Albania’s cultural heritage sites recorded a strong increase in visitors during the first seven months of 2026. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja released the figures for January–July 2026.
A total of 824,340 local and foreign visitors explored these destinations. The figure marks an 80% increase compared with the same period in 2023. Visitor numbers also rose by 26.4% compared with 2024. They increased by 6.3% compared with 2025.
Gjirokastër Castle remains the country’s most visited heritage site. Butrint follows closely, with around 160,000 visitors.
The leading sites recorded the following numbers:
- Gjirokastër Castle – 161,274 visitors
- Butrint National Park – 158,612 visitors
- Shkodër Archaeological Park – 108,150 visitors
- “Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu” National Museum in Krujë – 84,177 visitors
- Apollonia Archaeological Park – 77,402 visitors
- “Onufri” National Iconographic Museum – 57,372 visitors
The figures show growing interest in Albania’s cultural heritage. Historic monuments, museums and archaeological sites continue to attract both local and international tourists.
The increase also strengthens the role of cultural heritage as a key part of Albania’s tourism offer.
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