10 Hidden Gems in Albania Every Young European Traveler Must Discover
Albania is quickly becoming one of Europe’s hottest destinations for young, adventurous travelers—and for good reason. With a rugged coastline, mysterious mountain villages, and ancient ruins untouched by mass tourism, this Balkan gem is ideal for backpackers aged 18-35 seeking real adventure on a budget.
Searches for “Albania travel” have surged 57% in 2024, but the country still remains under the radar compared to major hotspots like Italy or Greece. That means fewer crowds, lower prices, and way more authentic experiences.
In this guide, we’ll uncover 10 hidden gems across Albania that offer jaw-dropping views, cultural immersion, and true off-the-beaten-path adventure—plus practical tips for navigating them with Allinmap, the essential app for exploring Albania’s complex terrain.
1. Ksamil’s Untouched Coves
Location: Southern Albania, near Sarandë
While Ksamil is no longer a secret, its surrounding coves and small islands are still largely untouched. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and head beyond the main beach to discover quiet lagoons and turquoise waters you’ll have all to yourself.
🟢 Allinmap Tip: Use the offline navigation to mark coves you discover so you can return later or share coordinates with fellow travelers.
2. Gjirokastër’s Ottoman-Era Backstreets
Location: South-central Albania
This UNESCO-listed town is famous for its stone-roofed houses and castle, but the real magic lies in wandering its steep cobbled backstreets, where few tourists roam.
🎟️ Entry to the castle is €3 and offers epic views of the valley below.
3. The Forgotten Beaches of Borsh
Location: Albanian Riviera
Borsh is one of Albania’s longest and least crowded beaches, framed by olive groves and overlooked by a ruined hilltop castle.
💡 Pro tip: There’s no public transport, so use Allinmap to pre-download your route and hitchhike or split a ride with other backpackers.
4. Theth National Park – Remote Mountain Escape
Location: Northern Albania
Tucked deep in the Accursed Mountains, Theth feels like stepping into a fantasy novel. Expect waterfalls, blue-eye springs, and stone towers straight out of medieval times.
🚶♂️ Best reached by hike from Valbona to Theth (7–9 hours). Offline navigation is essential—there’s no signal and signs are minimal.
5. Apollonia Archaeological Park
Location: Near Fier
Once a bustling Greek city, Apollonia is now a quiet, crumbling ruin draped in wildflowers. You can walk freely among columns, temples, and mosaics with barely another soul around.
🎟️ Entry: ~€4, free with some student cards.
6. Grama Bay – Albania’s Best Kept Coastal Secret
Location: Accessible via boat or hike from Dhërmi
No roads. No phone signal. Just sheer cliffs, crystal-clear water, and a beach reachable only by boat or foot.
⛵ Getting there: Book a boat from Dhërmi or brave the multi-hour coastal hike. Use Allinmap for offline tracking and elevation planning.
7. Shala River – The “Albanian Thailand”
Location: Komani Lake region
With its limestone cliffs and electric-blue water, the Shala River feels like Southeast Asia—but you’re still in Europe.
🧭 Allinmap Use Case: Mark drop-off and pickup points along the river where GPS coverage is limited.
8. Vuno Village – Riviera’s Quiet Hideaway
Location: Between Himarë and Dhërmi
Most travelers speed past Vuno on their way to the beach. Big mistake. This tiny mountain village offers epic views, abandoned Orthodox churches, and old stone houses with ivy-covered balconies.
🍲 Try the local fërgesë or grilled lamb at roadside family-run restaurants.
9. Qeparo – Coastal Village with Cliffside Charm
Location: Albanian Riviera
Divided into an upper old town and a newer seaside section, Qeparo’s upper village is a postcard-perfect maze of stone alleys and cliffside terraces.
📍 Navigation tip: The narrow uphill roads can confuse drivers and GPS—Allinmap’s custom pins help avoid wrong turns.
10. Lin Peninsula – Lake Ohrid’s Peaceful Corner
Location: Near Pogradec
Lin is a tranquil fishing village on the shores of Lake Ohrid, offering serene views, Byzantine mosaics, and sunrise hikes without a single tour bus in sight.
☀️ Bring a picnic and swim in the calm lake waters. It’s one of Albania’s most peaceful gems.
Why Navigation in Albania Is Tricky
Albania has limited public transport, minimal signage, and many remote areas without mobile signal. Google Maps often struggles with footpaths, hiking routes, and beach access points.
That’s why Allinmap is essential for backpackers, especially those on a tight budget.
What Allinmap offers:
- 🗺️ Offline maps for remote hikes, villages, and beach trails
- 📌 GPS pins to save hard-to-find locations
- 🏕️ User-shared spots for hidden beaches, wild camps, and local gems
- 🧭 Accurate route tracking for hikes like Valbona-Theth
- 💬 Notes & tips from fellow travelers
Download Allinmap and Explore Albania Like a Pro
Whether you’re tracing ancient ruins or trying to find that secret beach locals don’t tell you about—Allinmap helps you travel smarter, cheaper, and safer.
Download Allinmap today and unlock Albania’s most breathtaking, unexplored corners.
