I never knew how photogenic Albania was until I visited it last summer. From incredible mountain landscapes to UNESCO towns and beaches with crystal blue water! Albania is an absolutely beautiful country and a must visit in Europe. If you love to take photos then make sure you add the 21 most instagrammable photo spots in Albania to your Eastern Europe road trip.
I have divided the most instagrammable places in Albania into 3 sections – Mountains, town and beaches. These include all the best places in Albania. Check out the interactive map below to see exactly where they are all located.
*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you*
Most Instagrammable photo spots in Albania (Mountains)
If you are planning a road trip through Albania, make sure to include a stop in the Albanian Alps to the north of the country. The mountain landscape is perfect for hikes, and even during the summer holidays it’s very peaceful. Theth is one of the best places in Albania. You can either get here by yourself of book onto a small tour including transport and accommodation. Here are the most instagrammable photo spots in Albania’s mountains.
1) Theth Church
One of the most instagrammable photo spots in Albania (and my personal favourite place) is the super cute Theth Church.
The best time to shoot the church is about an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset. I recommend finding a guesthouse near the church to make this easier, I stayed at the Marashi Guesthouse which is just a 5 minute walk away. The Thethi Villas (A frame lodges) also look like a really cute place to stay!
I visited Albania in July/August, when Theth is very luscious and green.
PHOTO LOCATION – 42°23’20.4″N 19°46’55.0″E and 42°23’26.2″N 19°46’50.7″E
2) Blue Eye
If you visit Theth in the Albanian Alps then make sure to hike to the Blue Eye. The Blue Eye in Theth is a simply breath-taking waterfall nestled in a valley amongst the Albanian Alps. It gets its name from the shockingly vibrant water, which is also deceivingly cold! The bright coloured water and surrounding foliage make it the perfect photo spot. The hike takes around 6 hours return (but you can take a jeep some of the way if you want) and will take you past some incredible landscapes.
I recommend using maps.me to find the best route here.
PHOTO LOCATION – Blue Eye in Theth.
Where to stay in Theth: Marashi Guesthouse or Thethi Villas.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2jceVYIDm4/
3) Grunas Waterfall
Whilst hiking to the Blue Eye you will pass by Grunas waterfall, just a 30 minute walk from Theth. The waterfall falls 30 metres into a beautiful blue pool. Making for a beautiful instagrammable photo spot!
PHOTO LOCATION – Grunas Waterfall
Where to stay in Theth: Marashi Guesthouse or Thethi Villas.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0yFYWbIoiL
4) Lake Koman (Komani Lake)
Lake Koman (or Komani Lake) is a reservoir in northern Albania, surrounded by steep mountains. Sailing down the Komani Lake makes you feel like you’re in the Lord of the Rings, it really is a unique landscape, a super instagrammable place in Albania. As it’s only accessible by boat I recommend booking a boat tour.
Where to stay to visit Lake Koman – Livadhi Guesthouse in Lumi i Shales or Hotel Kurtabeg in Shkoder,
5) Lumi i Shales
Another one of the most beautiful places in Albania is Lumi i Shales. Picture a bright blue river, weaving down amongst sheer vertical cliffs. It’s definitely one of the best places in Albania and is the perfect place to spend the day. It’s not the easiest place to get to as it’s only accessible by boat, check out my guide to find out how to get to Lumi i Shales.
PHOTO LOCATION – 42°11’56.0″N 19°48’41.0″E (Near Eagles Land)
Where to stay to visit Lumi i Shales –Livadhi Guesthouse in Lumi i Shales or Bee Eco Guesthouse.
Most Instagrammable photo spots in Albania (towns)
Albania is full of beautiful old medieval towns, a number of them are UNESCO world heritage sites. Scroll through these pictures of Albania’s towns for inspiration on the must see places.
6) Kruje
The medieval town of Kruje is located near Tirana, the capital of Albania. I stopped there on my drive from Dhermi to Shkoder. Take a walk around the old town and admire all the souvenirs. The table covers in the bazaar make for a great insta-worthy photo spot.
