Everyone knows Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastër and Sarandë. But some of the best Albanian trips begin when you stop looking for the places everyone else is posting.

From a tiny town surrounded by dozens of lakes to canyons, waterfalls, lagoons and mountain escapes, these 7 small Albanian towns deserve a pin on your map.

1. Belsh — The Town of Lakes

Why visit: Lakes, countryside and the ultimate slow weekend.

Belsh sits in the Dumrea region, an extraordinary landscape dotted with more than 80 natural karst lakes. Lake Belsh itself runs alongside the town, while Seferan, Merhoja and Çestija are among the other lakes worth exploring nearby.

Come for a morning coffee overlooking the water, drive between the surrounding lakes, walk through the countryside and stay for a long local lunch.

Belsh isn’t somewhere you go with a huge sightseeing checklist.

You go there specifically because you don’t have one.

Perfect for: Couples, road trips, picnics and quiet weekends.

2. Orikum — The Riviera Without the Riviera Chaos

Why visit: Sea + lagoon + ancient history + mountains.

Orikum sits in a pretty incredible position: on the Bay of Vlorë, close to Karaburun and Llogara, but generally with a much quieter personality than Albania’s most famous Riviera resorts.

You can spend the morning at the beach, explore the lagoon, and add a historical stop at ancient Orikos, whose archaeological remains include defensive walls, streets and an ancient theater.

Then there is the biggest advantage:

You’re already perfectly positioned for exploring Karaburun and the southern coast.

Perfect for: A relaxed seaside base without needing to be in the middle of the summer madness.

3. Leskovik — The Southern Town Everyone Drives Past

Why visit: Mountains, history, vineyards and thermal waters.

Leskovik deserves more than being the place you pass through on your way somewhere else.

Set among the mountainous landscapes of southeastern Albania, the town has traditional architecture and a mixture of Orthodox and Muslim heritage. The wider area is also associated with vineyards and mountain agriculture. Thermal waters can be found about 10 km from town, although reaching them involves difficult terrain and requires an appropriate vehicle.

Make it part of a slow road trip through Korçë–Ersekë–Leskovik–Përmet and suddenly the journey becomes as interesting as the destination.

Perfect for: Road-trippers, wine lovers and travelers who enjoy places that still feel undiscovered.

4. Pukë — Albania’s Mountain Reset Button

Why visit: Forests, cool air, hiking and northern food.

When the coast is boiling in August, Pukë starts looking like a very good life decision.

This northern mountain town is surrounded by forests, alpine meadows, springs and mountainous landscapes. Nearby attractions include Lake Pukë, Mount Murga, Munella Mountain, Kaur Cave and Kryeziu Waterfall. The region is also known for mountain products including honey and herbal teas.

It’s the kind of destination where you wake up, breathe genuinely fresh mountain air and suddenly decide you are now a hiking person.

Perfect for: Summer escapes, autumn weekends, hiking and anyone who needs a break from city noise.

5. Çorovodë — Come for the Town, Stay for the Canyon

Why visit: One word: Osum.

Çorovodë is the gateway to one of Albania’s most dramatic natural landscapes: Osum Canyon.

The canyon stretches for more than 26 kilometres, with limestone walls reaching around 80 metres high in places. Waterfalls, caves and unusual rock formations line the gorge. In spring, higher water levels also create conditions for rafting.

If you’re building an Albania road trip around adventure rather than beaches, Çorovodë absolutely belongs on it.

And yes, your phone storage is going to suffer.

Perfect for: Rafting, hiking, photography and adventure trips.

6. Divjakë — Albania’s Wild Side by the Sea

Why visit: Pelicans, lagoon, pine forest AND beach.

Divjakë might be one of Albania’s most underrated combinations.

Nearby Divjakë–Karavasta National Park brings together the Karavasta Lagoon, wetlands, a coastal pine forest and Adriatic beaches. More than 200 bird species have been recorded in the park, with the rare Dalmatian pelican being its celebrity resident.

You can go birdwatching, walk or cycle through the forest, climb the panoramic tower, explore the lagoon and then head to the beach.

Basically:

Forest or beach?

Divjakë: Yes.

Perfect for: Families, nature lovers, photographers and slow summer days.

7.  Gramsh — For People Who Think Albania Is Only Beaches

Why visit: Canyons, waterfalls and seriously underrated nature.

Gramsh is surrounded by mountains, rivers and some spectacular natural attractions. The best known is Holta Canyon, where high limestone walls surround clear water and narrow passages that make it particularly popular in summer.

Then there’s Sotira Waterfall, where water drops from a cliff more than 100 metres high. The wider Gramsh region also includes Black Lake, mountain villages and Grabova.

Gramsh is the place you visit and immediately ask:

“Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?”

Perfect for: Hiking, waterfalls, canyon adventures and nature photography.

Skip the Famous Places for a Day

None of these towns needs to compete with Berat or Gjirokastër. That’s precisely the point.

Belsh gives you lakes. Orikum gives you the sea. Leskovik gives you southern mountain life. Pukë gives you forests. Çorovodë gives you adventure. Divjakë gives you wildlife. And Gramsh gives you waterfalls and canyons.

Sometimes the Albania you’ll remember most isn’t the Albania everyone told you to visit.

Which one are you putting on your next Albanian road trip?

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