Ask any visitor to Albania and they’ll tell you the same thing: It’s the warmth of the people that makes this country so memorable. And some of the best hotels in Albania present a stellar example. Yes, it has crystal-clear rivers, snow-dusted peaks, a glittering Ionian shoreline, and ancient UNESCO heritage sites galore, but it’s the Albanians and their innate kindness and hospitality that make a visit here truly special.
For decades, the country was cut off completely from the outside world due to a strict communist regime. Under dictator Enver Hoxha’s iron grip, the country was in a state of self-imposed isolation. Religion was outlawed, private property seized, and travel beyond its borders was unthinkable. Even today, echoes of its past linger in the thousands of stark concrete bunkers that pepper the landscape.
Recently, however, the small Balkan nation has been making its way onto the world stage. Thanks to a series of new flight routes, it is now firmly on the tourist map, with visitor numbers increasing year-over-year. With its EU membership pending and development occurring at every corner, Albania is a place to discover now. Larger brands and resorts are moving in fast, and there’s a distinct sense that Albania is repositioning itself as an upmarket destination, much like neighboring Montenegro and Croatia. But in the meantime, there are still plenty of incredible hotels in Albania worth checking into as soon as possible, and we’re highlighting our seven favorites. From traditional guesthouses to boutique boltholes and heritage properties, these stays bridge the old and new.