The Best Albania Travel Guide

Albania is fairly new to tourism and one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Hikers and nature lovers will love the Accursed Mountains, beach lovers can head to the resort-dotted Albanian Riviera along the Mediterranean Coast, and history buffs can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Butrint. In the city of Tirana, there’s a café culture and busy nightlife. You can visit all of the best Albania beaches here. Continue reading our Albania Travel guide and plan your trip today!

Albania Weather – When to Visit

Albania weather is wonderful in the Spring.  In March it’s starting to get warm, the flowers are blossoming and there are almost no visitors.

In March you pretty much have the UNESCO sites to yourself. The weather is cool, making it a great time for wondering around.

May is the start of summer and European vacationers are flocking here. Although it is still uncrowded compared to other European destinations. For beach goers, this is the best time to take advantage of the hot Albanian climate and the wonderful Albania beaches.

Best Albania Beaches

Borsh Beach

Borsh beach is the place to go if you are looking for a quiet natural but still breathtaking place to relax. The place is so pristine and beautiful that creates the illusion of an amazing beach that was discovered yesterday.  With the mountains surrounding the long beach, it makes the beach looks like it will never end.

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Dhermi Beach

On Dhermi beach you will find various pebbles, some nearly like sand. The water is clean and deep with a very nice blue color. There are plenty of restaurants, and the beach has umbrellas and chairs to relax on.  For explorers, there are lots of coves and smaller bays further along the beach.

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Gjipe Beach

GJipe beach is the perfect place to go if you prefer to enjoy the nature and don’t want to fight the crowds.  To reach the beach requires a nice 30-minute trek through the forest that offers fabulous views of the coast. There’s rarely a crowd here.  Despite the seclusion, there are a few amenities like a snack vendor and some straw huts, but you’ll definitely feel like you’re in a personal paradise.

Zvernec Beach

Speaking of personal paradise, Zvernec beach has beautiful landscape, clear blue water, and a small island which can provide you with the perfect beach vacation experience.  The island includes an 18th century monastery in the middle of a pine forest, accessible only by a wooden bridge.  You can camp and hike here, as well as just lounge and swim here. 

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Palasa Beach

Here you will find a combination of white sand and rock on the beach.  There is very little development here.  There are a few restaurants and cafes, and one nightclub that often draws a crowd, but Palasa is the beach for those whose want to avoid the crowd.  The beach offers pristine waters, camping options, and a quaint village to visit.  Llogara National Park is also nearby.

Best Albania Restaurants

Piazza $11 – 30

This standout restaurant serves playfully presented seafood with a modern Italian flourish. Think scallop compote served in the shell and slow-baked fish cooked with vegetables. People come from as far as Tirana to eat here, so it’s worth booking a table. Telephone: 355 052 237601 Web: Piazza

Rapsodia $11 – 30

Chef Alfred Marku builds his daily ‘Kilometre Zero’ menu from a combination of foraged ingredients, homemade cheese, and products from the local livestock and arable farmers’ cooperatives. Telephone: 355 682 947771 Web: Rapsodia

Uka Farm $11 – 30

Guests can enjoy fresh, flavorful vegetables and locally sourced cheese, meat and quality homemade wine. The Food is served very fast and warm, and you can literally taste the farm, with a warm atmosphere that is very relaxing. Telephone: 355 67 203 9909 Web: Uka Farm

Spaghetti Luli Under $10

If you want an intimate, small and feel like home this is the place. It’ s a family run business and the cook is Luli a chef with more than 20 years of experience in Italian cusine. She has dedicated this place to only pasta making, which is fresh made by her at the best price. Telephone: 355 69 935 4614 Web: Spaghetti Luli

NEPS $11 – 30

Great restaurant with very fresh food, very professional and friendly wait staff! Breakfast is also very good! Highly recommended for quality, quantity and price. Telephone: 355 69 460 9111 Web: NEPS

Best Albania Tours & Activities

Best Albania Bars & Clubs

Radio Bar Tirana

Radio Bar is a unique place in Tirana, especially for retro lovers and artists. It is also well known for cocktails, good music and nice staff. Web: Radio Bar Tirana

Jericho Cocktail Bar Saranda

Great cocktails, great selection, great views and good prices. Web: Jericho Cocktail Bar Saranda

ROX Cafe Bar

A great place to relax with a drink or two in a nice ambiance. Some nights they also have live music or a DJ playing until the early hours. Telephone: 355 68 437 1000 Web: ROX Cafe Bar

Hemingway Tirana

Great little bar, great staff and live jazz music. Very unique bar. Web: Hemingway Tirana

Illyian Saloon

Illyrian Saloon is a new bar inspired by the culture and traditions of ancient Illyrians. With just the right mix of good drinks, good music, history and pagan traditions. Telephone: 355 69 211 6800 Web: Illyian Saloon

Best Albania Hotels