Only a few years ago, Albania still seemed to be too much occupied with itself to become a viable tourist destination for foreigners. Following the end of the Communist rule in the country in 1990, the country experienced many challenges and struggles, including the war in neighboring Kosovo. Since the early years of the 21st century however, Albania has grown into a place with notable and gradually improving tourism potential.
As of now, Albania is a country with few developed tourism centers along the coast. Much of the rest of the area farther inland is mostly uncharted territory with little in terms of tourism infrastructure. Those who dare to go will be able to do some real exploring in areas yet rarely touched by tourism.
The main draw for international guests is the so-called Albanian Riviera, a coast area with steep hills as backdrops and sandy beaches. The towns of Vlora and Saranda serve as tourism hubs in this area.
Other places of interest include the town of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its eclectic mix of architectural styles. The capital of Tirana, which is by far the largest city in Albania and the country’s cultural hub, can also be an interesting experience.
Albania also has a range of mountains that increasingly attract visitors interested in hiking and nature-watching. The Prokletije Mountains in particular offers interesting valleys, lakes and canyons.
| Population | Area | Currency | EU member | Schengen area |
| 2,800,100 | 28,748 km² | Lek | applied | no |
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