Underrated Cities in Albania Worth Exploring in 2025

Albania is quickly rising through the ranks of sought-after European destinations. But while travellers are busy queuing up in Berat, sunbathing in Sarandë, or strolling through Tirana’s cafés, a quieter Albania lives just beyond the tourist lens. It’s in this version of the country- where mountain air tastes different, dialects shift, and dishes are cooked the old way- that the curious traveller finds their reward.

This guide explores 10 underrated cities in Albania that still carry their local character unspoiled. These towns are not empty; they’re just unbothered by mass tourism- and in 2025, that’s a luxury.

1. Përmet – Albania’s Flower-Lined Soul

Tucked away in the Vjosa River Valley, Përmet is one of Albania’s most picturesque and peaceful towns. Known locally as “The City of Roses,” it is surrounded by towering mountains, mineral-rich hot springs, and wildflower fields that bloom until late October.

What to Do in Përmet

• Benja Thermal Baths: A short drive from town, these natural sulphur springs sit under a 17th-century Ottoman bridge. The experience feels less like tourism and more like time travel.
• Langarica Canyon: Perfect for light trekking or canyoning with guides, especially during the shoulder seasons. The water is cold, but the views are spectacular.
• Slow Food Culture: Përmet is a hub of agro-tourism. You’ll find homemade gliko (fruit preserves), raw honey, wild mountain tea, and local raki in nearly every guesthouse.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

Përmet offers one of Albania’s last strongholds of slow travel. It’s ideal for hikers, photographers, and those in search of wellness without a spa menu. You’ll meet proud locals who live by seasonal rhythms and take pride in hosting visitors with genuine warmth.

Bonus tip: Plan your trip around the Agro-Tourism Fair held each September- it’s an authentic showcase of Përmet’s rural heritage.

2. Kukës – Mountain Tales in a Nobel-Nominated Town

You may not have heard of Kukës, but the world did when the town was nominated for the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize for sheltering thousands of Kosovar refugees during the war.

Located in northeastern Albania, Kukës sits at the meeting point of rivers and mountain trails, with access to the Valbonë Valley National Park and the dramatic ridgelines of the Sharri Mountains.

Top Things to Experience

• Historical Museum of Kukës: Small, yet moving. It paints a vivid picture of the town’s wartime courage and humanitarian legacy.
• Drin River Bridge Views: Especially breathtaking during spring melt or autumn foliage. Photographers will find golden hour particularly magical here.
• Adventure Gateway: Hike, cycle, or ride through Sharri’s mountain trails- often with few other travellers in sight.

Traveller’s Insight

Kukës is for those who crave the stories behind places. It’s a town where memories live in walls, and resilience is part of the atmosphere. The air smells like pine and earth, and the silence is profound.

Don’t miss: Traditional tavë kosi cooked by riverside inns- made with local lamb and baked yogurt.

3. Pogradec – Lake Ohrid’s Quiet Sister

Straddling the shores of Lake Ohrid, Pogradec is often overshadowed by its North Macedonian counterpart. Yet, this Albanian lakeside city is just as enchanting- and far more peaceful.

Things You’ll Love in Pogradec

• Lake Ohrid Beaches: Clean, calm, and lined with local eateries serving grilled koran fish, an endemic trout species that lives only in this ancient lake.
• Tushemisht Village: A lakeside hamlet filled with canals, flower-draped homes, and slow daily rhythms.
• Drilon National Park: Once Enver Hoxha’s retreat, now a tranquil green space of weeping willows, swan ponds, and shaded walking paths.

Local Tip

Rent a bike or scooter and follow the shoreline south toward the Macedonian border for uninterrupted views and picnic spots. You’ll pass stone bridges, fig trees, and fishermen repairing nets the old-fashioned way.

Best time to go: Late May and early September for warm days and cool lake breezes.

4. Lezhë – Where Albania’s Nationhood Took Root

Just 30 minutes north of Shkodër, and often overlooked, Lezhë is a coastal valley town that played a pivotal role in Albania’s history. It’s where Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero, formed the first Albanian League in 1444.

What to Explore in Lezhë

• Skanderbeg Memorial & Mausoleum: Standing on ancient ruins, this site blends Albanian pride with Roman foundations. It’s part archaeological site, part national shrine.
• Lezhë Castle: A rewarding hilltop hike with panoramic views over the Drin River delta and distant mountains.
• Kune-Vain Lagoon: A protected wetland sanctuary where flamingos, herons, and pelicans can be spotted in early spring and autumn.

Insider Note

Lezhë feels lived-in rather than curated. Street markets bustle, bakeries waft warm bread onto the pavement, and cafés serve espresso for less than a euro. There’s a daily rhythm here that hasn’t yet adjusted for outsiders- and that’s the beauty of it.

