In the past few years, Albanian tourism and travel grew exponentially. In 2023, it ranked 4th globally. A major achievement for this small Balkan country which has been affected for decades by the consequences of its Communist past. But, don’t let that word scare you. Albania today is one of the safest, most untouched, and continuously underrated countries in Europe. As tourism grows each year, spending a few days and weeks, or even months in Albania is a must! It’s a country that shouldn’t be defined by its past and instead explored for its stunning coast, quaint historical villages, and breathtaking mountain views.
So, is Albania worth visiting? Well..Yes! See exactly why and where.
POGRADEC
Pogradec, located in the southeastern part of Albania, sits along the edges of Lake Ohrid. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. In the distance, you’ll see a hint of Macedonian land and enclosed from both sides are two mountains that beautifully contrast its serene waters.
A small and quaint town, completely opposite from the busy metropolis of Tirana, Pogradec is an underrated city that often gets overlooked from tourists making their way through the country. See below for a quick guide on where to go and what to see.
Albania is known for its abundant coffee shops and in Pogradec it's really no different. With tons of places to sit and relax, start your day by grabbing a macchiato at Hymeti’s Palace! 
During the day, visit Drilon National Park. Hop on one of the boats there for a fantastic view of Drilon River.
Hungry? Pogradec has dozens of restaurants both traditional and modern lined up just a few feet away from the main beach. Trying Koran is definitely a must as it's a fish found primarily in this region. 
Finish up the night by enjoying the sunset. No other place is better then on top of Pogradec Castle. With a complete view of the entire town, it's a breathtaking sight. 
QEPARO
Part of the dozens of small towns and villages of the Albanian Riviera, Qeparo is one of the few that still stands rather untouched. As a true hidden gem of this region, it’s the perfect place to visit for a day trip from larger cities such as Himare and Saranda or simply stay there the night as well.
A few things to do in Old Qeparo before you travel down to the beach…
Simply wander through the cobble stone streets. While many of the houses are uninhabited and some are in the midst of renovations, it's a fantastic way to still see the true heart of this small village. 
Head over towards Porto Palermo Castle. A 10 minute drive from Qeparo, the castle sits on an island separate from the mainland. Whether you're a history buff or nature lover, this place offers the perfect opportunity to explore both. The Entrance fee is only 300 Lëke too!
With tourism on the rise in Albania, sometimes finding a relatively secluded or quiet beach is harder to come by. Qeparo is one of the few places where this is still possible. Head down to one of it's white sandy beaches for a quick swim.
KRUJE
A small but certainly impactful city near the capital of Tirana, Kruje has been important to this region since the early beginnings of the Illyrian era where it served as the home of the Albani. Later on, it was known for being the hometown of Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero. It has made a cultural impact for hundreds of years and has been at the center of some of the richest Albanian history.
The first place that's a must while you visit Kruje is it's castle. Hard to miss from down below, it stands watching over the city much like it once did when Skanderbeg was preparing for battle with his army. 
While you're at the castle, make sure to also stop at Skanderbeg Museum, one of the most visited in all of Albania.
Finally, nothing beats spending the rest of the day wandering around the old bazaar. It's the center and heart of Kruje, where you can shop for souvenirs, chat to the locals, and grab some amazing traditional Albanian food!