Things To Do

Skanderbeg Square

- The "Center" of the City - This is Tirana's geographical and cultural center. Take a picture with the iconic "Skanderbeg Monument" which showcases Albania's national hero, and take in the sights from the surrounding area - the national Opera house on the right, the national museum on the left, the iconic 1920's Italian style ministerial buildings on both sides of the street flanking the beginning of the city's main boulevard. Once you are done with pics, take a stroll up the boulevard to get back to the hotel.

Bunkart 2

You will notice several bunkers across Tirana (and Albania, for that matter). To make a long story short, these were built in the 60s/70s/80s in anticipation of foreign invasions that never came. While many have been demolished, a few have been turned into quite interesting museums - one of which is in the center of Tirana and a short walk from where many of you will be staying. Go in and check it out! From TripAdvisor (4.5/5.0 rating): "Bunk'art 2 reconstructs the history of the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs from 1912 to 1991 and reveals the secrets of “Sigurimi”, the political police that was the harsh persecution weapon used by the regime of Enver Hoxha. Bunk'art 2 is the first major video museum exhibition dedicated to the victims of communist terror."

Pazari i Ri

- The "New Bazaar" - Tirana's old, iconic fresh produce market has been redeveloped and transformed into a bustling center of activity, the center of which housing fresh produce brought in daily from surrounding farms, while the surrounding cafes, bars and restaurants entertain the public until the early evening hours. Enjoy fresh beer, the local specialty "qofte" (Albanian version of meatballs) and a coffee at the very cool "Bicikleta" cafe. If you really want to get into it, you can start haggling with the local farmers on a half-kilo of fresh olives, but we leave that up to you. Enjoy!

Blloku

- Tirana's "Meatpacking District" - Once closed off to the public and only available to high ranking government officials, Blloku (or the "block") is now a vibrant and fashionable part of town lined with retail shops, cocktail bars and cafes. Most of you will be staying a few minutes walking distance from the Bllok, so find a few minutes to grab a seat outside (this part might be tough) and enjoy some cocktails in the summer sun.

Dajti Express Cable Car

Located just 15 mins from the centre of Tirana, “Dajti Ekspres” provides it’s visitors with an unforgettable experience. Take the 15 minute trip up Dajti Mountain on the longest cableway in the Balkans and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. At the summit, relax and enjoy the surroundings, take a stroll and enjoy the view! Feel free to have a drink at the rotating bar/cafe, located on the 7th floor of the Dajti Tower Hotel - a 45-minute stay at the bar will swing you a full 360 degrees and ensure you get a full view of the beautiful surroundings, including the Dajti national park. Check out the website for how to get there - cabs are probably the best bet and will run under $10 each way.

Castle Of Kruja

Kruja is a ~1-hour drive from Tirana and a very interesting historical city. It's castle is the site of the 25-year rebellion staged by Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg, against the Ottoman Empire in the mid-1400s. The one hour drive is well worth visiting the castle ruins and the old Watch Tower, as well as the quick walk through the "Old Baazar of Kruja" - an 400-year old market where you can still find local merchants selling antiques and handmade crafts. Buy some handmade wool slippers, snap some pics and finish your stroll up and down the bazaar. There is also a very interesting museum near the castle - if you feel you need to get more history before heading back.

Dhermi (Empire Beach Resort & more)

Dhërmi is a village part of the municipality Himarë. The village lies 42 kilometers south of the city of Vlorë and about the same distance north of the southern city of Sarandë. The village is built on a slope of the Ceraunian Mountains at approximately 200 meters in altitude. It comprises three neighborhoods: Gjilek, Kondraq (also known as Kallam), and Dhërmi itself. The mountains descend to the southwest into the Ionian coast and Corfu in the distance to the south. Recently, the coastal area has seen a boom in the construction of accommodation facilities, such as wooden villa complexes. In addition, it is considered by the Albanian youth as a nightlife destination. We recommend you to stay at the Elysium Hotel or Drymades Inn Complex. The beach club of Empire Beach Resort is highly recommended (https://www.facebook.com/empirebeach/)

Folie Marine

Great for a beach break!

Saranda

Second largest city in Albania. From there you can take a one hour ferry (boat) to go to Corfu, Greece.

Lëkurësi Castle

Blue Eye

Water spring and natural phenomenon. This is the initial water source of Bistricë river , 25 km long, which ends in the Ionian Sea south of Sarandë. Divers have descended to fifty metres, but it is still unclear what the actual depth of the karst hole is.

Ksamil Islands

Voted the most beautiful beach of Albania with its white sand and crystal clear water.

Butrint Ancient Theatre

UNESCO World Heritage Center

Berat

About a 2-hour drive south of Tirana lies one of Albania's oldest and most interesting cities - Berat. Berat is going on its 25th century and is a member of UNESCO's World Heritage List. The city is an amazing mix of eastern and western cultures, including religious institutions, architecture, food and traditions.

Gjirokastër

Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Gjirokastra is a ~3.5-hour drive south of Tirana. Nicknamed the "City of Stone", it was founded in the 4th century AD as a castle on the side of a mountain. Similar to Berat (and many other cities in the region), there is an amazing castle (recognized as the most impressive castle in Albania), a wonderful old-style bazaar running through the center of town, very interesting architecture, local delicacies, etc.