is also a room there which a lot of information about Albanian history and the castle which I haven’t seen before.

The prison is very grim, but the gun part will be a winner with any gun enthusiast, there are so many of them and you can even hold and touch them!

This is by far one of my favourite places to visit in Albania.

the best accommodation in gjirokaster

Saranda

Saranda is located to the south of Albania and is where I have been living since 2017.

There are beautiful beaches, amazing seafood and a lot of history within the city and nearby.

If you want an easy way to get to the Albanian riviera then taking the ferry from the Greek island of Corfu is the best!

It’s only a 25-minute ferry and will bring you right into the centre of Saranda.

One of the best things to do in Saranda is to visit Lekuresi castle for sunset.

This is the ultimate spot to enjoy an epic Saranda sunset over the city.

Another great lesser-known sunset spot is at the monastery of the 40 saints or Kristiano wine bar.

You must also take a trip to Ksamil and the ancient city of Butrint (mentioned below).

Saranda is known for being the gateway to the Albanian riviera so make sure you enjoy the local beaches.

The best is to the south and north of the city (not the centre beaches).

There’s also mirror beach and monastery beach which are my favourite and located just outside Saranda on the way to Ksamil.

Saranda is a very safe city for tourists and digital nomads.

I have no issue walking around late at night as a solo female.

the best accommodation in saranda

Ksamil

Ksamil is also known as the gem of the Riviera or the Maldives of Albania.

There’s a good reason behind that.

Ksamil is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Albania.

In the summer, it’s packed with people so I always suggest visiting in spring or autumn when there are fewer people and you can enjoy it a little more.

If you are a beach bum, you could easily spend a couple of days relaxing and checking out all the beaches.

You can expect Ksamil to be a little pricier than other places within Albania as this is the place to be.

I highly recommend eating at Guvat or Korali when visiting.

They have good quality food and very delicious seafood!

the best accommodation in ksamil

Himara

Himara is a must-see place to visit in Albania.

This beach city is small and not as busy as the likes of Ksamil in the middle of summer.

Himara has it all, beautiful beaches, history and some good restaurants along the boulevard too.

Make sure you check out all Himara beaches.

My favourites to check out are just outside the centre, Livadhi and Prinos.

Another great one which is just before the town called Llaman.

There is also a secret beach which can only be accessed by a steep rock climbing (with a rope) or by kayak or boat called Gjiri i Filikurit.

A great thing to do in Himara is rent a kayak so you can explore the beautiful beaches nearby and hidden coves.

Make sure you take a trip to the old castle which is on the hill behind Himara.

There are still a lot of houses which are still inhabited by locals.

Although the castle is mainly in ruins it’s still a beautiful place to explore and the view is stunning!

the best accommodation in himara

Shkoder

Shkoder is unlike any city in Albania which is why it makes it so special!

The colourful buildings and chilled vibe make it one of the best places to visit in Albania.

Many use this city as a stopover to explore the Albanian alps.

Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy the city for at least a couple of days.

One of the best places to visit is Rozafa Castle and learn about the legend of the woman in the wall (I won’t ruin the surprise for you!).

Another great thing to do is wander around the streets and backroads of the city and take in the architecture. I always say that Shkoder is like walking into an old-fashioned film set.

You may notice that everyone bikes in Shkoder!

So, a great thing to do is rent a bike and ride to the nearby lake Skadar.

Have a nice lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants on the lake and enjoy the tranquillity!

the best accommodation in shkoder

Theth

Not far from Shkoder lies one of Albania’s most beautiful secrets, Theth!

This little village can only be accessed by a 4×4 or an 8-hour hike from Valbona.

The Theth to Valbona hike is the most beautiful and most popular hike within Albania.

There are also some other great hikes you can do in the hour such as the hike to Blue Eye.

If you want to reach Theth the easiest way is starting from Shkoder.

You can arrange with your accommodation to get a 4×4 taxi which will take you to the village of Theth.

If you would like to do the hike you can then stay in Theth for the night and get up early the next day and walk through the alps to Valbona.

The hike can take anywhere from 6-8 hours depending how slow you take it.

From Valbona you can then catch the Komani lake ferry and then a taxi back to Shkoder.

the best accommodation in theth

Korce

Korce is under the radar but it shouldn’t be because it’s beautiful!

