"Albania is slowly becoming the treasure of the Balkans, thanks to its crystal waters, impressive mountains and affordable prices for all types of tourists," writes Lonely Planet, a publisher of travel guides that has printed more than 150 million books and serves as a valuable resource for vacation planning.

Here are the places that Lonely Planet mentions to definitely visit in Albania:

Thetha

"Thethi can be the most peaceful place to visit in Albania. This small village among the Albanian Alps is perfect if you are looking for the best place to go mountain hiking and enjoy wonderful scenery.”

Korce

"When you visit Korça, never miss a walk in the Old Market of the city. Here you can admire the 13th century style of this bazaar, with its old cobbled streets and Ottoman-style architecture. "

Gjirokastra

"Known as the stone city, Gjirokastra is a UNESCO-protected city in the south of Albania."

The dirt

"If you are looking for a destination where you can lie down and get tan while enjoying a dip in the sea, then you should visit Dhërmi. It is one of the pearls of the Albanian Riviera and home to many summer music festivals."

Shkoder

"The city of Shkodra is a breath of fresh air and is unlike any other city in Albania. When you arrive, you will notice that most of the population travels around the city by bicycle. While there, do as the locals do and rent a bike for the day.”

Lin

"The village of Lin is a quiet village positioned on Lake Ohrid, which means it has excellent fishing. If you're looking for a lake escape and want some peace and quiet, visit Lin Village.”

Saranda

"Saranda is the southern gateway to the Albanian Riviera and one of the best cities to visit."

Porto Palermo

"Porto Palermo is a unique travel destination because of the triangular-shaped castle. It also has some of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches. This is a great campsite.”