Tour guides Albania

5 ideas for guided tours in Albania

• Gjirokastër

  

  A trip to southern Albania wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Gjirokastër, just thirty kilometers from Greece. Here, every narrow street carries you back in time. Stone houses with slate roofs cling to the mountainside, revealing the soul of a town whose charm remains untouched.

  The historic center, renowned for its remarkable Ottoman architecture, is striking. As you wander, you’ll come across cobbled alleys, an old bazaar brimming with treasures, and countless artisan shops. Pause for a moment at a lively terrace: the mountains surround you, and time seems to slow.

  Higher up, the Kalaja Alaja e Gjirokastër fortress towers over the valley. Dating from the 12th century, its grounds offer a fascinating walk, with a tunnel that circles the outer walls. The view from its ramparts alone makes the climb through the town’s steep streets worthwhile.

• Butrint Site

  

  At the very south of Albania, near Saranda and just steps from Greece, lies Butrint, an archaeological treasure untouched by time. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s best explored with a local guide, someone who knows the stories behind the stones.

  Here you walk across more than two thousand years of history. The Greek theater, Roman baths, ancient walls, the early Christian church… it all still feels within reach. Every stone laid has its own tale to tell.

  From the hilltop, the view opens onto Lake Butrint and the Vivari Channel. The place is peaceful, wrapped in nature, bathed in light. In Butrint, memory and landscape seem to become one.

• The Village of Qeparo

  

  Clinging to the slopes of the Albanian Riviera, Qeparo feels like a place where time has gently paused. The village is split in two. High above, at 300 meters, old Qeparo seems almost deserted. Whitewashed houses, cobbled lanes lined with fig trees and oleanders, everything breathes tranquility. On the small square, an old café welcomes wanderers with a breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea.

  Here, silence carries weight. Along paths covered with wild vines and open panoramas, you walk slowly, observe, breathe. It’s a place for those who enjoy taking their time.

  Further down, the newer part of the village offers hotels and guesthouses, with a quiet pebble beach. Many stay a few days, charmed by the mild climate and the preserved calm of this still-authentic coastline.

• Osum Canyon

  

  In the heart of the country, not far from Çorovodë, the Osum Canyon stretches out like a landscape patiently carved by water. Just two hours from Tirana, this natural wonder impresses at first sight with its vast scale and raw beauty.

  The Osum River winds for 26 kilometers between towering rock walls. In some places, the cliffs nearly touch, like a hidden passage. The view from above is striking, but it’s down by the water that the canyon reveals its most beautiful reflections.

  You can swim here in clear, cool waters. And when the season allows, rafting through the canyon is an unforgettable adventure. Wild yet welcoming, this place offers as much excitement as it does moments to share with friends or family.

• Korçë

  

  Perched high in the mountains, close to the Greek border, Korçë reveals a different side of Albania. Here you’ll find Ottoman traces, blocks from the communist era, and a certain softness in the air. Its wide boulevards recall the last century, but it’s the stone houses that truly capture attention.

  In the center, the traditional market overflows with colors, scents, and life. Nothing feels frozen here—the city hums with energy. Take time to step inside the National Museum of Medieval Art, said to be one of the richest in the Balkans, with icons and sacred objects that tell a forgotten chapter of history.

  Just a few kilometers away, the village of Dardhë waits quietly. Trails climb gently into the mountains. In summer, the air feels lighter. It’s the perfect spot to hike, rest, and breathe a little deeper.

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