The best time of year to head to Albania is definitely the summer. The “land of the eagles” is not only home to some of the most spectacular beaches and coastal destinations in Europe, it’s also great for those who want to spend their holidays trekking or hiking mountains. Here are some of the country’s highlights for when the sun’s out.

Himara

Another not-to-miss place to visit in Albania during the summertime is Himara, the main village situated along the Albanian Riviera. Himara is mostly known for its intense nightlife and stunning neighboring beaches, like Livadhi and Spile. The best thing to do here, besides spending some time swimming in the crystal clear waters of the enchanting bays, is to head to the spectacular Ali Pasha Castle, a large fortress located 15 minutes from the town that offers breathtaking views over the sea.

Saranda

Saranda is considered by most as the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera: it is the main town in southern Albania, with plenty of cool clubs and excellent restaurants, frequented by international tourists and surrounded by terrific beaches that are perfect for a beautiful Albanian holiday. For travelers who have extra time, the best thing to do is to organize a day trip to visit the stunning Blue Eye, a natural spring with multicolored waters located near the town.

Ksamil

Ksamil is the last beach along the Albanian Riviera and one of the best, too. Ksamil, also called “the Ionian pearl” because of its beauty, is an enchanting beach with three small islands reachable by boat or with a pleasant swim. Summer is a great time to visit Ksamil, but the best months are June and September; during July and August tourists from all over the world overcrowd the beach. A plus here is the presence of the archaeological park of Butrint, one of the four UNESCO sites in Albania.

Theth

The land of the eagles is home to spectacular mountains as well. For those who prefer to spend their holidays surrounded by nature and mountains, the perfect destination is Theth, the most famous and prettiest village in northern Albania. Theth is the right place for those who are looking for tranquility and relaxation, but also for people who love to practice outdoor activities, such as trekking, hiking or riding horses. Theth is home to the other Blue Eye of Albania, another natural spring with crystal waters, hidden in the middle of the forest.

Koman

From Shkodra, the main town in northern Albania, travelers can organize a trip to Lake Koman, one of the most beautiful places to visit in the country. Koman is an artificial lake that looks like a Norwegian fjord, built during the Communist regime, situated in northern Albania between Shkodra and Valbona National Park. There is nothing better to do during the summer than to book a boat trip to Lake Koman and then visit the Valbona valley.

Pogradec

The last best place to visit in Albania during the summer months is Pogradec and Ohrid Lake. Nestled between Albania and Macedonia, Ohrid is the oldest and deepest lake in Europe. The main Albanian town is Pogradec, a lovely place that boasts restaurants, beaches, and cafés. Along the lake, there are three not-to-miss places to visit: Lin, which offers terrific views over the lake; Drilon, the summer resort of the former dictator Enver Hoxha; and Tushemisht, a nice hamlet near the Macedonian border.

Dhërmi

If there is one place in Albania that everyone should visit during the summer, it is Dhërmi. This enchanting coastal village located in the south of Albania, at the beginning of the famous Albanian Riviera, is one of the most spectacular places to see in the country, as well as in the Balkan Peninsula. Dhërmi is home to some of the best beaches of the Mediterranean, including Dhërmi Beach and Drymades, which is one of the most scenic bays in the country. A plus here is the presence of the lovely hamlet of Dhërmi, filled with traditional houses, Orthodox churches with blue domes, and secret alleys full of colorful bougainvillea.

Berat

Berat is a UNESCO-listed town with turbulent history and impressive remains of its past – the Berat Castle and a mix of churches and mosques that demonstrate in the best way the religious and cultural diversity of the Balkans. Its identical black and white houses with windows like a thousand eyes are lined on the banks of Osum River and make for an impressive backdrop for a photo.

Gjirokastër

With an hour and a half by car from Saranda, you can reach the fabulous town of Gjirokastër, another Unesco world heritage site known for its stunning Ottoman-era architecture. The town is famous also to be the birthplace of the two most famous Albanian men, the former dictator Enver Hoxha and the writer Ismail Kadare. The best thing to do in Gjirokastër is to stroll through the city center, admire its white-façade houses, buy something at the old bazar and reach the majestic fortress to admire terrific views over the town.

Butrint

Inhabited since the prehistoric times, Butrint was once a Greek colony, a Roman colony, and a bishopric. It is the largest and most famous archaeological park in Albania and a Unesco World Heritage Site too. The highlights there are the theatre, baptistery and basilica. In the uptown, there is also a museum with artefacts found in the ancient area.

Shkodër

Shkodër is a small town that sits on the shores of a lake, not too far from the sea and some stunning sandy beaches, perfect for a dip in the summer. In fact, it often draws comparisons with Italian towns and villages due to its quaint, relaxed atmosphere and its architecture, with pastel coloured homes and piazzas found throughout, while many of its restaurants also follow suit. What’s more, it’s home to a big fort and some fascinating museums, including the Marubi National Photography Museum and the Site of Witness and Memory Museum, which details the history of communism in Albania.

Albanian Alps

As well as being an underrated beach destination, Albania is also slept on as a spot for hiking and nature trails too. The Albanian Alps, also known as the Accursed Mountains, offer some stunning scenery for visitors to walk hike through, including lakes, meadows, pastures and towering peaks. It’s a dramatic, colorful and absolutely stunning place to go for a long walk.

Apollonia

Apollonia is a gorgeous archaeological site that everyone should include in their travel itinerary. It is situated near the city of Fier, an industrial town located in the middle of Albania close to Vlora, which is one of the country’s most famous summer destinations. In the ancient times, Apollonia was one of the most important economic and trade centers of Albania and the world, where future Roman emperor Octavian Augustus also studied. The site hosts also an Orthodox monastery and an archaeological museum that’s totally worth a visit.

Gjipe Beach

Gjipe Beach is remote and is the reward for making a 45 minute trek, which begins at the Saint Theodore Monastery. From there, you have to walk along an at times precarious cliff-side trail, but it’s more than worth the effort.

A handful of deck chairs are found scattered across the small pebbly beach, with plenty of trees providing shade from the hot summer sun. Due to its location, it remains relatively peaceful, even during the peak visiting seasons.

Tours & Trips in Albania

The ‘European Maldives’ is growing in popularity due to its amazing clear blue seas and powdery white sands – but its cities are packed with vibrant culture and fascinating history too, which only adds to this country’s unique charm. Book one of our carefully curated tours & trips and discover all Albania has to offer.

-https://theculturetrip.com/europe/albania/articles/the-best-places-in-albania-to-visit-during-the-summer-