The cruise ship “Seven Seas Navigation” arrived at the port of Saranda on Friday carrying 457 tourists from various countries, who visited attractions along the Albanian Riviera and explored the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Port of Saranda said the visitors toured several destinations and attractions in and around the city during their stay.

The cruise ship’s arrival added to tourist activity in Saranda, which remains a popular stop for visitors travelling on cruise itineraries.

The ship will continue its journey to its next port after its stay in Saranda.

Favourable weather, natural attractions and cultural heritage continue to draw visitors to the southern coastal city in September, while the quieter atmosphere offers an alternative experience of the Albanian Riviera.

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As soon as the visitors enter the valley, they are greeted by postcard-like scenery: emerald and turquoise waters flowing over white river stones beneath towering peaks. The crisp mountain air, scented with pine forests, and the soothing sound of the river create an atmosphere of rare tranquility.

For many visitors, the Valbona River is more than a scenic attraction-it is an experience.

“My name is Alex and I’m from Manchester. My holiday here in Valbona has been amazing. The hospitality has been excellent, the food has been delicious and the wine is very good. If you have the chance, come here. The sunshine is beautiful, the mountains are beautiful. I’m staying at the Resort Valbona hotel and I’ve been treated like a king. I’ll definitely come back. The service has been outstanding, the people have welcomed me like family and I’ll certainly return,” one of the many foreign tourists visiting Valbona told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA).

During a visit to the northern Albanian destination, an ATA team observed large groups of international tourists of all ages exploring the valley. Families with children, hikers and photography enthusiasts could be seen capturing the dramatic scenery, while others relaxed along the riverbanks under beach umbrellas, enjoying the sunshine and the alpine surroundings.

The valley’s extensive trail network has made it a popular destination for hiking and outdoor recreation. The Valbona-Theth hiking trail, rafting on selected sections of the river, mountaineering and nature photography are among the activities attracting visitors from around the world.

Local residents regard the river as an integral part of their identity, while the area’s traditional hospitality adds to the appeal, offering visitors an experience that goes beyond sightseeing.

The Valbona Valley is a protected natural monument designated as a National Natural Park. It takes its name from the 50.6-km Valbona River, which originates near the Valbona Pass before flowing into the Drin Valley close to the Fierza hydropower dam.

The river is known for its native spotted trout and numerous waterfalls, particularly the Rragam Waterfall, which forms a series of scenic cascades.

With its pristine waters, dramatic mountain landscapes and rich biodiversity, the Valbona River remains one of Albania’s most distinctive natural attractions, offering visitors a unique combination of wilderness, tranquility and outdoor adventure.

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In Skanderbeg Square, one of the city’s main gathering points, visitors can be heard speaking a variety of languages as they photograph monuments, historic buildings and scenes of everyday life in the capital.

Some stop to capture images of the monument to Albania’s national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, while others admire the surrounding architecture as tour guides recount the city’s transformation into a modern and dynamic urban centre.

Among them was a visitor from Sicily, touring Albania for the first time.

“This is my second day in Tirana. I’ve visited Skanderbeg Square, the Clock Tower and Bunk’Art. We’ll stay only in Tirana and tonight we’ll have dinner at a traditional restaurant,” she said.

Tourists continue to make their way through the capital’s main attractions, including museums, art galleries and religious sites that reflect Albania’s history and tradition of religious coexistence.

An American couple, speaking after visiting the Et’hem Bey Mosque, described their experience in Tirana as “fantastic.”

“This is our first time in Albania. It’s a very interesting country. Today we’re exploring Tirana and we’ll stay in Albania for six or seven days before heading south to visit some beaches. We plan to visit Bunk’Art, go hiking and spend time on the coast. I think we’re really going to enjoy the experience,” they said.

A tourist from Bulgaria said he would remain in Albania until Saturday and planned to visit several cities, including Durres, Shkoder and Berat.

“Albania is a very beautiful country. Tourism is booming and everything looks so good,” he said.

A young visitor from Ukraine, travelling with his mother, said it was his first trip to Tirana.

“We spent only one night in Tirana and today we’re heading to the beach in Durres. For me, Tirana is a beautiful city, very large and with a great culture. We’ve only seen a few places so far, but today I’ll visit the House of Leaves Museum,” he said, adding that they would spend five days in Albania.

