2026 Ultimate Guide to the Gems of South Albania

If you’re looking for the perfect summer vacation, look no further than south Albania. With its beautiful coastlines and serene beaches, the south of the country will simply sweep you off your feet.

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5+ Best Places To Visit in South Albania

1. Saranda

We’re going to start the list off with Saranda, one of the main destinations for tourists in the south. It has become a thriving and lively village, with some of the best beaches, countless historic sites, nice restaurants, and so on. There are many things to do in Sarandё if you want to have fun, but also if you want to educate yourself about the city and its culture and history.

• Take a stroll at Saranda Boulevard

This beautiful boulevard lies on the north side of Saranda, providing access to the beach and many restaurants and fun bars. It’s the perfect place to take a pleasant walk during the sunset on a hot evening while sipping a fresh drink.

• Get Your Tummy Full at the Restaurants Along the Beach

Of course, a vacation isn’t complete without a delicious meal. Saranda is a coastal city, so there are fishing boats catching lots of fresh fish every day.

If you know how to cook seafood, you can buy it directly from the fishermen along the shore, or you can enjoy it prepared to perfection in one of the many restaurants in Sarande, such as Oceanic, Sheqer Pikant, etc.

• Soak up the Sun on Saranda Beach

During the summer, the beach is bustling with tourists looking to have some fun in the water or just relax in the sun. You can rent a beach chair and an umbrella from the cafes nearby and have a relaxing time while sipping a refreshing cocktail by the beach. 

As for accommodation, you can choose from a variety of options in Saranda, each of them offering maximum comfort and hospitality, such as Hotel Lindi, Yacht Premium Hotel, or Elite Hotel. It’s pretty easy to find a place to stay in Saranda, and you can book your reservation beforehand at booking.com.

2. Ksamil

One of the most visited and beautiful places in south Albania, Ksamil is a paradise-like destination that has the potential to leave you in awe. It’s home to one of the best south Albanian beaches, with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand.

• Chill on the Beautiful Beaches

The first thing you should do once you arrive in Ksamil is visit and explore the beaches. You can choose from many, like Paradise Beach, Lori Beach, Mirror Beach, etc. Each of them offers amazing views and a great summer atmosphere.

• Admire the Sunset From St. George Monastery

This monastery is situated halfway between Ksamil and the city of Sarandё. It’s an ancient Orthodox building, and it’s usually closed, so don’t worry about disturbing anyone; just make sure you treat it with respect. Once you get there, you can take in the amazing views of the surroundings.

For a place to stay, there are many options you can choose from, such as the Ventus Hotel, Villa Abedini, Ionian Hotel, etc. The prices range from place to place, and there is something for every budget and preference. 

3. Vlorё

Vlora is a beautiful coastal town in which history and a lively atmosphere intertwine in the perfect way. It’s one of the oldest towns in Albania, and there is much to be discovered by curious travelers. Some things to do in Vlora to have fun and learn about the city include:

• Visit the National Museum of Independence

The Museum of Independence is the place that best represents the history of Vlora. It’s the place where Ismail Qemali proclaimed independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, paving the way for Albania to become a free country. It was opened in 1936, and many people visit it to this day.

• Go through Vlora Old Town

To take a break from all the noise of the city, you can visit Vlora Old Town. It’s very different from the rest of Vlora, as it’s characterized by tranquility and order. Most of the buildings are one or two floors high, and they are a result of the combination of Albanian and Mediterranean architecture.

Take a walk through the old cobblestone roads and colorful houses, or enjoy a drink in the nice cafes nearby.

• Enjoy The Delicious Cuisine

Vlora’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its Mediterranean neighbors, bringing to your table unique and delicious dishes that will stay on your mind for a long time. You can taste some amazing meals in restaurants such as The Wave, Osteria Vlorё, The Yacht, etc. 

As for hotels, it’s pretty easy to find one to your liking, and you can choose from a large variety all across Vlorё, such as Arial Penthouse, Bohemian Boutique, Grand Hotel Aita, etc.

4. Berat

Berat, or as many call it, the city of the thousand windows, is one of the most special historical cities in Albania. It’s classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique architecture and cultural significance. 

There is much to see and learn, so here are some things to do in Berat to have fun while also getting to know this special city:

• Visit Berat Castle

Berat Castle is located on a rocky hill above the town of Berat. It’s one of the most significant monuments in Albania and has been home to many civilizations over the centuries. Its walls and towers are almost intact to this day and offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. 

• Visit Cobo Winery

Cobo Winery is a family-run business in Berat, dating back to the early 1900s. For more than a century, the Cobo family has been selecting the best fruits of the vineyard to produce its special bottles filled with love and tradition.

Connect with the taste of the South by tasting some of these amazing wines and exploring the breathtaking vineyard, straight out of an Italian movie.

• Take a Walk in Bulevardi Republika

Bulevardi Republika is a great way to end your evening in Berat. After finishing a delicious meal, you can take a stroll down the long promenade and see how the locals relax and unwind. There are many cafes, restaurants, and bars along the boulevard. It’s an especially beautiful sight during the evening, when all the trees and buildings are lit up, creating an amazing atmosphere. 

There are many hotels in Berat, like Hotel Rezidenca Desaret, Master Hotel, or Vila Twix. They all offer maximum comfort and amazing hospitality, making you feel at home. 

5. The Blue Eye (Sarandё)

The Blue Eye is a natural spring close to the city of Saranda, with a magical and hypnotic turquoise color. It has become a very popular attraction over the years, with more and more tourists left mesmerized by its beauty. 

The spring is surrounded by vibrant greenery, which blends perfectly with the color of the water.

It’s more than 50 meters deep, and the water is ice cold. Swimming in the Blue Eye is actually prohibited, but most people can’t resist jumping in the refreshing water. The entrance fee is 50 ALL, or 0.40€ per person.

What You Should Know Before Visiting South Albania

To be best prepared for your unforgettable visit to Albania, here are a couple of things you should keep in mind before visiting:

• One thing you should know about Albanians is that they’re extremely friendly and welcoming. Wherever you are, don’t hesitate to ask for directions if you are lost or any other information; there will always be someone willing to help you. 
• There are some restaurants or shops that take payments by card in Albania, but cash is the safest bet, so be sure to have some wherever you go. The Albanian currency is LEK. Some places use euros too, but the exchange rate isn’t too great, so it’s best to stick with the local currency. 
• The south of Albania is extremely hot in the summer, so keep that in mind. Make sure to pack a good SPF and a hat, or, if you can’t stand the extreme heat, try visiting during the late summer (August–September).
• Albania is a very safe country. Whether you’re traveling with your family, partner, or alone, you’ll have no problems with safety. The people are warm and welcoming, and they will make sure you feel at home.

Don't Forget!

• The south of Albania is a beautiful region consisting of Berat, Gjirokastёr, Korcё, Fier, and Vlorё.
• You can get to South Albania by car, bus, or you can choose the most scenic route by ferry, departing from the ports of Durrёs, Vlorё, and Sarandё.
• There are countless beautiful places in south Albania that you can visit, some of them being the beautiful city of Sarandё, Ksamil, Vlorё, and Berat.
• You can also admire the beauty of The Blue Eye in Sarandё, or the culturally significant Butrint National Park.