Llogora National Park is a must see if you are lucky enough to visit Albania. Albania is rightly renowned for its coastline, but this national park and mountain range - which divides it neatly in two, with Vlora and Durres to the north and Himara and Saranda to the south - is just as beautiful in its own way and offers stunning views down to the sea below. The scenery is breathtaking and winding yet scenic roads will see you zigzag your way down towards the beautiful beach towns below, which are always in view since there are no trees on this side. 

Butrint National Archaeological Park has a special atmosphere created by a combination of archaeology, monuments and nature in the Mediterranean. With its hinterland it constitutes an exceptional cultural landscape, which has developed organically over many centuries.

Gjirokastër is a city in southern Albania. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is described as a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town, built by farmers of large estates. Above the town sits Gjirokastra Castle, one of the most magnificent structures in the city with views over the hilly countryside, river valley and city. There have been extensive renovations to the building since it was constructed in the 12th Century and it now possesses five towers, a church and houses the Weapons Museum. 

Butrint is one of the great archaeological sites in the Balkans. With a long and colourful history dating back to the early Neolithic age, Butrint has been occupied and fought over until the Ottoman period when it lay abandoned. More recently, excavations have taken place and all periods of Butrint's history have been revealed including its Roman theatre, Roman house and thermal baths, as well as a fine baptistery with fabulous mosaic floors.

Durrës is a beautiful seaside city on the west coast of Albania, along the Adriatic Sea. There are many things to do in Durrës, especially in the summer. On the hottest days, many people from the capital come down for a visit to breathe in the sea air, take a walk along the beach, and ultimately just enjoy its numerous cafés and restaurants. Durrës is also host to cultural attractions, such as the Amphitheatre or the Archaeological Museum. 

Sarandë is one of the main tourist destinations on the Albanian Riviera, nestled peacefully in a wide gulf and enjoying no fewer than 300 sunny days annually. There’s plenty of fun to be had here, and rest assured those memories from your holidays in Sarandë will last a lifetime. From the best beaches in Albania to its nightlife, historic sites, and restaurants, Sarandë is a must for anyone wanting to discover this enigmatic country.

Lake Ohrid is very much an undiscovered hidden gem. Making up some of the borders between Albania and North Macedonia, Lake Ohrid is arguably the greatest and most famous lake in the Balkans. This is one of the absolute natural highlights of Albania, a massive body of water of huge cultural and natural significance. Additionally, it’s also one of the oldest lakes in Europe, even globally, its origins going back five million years.

As far as lakeshore towns go, there are a few where you can base yourself to explore this gorgeous Albanian lake. The main town is Pogradec, which is home to several interesting cultural and historical monuments, such as Pogradec Castle & Museum.

Out of the many unique and unforgettable experiences that you can have in a foreign country, devouring scrumptious local food comes out on top. People who are traveling to Albania for the first time are in for the surprise of their life when they will be introduced to mouth-watering foods that just ooze with flavour. 

Albanian cuisine has always been very much influenced by nearby culinary cultures, so much so that it is often considered a mix of Mediterranean, Balkan and Ottoman cuisine. One of the most popular food items in Albania is byrek which is made by superimposing very thin layers of dough, which are alternated with tasty fillings and then baked in the oven. Byrek can be found in all the restaurants and has even become a street food dish, ready to be eaten at all hours; but don’t take my word for it… try it yourself!