Book Olympic Air Flights to Tirana

Sightseeing in Tirana

Start your tour of the city at the giant Skanderbeg Square. This square, with its lovely lawn and flowers, is named after the country’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti. In the centre of the square stands a statue of him on horseback.

Above the square, which is surrounded by neo-renaissance buildings, is the National Historical Museum and the impressive Et’hem Bey mosque. Through the approximately 600 exhibits in the museum, you will learn about the history of the city and the country, from antiquity to the 21st century. The most important exhibit is “The Beauty of Durrës”, a mosaic from the 4th century BC. Before entering the museum pause to take a photograph of the mosaic at the entrance, which represents the history of the Albanian nation.
Address: Sheshi Skënderbej.

Et’hem Bey mosque is the place where on 10 January 1991, tens of thousands of the faithful rushed to prey, defying the central authority that had banned Islam for around half a century. This act is considered key to the establishment of religious freedom in Albania. The mosque has remarkable representations on its outer walls, depicting idyllic landscapes such as forests and waterfalls.

Enjoy a panoramic view over the city centre from the Clock Tower next to the mosque, one of the most photographed spots in Tirana.

The Grand Park of Tirana is an oasis of greenery in the luxurious district of Blloku, where you can take a stroll or do some exercise. In its area of 2,300 km² you will encounter an artificial lake, the tombs of Albanian heroes, politicians, writers and philosophers, as well as a zoo! The park is a favourite place for locals to go fishing, have picnics or just lie on the grass and read a book.
Address: Rruga Herman Gmeiner.

The best walk to be had in the city is along the pedestrianised Rruga Murat Toptani, which connects the Parliament with the National Gallery.

Don’t miss the famous Pyramid. Completed in 1987, just before the fall of communism, this structure was originally designed as a museum in honour of Enver Hoxha. It was then used as a conference centre and also as a NATO base. For many years now contradictory opinions have been voiced as to what should be done with it: some call for it to be restored as a monument to its era while others would like to see it demolished.
Address: Rruga Ibrahim Rugova.

Bunk’Art. This is an impressive bunker built during the Communist era to serve in the event of a nuclear war. It contains over 100 rooms and even a conference room with seating space for 200 participants. Today it hosts exhibitions on the history of Albania, thematic events and art installations by Albanian artists.
Address: Rruga Fadil Deliu, www.bunkart.al

Things to do in Tirana

If you visit Albania in the summer you can enjoy swimming in the Adriatic Sea. Spille beach to the south of Durrës is one of the most famous in the region and has all the conveniences: sun loungers, a restaurant and watersports.

Take the cable car up to Mount Dajti and gaze at the city from a height of 800 metres. The cable car covers a distance of one kilometre and is the longest in the Balkans.

Excursions near Tirana

Explore the cave of Pëllumbas. Take the footpath that begins at the village of Pëllumbas, 27 kilometres southeast of Tirana and after a distance of 2 kilometres you will come to the entrance of an impressive cave museum with stalagmites and stalactites, evidence of a human presence in the region 300,000 years ago. The cave, with a depth of 350 metres inside the mountain, was used as a refuge by the villagers during the Second World War.

Visit Durrës. Buses depart every half hour for this Adriatic port, with its impressive Roman and Byzantine monuments, above all the 2nd-century Roman theatre. With seating for 20,000 spectators, this is the largest ancient theatre in the Balkans. Right next to it is a little church with remarkable Early Christian mosaics and frescoes of saints.

Don’t miss the city of Krujë, 20 kilometres north of Tirana, with its impressive fortress. Aside from being a lovely daytrip, Krujë is a great place if you want to buy souvenirs, antiques and jewellery!

Petrelë Castle: The country’s best-preserved castle is situated just 15 kilometres southeast of Tirana. This Byzantine castle was built at the behest of the Emperor Justinian, while the central building dates to 500 AD. Petrelë Castle was used by Skanderbeg during his battles against the Ottoman army.

Food and entertainment in Tirana

The most fashionable place to go out in Tirana is the suburb of Blloku (= Block). In the communist era it was accessible only to the regime and the place where the top Communist Party members resided; today it is packed with stylish cafes, restaurants, shops and expensive hotels. One of the most notable places in Blloku is the Sky Bar, pinned onto the top of a building and with a 360-degree view over the city.

You will also find several bars and clubs in the streets behind the Pyramid.

In the summer the fun is mainly to be found in the “Albanian Riviera”, southwest of Tirana. Albania has created its own Ibiza on the coasts of the Adriatic Sea, where wild parties are held.

In the restaurants here, fresh fish is king, given that we are right next to the Adriatic. Seek out and sample Albanian dishes, such as qofte Korça (meatballs), roast lamb, burek pies and tomato pies.

Shopping in Tirana

Little shops with friendly shopkeepers who will chat with you and almost give you an interview are the most prevalent in the market of Tirana although there are still Western-style shopping centres, such as the Τirana Esta Gate-TEG, which awaits you at the edge of the city, QTU (the first large shopping centre that opened in the spring of 2005), City Park and the Tirana Ring Center, just 5 minutes from Skanderbeg Square.

In Albania, it is still customary for the locals to haggle when they shop so you should not hesitate to do the same (although not, of course, when you are shopping in an international chain store). You stand a good chance of getting a discount.

Souvenirs can be found both in the shopping malls and in the city centre, at Suleiman Pasha Square and on Barrikada Street.

Do not leave Tirana without having packed some of the local raki spirit drink in your suitcase. It’s made from plums and is fairly potent.

Getting from the airport to Tirana

Once you have landed at Tirana Airport Nënë Tereza there are two main ways in which you can get to Tirana: taxi and bus. Most companies charge a flat fare of 1,500 lekë (approximately 13 euros) for the airport-Tirana centre route while a bus ticket costs just 2.5 euros (300 lekë). Buses depart once an hour. Alternatively, you can rent a car from the airport.

Book your flights for Tirana at the Olympic Air site and discover a friendly city that looks to the future with as much optimism as its colourful houses!