Wander-Lush

22 Travel Tips for Albania: Useful Things to Know Before You Go

My top travel tips for Albania to save you money, time and stress. Read this before you go travelling in Albania.

When I embarked on my 6-month overland journey through the Balkan countries, Albania was definitely the country I was most nervous about visiting.

I had read all about the rugged beaches , high mountains and historic towns and castles – so I had no trouble deciding where to go and what to do . But the people, the culture, the food and all the practical details such as transportation, WIFI and accommodation – well, I had absolutely no clue what to expect.

On the ground, I discovered that most negative stereotypes about the country are untrue. In my experience Albania is safe, affordable, friendly, diverse, tolerant and above all else, incredibly beautiful .

At the same time, I learned that Albania does present some particular challenges , even for those well-practiced at travelling in the region.

Without spoiling any of the country’s special secrets or revealing too many of the quirky things about Albania that are fun to figure out as you go, I want to share a couple of things that will make your travel experience smoother and more fulfilling.

Here are 22 practical travel tips for Albania that I think every traveller should know.

Travel tips for Albania graphic.

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What is travelling in Albania really like? 22 useful travel tips for Albania

Albania is quite unlike any of its neighbours.

It’s tempting to think of the Balkans (particularly the western Balkans) as a monolith. But I don’t need to tell you that every country is its own entity. Within this tapestry, Albania is perhaps the most distinct nation in terms of both its culture and history.

An obvious example: The Albanian language, Shqip , is unlike anything else spoken in the region (or anywhere else in the world for that matter). It’s thought to be descended from an extinct Illyrian tongue, but its exact origins are still a mystery to linguists.

After months of being able to follow the rough contours of a shared speech in Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina , hearing the curious chatter of Albanian on the streets of Tirana was quite a contrast.

Albania’s cultural and religious traditions are also very distinct. And although you can find local variations of cevapi and burek, the cuisine is totally different too!

With the exception of Kosovo where almost 93% of the population are ethnically Albanian, it’s hard to draw a comparison between Albania and any of its neighbours. In many ways Albania feels more like Georgia – slightly chaotic but imminently beautiful, with the furgon the local equivalent of the marshrutka.

Learn a bit about the history before you go

Of course this runs much deeper than just food and minivans. Albania wasn’t part of Yugoslavia and doesn’t have the same ‘baggage’ as its northern neighbours. That’s not to say the nation wasn’t impacted by the Balkan Wars and genocide – it certainly was – but in a different way. No fighting took place on Albanian soil.

Instead, Albania was subjected to its own private horrors, namely 45 years under an oppressive political regime including 30 years with despotic communist dictator, Enver Hoxha, at the helm. Hoxha’s ideology was so hardline, he viewed Yugoslavia and the USSR as too lax. It’s very difficult for an outsider to try and comprehend how this period of history impacted Albania and its people. But I felt compelled to at least try.

One of the most interesting things I found is that Albanians embrace their whole history – the good and the bad. The communist regime only fell in the 1990s so for the majority of the population, it’s not a distant memory but something that’s still very fresh. But it’s never glossed over. Most people we met were happy to chat politics and share their experiences.

For example: There are 173,000 disused nuclear bunkers sprinkled around Albania, each a monument to Hoxha’s paranoia. Instead of destroying them, people decided to either leave them be or repurpose them as museums or galleries. (Now there’s even a Cold War military base that’s being rebranded as an island destination .) Tirana’s collection of Communist-era statues and busts are displayed in a courtyard behind the National Art Gallery. And Blloku, once an exclusive neighbourhood where the party members lived, has been reclaimed as a vibrant cafe and street art district. Even Hoxha’s old house is still standing.

Some might think of Albania as a dark tourism destination. To me, this is a nation of light and colour. While visitors have an obligation to familiarise themselves with the nation’s recent history, it’s important to do so in a respectful, thoughtful way. The Bunk’Art museums in Tirana are a great place to start and will enrich your experience immensely. 

Communist-era statues behind the National Art Gallery in Tirana.

The man atop the horse is General Skanderbeg

On a lighter note, here’s a bit of trivia for you. If Hoxha is Albania’s villain, then the nation’s hero is definitely Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu, AKA General Skanderbeg. 

It took me far too long to learn who Skanderbeg is and why he’s so beloved in this part of the world. As I travelled around the Balkans, I kept seeing the same statue of a warrior – including in squares in Skopje and Prishtina – and started referring to him simply as ‘the man atop the horse’. It wasn’t until I got to Albania that I was finally able to put a name to the face.

Skanderbeg was an Albanian military commander who lived during the early 15th century. He’s famous for leading a campaign against the Ottomans which freed Albania and several neighbouring countries from being vassal states. His penultimate battle was launched from the town of Kruja north of Tirana, now the location of Skanderbeg’s castle-museum. It’s a popular day trip and the place to go if you want to learn more about this chapter of history.

The only other person held in similar esteem is Albania’s heroine, Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, AKA Mother Teresa. Born to Albanian Kosovar parents in Skopje – then part of the Ottoman Empire and now the capital of North Macedonia – she’s beloved in all three countries (though each claims her as their own!).

Albania is overwhelmingly a safe country for tourists

One of the biggest misconceptions about Albania is that it’s unsafe for tourists. In reality, foreigners are very rarely the target of violent crime, and although pickpocketing and scams do happen, they’re not as widespread as in other countries in Europe.

Generally speaking, Albania is overwhelmingly safe for travellers of all types (including solo females) provided you exercise common sense and caution.

My one negative experience in Albania was being fleeced by a taxi driver in Gjirokaster . It was my mistake for not doing my research – I was unfamiliar with the location and agreed to a price without understanding just how short the distance to my hotel was. To avoid misunderstandings within the cities, it’s best to download a taxi app .

The biggest thing to watch out for in Albania is road safety. (Here we find another similarity to Georgia: The driving style.) More on that later.

As a side note: It’s not advisable to drink the tap water in Tirana or other cities/towns.

Avoid visiting in July or August

The best time to visit Albania in my opinion is any time except summer. I travelled during June. As the month went on and my trip was coming to an end, I found most places were getting a little too warm and dry – and much too crowded – for my liking.

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, thus winters are mild but wet. The best time to visit Albania is shoulder season (late March to early June or September through October) when the weather is pleasant both on the coast and in the mountains.

July and August are hot and busy, especially on the riviera, and should be avoided. That’s unless you plan to stick to the mountains, in which case summer is the best time for trekking.

A blue rock pool in Albania.

Consider flying into a neighbouring country

Most people arrive in Albania via the country’s main international airport, Tirana Airport Nënë Tereza. This makes sense if your itinerary starts in the capital or in the northern part of the country.

A second international airport opened in July 2021 in Kukës (KFZ), 150km north-east of Tirana (and just 45-minutes from Prizren in Kosovo ). It’s a suitable starting point for the Albanian Alps, but international arrivals are so far limited to flights from Zurich and Istanbul.

If you’re travelling around the south of Albania, it might be more convenient (and more affordable) to fly into a neighbouring country instead. Corfu International Airport in Greece is a short ferry ride from Saranda, for example, and a logical place to arrive/depart if you’re mainly focusing on the Albanian Riviera.

Also read: My top tips for visiting Montenegro .

Lek is the official currency, but Euros are widely accepted

The official currency in Albania is the lek. Although Albania is not part of the EU, the Euro is widely used as well.

Lek is common currency in convenience shops, at restaurants and among taxi drivers – i.e. for small purchases. You’ll find that most hotels and guesthouses list their prices in Euro, and it usually works out far better to pay for big-ticket items such as hotel bills and rental cars in Euro rather than lek. If you try to pay in lek, you risk losing a big chunk of cash due to the conversion rate.

At the time of writing, 1 Euro is equivalent to 121.5 LEK.

Always have cash on you

Albania is very much a cash society so you need to make sure you have plenty of bills on you at all times. You can get by in Tirana using card only, but outside the capital, cash is still king.

Lek is a closed currency so you’ll have to wait until you arrive in-country to get your hands on some. Remember that lek is only good for small purchases and meals, so only withdraw as much as you need.

ATMs are easy to find in Albania (even in rural areas). Most banks charge a 300-700 lek withdrawal fee, but Credins Bank and Alpha Bank are among those that are fee-free (at the time of writing). Remember to check for any extra charges issued by your home bank.

A woman stands in front of a market shop in Gjirokaster, Albania.

Albania is extremely affordable – even by Balkans standards

Accommodation, restaurants and activities in Albania are all extremely good value for money. We easily got by on 40 USD per person per day – and you could spend a lot less by taking advantage of the hostel scene and sticking to free activities. One of our biggest expenses was museum tickets, something we don’t tend to skimp on.

A generous meal in a restaurant in Albania might cost you 500-1000 lek per person, while cheap snacks such as burek are perfect for breakfast and will only set you back around 100 lek.

Expect to pay 1,600 lek for a local sim card with data, around 200 lek for a cup of coffee, and anywhere from 400-1,000 lek on average for an intercity bus fare.

Buy a sim card when you arrive

Majority of hotels, bars and restaurants in Albania have WIFI, while many beaches and archaeological sites are now serviced by a free public network. Still, if you want unfettered access to the internet for things like booking taxis and navigation, you will need a sim card.

ALBtelecom is the preferred mobile provider in Albania. It’s very easy to buy and register a sim card at one of their shops in Tirana using your passport/ID card. A sim card and internet package (20 GB with 30 days validity) will set you back 1,600 lek.

While coverage in Tirana is good enough to support a burgeoning digital nomad community, reception is still fairly limited in remote areas and non-existent in the mountains.

Don’t put your faith in Google Maps

If you’re getting around Albania with public transport and only using Google Maps for general navigation within the cities, then you have nothing to worry about. But if you’re driving in Albania and using Google Maps to plan your road trip route , you need to watch out for a couple of things.

It seems Google Maps hasn’t quite been able to keep pace with Albania’s rapid infrastructure developments. Missing roads and non-existent turn offs are common encounters, and you’ll find you’re constantly being forced to re-route. Take directions with a grain of salt and always budget extra time to account for detours.

The same goes for finding addresses – street names and house numbers often don’t correspond to what’s on the map. Even major landmarks are sometimes pinned in the wrong spot.

Aerial view of Tirana, Albania.

Furgons are your friends

Albania has a limited railway network connecting Tirana with Shkoder in the north, Durres and Vlore on the coast, and Pogradec on Lake Ohrid in the east. Domestic flights are now available from Tirana to Kukës, and flying can certainly save you time getting from the capital to the far-north.

Travelling around the centre and south of Albania, you’ll be relying on road transport. Renting a car is a great option if you’re a confident driver. Otherwise, furgons are your friends.

Furgons are intercity minivans similar to marshrutka vans used throughout the former Soviet countries . They run on a flexible schedule, stop on demand, and are extremely budget-friendly. The downsides: Road safety is not exactly a priority, luggage space (and legroom) is very limited, and you can forget about AC. Furgons depart when full so it’s important to always arrive at the bus station well ahead of schedule.

An upgrade on the furgon is the coach bus. You’ll find large air conditioned coaches running on most popular routes during the warmer months, including between Tirana and Berat , Kruje, Gjirokaster, Korca , Durres, etc.

Gjirafa Travel is a terrific website for checking bus schedules and timetables online in English. Whenever possible, I recommend cross-checking times locally at the station.

Speaking of bus stations – there are multiple bus terminals in Tirana and trying to figure out which one you need can be extremely confusing! Pogradec and Shkoder have their own stations, while other buses depart from the Regional Bus Terminal – North and South Albania.

Take extra care on the roads

Albanians have a reputation for their maniacal driving style and for flouting the rules of the road. Combined with poor road conditions in many parts of the country (although the major highways are in good nick) and the proliferation of old and worn-down cars on the road, it’s a recipe for disaster.

Be careful when crossing the road, especially in the city. Take precautions whenever you travel by road, and only hire a car if you’re very confident. Try to avoid being out on the road after dark, and never get into a car with someone who’s been drinking. I also recommend capping your road journeys to a couple of hours per leg.

Albanian cuisine is a revelation

Albania is not exactly known as a foodie destination , but it should be. Regional cuisine, traditional Albanian dishes and the country’s super-popular farm-to-table fresh food movement all combine to create a fascinating culinary scene.

Albanian food is so diverse, you can find something new to try every day. I was quite satisfied eating only Albanian food for the entire duration of my stay. I found Albanian food fresher and less meat-oriented than in some other countries in the region. Most restaurants have plenty of vegetarian options.

