Travel to Albania with incredible-albania.com? At only 11,100 square miles (28,748 square kilometres) and with a total population of just under three million people, Albania might be small, but it’s certainly not lacking in things to do and see. From the stunning beaches of the Albanian Riviera to gorgeous archaeological sites, Albania will not disappoint you. Here’s a list of the top 20 must-visit attractions in the country. The Albanian Riviera is, with the capital city Tirana, the most popular place in the country. The reason is that it is just amazing: long sandy and pebble beaches lapped by turquoise water, and lovely coastal hamlets with small Orthodox churches, cobblestoned streets and flowers everywhere. The best places to visit are Dhërmi, Drymades beach, Vuno, Qeparo and the seaside town of Himara.

Albania’s main port, Durres is also one of the nation’s oldest cities. Durres is most famous for being home to the biggest amphitheater in the Balkans, while the unspoiled northern coastal stretch of Lalzit Bay is one of Albania’s most beautiful places to visit. Tourists should consider taking time out of their schedules to visit the Durres Archaeological Museum, the Aleksander Moisiu Theatre and the Royal Villa of Durres during their time in the second largest city in Albania. Many cultural events and feastings are held in Durres throughout the year, while the city is also the birthplace of Bujar Nishani, the current President of Albania.

Located in the south of the country, Gjirokaster is a delight to visit. Its beautiful old town is perched on the side of a hill overlooking a valley and its winding cobbled streets are full of quaint buildings and historic sites. With over 500 homes and buildings protected and preserved as ‘cultural monuments’, Gjirokaster is full of wonderful architecture. It is often known as the ‘City of Stone’ due to the distinctive local rooves that can be seen everywhere you go. Perched above the scenic Old Bazaar is Gjirokaster Castle, reputed to be the second largest in the whole of the Balkans. A fascinating place to visit, the castle has an underground Cold War-era bunker and an Armaments Museum for visitors to enjoy, alongside its impressive fortifications and ruins. Find extra info on weekend in Albania.

Arguably the most significant Saranda tourism highlights are the 40 Saints Monastery. This 6th-century monastery is literally how the city got its name—Saranda means 40 in Greek. It was modified extensively over the next centuries, though. According to the legend, the monastery was built in honor of forty Roman martyrs who wouldn’t renounce their Christian faith and were banished. Because of the remaining war damage, the monastery isn’t in a particularly great state, but just because of its historical importance and wonderful views of Saranda, it’s still worth visiting. If you ask permission from Saranda’s city hall, you can enter the surviving crypt.

The capital city of Albania, Tirana will be the starting point for many people exploring the best places in Albania. The city is home to few must-see tourist locations, but the 18th-century Et’hem Bey mosque is well worth a visit. Tirana’s people, like the vast majority of Albanian locals, are exceptionally friendly and the city is supremely affordable, with surprisingly excellent food and drinks both very cheap. Skanderbeg Square is one of Tirana’s most important places and this is where the National Historical Museum can be found too. At the heart of Skanderbeg Square – and therefore the heart of Tirana – is a statue of the historic Albanian national hero Skanderbeg. Read even more information at https://incredible-albania.com/.