Long gone are the days when Albania could be described as a hidden gem of Europe.
Between the surging crowds seen in Ksamil this summer and the long-anticipated opening of a brand new airport in Vlorë, the Balkan nation is undergoing a much-deserved Tourism Renaissance.
That being said, it’s not like all of Albania’s secret spots have been uncovered by the masses—and 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.
Despite having some of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and plenty of impressive archaeological sites, Albania has only four UNESCO World Heritage 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’ve been looking for truly off-the-beaten-path European towns that have remained fully protected from the spoils of mass tourism, you can’t miss Lin in 2026.
A tiny village in Albania, on the shores of Lake Ohrid, it has a fascinating history stretching back thousands of years, family-owned taverns serving affordable food, and of course, a scenic promenade overlooking crystal-clear waters.
If the name Ohrid sounds familiar, that’s probably because you’ve read it in another Travel Off Path article on the up-and-coming resort city of Ohrid, which sits on the opposite shore, over in North Macedonia.
While Ohrid has started seeing a rapid rise in the number of tourists in recent years, however, particularly due to mouth-to-mouth marketing and a few viral TikToks, Lin has remained virtually unspoiled.
Bask In All That Ancient Old World Charm
It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe, with archaeological remains indicating a founding date in the 6th century BC. Therefore, it is no wonder UNESCO has its eyes set on this relatively unknown village.
With a population of around 1,680 people, with 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‘, and it’s been added to the Albanian side of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that comprises Lake Ohrid.
We’re talking cobblestone alleys without a single tour group in sight, preserved architecture, Albanian lakeside style, with thick-walled houses topped with rustic, terracotta roofs, and featuring wooden balconies with carved details.
Townhouses here typically have enclosed courtyards, where they grow vine or fig trees, and 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, as Albania is experiencing a surge in popularity among tourists.
Between the quirkiness and lively feel of the national capital, Tirana, and the historic charm of smaller towns like Berat and Gjirokaster, the country’s never been as trendy as it is right now. It’s about time the overlooked Lin got its laurels.
Albania has also historically struggled with the upkeep of its national heritage.
Archaeological sites are often in suboptimal states of conservation, and smaller settlements, away from the larger, more developed urban hubs, are still suffering from decades of underdevelopment and precarious conditions.
The country may be trailing an upward course, but that doesn’t mean its long-standing issues will resolve overnight. UNESCO’s classification of Lin as a zone of interest will help raise awareness and protect the village’s cultural and natural heritage.
What To See In Lin
Other than its picturesque townhouses and dramatic setting, on a narrow peninsula juttin 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, in a remarkable state of preservation given the lack of restoration efforts, and it 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, so as UNESCO takes the reins, we expect many more layers to be uncovered in the years to come.
Meanwhile, you can stroll the timeless streets, full of authentic Balkan charm, swim in the lake (in the warm summer months only), and 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, 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 equally quaint lakeside walk, plethora of cafés, and 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. Dubbed ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans‘, due to its 300-plus churches, 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, and 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.
Other must-sees on the Macedonian side include Sveti Naum Monastery, famous for its ornate frescoes, and Trpejca, known locally as the ‘Saint-Tropez of Macedonia’. It boasts beaches, lakefront restaurants, and a fast-developing hospitality sector.
Subscribe To Our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
