Tirana is not only the capital city, but also the economic and social beating heart of Albania. A city that surprises its visitors with 300 sunny days per year, Mediterranean charm and a vibrant nightlife. It offers excellent opportunities for short weekend getaways, group incentives and corporate meetings. After a few days in Tirana, break away to discover this largely undiscovered gem of Europe. You will find some of the best beaches in Europe, excellent food, a vibrant coffee culture, spectacular natural beauty in the Albanian Alps and friendly locals to show you around.

Albanians often refer to themselves as shqiptarë – often taken to mean “sons of eagles”. So come fly around with us and discover the secrets of Tirana and Albania.

Must experiences:

• A unique Tirana city tour focusing on our architecture and a mix of our modern and ancient history. With Albania being isolated for almost half a century from the rest of the world, with a North Korean style communist dictatorial regime, the city hides some pretty interesting sites and stories to be told. Surprise tastings of local food and drinks along the way add to the fun.
• Take the 20 minute cable car ride to the top of Dajti Mountain, a National Park found on the outskirts of the city. Here at 1 200m above sea level, you can enjoy lunch at Restaurant Ballkoni Dajtit or enjoy a drink in the revolving bar, with sweeping views over Tirana city far below.
• Bunk’art Museum
  Yes, you guessed it! It’s a Bunker turned Museum. In complete secrecy unbeknown to ordinary Albanians, the Communist Regime built a 112 room concrete bunker, equipped with a bar, restaurant and even a 120 seat conference and theatre room, in a hill on the outskirts of Tirana able to withstand a Hiroshima size bomb.
• A wild 4X4 Jeep Tour experiencing Bovilla Lake, Qafshtama Gorge and Kepi i Rodonit also known as “The Land of the Giants” as it is the peninsula that Odysseus was sent to meet the Cyclops in Greek mythology. Visit communist military bunkers, the famous Krujë Castle of the Albanian national hero, Skenderbeg, and shop in the Old Bazaar. Tirana is surrounded by spectacular nature which you can enjoy in style and safety with our specialized professional off-road partners.
• A fun wine tasting tour and working farm visit to the family-run, organic UKA FARM. The brainchild of the passionate professor of agriculture, Mr Rexhep Uka, this farm produces farm to table organic produce as well as its own wine – both of which you will enjoy during your visit.

Must eat:

• Tave Verore – A vegetarian dish with sauteed onion, tomatoes and fresh cottage cheese baked in an earthenware pot and cheese served with chargrilled red and green peppers.
• Roasted young lamb or kid goat with potatoes slow-roasted with Mediterranean herbs. End your meal with a shot of Albanian Raki (grape brandy).

Best nightlife: Head out to the trendy Blloku district with our favourite bars being Charl’s Bistro Pub, Whisky Bar, Pepper Lounge and Salt Restaurant for dinner which becomes a club at 11pm.

Best time to visit: The less crowded shoulder seasons of March-May and September-November.

Top tip: Join the locals and celebrate Dita e Veres “Summer Day”. It’s a celebration of the first day of spring, on March 14^th each year, with all-day festivities, parades, concerts, feasts and bonfires.

Our recommended DMC:  The experienced team of travel professionals at Albania Holidays DMC, managed by Kliton Gërxhani.