Tirana · Durrës · Vlorë
Albania is building its most urban decade yet — new towers, rooftop bars, specialty coffee and a coastline reinventing itself. This is the new rhythm of the country that used to be the quiet one.
Where to start
The rise of Albania isn't one thing. It's a skyline, a nightlife and a sea — all moving at once.
From sealed communist-era district to the country's most fashionable quarter — glass towers, galleries and terraces on every corner.
Rooftop bars above the haze, warehouse clubs, terraces on Rruga e Kavajës that never really close.
Durrës and Vlorë are getting their own version — white seafront towers, beach clubs and a summer that moves inland.
"Albania used to be the quiet one. Now it's the loudest — and honestly, it sounds good."
A barista on Rruga e KavajësGallery
A first look at the city in the making — concrete, glass, neon and sea.
Open the gallery