Despite its small size, Albania offers would-be visitors anything they could ever wish for -mountains, beaches, and historical towns. From the capital city of Tirana to the ancient towns and breathtaking mountains through the stunning clear waters of the Riviera, spot after spot, Albania is plenty of gorgeous Instagrammable places. Let’s have a look!

1. Albanian Riviera

Driving along the coastline of Albania is one of the most incredible adventures to take in one’s lifetime. The Albanian Riviera is home to some of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, like Dhërmi, Drymades, Borsh, Piqeras, Lukova, and Ksamil, just to name a few. It’s just impossible to not take gorgeous pictures along the wild coastline of south Albania.

Albainan Riviera, photo by IntoAlbania.

2. Berat

This UNESCO town is overflowing with architectural gems, cultural treasures, museums, traditional white houses from the Ottoman era, as well as hidden churches and mosques that will leave you speechless. Don’t miss a visit to Kala, one of the largest still-inhabited castles in the Balkans that offers breathtaking views. It’s the right place to take fabulous Instagram photos.

Berat, photo courtesy of Egzon Bytyqi. instagram.com/egzonbytyqiphoto/

3. Albanian Alps

The dramatic peaks of Valbona, Theth, and Vermosh, offer some of the most evocative and impressive scenery in the “Land of the Eagles”. Glacial lakes, wild rivers, green valleys, deep forests, wild fauna, and stone villages were shepherds live like in ancient times: if you need a break from the crowds of the town, there is no better place to refresh.

Valbona Valley, photo courtesy of Egzon Bytyqi. instagram.com/egzonbytyqiphoto/

4. Butrint Archaeological Park

A microcosm of the Mediterranean culture, surprisingly devoid of tourists even in the peak of the season. Welcome to Butrint Archaeological Park, listed by UNESCO. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Butrint has been the site of a Greek colony, a Roman city and a bishopric. There is no better place to visit for unique photo ops.

Archaeological Park of Butrint.

5. Gjirokastër

This hillside UNESCO town, located in south Albania, is simply magical. Roads paved with limestone, Ottoman-era houses and the traditional bazar attract all the tourists, but the real star of Gjirokastër is the castle. Go all the way to the top to take pictures of the city centre and surrounding mountains.

Zekate House, Gjirokastra, photo by Intoalbania.

6. Koman Lake

Deep canyons, rugged coastal mountains, and wild rivers that will take your breath away: Koman Lake is a splendor. The three-hour ferry ride, which connects Koman to Fierze and takes you across the lake through terrific mountain scenery, is one of the highlights of Albania. Spend some time relaxing at Shala River, a beautiful and still largely unexplored wild river that flows into Koman Lake, and take spectacular photos of this natural gem.

Koman Lake, photo courtesy of Matthew Storer.

7. Korça  

Mountains, great gastronomy and easy access to not one but three of the oldest lakes in the Balkan Peninsula (Ohrid and the two Prespa Lakes) – this mountainous town has it all. Korça, also known as “the Little Paris of Albania”, thanks to its French-style villas and alluring cafés, is an elegant city with a rich cultural heritage and even more amazing landscapes.

Old Bazaar, Korça, photo by IntoAlbania.

8. Shkodër

A unique mix of cultures and architectures, untouched mountains, lakes, wild rivers, and marvelous ancient ruins – this is Shkodër, the cultural capital of Albania. Brimming with history, art, and culture, Shkodër is one of the highlights of the country and its interesting Marubi Museum of Photography is a must-see when in town. But, for breathtaking views over the town and Shkodër Lake, go to the Rozafa Castle.

View of the lake from Rozafa Castle, Shkodra, photo by IntoAlbania.

9. Kruja

Kruja is home to an old fortress, where the national Albanian hero, Skanderbeg, fought for almost 40 years against the Ottoman troops, and the most famous market in Albania, Pazari i Vjetër, recently renewed according to its original Ottoman architecture. In the bazaar, you can find great artisanal rugs, unique table covers, and curious handmade socks made by local artisans: the perfect place to take colorful photos.

Kruja, photo by IntoAlbania.

10. Tirana

The city centre of Tirana is an intersection of streets filled with art galleries, museums, cafes, and excellent restaurants. Start from Skanderbeg Square, the main orientation point of the city, then take a tour of the National Historical Museum, and finally visit the Pyramid and Grand Park. For cool pictures for your Instagram feed go to Blloku, the liveliest neighborhood in town with plenty of colorful murals.

Tirana, photo by IntoAlbania.