Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj said today that, “Over 4.5 million people visited Albania’s protected areas from January to August, up 11.8% from last year.”

“More and more visitors are choosing to explore Albanian nature and our protected areas,” Jaupaj stated, highlighting the rising interest in these destinations.

According to the minister, Shkodra, Vlora and Korça topped the list of most visited destinations during the June–August period, with protected areas welcoming over 3 million visitors in total.

“The number of visitors during the three summer months increased by 9.3% compared to the same period in 2025, demonstrating growing interest in nature and green tourism destinations in the country,” said Jaupaj.

The rise in visitor numbers to Protected Areas highlights the potential of Albania’s natural assets for year-round tourism development, extending beyond traditional coastal destinations.

Jaupaj emphasized that, “More visitors bring greater responsibility for preserving these areas, underscoring the significance of respecting and protecting nature.”

“More visitors mean greater interest in Albania’s nature, but also a greater responsibility to respect, preserve and protect it,” said Jaupaj.

Protected Areas constitute one of Albania’s most important natural assets and, in recent years, have increasingly become sought-after destinations for adventure tourism, ecotourism and outdoor activities.

Protected areas in Albania continued to expand during 2025, reaching a total of 777 sites covering an area of ​​625,551 hectares or 21.7% of the country’s territory. According to statistics published by INSTAT, protected areas now account for 36.1% of Albania’s forest and pasture lands.

Albania also has 724 natural monuments, while two areas are classified as Managed Resource Areas. /p.s./

“Where nature is generous, beauty is wealth, hospitality is law and tradition defines who we are”, wrote Hoxha, describing this area as another side of Albania, “authentic, proud and full of life”.

Hoxha emphasized that, in addition to the coast, which according to him has gained an important place on the tourist map of the Mediterranean, Albania also has extraordinary assets in the mountainous areas, which are attracting more and more visitors from all over the world.

“Mountain tourism is more than an opportunity to discover stunning landscapes. It is an investment in the local economy, in the communities that live and work in these areas and in a sustainable development model that preserves, promotes and turns our most precious natural and cultural values ​​into opportunities”, the minister wrote.

In this context, Hoxha also highlighted the role of the Mountain Package, which, according to him, aims to support this transformation and turn the potential of mountain areas into new development opportunities.

The minister linked the development of mountain tourism to Albania’s European integration process, emphasizing the significance of higher standards, quality infrastructure, environmental protection and sustainable development.

“These create more opportunities for citizens and give Albanian tourism an increasingly European and competitive perspective”, Hoxha wrote.

“In the heart of the majestic Alps, Albania sees itself in the mirror: beautiful, proud, welcoming and full of opportunities. A place where nature and tradition meet the future,” he concluded. /e.xh/a.f/p.s./

As tourism in Shkodra continues to grow, these cultural landmarks highlight the city’s unique charm. Rich history and striking architecture combine to create an unforgettable experience at the North Gate.

Established in 1947 as the “People’s Museum,” the Shkodra Historical Museum took its final shape by 1949. It originally sat in the city center inside a 19th-century monumental building next to the Clock Tower.

The museum grew out of late 19th-century collections from local Jesuit and Franciscan groups, along with donations from prominent Shkodra families.

In 1996, it moved to the historic Oso Kuka house, where it remains today. Run by the Municipality of Shkodra, the museum features sections for archaeology, ethnography, visual arts and a library. /gj.m/p.s./

Police launched an immediate search and rescue operation with the National Security Force and the Fier Alpine Unit after family members reported losing contact with the pair.

Police used drones to spot the two stranded tourists trapped in the rugged canyons by difficult terrain.

The rescuers from the National Security Force, Fier Alpine Unit, Skrapar Police Commissariat and Skrapar Canyoning Team joined forces to safely extract the tourists from the mountain.

The Czech tourists thanked the rescue teams for their quick response, professionalism, and dedication.

