The Best Summer Festivals in Albania

Turtle Fest, the largest electronic music festival in the country
Turtle Fest, the largest electronic music festival in the country | © Turtle Fest
Francesca Masotti

In the past few years, Albania has become the perfect summer destination for festival fans. From funny festivals along the gorgeous Riviera to traditional events in the country’s historical towns, Albania has plenty of wonderful summer festivals. Read our list of the best summer events in the land of the eagles.

Kala Festival

Kala is the newest Albanian festival that takes place in June in the village of Dhërmi and surroundings, included some stunning and secret beaches along the Albanian Riviera accessible only by boat. It is the first international music festival in the country that was launched in 2018 and has been already named as one of the best summer festivals in the world. During the one-week event, some of the best European DJs spin their top hits.

South Outdoor Festival

South Outdoor Festival is one of the main summer events in Albania

Turtle Fest

Turtle Fest is the largest summer festival in Albania dedicated to electronic music that takes place every July at the stunning beach of Drymades, probably one of the best in Europe, near the hamlet of Dhërmi. Turtle Fest brings together some of the best local and international DJs who play their music in a spectacular location in front of the beautiful Ionian Sea.

Turtle Fest, the largest electronic music festival in the country

Peza*n Fest

Every September, in the lovely village of Peza, located just one hour from Tirana, Peza*n Fest takes place. A beautiful musical festival that signals the end of summer, it has seen some famous local and international artists grace its stage in recent years. Peza*n Fest is a good occasion to discover the outskirts of Tirana and visit less touristic parts of the city.

Zâ Festival

Theth, the most magical place in Albania, hosts the Zâ Festival every August. It is a musical event that brings together the best Albanian songwriters of the moment. Zâ is also the first festival entirely devoted to the natural heritage of the Albanian Alps, and the organizers couldn’t have found a better location than the beautiful Theth, also known as the pearl of the Alps.

Theth, one of the nicest villages in the Albanian Alps area

Nyou Festival

June is the time for jazz music in Tirana! Nyou Festival is a music festival dedicated to Balkan jazz music and is hosted in Tirana’s recently renovated amphitheater situated in the Grand Park, near the quiet artificial lake. It is a great moment to discover the best jazz artists of the Balkan Peninsula and enjoy a great atmosphere in one of the most beautiful places in the Albanian capital.

Fustanella Festival

For tradition, folklore and typical Albanian music, avoid the coast and Tirana and head to Gjirokastër, the most important cultural town in Albania. Once here, take part in the Fustanella Festival, one of the best traditional festivals of the Balkans hosted in the stunning Gjirokastër Fortress, a must-visit place in town. Prepare to dance and sing traditional Albanian songs for three entertaining days.

Gjirokastër

Beer Festival Korça

Korça is home to the most famous brewery in Albania, Korça Beer, and every August it dedicates to this tasty drink one of the most beautiful and funniest summer festivals in the Balkan Peninsula, the Korça Beer Festival. The event is a great occasion to discover one of the most important towns in Albania, often overlooked by tourists attracted by the more famous destinations in the country.

Beer Korça is one of the most famous beverages of Albania and the Balkans

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