Albania holidays

Thanks to its location, Albania has taken a lot of influence from its neighbours Greece & Italy. Head down to the coast and try some delicious fresh seafood dishes, or head up into the mountains for some hearty and filling meals that are a must after an adventure-filled day. The national dish of Albania is ‘Tavë kosi’, a casserole filled with rice and lamb and filled with a yoghurt sauce, the dish is a tangy twist on the traditional moussaka. For dessert, we recommend trying ‘Trilece’. A light sponge cake that is topped with whipped cream and dark caramel, you will find this exquisite cake in many of the countries’ restaurants and bakeries with everywhere putting their own twist on this delicious after-dinner treat. During your stay in Albania, you will be inundated with choices, from small local favourite taverns to busier beachfront restaurants, you will have a hard time picking your favourite spots. Our recommendation is to head down to the seafront to try one of the many incredible seafood restaurants. Why not dig into the catch of the day, or be a little more adventurous and try one of the local specialities, Albania is a foodie heaven.

Much like its neighbour Greece, Albania is a country packed full of stunning beaches. From hidden away small coves to popular large beaches, you will have a delightful time picking your favourite.

Borsh: Measuring in at 7 kilometres, Borsh Beach is one of the biggest beaches in Albania. Walk down along the pebble beach and dive straight into shallow clear blue waters. During the holidays the beach does tend to be busy, but head down to the southern end of the beach and you might be able to grab yourself a quiet corner.

Ksamil: Dubbed as the ‘Ionian Pearl’, Ksamil is a dramatic bay that looks out over 3 small islands. There is small boat trips available to these islands, or if you are feeling adventurous, you can swim across the beautiful turquoise waters.

Durres: Possibly the most popular of all the beaches in Albania, Durres Beach is not only a beach destination but also a city destination. With a selection of upscale restaurants, historical sites and a wide range of shops, Durres is a top recommendation from us.

From the scenic mountainscapes to the ancient ruins and underground bunkers, Albania has a little bit of everything. A rich history and natural history, what else do you need on your holiday?

Get your walking boots on: With its coastline boasting a backdrop of the Albanian Alps (Accursed Mountains), those who love to hike will be in love. With hundreds of miles of hiking routes taking you all through the mountainous range, you will find mountain lakes, small quiet villages and outstanding views at an abundance.

One for the history buffs: One of Europe’s most forgotten treasures, Albania is a country that has a rich and varied history. In the capital of Tirana, you will find medieval landmarks standing next to modern shops and restaurants. UNESCO-listed sites such as Butrint and Apollonia also light up Albania’s rich and colourful heritage and being home to both the Greek and Roman empires.

Bring your sea legs with you: With nearly 300 miles of coastline, there is plenty to see and do on the Albanian coast. In many of the towns along the coastline, you can jump on one of the many available boat trips. Why not have a day trip over to Corfu, or maybe you want to hire a private boat tour of small coves that dot the coastline, you will have plenty of choices to try during your holiday.

Home to a large number of historical sites, Albania’s rich history is fascinating.

Butrint: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Butrint is often cited as being one of the best historical sites in Albania. Once occupied by the ancient Greeks, Romans and the Venetians, the site dates back to the 7th century BC.

Apollonia: Founded by the ancient Greeks around 6000 BC, the site covers an impressive 130 hectares. Once an integral hub thanks to its location near the Aous (Vjose) River, the Greek colony was soon abandoned thanks to an earthquake in 234 AD.

Krujë Castle: Once home to Albania’s national hero ‘Skanderbeg’, Krujë Castle was the centrepiece of the rebellion against the Ottoman Empire. Now the castle houses the ‘Skanderbeg Museum’, one of Albania’s most visited attractions.