Ten places you have to visit in Albania

Albania’s capital city, Tirana, is a treasure trove of colourful cultures and activities. Join our Albania Discovery tour to explore the cobblestone alleyways of Kruja Bazaar. Brightly patterned rugs, handwoven baskets and painted ceramics spill out from the market stalls, enticing you in. And when your feet need a rest, stop at a friendly streetside cafe to indulge in some traditional Albanian cuisine. Tuck into a byrek pie - filo pastry stuffed with spinach and feta - and wash it down with an ice-cold Birra Korca beer.

Follow deserted footpaths and hike along the verdant valleys of Valbona National Park on our Undiscovered Balkans trip. Albania’s northern alps boast lush hillsides, wildflower meadows and the towering peaks of the Accursed Mountains. Wander in the shadow of limestone cliffs and meander through leafy alpine forests as you take in far-reaching views across the snow-dusted sierra. Sip a refreshing cup of mountain tea with a local shepherd’s family and top up the energy reserves with slow, spit-cooked lamb for dinner.

For a walking holiday with a difference, head to Albania’s Accursed Mountains in the north of the country, on our Albania Walking tour. The empty trails of this lesser-known hiking paradise will take you through colourful wildflower meadows, emerald-green valleys and fragrant alpine forests. Watch local shepherds gathering their sheep and sample a few of their homemade cheeses with a picnic lunch before enjoying spectacular views of the Dragobia Gorge.

Head to the south of Albania to explore the unspoiled beauty of Llogara National Park on our Highlights of Albania Discovery tour. Don your walking boots for a 3-4 hour moderate hike through forested mountains stretching along the shores of the Ionian Sea. Follow dusty goat trails through a scenic landscape of alpine meadows, evergreen firs and snow-dusted peaks before an overnight stay right in the heart of this little-known oasis of calm and tranquillity.

Don't miss out on a scenic boat trip on Koman Lake in the north of Albania. Renowned for its spectacular views and panoramas have your camera ready to capture some incredible sights. Twisting and turning down the narrow waterways, mountain cliffs veiled in emerald-green forests rise above us and the aquamarine waters ripple and glisten in the sunshine. This is a perfect introduction to the breathtaking scenery that you are about to discover on the rest of your Albania Walking tour.