You may recognize the name after the Albania beer.

That’s because Korce is produced in Korce, shock! You can visit the brewery and have a beer in the beer garden as well as a bite to eat.l

Otherwise, enjoy your time walking around the streets of Korce.

The architecture and charm of this city are amazing so Korce is worth a stop if you have time!

A visit to the Mirahori Mosque is a must too.

This is one of the most must-see things to do in the city of Korce.

the best accommodation in korce

Kruja

Kruja is still relatively off the radar to tourists but it shouldn’t be because this city holds important history for Albania.

It’s known as the city of Skanderbeg, an Albanian hero who helped the fight against the Ottoman empire.

You can learn more about the epic battle in the Skanderbeg museum which is within the castle walls.

Kruja also has the oldest bazaar in Albania and the best in my opinion!

The bazaar dates to the 14h century and has some amazing and unique souvenirs.

There are lots of second-hand shops too which I highly recommend checking out.

If you decide to stay in Kruja I highly recommend Emiliano Rooms.

I have stayed in one of their Bungalows which overlook the mountains and it was incredible.

Breakfast is also amazing and the dinner option you should take.

For 500 lek each person you can get an array of local dishes, the experience was fantastic!

The location is also awesome as it’s located within the castle walls and the homestay is set in a house that has been there for over 400 years!

Kruja is one of my personal favourite places to visit in Albania.

the best accommodation in kruja

Dhermi

The beach paradise of Dhermi is perfect for a holiday in the sun.

Dhermi has become increasingly popular as the beaches here and nearby are beautiful.

The village of Dhermi itself is charming, you could easily spend a few days soaking up the sun and partaking in some adventure activities.

If you’re in Dhermi be sure to check out Drymades beach and have a drink at Drymades Bungalow.

They have a super cool bar with bean bags and fairy lights right on the beach.

It’s one of the best hangout spots in the area and one of the best places to visit in Albania.

Whilst in Dhermi make be sure to check out the beautiful beach of Gjipe.

It’s one of the best in Albania!

You can reach Gjipe by car to the nearest car park and then a 40-minute walk down to the beach.

Otherwise, rent a kayak or take a boat tour to explore it.

As it’s not accessible by normal car it means it’s not visited by the masses so even in the height of summer you can chill down there and easily find a sunbed.

the best accommodation in dhermi

Borsh

Borsh has the biggest stretch of beach in Albania!

This is another must-chill spot along the Albanian riviera.

With its beautiful waters and chilled vibe if you want a quiet beach vacation then check out Borsh.

Its located not far from Saranda or Himara so if you wanted to do a day trip here it’s possible.

I also recommend checking out Borsh castle which is located around a 10-minute drive uphill from the beach.

I am so surprised that many people don’t even know Borsh castle exists because it’s beyond beautiful!

Borsh is also a mass producer of olive oil.

You will see lots of olive oil plantations within Borsh so if you can pick up a bottle of oil while you’re there, do it!

the best accommodation in borsh

Llogara national park

Llogara national park is along the Albanian Riviera and the Llogara Pass is one of the most beautiful drives ever!

From the top, you gain an amazing view.

You can even go parasailing if you’re an adventure lover!

There’s a lot of fauna and flora within the park.

If you’re looking for a breath of fresh mountain air, then be sure to stop here and take in the beautiful views!

Within the national park, there are lots of hiking trails you can do.

Many start their journey to the Karaburun peninsula from here although you shouldn’t do this unprepared as the trek can take days and you need to take all supplies with you.

the best accommodation in Llogara National Park

Comment below which place is first on your Albanian bucket list!

Other articles you will love:

• 26 Incredible Things to do in Tirana, Albania
• 18 Things to do in Saranda, Albania
• 16 Balkan Tips You Need to Know!

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The city has had a major overhaul in the last few years and now it’s a haven for travellers who are looking for a city that’s different from every other European city out there.  

Tirana has a lot to offer.

From learning about communist history to checking out the many nature sites, it’s a great idea to come here for at least a few days!

Let’s get into the best things to do in Tirana!

1. Visit bunk art 1 and 2

Both bunk art 1 and 2 are a great start to any trip to Tirana.