5. Korçë – Albania’s Cultural & Culinary Capital

At nearly 900 metres above sea level, Korçë is a city of elegance, education, and expression. Known for its role in Albania’s first school, its literary tradition, and its beer, it’s a crossroads of language, religion, and resistance.

Top Sights & Experiences

• Old Bazaar District: Beautifully restored with cobblestones, lantern-lit taverns, and weekend music performances. A place to linger, not rush.
• National Museum of Education: Located in the building where Albanian was first taught in schools.
• Korça Beer Festival (August): Live music, outdoor grills, and cold pints bring together locals from every generation.

Why Visit?

Korçë is the kind of place where Orthodox bells echo through fog, where waiters recite poetry, and where time feels soft around the edges. If you’re a fan of literary cafés, vintage bookshops, and quiet museums, this is your Albanian muse.

Must-eat: Tavë Dheu with veal, paired with a bottle of local white wine.

Staying Connected in Remote Regions

Travelling through these lesser-known cities often means patchy Wi-Fi, especially in mountainous zones like Kukës or secluded areas like Përmet. While some guesthouses offer internet, connections may not always be stable or fast enough for navigation, bookings, or real-time translation.

Why a Digital eSIM Helps

That’s where a digital solution like an eSIM for Albania comes in, especially one from Voye Global, which connects across Albania’s best national networks. Since most eSIM profiles are provisioned via central hubs like Tirana, activating before leaving the capital ensures strong and consistent roaming coverage in remote areas.

Real Travel Scenarios

• Need to find a furgon departure time from Korçë to Librazhd? Local schedules change often. Google Maps may not show them, but you’ll need WhatsApp or Facebook to message hosts or drivers directly.
• Want to translate a handwritten market sign in Pogradec? A live connection means your phone’s camera can do the job in seconds.
• Searching for a pharmacy or ATM in Lezhë or Shijak? You’ll be glad you’re connected to online maps and contact directories.
• Getting lost while hiking in Kukës or Përmet? Having instant GPS can keep you on track or help in emergencies.

With Voye Global’s Albania eSIM, there’s no need for SIM swaps, recharge shops, or language barriers. Simply scan, activate, and go.

6. Gjirokastër – Where Stone Walls Whisper Stories

Gjirokastër is the kind of city that speaks through its stones. A UNESCO World Heritage site, yes- but also a living, breathing place that still feels tucked away from tourism’s spotlight. Its stacked stone houses, arched windows, and cobbled alleys create a medieval atmosphere that rewards those willing to slow down.

What Makes Gjirokastër Unique

• Gjirokastër Castle: This imposing fortress houses a military museum and a stage used for the National Folk Festival held every five years. From its ramparts, Albania unfolds like a storybook.
• Zekate House: A grand Ottoman-era residence with finely painted interiors and stone-wood architecture. Few tourists make the climb, which adds to its quiet grandeur.
• Ethnographic Museum: Built where Enver Hoxha’s house once stood, this museum is more about cultural preservation than politics.

Local Flavours & Hidden Moments

• Qifqi: A local vegetarian dish made from rice, herbs, and egg, fried into fragrant balls- found almost nowhere else in Albania.
• Golden Hour Views: Walk up to the Clock Tower before dusk for an unforgettable light show over the Drino Valley.

7. Kavajë – A Beach Town Without the Hype

Kavajë is your spot if you crave the sea but hate crowds. Tucked between Durrës and the coastal sprawl, this humble city offers an accessible and more authentic stretch of Adriatic coastline- with pine forests, pebbly beaches, and fresh seafood.

What to Do in and Around Kavajë

• Golem Beach: Particularly enjoyable in early mornings when fishermen haul in their nets. By noon, it’s picnic central for local families.
• Mali i Robit: Perfect for forest walks, or reading under pine trees after a swim.
• Communist Bunker Tours: Some are now community-led history sites, while others double as art studios or even underground speakeasies.

Seasonal Note

Go in May or late September- the sea is still warm, but the beaches are nearly empty, and prices drop significantly.

8. Delvinë – The Quiet Entrance to Ancient Albania

Delvinë is one of those Albanian towns that whispers instead of shouts. If you want a local base with easy access to iconic attractions but none of the coastal madness, Delvinë is ideal.

What to See

• Phoenice Archaeological Park: Walk freely through ancient stone ruins with very few barriers or signs. The place is honest- history left open.
• Local Hikes: Several hillside paths lead to hidden Orthodox chapels and panoramic overlooks.
• Village Life: Nearby hamlets like Finiq and Kalasë still follow traditional calendars and host intimate seasonal festivals.