Northern, central and southern Albania all have their separate culinary traditions , and within that towns and villages have their own specialties. Balkan, Italian, Turkish, Greek and even ancient Roman influences can all be identified, while you’ll find many similarities to other Mediterranean cuisines (especially Greek and Italian).

Seafood reigns supreme on the coast, while in the south, food choices reflect the pastoral landscape: Dairy, citrus and olive oil are all prominent. Garlic and onions are ubiquitous.

Some of my favourite Albanian dishes include: Tavë Kosi , a meal of lamb, eggs and yogurt traditional to Elbasan; Gjirokaster qifqi (arancini-like rice balls flavoured with mint and black pepper); ‘Berati schnitzel’ (pork stuffed with hard cheese) and pispili (spinach pie with a cornbread base), both traditional to Berat; and Korca’s famous savory lakror pie.

Fresh Albanian food on a restaurant table in Berat.

Watch out for raki

One thing Albania does have in common with its Balkan compatriots is the proclivity for alcohol. Sipping spirits in particular is a huge part of the culture.

The drink of choice in Albania is raki or rakia , a potent clear spirit distilled from grapes. Commercial versions are up to 45% proof, but homemade raki is much, much stronger. If you’re at a small restaurant or guesthouse and a recycled plastic soft drink bottle comes out, brace yourself.

It can be difficult to get out of these drinking sessions. I found it much easier to decline as a woman. Remember you can always step away if you feel uncomfortable. Otherwise, take small sips and make sure there’s always something left in your glass to avoid unwanted top ups!

Raki isn’t all bad. In Northern Albania in particular you’ll find lovely varieties of fruit raki made from cherries.

Every day ends with a xhiro

The xhiro is an Albanian tradition and the perfect way to put a full-stop on your day. Essentially a xhiro is a sunset stroll: It involves heading to the nearest pedestrian street and walking laps.

For locals, it’s a way to catch up with friends and neighbours, learn the latest goss and socialise. Ice cream stalls and popcorn vendors set up to cater to walkers, and sometimes entire streets close to traffic for a couple of hours to accommodate people.

This is the ultimate people-watching activity and a terrific opportunity to mix and mingle. But don’t be surprised if people let their glance linger a little bit too long – staring is not considered impolite in Albania, neither whilst out on a xhiro or in everyday life (at restaurants, at the supermarket – I’ve experienced it all). It can be awkward but try not to take it personally – in most cases, people are just curious.

An old man with a cane walks down a path in the city of Korca, Albania.

Albanian people are incredibly hospitable

Hospitality is serious business in Albania (yet another point of similarity to Georgia). In Albania, people are bound by Besa , a code of honour that dictates how others – especially strangers – should be treated. According to Besa, if someone approaches you for help, you accommodate them. If someone comes to you hungry, you feed them. This creed has shaped Albania into an immensely tolerant and welcoming nation.

After WWII, Albania was one of the few nations to emerge with a larger Jewish community – the nation protected its own and offered sanctuary to families fleeing from elsewhere in Europe. In the 1990s, Albania sheltered refugees from Kosovo displaced by conflict.

Today that same kind of generosity is extended to tourists. Kanun , the customary law of Albania, says that the master of a house should always have a spare bed ready for unexpected guests. While I wouldn’t recommend showing up on someone’s doorstep unannounced (Albania has Booking.com for a reason!), the takeaway is that Albanians will extend you a helping hand if and when you need it.

English is widely spoken, but not ubiquitous

Albanian is the official language in Albania but many people – especially those born after the fall of communism – speak a second language. As one person described it to me, Albanians are ‘thirsty to know the world’, and learning a foreign language is seen as a pathway to knowledge, experience and more opportunities.

English is the most popular second language and is taught in schools. At last count, around 40% of Albanians speak English. In my experience, anyone working in tourism or hospitality has at least a basic understanding of English. We got by in all the major cities and tourist destinations without any issues.

Albania is one of those countries where the language is so much more than a means of communication, it’s part of the culture and identity and a massive source of national pride. Learning a few words of Albanian will earn you big props.

Here are a few basic words:

  • Hello – Përshëndetje (per-shen-det-ye)
  • Bye – Mirupafshim (mi-ru-paf-shim)
  • Yes – Po (po)
  • No – Jo (yo)
  • Thanks – Faleminderit (fal-e-min-der-it)
  • Cheers – Gëzuar (ge-zu-ar)

There is a strong Italian and Greek influence

Albania is just across the pond from Italy and very close to Greece (especially Corfu). There were Italian colonists in Albania from 1926 onwards, and the country was actually invaded by Italy in 1939. Italy especially has a big influence in Albania – to such an extent that I noticed it right away.

You’ll see Italian cars, Italian coffee culture – and yes, pizza on almost every restaurant menu! Pizza is so popular in Albania, if you ever tire of local fare there’s always a Napoletana to fall back on.

Almost a third of Albanian people speak Italian and a quarter of the population speaks Greek. Many areas are officially bilingual Albanian-Italian, with road signs in both languages. If you know either of these languages, communication will come even easier to you.

Three men sip coffee at a cafe in Gjirokaster Bazaar.

Tirana is one of the coolest cities in Europe – so don’t rush it!

Unlike a few other capital cities in the Balkans that are all cold concrete, Tirana is a warm, green, welcoming city that’s bristling with creative energy. I’ve said before that it’s probably the most liveable capital in the region in my opinion. There’s a park, dining precinct, cool museum or street art district around almost every corner.

One day in Tirana is enough for the must-sees, but I really recommend slowing down and spending a couple of nights here, getting into the rhythm of the city with morning markets and nightly xhiros.

We stayed in Tirana for a full week and still didn’t see everything.

Hiking in Albania is a must

I fell in love with Albania’s cities and towns, but even I agree that the country’s natural beauty is its biggest asset.

Albania has 15 national parks, each offering incredible scenery and hiking opportunities. As I recently discovered, Albania has more than 3,200 species of plants, accounting for a whopping 30% of the flora in Europe. One of the best places to appreciate this ecology is Llogara National Park, known for its wildflowers. Others, notably Butrint National Park, combine surreal landscapes with valuable archaeological sites.

Even if you’re an anti-hiker like me, there is one day trek in Albania you at least have to consider: Valbona to Theth . Walking between two alpine villages across two jaw-dropping national parks in the country’s far north, the trail takes you through the heart of the picturesque Albanian Alps or Accursed Mountains as they’re also known. The hike is tough going in spots, but it’s absolutely the best way to experience this side of Albania.

Craggy mountain peaks in the Albanian Alps.

The lakes are just as impressive as the beaches

Albania might be famous for its beautiful beaches, but the unsung heroes of the landscape are the country’s lakes. Komani Lake, Lake Ohrid (shared with North Macedonia) and Skadar Lake in the north (shared with Montenegro ) are all beautiful and worth visiting.

Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans. Boat trips on the marshy wetlands are popular on the Montenegrin side; on the Albanian side, you can cycle around the periphery from the lakeside city of Shkoder, visiting Rozafa Castle at the same time.

Albania’s share of Ohrid Lake is similarly smaller and with fewer points of interest to the North Macedonian side, yet charming villages such as Lin – a little red-roofed settlement on a natural peninsula – make it worth a visit. Lake Koman is my favourite. The ferry ride through the dramatic river gorge to reach Valbona and the starting point for the aforementioned hike was one of the highlights of my time in Albania.

There are more stunning water features around the country, including cascades and river canyons in the centre (Osumi and Begove near Berat are great), hot springs, and of course the famous Blue Eyes. All offer some much-needed reprieve in the hot summer months.

Have you been to Albania? Are there any extra travel tips for Albania you’d like to add? Leave your best advice in the comments below!

Stone buildings in Gjirokaster Old Bazaar, Albania.

Albania Travel Guide

Discover insider tips, itinerary inspiration, and all the best things to see, do and experience in Albania!

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My favourite resources and tools for planning a trip to Albania.

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TRAVEL to ALBANIA – Tips and Information Guide [2023]

Here is our complete guide to tell you everything you need to know to travel to Albania!

Whether you’re into epic mountain adventures, relaxing beach vacations or partying it up in a bustling city, Albania has something for you!

Albania is perfect for those who like to spend their time getting lost in the natural treasures of a country.  

The beautiful coastline, stunning mountains and the flora are only a few of its wonders that bring tourists here from around the world.

Along with a rich history and culture, it is a great holiday destination for both energetic and chilled out tourists.  You can count on spending a perfect beach vacation here, but you can also choose a more active approach.

The urban areas, although rather small, like the capital Tirana, have a unique spirit worth visiting. On the other hand, the Albanian Alps offer great hiking opportunities for mountain-lovers.

While its popularity is continuously growing year after year, it is still considered to be the Balkan’s hidden gem.

Unfortunately this stunning and diverse country is still relatively off the beaten path, thanks to a couple of major tourists hotspots in its vicinity.

Maybe that should inspire you to travel to Albania and try to uncover all it has to offer!

More and more tourists travel to Albania to experience its gritty, vibrant streets or to take a dip in its waters. Not only is Albania surrounded by two seas (the Adriatic and the Ionian), it also has a few wonderful rivers and lakes.

But in our opinion it would be a shame to visit Albania and not explore the Theth National Park, along with its gorgeous natural landmarks.

The food is an experience itself, combining influences that have shaped the history of the Balkan peninsula through the years!

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to delve into our guide to travelling to Albania and get you prepared for your next big adventure!

Albania Travel Guide

For a more detailed display of things you should see and do, make sure you read this  Albania Travel Guide !

Along with those suggestions, you will also get all the important information necessary for a pleasant trip.

All you have to do is pack your bags and decide when you’ll take some time for yourself!

General Info

Here’s a list of certain things that you will definitely find useful on your visit.

The general info will come in handy one way or another!

  • Currency: Albanian lek
  • Capital: Tirana
  • Language: Albanian
  • Population: 2,876,591
  • Area: 28,748 sq. km
  • Electricity Voltage: The standard voltage is 220-240V at 50 Hz. If you have 110V appliances, you should use a voltage adaptor whilst in Albania.
  • Electricity Sockets: Type C (also works with plug E and F) and type F (also works with plug C and plug E)

How to Get to Albania

There’s a bunch of different ways to travel to Albania, and the method you choose depends on where you are coming from, how long you have, and what your budget is.

When it comes to air travel, Albania has one major airport in Tirana – the Nënë Tereza.

Direct flights to it are available from many European cities, as well as Israel and Turkey.   If you’re travelling from another continent, you will need to have a layover in a major city in Europe.

There still aren’t any direct flights available from North America, South America, Africa or Australia. The closest option for those coming from the Americas is flying to London or Frankfurt first.

The majority of the flights come from Italy (from around 15 cities), while German cities are in second place.

The large airlines that fly to Nënë Tereza are British Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Alitalia.  If you’re interested in low-cost airlines, Wizzair has flights from Budapest, London and Dortmund.

Another airport, called the Kukës, should start working in 2020, and it should primarily be a low cost airport.

Getting to the Nënë Tereza from town is fairly simple.

You can take the shuttle (Rinas Express) from the centre of Tirana or travel by taxi.

The bus ticket costs around 2€, while the taxi fare is around 18€.

Make sure you look for the ATEx sign on the cars, since they are the only approved taxi company at the airport.

One of the most popular ways of reaching Albania is by ferry.

Most of them depart from Italy and arrive at either Durrës, Vlorë or Sarandë, although some come from Greece too.

Ferries for Durrës leave from Ancona, Bari and Trieste.  If you go to Brindisi, you can catch a ferry to Vlorë and Sarandë.

There’s also a connection between Sarandë and Corfu in Greece.

The well-known Italian ferry operators are Adria Ferries, Adriatica di Navigazione, Azzurra Line, Venezia Lines and Ilion Lines.

On the other hand, if you’re planning to travel to Albania from Greece, check out Sarris and Ionian Seaways.

The prices depend on the number of passengers, whether you have a vehicle or not and the time of year.

There are a couple of ways to get to Albania by coach. Even though it’s not the most comfortable way to travel, it’s usually inexpensive and fairly frequent.

You can catch a bus to Albania from Istanbul, Athens, Prishtina, Tetovo, Thessaloniki, Sofia, Larisa, Ohrid and Ulcinj.

The prices go from 10€ to 35€ for a one-way ticket, depending on your starting point.

Travel To Albania

Albania Visa Requirements

All EU citizens, as well as those from the USA, Canada, Australia and UK, can travel to Albania without a visa.

The only condition is that they don’t spend more than 90 days there.

In total, there’s 55 countries whose nationals don’t need a visa for a 90-day stay in Albania.  Check if yours is on the list by clicking here .

Those who didn’t find their country on the lists above must be issued with a visa.

