Hidden Gems: 10 Secret Places in Albania Only Locals Know About
Escape the tourist crowds and discover Albania's best-kept secrets. From secluded beaches to ancient villages untouched by time, these destinations will take your breath away.
While Tirana, Saranda, and Berat have become well-known tourist destinations, Albania still holds countless hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. These secret spots offer authentic experiences far from the crowds. Rent a car and let's explore!
1. Permet and the Thermal Baths of Bënja
Location: Southern Albania | **Best Time:** April-October
Tucked away in the Vjosa Valley, Përmet is a charming town famous for its wine, roses, and natural thermal baths. The Bënja Thermal Baths are a series of natural hot springs along the Lengarica Canyon - completely free and absolutely magical.
Don't Miss: - Swimming in the warm sulfur pools - Hiking through Lengarica Canyon - Tasting local gliko (fruit preserves) - Visiting nearby Këlcyra Castle
Getting There: 3.5 hours from Tirana, well-paved roads
2. The Abandoned Village of Old Qeparo
Location: Albanian Riviera | **Best Time:** May-September
Perched high above the modern village of Qeparo, the old settlement sits frozen in time. Stone houses cascade down the hillside, most now empty but hauntingly beautiful. The views over the Ionian Sea are spectacular.
Don't Miss: - Exploring the ancient Ottoman architecture - Sunset views over the sea - The hidden church with faded frescoes - The walk up from New Qeparo (30 min)
Getting There: Via the SH8 coastal road, parking at New Qeparo
3. Syri i Kaltër (The Blue Eye) of Theth
Location: Albanian Alps | **Best Time:** June-September
Everyone knows about the famous Blue Eye near Saranda, but few tourists venture to the equally stunning Blue Eye in Theth. This crystal-clear spring emerges from deep within the mountains, creating an intense blue pool surrounded by pristine forest.
Don't Miss: - The hiking trail through beech forests - Grunas Waterfall nearby - Traditional kulla guesthouses - The Lock-in Tower
Getting There: 4x4 required from Shkodra, 3-hour journey
4. Gjipe Beach
Location: Between Dhërmi and Vuno | **Best Time:** June-September
This secluded canyon beach is one of Albania's most beautiful secrets. Accessible only by boat or a 40-minute hike through the Gjipe Canyon, this pristine cove rewards adventurous travelers with turquoise waters and dramatic cliff scenery.
Don't Miss: - Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters - Camping overnight (wild camping allowed) - The canyon hike itself - The hidden cave at the beach's edge
Getting There: Park at the Gjipe Canyon trailhead, hike down
5. Valbona Valley's Secret Lakes
Location: Albanian Alps | **Best Time:** July-August
Beyond the famous valley itself lie several glacier-fed alpine lakes that few visitors ever see. These pristine bodies of water sit at high altitude, requiring multi-hour hikes but offering rewards beyond imagination.
Don't Miss: - Lake Zhabës (Frog Lake) - Views of Mount Jezerca - Wild blueberry picking in summer - The shepherd's huts (stanet)
Getting There: Base yourself in Valbona, hire a local guide
6. Apollonia Archaeological Park
Location: Near Fier | **Best Time:** Year-round
While Butrint gets all the attention, the ancient Greek city of Apollonia offers an equally impressive archaeological experience with a fraction of the visitors. Founded in 588 BC, this was once one of the most important cities in the ancient world.
Don't Miss: - The restored Bouleuterion - Byzantine monastery museum - The Odeon and Stoa - Wandering the vast, quiet grounds
Getting There: 1.5 hours from Tirana, easy paved roads
7. Lëkurësi Castle at Sunset
Location: Above Saranda | **Best Time:** Year-round
While Saranda itself is well-touristed, few visitors make the short drive up to Lëkurësi Castle. The ruined Ottoman fortress offers the most spectacular sunset views in all of Albania, looking out over Corfu, Butrint lagoon, and the entire Albanian Riviera.
Don't Miss: - Restaurant with panoramic terrace - Views of four countries (Albania, Greece, Italy in the distance) - The castle ruins exploration - Staying until the stars appear
Getting There: 10-minute drive from Saranda center
8. Razma Highland Village
Location: Near Shkodra | **Best Time:** May-October
This small mountain village offers a peaceful alternative to the more famous Theth. At 1,200 meters elevation, Razma provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks and a genuine taste of highland life.
Don't Miss: - Traditional dairy farm visits - Mountain biking trails - The silence of the mountains - Fresh mountain cheese and honey
Getting There: 1 hour from Shkodra, paved road
9. The Underwater Cave of Pirate's Cave (Shpella e Piratëve)
Location: Near Himara | **Best Time:** June-September
Accessible only by boat, this stunning sea cave features a hidden beach inside and crystal-clear blue water that seems to glow. Local fishermen can take you here, but few tourists know about it.
Don't Miss: - Swimming inside the cave - The light effects at midday - The hidden beach - Snorkeling around the entrance
Getting There: Hire a boat from Himara harbor
10. Lin Village on Lake Ohrid
Location: Lake Ohrid shore | **Best Time:** May-September
On a peninsula jutting into Lake Ohrid sits the picturesque village of Lin, home to an ancient Byzantine church with mosaics dating to the 6th century. The village itself is a maze of stone streets and traditional houses.
Don't Miss: - The early Christian basilica - Swimming in Europe's oldest lake - Fresh lake fish at local restaurants - The sunset over the lake
Getting There: 2.5 hours from Tirana, paved roads
Tips for Visiting Hidden Gems
- Respect the locals** - These places remain special because they're not overrun
- Leave no trace** - Take all rubbish with you
- Hire local guides** - They know paths tourists don't
- Start early** - Beat the heat and have places to yourself
- Learn basic Albanian** - "Faleminderit" (thank you) goes a long way
- Carry cash** - Many remote places don't accept cards
The Right Car for Hidden Gems
- - **Coastal secrets:** Any car works
- - **Mountain villages:** SUV or 4x4 recommended
- - **Remote beaches:** High-clearance vehicle helps
Ready to discover Albania's hidden treasures? Book your rental car and start exploring the roads less traveled.
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