Southern Albania

Region

The inland south, home to Albania's two Ottoman-era stone towns. Berat, the city of a thousand windows, and Gjirokastër, with its hilltop castle, are both on the UNESCO list, Korçë has a lively old bazaar and the lakes of Ohrid and Prespa nearby, and Përmet has thermal springs and rafting. Spring and early autumn are the best times.

Southern Albania Small Prespa LakeGramosGjirokastër FortressPrespa National ParkRoyal Tombs of Selca e PoshtmeAntigoniaNational Park - Fir of HotovaBazaar Mosque, GjirokastërNemërçkaFir of Drenovë National ParkMirahori MosqueMali i ThatëWhite Mosque, BeratHysen Pasha MosqueKing Mosque, BeratLead Mosque, BeratRed Mosque, BeratResurrection Cathedral, KorçëBachelors' MosqueVjosa Wild River National ParkHistoric Centres of Berat and GjirokastraBeratGjirokastërKorçëPogradecPërmetTepelenëMoscopoleTomorr Mountain National ParkÇorovodëKuçovëBilishtErsekëPoliçanLibohovëMemaliajMaliqLeskovikUra VajguroreKëlcyrë

Southern Albania essentials

Country: Albania
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Lek (L)
Emergency: 129

Where to Go in Southern Albania

City Gjirokastër GjirokastërUNESCO stone town of Ottoman houses City Berat BeratCity of a thousand windows City Korçë KorçëSoutheastern town of a bazaar and churches City Pogradec PogradecCity in Korçë County, Albania History Gjirokastër Fortress Gjirokastër FortressOttoman-era fortress overlooking Gjirokastër's historic town History Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme Royal Tombs of Selca e PoshtmeArchaeological site of Illyrian royal tombs and ruins History Antigonia AntigoniaHellenistic city ruins near Gjirokastër History Historic Centres of Berat and Gjirokastra Historic Centres of Berat and GjirokastraOttoman-era towns notable for stone houses and citadels Nature Small Prespa Lake Small Prespa LakeAlbanian portion of transboundary freshwater lake Nature Gramos GramosMountain range on Albanian–Greek border, rugged terrain Nature Tomorr Mountain National Park Tomorr Mountain National ParkAlbanian mountain national park and sacred peak Nature Prespa National Park Prespa National ParkProtected area around Prespa Lakes with rich biodiversity
Regions & Cities
Berat Explore Berat Hilltop windows and a castle overlook the Osum river: Berat’s white houses cluster beneath the fortress, the Onufri Museum holds icon painting, and narrow streets lead to riverside cafés and small wineries. Gjirokastër Explore Gjirokastër Stone-roofed Ottoman houses tumble down a limestone hill to a fortress that watches the valley; Gjirokastër’s bazaar, the Armaments Museum and winter festivals make it a living example of old Ottoman urbanism. Korçë Explore Korçë Korçë’s cafés and French-influenced architecture produce a deliberate coffee culture; the Orthodox cathedral, the National Museum of Medieval Art and a local brewery make it a regional cultural and culinary stop. Pogradec Explore Pogradec Lake Ohrid laps the town’s promenade; Pogradec’s trout restaurants, Drilon Park and boat trips onto the lake draw slow travelers. Përmet Explore Përmet Sitting where the Vjosa and Lengarica meet, Përmet draws visitors for Benja hot springs, canyon hikes, Ottoman‑era houses and table‑side raki and preserves in family tavernas. Tepelenë Explore Tepelenë Perched where the Vjosë cuts a deep bend, Tepelenë is a doorway to gorges and Ali Pasha’s ruined castle. Moscopole Explore Moscopole Historic Aromanian town above Korçë with 18th-century Orthodox churches, carved stone houses and a modest ethnographic museum; heritage tourists come for preserved frescoes and mountain views. Tomorr Mountain National Park Explore Tomorr Mountain National Park A protected mountainous area in central Albania centered on Mount Tomorr, frequented for hiking, annual pilgrimage traditions and panoramic limestone ridges above Berat County.

Southern Albania at a Glance

Local Time
1:09 AM
GMT+1
Population
367,631

Best Things to Do in Southern Albania