They can be issued free of charge or cost up to 55 euros, depending on the country.

5 Interesting Facts About Albania

  • The flora of Albania makes 30 percent of the entire European flora.
  • The Albanian language is very unique. It is Indo-European, but it forms its own independent branch and it has no relatives!
  • Until 1991, there were only around 5000 cars in Albania. The Communist dictator Enver Hoxha banned them and insisted that citizens walk or use some type of public transport.
  • The Albanian Vjosa river is considered to be Europe’s very last free-flowing river. Make sure you see its beauty in person.
  • Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, was Albanian!

Best Time to Travel to Albania

Albania’s climate is divided into 3 zones: the warm coast, the continental interior and the cold mountains on the north. Depending on what you’d like to see and do, you should choose different times of the year for your trip.

However, the best time to visit in general would be late spring and early fall.  The temperatures will be pleasant and you’ll be able to enjoy all your activities.

So, anywhere between April and June, and then September and October.

If you’ve chosen Albania as your summer vacation destination and you like the heat, visit in July. That is the peak of the tourist season and the weather is extremely warm.

It is advised that you avoid the period between December and March , since it can get really cold and wet.

But, if you’re a lover of snow and winter sports, use this time to visit some of Albania’s ski destinations!

Another advantage of visiting during the cold months is that you’ll be one of the few tourists in Albania. Basically, it will be like living with the locals.

Albania Travel Itineraries Suggestions

Albania is a country of great variety and vibrancy.

Visiting different parts of it could feel like visiting multiple countries!

Planning your stay can get difficult, but we’ve created a couple of itinerary suggestions, based on different preferences.

Most of them require renting a car, but you could also rely on buses or the kindness of strangers.

Here’s a few ways to spend 10 days in Albania:

1. The Seaside

  • Catch a ferry to Vlorë from Italy
  • 2 days in Vlorë
  • 2 days in Dhërmi
  • 2 days in Sarandë
  • 3 days in Ksamil
  • Go back to Sarande and catch a ferry  

 2. Culture

  • Fly to Tirana
  • 3 days in Tirana
  • 2 days in Berat
  • 2 days in Gjirokastër
  • 2 days in Krujë
  • Go back to Tirana to fly out

Budget for Travelling in Albania

In general, Albania is inexpensive for Western tourists, especially when compared to some of the nearby countries, Croatia and Italy.

You can find accommodation for a reasonable price and there are great cheap food options. Museum tickets and public transportation fares are very affordable.

Some prices could go up slightly during the summer, especially in seaside towns, since that’s the peak of the season.

However, it’s never too drastic.  Of course, it all comes down to your needs and personal spending habits.

There’s always something interesting to try and something to spend money on. But, if you put in a little effort into your planning, you could experience Albania on a budget!

The prices below are per day.

Budget for Backpackers in Albania

Single Traveller: 20€ – 40€

If you’re visiting during the spring or summer, backpacking is a great way to explore Albania.  Accommodation in a hostel in Tirana is around 7-15 euros per night.

If you book ahead, you will be able to find the cheaper rooms.

Another suggestion is Booking.com or AirBnB, since you can really get lucky with the prices.

Click here to get $35 off your first stay on AirBnB.

Certain budget hotels can be very affordable, so you can get a room for around 20 euros/night. Ask around and try to find some free tours, since volunteers organise them from time to time.

If you’re trying to save money on food, there are always great on-the-go options for 2-3€ in total. For example, instead of eating in a restaurant, try the delicious, traditional Balkan pastry – burek.

It’s a win-win!

Use public transportation to get around, just like the locals do. The minibuses they often travel by are called furgons.

They don’t have a specific timetable, but they are cheap. Buses are even less expensive, but they’re slightly slower.

Flashpacker

Single Traveller: 50€ – 80€

Having a bigger budget means more comfort and luxuries, such as museums and restaurants.

The entrance to the National Museum in Tirana costs less than 2€, and most museums have the same prices.  Make sure you visit as many as you can, for a glimpse into Albania’s history and culture.

You can have a delicious, satisfying meal for 5€ – 10€, as long as you avoid the most expensive places. Having a cup of coffee will never cost you more than 1,5 €.

Therefore, taking a break in a cute cafe can become your daily ritual.

The starting price for taxis is around 2€ – 3€, while every kilometre is approximately 1€.

You can treat yourself to this type of transportation, since it’s probably cheaper than in your home country!

You can find a mid-range hotel room in the very centre of Tirana for an average of 35€ – 45€/night.

The people are incredibly friendly, so you should consider asking a local for some recommendations!

Single Traveller: 90€ and more

Accomodation in Albania’s most luxurious hotels can cost you anywhere from 60€ to 90€ daily. That will allow you to enjoy private spas and transport to and from the airport, to name a few things.

You should consider booking a tour and letting a guide introduce you to everything this country has to offer.

Why travel to Albania if you’re not going to get to know it properly? Tours of the capital will cost you around 20€, while a full-day hiking tour will be close to 80€.

Depending on what you like, you’ll definitely find an option that fits your budget and your interests.

Fine dining won’t be too costly compared to average European prices. You won’t pay more than 40€ for the most expensive meal in a luxurious restaurant!

Consider buying an authentic Albanian souvenir to remind you of your experience.

Traditional Albanian rugs called kilims and the famous Skënderbeu Cognac are a great choice!

Albania Travel Tips - Pixabay

Top 5 Places to Visit in Albania

It’s hard to single out only 5 places, when there’s so much to see and do. But these five spots should be the ones you must not miss!

  • The Blue Eye Of Theth : Located in one of Albania’s most beautiful national parks, this might be the most stunning sight in the country. If you’re into hiking, plan your route around this, it will definitely be rewarding!
  • Gjirokastër : This lovely place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It gives visitors a chance to experience a real Ottoman town, as the architecture and the cobbled streets are well preserved!
  • Berat : Berat is yet another UNESCO Site, also known as the “city of a thousand windows”. Visit its castle. churches and mosques to understand the diversity of Albania’s history and culture.
  • Tirana : The capital is also the biggest and busiest city. Try to meet some locals and blend in with them so you could feel the real spirit of Tirana. Even though it’s not the most beautiful city you’ll see, you’ll see for yourself why it’s so appealing to tourists!
  • The Riviera : You can’t travel to Albania and not spend some time on the seaside. The crystal clear waters of the two seas and the fairly cheap prices guarantee a good vacation. The Albanian riviera is a hidden treasure when it comes to European holiday destinations!

Top 5 Experiences To Have In Albania

  • Hiking From Theth To Valbona : Albania’s most popular hike is also one of the most beautiful ones in this part of Europe. As long as you’re prepared for approximately 7 hours of walking, you’ll really enjoy the incredible scenery. Make sure you bring all of the necessary equipment and enough food, so that you can truly be focused on the nature. This isn’t the easiest journey, but it sure is worth the struggle!
  • Experience xhiro : Xhiro is an authentic Albanian tradition. Every evening, people go out into the streets, usually the big boulevards, and take a walk. They use this time of day to catch up with their friends or neighbors and hear about each other’s days. Many use xhiro to sell their products, so they bring out whatever it is they’re selling into the streets. Don’t be surprised if you see people having a barbecue party on the sidewalk – it is all possible during xhiro. This Albanian social ritual is something you must be a part of while you’re in the country.
  • Take a Tour About Albania’s Communist Past : As you may or may not know, Albania was under a Communist dictator Enver Hoxha until 1991. This era shaped the country into what it is today in many ways. There are still many sites to see all over Albania that are closely linked to that era. For example, entire parts of Tirana were restricted to those who weren’t members of the Communist party. This tour will introduce you to all the interesting facts about Albania’s 20th century history. It is exciting and strange and something you should definitely learn about!
  • Osum River Rafting : The breathtaking Osum river canyons are a must-see for every nature enthusiast. Try to visit during the spring, since the water levels will allow you to see all the waterfalls. The adrenaline rush combined with the beautiful scenery will make for an unforgettable experience. There’s also an interesting legend involving the river and the two mountains surrounding it, Tomorr and Shpirag. The story says that two brothers killed each other because of a girl named Osum and that her tears formed the river.
  • Visit the bazaars : Authentic Albanian bazaars exist in a few cities and they’re an amazing way to get to know their culture. They are a great place for buying traditional, handmade products, such as kilims and çifteli, an Albanian instrument. The Krujë bazaar is one of the most famous ones, since it has existed for hundreds of years. If you’d like to buy some souvenirs or just feel the bustling spirit, this is the place to be. Supporting small local businesses and craftsmen is something you should do in your country and abroad!

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Transport in Albania

Using public transport in Albania can be unreliable, since timetables pretty much don’t exist. However, it is very cheap and fairly fast, so it’s still very popular among tourists and locals.

Most people travel by bus.   The fares are very low, so you’ll rarely spend more than a few euros on the ticket.

The tricky part is that the bus leaves the station when it gets full, not according to the timetable. That means that you can’t really predict when it’s going to come.

It’s best to ask a local who uses the bus often to tell you an approximate time of arrival. Also, always get in the bus with the most passengers, since that one will leave first!

People also travel by furgon – a minibus or van of sorts – for a more pleasant trip. The same rule about leaving when full applies here as well.

Be aware that the driver picks up and drops off people along the way. Therefore, you can get off anywhere you want and get on whenever you hail the driver.

This type of transport is very unpopular and rarely used by the locals. The rail system is not developed and the trains are in bad condition, so it’s best to stick to other options.

If you do choose to try it, you’ll be happy to know that the tickets are cheap and the views are beautiful.

The trains operate between a couple of cities and towns, such as Durrës, Shkodër, Vlorë and a few more.

Also, you should know that Albania is not connected to other countries by train.

Even though taxis are the most expensive type of transport in Albania, they’re cheap compared to standard European prices.

The starting price is 250 lek, which is roughly 2-3 €. Every kilometre is an additional euro.

Most taxi drivers speak some English, so communicating won’t be an issue.

To avoid getting scammed, ask a local or the staff in your hotel to find you a taxi.

Accommodation in Albania

Whether you’re a backpacker or someone who needs more comfort, Albania covers it all.  From hostels and tiny hotels to the, large world-famous ones, there are options for everyone.

An interesting way to spend your vacation is in an authentic guesthouse.  There’s quite a few of them in Albania, but you might have to ask the locals for suggestions.

It’s really fascinating to wake up in a traditional Albanian household and eat freshly prepared meals!

The riviera destinations are growing more and more and, therefore, there’s an abundance of hotels.

However, wherever you go, AirBnB might be a good option, since it’s usually inexpensive.

Food in Albania

If you’ve ever been to the Balkans, you know that the food is incredible in every country.

Since it was influenced by many cultures through the centuries, it is a wonderful mix of flavours, ingredients and textures.

Many Albanian dishes have meat in them, but you can find vegetarian and vegan options.

If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t be unsatisfied. The desserts are usually made with nuts, crunchy dough or fruit.

The Berat region has the biggest fig plantation in Europe and their fig preserves are delicious!

Here’s a few dishes you must try when you travel to Albania:

  • Tavë Kosi (baked lamb with rice and yogurt)
  • Speca me Glizë (peppers stuffed with rice, veggies and ground meat)
  • Fërgesë (creamy vegetable and cheese stew – could also be made with meat)
  • Byrek (filo pastry filled with different toppings, such as cheese, spinach, meat and cabbage)
  • Trilece (creamy, milky cake)
  • Qofte të Fërguara (fried meatballs)

Travel To Albania Berat

Safety in Albania

In general, Albania is a safe country for all visitors. There hasn’t been many instances of violence against tourists.

It’s even safe for solo women travellers, since the people are friendly and welcoming.

Pickpocketing is very rare and there aren’t any parts of Albania that are more risky than the others.

Of course, it is always advised that you take certain precautions, like keeping your money in a safe place.

One thing you should be careful about is the traffic.

Albanian drivers are notorious for not exactly following the rules and regulations, so be cautious when crossing the streets.

The roads are slowly getting better, but if you’re a driver yourself, you will need some patience.

Packing List For Albania

If you decide to come during the spring and summer, you won’t need a ton of clothes. The weather will be nice and pleasant, ideal for walking around.

But if you’re travelling to Albania during the colder months, please add a winter jacket to this list!

  • 3 x t-shirts
  • 1 x sweater
  • 1 x sunglasses
  • 1 x swimsuit
  • 1 x flip-flops
  • 2 x swimsuit
  • 1 x comfy leggings/sweatpants

Miscellaneous Items

  • Waterproof case

Medical Care In Albania

Since Albania is a relatively poor country, the state of the healthcare system is pretty much the same.

