By Jeremy Kruger Albania is quickly becoming one of the best countries to visit for all types of travelers. This small but proud Balkan country has a little bit of everything. That includes incredible coastlines, jaw-dropping mountain landscapes, and a strong food culture.
Most importantly, they have a proud and friendly population that is still excited about sharing their beautiful country with visitors. Albania has some incredible beach destinations and is a great place for traveling slowly and taking a sabbatical.
The Albanian Riviera has some particularly special cities, including Ksamil, Sarandë, Dhërmi, and Himarë. These Albanian coastal cities, with their crystal-clear waters and impeccable Mediterranean vibes, often get the most hype. Still, there is a lesser-known beach location that needs to be on your Albania travel list.
Lake Ohrid’s Underrated City on the Albania Side
While it may not be on the Mediterranean coast, Pogradec is one of the best hidden gem beach towns in Albania. Pogradec is the 11th most populous city in the country, but many travelers and tourists overlook it.
This is likely because of its highly popular North Macedonian neighbor, Ohrid. Both of these cities sit on gorgeous Lake Ohrid. However, due to its history and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ohrid, North Macedonia, makes all the Balkan travel lists. Meanwhile, Pogradec is widely forgotten.
Yes, Ohrid is an incredible city and still underrated by many outside of the Balkans. With an old town that spills into the clean and clear waters of Lake Ohrid and tons of historical and natural landmarks, it deserves the hype. However, Pogradec is incredible in its own way and has a local feel that Ohrid is severely lacking.
Pogradec’s Calm and Authentic Feel
Pogradec is not an international tourist destination. Yes, there are lots of people who flock to Pogradec for their summer vacation, but it seems like almost all of them are local Albanians.
This gives the city a completely authentic feel that Ohrid lacks. Instead of boat tour salesmen and overpriced restaurants, Pogradec has a small-town charm with an authentic and local feel.
The star of the show, like in Ohrid, is the beautiful lake that the city sits on. In Pogradec, along the shores of Lake Ohrid, you can get calm, clear waters that you can actually enjoy.
Forget the crowds in cities like Sarandë or Ksamil, Pogradec has both sandy and rocky beaches. You can enjoy the beaches for free or buy a beach chair (for a fraction of the price of Albania’s popular coastal towns).
Because Pogradec is full of many more locals and Albanian vacationers than other Albanian travel destinations, you can really get the feeling of local life there.
Whether it’s seeing old men play dominoes in the park, beach volleyball games, or people sitting having an espresso and smoking cigarettes, the non-touristy feel is a breath of fresh air compared to some of Albania’s most popular travel destinations.
Pogradec is great for travelers who want to feel part of a place and not just visit it.
What Else Pogradec Has to Offer
There is even more to enjoy and explore in and around Pogradec. First of all, the food is incredible. Pogradec is a unique Albanian foodie location because it blends the heartier, inland cuisine of the country with some of the seafood traditions of Albania’s coast.
This is best exemplified in the city’s most famous dish, Koran trout. This trout, which is endemic to Lake Ohrid, is the star of many local menus in Pogradec. It has a delicate texture and rich, clean flavor that is hard to beat.
One of our favorite meals in the whole country was the whole grilled Koran at a small local restaurant called Oborri Familjar. Pogradec also offers some nearby attractions that are worth a visit. Drilon National Park is only a short bike ride away.
There, you can enjoy some walking/hiking trails and the numerous lakes and streams. A nearby village, Tushemisht, is definitely worth a stop. There, you can have a cute dinner or enjoy the cultural authenticity and quieter lakeside vibes.
Add Pogradec to Your Albania Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to the Balkans/Albania and want a beach destination that’s calm, authentic, and still under the radar, Pogradec should be on your list. On the shores of Lake Ohrid, this small city has clear, swimmable waters, affordable beach setups, and a refreshingly local vibe. Most summer visitors are Albanians, not international tourists.
You’ll find a slower pace here, from locals casting fishing lines into the lake to friends sipping espresso on the promenade. The food scene is a standout too, with the famous Koran trout taking center stage on many menus.
Add in nearby gems like Drilon National Park and the village of Tushemisht. All in all, you’ve got one of Albania’s best hidden beach towns, minus the Mediterranean crowds.