The 5 Most Beautiful Villages in Albania

Albania is brimming with archaeological appeal, agricultural heritage and cascading rivers. The Albanian Alps or Accursed Mountains feature an array of sun-kissed peaks that watch over the wooded patches as they come into their own. A pocket of uninterrupted peace, the micro mountain village of Theth holds the Tower of Nikoll Koçeku and sublime mountain views. Theth is undoubtedly the most charming mountain hamlet to be seen in Albania and maybe one of the best of the Balkans. Once here you’ll easily understand why Theth has been named the gem of the Albanian Alps: located in a dramatic scenery, a green valley surrounded by high peaks and stunning landscapes, this hamlet is just amazing. The highlight here is a lovely Catholic church situated in the heart of the village. If you want to live a unique and romantic experience, come to Theth and you will not be disappointed.

Hidden in the north of Albania, near the Montenegrin border, Vermosh is the northernmost village in the country. Known for its incredible hiking itinerary, this mountainous village offers days of exploration for any traveller looking for a scenic adventure. This mountain hamlet lies in one of the most spectacular valleys of the Accursed Mountain, a mountain range in Northern Albania that extends to Montenegro and Kosovo, famous for its glaciers and stunning landscapes. A plus here is the presence of a lovely Catholic church featuring a red-brick roof. Located 1100m above sea level, winter can bring mesmerising snow fall up to 3 feet deep. Due to this, most hotels and accommodation will close down during the winter and spring months and reopen in the summer months when it is the best time to visit.

Located within the Kukës County in Northern Albania, Fierza is the home of the Lake of Fierza, which was created back in 1978 to serve the hydropower dam of Fierza. It offers an incredible landscape to enjoy all year round. Whilst Fierza itself doesn’t have so much to offer its visitors, but the road to get there could be one of the most beautiful things you will do in your entire life. You’ve probably heard of Shkodra before, the most important town in the north of Albania. Shkodra is the starting point to reach Koman, the hamlet from where the ferries leave for Fierza. The route from Koman to Fierza offers terrific views and landscapes, maybe some of the most beautiful in Europe.

Kukës is a mountain village strategically located on the road that leads to Kosovo. It was famously the first ever city to be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize due to homing a staggering number of refugees during the height of the Kosovo War between March and June 1999. Despite being a tiny city, with a population of only 16,000 at the time, it was a safe place for many refugees. Strolling through the streets of Kukes, you will experience evidence of this history including the Memorial for Refugees. Most of the visitors use it as base to explore the youngest country in Europe, but if you are looking for peace and quiet, you should consider spending few hours here surrounded by nature and admiring the gorgeous mountain views.

Valbona isn’t actually a hamlet but more of a mountain hub formed by guesthouses, restaurants and camping grounds. Usually most travelers spend one night here before going to Theth, but Valbona is worth a visit because it is a gorgeous place surrounded by mountain peaks and sits within Valbona Valley National Park, one of the most important national parks of Albania. You can find Valbona close to the Montenegrin Border and it is the home to a diverse ecosystem, from dense forests to glacial springs and unique rock formations. There are plenty of memorable experiences from offer at Valbona, including off-beat hiking trails, breathtaking views and wildlife sightings. Whilst Valbona Village itself is very small, you will witness traditional Albanian houses and working farms that reflect authentic Albanian culture.