Tirana is the most developed in that sense and you shouldn’t have a problem finding help there.

You will be able to find a variety of medication in Albanian pharmacies, called barnatore.

However, if you’re on some type of regular prescription medication, make sure you bring it with you, along with a doctor’s letter.

It is recommended that you have travel insurance before you travel to Albania. Sometimes, you will have to pay in advance even if you’re covered.

The private hospitals and clinics in Tirana mostly have English-speaking doctors and nurses, so you’ll be able to explain your symptoms.

You shouldn’t be afraid of any specific diseases in Albania, but make sure you have all your vaccinations.

If you plan on spending time in the nature, pay attention to ticks and wear long sleeves and trousers.

In summary, if you have to seek medical care, try to go to Tirana, since the quality and safety is best there.

Travel Tips For Albania

  • Try not to drink tap water. The water in some mountain areas is safe to drink and also very delicious, but make sure you educate yourself properly.
  • Remember this: nodding in Albania means no and shaking your head means yes! Either adapt to the locals or stick to communicating with words only.
  • Get used to the traffic chaos. Look left and right multiple times before crossing the street, get used to the honking and the speed. Also, public transport is irregular and often too packed with people.
  • It is useful to know a few Albanian phrases and the locals will certainly appreciate it. For example, përshëndetje means hello and faleminderit means thank you. If you’d like to ask someone whether they speak English, say Flisni Anglisht?
  • If you’re planning on exploring the Albanian mountains, bring some type of insect repellent. Also, cover your skin as much as possible, to avoid unpleasant rashes and insect bites.
  • Try some of the Albanian wines! Albania has a very long tradition of wine making, dating back to the ancient Roman era. You can stick to the classics, or try some of the rare or more luxurious wines. For example, the Uka Farm is the only place in the world where you can drink Ceruja wine. If you’d like to switch things up, try the orange wine.

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Albania Travel Guide

Last Updated: December 23, 2023

An old stone tower and stone wall in Albania with rolling hills and mountains in the distance

Albania is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Though it increases in popularity each year, the country is largely ignored by tourists; many still think of it as a post-communist backwater (as if the world hasn’t changed in the last 30 years).

Yet this is a land of untouched natural beauty, with a rich history dating back to the ancient Illyrians and Greeks. It has become a solid favorite of backpackers looking for an affordable, off-the-beaten-path destination to explore.

I absolutely loved my time visiting Albania. It’s a country full of good food and welcoming people. I enjoyed it so much that I extended my stay.

Hikers and nature lovers can partake of all the hiking and trekking here, beach lovers have the Albanian Riviera along the Ionian coast, and history buffs can marvel at the country’s uncrowded UNESCO sites in Butrint (an ancient Roman city), Berat, and Gjirokastër.

Albania is on the up and up, with more tourists visiting each year. I think it will become as popular (and expensive) as Croatia in the next couple of years, so visit now before the crowds come!

This travel guide to Albania can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this underrated destination!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Albania

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Albania

An old stone tower and stone wall in Albania with rolling hills and mountains in the distance

1. Explore Tirana

Albania’s capital is rapidly transforming into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, with its bustling cafes, eclectic museums, and trendy shops and galleries. Sip coffee at one of many espresso bars, dive into the developing digital nomad scene, soak up history in Skanderbeg Square, and enjoy the city’s booming nightlife. For a hefty dose of local culture, check out Bunk’Art, a former bunker built during the Cold War that’s since been turned into an interactive art space. If you’re in town for more than a couple of days, take the Dajti Ekspres to the top of the nearby mountain, check out the cave of Pellumbas, or go and explore the Roman and Byzantine ruins in nearby Durrës.

2. Visit the historic town of Berat

A city that’s been around for 2,400 years, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the highlights of visiting Albania . It’s also known as “the City of a Thousand Windows” because of its unique white-walled Ottoman homes, picturesquely stacked atop one another on a crumbling hillside and characterized by their many windows. Visitors should make it a point to wander around Kala, an ancient neighborhood with panoramic views, historic mosques and churches, and a 14th-century castle. There are also a number of noteworthy museums in Berat, including the Ethnographic Museum, which is housed in an ornate 18th-century Ottoman home.

3. Drive the Llogara Pass

The Llogara Pass is a steep (at times the incline is 11%), winding road that rises over a thousand meters (3,500 feet) into the mountains and overlooks the glittering Ionian coast, which has been nicknamed the Albanian Riviera. This road goes from Orikum to Dhërmi, and there are lots of scenic stops along the way. If you need to stretch your legs, the trails at Llogara Pass National Park are a fantastic place to do so. Post-hike, grab lunch at one of the many roadside restaurants in the park. Though it used to be a dangerous and narrow road, the Llogara Pass was repaved in 2009. It’s still a tricky route, but it’s worth it — this is the most scenic drive in the country (and one of the most scenic drives in all of Europe).

4. Hike from Valbona to Theth

T of the most famous day hikes in Albania, this is an old mule trail that leads you across the Accursed Mountains. This section is moderately challenging and takes around eight hours in total. There are fresh water springs along the way, as well as some cafes on the route, but make sure you bring plenty of water just in case. It’s a stunning area with an abundance of flora, fauna, and wildlife to see. In Theth, there are some other hikes as well. Most notably, the Blue Eye of Theth is a shockingly blue pool of water fed by a small waterfall that can be reached in about three hours (one way) from Theth.

Also protected by UNESCO, Gjirokastër is famous for its stonework. Wander the cobblestone streets, hike and explore the castle, swim in nearby waterfalls, and visit the best examples of Ottoman-era architecture in the area. There’s a C old W ar museum here that’s housed in an old 800-meter-long (2,624-foot) bunker from the 1970’s. Close to the nearby village of Muzinë is the incredible natural spring called the Blue Eye. Gjirokastër, for me, is one of the best spots in the country.

Other Things to See and Do in Albania

1. relax on the albanian riviera.

Pristine beaches, turquoise water, cheap and delicious seafood — the Albanian coast has all the beauty and wonders of Croatia, without the high prices and crowds (for now). Dhërmi and Ksamil are considered to have the best beaches in the country, with miles of white, sandy beachfront. If you want a busier beach destination, go to Himarë, where the beach has a promenade lined with cafés and bars. For something more off the beaten path, make your way to Gjipe Beach. For a bustling, developed beach town, visit Sarandë, which is packed with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.

2. Enjoy the view from Rozafa Castle

Situated near Shkodër in northwestern Albania, the 4th-century Rozafa Castle has panoramic views of the area, including the Buna and Drin Rivers. The fortifications here originally date to the 10th century BCE, when the Illyrians lived in the area (the current castle replaced those fortifications). Legend has it that a young woman sacrificed her life to imbue the castle walls with longevity. There isn’t a whole lot to see here, but the ruins are impressive, and it’s a good spot from which to watch the sunset. The Shkodër History Museum provides a great overview of the castle’s past, including the background of the medieval families who lived here. Admission is 150 ALL.

3. Visit the National Museum of History

The National Museum of History in Tirana offers a view of the country’s rich history and is divided into eight sections: antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, independence, iconography, the National Liberation Anti-Fascism War, the Communist Terror, and Mother Teresa (who was born in Albania). There’s a remarkable collection of ancient Greek and Roman mosaics, columns, and statues unearthed in Albania as well. The collection is extensive, so give yourself around three hours here. Handily, nearly the entire collection is signed in English. Admission is 500 ALL.

4. Explore the ancient ruins of Butrint

Greeks from nearby Corfu settled Butrint in the 6th century BCE. It quickly became a large trading city that was still prosperous when the Romans took over in 167 BCE. Nowadays, you can wander the pathways between what’s left of the city, including well-preserved arches and colonnades. In 2003, Butrint was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. It makes for an ideal day trip from Sarandë. I took my time there and spent about three hours exploring the ruins. The entrance fee is 700 ALL and the 45-minute bus ride costs 100 ALL.

5. Admire the art at Bunk’Art

Bunk’Art 1 and 2 are former bunkers that have been turned into museums and galleries underneath Tirana. Built in the 1970s for Albania’s elite, the bunkers’ 100 rooms have now been transformed into a museum and art space. Bunk’Art 1, located on the outskirts of Tirana, focuses on Albania’s communist past and the lives of average people under communism. Bunk’Art 2, the more recent addition, is located right in Tirana; it focuses more on the secret police that were used by the regime to terrorize the population and maintain order. Admission is 500 ALL.

6. See the ancient ruins at Apollonia

Like Butrint, Apollonia was one of the most important cities in the ancient world. The Greeks founded it in 588 BCE, and it fast grew into a city-state with a huge slave trade (just like Butrint). The Romans took over in 229 BCE, when it became a cultural center with an important philosophy school. Even Julius Caesar sent his nephew (Octavius, who became Emperor Augustus) to study there. Today you can visit the ruins (a UNESCO Heritage Site), which include a theater and the restored façade of the administrative center. Admission is 300 ALL.

7. Visit Shkodër

As the largest town in the north (and home to the Rozafa Castle), it plays host to many of the country’s biggest festivals like Carnival, Lake Day, and the Shkodra Jazz Festival. The city’s Old Town is filled with picturesque, pastel-colored homes and buildings. A lot of people breeze through Shkodër on their way to Montenegro from Tirana, but I recommend spending a day or two here. Check out one of the interesting museums here, like the Marubi National Photography Museum and the Site of Witness & Memory Museum. The former is an Albanian photographic museum; the latter commemorates the victims of the communist regime in the city. e to get to Valbonë. If you don’t want to do that, there are day trips available. You can spend a couple of hours on the lake before going up the Shala River, where you can eat lunch, rent a kayak, or chill on the “beach” (the rocky embankment). The mountain water of the Shala is super clear and clean; it looks almost tropical. The restaurants here also rent rooms (or let you camp for free) if you want to stay the night.

9. Go hiking

Albania has lots of incredibly scenic hikes. If you spend most of your time in the south, you’ll get your pick of coastal hikes along the Ionian Sea, including Mount Çika and through the Ceraunian Mountains. In the north, the hike over the Valbona Pass to the village of Theth is popular for a reason; it’s an incredibly beautiful route (and not for the faint of heart). Routes around the country vary in length and difficulty and trekking information isn’t readily available — large parts of these hikes are still undeveloped, so hire a guide if you want to explore. Outdoor Albania has lots of options to help you get started.

10. Take a wine tour

Albania has one of the oldest winemaking traditions in all of Europe. Albanian wine makes use of incredibly rare grapes, and some of the traditional practices date back to the Bronze Age. Many wineries are family-owned and located in breathtaking settings. You can take wine tours from Berat, Lezhë, and Tirana, on which you can sample some of the country’s finest. Expect to pay at least 6,500 ALL for a day trip.

11. Get spooked at Sazan

The “ghost” island of Sazan is a 30-minute boat ride from the southern port town of Vlorë. It served as a Soviet military base and chemical weapons facility for many years before being abandoned. In 2017, the government opened it for tourism, although officially it remains a military base. The rooms in this vast network of nuclear bunkers and tunnels are still stocked with beds and kitchen supplies, and you can still find abandoned gas masks in the valley nearby. Tours don’t run all the time, so you need to ask in the tourist information office in Vlorë. They can book you onto a tour if they are running. Expect to pay 3,500 ALL or more for a day tour to the island.

12. Hike Osumi Canyon

This gorgeous river canyon in southern Albania makes for the perfect day trip from Berat. It is over three million years old, stretches for 40 kilometers (25 miles), and towers 40 meters (131 feet) above the river. The most popular way to see it up close is with a rafting tour. Tours are available February-June and start at 7,000 ALL per person, which includes transportation from Berat, lunch, and 2-4 hours on the water. You can also opt to hike down through the canyon and explore the ancient rock formations and caves via a 12-kilometer trail.

13. Visit the House of Leaves

The Museum of Secret Surveillance, aka the House of Leaves, is an award-winning museum in Tirana located in the old Sigurimi building (the Sigurimi were the secret police). The building was originally used by the Gestapo during the German occupation, continuing as a base of operations for the secret police until 1991. The exhibitions highlight what life was like under German and then communist rule, shedding light on the methods used to spy on, prosecute, and execute enemies of the regime. It’s sobering but incredibly insightful. Anyone even remotely interested in the dark side of Albania’s past will find this museum fascinating. Admission is 700 ALL.

Albania Travel Costs

An old stone tower and stone wall in Albania with rolling hills and mountains in the distance

Budget hotels can be as cheap as 2,500 ALL per night for a double or twin with a private bathroom and A/C. More realistically, expect to pay around 3,500 ALL or more per night. Most hotels offer a fairly large breakfast, too.

