img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}You probably never thought you’d be seeing ‘Albania’ and ‘most popular’ in the same sentence, yet here we are:
From Europe’s underdog and best-kept secret, with just over 4 million tourists a year back in 2015 (most of which were returning Albanians or neighboring Kosovars), Albania is now visited by an average of 12 million, and it keeps growing.
According to data provided by the country’s Ministry of Tourism, the average annual growth rate of foreign guests stands currently at 12.2% per year. At this rate, it will soon catch up with the likes of Croatia and Montenegro, which also began as relatively lesser-known destinations.
Now, if you’re wondering which Albanian destinations are driving this record growth, the latest report coming from Albania’s Institute of Statistics points to 4 municipalities:
Durrës
A lively port straddling the Adriatic, as well as Albania’s second most-populous city, Durrës is the fourth fastest-growing destination in the Balkan country right now, with a year-on-year increase in visitor numbers of 8.6%.
Tourists are largely drawn to Durrës’ ancient heritage: for starters, it has one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the Balkan Peninsula, a 9th century church covered in well-preserved mosaics, and the local Archaeological Museum hosts a vast selection of ancient artifacts.
When it comes to beaches, it doesn’t have Ksamil’s white sands and turquoise waters, but the main beach (Durrësi Beach) has shallow, warm waters, and it’s backed by a long promenade peppered with traditional restaurants and beach bars.
Korçë
A cultural heart of the sorts for the much-overlooked Eastern Albania, Korçë is a historically-charged city and melting pot of peoples and religions: at its heart, there stands a 15th century Mirahori Mosque, a monumental Orthodox cathedral, painted in pink, blue, and white, and a medieval bazaar.
This same ‘Old Bazaar’, established around half a century ago, is dotted with Ottoman-style buildings, and much like in the Middle Ages, it continues to accommodate merchant shops, guesthouses, and family-owned taverns.
In total, there are 138 listed buildings in the Old Bazaar area, making it one of Albania’s largest historic centers, so it’s no wonder the city itself has recorded a 10.9% growth. Oh, if you’re a devoted foodie, check out Taverna Vasili (best lamb yogurt casserole in town!)
Vlora
Albania’s soon-to-be-launched, ‘brand new’ Mediterranean destination, Vlora is both a coastal city and development zone best known for its wide beach, laid-back feel, and as of recently, a colorful, renovated Old Town that’s ready to welcome tourists.
It boasts a 12.3% yearly growth, and it’s not for nothing: it’s being heavily invested in, from the aforementioned, revamped historic core, that’s never been cleaner or brighter than it is now, to the promised Vlora International Airport.
Set to become Albania’s ‘second’ airport after the one in Tirana, it is due to open at some point between this year and the next, and it will make it a lot easier for tourists to get to Vlora without touching down in the capital first.
Tirana
As the home of the country’s only functioning international airport, at least while Vlora’s doesn’t open, it’s no surprise Tirana would rank at number one for fastest-rising Albanian destinations, with a 15.4% uptick in arrivals. After all, it remains the main entry point into the country.
Be that as it may, this overlooked capital, albeit quirky and bypassed by tourists headed straight for the coast, has in fact a lot going for it, from the lively taverns lining the pedestrian-friendly lanes of its sprawling center, to the vast Skanderberg Square, dominated by an equestrian sculpture.
It’s certainly not for everybody, with its hectic traffic and eclectic mix of communist-era and avant-garde structures, but you can’t deny it has character.
Be it climbing the Pyramid for epic views of the minaret-dotted skyline, visiting the Cold War-era bunker museum, or relaxing by Tirana Lake, chances are you’ll end up loving Tirana as much as we do.
Vinicius CostaVini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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