Ready to visit Albania?

Here’s where to stay, what to see, and more.

Mlenny/Getty Images

It felt like I was getting to see and feel something I shouldn’t.

Giant Coat of Arms of Albania Emblem Statue in a street roundabout in the city center of Tirana under blue summer sky with fluffy cloudscape, Tirana, Capital of Albania, South Eastern Europe.

Albania Emblem Statue in Tirana, Albania.Credit:Mlenny/Getty Images

I closed my eyes and dove under, realizing then that paradise has another name: Albania.

In early June, I visited Albania for a summer vacation alongside my husband.

And we loved every inch of it almost as much as those who live there.

Walkway through Berat

Old town district of Berat, Albania.Pintai Suchachaisri/Getty Images

Best of all, it’s a place where travelers are receiving a warm welcome.

“The country is incredibly welcoming, and locals are known for their hospitality,” Dzemidzic added.

It’s an excellent choice for solo travel."

Aerial of Manta Resort

Exterior of Manta resort in Albania.Courtesy of Manta

Ready to see it for yourself?

Here’s everything you should probably plan the perfect trip to Albania.

The cultural hub is also home to plenty of old-school sites like the Rozafa Castle.

Albania, Shkoder County, Albanian Alps, Theth National Park, Theth, female hiker

Hiker in Theth National Park in Albania.Westend61/Getty Images

And its prime location means it’s within easy walking distance to nearby attractions like Skanderbeg Square.

Hotel Mangalemi, Berat

Find yourself in the center of Albania with a stay atHotel Mangalemi.

Things to Do

Westend61/Getty Images

Hike in Theth National Park.

Ksamil beach, Saranda, Albania, Albanian Riviera, beautiful seascape

Beach in Ksamil, Albania.Inna Luzan/Getty Images

Immerse yourself in Mother Nature atTheth National Park, located in the Albanian Alps.

It’s a destination beloved for its massive, craggy peaks, gorgeous waterfalls, and lush valleys.

See the Blue Eye.

Albania, Albanian Alps mountains, Theti, Teth National Park, autumn

Theth National Park in Albania.Andrea Pistolesi/Getty Images

You’re not supposed to swim in the water, though you will see people doing it.

(And really, you may not want to as the water is absolutely freezing.)

However, you’re welcome to walk over the bridge to get a view of it from above instead.

Aerial image of the city of Tirana during the season of Autumn.

Highway going through Tirana, Albania.Bardhok Ndoji/Getty Images

Walk through the City of Stone.

Gjirokaster, known as the “City of Stone,” is a must-see for history lovers.

Visit the National Archaeological Museum.

Get to know more about Albania’s history at theNational Archaeological Museumin Tirana.

Here, travelers will find white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters.

Jale Beach

Looking for some peace and quiet?

Find it at Jale Beach.

Its calm waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Just be prepared for temperatures even by the coast to hit close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The airport is connected to major European cities, with airlines like Lufthansa and Alitalia offering regular flights.

By Car:If you happen to be road-tripping through Europe, then getting to Albania is a breeze.

Drivers can get into Albania from Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece.

The roads here are well-maintained.

However, be ready for tight corners in the mountains and lots of traffic in the major cities.