Airbnb is a great budget option here. Private rooms start at 1,800 ALL per night although they average about 3,600 ALL. Expect to pay at least 5,800 ALL for a full apartment or home. Prices double when not booked in advance.

For anyone traveling with a tent, camping is available around the country, and it is perfectly legal to wild camp (i.e., pitch your tent anywhere on public land). If you prefer sticking to campsites, prices are usually around 1,200 ALL per night for a basic plot for two people and a tent without electricity.

Food – Like its Mediterranean neighbors, Albanian cuisine relies heavily on fish, olive oil, and local produce (especially onions). Breakfast is usually bread, cheese, and yogurt. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day. Meat stew, grilled sausage, meat pies, and fresh salads are some of the more traditional dishes. Beef, trout, calamari, and sea bass are all popular staples. Goulash is also popular, though mostly in the mountain regions. Some of the most popular must-try dishes in Albania include byrek (a salty pie with various fillings) and speca me gjize, a dish of stuffed peppers. Wash it all down with tea or raki, a traditional alcoholic beverage.

For a meal at a sit-down restaurant, expect to pay 500-700 ALL for an appetizer, wine, and main course. For a really “nice” restaurant (or maybe one serving fish or sushi), you’re likely to spend 1,400-2,000 ALL. The most expensive meal I had in Albania was at this high-end fish restaurant in Tirana — it cost me 3,500 ALL, which is only $31 USD. That included fish, oysters, and wine!

Pizza starts at 550 ALL, while non-European food like Indian, Thai, or Chinese food costs around 600-900 ALL for a main dish. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 600 ALL for a combo meal.

Expect to pay around 150 ALL for a beer, 150-250 ALL for a glass of wine, 70 ALL for a bottle of water, and 140 ALL for a coffee.

If you are planning to cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries cost 2,500-3,500 ALL. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.

Backpacking Albania Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Albania, expect to spend about 4,400 ALL per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to free and cheap activities like hiking and free tours. If you plan on drinking a lot (Sarandë and Tirana are big party spots), add another 500-1,000 ALL to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of around 9,000 ALL per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or private Airbnb, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks at the bar, see more museums and palaces, do a day trip or two, and take the occasional taxi to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of around 15,000 ALL per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, see all the sites you want, do lots of day tours, and take taxis where you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury. The sky’s the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in ALL.

Albania Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Albania is an affordable country to visit. You’ll be hard-pressed to spend a lot of money, even if you’re staying in private rooms or hotels. You really have to go out of your way to spend money here. But, if you are looking to travel cheap, here are some tips on how to save money :

  • Take a free walking tour – Tirana Free Tour offers a free walking tour that highlights the city and its sites. There are also free walking tours in Berat and Shokdër. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
  • Cook your own meals – Many hostels here include kitchen facilities, so if you want to save money, cook your own meals. Groceries are cheap here and there are a lot of farmer’s markets around where you can pick up fresh produce.
  • Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing is a great way to save money and connect with a knowledgeable local who can share their insider tips and advice.
  • Bunk up in a hostel – Hostels in Albania are cheap, especially if you book a shared room.
  • Walk everywhere – Most towns and cities in Albania are walkable, so skip the public transportation and taxis to save money.
  • Enjoy the outdoors – There are plenty of free hiking trails and outdoor activities around the country that can fill your days.
  • Take advantage of wild camping – As it is legal to camp anywhere in Albania, traveling with a tent, or in a camper van, is the perfect way to save money on accommodation.
  • Bring a water bottle – The tap water here usually isn’t safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand, as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure that your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Albania

You won’t find many hostels outside of the main tourist cities, but private guest houses are pretty cheap in the countryside anyway. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Albania:

  • Trip’n’Hostel (Tirana)
  • Friends Hostel (Gjirokastër)
  • Himara Relax Hostel (Himarë)
  • The Wanderer’s Hostel (Shokder)
  • Saranda Backpackers (Sarandë)

How to Get Around Albania

An old stone tower and stone wall in Albania with rolling hills and mountains in the distance

Public transportation – In most towns and cities, almost everywhere is accessible on foot. Otherwise, take the bus. The fares cost around 40 ALL per ride.

To get from the airport to Tirana, the cheapest way is via the airport shuttle. It runs from 6am until 6pm and drops you off near the National Museum of Tirana. It costs 400 ALL (one-way) and takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for around 2,500 ALL.

Taxi – Taxis are readily available in all the major cities. Expect to pay 300 ALL to turn on the meter plus another 300 ALL for every kilometer. A lot of taxis will try to quote you a price instead of using the meter, which is almost always overly inflated. Make sure they put on the meter to avoid getting ripped off.

Train – Albania has a small rail network, but I never saw or heard of anyone taking it. The locals I talked to say it is too unreliable and slow. Buses are much faster, cheaper, and more reliable so use them instead.

Bus – Buses are the main form of inter-transportation in the country. They loosely follow a timetable. From major cities and starting points, they tend to leave on time but after that don’t count on it. But getting to your destination? Add an hour buffer just to be safe. The roads are always jammed and aren’t in great shape, so on-time arrivals are rare.

Buses cost from 300 ALL to over 1,000 ALL depending on how far you go. A bus from Sarandë to Tirana takes about 5 hours and costs about 1,700 ALL, while Berat to Tirana costs about 400 ALL and takes under three hours. The two-hour journey from Vlorë to Berat is around 400 ALL.

Pre-booking is never necessary. Just show up at the bus station and grab your ticket.

Car Rental – Car rentals start at 1,500 ALL per day. The roads are in bad shape, so be sure to drive carefully. Drivers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car here.For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Albania

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, which means super-hot summers (July-August), with a daily temperature averaging over 32°C (90°F), mild winters on the coast, and cold winters in the mountains (November-February).

The best time to visit Albania is during the spring (May-June) or fall (September-October). During this time, the weather is mild, with average daily temperatures around 21°C (70°F), making it perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Of course, if you want to enjoy Albania’s incredible coastline, the best time to come is during the summer. Albania is not yet a huge tourism draw in Europe, so it is rare to find sites and attractions overly crowded, and prices don’t inflate much during peak season. It’s sweltering at that time of year, however, so come prepared for hot weather!

Those who want to get the most bang for their buck should plan to travel during the off season, from November to March. Prices are at their cheapest — though it must be said that the weather can get very cold. If you’re visiting the coastal areas, don’t expect to be able to swim.

How to Stay Safe in Albania

Albania is generally a safe country to visit. Violent crime is rare but petty crime can be an issue so don’t flaunt your possessions and always make sure your valuables are out of reach while on crowded buses.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you’re using public transportation in Tirana, pickpocketing can be a concern, as in most other urban areas around the world. Never set down valuable items; keep them tucked away out of sight.

Locals are really proud of their country, and Albanian culture has a long tradition of guest hospitality. Moreover, Albania is a “nighttime” country (i.e., people stay out late), so there are always eyes and ears out, keeping would-be criminals in check. (Many of the women I met there told me they feel very safe walking around at night for that reason.)

The main danger in Albania is reckless driving. Albania has some of the highest road fatality rates per capita in all of Europe, so be sure to pay extra attention when driving or while walking near busy roads.

Near the border with Kosovo, landmines can still be found. Avoid hiking off the marked trails there, and keep an eye out for signs and warnings.

Scams aren’t super common, but they do occur. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. This protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations . It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Albania Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
  • Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
  • FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Albania Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

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The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

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The 6 Best Hotels in Stockholm

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What You Should Know Before Travelling to Albania

Albania is rich with lakes and rivers, forests and mountains

Albania is one of the most interesting countries in Europe, and one of the friendliest – perhaps in part because it’s so small, with a population of just 2.8 million. It is also a top destination for foodies, with affordable fine dining and delicious local dishes such as fëgesë stew to try . Be pleasantly surprised by the world-class beaches of the Riviera, or find your inner adventurer by hiring a car and driving into the mountains. Here’s what to know before you go. Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

Albanians are incredibly friendly.

One of the best things about travelling to the Land of the Eagles is that wherever you go, from the capital city to the Riviera, from the mountains to the historical towns, you will be welcomed by the locals. Albania is one of the friendliest countries you’ll ever visit. So don’t be afraid to ask for directions or other information – there will always be someone who will help you find what you’re looking for, be it accommodation, a place to eat or transport advice. Many Albanians speak English, and tourism is developing within the country and is welcomed as a key part of the country’s economy.

Albania is one of the friendliest countries you’ll ever visit

It is a safe country

The country does lie in an earthquake zone, and a 6.4-magnitude quake in 2019 killed 51 people. The epicentre was in Mamurras, in the northwest of the country, with tremors felt in Tirana. Life has gone on since the quake, and the government has since tightened up construction regulations.

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Foreigners and locals generally stick to bottled water in Albania, as it’s not advised to drink the tap water – and make sure any meat you eat is well cooked.

Albania is one of the least dangerous places in Europe

The beaches along the Riviera are gorgeous

There is a good reason why most tourists visiting Albania come to its beaches: the Albanian Riviera has some of the finest stretches of coast in Europe. These pebbly and sandy shores line crystal waters that could stand toe-to-toe in a beauty contest with the beaches of Italy , Greece or Croatia . The best beaches on the Riviera are Drymades, with clear water, live music and beach bars, and Ksamil, which also has clear-blue water and is part of Butrint National Park. However, you will find sublime stretches of sand all along the coast. Palasa Beach, surrounded by rocky cliffs and green hills, is also a great place to relax, as is Dhermi beach, which has a party vibe.

The Albanian Riviera has some of the finest beaches in Europe, such as this one at Dhermi

Albania isn’t just about fantastic beaches

Although the Albanian Riviera and its stunning beaches are great reasons to visit, the country has so much more to offer. Mountains, including the Albanian Alps and the Sharr and Pindus ranges, run along the length of the country. Archaeological sites include prehistoric mounds, as well as ancient Greek and Roman temples and forts, and medieval bathhouses. The country is also rich with lakes and rivers, forests and ancient towns that will take your breath away. Albanian holidays should always be organised with plenty of time built in for exploring the country’s many natural and historical wonders.

Mountains, including the Albanian Alps and the Sharr and Pindus ranges, run along the length of the country

Albania is very affordable

Compared to neighbouring nations, tourism in Albania is very affordable. You can spend a phenomenal week travelling through the country without breaking the bank. Tirana , the capital, is the most expensive city, but you still won’t spend too much compared to other Eastern European destinations.

When it comes to activities, parks are free, and while museums require tickets to enter, the fees are low. For shopping, bear in mind that many shops take only Albanian lekë (the local currency), but hotels take euros as well. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere, so be sure to have some cash on you.

Tourism in Albania is very affordable

Albanian food is delicious

Bring a pair of stretchy pants with you, because Albanian cuisine is fantastic. The best dishes are tasty and affordable. Make sure to try as many as you can while you’re here, but start your culinary experience with fëgesë (a slow-cooked stew made of peppers, onions, spices, tomatoes and cottage cheese); tavë kosi (lamb and rice baked with yoghurt and eggs); byrek (flaky filo stuffed with savoury fillings); speca me gjize (peppers in cottage cheese); baklava (a sweet layered pastry covered in syrup) and trilece (three-milk cake).

The best Albanian dishes are tasty and affordable

Raki is the answer to everything

Bad day? Drink raki. Good day? Drink raki. Don’t feel good? Drink raki. Have something to celebrate? Drink raki. For Albanians, raki is the answer to everything – but what is it? Raki is an intense aromatic liquor that’s very similar to grappa, as it is made from grape pomace. It is often flavoured with aniseed. You’ll find it throughout Albania and the Balkans, as well as Kazakhstan, and it is considered the national drink in Turkey .

It is thought raki was originally made by monks in Greece during the 14th century. Don’t forget to say gëzuar (cheers) before drinking it down.

Raki was originally made by monks in Greece during the 14th century

The Albanian language is unique in Europe

Many European languages originate from Greek, Latin or Slavic families, but not Albanian. This ancient language has its own branch on the linguistic tree. Linguists are unsure exactly where Shqip (the Albanian word for the language) is from, and although a few words are similar to those in Italian, English and other languages, it is unique. Albanians are very proud of their language, so try to learn a few words – they will really appreciate it. Here are some basics: përshëndetje (hello), faleminderit (thank you), mirë (it’s OK), naten e mirë (good night) and mirupafshim (goodbye).

