Where to Stay in Albania: From Hidden Gems to Coastal Retreats
- Margaux Delang
- 9 okt 2024
- 6 minuten om te lezen
Albania offers a diverse range of accommodations, from cozy mountain lodges to luxurious beachfront resorts. Whether you're looking to stay in a vibrant city, a peaceful village, or along the stunning coastline, there’s something for every type of traveler. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the best places to stay across Albania, sharing our personal experiences and tips for finding the perfect accommodation. From hidden gems to well-known spots, these stays will help make your trip to Albania unforgettable!
Komani Lake
Riverside Komani offers a beautiful location with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it a picturesque spot for your stay. However, the experience had its ups and downs. While the accommodation could be described as a basic hostel, it’s important to note that we paid €340 for two nights, and the facilities did not quite match the price.
The shared bathroom, serving three rooms, was quite small, and we encountered a few issues with the toilet not flushing properly. The shower head was located next to the toilet, which meant that using it could create a bit of a mess. Additionally, the walls seemed quite thin, allowing us to hear conversations from neighboring rooms, which made it a little challenging to find peace and quiet.
Breakfast consisted of a plate of doughnuts and a small jar of honey with jam for two days, which was a simple offering. Despite these realities, the staff did go out of their way to decorate our room for our birthdays, which added a personal touch to our stay. On a positive note, the dinner served at Riverside Komani was quite good, providing a nice end to our day of exploration.
Shköder
During our stay in Shkodër, we spent a night at Villa Teverde, and it turned out to be an absolute gem. Nestled in a serene setting, our cozy little house provided us with breathtaking views of the lake, creating a picturesque backdrop for our getaway. The highlight of our accommodation was undoubtedly the private pool, where we could relax and unwind while enjoying the tranquility of our surroundings.
Villa Teverde boasts a beautiful garden filled with lush greenery, enhancing the peaceful ambiance of the property. The hosts were incredibly welcoming and attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. To make our visit even more special, they surprised us with a bottle of wine and a delicious cake to celebrate our birthdays. This thoughtful gesture made us feel truly appreciated and added a personal touch to our experience.
The interior of our cottage was charmingly decorated, blending traditional Albanian elements with modern comforts, making it feel like a home away from home. Moreover, the location is ideal for exploring the natural beauty of the area. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll by the lake or embark on a hiking adventure, Villa Teverde serves as a perfect base for your explorations.
We left feeling rejuvenated and with lovely memories of our time spent there, making it an unforgettable part of our journey through Albania. If you find yourself in Shkodër, Villa Teverde is definitely worth considering for a delightful and relaxing stay, especially given the extreme kindness of the staff who truly went above and beyond to make our experience special.
Theth
During our visit to Theth, we stayed at Villa Ujëvara e Vogël, a charming and peaceful guesthouse nestled in the stunning Albanian Alps. The location is perfect for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the region, with easy access to nearby hikes like the famous Theth Waterfall and Blue Eye.
The villa offers simple but comfortable rooms, and the staff is very welcoming, making us feel right at home.
If you're seeking a relaxing escape surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Villa Ujëvara e Vogël is a great option to consider during your trip to Theth.
Tirana
Agroturism Blerina, located just outside Tirana (10km), offers a truly unique and tranquil stay surrounded by nature. This charming accommodation is not just a place to sleep but an authentic experience in itself. The small farm on the property ensures that the food served is as fresh as it gets, with many ingredients coming straight from the garden. From farm-to-table meals to the warm, family-like hospitality, every detail at Agroturism Blerina reflects a deep connection to the land.
The rooms are comfortable, with a rustic yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for those who want to escape the hustle of the city while still being close to Tirana. Whether you're enjoying an excellent home-cooked dinner featuring local specialties or relaxing in the serene countryside, Agroturism Blerina provides an idyllic retreat. It’s an ideal base for travelers who appreciate sustainable tourism and local, organic food in a peaceful rural setting.
