Compare Albania holidays

What to do in Albania

From culture to cuisine, Albania has something to quench most holiday cravings. Away from the usual crowds of the Adriatic coast, you can explore the coffee culture of the cities, spend long lazy days on quiet beaches and walk through ancient history – all on one incredible getaway.

For families

Sarandë is one of Albania’s best-connected cities outside Tirana, making it perfect for a family holiday. As the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, there’s a wide choice of accommodation, too. From here, you can explore Sarandë Beach or the quieter bays of Pasqyra and Ksamil, visit the ancient Roman ruins at the Monastery of 40 Saints, and take a trek through Butrint Archaeological Park. On the days you don’t want to stray too far from your resort, take in the views along Bulevardi Hasan Tahsini, stopping for coffee, ice cream and cold beer along the way.

For cheap holidays

For a cheap holiday to Albania, consider a city break to Tirana. There are plenty of direct flights from the UK to the capital, which is full of budget-friendly hotels and hostels. There’s a place to suit most budgets in the central areas near Skanderbeg Square or in the upmarket Blloku. If you’d prefer a cheap beach break, look at hotels in Ksamil. To grab a great deal while temperatures are still in the mid-20s, visit either side of the summer, in May or September.

Food and drink

Take your pick from traditional cooking, fusion dining, mouth-watering street food and plenty more in Tirana.

Try the national dish of baked lamb and rice served with yoghurt sauce – called tavë kosi, it’s a staple item on many menus. Byrek, a kind of salted filo pastry pie, is another local favourite well worth a try.

When it comes to drinking, coffee is the winner out here, so pay a visit to one of the city’s many coffee houses for a cup or two. Expect to encounter raki as well, a strong, clear spirit served with most meals.

Walk through history

Near the Greek border, Butrint National Archaeological Park brings thousands of years of European history into one beautiful place. In just a few hours, you’ll walk your way through Roman, Greek, Ottoman and Venetian archaeological ruins, charting the civilisations that have left their mark on the ancient city.

While Butrint is the largest, it’s not Albania’s only archaeological park. In Apollonia, you can get up close to Roman mosaic floors, pillared facades and the remains of many frescos. Further north, in Durrës, you’ll find the remains of an enormous Roman amphitheatre that could once hold around 20,000 baying spectators.

Hit the beach

Whether you want to have the sand to yourself or the buzz of beach bars, a trip to the Albanian Riviera is a must.

Without the overdevelopment of some of its neighbours, the country’s coastline has no shortage of quiet coves and breathtaking bays ideal for uninterrupted swims. If you prefer your beach breaks to feature a few more facilities, the larger resort towns of Dhërmi and Himarë deliver without losing their rustic charm.

Get outdoors

Plot a route to the Albanian Alps to trek the paths less travelled. Also known as the Accursed Mountains, the foothills are full of charming villages, enormous lakes and sprawling valleys. Spend a night in Valbona while you’re here to take in its national park and sip your coffee in the mountain air.

Head north on the ferry across Lake Koman to Fierzë and spend your rest days in a traditional Albanian mountain village where spectacular views are standard.

For more of Albania’s incredible scenery, take a cruise up the Vjosa River. The river flows 270km (170 miles) without any interruptions by dams or power stations, which is why it’s been dubbed the last ’wild’ river in Europe. Stop off in the hot springs of Përmet and the beautiful beach town of Vlorë on your way.