Albania

Walking holidays in Albania

Though it's often overlooked as a holiday destination, Albania shines brightly for walkers keen to explore unspoilt landscapes.

Our guided tours of Albania lead you on walks through sparsely-populated lands peppered with pastoral scenes and poignant reminders of the past.

Fearing invasion during the Cold War, the country’s former dictator, Enver Hoxa, ordered the construction of thousands of military bunkers. Whilst the regime has long since collapsed, many of these squat steel structures remain and can be seen in many places along the coast and in the countryside.

Albania is forever intertwined with its eastern neighbour, Macedonia. The two nations not only share a border but also a huge body of water. The so-called "European Galapagos”, Lake Ohrid is a gleaming sea-like expanse backed by the mighty peaks of the Morava Mountain Range.

When you can tear yourself away from strolling these stunning shores, the lake’s namesake town, Ohrid, is a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on the Macedonian side of the border, it's home to medieval castles, remarkable Ottoman architecture, and St Sophia's Cathedral - one of North Macedonia's most important monuments.

Visiting Albania wouldn't be complete without a tour of Tirana. Though it’s only been Albania’s capital since 1920, it has a rich history dating back to the Iron Age. Soviet-style apartment blocks are a reminder of the communist era, but the city centre plays a different tune. You’re equally likely to come across Byzantine columns and medieval Venetian structures as you are the sleek lines of modern high-rises.

Highlights include the towering minarets of Et’hem Bey Mosque, the impressive Skandberg Square, and the National Museum. Other visit-worthy mentions include the city’s well-stocked local farmers market and the Blloku district, once home to the communist-era elite.