Are you looking for the best places to visit in Albania? This Eastern European country has an extraordinary variety of landscapes including the sea, mountains, world heritage cities and delicious gastronomy, writes Rebeca Serna in the Spanish daily "Viajeros".

If you are looking for nature, cultural heritage and authentic places at affordable prices, Albania is the best choice! We recommend 14 amazing places to visit in Albania;

Berat, the city of a thousand windows

The most popular tourist destination to visit in Albania. A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city, less than two hours away from the capital. Berat is a city with more than 2000 years of history, where different cultures have left their mark. Although it lacks major monuments it is a gigantic museum. The emblematic image of the city shows us an enigma of small stone houses, from the bank of the river Osum, climbing erratically to the top of the slope crowned by the fortress of Berat. The icing on the cake is the thin minarets of the mosques, whose call to prayer blends with the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the city. Berat is divided into three distinct historical neighborhoods: the Christian neighborhood of Gorica, the Muslim neighborhood of Mangalem and the neighborhood of Kala, located on top of the hill where the castle is located.

The breathtaking canyons of Osum

Very close to Berat is a destination with a surprising and still unknown nature, the Osum Canyons. It is a large gorge more than 13 kilometers long, the largest in Albania and with rock walls reaching 100 meters in height. You can also visit the Bogova waterfall. Access to this area is via a simple road of about 30 minutes (one way) and, although small, the waterfall is excellent for swimming in the summer.

Gjirokastra and the charm of the Ottoman style

Gjirokastra, another city included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is undoubtedly the best example of traditional Ottoman architecture in Albanian land, otherwise called the 'stone city'. What is today a beautiful castle (partly in ruins) and with the best views of the city, hints at a glorious past. The cobbled streets of Gjirokastra are a real pleasure for long walks. Here you will discover architectural gems from the time of Turkish domination, mostly large and elegant palaces with stone-covered roofs (a distinctive feature of the city). Also, if you like nature and hiking, you should know that it is surrounded by mountains and beautiful natural spaces. Also visit the "Syri i Kaltër" Nature Park or the Hotova Birch National Park and its hot springs area, Banjat t Benja, reports ATSH.

Bênja thermal water springs, or Bênja Baths

You will be amazed by the wonderful Ottoman bridge of Kadi and the sources of the thermal waters of Bênja, or as they are called Banjat e Bênja. Without a doubt, another amazing and very authentic place to see in Albania. This place is located near the city of Përmet and within the Hotova Fir National Park. The drive here is a huge attraction in itself because of the spectacular scenery. After leaving your car in the parking lot, you can enjoy the wonderful view of this medieval bridge next to which there is a group of thermal pools with sulfur waters overlooking the mountains and with free access. I also advise you to walk along the river bed through the Langarica canyon for about 1 kilometer. In addition to enjoying a spectacular panorama, you will also find other pools much less frequented.

Blue Eye, Natural Monument

Halfway between Gjirokastra and the Albanian Riviera, the Blue Eye Natural Monument has become one of the most popular places to visit in Albania. And no one wants to miss this spring the super intense blue waters that spring from the interior of the earth in a beautiful natural wooded environment. It is a very visited spot during the summer where swimming is prohibited. Albanian Riviera, the best beaches in Albania. Albania has nothing to envy its neighboring countries in terms of natural wealth and the so-called Albanian Riviera is the best proof of this. It has a coastal stretch of more than 100 kilometers full of beaches and coves with clear waters. crystal and mesmerizing beauty. The coastal path winds between the cliffs, offering you postcards to remember. And among all, it is essential to make a stop at the best beaches, such as Kakome beach, Borshi beach, Porto Palermo beach, Llamani beach, Himara beach, Jala beach and Gjipe beach. If you are looking for peace, choose the months of May, June, September and even October, as the best months to enjoy the Albanian Riviera.

The ruins of Butrint and the beach of Ksamil

At the southern end of the riviera lies one of the greatest treasures to explore in Albania: Butrint National Park. Just a 10-minute drive from the town of Ksamil, it is surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings and houses the ruins of the ancient city of Butrint. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and with 3000 years of history, this archaeological center shows us the intermingling of different cultures in the area: Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian. The communication between architecture and nature is brutal. Ksamil, a coastal village filled with pebble beaches, small islands and bathed by super transparent waters of an incredible turquoise color.

