Tirana
Durres
Saranda
Butrint
Gilrokaster
Korce
Berat
Krule
Elbasan
Pogradec
Lezha
Shkoder
Tirana the capital since 1924, is the largest city with a population of about 300,000 people. The city presents a striking contrast between the modern and the Turkish style buildings with their old world charm. It is the political, social and economic hub of the country. Situated on Skanderbeg Square are the Place of Culture, the National Historical Museum, the old Mosque of E'them Bay, the old clock tower, and the Opera and Ballet theaters. Back to Top
Durres is the main port of Albania and its second largest city with a population of about 75,000 people. Durres has enjoyed a long and eventful history, going back to the 7th century B.C. A major highlight of Durres is its Roman amphitheater, the largest in the Balkans, built in the 2nd century A.D. which could seat 15,000 people. The long beaches of fine sand lie to the south where some of Albania's finest resort hotels can be found. Back to Top
Saranda is a small resort city on the Albania Riviera. It's charming bay is sheltered by the Greek Island of Corlu. Saranda is called the honeymoon capital of Albania. Back to Top
Butrint lies about ten miles south of Saranda, one of the most important archeological sites in Albania. The Roman poet Virgil attributed its founding to the Trojans who sought a new homestead after the destruction of Troy. In the 6th century B.C., settlers from Cortu colonized Butrint. Later it passed into Roman hands. There is a small wall preserved Greek amphitheater, early Christian churches, and a reconstructed Venetian fortress. Back to Top
Gilrokaster was founded by an ancient Illyrian tribe. It does not appear in records until the late 14th century. In 1417 the city was taken by the Turks. The town itself covers the hills with gleaming white stone houses and streets. The most imposing feature of the city is the massive fortress that sits on top of the citadel. This fortress was rebuilt by Ail Pasha and was also used as a prison by King Zog and the Germans during World War II. Back to Top
Korce dates from the 15th century, a city known for its buildings with red clay roofs. It is the home of the Museum of Medieval Albanian Art. Korce was a center for political thought where the first Albanian Schools were opened in 1887. Back to Top
Berat is one of the oldest towns on Albania, in 1992 it celebrated the 2,400 year anniversary of its founding. In Berat there is a specific style of architecture and very narrow streets. People still live in the old castle above the town which has beautiful churches dating from the 14th century.Back to Top
Krule is situated in the mountains and was the headquarters for Albanian national hero, Skanderbeg, in his war against the Turks. The citadel and museum depict the Albanian struggle. Back to Top
Elbasan has served as Albania's center for steel and cement production. The city walls, erected by the Turks in 1467, are used as residence for many of the inhabitants. Back to Top
Pogradec is a resort town located in the eastern part of the country at the south end of Ohrid Lake, overlooking Serbia. Back to Top
Lezha was the city where Skanderbeg formed the Albanian League in 1444 in his fight against the Turks. Skanderbeg's tomb and a museum are the key attractions in the city. Back to Top
Shkoder, the traditional capital of Albania, was an ancient Illyrian outpost founded in the 6th century B.C. The stone Rozala Fortress, which now contains a restored stone palace and museum, and multi-domed Leaden Mosque are the important features of the town. Back to Top