Across the city, visitors can be seen exploring on foot or by bicycle, often stopping to chat with local residents, who readily offer recommendations on places to visit and traditional dishes to try.

For many travellers, Tirana has proven to be an unexpected surprise. Visitors frequently describe the city as a blend of history and modernity, where tradition coexists with rapid urban development. Albanian hospitality remains one of the qualities most often highlighted by foreign guests.

The steady rise in international arrivals is reinforcing Tirana’s position as an increasingly important tourism hub, offering a combination of history, culture, nature and contemporary urban life. The growing number of foreign visitors reflects Albania’s expanding appeal as a destination on the international tourism map.

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Speaking during a meeting with local residents, Rama also condemned a reported incident involving the alleged mistreatment of a protester by private security personnel, calling it unacceptable and saying authorities had taken immediate action.

He said the project would bring broader economic benefits, including new investment in tourism, real estate and business development.

“With this project, Vlora is no longer just a city in Albania, but a global destination,” he said, adding that it would have a “chain effect” on investment.

Rama said opposition to major projects was expected but should not block development, and reiterated that the scheme would proceed under strict environmental conditions.

“The process has been very strict,” he said, adding that the project had been adjusted to ensure compliance with environmental requirements, including protections for biodiversity and buffer zones near the lagoon.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the forest on Saturday, describing it as one of the region’s most notable natural attractions.

“Combining a rich ecosystem with excellent opportunities for eco-tourism, this forest offers unique experiences for enjoying the beauty of nature,” Rama said.

Covering an area of about 50 hectares and located just 10 km from the city of Korça, the forest features a distinctive landscape and holds protected natural monument status.

Beyond pheasants – the symbol of the site – the forest is home to a wide range of wildlife. Its diverse vegetation, including poplar, willow, linden, pine and fir trees, makes it particularly appealing for nature walks away from urban environments.

Revitalised through human intervention, the Pheasant Forest has become a key destination in south-eastern Albania, attracting families, local visitors and an increasing number of domestic and foreign tourists.

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The latest praise comes from RTL Radio, a Luxembourg-based media outlet, which highlights Albania’s tourism potential in its European vacation series.

Describing the country as the “Balkan gem transforming from a hidden into a central destination on Europe’s travel map,” RTL Radio praises Albania’s unspoiled nature, diverse landscapes, and rising popularity.

Prime Minister Edi Rama took to the social media to share the article on Friday, noting it showcases a full guide for European travellers, from the Albanian Alps to Dhërmi, Ksamil, and Himara in southern Riviera, through the Vjosa National Park and UNESCO cities like Gjirokastra and Berat.

RTL Radio emphasizes the country’s northern regions, with their stone villages, crystal-clear rivers, and breathtaking views, ideal for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.

The Vjosa National Park, designated in 2023 as Europe’s first Wild River National Park, is noted for its biodiversity, home to over 1,100 plant and animal species, including lynxes, otters, and rare birds.

The Albanian Riviera is described as one of the most beautiful yet underdeveloped parts of the Mediterranean, with Ksamil, Dhërmi, and Himara beaches compared to the Maldives for their fine sand, turquoise waters, and relaxed atmosphere.

The article also describes Tirana as a vibrant capital full of color, history, and creativity – from live-music cafés and street art to innovative restaurants and a youthful population bringing the city to life.

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Thrill-seeking tourists are flocking to Vjosa to experience rafting through its pristine waters.

Prime Minister Edi Rama on Thursday shared images of a group of tourists enjoying this exhilarating activity.

Flowing freely through protected landscapes, Vjosa features canyons, caves, and rich biodiversity, offering a rare and immersive adventure.

Rafting tours typically run from Përmet to Këlcyrë, covering nearly 20 kilometers of varying river conditions – from calm stretches to rapid, wave-filled extents.

In Përmet, adventure tourism blends seamlessly with local traditions, cuisine, and hospitality.

As such, rafting on the Vjosa is more than a sport – it’s a holistic experience that combines adrenaline with natural beauty, while boosting local economies and enhancing Albania’s international appeal as an alternative tourist destination.

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Overlooking the city from its hillside perch is the Berat Castle, a grand fortress that remains inhabited to this day and stands as a living symbol of the city’s cultural and historical heritage.

