Tourism in Albania is still in its infancy because the former communist regime did not allow tourism to become established. Groups of Western tourists were first permitted to visit in the 1980s. It is a country of natural beauty which includes sandy white Mediterranean beaches, rocky mountains, fertile plains, lakes, natural monuments, and remote areas. The country receives approximately 400.000 visitors per year and it is growing by 15% every year.
Albania has an old history dating to the Illyrian and Greek civilizations and there are ruins and other treasures reflecting these ancient civilizations.
Some of the most visited cities include:
Durrës, the old port city of Dyrrhachium
Krujë, the balcony over the Adriatic sea
Tirana, the capital
Vlorë, beach city of Vlora
Lezha, the diplomatic capital of Albania
Pogradec, the poet's city
Sarande, the honeymooners' city
Albania is home to two World Heritage Sites:
Butrint, an ancient city
Gjirokastër, a well-preserved Illyrian town