Albania: Hotels and Accommodation

In southwestern Albania, Apollonia Archaeological Park is situated on a hilly plateau overlooking the Myzeqe Plain and the Adriatic Sea.

Culture

Butrint combines UNESCO World Heritage status with protection as a national park for cultural and natural heritage. The ancient Greek theatre is relatively well preserved, while the Palaeochristian baptistery has a mosaic-decorated floor.

Berat’s Kala Castle dates largely from the 13th century and has origins going back to the 4th century BC. The historic quarters of Mangalem, Gorica and the castle district form a preserved museum complex. Berat is also known for hearty meat dishes and traditional cheeses.

The Old Bazaar of Gjirokastra is home to small shops selling handicrafts, local products and traditional souvenirs. The bazaar preserves characteristic Ottoman-era architecture. Gjirokastra also features outstanding two-storey houses that developed in the 17th century.

Geographical Setting

Lake Ohrid lies in southeastern Albania and reaches a maximum depth of about 300 metres. The Albanian section of the Lake Ohrid World Heritage area was added in 2019. Maritime transport in Albania operates through four main ports: Durrës, Vlorë, Shëngjin and Sarandë.

Nature

Vjosa National Park protects one of Europe’s last free-flowing rivers. It includes river beaches, nature trails and panoramic views. The national park also offers rafting, kayaking, hiking and wildlife observation.

The Karavasta Lagoon is part of the Ramsar network of protected areas. It covers approximately 42 square kilometres and is Albania’s largest lagoon.

Albanian Alps National Park encompasses Theth, Valbona and Vermoshi, as well as glacial rivers and untouched forests. It is an outstanding alpine destination in the Balkans. Approximately 1,400 species of higher plants have been recorded in Llogara National Park.

Activities

Divjakë–Karavasta National Park offers opportunities for hiking and cycling in its coastal pine forest. There are also lagoon boat trips, birdwatching and guided nature tours.

The Theth–Vuthaj Trail is located in Albanian Alps National Park. It is 14,706 metres long and takes approximately 2 hours 50 minutes. The Tujan–Zall Dajt Trail is located in Dajti Mountain National Park in Albania, is 5,776.81 metres long and takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes at an average level of difficulty.

The Julius Caesar Trail in Llogara National Park follows a historic road that once connected the Duchy area with the coast of Palasa.

The Pogradec–Guri i Kamjes Trail is described as an easy route and is recommended for families. It includes 12.7 kilometres by vehicle from Pogradec, followed by 2.7 kilometres of hiking trails.

Regions

Those wishing to book a hotel for a holiday in Albania can continue to these regional pages: Elbasan County, Pulaj, Dibra County, Kukës County, Fier County, Lezhë County, Shkodër County, Korçë County, Durrës County, Gjirokastër County, Berat County, Tirana County, Vlorë County.