You can spend a phenomenal week travelling through the country without breaking the bank

Travelling in Albania is an adventure

A trip to Albania is a real adventure. If you don’t like travelling off the beaten path, change your plans and go elsewhere. If you rent a car here, you’ll understand. People tend to cross the road when they want, drivers do whatever they want and animals love to relax and sleep in the middle of the streets. Needless to say, driving in the country can be quite a challenge. The other option, if you don’t want to rent a car, is to travel through the country by bus. Albanian travel can be a challenge – there are no official bus timetables, so be prepared to be patient and ask locals where the stops are. We strongly suggest renting a car, because buses will not necessarily get you where you want to go.

A trip to Albania is a real adventure

There are more Albanians outside the country than in it

Albania is a small country with around 3 million inhabitants, most of them in the capital city, Tirana. But outside Albania, mostly in the neighbouring countries of Italy, Greece, Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro, there are more than 10 million Albanians. Many people have settled in the US , Canada, Switzerland, Germany and Turkey as well.

Albania is tolerant of many religions

One of the most beautiful things about Albania is that it is a tolerant nation when it comes to religion. Christians, Muslims and Jews all feel safe and welcome here. In every town you’ll see an Orthodox church and a Catholic church within a few metres of a mosque. According to the 2011 census, just under 60 percent of the population is Sunni Muslim, 10 percent Roman Catholic and seven percent Eastern Orthodox, with Bektashi Muslims, other Christians and other religions also represented.

Albania is a tolerant nation when it comes to religion

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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how to travel albania

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Guides & Tips

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Restaurants

Restaurants in tirana, albania that locals love, winter sale offers on our trips, incredible savings.

how to travel albania

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Albania

Albania Travel Guide

Albania is Europe’s underrated destination with Ottoman villages, pristine beaches, hikes, great food, and warm hospitality.

Best time to visit Albania

Best places to visit in albania, 7 best things to do in himare, albania, krujë: albania’s famous historic castle and village, ksamil, albania: things to do in 2024, berat, albania: the city of a thousand windows, map of albania, weather in albania.

Albania sees a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Sunshine graces the coast full of hotspots like Ksamil, while the mountains bring in a cool breeze, perfect for hiking.

Stunning villages

8 best things to do in gjirokaster, albania, all destinations, butrint national park: the complete visitors guide, 11 best things to do in tirana, albania, theth: most beautiful mountain village in albania, close to nature, how to rent a car in albania, best travel insurances.

  • Find Hotels via Booking.com
  • Find Hostels via Hostelworld
  • Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
  • Find Flights to Albania via Skyscanner
  • Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
  • Book Tours & Attractions via Viator
  • Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
  • Get a Visa via iVisa
  • How to pack light for your trip
  • How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Albania worth visiting?

Though only recently climbing on the tourist charts, Albania brims with ancient history and stunning landscapes. Explore sun-soaked beaches, unique UNESCO villages, and vibrant cities. It’s a true hidden gem in the heart of the Balkans.

Is Albania cheap to visit?

Albania is a budget traveler’s dream destination. Experience the country’s beauty without breaking the bank with hearty meals for just $5 and scenic accommodations for $20. For very little, you can have an incredible Albania holiday.

Can I drink tap water in Albania?

Although tap water is generally safe, the locals prefer to drink bottled water for extra safety. Bring a reusable bottle and top up at restaurants, staying hydrated while reducing plastic waste.

Do I need a visa for traveling in Albania?

Most travelers from the EU, the US, and many other countries can visit Albania for up to 90 days without a visa. Plenty of time to explore all the country’s beauty! Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival.

What language do they speak in Albania?

The country’s official language is Albanian. English is also widely spoken, though mostly among the younger generations. But this doesn’t take away from the Albanian kindness, as everyone is willing to help out or have a conversation with you!

Do I need travel insurance for Albania?

Travel insurance is what gives you peace of mind on your trip while you make unforgettable memories. Whether it’s a canceled flight or an accident, insurance protects you against unexpected events, ensuring you can do exactly what you want to do on your vacation in Albania.

Is Albania safe?

Albania’s kindness and warm hospitality make it a safe destination for travelers. Crime levels and the risk of natural disasters are generally low, with very few reports of crime aimed at tourists. In busier centers, like in Tirana , petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen.

What power plug type does Albania have?

Albania uses Type C and F power plugs, so it’s recommended to bring an adaptor for both types when traveling in Albania. Both power plugs have two round pins, though Type F is slightly thicker and has two earth clips on the side.

Why do people love Albania?

With amazing food, stunning cities, and beautiful beaches, Albania has a similar appeal to its neighbors Italy and Greece, but without the price tag. From sunbathing on the shimmering coast to exploring ancient Roman ruins, the country offers something for everyone.

Travel to Albania

Albania is full of beautiful moments. It’s the aroma of strong coffee shared among friends, the savory ‘byrek’ pastries, and the joyful encounters on historic squares that make your Albania holiday . Venture through vibrant streets that blend modern with history, like in Tirana , and marvel at nature’s wonders, like the rugged mountain peaks and turquoise waters. All this beauty is bound to make you fall in love with the country.

How to Plan Your Trip to Albania

Follow our Albania travel guides to plan your perfect holiday for this underrated gem! Whether you’re hopping from one beach to another, exploring historic villages like Krujë , or hiking in the mountains, we’ve got you covered. Discover our complete 2-week Albania itinerary for inspiration and tips for your trip.

Best Time to Visit Albania

Albania is a stunning year-round destination, but choosing the best time to visit depends on your preferences. 

Spring: This is when Albania’s landscapes burst out in color, with wildflowers carpeting the hillsides and the countryside coming alive. Visit archeological sites like Butrint National Park and enjoy hiking in the serene valleys of Theth , witnessing the reawakening of nature.

Summer: Beautiful sun-soaked days with turquoise waters and vibrant festivals, perfect for beach lovers. Explore the Albanian Riviera, full of secluded coves and lively beach towns like Himare. Spend your days in the crystal-clear sea and indulge in the delicious Mediterranean cuisine. 

Fall: A quieter charm falls over Albania with pleasant weather. This is a really good time for hiking and exploring Albania’s rich cultural heritage. Discover UNESCO sites like Gjirokaster without crowds and join one of their annual wine festivals.

Winter: For more of a unique experience, with snow-capped peaks perfect for skiing and holiday magic in charming towns.

Coastlines and Beaches

With over 450 kilometers of coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania boasts many incredible beaches, each more enchanting than the last. But it’s more than just a destination; it’s a journey. Whether you’re looking to relax on soft sand, adventure beneath jagged cliffs, or glimpse the country’s history, you’ll find it all if you travel through Albania .

The Albanian Riviera is the jewel on the coast, with pristine beaches, hidden coves, and lively beach towns. From the idyllic Ksamil with white sands to the vibrant nightlife of Himarë , it’s perfect for sun-seekers.

Because Albania remains relatively unknown as a holiday gem, the beaches are unspoiled, with secluded bays and serene spots all along the coast. Hopping from one beach to the next is one of the best things to do in Albania . 

Explore Dhermi’s soft sands, or head out to Castle Palermo’s neighboring beach dotted with umbrellas – there are so many great options to choose from. That, and the warm hospitality of the Albanian people who live on the coast, is the icing on the cake. Locals welcome travelers with open arms, sharing the traditions, cuisine, and beauty of their homeland. 

Food, Culture, and Religion in Albania 

Albania is a diverse country with an incredibly rich cultural heritage. Every meal is full of new flavors, every little village a glimpse into its past, and every church bell a reminder of peacefulness. 

Food: Albanian cuisine is full of flavor, fusing Mediterranean and Balkan influences. From rich meats, fresh seafood, and colorful vegetables, no meal disappoints. Stroll along the vibrant local markets, where piles of fresh produce and dairy stand next to one another, and enjoy a cup of strong coffee. 

Culture: Albania’s culture is a celebration of ancient traditions that come together, from spirited folk music and dance to the Roman, Ottoman, and Venetian remains. Explore UNESCO towns like Gjirokaster and Berat , where multiple influences come together. Synonymously, the people’s warm hospitality reflects Albania’s culture. Locals are incredibly welcoming and eager to share their traditions and stories.

Religion : There’s religious harmony in Albania, where faiths coexist peacefully. The country is predominantly Muslim but also has a significant Christian population. Because of this, during your Albania travel , you’ll find mosques, churches, and monasteries all throughout the country.

Why You Should Travel to Albania

As a true hidden gem in the Balkans, Albania is the perfect destination for every type of traveler. From lazing on dazzling beaches to climbing between the lush green valleys in the mountains or exploring its historic cities, there are many places to visit in Albania . 

Explore its diversity, hopping around the gorgeous coastline, only stopping to dive into the rich cuisine. Later, roam through the rugged peaks of the mountains, exploring untouched nature, stunning rivers, and serene lakes. In between, you’ll find ancient cities like Berat , known as the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’. Roman, Ottoman, and Venetian influences come together in architecture, art, and traditions, all eagerly introduced to you by Albania’s warm and friendly people. 

Safety and Travel Advice in Albania

Although Albania is a safe destination to travel to, it’s always good to be up-to-date about safety measures and tips for traveling to the country.

Natural disasters: Though the risk of earthquakes and tremors is common, serious earthquakes are less frequent. During the winter months, Albania sometimes experiences heavy rain, which can cause flooding. Stay informed by monitoring local and international news for the latest information and register at an embassy for emergency updates.

Landmines: If you’re visiting towns on the northern border with Kosovo to go hiking, always watch for signs regarding unexploded landmines. Though Albania declared its landmine-free status years ago, some areas remain clearly marked as dangerous zones. 

Crime and safety in Albania : The public security in Albania is generally really good, especially in Tirana , and Albanians are very hospitable to visitors. Crime and violence do happen, but rarely include foreigners. Keep your valuables secure and leave any important belongings at home. 

Learn more about travel safety

Traffic: If you’re renting a car in Albania , always keep an eye on the road and traffic. Road conditions can be poor, especially in rural areas, and Albanian driving can sometimes be a bit erratic. Follow traffic signs and use a 4×4 if you plan on off-roading.

Travel Insurance: One of the things we always recommend for your Albania holiday is purchasing travel insurance. Whether it’s lost luggage or an accident – travel insurance gives you more peace of mind on your travels. Check out these best travel insurances .

how to travel albania

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We Are Global Travellers

A complete guide to travelling in Albania

Updated On 8th March, 2024

A complete guide to travelling in Albania

If you’re considering visiting Albania, add it to your Europe bucket list now. I’ve never had a country take me by surprise as much as Albania did. It’s one of Europe’s most hidden gems and if you haven’t been yet, book your tickets now.

My  8-day road trip through the Albanian Riviera  was eye-opening, jaw-dropping and memorising. We explored the capital of  Tirana  before moving towards the coastline and enjoying beach life in  Dhërmi ,  Vlorë ,  Himarë  and  Sarandë , some of the Riviera’s main towns. We also happened to be there for  Kala Festival , which added an upbeat element to our trip!

But that wasn’t all Albania had to offer. We were able to hike through forests and take in the mountain air in  Butrint National Park  and  Llogara National Park , as well as explore the underrated, barely touched, beautiful little towns and villages of  Berat  and  Gjirokaster.  The variety of landscapes and things to do in Albania only makes me want to visit again; I barely scratched the surface.

This travel guide will take you through everything you need to know before visiting Albania, including the best places to visit in Albania, and my top tips for travelling in Albania.

My Albania travel guide: everything you need to know about exploring Europe’s hidden gem

The best things to do in Albania

Basic facts about Albania…

  • Currency:  Albanian Lek
  • Language:  Albanian
  • Capital:  Tirana
  • Area:  28,748 km2 (11,100 sq mi)
  • Population:  2,845,955
  • Land borders:  Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece
  • Maritime borders:  Greece, Montenegro and Italy
  • Highest summit:  Mount Korab, 2,764m
  • Plug sockets:  Most commonly, European (type C & F). Occasionally, UK (type G).
  • Time zone:  CST/CEST (1 hour ahead of the UK)

Visa requirements for Albania…

Citizens of most EU countries can stay in Albania for 90 days in any 6-month period, visa-free. This rule also applies to citizens of the UK, USA, Australia, China, New Zealand, Singapore and more.  See a complete list of countries that can travel to Albania visa-free  here .

If you need a visa, or aren’t sure if you need a visa, check your local government’s travel advice.

See my  22 top tips for travelling in Europe here.

When’s the best time to visit Albania?

Albania has a Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons. Hot dry summers, mild but wet winters, and springs and autumns that are warm enough to be comfortable, but not so hot that you’re sweating buckets! Bear in mind, however, that it does vary depending on where you are in the country. The coast tends to have higher summer temperatures and milder winters than the inland, more mountainous areas.

