10 Secret Spots in Albania You Won’t Find on Travel Blogs

Albania is full of surprises. You’ve probably already heard of places like Theth, Valbona, Ksamil and Berat before, but what about the places that don’t always show up on the “Top 10 list”? The ones that will make you see Albania through different lenses, and who knows, maybe even make you fall in love with the country?!

If you’re like me and love the idea of exploring spots that feel untouched and a little harder to find (at least for now), in this blog, I’ll share a list of 10 secret spots in Albania that are still flying under the radar.

Let’s get started:

Lavender Fields in Gramsh

Every summer, hills near Gramsh turn purple with lavender. It’s so quiet, calm, and smells like a dream. You won’t find vendors or souvenir shops here, just nature and the hum of bees. The perfect hidden gem for a road trip stop, a peaceful afternoon walk, or even a cute photoshoot surrounded by who knows how many lavenders!

Nepravishtë, Gjirokastër

Clinging to the slopes above the Drin valley, Nepravishta is a year-round dream destination and one of my favourite hidden gems in Albania. In spring, the area bursts with beautiful sunflowers, as the fresh mountain air clears your head. The views are great, the air is fresh, and it’s a peaceful place to just walk around and take a break from the noise of the city. You can stay in one of these lovely houses that felt like you’ve entered in a fairytale destination.

Venice Art Mask Factory in Shkodër

This one’s probably very unexpected. In the city of Shkodër, there’s a workshop that creates real Venetian masks, just like the ones in Venice, Italy.

The workshop is run by  Edmond Angoni, an artist who studied in Italy and brought the craft back to Albania, and inside you’ll find hundreds of colourful, handmade masks. You can even tour the factory and watch the artists turn their skills into magic, for an unforgettable experience!

Lëpushë & Vermosh

These two villages are hidden way up north, near the border with Montenegro. The road to get there is an adventure in itself, full of switchbacks and stunning views. But once you arrive, it’s all green hills, wooden houses, and pure mountain air. Great for hiking, picnicking, or just switching off your phone and taking a deep breath. It’s especially lovely in spring when the meadows are full of wildflowers.

Filikuri Beach

If you’re like me and love private Strände with no crowds, no loud music, and just a few hours at peace, Filikuri is the one. It’s a tiny beach near Himara, and you can only get there by boat or a bit of a hike through the rocks. That’s why most people skip it (which, maybe, is exactly why you should go). The water is crystal clear, the cliffs feel like they’re hugging the cove, and it’s a perfect escape when you just want to float and forget everything else.

Syri i Ciklopit (The Cyclops’ Eye)

Close to Tirana, but it feels like a different world. Syri i Ciklopit is a round, natural rock pool that’s hidden in the hills, with cold and refreshing water. Getting there involves a short, fun hike, that’s not huge, but that’s what makes it special. Bring snacks and chill by the water for a while, you’ll feel like you’ve found your own little oasis.

Gjipe Strand

Gjipe has started getting a bit of attention, but it still feels like a hidden gem to me. It’s a great spot for camping (actually, people do that all the time during summer). You only drive up to a point, then you have to walk the last stretch (or if you decide to drive, keep in mind the road is very narrow and it can be dangerous). The walk is around 20 minutes, and to be honest, it feels exhausting during summer as it gets too hot. But it’s all worth it!!

Once you arrive there, it’s all cliffs, clean water, and good vibes. There’s no rush. Just you, the beach, music, firepits at night, and other people who love this kind of low-key adventure.

Karavasta Lagoon

Flamingos in Albania? Yesss!

You can spot flamingos in Divjaka Pine National Park, which is part of the larger Divjakë-Karavasta Lagoon area. It’s one of the best places in Albania for birdwatching, especially if you’re into spotting rare species like the Dalmatian pelican or flocks of flamingos.

Narta Lagoon is another birdwatching spot in the country. It’s calm, and you can walk around the area and spot all kinds of birds, especially during migration season. It’s a great destination for nature lovers or if you just want some peace and quiet near Vlorë.

The optimal times to observe flamingos at Narta Lagoon are during the spring (February to April) and autumn (October to November) migration periods. These seasons coincide with the birds’ migratory patterns, making sightings more frequent. (Source: Rove)

While flamingos can be present year-round, their numbers peak during these migration periods. For the best viewing experience, it’s recommended to visit during the early morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active.

Lagoon of Patok

Lagoon of Patok is a small lagoon located between Lezhë and Fushë-Krujë. It’s known for its calm waters, cute wooden huts built over the water, and local restaurants serving fresh fish. It’s a great spot for a quiet lunch, a walk, or even a short boat ride.

Rana e Hedhun

This beach near Shëngjin has something you don’t see every day, a giant sand dune that spills right into the sea. It’s fun to climb, and the beach is usually not packed, especially in spring or early fall. If you’re looking for a beach day that’s different, this is a good one to try.

Which One of These Secret Spots in Albania is Your Favourite?

There’s so much more to Albania than the popular tourist spots. These hidden places are calm, beautiful, and still feel real. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves discovering places that aren’t packed with people, give a few of these a try, and let us know your favourite spot. Just remember to go slow, be respectful, and enjoy the experience.