Charming European Towns Albania

Situated beside the Osum River, Berat is known as the City of a Thousand Windows. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town rises in tiers of whitewashed Ottoman houses with stacked windows that seem to watch each other across the river.

Wander the cobbled Mangalem and Gorica quarters, linked by an arched stone bridge.

Berat Castle, also known as the Citadel of Berat, is a historic fortress that dates back to the 13th century. It features Byzantine-era churches and Ottoman mosques and is situated on a hill overlooking the town of Berat.

The Onufri Iconographic Museum is dedicated to Byzantine art and features a collection of over 200 sacred artworks, including icons and liturgical items from the 14th to the 20th centuries.

Known as the Stone Ciry, Gjirokaster was built from gray slate with steep cobblestone streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At the heart of the city lies the Old Bazaar, a labyrinth of cobbled lanes lined with stone-built shops and Ottoman façades. Dating back to the 17th century, it once bustled with merchants trading carpets, silver, and spices from across the region.  

Dominating the skyline, Gjirokastër Castle is one of the largest and most impressive fortresses in the Balkans. Its origins stretch back to the 12th century, though it was expanded by the Ottomans in the 19th. The castle also hosts the National Museum of Armaments, displaying weapons from medieval times to the World Wars, along with relics from Albania’s communist period.

Stretching along the Ionian coast, Himare sits with a mountainous background.

The old upper village, Himara Kastelo, is situated inside a crumbling castle with views over the olive groves and the sea.

There is a lovely chain of beaches – Livadhi and Llamani.

Situated on a mountainside, Kruja is the cradle of Albanian national identity.

The Old Bazaar is a historic marketplace that dates back to the 17th century, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional crafts. Visitors can explore its winding streets filled with shops selling handmade goods, local food, and cultural artifacts.

Kruja Castle is a historic fortress known for its significant role in the resistance against the Ottoman Empire, particularly under the leadership of national hero Skanderbeg. The castle offers stunning views and houses several museums that showcase Albanian history and culture. It is home to the Skandberg Museum.

The Sari Salltik mountain viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the historic town of Kruja and the Adriatic Sea. It is a popular destination for hikers and tourists seeking both natural beauty and cultural significance.

Situated on the banks of the Vojosa River, Permet is known as the City of Roses.

Walk to the City Rock, a huge boulder that can be climbed for amazing views of the valley. It serves as a symbol of the city and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, making it a popular destination for visitors.

Enjoy the Benje thermal pools beside an Ottoman bridge and soak in the warm mineral waters by the river.

The main spring is located near the historic Kadiut Bridge and forms a natural-looking pool under the mountain slope.

Shkoder is the cultural capital of the north.

Rruga Kolë Idromeno, named after a renowned Albanian painter, sculptor, and early photographer, is the social heart of the city lined with pastel-colored buildings, stylish cafés, and independent boutiques.

Built in 1867, St. Stephen’s Catholic Cathedral — also known as the Shkodër Cathedral or Kisha Katolike e Shkodrës — is one of the largest Catholic churches in the Balkans.

Perched on a hill overlooking the town and the Buna and Drin Rivers is the Rozafa Castle. It is a historic fortress known for its stunning views and rich legends.

Situated in a glacial valley in the Accursed Mountains, Theth is a town with stone and timber farmhouses.

The Church of Theth, built in 1892, is a significant Catholic church that serves as a cultural and historical landmark, reflecting the village's Catholic heritage and community spirit. 

Trails will take you to the Blue Eye of Theth and a thundering waterfall. It is a stunning natural spring located in the Albanian Alps, famous for its vibrant turquoise waters. It is accessible via a scenic hike.

Enjoy the Grunas Waterfall, located in Theth National Park, a stunning 25-meter waterfall known for its picturesque blue pools and scenic surroundings.