Prime Minister Edi Rama on Sunday took to the social media to share images of the fortress, describing it as “the soul and pride of the city.”

“Berat Castle, the crown above the city of the city of one above another windows, preserves the memory, soul, and pride of a city where history and culture are intertwined at every step,” Rama said.

Known as one of the most iconic castles in Albania, Berat Castle—also referred to as the “Fortress of the Arber”—rises like a luminous crown above the ancient city of “a thousand windows.”

Meticulously preserved, it is among the few castles in the Balkans where life continues within its walls. Traces of history can be seen in the castle’s stone walls, churches, and towers, silent witnesses to bygone eras.

Founded over 2,400 years ago, the city of Berat has seen the rise and fall of empires—Illyrian tribes, Byzantine generals, Slavic settlers, the noble Muzaka family, Ottoman rulers, and the semi-independent Pashalik of Berat.

Now a cornerstone of Albania’s cultural legacy, Berat Castle is one of the country’s most important tourism assets.

Preserving every fragment of culture enclosed within its walls remains a shared challenge.

The fortress is one of the largest historical monuments in the Balkans, built on a triangular layout and situated in such a way that it appears as a natural extension of the hill.

The entrance tower features stone blocks dating back to the Illyrian period, between the 4th and 2nd centuries BCE. The hilltop is encircled by a perimeter wall and 24 defensive towers.

Within the castle grounds lie approximately 14 churches, reflecting its enduring religious and cultural significance. Among the most notable are: the Church of the Holy Trinity, built at the end of the 13th and beginning of the 14th century and adorned with rich frescoes; the Church of Saint Todri; the Church of Saint Nicholas; the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen; and the Church of Saint Mary of Vllaherna.

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Addressing the Pact of Free Cities summit, an international event that has brought together mayors from across the world for the first time in Tirana to discuss experience and perspective of sustainable development and ways to strengthen cooperation collaboration between cities on key global issues, PM Rama underlined that the cities have to will bear the burden of people’s daily challenges.

“For its residents, a city is like home and the ambition to make their home increasingly better is immeasurable,” the government head said.

The Pact of Free Cities is a network of capital cities, founded by the Mayors of the Visegrad Four capitals, determined to stand up to protect and support the common values of freedom, human dignity, democracy, equality, respect for rights, social justice, tolerance and cultural diversity determined to stand up for democracy, freedom and progressive values.

This global network includes major cities like Athens, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, Berlin, Bratislava, Brussels, Florence, Frankfurt, Gdansk, Hamburg, Kyiv, Lisbon, Lviv, Ljubljana, London, Los Angeles, Mannheim, Milano, Munich, Paris, Podgorica, Prague, Rijeka, Riga, Roma, Stuttgart, Taipei, Taoyuan, Timisoara, Tirana, Ulm, Neu-Ulm, Vjena, Vilnius, Warsaw, Zagreb, Sofia, Reykjavik, Kharkiv, as well as the Association of German Cities.

The summit in Tirana feature a series of discussion panels, with mayors expected to focus on urban security, crisis resilience, sustainability and migration.

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The Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro took to the social media on Wednesday to share a blog posted on the Fair’s official website on Albania, the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025.

ITB Berlin regards Albania as a gate between the East and the West, with both cultures coexisting in perfect harmony, which showcases its heritage through the castles, museums, ancient Illyrian settlements and archaeological parks as an invitation to share all these treasures with visitors.

“We want to take you through some of the most interesting cultural sites in the country, which saw 36 per cent more visitors for the period between January and August, compared to the previous year,” ITB Berlin wrote, listing some of the most visited cultural heritage sites in Albania, including the Gjirokastra Fortress, National Iconographic Museum “Onufri” in Berat, National Museum of Medieval Arts in Korça, Marubi National Museum of Photography in Shkoder, and the Centre for Openness and Dialogue (COD).

Albania is the official host country of ITB Berlin 2025, where the country will showcase its nature tourism potential as a rising destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering diverse landscapes perfect for hiking, rafting, paragliding, and birdwatching.

The ITB Berlin is the world’s largest tourism trade fair. The companies represented at the fair include hotels, tourist boards, tour operators, system providers, airlines and car rental companies. The ITB Berlin takes place annually in March at the Messe Berlin.

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