The ancient city of Kruja was the stronghold of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, who successfully fought off the Ottomans for 25 years in the 15th century. A museum dedicated to Skanderbeg, designed by Enver Hoxha’s daughter, sits within the citadel walls. The small bazaar is probably the best place to buy handmade products & objects- wooden carpets, handcrafted pots, in Albania.

Durrës was once, albeit briefly, Albania’s capital. It’s now virtually an extension of Tirana, joined to the capital by a ceaseless urban corridor full of hypermarkets and car dealerships. Blessed with a reasonable 10km stretch of beach, Durrës is a pleasant escape from Tirana and has a charmingly Mediterranean air once you get off the seafront, which can be very crowded, noisy, and a bit tacky during the summer months. The town has a long and impressive history, and for international visitors, the main reason for coming to Durrës isn't for the beaches but for the interesting Roman amphitheatre and superb archaeological museum. You will spend some time in the Ancien part of Durres and also enjoy the adriatic seaside