Must See

Apollonia

Apollonia is a Roman city located 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city of Fier in the west of Albania. Set at the mouth of the river Vjosa, there is still much of the town that remains unexcavated; however, visitors may wander around the odeon (theatre), a colonnade of shops, an amphitheatre, an ancient portico and other impressive sites. Although some of the towns portable remains were removed before 1946 and sent to other countries, those that remain are displayed in the museum, which is located in the 13th-century monastery. A 14th century Byzantine-style church (the Church of St Mary) may be found in the monastery's courtyard.

Berat

Also known as the 'city of a thousand windows', Berat is a picturesque city on the slopes of a mountain, known for the large number of windows in its red-roofed houses. The city is home to the Onufri Museum, which is dedicated to the 16th-century painter and his contemporaries.

Butrint

The Greeks settled here in the sixth century BC, to make it a fortified trading city with an acropolis. Later a theatre, public baths and a baptistry with mosaics of animals and birds were added. Magnificent views of Butrint Lake, the islands and citrus- and olive-tree plantations may be seen from the nearby tourist site of Ksamil.

Durres

Founded in 627 BC by the Greeks, the city's port was the largest in the Adriatic, situated around a natural rocky harbour surrounded by inland swamps and high cliffs on the seaward side, which made the city very difficult to attack from either land or sea. After the start of Roman rule, the city became the western end of the Via Egnatia, the great Roman road that led to Thessalonica and on to Constantinople.

Now the country's second largest city, a rich scattering of Roman and Byzantine ruins bring colour to the city. The medieval town wall leads to the the second century BC amphitheatre, which contains an early Christian crypt with a rare wall mosaic. There are also several museums such as the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of History.

The city's beaches are also a popular destination for both foreign and local tourists.

Gjirokastra

Set in the south of the country, this Ottoman town is dominated by the 13th-century fortress, which was extended by Ali Pasha in 1811. The fortress now contains the National Museum of Weapons, featuring captured artillery and memorabilia of the Communist resistance against German occupation, as well as a captured United States Air Force plane to commemorate the Communist regime's struggle against the 'imperialist' powers. Gjirokastër (which means 'silver fortress') also features an old bazaar that was originally built in the 17th century, but was rebuilt in the 19th century after it burned down. The surrounding area is renowned for its many mineral springs.

Kruja

This attractive medieval town is set on top of a mountain north of Tirana, and offers some wonderful panoramic views of the countryside below. The town is best known as the hometown of Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg (Gjergj Kastrioti), who fought to repel the Ottoman Turks and safeguard the last vestiges of Byzantine Balkans. The castle of Kruga (or Krujë) was successfully defended in four sieges conducted by Ottoman forces before final capitulation shortly after Skanderbeg's death. The Skanderbeg Museum is to be found inside the recently restored castle.

The street leading up to the castle is built in the style of a medieval Turkish bazaar.

Saranda

Also spelt Sarandë, this pretty town lies on the unspoilt southern coastline, opposite the Greek island of Corfu. Saranda is now becoming a much visited resort for day-trippers, keen to explore the previously inaccessible.

Shkodra

Shkodra is one of Europe's oldest cities and the traditional centre of the Gheg cultural region. Located on Lake Scutari, which divides Albania from Montenegro, one of the highlights of the city is the ancient Ilyrian castle - the Fortress of Rozafa. The fortress was built on a rock hill from which a spectacular panorama of the lake, the newly built impressive Sheik Zamil Abdullah Al-Zamil Mosque and the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed.

Tirana

The country's small capital is located midway between Rome and Istanbul, and as such, its architecture is influenced by both Italian and Turkish designs. Some of the best examples include the Ethem-Bey Mosque, built at the turn of the nineteenth century, and the clocktower, built in 1830. Most visitors start exploring from the heart of the city, at Skenderberg Square, which has the feel of a provincial Italian town.

Tirana has a number of museums and galleries, such as the Exhibition of Folk Culture, the National Art Gallery and the National Historical Museum. The Enver Hoxha Museum (popularly referred to as 'the Pyramid'), which was dedicated to Albania's former Communist leader, has been turned into the International Cultural Centre. The city also has a Palace of Culture, which houses the National Library and the Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Vlora

The second largest port in Albania (after Durres), Vlora is one of the oldest cities in the country, founded in the 6th century BC. It was from here that Ismail Qemali declared Albania's independence on November 28, 1912, during the First Balkan War. The city became Albania's first capital but was invaded by Italy in 1914 and occupied until 1920. The Muradiye Mosque (1538-42) was designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan whose family originated in Albania. Some wonderful panoramic views of the beach and town may be seen from tourist centre of Liria, which is set on a hill above the city.

Beaches

Albania has over 450 km (280 miles) of coastline and shallow beaches, and its southern coastline remains completely unspoilt. Various water activities and sports are popular along most of the coast, with the cities of Durres and Golem having the largest beaches.