Culinary Detail

Try lakror, a thin multi-layered pie filled with leeks or nettles, often baked in a sač (a domed metal lid over fire).

9. Librazhd – Albania’s Wilderness Gateway

Librazhd is where you go to escape your own pace. The town itself is modest, but it is surrounded by the raw expanse of Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park, which remains one of Europe’s most undisturbed wildlands.

What to Explore

• Red Lake Trail: Ideal for intermediate hikers looking to reach crystal alpine water without the crowds of Valbonë or Theth.
• Lynx Conservation Info Centre: Learn about the endangered Balkan lynx- if you’re lucky, you might see their paw prints near forest trails.
• Rail Line Ruins: Follow sections of the abandoned Elbasan-Pogradec railway- haunting, scenic, and largely forgotten.

Nature Tip

There are no official park entrances or souvenir shops. Use a local guide or eco-operator from Elbasan or Prrenjas.

10. Shijak – The Gateway to Both Worlds

Shijak is not rural enough to feel remote, nor urban enough to be busy. Instead, it’s a bridge between lifestyles- offering a calm, easy-going version of Albanian life that’s often overlooked.

What to Experience

• Illyrian Burial Sites: These partially excavated sites speak to the town’s ancient roots and are often unlabelled, waiting for wanderers.
• Terracotta Revivalists: A handful of families here still handcraft traditional ceramic pots, which are sold at local markets.
• Community Eateries: Small taverns with handwritten menus serve food as if you were family. Don’t skip the fërgesë with veal.

Festive Energy

Shijak hosts a Harvest Festival each October where you’ll find folk dancers, honey-tasting stalls, and handwoven textiles.

Who Should Visit These Cities?

These towns aren’t for everyone- but they are for:

• Writers and thinkers: The stillness in Përmet or Librazhd is perfect for reflection.
• Photographers: Gjirokastër and Delvinë offer textures and light rarely found in touristy zones.
• Cultural explorers: Shijak and Lezhë let you connect with people before postcards.
• Outdoor enthusiasts: Kukës and Librazhd rival northern Albania for natural beauty- but without the bus tours.

In short, if you value genuine over guided, these towns are your compass.

Staying Digitally Connected in Offbeat Albania

Travelling to these less-known areas means fewer hotel chains, fewer English signs, and often, fewer reliable Wi-Fi signals. Even though Albania has decent telecom coverage, many rural valleys and ridgelines experience dropouts, especially once you leave main roads.

That’s why installing an eSIM for Albania before you venture out is a smart move. With Voye Global, you get instant digital access to Albania’s top data networks without needing a physical SIM.

What Your eSIM Helps You With

• Maps in No-Man’s Land: Whether navigating to a remote chapel or catching a last-minute ride to a nearby city, offline maps often won’t cut it.
• Real-time Translation: Many locals in these towns speak little English, but they’re generous- if you have tools to bridge the language.
• Emergency Contact: Getting stranded in places like the Delvinë hills or Shebenik forest isn’t dangerous, but having mobile data brings peace of mind.

Where to Activate

Install and activate while still in Tirana or Durrës. Once done, your connection works seamlessly across all major towns and deep rural pockets like Përmet’s canyons or Librazhd’s national park borders.

A 7-Day Itinerary for Offbeat Albania

Here’s how you can visit these 10 underrated cities across a week, balancing scenic drives, authentic local stays, and regional immersion. This itinerary avoids the usual hotspots and instead focuses on what truly defines Albania—its character, contrasts, and cultural depth.

Day 1: Start in Tirana → Shijak → Kavajë

• Pick up your rental car or activate your travel-ready eSIM for Tirana before you leave the capital.
• Shijak (morning): Visit local ceramic workshops, then enjoy a traditional lunch of tave dheu.
• Kavajë (afternoon): Head to Mali i Robit for a shaded beach walk and sunset by the Adriatic.

Evening Stay: Guesthouse or small inn in Kavajë
Driving tip: Avoid rush hour when leaving Tirana. Shijak is just 30 minutes away.

Day 2: Kavajë → Lezhë

• Depart early and take a detour inland.
• Lezhë Castle (morning): Walk the hilltop ruins and take in views over the Drin River.
• Skanderbeg Memorial (midday): Learn about Albania’s national hero and the country’s first alliance.
• Optional: Explore Kune-Vain Lagoon for a peaceful break.

Evening Stay: Traditional guesthouse near Lezhë
What to try: Fresh river trout cooked in garlic and local wine.

Day 3: Lezhë → Kukës

• Begin the ascent toward the northeast.
• Enjoy panoramic views as you cross into Kukës County.
• Drin River Bridge (afternoon): Perfect for photos and a rest stop.
• Visit the Kukës Museum to understand its role in hosting refugees during the Kosovo war.

