It’s the European destination everyone’s talking about for future vacations. Albania, once the world’s most isolated country, now seems determined to make up for lost time and become THE next must-visit beach destination. Between its lingering air of mystery, off-the-beaten-path charm, affordable costs (but for how much longer?), countless coastal development projects, exploding air connections, and more, it really could become just that very soon.
To the point where it might overshadow – or prevent people from discovering – this other Albania with its rich culture, history, and heritage still very much present throughout the country. Not least through these sites inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Berat: Ottoman Legacy in Stone
UNESCO inscription : 2005
In the heart of Albania, Berat is one of those cities marked by history, particularly the Ottoman presence that lasted for centuries in the region. Here, the old center and the fortress that overlooks it stand as testimony to that era, even though – unique to this city – Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim, and at one time even Jewish communities managed to coexist peacefully, each leaving their own traces. For those who’d like to enjoy some nature in the surrounding area, Tomorr National Park is a beautiful nearby mountain region perfect for hiking.
Butrint and Its Ancient Ruins
UNESCO inscription : 1992
Perched on a peninsula south of the beach resort of Saranda and just 3 miles from the Greek island of Corfu, Butrint is a major ancient site. It’s actually the most interesting in the country and has almost everything needed to rival sites you might find in Greece itself.
Here, you’ll discover the remains of an ancient theater, Roman baths, a 5th-century chapel, a 6th-century basilica, a beautiful city gate called the “Lion Gate,” plus a 14th-century medieval fortress that also houses the site museum.
Gjirokastër: A Living History Book
UNESCO inscription : 2005
Near the Greek border, this city (also called Gjirokastra) is one of the essential inland destinations to visit. Both its stunning Ottoman architecture and its perched 18th-century citadel give it all its charm and allow us to discover a chapter of regional history from when this area was under Turkish rule.
UNESCO inscription : 2019
Straddling Albania and North Macedonia, this vast 135-square-mile lake offers swimming, fishing, and various water activities. It’s surrounded by Galicica and Pelister parks and is inscribed on UNESCO’s list as part of the “Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region.”
On the Macedonian side (which is the more interesting), the lake is home to several monasteries and charming villages around its perimeter, plus the city of Ohrid, the region’s tourist capital. With its beautiful surrounding landscapes, ancient center, numerous churches and monasteries, fortress, and beaches along the lake, the city attracts visitors to the point of being the most visited place in all of Macedonia. So don’t hesitate to cross the border for a day trip to explore it.
Too Many Tourists in Albania Already?
We know it now – Albania is experiencing a real tourism revolution. To the point where some predict the country could soon become the new Greece or Croatia for millions of vacationers from across Europe.
From being the world’s most closed country just a few decades ago to “Europe’s destination of the moment,” the transition can seem harsh if not violent. Especially since people are starting to talk about Albania as a place potentially in “danger” because of mass tourism.
To understand the country’s tourism evolution, just a few numbers:
Zero visitors during the forty years of Enver Hoxha’s dictatorship until its fall in the late 1980s, then a few tens of thousands of visitors afterward, mainly from Eastern European countries. The first million was reached early this century, a second around 2010 with a clearer proportion of tourists from Western Europe attracted by genuinely low prices and an off-the-beaten-path feel. Five million just before COVID, almost 12 million in 2024, even more expected this year… and even 20 million projected for 2030!
All this for a country of 11,000 square miles (roughly the size of Maryland) and 2.4 million inhabitants. Definitely something to be a bit concerned about…
More info: albania.al
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