PHOTO LOCATION – Kruje Bazaar (Pazari Vjeter)
7) Ministry of Agriculture, Tirana
The colourful apartment blocks and minister buildings make for a great instagrammable photo spot in Albania’s capital. The orange and gold Ministry of Agriculture was my personal favourite!
PHOTO LOCATION – Ministry of Agriculture
Where to stay in Tirana – Boho Cane apartment or the Crown Boutique Hotel.
8) Bunk’Art, Tirana
Another instagrammable spot in Tirana is the Bunk’Art museum. A bomb shelter that was converted into a history museum and contemporary art gallery.
PHOTO LOCATION – Bunk’Art 2 (near Tirana City Hall)
Where to stay in Tirana – Boho Cane apartment or the Crown Boutique Hotel.
9) Butrint National Park
If you are staying for a few nights in Ksamil, on the Albanian Riviera, make sure to check out Butrint National Park, one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania. Butrint National Park contains different artefacts and structures, dating from the Iron Age up until the Middle Age. The old ampitheatre makes for a great photo opportunity.
PHOTO LOCATION – The amphitheatre in Butrint National Park.
Where to stay when visiting Butrint National Park – Vila Renato or Ilio Boutique Hotel in Ksamil.
10) Gjirokastër
Another beautiful old town to visit during your Albania Road trip is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gjirokaster. The old town and Gjirokastër Fortress are must see places in Albania and make for great historical photo spots.
Where to stay in Gjirokaster – Palorto Hotel
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAYYGsAg7D3/
11) Berat
Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with very unique architecture, making it a super insta-worthy photo spot in Albania. If you don’t have a car then you can book a day tour to Berat from Tirana.
Where to Stay in Berat – Apartment Donend.
Photo by Mark de Jong
12) Korçë
Korçë is a city is located to the South East and is arguably the most beautiful town in Albania. Make sure to check out all the beautiful architecture there, like the iconic resurrection cathedral.
PHOTO LOCATION – Iliaz Bej Mirahori Mosque
Where to Stay in Korce – Vila Adel.
Photo by Abenteuer Albanien http://www.abenteueralbanien.de
13) Mesi bridge near Shkoder
The Mesi bridge near Shkoder is a beautiful, unique 18th century bridge. It looks like something from a fairytale! Be sure to visit after the wet season to enjoy the crystal clear water running underneath.
PHOTO LOCATION – Mesi Bridge
Where to stay in Shkoder – Hotel Kurtabeg.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxhdYD7nErF/
14) Ebu Bekr Mosque, Shkoder
The Ebu Bekr Mosque in Shkoder is definitely worth a photo, especially during blue hour when the whole street starts to light up.
PHOTO LOCATION – The view from rooftop Bar Restorant Piceri Chicago
Where to stay in Shkoder – Hotel Kurtabeg.
Most Instagrammable beaches in Albania
There are a lot of super instagrammable beaches along the Albanian Riviera. If you’re exploring Albania during the warmer months from May to October make sure to check some of them out! Scroll down for lots of pictures of Albania’s beaches!
15) The parasols on Palasa Beach in Dhermi
Head to Palasa Beach in Dhermi to enjoy beachside bars and the super colourful and instagrammable parasols. Definitely one of my favourite beaches in Albania.
PHOTO LOCATION – 40°09’31.0″N 19°36’11.7″E
Where to stay in Dhermi – Beyond, a Luxury Boutique hotel or Elysium hotel
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2B5CMpoWZH/
16) On the boardwalk at Palasa Beach in Dhermi
Another instagrammable photo spot in Dhermi is on the boardwalk onto Palasa Beach, it’s framed by lots of plants, so is great for photos!
PHOTO LOCATION – Palasa Beach, 40°09’20.0″N 19°36’34.0°”E
Where to stay in Dhermi – Beyond, a Luxury Boutique hotel or Elysium hotel
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzqVq3pCLZe/
17) Jumping into the ocean at Dhermi Beach
The Albanian riviera has the most incredible blue water so make sure to get a picture jumping into the Adriatic sea!
