HISTORIC CITIES. TIMELESS STORIES.
Albania
Discover ancient Illyrian settlements, Ottoman-era towns, mountain fortresses and remarkable archaeological treasures. From Tirana and the stone streets of Berat to the ruins of Butrint, Albania tells a compelling story of resilience, cultural exchange and independence.
A LAND OF FORTRESSES AND LIVING HISTORY
Discover Albania Through the Ages
Albania’s history stretches from ancient Illyrian communities and Greek and Roman cities to medieval principalities, Ottoman rule and modern nationhood. Discover UNESCO-listed old towns, the legacy of national hero Skanderbeg, historic mosques and churches, and archaeological sites along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts.
EXPLORE BY DESTINATION
Discover Albania’s Destinations
Tirana
Explore Albania’s capital through Skanderbeg Square, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, historic museums and sites reflecting its Ottoman, royal and communist-era past.
Berat
Discover the UNESCO-listed City of a Thousand Windows, where Ottoman houses, Byzantine churches and Berat Castle overlook the Osum River.
Gjirokastër
Walk the cobbled streets of this UNESCO-listed stone city, with its imposing fortress, Ottoman houses and historic bazaar.
Krujë
Visit the hilltop stronghold associated with Skanderbeg, its historic bazaar and museums dedicated to Albania’s medieval resistance.
Butrint
Explore a UNESCO-listed archaeological park with Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian remains set in a beautiful coastal landscape.
ALBANIA THROUGH THE AGES
A Brief History of Albania
From ancient Illyrian kingdoms and medieval resistance to Ottoman heritage, independence and the end of communist rule, Albania’s past can still be explored in its fortresses, archaeological parks and historic cities.
168 BC
Roman Conquest
Roman victory over the Illyrian kingdom reshapes the western Balkans; ancient cities continue to develop.
1443
Skanderbeg’s Resistance
Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg returns to Krujë and leads an alliance resisting Ottoman expansion.
1479
Ottoman Consolidation
After the fall of Shkodër, Ottoman rule becomes firmly established across most Albanian lands.
1912
Independence
Albanian leaders declare independence in Vlorë on 28 November.
1944
Communist Rule
The communist-led government takes power at the end of the Second World War.
1991
Democratic Transition
Albania holds multiparty elections as the communist one-party system ends.
Ancient Crossroads
Illyrian, Greek and Roman cultures left a remarkable legacy at sites such as Butrint, Apollonia and ancient Durrës.
Skanderbeg’s Legacy
Krujë Castle and its museums recall the 15th-century resistance led by Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg against Ottoman expansion.
Ottoman-Era Towns
Stone houses, citadels, bazaars, mosques and churches in Berat and Gjirokastër preserve layers of Albanian cultural history.
PLAN YOUR ALBANIA TRIP
Everything You Need for Albania
Plan a journey through Albania’s historic cities, archaeological parks, mountain landscapes and coastline, with stays, guided visits and transport options.
Hotels
Find welcoming stays in Tirana, heritage guesthouses in Berat and Gjirokastër, and hotels near Albania’s archaeological and coastal sights.
Tours & Activities
Discover guided walks, castle visits, UNESCO-listed towns, archaeological parks and experiences that bring Albanian history to life.
Car Hire
Travel between mountain fortresses, historic towns, archaeological sites and the Albanian Riviera at your own pace.
Flights
Compare flights to Tirana International Airport and explore routes for your journey to Albania.
Trains & Buses
Explore bus connections between Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër, Krujë and other destinations; rail services are limited.