The best Airbnbs in Albania for beach escapes and city breaks

Location: Berat

Step back in time inside this beautifully restored 300-year-old Ottoman stone house, where centuries of history meet thoughtful modern updates. There's original woordowrk and decor made from local artists. The bedroom has a king-size bed and en-suite. The highlight is the rooftop terrace – the ideal spot for a cold drink while taking in panoramic views of the Osum River, St. Demetrius’ Church, and the historic Bachelor’s Mosque.

Time Out tip: Your stay includes a generous homemade Albanian breakfast each morning and warm, local hospitality with personalized recommendations for exploring the "City of a Thousand Windows". Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been continuously inhabited for over 2,900 years

Price: From 6,009 Albanian Lek (€65) per night

Beds: One room. Sleeps two people

Location: Tirana

If you want to explore everything Albania’s vibrant capital city has to offer, why not do it with penthouse scenes? This top floor apartment comes with a large living room, dining room, full kitchen and ‘relaxing’ room with panoramic views — especially from the bedroom where you’ll be face-to-face with Namazgah Mosque. Here you can stay in the hub of all the best restaurants, bars, cafes and clubs, as well as close to historic sites like Tirana Castle, Pyramid of Tirana and (a bus or taxi ride away) Bunk’art 1.

Time Out tip: Dine at Mystic 2 for delicious, fresh, affordable food and ride the Dajti Ekspres cable car up to Mount Dajti for more panoramic views

Price: From 6,120 Albanian Lek (€63) a night

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests 

Location: Fshati i R, Shkodër county

This roomy chalet in the Albanian countryside comes with a pool, hammock and loads of room for adventures – it’s the perfect family-friendly stay that won’t break the bank. Inside there’s a kitchen, living room and two bedrooms that cater to up to six people. Step outside and you’ll find yourself in a remote oasis, surrounded by mountains and fields as far as the eye can see. It’s ideal for clocking off and relaxing.

Time Out tip: There's plenty of adventurous things to do near this Airbnb including rafting on the Vjosa River and bathing in the Benja Thermal Baths

Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps six guests

Price: From 9,142 Albanian Lek (€94) per night

Location: Durrës

The only blues you’ll need to worry about in Durrës are the kind that stretch out for miles and smell like salt. When you’re craving a little dip in the sea, nowhere puts you closer than this light-filled contemporary two-bed with incredible seafront panoramas that will instantly shift you into holiday mode. The décor is stylish, modern and clean throughout with vibrant pops of colour to spice things up. The apartment sleeps up to five and you can even bring your cuddly pup along.

Time Out tip: History nerds, there's an array of sites of interest you can visit. Explore the ancient Durrës Ampitheatre, chill by the Vollga Promenade and visit the stunning Venetian Tower

Beds: Two bedrooms. Sleeps five guests

Price: From 5,838 Albanian Lek (€60) per night

Location: Bogë, Shkodër County 

So you're a sucker for a dreamy view? Then you'll love a stay in one of these secluded cabins situated on a quiet road overlooking the dewy mountains – Ahh. This sleek, modern glass-front one-bed cabin features a cosy cream interior, with high ceilings and a mezzanine bedroom. In other words, it's the perfect excuse for a romantic getaway (hint). 

Time Out tip: Bogë is the gateway to the stunning Theth National Park, Albania's rugged alps 

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps five guests

Price: From 17,624.85 Albanian Lek (€181) per night

Location: Lumas, Sulove

Set in a charming village surrounded by a forested landscape, this farmhouse in Sulove, is the perfect option if you're looking for a picturesque rural escape on the cheap. Spread across two floors, the farmhouse has a cosy rustic vibe, with wood-panelled interiors, beamed roofs, larch wood floors and balconies overlooking the pond and fields. During warmer months, it's nice to hang out in the courtyard or take a stroll by the pond. Come winter, it's curling up by the woodstove fire with a glass of wine. Cosy indeed.

Time Out tip: If you end up leaving your rural haven, check out the beautiful Sineci Waterfall or go further afield on a day trip to Berat, which is well known for its Ottoman-era architecture 

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps three guests

Price: From 4,406 Albanian Lek (€45) per night

Location: Himarë, Vlorë County

Just a stone's throw from the beach, you'll find this cool, urban, box cottage perched under the olive trees. Sounds like our kind of weekend. Surrounded by the countryside, the tiny home boasts a tonne of light with large windows and even a skylight to make the space open and airy. Watch the clouds go by, chill on the cute little porch for morning coffee, or there's even a BBQ-ing area if you fancy a chargrilled feast.

Time Out tip: Vlorë sits where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea, offering a mix of stunning coastline and Ottoman history. The closest beach to the this cute Airbnb is Livadi Beach, and if you're a fan of deep blue waters you'll want to check it out

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps three guests

Price: From 3,965 in Albanian Lek (€40) per night

Location: Bahçallëk, Shkodër county

Set in Shkodër, this stylish beachfront one-bed villa is where it's at. With enviable amenities like free parking, a pool, a terrace, an oudoor dining area and air-conditioned rooms, this warm-toned bliss is great getaway option for up to three. There's even direct views of the Rozafa Castle. And in case you've never visited Albania before, the sunset views overlooking the pool will definitly ensure you'll be back. 

Time Out tip: This Airbnb is all about relaxing in. You can even order food straight to the house, including buffe and an a la carte breakfast

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps three guests

Price: From 9,693 Albanian Lek (€99) per night

Location: Vuno, Vlorë county

Set right in the heart of Vuno, this cosy one-bed is a great choice if you're after a romantic getaway. Here, you'll be nestled in the mountains away from it all, an in one of the best spots to enjoy epic, orange-y sunsets. Space-wise, the property has a mezzanine layout, so while it is snug it's far from a sardine can. Enjoy going for cute walks along the coast, dining at local restaurants and non-stop vistas of the sea.

Time Out tip: Vuno is a historic hillside village on the Albanian Riviera with stunning sea views and old churches. Head to Bar Restaruant Marko to watch the sun go down ovewr the Ionian Sea

Beds: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests

Price: From 4,406 Albanian Lek (€45) per night

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