Albania is a very small country, but this is exactly the case when tourists will only benefit. After all, the resorts of Albania are located next to each other, and if you wish, you can visit several cities during your vacation and form your own impression of each of them.
Usually people go to Albania to enjoy swimming in the Adriatic or Ionian Sea and admire the amazingly colorful cities that seamlessly combine Eastern and European architecture. There are also picturesque canyons, many interesting sights, original cuisine and a local population that is truly attentive to tourists. And, what is very important, prices at resorts in Albania are quite reasonable.
And as souvenirs that will remind you of your vacation, you can bring ashtrays in the form of a bunker, bone figurines, Christmas tree decorations and jewelry purchased at local markets, or Korca beer and Skanderbeg cognac.
Which resort in Albania to choose – comparison table
| Resort | Peculiarities | Beaches | Who is it suitable for? | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vlora | This resort is considered one of the best in the country. The infrastructure here is well developed, and the climate is definitely conducive to relaxation. The warmest period is from June to September: the air warms up from +26 °C to +30 °C. And the water temperature reaches +25 °C | At this Albanian resort, tourists will find exemplary beaches: sandy and pebble, clean with azure water and a pleasantly refreshing breeze. There are sun loungers and umbrellas, and there is shallow water for children. There are also water activities: catamarans, slides, bananas | An excellent place for families with children and those who love water activities, diving, and hiking along rocks and coniferous forests | $$$$ |
| Durres | This city was founded in 627 AD, so the atmosphere here is special. As for the climate, it is typical of the Mediterranean. In summer it is dry and warm here, the air warms up to +32 °C, and the water – up to +25 °C | Another Albanian resort that attracts with its beaches. They are also very clean and sandy here. The entrance to the water is gentle, the shallow water is quite long. And the beaches of Durres are framed by pine forests, so the air here can rightfully be called healing | This resort is suitable for those who want to combine a beach holiday and diving with sightseeing, including families with children | $$$ |
| Saranda | A small but hospitable resort in Albania. The hottest months here are July and August, the air temperature varies from +29 °C to +30 °C, and the water warms up to an average of +25 °C | The beaches of Saranda are located on the shores of the Ionian Sea. They are mostly pebble, but hotels sometimes fill their beaches with sand. All beaches are clean and well maintained, with umbrellas and sun loungers. There is a floating playground for children | A resort for those who want to relax on a sparsely populated beach, walk a lot, and enjoy the views. It will also be interesting for divers and snorkelers | $$$ |
| Ksamil | This resort is located on the border with Greece, washed by the Ionian Sea, and there is also a very small promenade and not many shops and cafes. The hottest months in Ksamil are in July and August – up to +30 °C, the water at this time warms up to +25–26 °C. But there are also a lot of vacationers during this period | The beaches of this resort are clean and well-groomed, with white or yellow sand, but small. For vacationers there are sun loungers and sun loungers. Waves here are rare, and the depth of the sea near the shore is knee-deep, the entrance to the water is gentle | Ksamil will be appreciated by lovers of diving and snorkeling, as well as those who want to live in a very small Albanian town: quiet and with beautiful nature. | $$$-$$$$ |
Vlora
This is one of the best resorts in Albania. Due to the fact that the city has a well-developed infrastructure, there are attractions and there are no problems with transport, and the nature is simply beyond praise, tourists often choose Vlora.
In addition to relaxing on the beach in Vlore, you should definitely visit the restaurants. The freshest seafood and fish will leave few people indifferent. It’s also worth trying the national dish – Kharapshi meat pie. Olives are brought from Vlora as souvenirs.
There are also spa treatments available for tourists.
As for the attractions, they are here for every taste. For example, the monastery on the island of Menagerie, the Muradiye Mosque, the house of Bektashi Kuzum Baba (there is a restaurant and an observation deck), a historical museum, an ethnographic museum, the ruins of ancient Apollonia, the ancient Orikum amphitheater, the Porto Palermo fortress.
Vlore also has a gorgeous embankment, walking along which you can see the most beautiful sunsets in Albania. In addition, the car ferry “Antonio” is sunk off the coast of the city; it is very interesting for divers. And very close to Vlora is the Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park. Here you can see sea turtles, dolphins, seals and sharks.
Durres
Another city on the list of the best resorts in Albania. The local gentle and warm sea of a unique shade of blue is remembered by tourists for a long time. As, indeed, is the hospitality of local residents and delicious seafood in restaurants.
In addition, Durres is a resort with a rich history. You can learn about how the city lived since ancient times by visiting the local attractions. Among them:
- the round Venetian tower hanging over the sea (by the way, there is a bar in it);
- the monumental Roman amphitheater, which has been successfully restored (it is included in the UNESCO tentative list);
- Mosaic house with a fountain;
- Museum of Archeology;
- Fatiha Mosque;
- Villa of King Ahmet I Zog.
Saranda
Lovers of a calm and quiet holiday on pebble beaches and connoisseurs of architectural monuments come to Saranda.
