Looking for an intimate getaway for Valentine’s Day? Albania offers plenty of destinations that can turn this mass-celebrated holiday into something beautiful of your own. Below, find our top most romantic destinations.

1. Pogradec

The poetic city by the lake tops the list. It could not be otherwise, as the most romantic Albanian verses have been inspired by this wonderful place surrounded by Lake Ohrid. Quiet walks along the lakeshore, boats floating on the surface of the lake, intimate gorgeous villages around – you simply need nothing more to celebrate! The dreamy environment of this town will make you understand its native poet Lasgush Poradeci’s lines “Because neither one of us loved/It was love that kept on loving.”

Lake of Ohrid in Pogradec, photo by IntoAlbania.

2. Antigonea

Not merely a monument or statue but the ruins of an entire ancient city testify to one of the greatest loves of all time. Very few know the story behind the erection of Antigonea. In 295 B.C., Pyrrhus of Epirus dedicated the construction of this city to his wife and even named it after her. The ruins of Nimfeum along with the columns, promenade, beautiful peristyle flats, and the gorgeous surrounding landscape convey an atmosphere of antiquity, instantly transporting visitors to another world. Perfect if you want your Valentine’s Day to be literally out of this world!

Archeological Park of Antigonea, Gjirokastra, photo by IntoAlbania.

3. Maligrad Island

If you crave a perfect place to give all your attention to your loved one, this is it! Located in the heart of Prespa Lake, this island is the spot for your ideal Valentine’s Day picnic. Not populated and fairly isolated, this area can offer you an intimacy that is hard to come by in daily life. If you’re also up for some sightseeing, the pretty St. Mary’s Church, built inside a cave as far back as 1369, is worth a visit!

Photo Credits: wikimedia.org, FatIon Plaku.

4. Korça

The Albanian city of love and serenades, otherwise known as “Little Paris,” comes in 4^th as one of the best and most popular destinations to spend your day of love.  The cobblestone alleys, quaint villas lined up along them, delicious restaurants with live music, and the general warm atmosphere are just the right things for a simply wonderful time. Here, love is already in the air, so all you have to do is join in!

Korça Promenade at night. Photo Courtesy of Nikol Likja.

5. Seferan Lake

The Dumrea Plateau and its dozens of lakes, all part of the spectacular Belsh landscape, remains one of the most beautiful yet still-obscure destinations in the country. While the entire area is gorgeous, for Valentine’s Day, we recommend Seferan Lake in particular, an especially relaxing and alluring location. You may want to spend a few days here and for that, we suggest the Rose Guesthouse (“Bujtina e Trëndafilave”), contemporary intimate spot where you can relax and enjoy yourself. At sunset, take a boat ride around the lake.  The lime-green hills surrounding the lake and the floating waterlilies of the same color will make you think you just entered a Monét painting. Located only a 2-hour drive from Tirana, getting your picture-perfect Valentine’s Day is pretty easy!

Water Lillies in Seferan lake. Photo by IntoAlbania.

6. Lura Lakes

“He who hasn’t seen Lura, hasn’t seen Albania,” so goes one of the most famous lines of Father Gjergj Fishta, one of Albania’s most revered authors. And, indeed, Fishta is absolutely right. This spectacular place is one of those you simply must experience firsthand! With an astounding total of 12 lakes stretched across the Lura Highlands, this National Park will leave you and your loved one breathless. What a chance to celebrate love of nature with your favorite person!

Lura National Park, Dibra. Photo Credits: Fation Plaku.

7. Blue Eye

You may have already visited the Blue Eye along the southern Riviera but, most likely, as a summer escape. However, during the winter, this popular summer spot (and one of the most beautiful of places!), can serve as the ideal romantic oasis. Indeed, once inside this Garden of Eden, you will find it hard to leave! The golden hour of the sunset will be the most romantic, with glorious colors showing through the surrounding woods, the calming sounds of water rising from the springs, and the silence broken by the melodic sounds of the birds. All you have to do is bring the right person along for this magical ride.

Blue Eye of Albania, Saranda, photo by IntoAlbania.

Honorable mention:

Some quite popular romantic places inside the cities are: the Sphinx in Durrës, the Grand Park of Tirana, the area around Shiroka in Shkodra, the Castle of Lëkursi in Saranda.