Speaking in an interview with the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), Ceca said the museum city now attracts visitors throughout the year, with peak demand typically occurring during the spring, summer and autumn months.

“Berat has increasingly consolidated its profile as a year-round tourism destination, with an offer that extends from January to December,” he said.

One of the municipality’s main objectives is to increase the average length of stay of visitors, he added.

“The construction of a zipline in Roshnik, the centre of the region’s agritourism sector, is one step toward that goal, but it is not the only one. We are working to create a more diverse tourism offer,” Ceca said.

According to the Mayor, data from the city’s castle, museums and accommodation facilities show that more than 30,000 visitors have been recorded so far this year. Visitor numbers at the Onufri Museum have risen by around 4% compared with the same period in 2025.

Ceca said Berat continues to attract growing numbers of international tourists, particularly from Germany, Austria, Britain, France and Spain.

Adventure tourism has also contributed to rising visitor numbers. Rafting on the Osum Canyon began in the spring, while hiking activities continue throughout the summer in the canyons and surrounding mountains, including Tomorr and Shpirag.

Berat’s tourism appeal is further strengthened by its agritourism sector, wineries, local cuisine and hospitality, Ceca said.

The city’s main attractions remain Berat Castle, the historic quarters of Mangalem and Gorica, the Osum River, the Onufri Museum and the surrounding rural areas, where agritourism has expanded significantly in recent years.

“Berat Castle, Mangalem and Gorica are the heart of the city,” Ceca said. “Together with nature, culture and gastronomy, they make Berat a sought-after destination throughout the year.”

Berat is one of Albania’s leading tourism destinations, combining cultural heritage, nature, outdoor activities and culinary traditions. Local authorities aim to further increase visitor numbers through infrastructure investment, promotion of local assets and the expansion of tourism offerings across rural areas and mountain regions.

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This year’s tourist season in Himara started earlier than usual – in late April and early May – and continues actively into late September. A stroll through Himara’s streets today reveals a lively and welcoming atmosphere even as autumn approaches.

Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo on Monday told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) that the 2025 tourist season was successful, with a 12 – 18% increase in visitor numbers during the peak summer months of June, July, and August.

“Many accommodation facilities and tourism service providers remain operational, so the final visitor figures are still being evaluated,” Tavo noted. The continued warm weather has helped extend the season beyond the summer months.

However, Tavo acknowledged challenges stemming from the growing number of tourists, emphasizing the need for enhanced management and administrative capacity to ensure quality services and a positive visitor experience.

Increasingly, Himara is attracting visitors beyond the summer season- especially foreign tourists seeking a quieter atmosphere away from the high July and August crowds.

“The steady flow of tourists in September and October demonstrates Himara’s strong potential as a year-round destination, combining sea, nature, cultural heritage, and local hospitality,” Tavo said.

“Its beaches – from the wide spaces of Livadhi, the fresh springs at Potami, to the historic beauty of Porto Palermo – remain inviting through the fall. Cobblestone streets and local life add charm during olive harvests, new wine seasons, and traditional aromas,” Tavo said.

Known as a gem of the Albanian Riviera, Himara’s numerous beaches and unique coves provide visitors with an exceptional experience.

Mayor Tavo emphasized that, as the municipality with the longest coastline in Albania, Himara offers a diverse and comprehensive tourism product.

Among the most visited beaches and coves this year were Palasa, Dhërmi, Jala, Potami, Livadhi, Aquarium, Filikuri, Spile, Porto Palermo, Llamani, Qeparo, Borsh, Lukovë, Bunec, Kakome, as well as natural gems like Gjiri i Gjipesë and Gjiri i Krorezës, all drawing increasing numbers of visitors due to their beauty and authenticity.

“This shows that every corner of Himara’s territory – from large beaches with modern infrastructure to hidden, spectacular coves – remains popular, further strengthening Himara’s position as one of Albania’s top tourist destinations,” Tavo said.

Beyond beaches and natural beauty, Himara boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage increasingly becoming a key tourist attraction.

Preliminary data show visits to these monuments increased by around 50% compared to last year, highlighting cultural tourism as a growing component of Himara’s development.

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“It is a very positive development that a growing number of tourists are visiting Albania throughout the year. Previously, the tourism season used to end in September. We are now close to delivering on turning Albania into a year-round tourist destination,” Kumbaro said.

“Practically, management of coastal and beach areas and their cleanliness have significantly improved. The area of public beaches expanded in 2023, with 50% of them being public spaces and 50% privately-owned areas, while strict rules have been imposed regarding cleanliness, tourist information, the beach lifeguard service. In the meantime, local government collected over 480 million euros from beach management,” she added.

Tourism Minister underlined that “clean beaches” operation will continue in 2024.

“Maritime tourism is one of the tourism-related activities that take place according to the new maritime tourism law,” Kumbaro said, adding that the law clears the way to development of an untapped potential of the maritime industry.

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