As the summer slowly come to an end, our explorations tend to move closer to home. As it turns out, there are many beautiful destinations around the capital to keep you busy for the next month.

If your permanent location is Tirana and you don’t want to veer too far off into the north and south of the country, no worries. We have ways to keep you centered and still have you exploring until well into September. Read our suggestions for the best places to visit right here, right now.

Gorgeous and mild outdoor adventures

From the famous 30-meter high Shëngjergji Waterfall to Petrela Village and castle, Bovilla Lake and Tujani Canyon, you would be surprised how many spectacular landscapes you will find just outside of the capital. For the fill list, click here. 

Dajti Mountain

For the quickest getaway possible, there’s always Dajti. Take the Dajti Express cable car or hike to the top if you’re feeling adventurous. Either way, nothing concludes a summer more in style than a visit to the capital’s constant companion, the one that protects and surrounds it, lending it one of the most beautiful panoramas any city can have. You will enjoy the view.

Durrës of antiquity and the nostalgic coast

Located along one of the most central roads of the Roman Empire, Via Egnatia, Durrës has plenty to offer the lover of antiquity. The Byzantine forum, the ancient amphitheater, fascinating archeological finds in wonderful museums. You can take a tour of the ancient city, visit the countless beaches and here’s a little help with the best spots to relish in the unforgettable Adriatic sunsets. Don’t forget some of the best restaurants in the country.

Elbasan and its great outdoors 

You hear Elbasan a lot but have you taken the time to actually go see it in all of its glory. In the city, you can enjoy the castle and the delicious cuisine. Afterwards, move around and discover the most calming lakes around, those of Dumrea. You can have an intimate meeting with gian water lilies. Save some time for Holta Canyon and Sotira Waterfall. For more outdoors, click here.

Lezha’s food and beaches 

For some, Lezha may be too far away while for others, it may exactly right. Plus, with less pressure to keep our beach bodies, we turn to our favorite cuisine. And, where better than Albania’s gastronomical mecca to slowly and gently begin our end-of-summer food fest. Probably the very best restaurants in Albania are in Lezha. While you enjoy the food, you can explore the beaches: Tale, Shëngjin, Rana e Hedhun and more. There’s a new hiking trail near Rana e Hedhun, kayaking opportunities, or traditional village experiences hat may interest you. 

Pogradec and its villages

A bit further than the rest of the cities on this list, Pogradec is a little more than two hours away from Tirana but definitely worth considering. Why not take an entire week to explore around the beautiful area that is Pogradec? Of course, you can begin in the city and enjoy a delicious koran by Lake Ohrid and its swans. But you can also take a day to drive to the gorgeous villages of Pogradec: Lin, Drilon, Tushemisht. For more adventure, explore the less-traveled alpine splendors of Pogradec.