Autumn Destinations in Albania

Hey explorers!

While many might feel like autumn signifies the end of summer fun, especially with the weather changing and the days becoming shorter…well, think again! Autumn is one of the best times to travel and explore some of Albania's most beautiful destinations.

With so many attractive suggestions, we’ve curated a list that you might want to check out.

Travelers looking for a calming weekend away that trades the chaos of the bigger cities for country calm should consider destinations like Dardha, Voskopoja, Theth, and Valbona. They promise an unforgettable, relaxing experience surrounded by the beauty and peace of nature.

Wooden cosy guesthouses are traditional and popular in these areas. Enjoying the fresh, organic, and traditional food cooked with love by the locals themselves is also a must!

And if you’re more into exploring different towns, and learning about their culture and history, consider destinations like Gjirokastër, Berat, Pogradec.

These two lovely villages, located only 30 minutes away from Korca, are waiting to welcome you into their charming autumn aesthetics filled with colours and warmth.

The cobblestone streets, now decorated by all the most beautiful autumn palettes, are perfect for wandering around during this time of the year.

In Dardhë (pear in Albanian), you can explore the churches’ distinctive architecture, pass by the first ski centre in Albania located there, learn about the village’s history at the Dardha Museum, and visit the Natural Springs (home to 13 water fountains, including “the Stinking Water,” which is believed to have health benefits).

You can try the fresh, traditional recipes made by the locals, including lakror - a traditional pie in the area, and learn about the village’s deep cultural heritage, represented by traditional crafts like stone and wood carving.

Voskopoja, on the other hand, became an important religious hub in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and today, it is home to a number of churches, some of which are under restoration. At its height, Voskopoja was also home to a university and the first printing press in the region.

Pogradec Lake becomes especially attractive during the autumn months, when trees around the water transform into red, yellow, and orange. A must-visit in the area is Tushemisht, a popular, small, serene village home to the famous ‘Zonja nga qyteti’ statue (a famous Albanian movie).

You must definitely pay a visit to Drilon National Park, a nature heaven fed by the shores of Lake Ohrid, known for its canals, vibrant wildlife, and boat rides.

And Lin. Around 24 minutes from Pogradec is located Lin, a small fishing village considered to be Europe’s oldest lakeside village, worth a visit for its interesting history, but also for, breathtaking views!

No longer hidden gems, but definitely two of the best mountainous destinations in Albania that fully embrace the autumn months with their aesthetics. The walking trails, trees that change their colour, waterfalls, and mountains in the background add to the experience.

These are your go-to destinations for a cosy and relaxing atmosphere, whether you want to explore and connect with nature or simply chill in one of the cosy traditional guesthouses that are popular there.

If your idea of an autumn escape includes both a historical and cultural trip, intertwined with natural surrounding beauty, then Gjirokastër or Berat (or both!!) is your answer.

Both UNESCO-listed towns, known as “the city of Stones” and “the city of a thousand windows,” are two of the most loved destinations by locals and tourists, and they’ve made it to the list of must-visit autumn destinations in Albania.

While the atmosphere is not exactly like that you find in the tucked-away villages we mentioned here, their charm and mix of traditional, historical, and natural make for an unforgettable autumn journey.

Dajti National Park is a true gem, especially if you want a short trip away from Tirana. The area offers some of the most stunning views, especially with the warm fall foliage colours, the horses playing around, and the stunning mountainous views.

There you can go for a long walk that fills the soul, enjoy horse riding if you’re feeling adventurous, play golf if you love sports, or enjoy a classic traditional Albanian meal in one of the restaurants located there.

Find the full list of our curated autumn destinations here.

Albania has imported 7,027 tons of coffee by September this year, marking the highest amount recorded in the past five years. The increase in demand is attributed to the large number of tourists visiting the country and the coffee-drinking habits of locals, who typically consume two to three cups per day. The Ministry of Finance data shows a significant rise in coffee imports and consumption, with 870 tons passing through customs in September alone. Despite the increase, Albanians consume an average of 3.1 kilograms of coffee per year, the lowest in the region, while Scandinavian countries lead in coffee consumption. The strong tea culture in Asian countries continues to limit the spread of coffee drinking.

Source: Euronews

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted Albania’s commitment to innovation, particularly through technology and artificial intelligence, during a recent event. He emphasized the country’s progress in various sectors like healthcare, education, and transportation, aiming to revolutionize public services. Rama also discussed the implementation of the Smart City project to enhance urban traffic monitoring and law enforcement capabilities by utilizing data collection. By 2030, Albania aims to significantly elevate its citizens’ quality of life, providing easier and more efficient daily interactions.

Source: Euronews

The article provides an in-depth look at the historical ties and modern-day strategic partnership between Türkiye and Albania. The Ambassador of Türkiye to Tirana reflects on the deep cultural, historical, and political connections that bind the two countries, emphasizing economic cooperation, regional stability, and shared visions for the future. The historical context of the Ottoman Empire’s influence on Albania, the recent elevation of the relationship to a strategic partnership, and the economic and security cooperation between the two nations are discussed. The article highlights Türkiye’s wider role in the Balkans and its commitment to regional stability and partnerships. Overall, the piece emphasizes the strong bond and collaboration between Türkiye and Albania, aiming to nurture cultural ties and foster regional development.

Source: Tirana Times

Albanians Shift from Seeking Asylum to Applying for Work Permits in EU

The number of asylum requests from Albanian citizens in European Union countries has decreased by nearly 30% this year, but this decline is being replaced by a rise in applications for work permits, particularly in Italy, Greece, and Germany. Between 2022 and 2024, an average of 20,000 work permits were issued annually to Albanians, showing a substantial increase compared to previous years. The trend indicates that more Albanians are opting to migrate to Europe for work rather than through asylum applications. In July 2025, there were 55,340 first-time asylum applications from non-EU citizens, reflecting a decrease compared to the previous year but an increase compared to the previous month. Greece had the highest concentration of asylum applications per 100,000 inhabitants.

Source: Euronews

The Emergency Department of the Durrës Regional Hospital is currently experiencing a high volume of patients seeking medical care due to seasonal viral infections. Around 300 to 350 patients are arriving daily, showing a significant increase compared to last year. Doctors emphasize the severity of these viral infections during the autumn season, with symptoms including body weakness, fever, sore throat, diarrhea, and vomiting. Citizens are advised to consult their family doctors for most cases and only visit the emergency room in case of complications like a high fever lasting more than 3–4 days. Medical professionals are urging against self-medication and improper use of antibiotics, encouraging hydration and special attention to vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

Source: Euronews

Thank you for reading!

Sara

Magic Towns Albania