Albania continues to attract visitors with more than its coastal and mountain destinations. Cultural and historical attractions also draw growing interest.
Cultural heritage institutions and sites recorded a significant increase in visitors during the first eight months of 2026.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced today that 1,062,067 domestic and foreign visitors explored Albania’s cultural sites between January and August.
This figure represents a 65% increase compared with the same period in 2023. Moreover, cultural sites welcomed 21.3% more visitors than in 2024 and 5% more than in 2025, Gonxhja said.
Archaeological parks attracted 448,711 visitors during the period. Meanwhile, castles and cultural monuments recorded 312,220 visitors, while national museums welcomed 301,136.
Gjirokastra Castle ranked as the most visited site, with 223,280 visitors. Butrint National Park followed with 204,867 visitors.
In addition, Shkodra Archaeological Park recorded 135,293 visitors. The “Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu” Museum in Kruja welcomed 104,128 visitors.
During the same period, Apollonia Archaeological Park attracted 91,764 visitors. The “Onufri” Iconographic Museum in Berat recorded 70,143 visitors.
Overall, the rising visitor numbers show growing interest in Albania’s cultural heritage. As a result, the country’s history, monuments and archaeological treasures continue to strengthen their role as major tourism attractions.
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