The archaeological site of Apollonia

We return to the interior of Albania to discover another of its best-kept secrets, the Greek city of Apollonia in Illyria. An archaeological site of priceless value just a few kilometers from Fier, the second most populated city in the country. The Temple of Artemis is a gem. A good part of the treasures collected in the country are exhibited in the Saint Mary's Monastery, which serves as a museum. Most of this city is still underground, it is estimated that 90% of the ancient city remains to be discovered. Let's hope that the archaeological work continues and Apollonia is declared a World Heritage because it deserves it.

Shkodra, the gateway to the Albanian Alps

Shkodra is one of the most populated cities in Albania with about 100 thousand inhabitants. One of the main points of her visit is Rozafa Castle. An observation tower from which you can observe not only the city, but the entire natural environment that surrounds you. The city of Shkodra lies along a plain on the shores of Lake Shkodra, a natural jewel. The best way to explore the city is by bike. Don't miss the sunsets on the lake which are spectacular. Apart from being a beautiful city, Shkodra is also a good starting point for exploring the surrounding area, Lake Koman, Thethi and Valbona. Among other things, visit the beautiful bridge of Mes or the small medieval town of Drishti.

Landscapes at Koman Lake and the Shala River

Shkodra is a good starting point to discover the impressive nature destinations. One of them is Lake Koman, a reservoir on the Drin River. The best way to enjoy these landscapes is through a boat tour. The port of departure is less than two hours' drive from Shkodra, and from there you can choose between a boat tour or a little more than two hours' drive to the port of Fierza. This last road is what you need to do to reach the mountain town of Valbona. If you plan to visit Valbona and the Albanian Alps, you will be able to enjoy this destination during the trip itself. Don't miss an adventure on Lake Koman by a small boat, the final destination of which is the turquoise beaches of the Shala River.

Thethi, Valbona and Bjeshket e Nemuna

Bjeshke and Nemuna, the so-called Albanian Alps, represent a beautiful mountain area in the north of Albania. You will be surprised by the beauty of the landscapes and the charm of its small villages. This place is full of surprises. First, start a trip to one of the most emblematic villages: Valbona. In Valbona, time seems to have a different rhythm. The rhythm of its streams, the clouds that fight with the mountain tops and that of the local people engaged in their daily work. A miracle!. And even more wonderful is crossing the distance that separates Valbona from the village of Thethi through a spectacular hiking route in the heart of these mountains that lasts about 7 hours. Thethi is another hidden gem in one of the most remote parts of the country. This beautiful village lies along a valley full of waterfalls, natural pools and breathtaking scenery. It is also recommended to put on your mountain boots to discover the waterfall of Grunas and the natural pool of Syr i Kaltër.

Kruja, a beautiful place to visit in Albania

Walking through the alleys of Kruja, you will feel as if you have moved to another country without realizing it. The historical center of Kruja is very small. You can start with a walk through the old bazaar. Explore the traces of the old medieval city. A city within the city itself. Kruja is completely surrounded by walls and inside you can visit the Castle, where the Skanderbeg museum is currently located, as well as the Ethnographic Museum. A wonderful example of well-preserved Ottoman architecture.

On the shores of Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid divides the territory between Albania and North Macedonia. Within the Albanian borders we find a natural space in which the crystal waters of this giant and the high mountains appear on stage. Nowadays, Ohrid has become a major tourist attraction.

Tirana, the capital of Albania

Tirana has a very special atmosphere. Communist influence is felt in almost every corner. From the giant Skanderbeg Square to the bunkers transformed into museums and art exhibitions, or the Pyramid built in memory of the dictator Enver Hoxha. However, there is one monument that stands out above these large masses of cement and concrete, the mosque of Et'hem Beu. A beautiful temple that managed to save itself from Albania's darkest era. Another essential visit to Tirana takes us to the heights of Mount Dajti, a National Park practically integrated into the big city.