Agroturism Blerina offers not just one, but two exceptional dining experiences that highlight the freshest local ingredients. The Toka Restaurant is their farm-to-table gem, known for its commitment to ethical and environmental standards. Toka works with local, sustainable producers, and reduces non-recyclable waste. The restaurant raises its own organic fruits and vegetables, along with a few cows, sheep, goats, and chickens, supplying the kitchen with over 50 varieties of fresh produce and dairy products like milk, homemade yogurt, butter, and cheese. The Toka Restaurant offers a five or seven-course dinner, with both vegetarian and vegan options that change with the seasons. Nurturing three greenhouses and several gardens, the menu is entirely inspired by what is fresh, seasonal, and locally grown.
For a more rustic yet equally delicious experience, the Blerina Farm House offers simple but incredibly fresh dishes. While the presentation may be less elaborate than at Toka, the quality and taste remain exceptional. Both restaurants are open to external visitors, making Agroturism Blerina not only a fantastic place to stay but also a top choice for food lovers looking to enjoy authentic farm-to-table cuisine in the Tirana region.
Dhermi
Zoe Hora
Zoe Hora Hotel in Dhërmi is a charming accommodation option that offers a perfect balance between comfort and the natural beauty of the Albanian Riviera. Nestled in a peaceful setting just a short walk from Dhërmi Beach, this hotel provides a serene escape with stunning views of the Ionian Sea and surrounding hills.
The rooms at Zoe Hora are modern, well-furnished, and designed with comfort in mind. Each room has a private balcony or terrace, allowing guests to soak in the beautiful surroundings. The hotel’s minimalist yet stylish decor creates a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the beaches or hiking in the nearby mountains.
Zoe Hora is known for its warm hospitality and excellent service. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast with locally sourced ingredients, served on a terrace with panoramic sea views. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, parking, and is conveniently located close to restaurants and bars in Dhërmi, making it an ideal base for those looking to explore the area. Zoe Hora Hotel also features its own restaurant, where guests can enjoy dinner in the evenings. The restaurant offers a range of delicious dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, allowing you to experience authentic Albanian cuisine without leaving the comfort of the hotel. Dining here, with the sea in view, adds to the overall relaxing and delightful experience of staying at Zoe Hora.
Whether you're visiting for the beach, nature, or simply to relax, Zoe Hora Hotel offers a comfortable and peaceful retreat in one of Albania’s most scenic coastal spots.
During our stay at Zoe Hora Hotel in Dhërmi, we opted for a double room with a stunning sea view. The room provided a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery. We paid €220 per night for this beautiful accommodation, which offered both comfort and a peaceful atmosphere. The combination of serene views and modern amenities made it a truly memorable stay.
Empire Beach Resort
The Empire Beach Resort - Adults Only in Himare, Dhërmi, offers a luxurious and peaceful retreat along the stunning Albanian Riviera. Designed for adults seeking relaxation, the resort combines modern comfort with the beauty of the Mediterranean coast. The rooms are elegantly furnished with contemporary decor, many offering balconies that overlook the crystal-clear Ionian Sea, providing guests with breathtaking views throughout their stay.
One of the highlights of Empire Beach Resort is its multiple swimming pools, allowing guests to take a refreshing dip while enjoying the serene surroundings. For those looking to unwind further, the resort features a spa that offers a range of treatments, including outdoor massages amidst the beautiful scenery, providing a unique and tranquil experience.
The resort also boasts a private beach area, ensuring exclusivity and serenity for its guests. The beachfront setting allows for easy access to sun loungers and umbrellas, perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying the tranquil sea breeze.
The on-site restaurant delivers a fine dining experience, with a menu that showcases a variety of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including seafood specialties. Guests can also enjoy drinks and cocktails at the beach bar, making it a perfect spot to unwind as the sun sets over the horizon.
With its serene atmosphere, sophisticated amenities, and beautiful natural surroundings, Empire Beach Resort is an ideal destination for couples or solo travelers looking for a relaxing, adults-only getaway on Albania's stunning coast.
During our stay at Empire Beach Resort, we enjoyed a room with a terrace that offered breathtaking views of the sea. The serene setting made our experience even more memorable, and we paid €129 per night for this beautiful accommodation. The combination of stunning views, luxurious amenities, and a peaceful atmosphere truly made our getaway special.
