Albania is a Mediterranean country in the southeast of Europe located in the Balkan peninsula, by the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea. Albania shares borders with Montenegro in the northwest, Kosovo in the northeast, North Macedonia in the east, and Greece in the south. Albania is well known for its sunny weather, its mountains, and its beautiful white-sand beaches.
This small country with 3,5 million citizens is also known for its natural resources and archaeological sites. It’s a destination well worth a visit.
Shkodër
This city is the fifth biggest city in Albania and one of the oldest cities of the Balkans. Shkoder implies some strong cultural, economic, and religious influences in the north of Albania. this city is surrounded by rivers from three directions, the river of Kir in the east, Drin in the southern, and Buna in the west.
Shkoder is situated by the borders of one of the biggest lakes of south Europe which is surrounded by massive mountains. while visiting Shkoder, you can take the chance to explore the Marubi Museum of Photography or you can go for a bike ride along Lake Shkodra
Krujë
It’s a city rich in history and blessed with beautiful natural landscapes. Situated between the Mount Krujë and the Ishëm river, this city is only 20 kilometers away from the capital of Albania, Tirana. the city of Krujë is 600 m above sea level at the foot of mount Krujë and while in the south and west of the city you can find the Ishëm river.
In Krujë, you can discover its many museums, its castle, and its historic center or even explore the sacred temples and the ancient ruins of the city of Albanopolis.
Durrës
Durrës is the second biggest city in Albania, it’s located in a plain between the mouths of Erzen and Ishëm.
Durrës is well known for its Mediterranean seasonal climate. this seaside town owns a port which is 33 kilometers away from the capital Tirana, open particularly to Italy and to the whole world.
when you visit the restaurants of this city, you’ll definitely notice the Italian cuisine’s influence on the delicious dishes served to you. Durrës is also known for its unmissable sandy beaches.
Tirana
Tirana is the biggest city and the capital of Albania. this city is located in the center of the country, surrounded by mountains and hills. Tirana is known for its Mediterranean seasonal climate due to its closeness to the Mediterranean sea. it can be described as one of the wettest and the sunniest cities of Europe.
Tirana represents the heart of the economy of Albania and the most industrialized city in the country. One of the best places to visit in Tirana is the National History Museum.
Berat
Named “the town of a thousand windows”, Berat is the oldest city in Albania, located in the center-south on the right bank of the Osum river at the foot of the Tomorri mountain, about 120 km far from Tirana. Berat is home to many archaeological and historical sites and it is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Berat is well known for its set of charming white traditional houses and its stunning fortress.
Vlora
Vlora is the third biggest city in Albania. This city is located 135 km away from the capital Tirana, in the southwest of the coastal region in Albania, close to the southern end of the Adriatic Sea and the northern part of the Ionian Sea.
Vlora is known for its Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Vlora is also a producing town of good quality olives and oil. Economically and culturally, Vlora is one of the most important cities of Albania.
Gjirokastër
It is one of the few well-preserved Ottoman towns in southern Albania, built on a valley between the mountains of Gjerë and the Drino, at an altitude of 300 meters. It is situated 150 km far from the capital Tirana. This city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gjirokaste is an industrial and commercial city where textile plays a huge role in the city’s economic growth and cultural presentation. In Gjirokaster, you can visit its old bazaar, discover the magnificent old ottoman houses and have a good time by visiting the ethnographic museum.
Qeparo
It is a seaside village built on a rocky hill at an altitude of 450m. This village is part of the Albanian Riviera. Qeparo is composed of an ancient village and a new one. its name is derived from the Greek word Kipos which means “garden”. Qeparo is a worth mentioning tourist destination. This village has two hotels and a few guest rooms that allow tourists to enjoy the beaches.
This small city offers beautiful landscapes, mountains, and beaches with turquoise water, you just have to visit Albania.
Saranda
Saranda is a coastal city in the south of Albania. It is located on a gulf of the Ionian Sea, close to the island of Corfu.
This town is known for its deep blue Mediterranean waters. in the last years, Saranda has experienced a steady increase in the number of tourists. Visitors of this city are drawn to its natural landscapes and its archaeological sites.
In Saranda, you can explore the Blue Eye, a lagoon located half an hour from the city. You can also visit the archaeological museum in the center of the city.
ksamil
It is a city on the southern Albanian Riviera located at 4 km in the north of Butrint that owns four small islands that you can visit by swimming. Ksamil is one of the most popular seaside resorts for tourists thanks to its paradisiacal beaches.
while visiting this city, you can enjoy the warmth of the sun rays, the white sand beach, the clean waters, and the beautiful sunset on the beach. You can also enjoy the Albanian food served in ksamil restaurants.
