Popular Destinations in Albania
Tirana
The capital and largest city of Albania, Tirana is the cultural, economic, and
political hub of the country. The city is located on the western centre of
Albania and is surrounded with hills. Tirana has a heritage that dates back
to the Ottoman Empire. This city is replete with natural beauty and boasts
colourful streets filled with a plethora of clubs, restaurants, historical
sites, and outdoor activities. It is a small city and thus it can be easily
covered in a day or two. Some of the major tourist attractions in Tirana
include Skanderbeg Square, Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the National Gallery of
Figurative Arts.
Sarande
A resort town on the Albanian Riviera in southern Albania, Sarande is
sandwiched between the hills of olive groves and the Ionian Sea. The town
is located on a horseshoe-shaped bay, fringed by beaches and a promenade.
There are archaeological remains of a 5th-century synagogue located at the
center of the town. History buffs can also head to the 16th-century
Lekuresi Castle located on a hilltop above the town. This castle offers
gripping views over the shoreline and the sea. An excellent place to visit
for nature lovers, Butrint National Park is located in the south of the
town and includes the ancient city of Butrint and the beaches of the Ksamil
Islands. This ancient city of Butrint is an archaeological site boasting an
early Christian baptistery and a well-preserved Greek theater, plus ruins
of Byzantine and Venetian buildings. The mountains around the town boast
hiking trails and are dotted with traditional villages and ancient
monasteries.
Durres
Durres is a port city located on the Adriatic Sea in western Albania. The
city is famed for its massive Roman amphitheatre. Located close to this
amphitheater is an ancient church with mosaic-covered walls. History buffs
must not miss out on exploring the Archaeological Museum showcasing pieces
from the Greek, Roman, and Hellenistic periods.