Bunk art 1 is located just outside of the centre and is the bunker of the former communist leader Enver Hoxha.

You will see rooms upon rooms built for the war that never happened!  

Bunk art 2 is right in the centre on Skanderbeg square and was the underground bunker for the ministry of internal affairs.

They are both eerie and very interesting to see and learn about Albania’s dark communist past.  

2. People watch at Skanderbeg square

A must-do in Tirana is to check out Skanderbeg square and do a good ol’ dose of people watching.

 There are plenty of chairs and loungers to relax whilst you people watch.

In the winter around Christmas time, you will find some nice Christmas markets.

It’s very beautiful!

 3. Hang out in Blloku

Blloku is the ‘cool’ area of the city.

You will find many restaurants and hip cafes.

It’s where the rich and famous live and hang out but it can also be chilled too.

One of my favourite places is the Duff Bar (yes, a rip off from The Simpsons).

It’s an American bar that does the best burgers which can sometimes be hard to come by.

You will find many colourful cafes too so be sure to check out this neighbourhood if you aren’t already staying in this part! There are some great Airbnb’s in this area.

4. Walk around the artificial lake

The lake of Tirana is a great place to chill, go for a run or just simply people watch.

The artificial lake was created in the 20th century and is a popular spot for locals to do their daily exercise.  

 Within the park, there is also an open-air theatre, various courts, a swimming pool and Tirana zoo. 

5. Visit the house of leaves

 The house of leaves is another one of Albania’s best museums and investigates communism Albania from the angle of the spies.

You can look at various equipment that was used in the years of communism to spy on the locals and which made many political prisoners over the years.

It’s a unique museum and must-do in Tirana.

6. Eat at salt

Salt is arguably one of the best restaurants in Tirana and Albania.

It’s set in a beautiful building and there’s so much variety on the menu.

From vegan options to delicious seafood and even sushi, this restaurant is a must!

Every Monday, they also have all you can eat sushi.

For 2000lek per person, you can eat as much sushi as possible!

7. Have a drink at Komiteti

Komiteti is by far my favourite bar in Tirana!

It’s unique because it’s a museum bar so it has so many old treasures around the place.  

They also have many flavours of Rakia here so if you would like to taste some of the strong Albanian rakia, this is the place to do it!

8. Take the cable car up to Mt Dajti

One of the best things to do to get an epic view from above and get out of the bustling city is to take a cable car up Mt Dajti.

This is by far one of the best things to do in Tirana!

The cable car is open 6 days a week (Tuesday is closed for maintenance) and takes 15 minutes to reach the heart of the national park.  

When you have arrived, you can opt to go to the restaurant, stay at the hotel or check out the number of adventure activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, rock climbing and even paragliding.

9. Check out the mosque

The Et’hem Bej Mosque was built in the 18th century and is one of the most beautiful historical monuments within Tirana.

With its beautiful architecture and frescoes, it’s a unique mosque but it’s currently being restored so you are not able to go inside.

But you can marvel the mosque from the outside.

10. Take a day trip to Kruja

One of my favourite places within Albania is the city of Kruja.

Kruja is an important city in Albania’s history as this is where the national hero Skanderbeg fought against the Ottoman Empire and helped overturn their rule.

But this city is not only a favourite for history buffs but also people looking for a unique city break.

Kruja is situated on top of a mountain and has the most beautiful bazaar in all of Albania which is over 400 years old.

Here you can find unique and very beautiful souvenirs which you won’t find elsewhere in Albania.

Here’s a great day trip tour from Tirana to Kruja.

11. Do a food tour

One of the best ways to learn about a country and culture is through food.

You can experience that through a food tour with Albanian food tours.

They will take you to the best places within Tirana, many you may not have heard of if you hadn’t of done the tour.

They also have lots of different options like a walking tour, nightlife tour and food and wine tours.

Each tour is customizable depending on what you’re wanting to see and do!

12. Check out the street art

Amazing street art is popping up throughout Tirana!

Just walking through the city, you will see many beautiful pieces of art.

If you would like to see some specific art pieces of just know what areas to look in, then check out this google map with all the murals recorded. 

