The world is rediscovering Albania, seen more and more as a fascinating tourist destination rather than a decadent country inhabited by poor people. Albanians have successfully restored value to their cities, natural landscapes and beaches, and have dived into the tourism market with determination and conviction. If you’ve already experienced the glamorous Albania of beaches and seaside villas in the summer, this autumn come discover the more romantic and “slower-paced” side of this nation with its thousand-year history. Served by an increasingly international airport, Tirana Airport (TIA), visitors flock to the country, eager to explore it down to the smallest details. Public transportation in Albania is not yet fully organized, but you can rely on private transfers almost everywhere. Ready for your autumn trip?
Shkodra in Autumn
The starting and ending point of your journey will always be Tirana, the capital, now famous worldwide for its newfound elegance and the many monuments and museums that are worth a visit anytime. But we want to start from Tirana and head to Shkodra, about 100 km further north, to immerse you in a different world.
One of the oldest cities in Europe and among the most beautiful in Albania, it stands at the point where three rivers feed a romantic lake surrounded by greenery. A perfect view of Shkodra can be admired from the top of Rozafa Castle, a Venetian-style military structure that has been watching over the city since the 15th century—though the area was inhabited before the 10th century! Descending into the valley, explore the most important monuments such as the mosques (Lead Mosque, Ebu Beker, Parrucë), the Catholic cathedral, the Orthodox cathedral, and the Clock Tower. Head to the 18th-century Mes Bridge, but do not miss a visit to the Marubi Museum.
Valbones National Park
With a car trip of about three hours from Shkodra, you reach Valbones (Valbonës) National Park, which extends along the river of the same name. Imagine an Alpine, almost Swiss, landscape in the heart of Balkan Europe. High, snow-capped mountains covered in dense forests, with the lower-altitude woods turning red and orange in autumn in a blaze of beauty!
In this season, the park’s trails are ideal for long walks, hikes, and experiential tourism, with stops at farmhouses and wineries where you can also book your stay, if you’re not in a hurry to leave. Your itineraries will be accompanied by lynxes, chamois, bears, and it’s not uncommon to spot a wolf too – so we recommend to always take tours organized by local guides. Take your time and taste the local dishes: Albanian cuisine is at its best, here.
Lake Ohrid
Returning south, make a stop on the shores of Lake Ohrid. This large body of water (surface area of 358 km² with a maximum depth of 288 meters), located approximately 700 meters above sea level, belongs to Albania for only a third—the rest of the lake is in North Macedonia—but that’s enough to admire the beauty of the autumn colors reflected in the calm waters. Take a stroll through the local fishing villages, such as Lin, Tushemisht, and Selca (with its archaeological sites), where mass tourism has not altered the romantic atmosphere of “old Albania.” Pogradeci is the largest urban center, a city with a thousand-year history but a modern appearance due to the many destructions and reconstructions it has endured.
Autumn leaves at Mount Qafështame
If you enjoy autumn leaves and their warm colors, continue your tour to Mount Qafështame (or simply Mt. Qafësh). Its forests offer the most spectacular “feuillage” of the season, as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The town around which so much beauty revolves is Kruja (also called Cròia)—a place anciently inhabited by Illyrian and Albanian tribes, but where the visible signs of history only point to the most recent dominations: Ottoman and Slavic. In addition to the castle, linked to the national hero Scanderbeg, the mosque and bazaar are worth admiring.
Berat and its “thousand windows”
Before returning to Tirana, you shall close the tour with a visit to the city of Berat. This city is known as the “place of a thousand windows” because the first visual impact is with its houses perched on the hill. They all show windows facing the valley, so that it truly feels like a thousand eyes are watching as you approach! And this is just the beginning of an interesting visit.
Old town Berat still retains its Ottoman style, although it houses both Christian and Muslim religious buildings. It is divided into three main areas that will help you plan your tours: in addition to the very visible Kalaja (Castle), you immediately notice the Mangalem (Under the Castle) neighborhood below and the Gorica neighborhood, located on the left bank of the Osum River. Berat’s medieval streets and squares retain an atmosphere that, aided by the lovely autumn morning mist, offers unique experiences. Palaces, museums, towers, and monasteries, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, complete the charm of this timeless place.