I’d say the best time to visit Albania is in spring (April-June) or autumn (September – November). For me, the balance of warm temperatures (but not too hot) and less chance of rainfall makes for perfect travelling conditions. Having said that though, if you like the heat or don’t mind a bit of rain, Albania is great for year-round travel!

See my  hidden gems you must visit when planning European adventure here.

Check out all my top tips for travelling in Albania  here .

How do you get to Albania?

Flying to albania:.

Albania’s main airport is Tirana Nënë Tereza International Airport (TIA). Here you can get direct flights from all over Europe, but if you’re travelling from another continent, expect a layover in a major European international airport.

Getting from Tirana airport to the city centre…

From the airport, you have a few options:

  • Taxi:  The quickest option (20-25 minutes) but the most expensive (2,500 LEK)
  • Shuttle bus:  LU-NA shpk  runs an hourly shuttle bus between 7:00-22:00 and is 300 LEK each way. It take about 30 minutes to get to Tirana city centre and it drops you by the National Museum of Tirana.

Top tip: Check out the flight deals on  Skyscanner here.

Here’s  how to pack a weekend away in a carry-on suitcase!

Ferries to Albania:

You can get the ferry to Albania from  Greece  or  Italy .  Check out ferry routes from Italy  here  and from Greece  here .

Buses to Albania:

You can get the bus to Albania from all over Europe, including but not only  Greece ,  Italy ,  Germany , Turkey, Kosovo, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Montenegro.  Check bus tickets at the main stations in the country you are travelling from.

Where to stay in Albania…

Honestly, it depends on where you want to spend your time! Expect costs to be higher in the more touristy areas, such as in the capital of Tirana and the Albanian Riviera. Hostels are the cheapest option, with budget hotels and Airbnbs coming in a close second.

Places to stay in Albania that I’ve been to and can recommend include:

  • Buff Hostel  in Tirana
  • Altea  beach lodges at Drymades Beach, Dhërmi
  • Old Bazaar 1790  in Gjirokastër
  • Nefeli Apartments  in Sarandë
  • Hotel Luxury  in Ksamil
  • Guesthouse  Arben Elenzi  in Berat

Wild camping is completely legal in Albania, so great for a budget option! Paid campsites are also very cheap.  Check out my camping packing list here.

Check out hostels and hotels in Albania on  booking.com  here.

how to travel albania

Use  this link  to get £25 off of your first Airbnb booking.

Transport in Albania…

The rail system isn’t well-developed, so locals and tourists tend to use buses. These are fairly cheap and have connections between most main towns in Albania. Timetables can be flexible though, and if a bus is full it will leave earlier than the timetable suggests, so get to the bus station/stop early to avoid disappointment!

Furgons (minibuses) are also an option, and definitely depart when they are full rather than according to a timetable. They’re a little dearer, but it’s a more comfortable experience and you can ask the driver to drop you off anywhere on the route (not necessarily waiting for a specific stop).

Hitchhiking in Albania is generally safe, although many drivers will expect some money towards the petrol before you get out.

BlaBlaCar is a ride-sharing app where you can connect with drivers who have space(s) in their car for a particular route, and then split the cost of the petrol.

We hired a 4×4 when we travelled Albania, which was an amazing experience and gave us the full flexibility of choosing when and where we wanted to go.

36 amazing things to do in Europe: a Europe bucket list!

You’ll need an International Driving Permit for driving in Albania –  get yours here.

See my  bucket list of van life road trips in Europe here.

Safety in Albania…

Albania is a safe country to travel in. Like any country though, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Avoid flaunting any expensive equipment/technology, don’t walk home alone at night, and be cautious when you’re driving/crossing roads.

In terms of health and medical care, main towns have hospitals and doctors that you can access, although you’ll need to pay for these. The best healthcare is in the capital, Tirana. You cannot use an EHIC in Albania. Pharmacies in Albania, barnatore, have lots of medicines should you need anything (although bring your specific prescription meds with you) and private doctors and clinics in Tirana can speak English.

Always carry out travel insurance before you go anywhere! It’ll protect you in case of theft, illness or injury.  Check out my travel insurance  here.

Avoid drinking the tap water in Albania because it can give you a tummy ache. Take a reusable water bottle and try to fill up from restaurants, cafes, or larger, 5-litre bottles of water to reduce your plastic use. Get more  sustainability tips for travelling in Europe in this blog post !

Check out my top tips for staying safe when travelling  here.

Here’s my complete guide to travelling solo as a female, including all my safety top tips.

Food in Albania…

Albanian cuisine is fresh and delicious, with Ottoman and Mediterranean influences. There’s everything from fancy restaurants to street food here, so get your taste buds prepped!

Food you should try in Albania:

  • Byrek : a savoury pie made with filo pastry, usually filled with spianch, gjize cheese or meat
  • Fërgesë verore me speca dhe domate : fried (or oven baked) peppers and tomatoes, sometimes with feta cheese.
  • Tavë Kosi : a quiche-like dish made with lamb, eggs and yogurt.
  • Speça me gjize : stuffed peppers
  • Kaçkavall : a famous Albanian cheese. You can eat it fried, baked or in salads or pies.
  • Baklava : nuts, filo pastry and honey syrup.
  • Qofte or kernaçka : fried or grilled meatballs
  • Trilece : a traditional cake
  • Fresh fish and seafood
  • Grilled meat and vegatables
  • Fresh seasonal fruit
  • Local wine or raki  (grape brandy)

Note: when I visited Albania, I found it quite difficult to find vegan dishes, so you should research restaurants in the area you’ll be travelling in before you go out to eat.

Top tip: If you can, do a street food/culinary walking tour! Not only will you get to see the city, but you’ll have a happy tummy too!

TRAVELLING IN ALBANIA: TOP TIPS, ATM FEES AND SIM CARDS

Top tip: Check out  money-saving tips on my blog here.

The best places to visit in Albania…

Said to be one of the prettiest towns in Albania, and also known as the ‘Cinque Terre’ of Albania, this UNESCO world heritage site boasts beautiful architecture and an amazing amount of history. You can’t help but marvel at the Byzantine style windows that pop out the hillside in this beautiful little town.

See how I spent my time in Berat here.

The best things to do in Albania

The capital of Albania is likely to be the starting point on your Albanian adventure. With a mix of Ottoman and Italian architecture, it’s hard to believe this city was once full of grey, communist buildings. It’s a chaotic city, but it’s fun, especially at night in the trendy Blloku area. Don’t miss catching the cable car up to Mount Dajti for panoramic views across the city.

Exploring Albania: Landing in Tirana, Vlöre and Llogara National Park

3. Theth National Park & Valbona Valley

This is the place to be for nature and hiking lovers. This village in the Albanian Alps is packed full of charming cottages and hiking trails, ready to take your breath away.

Here’s how to  keep fit when you’re travelling!

4. The Albanian Riviera

This is where I spent most of my time in Albania, and honestly, I was completely surprised that I fell in love with it so quickly. The area itself is absolutely stunning and one of Europe’s most hidden gems. This underrated stretch of coastline is home to the towns and villages of:

  • Palasë
  • Dhërmi.  Check out my stay in Dhërmi  here .
  • Himarë.  Check out what I did in Himarë  here .
  • Lukovë
  • Sarandë.  Check out my stay in Sarandë  here .
  • Vlorë.  Check out my stay in Vlorë  here . 
  • Ksamil  (home to the famous  Blue Eye Spring ).  Check out my stay in Ksamil  here .
  • Ksamil Islands

All of these are worth visiting in their own right! If you have the time, hire a car and spend a week or two exploring all the little towns and soaking up the sun.

The portion of the Ionian coastline that is known as the Albanian Riviera, or Bregu, is home to some of Europe’s best beaches and clearest waters. Grab your snorkel, and put these beaches on your bucket list:

  • Puerto Palermo.  See what I got up to at Puerto Palermo  here .
  • Drymades.  Check out out beach lodges on Drymades beach  here .

Exploring Albania: Beach life in Dhërmi and Kala Festival

See my  21 cheap places to visit in Europe here

5. Gjirokastër.

I think Gjirokastër is my favourite place in Albania… so far. The mountain views, cobbled alleyways and the beautiful castle give this quaint little town so much character. If this town was anywhere else in the world it would be packed with tourists, but Albania really is a hidden gem and Gjirokastër is unspoilt.

EXPLORING ALBANIA: GJIROKASTER AND OUR LAST DAY SPENT IN BERAT

Not far from Lake Skadar on the Albania-Montenegro border, Shkodra is a colourful town well worth exploring. The highlight is definitely Rozafel Castle, but if you prefer being at one with nature, the Buna River runs through the town and the Albanian Alps can be seen from the town centre.

7. Llogara National Park.

Centred on the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera, Llogara National Park is absolutely stunning. From dense forest to steep rock faces, here you can climb, hike, or simply let the wind run through your hair as you enjoy the views from the 4×4.

Exploring Albania: Landing in Tirana, Vlöre and Llogara National Park

Not far from Tirana (you could easily visit for a day trip), the ‘Adriatic balcony’ is famous for Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg. Climb up to the castle for fantastic panoramic views across the city!

9. Butrint National Park.

This ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site is surprisingly close to the Greek island of Corfu. This peninsula, bordered by Lake Butrint on one side and the Vivari Channel on the other, showcases Albania’s natural beauty and is one of the best places to visit in Albania.Famous for its perfect blend of history and nature, not only is it home to 1,200 species of animals and plants among the wetlands, hills, and islands, but the archaeological site covers over 2,500 years of history; this includes ancient city walls, remnants of a Roman theatre, a Byzantine Basilica and two castles.

The best things to do in Albania...​

Once the capital of Albania, this town is one of Albania’s best beach towns, and popular with tourists and locals alike. It can get crowded, but the town is full of history, the beach is beautiful, and the restaurants are full of fresh seafood. You can also hike to the ancient amphitheatre.

11. Apollonia

Another day trip from Tirana or Berat, the ruins of the ancient Illyiran city of Apollonia sit on an Albanian hilltop. This town, named after the Greek God Apollo, is less visited by tourists, but popular with locals for afternoon picnics in the olive groves.

See all the best things to do in Albania in this blog post. 

Watch my trip to Albania come to life in this travel video…

SEE ALL MY YOUTUBE TRAVEL VIDEOS HERE

EXPLORE ALBANIA ON MY BLOG HERE

Have you been to Albania?

What top tips would you add to this Albania guide? I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring,

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A complete guide to travelling in Albania

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The Ultimate Albania Itinerary: 1 Week, 2 Week, and 3 Week Options

The Ultimate Albania Itinerary: 1 Week, 2 Week, and 3 Week Options

If you’re planning a trip to Albania, it can be a bit of an overwhelming prospect. The country isn’t large, objectively speaking, but giant mountain ranges throughout the country and winding roads make certain trips that look short on the map look way longer in reality.

The fact that there’s really only one international airport right in the middle of the country means that some backtracking is almost always inevitable, unless you are able to fly out via another country.

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Planning to travel Albania? We've created the ultimate Albania itinerary, perfect for anywhere from one week in Albania up to 2 or even 3 weeks in Albania. From the Albanian Riviera to the Albanian Alps, from Tirana to Berat to Saranda to Ksamil to Butrint, this post covers the top places to visit in Albania as well as some off the beaten path Albania alternatives.

One Week in Albania Itinerary: 2 Ways to Spend It

If you only have one week in Albania, it can be a little hard to create a good Albania itinerary without excessive backtracking.

I’ve created two itineraries, one focusing on Northern Albania and one focusing on Southern Albania, as they both offer extremely different things.

For the first itinerary, if at all possible, I recommend starting in Tirana, working your way down the coast, and ending in Saranda by then taking the ferry to Corfu to get your flight out. However, if you have flights in and out of Tirana (or Corfu as the case may be), this Albania itinerary will still be useful to you, you will just to have to add on some extra travel time.

For the second itinerary, it will be easy to just fly in and out of Tirana, but this is also a good itinerary to combine with onwards travel throughout the Balkans such as if you are going onwards to Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Kosovo.

A quick note: While this itinerary is possible with only public transportation – which is how I’ve traveled Albania for the 5+ weeks I’ve spent traveling it – a car will enable you to get even more off the beaten path and visit more remote and pristine beaches, gorgeous hidden hot springs, marvelous ruins, and more. But driving in Albania isn’t for the faint of heart, so it’s only for the experienced driver!

We haven’t been brave enough to drive around Albania… yet. But friends who have had said it’s the trip of a lifetime! Should you choose to rent, we suggest searching via Discover Cars. We’ve rented cars dozens of times in the Balkans through various search engines and have settled on Discover Cars as the best car rental search engine – it searches over 500 trusted rental companies to find the cheapest price for your rental! Compare prices for car rental in Slovenia here.