13. Visit the pyramid

 The pyramid of Tirana was originally built by Enver Hoxha and was a museum of Enver Hoxha, the former communist leader but after the fall of communism, the museum closed.

After that, it became a conference centre and then in 1999 NATO used it as their headquarters during the Kosovo war.

Once the war had ended it was used for various events but then the officials were confused as to what to use it for. 

It was going to be demolished but many citizens protested it so it’s still standing today but derelict.

But lately, there have plans to turn it into a museum of culture, art and technology which is super exciting!  

14. See the bunker/piece of the berlin wall

Right opposite Enver Hoxha’s house is a small park with a bunker, remains from a communist camp, a sign of Tirana and a piece of the berlin wall.

It’s possibly the most random park of all time but worth a look!

You can go inside the bunker too although, prepare for the stench of urine.

 15. Walk down Toptani street

Toptani street is a beautiful pedestrian-only road covered with overlapping trees and many cute cafes and houses.

Have a stroll down the street and enjoy the serenity away from noisy cars and traffic.

16. Visit the national history museum

The national museum is well worth a look if you want to learn more about Albania and its turbulent past.

There’s also an upsetting gallery which displays images of people who suffered prosecution under Enver Hoxha’s regime.  

There are lots of important pieces on display here, so it’s worth a look if you have the time.

17. Do a walking tour

A walking tour is a great introduction to any city.

There is a good walking tour run by a local in Tirana.

This can be a great thing to do in Tirana when you first arrive so you can learn a little bit more about the city, the best local recommendations and to get your bearings around the city.

18. Find Enver Hoxha’s house

You can see Enver Hoxha’s house which is in the Blloku district.

Unfortunately, you cannot go inside but there are talks about setting his house up as a museum so look out for that in the future.

Enver Hoxha was the old communist leader in Albania. 

19. Visit new market – pazari i ri

The new market is a great place to buy your fruit and vegetables.

It’s set within a courtyard which has some great cafes and restaurants.

There’s an amazing American restaurant nearby.

The market is a newer style and it is a little more expensive than if you went to a local market.

It’s set up more for tourists than for locals but it’s worth the look.

20. Radio bar

This retro-style bar is inspired on the communist period and is filled with…you guessed it, radios!

Radio bar is such a fun little hangout to have a cocktail or two!

It’s located with the cool neighbourhood of Blloku. 

21. Climb the clock tower

To get another great view of the city, you climb the 60+ steps to the top of the clock tower.

It’s open from Monday to Friday and it’s 100lek to climb.

The clock tower was built in 1822 and it has been repaired and extended a few times since then.

22. Get a 360 view of Tirana

Another great view spot and place to enjoy views of the city is from the Sky restaurant.

From there you get a 360-degree view of the city and surroundings.

The restaurant and bar have good food and is of great value.

The Sky restaurant and bar is located just out of the centre and is just one of the many great things to do in Tirana!

23. Tanner bridge

Tanner bridge is remains of the Ottoman empire and a reminder of the history of Tirana.

This small stone bridge was built in the 19th century and can be found at the end of Rruga Presidenti George W Bush.

24. Take a cooking class

Remember how I said that learning about a culture and country through food is a great way to learn?

Well go one step further and take a cooking class to learn how to make some popular Albanian dishes! 

Go as Local have an incredible cooking class which is in Tirana.

You will learn how to make Tave Kosi as well as for Albanian desserts, Rakia and taste some other Albanian food!

The tour costs only €30-40 and goes for around 4 hours.

25. Have a traditional meal at Oda

If you want to taste traditional Albanian food instead of learning to cook it then why not eat at Oda?!

It’s a traditional-style restaurant with lots on the menu to try.

The decor is even set up like a traditional house, so you get the real experience of a traditional meal here in Tirana!

I’ve lived in Albania since 2017 and this is one of my all-time favourite places to eat at.

26. Have a cocktail at Hemingway bar

 This bar is a Hemingway/Cuba themed bar with lots of homely decor options.

It’s a unique bar and has over 100 types of rum!

On Fridays, you can come to enjoy live music and on the other days, you will hear a constant stream of jazz!

The bar is located just off Skanderbeg square.

 So, there’s a big list of things to do in Tirana, tell me below which ones you would like to enjoy first!

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