Albania, a mountainous Balkan country, is known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque forests and unique cultural experience. This rough diamond is perfect for everyone looking for adventure and authentic cultural experiences. While Albania isn’t as developed as Croatia or Greece, this could be seen as part of the charm. If you’re looking for the last bastion of untouched nature, Albania should be the first on your list!
While the coastline might not be up to European standards, healthcare certainly is! Albania is renowned for its affordable medical procedures. Dental tourism might be the most developed, with modern equipment and transformative procedures that cost a penny compared to the West. With Healing Travel, you can rest assured you’re getting the best treatments available.
Medical tourism in Albania
Affordable – High quality treatments and procedures at low prices
Accessible – Direct low-cost flights from all major European cities, as well as UAE and Israel, and great connections with Asia and North America.
Welcoming – Superb food, climate and above all, warm and hospitable people
Professional – Highly experienced and qualified healthcare practitioners, high standards for practising medicine
High-tech – Employing the latest technologies and techniques
Nature – Beautiful locations by forests, montaines, lakes and an untouched seashore.
A practical guide for visiting Albania:
Berat – The "City of a Thousand Windows"
Berat is one of Albania's most picturesque and history-filled cities, which earned its UNESCO World Heritage designation because of its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture and centuries of history. Its nickname "City of a Thousand Windows" was given to it because of the symmetrical white-washed houses with large windows that seem to be stacked upon each other on the hillsides.
Top Attractions in Berat:
Berat Castle (Kala) – Unlike many castles that are just ruins, Berat Castle is still inhabited, with cobbled streets, ancient churches, and small cafés where locals live and work. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Osum River and the surrounding mountains.
Mangalem & Gorica Quarters – The two ancient quarters are situated on both sides of the Osum River and are connected by the Gorica Bridge. Mangalem was once the Muslim quarter, and Gorica the Christian quarter, a testament to Albania's religious tolerance.
Onufri Museum – Housed in the 18th-century St. Mary's Church, this museum features stunning Orthodox Christian iconography painted by the famous Albanian artist Onufri. His use of a unique red pigment, known as "Onufri Red," creates a distinctive style in his work.
Osum River Canyon – Situated just outside Berat, this picturesque canyon offers a fantastic place for adventure lovers, with rafting, swimming, and hiking among the breathtaking rock formations.
Gjirokastër
Gjirokastër is one of Albania’s most enchanting cities, known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era stone houses, cobbled streets, and rich cultural heritage. It is another UNESCO World Heritage site, often called the "City of Stone" because of its distinctive gray stone architecture. The entire old town is like an open-air museum, making it one of the best places to experience Albania’s history, culture, and traditional way of life.
Top Attractions in Gjirokastër:
Gjirokastër Castle – Perched atop the city, this castle looms over the skyline and provides stunning views of the Drino Valley. Built in the 12th century and enlarged under Ottoman occupation, the castle contains a military museum, antique artillery, and even a U.S. Air Force aircraft said to have been captured during the Cold War. It is also the venue for the National Folklore Festival every five years, a huge celebration of Albanian culture.
The Cold War Tunnel – A hidden gem beneath the castle, this underground bunker was built during Enver Hoxha’s paranoid dictatorship in the 1970s. It was designed to protect government officials from nuclear attacks and now serves as a fascinating reminder of Albania’s Cold War history.
Enver Hoxha’s Birthplace – Gjirokastër is the birthplace of Albania’s former communist leader, Enver Hoxha. His childhood home has been turned into an Ethnographic Museum, showcasing traditional Albanian furniture, clothing, and household items. Even if you're not a history buff, it’s worth a visit to understand Albania’s past.
Skenduli House – One of the best-preserved Ottoman houses in Albania, Skenduli House offers a deep dive into how wealthy families lived during Ottoman rule. The house has 64 windows, multiple secret rooms, and even a room specifically designed for women to observe guests without being seen.
Ksamil & the Albanian Riviera – Albania’s Hidden Mediterranean Paradise
If you dream of crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and a laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere, then Ksamil and the Albanian Riviera are for you. This region, often compared to Greece’s Ionian Islands, offers stunning beaches, charming coastal villages, and a more affordable alternative to other European beach destinations.
Ksamil – The Jewel of the Riviera
Ksamil is a tiny seaside resort town in southern Albania, 20 minutes from Sarandë and on the edge of Butrint National Park. It is famous for its three stunning islets which can be reached by swimming over, kayaking, or by renting small boats. The beaches are soft white sand and shallow clear water, so it's ideal for families and those who are anticipating a day of lazing around the beach.
Top Things to Do in Ksamil:
Relax on Ksamil Beach – With its powdery white sand and vibrant blue waters, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania.
Explore the Ksamil Islets – Rent a kayak or paddleboard to visit the three tiny islands just offshore.
Visit Butrint National Park – This UNESCO-listed archaeological site is just a 10-minute drive away and offers a glimpse into Albania’s ancient Greek and Roman past.
Try Fresh Seafood – Ksamil is known for its fresh seafood, especially mussels, which are farmed locally in Lake Butrint.
Contact Healing Travel for premium health tourism in Albania!
