1. Ride on the Cable Car to Dajti Mountain

You have the chance of an outdoor escape right outside of the busy capital. Drive to Dajti Express, take this 20-minute ride, and enjoy the best panoramas of Tirana as well as the lush forests surrounding it. Once you get to the top of Dajti Mountain, you can spend some time frolicking around the beautiful park. Easy and perfect for families!

2. Take a One-Day Boat Trip around the Riviera

If you’re up for a short Odyssey, countless boat tours take you to some of the most untouched and spectacular bays along the Ionian coast. Here’s only one example of a recent boat trip but you can find countless options, leaving from any of the beaches of the Riviera. Note that the largest cities and villages, like Saranda and Himara, see the most boats leaving their ports. This is perhaps the most affordable and smartest idyllic experience you can have within the span of a day in the Rivera.

Rrojdhe e Vogël (Small), Saranda, photo by IntoAlbania

3. Paraglide off Llogara Pass

It seems that the beautiful Llogara Mountain was created for paragliding. You can either stay at the Llogara National Park or below, in one of the beaches along the Ionian Coast. Either way, you must make a stop at the peak to glide off peacefully into the serene skies of the Albanian south.

4. Watch the Sunsets and Moonrises of the Riviera

This is an adrenaline rush of a different sort! You will undoubtedly experience strong emotions while watching the magical sunsets and moonrises of the Riviera. On the gorgeous beaches, the sun sets in the horizon, reflected on the azure sea, while the moon rises behind the mountains. An unbelievable scene no matter how many times you witness it! Sit back on the pebbled shore and watch the wonderful spectacle. It will be impossible to refrain from taking photos!

Sunset at Drimadhes Beach, Vlora. Photo by IntoAlbania

5. Hike around Theth

The road to this beautiful mountain in the north of Albania is closed during the winter months. In the milder seasons, however, Theth is one of the most majestic sights of the entire country. Once you are accommodated in one of the traditional guesthouses, take some time to hike to the turquoise waters of Theth’s Blue Eye and the fairy-tale-like Grunas Waterfall.

Blue Eye of Theth, Shkodra, photo by IntoAlbania

6. Kayak and Raft in Rivers and Lakes

With countless rivers, lakes, canyons, and waterfalls, Albania is an adventurer’s paradise. The rivers of Shala, Osum, and Vjosa are only three of the most popular rafting and kayaking destinations. But, there are several rugged bays around the southern Riviera and countless lakes where you can get your adventure fix surrounded by wild natural beauty.

7. Hike along the Shebenik-Jablanica Park

It would take an entire week to hike around this large park but, fortunately, you have the option of taking a day-trip. There are plenty of beautiful sights in Shebenik-Jablanica Park and you can pick one depending on your preference and chosen tour. You may also choose to camp out here if you’d like to spend more days in this natural haven.

Hiking in Shebenik Jabllanica National Park, Elbasan, photo by IntoAlbania

8. Take the Boat across Koman Lake

This one-day trip will be one of the most memorable you will ever take! Koman Lake is undoubtedly the most beautiful in Albania. You can either take the tour that takes you around the lake or visit the spectacular Valbona Valley, a popular destination up north, via this boat ride. No one comes back the same after seeing this!

Shala River at Koman Lake, photo by IntoAlbania.

9. Visit Healthy Retreats

With its wonderful alpine landscapes, Përmet is considered Albania’s own Switzerland. The town is worth visiting for its delicious foods and sweets but, most of all, for its wonderful natural thermal pools. The Bënja baths cure various physical ailments but are ideal spots for pure pleasure, as well. Bonus: Located in the same national park, Fir of Hotova, you will find the gorgeous Lengarica Canyon.

10. Take as Many Road Trips as Possible

Last but not least, wherever you find yourself in Albania, do as the locals do and move around! Just a few worthwhile and manageable road trips are from artistic Shkodra to the mountainous village of Theth, from coastal Vlora to the spectacular Dhërmi Bay, from the southernmost coastal city of Saranda to Albania’s own tropical Blue Eye, from medieval Gjirokastra to the ancient ruins of Antigonea, from the capital of Tirana to the spectacular Shëngjergji Waterfall, and so on and so forth. The possibilities are endless.

Dhërmi beach, Vlora, photo by IntoAlbania