UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Albania

Albania may be small, but it is rich in UNESCO World Heritage, from ancient ruins to living stone towns and pristine forests. These sites tell the story of thousands of years of history and nature. Here is a guide to the highlights.

Butrint

A magnificent ancient city near Sarandë, Butrint was inhabited by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians. Set in a green lagoon, its theatre, basilica and city walls make it one of the Mediterranean's most atmospheric archaeological parks.

Berat

The City of a Thousand Windows is famous for its tiered white Ottoman houses, its inhabited hilltop castle and its beautifully preserved old quarters along the Osum River.

Gjirokastër

The Stone City is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, with tower-like stone houses, a great fortress and a cobbled bazaar, all set beneath dramatic mountains.

The Ancient Beech Forests

Albania is home to protected primeval beech forests, part of a wider European natural heritage site, offering wild, untouched woodland for nature lovers.

Lake Ohrid Region

Shared with North Macedonia, the ancient Lake Ohrid region is recognised for both its cultural and natural value, and the Albanian shore around Lin is a peaceful place to experience it.

How to Plan

Butrint pairs perfectly with the southern coast, while Berat and Gjirokastër sit on the route between Tirana and the south, making a cultural road trip easy to arrange.

Tips

• Visit archaeological sites early or late to avoid the midday heat.
• Combine Berat and Gjirokastër with beach time on the coast.
• Wear comfortable shoes for castles and cobbled streets.
• Allow time to simply soak up the atmosphere.

FAQ

How many UNESCO sites does Albania have? Several, including cultural sites like Butrint, Berat and Gjirokastër and natural heritage forests.

Can I see them all in one trip? Yes, a well-planned week can include the main sites.

If you would like, tell us your interests and our team will happily plan a heritage route for you, free.