Albania is one of Europe’s last great travel frontiers—an unspoiled landscape of ancient ruins, vibrant traditions, and a coastline that rivals the Mediterranean’s best. Sheltered for decades by isolation, this Balkan country now opens its arms with a raw authenticity and warmth that is both humbling and unforgettable. From the bustling boulevards of Tirana, where colorful facades meet café culture and socialist-era relics, to the serene stretches of the Albanian Riviera, every corner reveals a unique facet of Albania’s identity. Tirana, the capital, surprises visitors with its creativity—public art, modern museums, and a booming culinary scene rooted in Balkan, Ottoman, and Italian influences. Head to Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Its white Ottoman houses climb the hills beneath a medieval castle, and its religious tolerance is visible in the coexistence of mosques and churches. Gjirokastër, another UNESCO-listed stone city, stuns with its fortress, Ottoman mansions, and the echoes of Albania’s literary icon, Ismail Kadare. Nature lovers can lose themselves in the alpine majesty of Valbona Valley and Theth National Park, where wildflowers bloom under jagged peaks and waterfalls cascade beside traditional stone houses. These regions form part of the Accursed Mountains (Prokletije), offering some of Europe’s most spectacular off-the-beaten-path hikes. For a Mediterranean escape without the crowds, the Albanian Riviera—stretching from Vlorë to Ksamil—delivers crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and villages like Dhërmi and Himarë where slow sunsets meet warm hospitality. Just inland, the ruins of Butrint, a Greco-Roman city and UNESCO site, provide a haunting glimpse into Albania’s classical past.