Travel
The 15 finest issues to do in Albania
Transfer over Italy, Greece and Croatia – it’s Albania’s time to shine. This southwestern Balkan nation has gone viral for its beaches’ bluer-than-blue water – attracting a gradual stream of sunseekers each summer season. However that’s not all this little nation has to supply. Discover Albania’s thriving capital, Tirana, on a bar crawl and go inside its bunker museums – leftovers from its 45-year dictatorship. Wander by UNESCO-recognized Berat and Gjirokastër, two gorgeous stone cities, and really feel such as you’ve gone again in a time machine, and hike over spectacular the Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps).
Learn on for 15 enjoyable issues to do in Albania.
1. Seashore hop alongside the Albanian Riviera
Albania’s white sand and pebble seashores alongside its western shoreline are effectively definitely worth the hype. There’s crystalline water, islands you’ll be able to swim to, and engaging seafood at affordable costs. The bluest water is in and across the city of Ksamil on the southwestern Ionian coast, however there are lots extra seashores to discover (with fewer crowds). Highway journey to seashores like Gjipe, Aquarium and Shëngjin, or take a ship journey from Himarë to remoted seashores with nobody else round.
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Planning tip: If Albanian seashores are your precedence, it’s finest to fly to the Greek island of Corfu and take a ferry over to the hub city Sarandë.
2. Watch out what you say within the authorities spying museum
For practically half of the twentieth century, Albania was dominated by a brutal dictatorship, a lot of it below the iron fist of chief Enver Hoxha. Throughout that point, Albania was remoted from the world and most Albanians weren’t allowed to depart. See the extent to which the federal government spied on its residents on the fascinating House of Leaves Museum in Tirana. You’ll see broomsticks with recorders inside and loads of creepy artifacts contained in the nation’s former spying headquarters – however watch out what you say because the recorders are on.
Planning tip: Carry money (euros or Albanian Lek) in your journey to Albania as few companies take playing cards and ATMs cost hefty charges.
3. See fanciful frescoes in Albanian mosques and church buildings
Since faith was repressed throughout Albania’s dictatorship, the nation has a novel relationship with religion and treats its giant populations of Muslims, Christians and Bektashis with respect. Go to these prayer websites across the nation, together with Tirana’s Xhamia Et’hem Bej mosque, which has superb frescoes inside. It’s additionally value driving south to Voskopojë, which regardless of the city’s small measurement has a big focus of fresco-filled church buildings.
Planning tip: Regardless of being majority Muslim, you received’t see many Albanian ladies sporting head coverings. Nonetheless, it’s necessary to cowl up when getting into prayer websites – mosques can have robes so that you can cowl uncovered pores and skin.
4. Bar crawl in a hip Tirana neighborhood
As common Albanians lived in dire situations, Hoxha and his cronies have been holed up in an attractive, tree-filled neighborhood in Tirana that was closed to the remainder of the general public. After the dictatorship within the early nineties, the doorways to the neighborhood, Blloku, have been thrown open and it shortly turned the hippest neighborhood within the nation. Have a cocktail at Radio Bar, dance at Charl’s Bistro, sip specialty espresso at Hana and style completely different flavors of raki (native spirit) at Komiteti – watch out to not drink an excessive amount of, it’s tremendous sturdy!
Detour: Albania may be thought of an up-and-coming wine vacation spot, however it’s been making wine for hundreds of years and has comparable situations to close by Italy. Style for your self at wineries like Çobo Winery close to Berat.
5. Discover bunkers constructed throughout the dictatorship
One among Hoxha’s most notorious legacies is the lots of of concrete bunkers constructed across the nation out of concern the nation would face nuclear battle. In Tirana, two bunkers have been became museum galleries: Bunk’Art and Bunk’Art 2. However there are bunkers throughout Albania, together with tunnel bunkers carved into mountains in Gjirokastër. You possibly can even get a tattoo from artist Keq Martu in a bunker close to Shkodër.
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6. Style Albanian delicacies
Albanians are very happy with their grilled lamb, beef and hen, and also you’ll discover tasty choices throughout the nations, although particularly in Tirana’s Pizari i Ri market and on Kavaja St. Strive qofte (meatballs), byrek (flaky savory pastries) and tavë kosi (lamb meat and yogurt casserole). Nice eating places to get began on Albanian delicacies in Tirana are Oda Garden and Era.
Planning tip: On the Albanian Riviera, the delicacies shifts to seafood, pasta and salads at cheaper costs than throughout the pond in Italy and Greece. Head to Taverna Labëria in Sarandë and take a look at their scrumptious seafood pasta.
