From Tirana to Butrint: Albania’s Tourism Hits Record Numbers

Published on November 25, 2025

Albania’s tourism has shown significant development, with foreign tourists increasing by 7 % year-on-year, as stated by Blendi Gonxhja, Albania’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports. From January to October in 2025, the country registered 11,137,328 international tourists, a true testimony to the growing international tourism potential in the country, with a continued upward trend even in October, with 908,642 visitors, further confirming that Albania’s tourism began to diversify and stabilise, available year-round.

Although October is not a Summer tourist month and October was the lowest month, the figures are indicative of a country successfully working to expand its tourism season, with potential to vacation all year round, making Albania a growing destination of choice. Tourism growth was not only along the sun-kissed Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, but also in the rich cultural and historical sites of the country, with steady year-round visits from international tourists.

Year-Round Coastal Destinations

Albania’s Adriatic and Ionian coastlines have attracted tourists year-round with popular beach resorts including Velipoje, Shengjin, Durres, Vlore, Himare, and Sarande. These for a long time have attracted visitors on summer vacations for the warm sunny weather, beautiful beaches, clear waters, and picturesque towns.

Coastal destinations in Albania have recently been attracting tourists in the off season thanks to new and improved hotels and other infrastructure as well as initiatives aimed at attracting visitors to the region. The growing interest in off-season tourism is helping tourism in Albania to be more diversified which is a positive step toward a more sustainable year round tourism.

For visitors who wish to experience more than just a beach vacation, there are new adventure tourism and eco-tourism activities like hiking and cycling, as well as birdwatching within the pristinely preserved national parks and mountains of Albania. These activities are popular during the colder months and provide an option for people who wish to avoid the crowded beaches in summer.

Cultural and Historic Sites Steadily Attract Visitors

Albania’s multi-faceted charm has attracted people across the globe. In addition to stunning seacoasts and beaches, the country has ample opportunities to explore culture and history. Growing popularity has led to year round tourism. Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brings history lovers to the city all year round. Preserved Ottoman architecture and ancient structures tell the history of the city, while the Gjirokaster Castle, Ethnological Museum, and Zekate House the major attractions.

Another city that embodies history and architecture is Berat. Famous as the City of a Thousand Windows, the city is also a location with steady tourism. At the Berat Castle, Oneufri National Iconic Museum and Mangalem Quarter you can experience the amazing history and beauty of the place. Among the cities of Albania, Berat is expected to shine and stand as a city of rich culture and tourism in the year 2025. The city has a collection of ancient structures, a variety of religious buildings, and remarkable landscapes with large mountains.

Sited also near the Ionian coast, Butrint is an Ancient Roman and Greek city and UNESCO Heritage Site. With stunning relics, an ancient Roman amphitheatre, and Greek temples, Butrint draws historians and the all the incurably curious from around the globe, and offers an enriching glimpse into the ancient past of Albania.

Kruje, a town of great historical significance and the center for Albania’s struggle against the Ottoman Empire, also attracts a significant number of tourists. The Skanderbeg Museum and Kruje castle, narrate the medieval history of the country and its heroics, thereby making it an ideal location for tourists with interest in the identity and history of the country.

Tirana: An Emerging Cultural Landmark

The capital city of Albania, Tirana, has become increasingly lively and the culture and tourism center of the country. The Tirana city has a mixture of Ottoman, Italian, and Communist-style architecture, and has become a favorite of Tirana’s urban culture. Tirana has a number of historical and cultural places which are worth visiting, including Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum, and Bunk’Art Museum.

Recently, Tirana has been welcoming more international tourists visiting its cafes, art galleries, and parks. Tirana’s focus on cultural tourism, increasing international flights, and modern hotels and lodgings make it a major hub and first point of entry for visitors to all of Albania and Tirana’s cultural attractions and the rest of the country.

A Boost for Albania’s Economy

On a national scale, the Albanian economy is positively impacted by the continued growth of foreign tourism. The tourism industry supports several local businesses and services such as hotels, restaurants, and transport. Foreign tourists increasingly choose Albania at all times of the year, benefiting both large and small local economies from tourism, especially with major Albanian cities.

Albania’s tourism market is also experiencing a shift with more luxury travelers visiting the country, which can be attributed to the recent opening of several high-end boutique hotels and luxury resorts along the coast. High-end tourism creates a demand for more investments and offers more employment for the local economies.

Looking to the Future: Sustainable Tourism in Albania

With the growing importance of sustainable tourism practices in Albania, the country is appreciating its rich cultural heritage, its natural environments, and travel that brings benefits to both the visitors and the host communities. Currently, Albania is trying to achieve positive tourism growth, while sustaining commercial, and reducing detrimental environmental impacts.

Albania is more than relaxing vacations. Increasing cultural and historical sites, and developing infrastructure, is offering travelers cultural enrichment along the stunning coastline. For these reasons, Albania will be a top travel destination in Europe in the near future.