White sandy beaches and turquoise sea, but also mountains that rise up to 2,700 metres, roaring rivers and waterfalls – Albania’s breathtaking nature is multifaceted and reminiscent of exotic long-haul destinations. The possibilities for outdoor activities are endless, along with culture and architecture from the most diverse periods, as well as beautiful, vibrant cities. And the Balkan country is still an affordable insider tip! Here are even more reasons why Albania should be on everyone’s bucket list for a round trip this year.

Caribbean, Maldives, Thailand? With their white sand and turquoise waters, Albania’s beaches are reminiscent of exotic holiday destinations and are true postcard motifs. Over 400 kilometres of coastline await in the Balkan country, which lies on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The best thing is that the majority of the beaches are still virtually undiscovered and deserted. Hiking along the coast is a great way to discover hidden bays, for example on the stretch of coast between Vlora and Himare. One of the most famous seaside resorts is Ksamil in the south of Albania. With its snow-white beaches, the town is also known as the ‘Caribbean of Albania’. However, it can get quite crowded here in summer, which is why it is worth visiting in the quieter low season.

The peaks of the Albanian Alps in the north of the country rise up to 2,700 metres. In the small villages, as in Albania’s unspoilt hinterland in general, it feels as if time has stood still. It is not uncommon to see carriages instead of cars here and the people live mainly from livestock farming and growing their own produce. Travellers here experience the real, authentic Albania, especially when stopping off at small restaurants and farms. The mountains and national parks in Albania are also a destination for outdoor adventurers. In addition to mountain hiking and climbing, mountain biking, canyoning, canoeing, paragliding and snow hiking are popular sports.

Those interested in culture are definitely in the right place in Albania. In the various cities, you embark on a true journey through time that takes you from the Middle Ages to modern times. Ottoman architecture in particular can still be found in many places, the best examples of which are the cities of Berat and Gjirokastra, which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Berat, the west bank of Gorica, the neighbourhood in the Mangalem Valley and the castle district are World Heritage Sites. In Gjirokastra, virtually the entire old town centre is a World Heritage showpiece of Ottoman architecture. If you prefer a more urban holiday, you should definitely pay a visit to Tirana. Modern buildings meet exciting museums and colourful markets in Albania’s capital.

In addition to its extraordinarily beautiful nature and exciting culture, Albania’s special hospitality is particularly impressive as a holiday destination. ‘Feeling like friends’ is not just a phrase here. Here, ‘asking for directions’ quickly leads to a friendly conversation with locals (who, by the way, often speak very good English and often even German), which often ends with many insider tips on where to stop for a bite to eat. Speaking of stopping for a bite to eat: In Albania, the way to hospitality is through the stomach. Especially in the unspoilt hinterland, the small restaurants serve traditional dishes at affordable prices and are really cosy and delicious.

Albania is quick and easy to reach by plane. There are direct flights to Tirana from Frankfurt and Munich, with a flight time of around one and a half to two hours. The manageable size of Albania makes it easy to explore the entire country on a round trip in a hire car. It takes around five hours by car from north to south, but of course it is also worth staying longer in one place and immersing yourself in the life and culture. Another special tip: travel to Albania in your own car. This makes it easy to combine a stay in Croatia, Montenegro or Greece with a holiday in Albania. When does your adventure on the Balkan Peninsula start? Take a look at our new destination Albania or be inspired by other sunny holiday destinations.