The State Police remains committed to helping citizens and tourists during emergencies across the country. /gj.m/j.p/r.e/p.s./

According to the Road Authority, the project included resurfacing the asphalt and updating all horizontal and vertical road signs.

The project improved traffic flow and road safety for residents, as well as local and foreign visitors heading to Valbona. This key route links Bajram Curri to one of northern Albania’s top tourist spots, serving travelers year-round.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today on social networks views of the city’s streets filled with tourists on these hot summer days.

Durrës coastline blends sandy beaches with modern resorts, while its rich history shines through landmarks like the Roman Amphitheater, Venetian Tower and Cape Rodoni. This dynamic destination offers visitors a seamless mix of relaxing seaside tourism and captivating archaeological heritage.

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Beyond its beaches, visitors can explore nearby highlights like Butrint National Park, the Blue Eye spring and Lëkurësi Castle on the hills, which overlooks the entire coastal city.

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today in the social media a view from a summer afternoon in the southern city, where many tourists have chosen the Lëkurës Castle, as a favorite panoramic point over the bay of Saranda.

August peaks as Saranda’s busiest month, drawing crowds of local and foreign visitors. Blending seaside charm, history and nature, it firmly ranks as a top summer hotspot in Albania.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video on social networks with tourists’ impressions of Gjirokastra. Visitors from Australia, Sweden, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands and other countries tell about their experiences in this city.

“I am from Australia and my favorite place in Gjirokastra is the Cold War Tunnel”, said a tourist, while a visitor from Sweden singles out the Ethnographic Museum.

“I really like the Ethnographic Museum”, she said.

The Bazaar is one of the most popular spots for foreign vacationers. “It is so multicultural and you can buy a lot of things”, said a tourist, while another singles out the combination between the Castle and the New Bazaar.

The Old Town in Gjirokastra has also left an impression on visitors. “My favorite part was the Old Town,” said a tourist from New Zealand.

The castle offers both rich history and stunning panoramas. While visitors love gazing out over Gjirokastra from above, younger guests find the displays of old cannons, armor, and weaponry equally memorable.

Among the attractions mentioned is the Ali Pasha Bridge. “I come from Belgium and what I liked most in Gjirokastra is the bridge, the Ali Pasha Bridge,” said one visitor.

The House of Zekas is another point that has impressed the tourists. “It’s a very beautiful house, we spent an hour here and just… wow!”, said one of the visitors.

Their stories are also full of gastronomic experiences. A tourist from the Netherlands, after visiting the city, said that he likes rakia.

“A glass of rakia a day keeps the doctor away, that’s what I’ve heard,” he said.

Among the tourists, there are also some Albanians from Dibra and Kicevo. A visitor from Zajazi in Kicevo, who is in Gjirokastra for the third time, appreciated the city his favorite destination.

“Gjirokastra is absolutely my favorite place,” he said, highlighting the Castle, the views over the Drino Valley and the architecture of the city.

Through visitors’ own eyes, Gjirokastra emerges as a vibrant tapestry of history, architecture, and living tradition in one of Albania’s most distinctive stone cities.

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Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared in the social media views of Apolonia, filled with tourists in these August days.

“Apolonia bridges thousands of years of ancient history with a sustainable future for Albanian tourism. Set in stunning natural landscapes, this archaeological park welcomes global visitors daily, celebrating heritage while driving economic growth and modern community development”, emphasized Koçiu.

Nestled in nature and rich history, the ancient city of Apollonia offers a wonderful journey into the past. A top highlight is the Church of St. Mary inside the old monastery. Nearby, the archaeological museum displays rare objects found during local digs. Visitors also love exploring the Roman Odeon, the ancient library, and the grand stone columns. Surrounded by lovely views, Apollonia remains a must-see spot in southern Albania for travelers who love history and nature.

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Albanian Customs is optimizing passenger and vehicle processing to handle peak summer traffic smoothly. As Vlora and other key destinations experience heavy seasonal influxes, border checkpoints remain fully staffed and ready to prevent delays through August. /e.xh/a.f/p.s./