Evening Stay: Local inn in Kukës with mountain views
Tip: Stock up on snacks—rural stores can be far apart.

Day 4: Kukës → Librazhd

• Head south through winding valleys.
• Spend the afternoon on the Red Lake Hike or exploring nearby trails.
• If available, stop by the Lynx conservation centre (call ahead).

Evening Stay: Countryside homestay near Librazhd
Meal Suggestion: Slow-roasted goat with seasonal vegetables.

Day 5: Librazhd → Korçë

• Take a scenic drive southeast toward Korçë, known for its elegant charm.
• Old Bazaar (afternoon): Explore cobbled alleys, antique shops, and underground wine cellars.
• Visit the Education Museum to see where the first Albanian school began.

Evening Stay: Boutique hotel or restored guesthouse in Korçë
Evening activity: Jazz café or a quiet bookshop-bar.

Day 6: Korçë → Përmet

• Wind through mountain passes into Përmet—Albania’s “City of Flowers.”
• Benja Thermal Baths (afternoon): Soak in natural mineral pools beneath an Ottoman bridge.
• Explore the local market for preserves, honey, and herbal teas.

Evening Stay: Riverside eco-lodge
Activity Tip: Bring a swimsuit and old sandals for canyon walks.

Day 7: Përmet → Gjirokastër → Delvinë

• Depart early and reach Gjirokastër before the midday heat.
• Tour the castle, old bazaar, and have lunch with a view.
• Continue to Delvinë for the night.
• If time permits, walk through the Phoenice ruins before sunset.

Final Stay: Delvinë inn or mountaintop farmstay
Farewell dish: Lakror with leeks and homemade yogurt.

Packing Tips for a Multi-Climate Albania

Albania’s terrain changes quickly, so packing smart is essential. Here’s how to prepare for a road trip that blends beaches, mountains, and rural escapes.

Layers Are Key

• Light jackets or hoodies for cool nights in Kukës and Korçë
• Loose linen shirts for hot inland days in Delvinë or Lezhë
• Swimwear and quick-dry towels for hot springs or lake swims

Footwear

• Trail runners or hiking shoes for Librazhd and Përmet
• Slip-on sandals for beach towns like Kavajë
• Walking shoes for cobbled cities like Gjirokastër

Essentials

• Sunscreen + sunglasses: UV is strong, especially in higher altitudes
• Offline map apps: Not all areas have signage or mobile coverage
• Reusable water bottle: Fresh springs are everywhere

The Joy of Travelling Slow in Albania

In a world chasing speed, Albania rewards those who wait. These cities don’t rush to impress. Their streets aren’t dressed for Instagram, and their stories aren’t sold in souvenir shops. But sit for a while in a shaded square in Korçë, or share fruit with a Delvinë farmer—and something shifts.

You remember that travel isn’t always about checklists. Sometimes, it’s about letting yourself be quietly surprised.

This is the Albania that travellers often miss—and exactly the version that makes them want to return.

Why Choose Voye Global for Albania Travel?

Reliable connectivity is a major factor when you’re moving between remote villages and forested parks. Instead of searching for local SIMs, kiosks, or recharge counters, travellers increasingly rely on digital solutions that work instantly.

Why Voye Global Works Best

• No physical SIM required: Everything’s handled digitally
• Instant activation: Start using your data plan as soon as you land in Tirana
• Trusted in rural zones: Strong roaming partnerships across Albania’s top networks
• Supports mobile hotspot: Perfect for using one plan across devices
• Works even in less-touristy towns: Stay online in Përmet, Librazhd, or Shijak

You can install your eSIM for Albania before departure, or once you’re connected to airport Wi-Fi. Either way, you’ll avoid the hassle of hunting for a plan once you’re tired from your flight.

FAQs: 

Q. Can I spend a full week in Durrës without getting bored?

Yes. A 7-day stay allows you to experience both the obvious highlights and the more hidden rhythms of local life- something you’d miss on a rushed itinerary.

Q. Is Durrës safe for solo travellers?

Very much so. Durrës is considered safe, with low levels of petty crime. That said, take normal precautions in crowded beach areas and markets.

Q. Do people speak English in Durrës?

English is spoken in most hotels, restaurants, and tourist-facing places. Older generations may speak Italian or Greek. Picking up a few words in Albanian earns you big smiles.

Q. Is public transport reliable?

Local buses serve Durrës well, and furgons (shared minibuses) connect to nearby towns. For remote locations like Cape of Rodon, private transport is better.

Q. What’s the best way to stay connected while in Albania?

Midway through your trip, you’ll notice how much easier it is to get around with stable mobile data- for directions, reservations, language translation, and spontaneous detours. Many travellers opt for an eSIM, since most mobile networks route through the capital.