Albania has an area of 11,100 square miles (28,748 square kilometers) and a total population of less than three million, and while it may be small, it certainly doesn't lack for Things to do and see.

From the stunning beaches of the Albanian Riviera to the fascinating archaeological sites, Albania will not disappoint its visitors.

Below is a list of the top tourist attractions to visit in the country.

The most beautiful tourist attractions in Albania

Albanian Riviera (part of the coastline of Albania)

It is the most popular place in the country, and the reason for that is that it is amazing in every sense of the word.

Long sandy beaches with sparkling turquoise waters, beautiful coastal hamlets with quiet cobblestone streets and flowers everywhere.

The best places to visit are Dhermi, Dhermidas and Fono Beach, and the coastal town of Himara.

Albania

Albanian Riviera

Gjirokaster city

Gjirokastër is one of the most stunning destinations in Albania and the Balkans in general.

This city is located in the south of the country, and thanks to its unique Ottoman architecture, it has been included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Gjirokastër is also home to one of the most beautiful castles in the country.

Gjirokaster city

Berat, the city of a thousand windows

Located in central Albania, Berat is one of the oldest cities in the country.

It is also known as the city of a thousand windows because of the many windows that characterize the facades of its buildings.

Berat has also been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2008, not only for its beauty, but also because the city is a unique example of tolerance (according to the UN classification).

Albania

Berat

Old city of Kruja

Located a 40-minute bus ride from the capital Tirana, Kruja is home to the National Ethnographic Museum, which is housed inside a fortress.

It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Albania, overlooking the Adriatic Sea providing visitors with breathtaking views.

Once you arrive in the city, don't miss a stroll through the old bazaar and buy a local souvenir.

Kruja city

Karaburun Peninsula, Vlora - Albania

The largest city on the southern coast of Albania is Vlora, a city with important historical sites, such as the Kanina Castle, Zvernik Island and Orikum, but it is mostly known as the city where Albania declared its independence over 100 years ago.

From the port of Vlora it is possible to reach the beautiful Karaburun Peninsula (and the nearby Sazan Island).

Albania

Flora city coast

Valbona Valley National Park

hidden between  Alps Albanian, Valbona is a national park dotted with stunning views and alpine landscapes, glaciers, rocks, forests, waterfalls and nature reserves, which form a unique, untouched ecosystem.

Valbona Valley National Park

Pogradec, Lake City

One of the country's favorite destinations for locals is Pogradec, a small town located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, located between Albania and Macedonia.

Pogradec is also one of the most popular summer destinations in Albania due to its beaches and vibrant atmosphere.

Albania

Pogradec city

Amazing Lake Koman

Lake Koman offers visitors one of the most beautiful scenic views on the peninsula. Balkans.

The ferry ride is one of the most beautiful boat trips in Europe, taking passengers from the hydroelectric dam in Koman directly to the port of Verza, a beautiful little village.

Lake Koman

Shkodra, the cultural capital of Albania

Locals often consider Shkodra the cultural capital of the country due to its many attractions, such as the photography museum, theatre, historic castle, mosques and lifestyle.

It is the largest city in northern Albania and is often used as a starting point for visits to the surrounding mountains.

Albania

Mosque in Shkodra

City of Apollo or Apollonia

Near the industrial city of Fier, a city located between Tirana and Vlora, is Apollonia, once one of the most important cities in Europe and a must-see for every tourist.

Apollonia is also where Octavian Augustus (the famous Roman Emperor) studied before becoming Emperor.

Apollo city and some archaeological ruins