7. Discover historical cities Berat and Gjirokastër
Often known as the “Metropolis of a Thousand Home windows,” Berat in central Albania is a UNESCO heritage metropolis with Ottoman-era structure (and greater than a thousand home windows). Wind up and down alleyways, go for a sundown stroll on the boardwalk and climb as much as the massive hilltop Berat Fort, which is a city in itself.
Additional south, Gjirokastër can be UNESCO recognised and dates from Ottoman instances, however it has a completely completely different vibe. Enormous stone slabs cowl rooftops right here, and you’ll hike to the Ali Pasha Bridge for some peace and quiet.
Planning tip: Should you like hostels, Stone City in Gjirokastër is without doubt one of the finest in Albania, with a passionate proprietor who takes friends on distinctive excursions across the metropolis, together with by bunker tunnels.
8. Via-hike the Peaks of the Balkans
One of the crucial thrilling trails in Jap Europe needs to be the Peaks of the Balkans, a community of mountaintop hikes that cross worldwide borders for Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. The most typical route in Albania is the path between the cities of Theth and Valbona, which climbs over the Valbona Cross 1,795m (5889ft) above sea stage.
Planning tip: Journey to the northern Albanian metropolis of Shkodër the place you’ll be able to manage a multi-day trek that features a boat journey, buses and lodging in cities alongside the best way.
9. Cycle lakeside round Shkodër
There are few cities on the planet that love biking as a lot as Shkodër. In every single place you stroll on this scholar metropolis you’ll see bikes whizzing by. Discover a vendor that rents bikes and cycle to the outskirts of the town to see Rozafa Fortress. Then proceed biking over Buna’s Bridge and the coast of Shkodër Lake the place you’ll discover eating places serving freshwater fish.
Planning tip: In February, Shkodër hosts full of life Carnaval parades by the streets. Be a part of elaborately costumed locals by choosing up a masks from Venice Artwork Masks Manufacturing facility.
10. Cry for victory within the fortress city of Krujë
You’ll hear the title Skanderbeg and see statues of the overall just about all over the place you go in Albania. Skanderbeg is the nation’s most iconic battle hero, the creator of its flag and the person who led forces that fought off the Ottomans for many years. Go to his fortress within the city of Krujë, simply north of Tirana. Kruja has a fortress in honor of Skanderbeg, Gjergj Kastrioti National Museum, in addition to a terrific bazaar.
11. Dance at a music pageant in Dhërmi
The Albanian seashore city of Dhërmi is changing into a summer season music pageant hotspot, with a number of events going down over the summer season excessive season. The most well-liked is digital music pageant Kala, however there’s additionally Ajunadeep, one other digital fest from Above & Past.
Planning tip: Dhërmi can be a terrific place to go to all through the summer season, with trendy seaside eating places and idyllic lodging alongside Drymades Seashore.
12. Plunge right into a Blue Eye
Albania is dwelling to a number of inland waterbodies referred to as “blue eyes” which are so vivid it virtually looks as if they have been brightened with a photograph enhancing app. You’ll discover a blue eye on the street between Sarandë and Gjirokastër in addition to one near Theth within the north. The latter has a bridge which you can leap off into the water, making for a greater than refreshing purpose after climbing there from city.
Detour: Go from chilly to heat close to the city of Permët the place you’ll be able to expertise the Benjë thermal baths.
13. Discover an historical metropolis and amphitheater
Pull your self off the seashores of Ksamil and head to the traditional metropolis of Butrint, which was constructed below varied empires together with the Greeks and Romans. You’ll additionally discover historical ruins together with an amphitheater in Durrës.
14. Go whitewater rafting within the Osum Canyon
The Osum Gorge in Southern Albania has tall cliff partitions cut up by a slim river that’s good for whitewater rafting. Guide with an organization in Berat (they’ll organize transport), and bob and weave alongside the river. April and Could are the very best time to go.
Planning tip: Should you drive, don’t take the street between the Osum Gorge and Gjirokastër – it’s not paved and might destroy your car.
15. Spot pelicans and flamingos in Divjakë-Karavasta Nationwide Park
Little identified to many exterior the area, Divjakë-Karavasta National Park is a superb place to go birdwatching. Greater than 240 fowl species reside or go to right here to have a drink within the brackish Karavasta Lagoon. Look out for Europe’s largest inhabitants of Dalmatian Pelicans, together with flamingos, terns and pied avocets.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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