PHOTO LOCATION – DHERMI BEACH
Where to stay in Dhermi – Beyond, a Luxury Boutique hotel or Elysium hotel
https://www.instagram.com/p/B11jAqfhS_u/
18) Gjipe Beach
One of my favourite beaches in Albania is the secluded Gjipe Beach. Hike down from the top to enjoy a super insta-worthy view over the coastline.
PHOTO LOCATION – 40°07’54.8″N 19°40’27.5″E
Where to stay to visit Gjipe Beach – Beyond, a Luxury Boutique hotel or Elysium hotel in Dhermi.
19) Himare Beach
Another instagrammable beach in Albania is Himare beach, just down the road from Dhermi. It’s a beautiful long beach bordered by mountains and there aren’t any parasols to rent so you can lie down wherever you want!
PHOTO LOCATION – Grab some pizza at Pizzeria La Famiglia for this view over Himare beach.
Where to stay in Himare: Calliope Apartments
20) Ksamil Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Albania is Ksamil. It’s also the best place for backpackers as there is a number of budget accommodation available. It has beautiful crystal clear water as well as 4 rocky Islands that make a great backdrop for your instagram photos.
PHOTO LOCATION – Plazhi Ksamil 7, 39°46’24.7″N 19°59’49.9″E
Where to stay in Ksamil – Vila Renato or Ilio Boutique Hotel in Ksamil.
21) Syri I Kalter, Blue Eye near Sarande
There are two blue eyes in Albania (both with freezing cold water!). If you don’t manage to make it to Theth in the mountains, make sure to check out Syri I Kalter, the Blue Eye swimming hole near Sarande. The bright blue water surrounded by green foliage makes for a beautiful instagrammable photo spot in Albania. You can easily visit by booking a half day trip.
PHOTO LOCATION – Syri I Kalter.
Where to stay to visit the Blue Eye – Vila Renato in Ksamil or Ilio Boutique Hotel in Ksamil.
Photo by GetyourGuide
I hope you have an amazing time exploring Eastern Europe’s jewel, Albania. The most instagrammable photo spots in Albania also happen to be all the must see places! Make sure to check out my 1 – 2 week road trip itinerary to start planning your trip!
DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links. An affiliate link means I may earn advertising / referral fees if you make a purchase through my link, without any extra cost to you. It helps me to keep this little blog afloat. Thank you for your support!
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8 Comments
Kariss Ainsworth
June 27, 2020 at 11:37 amWhat a completely stunning place! Makes me really want to visit!
paulamartinelli
June 27, 2020 at 2:55 pmThis is absolutely STUNNING – OMG! I am in love with Albania now, seriously have added this to my bucket list. I am planning a long therm road trip for next year and your post just inspired me to visit and spend some time visiting these dream places.
Lavdi
June 27, 2020 at 5:06 pmYou found almost all the beautiful places in Albania. Next time I recommend you go to Pogradec as well, but also Permet for the city of flowers and also Vjosa canyon to do some rafting.And the Karaburun Peninsula in Vlora is beautiful as well as the Jal beach in the south. I might be biased though as I love Albania so everything looks beautiful to me LOL.
Alessia
June 27, 2020 at 7:20 pmThose photography spots are amazing!! I would love to visit Albania one day!
Shelley Marmor
June 27, 2020 at 8:33 pmAlbania looks absolutely stunning, especially that amazing jump at Dhermi Beach. I’m pinning & saving this article for later, because there’s no way I couldn’t add Albania to my bucket list now that I have seen this amazing blog post!
limitlesssecrets
June 27, 2020 at 9:40 pmAlbania looks really appealing! You shared so many photogenic places that I am even more interested to visit!
cristinarm937
June 29, 2020 at 8:08 amI didn’t know Albania was so beautiful. You really make me want to go there
Caroline Muller
June 29, 2020 at 11:08 amAlbania has been on my list of places to see for such a long time! All of these spots look so so pretty!