Long gone are the days when Albania could be described as a hidden gem of Europe. The Balkan nation is experiencing a much-deserved Tourism Renaissance. This is evident from the surging crowds seen in Ksamil this summer. Moreover, the long-anticipated opening of a brand new airport in Vlorë highlights this revival.
That being said, it’s not like all of Albania’s secret spots have been uncovered by the masses. Trust us, there’s definitely not a shortage of those.
Regular visitors are not the only ones just getting acquainted with Albania: even UNESCO is doing some catch-up lately.
Albania has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is despite having some of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. It also boasts plenty of impressive archaeological sites. For comparison, Greece has 19, and across the Ionian Sea, Italy boasts a staggering 61. Starting in 2025, though, a fifth site has been added to the list:
Discover Lin, one of the oldest villages in Europe
If you seek genuinely off-the-beaten-path European towns, you can’t miss Lin in 2026. It has remained fully protected from the spoils of mass tourism.
A tiny village in Albania is located on the shores of Lake Ohrid. It has a fascinating history stretching back thousands of years. Family-owned taverns serve affordable food. Of course, there is a scenic promenade overlooking crystal-clear waters.
Ohrid in North Macedonia has started seeing a rapid rise in the number of tourists in recent years. This trend is due to mouth-to-mouth marketing and a few viral TikToks. However, Lin has remained virtually unspoiled.
Bask in all that ancient old world charm
It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. Archaeological remains indicate it was founded in the 6th century BC. Therefore, it is no wonder UNESCO has its eyes set on this relatively unknown village.
The population is around 1,680 people. There were 296 families counted in the early 2000s. It is a side of Europe many believed lost forever.
It is now officially an ‘Urban Architectural Ensemble‘. It has been added to the Albanian side of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site comprises Lake Ohrid.
There are cobblestone alleys without a single tour group in sight. The architecture is preserved and reflects an Albanian lakeside style. The houses have thick walls and are topped with rustic, terracotta roofs. They feature wooden balconies with carved details.
Townhouses here typically have enclosed courtyards. In these courtyards, they grow vine or fig trees. That’s probably where the wine served in the local taverna down by the water comes from.
Why this is great news for Albania as a whole
This UNESCO designation could not have come at a better time. Albania is experiencing a surge in popularity among tourists.
Tirana offers a quirky and lively atmosphere as the national capital. Smaller towns like Berat and Gjirokaster add historic charm. The country has never been as trendy as it is right now. It’s about time the overlooked Lin got its laurels.
UNESCO’s classification of Lin as a zone of interest will help raise awareness. It will also protect the village’s cultural and natural heritage.
What to see in Lin
Lin features picturesque townhouses and a dramatic setting. It is located on a narrow peninsula jutting into Lake Ohrid. Lin’s most noteworthy site is the Early Christian Basilica.
Built in the 5th (or 6th) century AD, the ancient church has beautiful floor mosaics. They are in a remarkable state of preservation despite the lack of restoration efforts. This church is living proof of Lin’s early role as a center of faith in the Byzantine period.
About 1% of the actual old settlement of Lin has been excavated. As UNESCO takes the reins, we expect many more layers to be uncovered. This will happen in the years to come.
Meanwhile, you can stroll the timeless streets. They are full of authentic Balkan charm. Swim in the lake, but only in the warm summer months. Try the local cuisine in a taverna or two. On that note, you should make sure you stop by Hotel Restorant Leza. A guesthouse and restaurant on the lakeside, they serve generous portions of lake fish grilled with lemon and olives (an Ohrid specialty) and homemade wine (remember the courtyard vines?) for between 1,500–2,000 Albanian lek. In USD terms, that’s roughly $14–19 for a main dish with a drink.
Explore Lake Ohrid
Lin is also the perfect base for exploring the wider Lake Ohrid. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes on the European continent. It is shared by both Albania and North Macedonia, and there are incredible sights on both sides of the border.
In Albania, Pogradec is the main town, a short 25-minute drive from Lin. It is known for its quaint lakeside walk. The town also has a plethora of cafés. There are cozy restaurants specializing in the local koran trout. Uphill, the ruined Pogradec Castle offers breathtaking views of the lake.
In North Macedonia, you won’t want to skip Ohrid, the mid-size city the lake itself is named after. It is dubbed ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans‘ because of its 300-plus churches. The city also has Roman and Byzantine ruins and Old World allure. It stands as the lake’s undisputed gem.
Ohrid is the center of the UNESCO-protected zone. You can easily get there from Lin by driving along the shores of Lake Ohrid towards North Macedonia. If the border isn’t busy, you can expect to reach your destination in under 50 minutes.
Must-sees on the Macedonian side include Sveti Naum Monastery. It is famous for its ornate frescoes. Also, visit Trpejca, known locally as the ‘Saint-Tropez of Macedonia’. It boasts beaches, lakefront restaurants, and a fast-developing hospitality sector, Travel Off Path writes.
