Albania’s Growing Appeal as a Travel Destination
Albania has been gaining significant attention from tourists in recent years, thanks to its affordability, breathtaking coastlines, and historic towns. This trend is particularly noticeable as overtourism continues to impact popular European destinations like Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal. As a result, more travelers are seeking alternative locations that offer similar charm without the overcrowding.
One of the standout regions in Albania is the Albanian Alps, which have become a hidden gem for those looking for an escape from the crowded Dolomites. The Alps provide a tranquil environment with stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal destination for hikers and nature lovers.
Key Places to Visit in Albania
Tirana
As the capital of Albania, Tirana offers a vibrant cultural scene and a rich historical background. The city has undergone a transformation from its communist past to a bustling Balkan hub, featuring a unique mix of Italian, Ottoman, and communist-era architecture.
Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as The Pyramid of Tirana, Bunk’Art 1 & 2, and the House of Leaves museum to gain insight into the city’s communist history. Strolling through the city allows travelers to admire the colorful, artistic buildings. Tirana also boasts a thriving café and bar culture, where visitors can enjoy local delicacies like burek pastry.
With its compact layout, Tirana provides easy access to nearby mountains and natural attractions, making it a convenient base for exploring the region.
Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera is known for its stunning Ionian coastlines and secluded beaches, such as Gjipe and Filikuri. Travelers can relax on white sand or pebble beaches like Jale and Ksamil or take a boat tour to discover hidden coves.
Water sports enthusiasts can kayak or snorkel to explore the underwater wonders of the Ionian Sea, including the Blue Eye natural spring. The area also features historical sites like the 19th-century Porto Palermo Castle and the UNESCO-certified ancient ruins of Butrint National Park. Hikers can enjoy the beautiful trails of Llogara National Park.
Dining at waterfront restaurants in Sarandë or enjoying a quieter time in Himarë offers a taste of the local cuisine.
Albanian Alps
For those seeking a peaceful mountain holiday, the Albanian Alps, also known as the “Accursed Mountains,” provide a perfect setting. The Valbona to Theth hike is one of the most famous routes, taking around six to nine hours to complete. Visitors can also explore the Theth Blue Eye, a vibrant turquoise cold water pool near the village of Nderlysaj, or visit the Grunas Canyon and Grunas Waterfall.
Traditional villages in Theth and Valbona offer a glimpse into mountain life, while a boat ride through the Drin Canyons on Komani Lake provides a “fjord-like” experience. For an authentic stay, travelers can choose to stay in a traditional “Kulla” or stone house, enjoying organic, homemade food and the hospitality of local hosts.
New Hotel Openings in Albania
Green Coast Hotel
Opened in June 2025 on the Ionian coast near Palasë beach, the Green Coast Hotel is the MGallery Collection’s first luxury property in Albania. This five-star boutique hotel is located an hour’s drive from the upcoming Vlora International Airport, making travel to the country more convenient.
Designed with a stone quarry-inspired aesthetic, the hotel blends seamlessly with the Mediterranean environment, using earthy, raw materials. Guests can enjoy a private Blue Flag beach, a five-level spa offering sound healing and olive oil-infused treatments, a high-end infinity pool, and panoramic sea views from every room.
History enthusiasts can explore the Caesar’s Trail hiking experiences, which highlight Palasë’s ancient connection with Julius Caesar. The hotel is also close to Llogara National Park, ideal for hiking, traditional mountain cuisine, and exploring “Flag Pine” forests.
Crowne Plaza Durres
Opening in 2026, the Crowne Plaza Durres is a five-star addition on Albania’s Adriatic coast. With over 130 stylish rooms, the hotel is situated on the Taulantia Promenade, offering easy access to the center of Albania’s oldest city and all local attractions.
Tourists can enjoy a full-service spa, an indoor swimming pool, a casino, and a fitness centre. Business travelers will appreciate the high-tech meeting facilities, while wellness seekers can enjoy a sauna and Turkish hammam.
Adorn Tirana
Expected to open in the second quarter of 2026, Adorn Tirana is part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. With only 25 rooms, including six suites, the hotel aims to provide a warm, intimate atmosphere for guests.
Located on Gjin Bue Shpata Street in Tirana, the hotel offers easy access to key attractions such as Bunk’Art 2 and the National Art Gallery. It is also conveniently close to the Selman Stermasi Stadium and the Artificial Lake of Tirana park, as well as Skanderbeg Square and the Former Residence of Enver Hoxha.
Rooms will feature standard amenities like air conditioning, televisions, minibars, 24-hour room service, and free high-speed internet access. Guests can also enjoy a piano bar and cozy restaurant, with available services such as airport transfers.
Upcoming Developments
Vlora International Airport
Vlora International Airport is expected to tentatively open in late 2026, with infrastructure mostly completed. However, the airport has faced delays since 2024 due to pending certification, which could push back the timeline further.
Located near Akerni, approximately 10km north of Vlora, this will be Albania’s third international airport, serving over a million passengers annually. It will primarily focus on tourism in the southern coast, featuring a 3,200m runway that can accommodate larger aircraft and more tourists.
Once operational, the airport will provide easy access to the Albanian Riviera and southern coastal region, including the Vjosa-Narta Protected Landscape, which offers hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and boating opportunities, as well as monasteries like the Zvërnec Monastery.
For now, travelers planning to visit the Vlora region should still fly to Tirana International Airport, which is about two hours away.
Visa-Free Travel
Albania maintains an “open and traveler-friendly entry policy, especially for European visitors,” according to LoveAlbania.al. Citizens of the EU, Schengen Area, EEA countries, Switzerland, and the UK can visit Albania without a visa for short stays.
Visa-free stays are allowed for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, aligning with common European travel rules. Saudi Arabia has recently been added to Albania’s visa-free list, allowing Saudi Arabian tourists to travel visa-free to Albania from 15 April to 31 December 2026 with a valid passport.
This temporary exemption is intended for tourism purposes during the peak season and end-of-year holidays. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in Albania.
Saudi Arabian travelers with valid, multiple-entry Schengen, US, or UK visas, which have been used at least once previously, can also enter Albania, along with visitors holding valid residence permits from the above-mentioned countries.