The main attraction of Saranda is the ruins of the ancient city of Butrint, which appeared in myths, and Virgil called it the new Troy. The site is now included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Tourists can see many well-preserved buildings here and feel how they lived here in ancient times. You can also visit the Lekursi fortress and go to Foinike to look at the impressive acropolis there.
And in Saranda you can try real Albanian cuisine. There are many very small private restaurants with reasonable prices and a friendly attitude towards guests.
Off the coast of this Albanian resort, divers can see the sunken cargo ship and minesweeper.
Ksamil
The main thing people come to Ksamil for is the sea and beaches. There really are a lot of them here, for every taste. The beaches in the bays are especially attractive.
As for attractions, they are mostly natural. For example, Lake Butrint, it offers stunning views from the observation deck.
It grows mussels, which you can try in a restaurant on the shore. Not far from the lake are the ruins of Greco-Roman times with an amphitheater.
And for tourists who are keen on diving, a sunken Chinese frigate rests off the coast of Ksamil.
Other resorts in Albania
Borsh is essentially a small village not on the seashore. There are many olive groves here, and they produce oil, which you can bring as a souvenir. This place is secluded, there are very few people on the beaches, but you can count on umbrellas and sun loungers.
Dhermi is a small Greek village near the Acrokeraunian mountains. Its residents are still engaged in the production of olive oil, but tourism is now beginning to actively develop. The beaches here are clean, wide and well-maintained. Interesting places include the monastery of St. Theodore, the Pirate’s Cave and the picturesque canyon.
Korça – in addition to the sea and beaches, you can stroll along the streets of the old town. You can also visit the Museum of Education and the Orthodox Resurrection Cathedral, look at the Clock and Observation towers, and a couple of tens of kilometers from Korça there is the interesting village of Voskopoe.
Lukove is a quiet and very small village. Suitable for those who want a calm and relaxed holiday on local beaches.
Pogradece is a small village on the shores of Lake Ohrid. They say that Pogradec has excellent fishing (they catch “pastrymka”). Folklore is developed here, and festivals are also held: food, wine, puppet theater.
Tirana is the capital of the country. It is worth visiting the historical center, seeing Skändeberg Square, the Hadji Ethem Bay Mosque and the Saat Kula Clock Tower.
Himara – This area, surrounded by mountains, is inhabited mainly by Greeks. Tourists are attracted by the white sandy beaches and hills covered with lush greenery of olive and citrus groves. The old town, located on a hill, is also worthy of attention.
Shengjin is a combination of a wide sandy beach, blue sea with shallow waters and iodine-rich air. Those who come to Shengjin usually visit Lake Skadar, St. Joseph Island.
Shkodra – this Albanian resort attracts tourists with the opportunity to visit the Rozafa fortress, which stands on a rock, and the Lead Mosque, which surprisingly does not have a single minaret, and, of course, relaxing on the beach.
Resorts in Albania – frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What are the most popular resorts in Albania?
Among the most popular resorts in Albania for those who want a warm sea are Ksamil, Vlora, Saranda.
For those who want to party, Durres and Saranda are suitable. Beach parties are often held here and there are clubs.
And those who want silence and solitude most often choose very small settlements where tourism is just beginning to develop: Borsh, Dhermi, Korça.
Which resorts in Albania are suitable for families with children?
By and large, all resort towns in Albania are suitable for families with children, because there is no crowd on the beaches, the cuisine is in many ways similar to what we are used to, there are a lot of attractions for kids, and the locals are welcoming and friendly.
Most importantly, the sea in Albania in most holiday destinations is warm and shallow. Typically, tourists traveling with children are advised to choose one of the resorts located on the Adriatic coast between Durres and Mali Robit. Also popular with parents are Saranda and Ksamil.
Which resorts in Albania are best for young people to relax at?
Durres is considered the most youthful resort in Albania: there are many nightclubs, parties and discos are regularly held. By the way, the main place for parties is the embankment. It’s a lot of fun here until midnight! Durres also has all the opportunities for active leisure: boating, jet skiing, snorkeling and diving.
Also, young people often choose Saranda. This resort is universal: there are places for privacy, but there are also clubs, restaurants, and bars. And if you want something else interesting, you can go to Corfu and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Which resort in Albania should you choose for excursions?
If the purpose of the trip is sightseeing and excursions, then Durres will be a good place. The city itself is interesting, it has many architectural monuments. And in the surrounding area there are also many noteworthy locations.
You can also go to Saranda. There are many tour agencies in this city, so tourists have a choice of where to go and what to see.
Which resorts in Albania are suitable for a relaxing holiday?
In general, there are not many tourists in Albania, so this country is suitable for those who want peace and quiet. The following resorts in Albania are especially attractive for a relaxing holiday:
- Saranda, from which it is very close to Corfu, however, getting here is not so fast: from Tirana to Saranda is about 200 km, the journey will take about 6 hours;
- Berat is an excellent quiet place for those who don’t care so much about the sea, but want fresh air and sights;
- Vlore: Despite being one of the best resorts in Albania, it is quite peaceful and you can also take an excursion to Brindisi, an Italian town located nearby.