City & Summer Fun: 1 Week Albania Itinerary

If you’re traveling in summer and want to make the most of Albania’s beaches – while also getting to see a bit of city culture – this is the ideal Albania itinerary for you!

Day 1-2: Explore Tirana

how to travel albania

Tirana is hands-down one of my favorite cities in the Balkans, full of incredible restaurants, cafés serving up perfect coffee for less than $1, funky museums, interesting open-air markets, and vibrant street art.

Spend your first day in Tirana getting aquainted with the area around Skanderbeg Square, visiting Bunkart 2 and/or the House of Leaves, checking out the socialist mural on the National History Museum, visiting the newly renovated Pazar I Ri market area, and walking around the hipster neighborhood of Blloku which used to be the center of Communist rule during Enver Hoxha’s murderous reign.

This is a great area to go out at night: I strongly recommend Colonial Cocktail Academy for inventive mixology, Radio Bar for chilled-out drinks in a funky vintage-inspired settling, Nouveau Vague for one of the most photogenic terraces in Tirana, and Kino for a lovely summer garden and fabulous mixed drinks.

how to travel albania

For your next day in Tirana, get a little green in your life. I strongly recommend heading out to Bunkart 1, which is quite different from Bunkart 2 and even more interesting as it used to be  Enver Hoxha’s nuclear bunker and a lot of it has been kept just as-is. As a bonus, it’s right next  to the Dajti Express cable car, where you can zoom up to the heights of Mount Dajti and have a fabulous view over Tirana.

Afterwards, when you return to sea level, take a walk through the Grand Park of Tirana near Blloku with its gorgeous artificial lake and stop for drinks at one of the lakeside bars (I like Black Sheep). You can also check out the the Cloud installation (Reja) in front of the National Arts Gallery of Tirana, which is also worth a visit.

Tirana - Albania - Pyramid Bell Horizontal

While there, don’t miss Piramida (the abandoned Pyramid of Tirana, built in homage to Enver Hoxha and since abandoned) and the Peace Bell installation which was made of melted-down bullets from the crazy post-communist years of the 1990s. You also should check out the “Postbllok – Checkpoint” installation near the Pyramid, which has a piece of the Berlin Wall, a leftover bunker from the paranoia-days of Hoxha’s rule, as well as the iron supporting beams of a copper and pyrite mine from one of Albania’s forced labor camps.

After all that, be sure to check out some of Tirana’s fantastic restaurants – there’s something for everyone!

Tirana - Albania - restuarants

Day 3: Take a day trip to Berat or Kruja

If I had to pick one or the other, I would opt for Berat as it’s one of my favorite places in Albania and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with good reason. It’s extremely impressive and really beautiful to walk around, and its small size (and only two-hour minibus distance from Tirana) means that it’s quite easy to visit for just a day trip.

When in Berat, be sure to cross the bridges to get a sense for both sides of the town, as they are a bit different (one is protected by UNESCO and prevented to make any changes, and the other has been allowed to make some adaptations to be better suited for guesthouses and the like).

And of course, don’t miss the gorgeous Berat Castle up on the hill, the crowning glory of any trip to Berat. Getting up can be a bit of an effort – it’s not the most well signposted so you can easily find yourself getting in the back way with some struggle, especially if it’s hot when you visit!

If you opt to visit Kruja, it’s most famous for its excellent castle remains – one of the best-preserved remains of a castle in Albania. It’s also well-loved for its fabulous ethnographic museum, as well as the National Museum Gjergj Kastrioti, a beloved 1400 military figure.

Day 4-5: Head to the coast (basing in Himara or Dhermi)

I love the Albanian Riviera so much, and if you’re visiting in the summer, you’ve got to have some beach days on your Albania itinerary. I have a detailed guide to the Albanian Riviera which you can reference if you want more explanation, but I’ll go into it a bit here as well.

Albania - Himara Albanian Riviera - Gjipe Beach

Personally, I loved basing myself in the chill beachside town of Himara. The main city beach isn’t so phenomenal, but there’s a “secret beach” you can hike to or hire a boat to take you to that is one of my favorite in all of Albania. It’s also quite close to several of my other favorite Albanian beaches, including Jale, Gjipje, and Porto Palermo.

Dhermi also makes another fantastic base, although I didn’t get a chance to experience it for myself on my Albanian Riviera trip a few years back. Dhermi is a little more posh whereas Himara is a little more low-key, so it depends what the vibe you’re looking for it. Dhermi has Drymades beach, which is phenomenal, and it’s closer to the Karaburun peninsula which has some of the most untouched beaches in Albania.

Either make a great base so I suggest picking based on your travel style and what accommodations are available.

Day 6-7: End your trip in Saranda, exploring Butrint & Ksamil

Saranda is a fantastic base for further explorations in southern Albania, in addition to just being a great town to relax in as well. Saranda has some quite nice beaches once you get away from the ferry area which is a bit polluted, but the really beautiful beaches are down just a 15-minute drive from Saranda in Ksamil.

Albania - Ksamil - Beaches

I’d spend a half-day exploring Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the least-crowded Roman ruins you’ll ever come across in your life, before spending the afternoon in Ksamil Beach enjoying the sun and relaxing.

On your final day, you can either chill in Saranda, eating delicious seafood from waterfront restaurants, taking a brisk hike up to the Lëkurësi castle which has gorgeous views over the city, or returning to Ksamil for a lovely day of relaxing.

Nature & Hiking Focus: 1 Week in Albania Itinerary

Day 1: explore tirana.

It takes a while to really get into the mountains of Albania, so you’re going to have to cut your city time close if you only have one week in Albania on your itinerary and you really want to do some epic hiking and nature escapes.

I’d roughly follow the outline I recommended above for Tirana but skip some parts of Day 2, particularly Bunkart 1 and Mount Dajti which will take the better half of a day.

Tirana - Albania - Tirana Castle development

If you walk strategically and get an early start in Tirana, you can cover the following: either Bunkart 2 or The House of Leaves, Skanderbeg Square, Pazar I Ri and the revitalized Kalajes I Tirane area as well as the pedestrian street of Toptani, visiting the Piramida complex, seeing Reja and the National Arts Gallery, and Postbllok – Checkpoint park area, followed by checking out Blloku by night for its fabulous restaurants and nightlife.

Day 2: Head north to Shkodra

Shkodra is one of my favorite cities in Albania – it’s quiet and calm in a way that is sorely missing in Tirana, mostly due to the fact that it’s one of the most bicycle-crazy cities in Albania.

It has a great pedestrian walkway with lots of wonderful coffee shops which is an easy place to while away half an afternoon. I recommend renting bikes and heading out to Rozafa Castle, where you can get phenomenal views over Lake Shkodra, and if you’re extra ambitious you can even bike to the shores of the lake and sunbathe there for a bit or even go for a dip.

how to travel albania

You can also check out the phenomenal photography museum there, the Marubi National Museum of Photography, the beautiful central mosque, and the old bazaar.

Day 3: Head to Lake Komani for the Valbona to Theth trek

The best thing about staying in Shkodra for a night before your hike is that you have the ability to leave the majority of your luggage behind. I stayed at Wanderers Hostel in Shkodra and they had secure luggage storage. This way you can just pack a smaller day pack for what you’ll need for your Valbona to Theth hike.

how to travel albania

Start your day heading to Lake Komani, which is the gateway to the Albanian Alps, and take the gorgeous ferry across the waters to Fierza, from which you can head onwards into the Alps. Here’s a guide to taking the Komani ferry .

You’ll end up making your way to Valbona by the end of the day, which is a fantastic place to rest up before your epic hike tomorrow or the following day.

Day 4-6: Enjoy Valbona & Theth

The hike from Valbona to Theth is one of the most popular in Albania. I actually have wanted to do this hike for ages and have planned two twice – only to have my first trip derailed by freak thunderstorms and flash floods and my second attempt derailed by the first snowfall in early October… so, while I know from photos and friends’ experiences that this is a must-do in Albania for hikers, I can’t personally speak to it.

Instead, I refer you to my friends Rohan and Max who know Albania super well and have done this hike and written about it in great detail – their Valbona to Theth guide is easily the best out there (as other guides have just copied it without adding anything of their own to it), so use that as your reference point.  

Once you arrive in Theth, it’s worth spending some time exploring Theth National Park and making the hike out to the Theth blue eye, which is one of the most beautiful places in Northern Albania.

how to travel albania

Day 7: Head back to Tirana

The journey back from Theth is a long one, so I recommend leaving the better part of a day for it. You’ll need to go back to Shkodra via an incredibly bumpy road (which keeps hearing promises of repaving, yet no dice so far as of 2019). From there, you’ll need to catch a bus back to Tirana.

At that point, you’ll probably only have an evening left, so check out the Tirana bar and restaurant scene and enjoy your last few meals and drinks in Albania!

Tirana - Albania - restaurant Salt

Two Weeks in Albania Itinerary : Extension Ideas

If you have two weeks in Albania, now you’re open to plenty more options that will make your time spent there even more rewarding. Personally, I think that two weeks is a way better amount of time to spend in Albania, but I understand people sometimes only have one week and that’s better than nothing.

With a two weeks in Albania itinerary, you’ll be able to cover the majority of the main sights, squeeze in both beach time and mountain time, and even get to see all of Albania’s UNESCO sights.

Albania - Ksamil - Lemon Tree

To save time, this Albania itinerary has you arrive in Tirana, explore the North, then head south and catch a ferry out of Corfu. If you need to return to Tirana from Saranda by bus to catch a flight, factor that into your Albania itinerary.

I’m not going to re-write these entirely as it is mostly combining both of the one-week itineraries with a few extra which I’ll mark with a NOTE . Other than that,  I’ll just lay it out and you can refer above to my suggestions.

Day 1-2: Tirana

Day 3-4: Berat

NOTE: Spend your extra day in Berat visiting the nearby Cobo winery, one of the best in Albania, or cooling off in the fabulous Bogove Waterfalls.

Albania - Berat - Berat Flowers Walls

Day 5: Shkodra

Day 4-6: Lake Komani & arriving in Valbona

Day 7: Return to Tirana for a rest day before making your way down the coast

Day 8-11: Albanian Riviera, using Himara or Dhermi as a base

Day 12-14: Saranda, Butrint, Ksamil, Blue Eye, Gjirokastra, etc.

how to travel albania

NOTE: The Blue Eye is right on the way to Gjirokastra, so you can simply take a furgon from Saranda, get off at the Blue Eye and visit it for an hour or two, then wait back where you exited the bus to then go onwards to Gjirokastra, a “Stone City” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site about an hour and a half from Saranda. There, you’ll find a castle with a unique amphitheater as well as the ethnographic museum which was the birthplace of Enver Hoxha.

Three Weeks in Albania Itinerary : Even More Extension Ideas

If you have three weeks in Albania, now you can really start exploring and getting off the beaten path!

Follow the two week itinerary, but add one day in Tirana and use it for a day trip to Kruja Castle, which is a wonderful stop on your Albania Itinerary. From Berat, you can add a side trip to Korca and/or Pogradec to enjoy some time on the Albanian side of beautiful Lake Ohrid.

how to travel albania

Here are a few other places you can add to your Albania itinerary, so you can mix and match it to suit how much time you have there:

  • Rana e Hedhun sand dunes in Shengjin, near Lezhe on your way to or from Shkodra.
  • Karaburun peninsula and the Llogara Pass on your trip around the Albanian Riviera
  • Elbasan between Tirana and Berat for a non-touristy Albanian city
  • Durres to visit Apollonia, a UNESCO-tentative sight
  • Permet, some beautiful hot springs in Southern Albania which make a great diversion from Gjirokastra

More Albania Resources

First, start by reading our post on planning a trip to Albania . It covers everything from visas to vaccinations to what to pack, so it’s a great jumping-off point for your travel plans.

If you’re curious about the currency used in Albania and how tipping works, we recommend our Balkan currency guide to learn all about the Albanian lek and tipping culture.

If you’re looking for even more places to add to your Albania itinerary, we have a bunch of ideas for you from us and other bloggers in this collaborative post about the 15 best places to visit in Albania !

We are working on all of our Tirana guides, but for now, we have posts on the best restaurants in Tirana and the best Instagram spots in Tirana .

We add new content almost daily! We recommend you bookmark our homepage , our Albania page , or our general Balkans page to refer to when planning your trip.

Finally, Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that  travel insurance  is a great idea for Albania and for travel in general! This is especially true when you’re talking about hiking in remote areas where help is far away, or relaxing on the beach or traveling around cities where you can be a potential target for theft.

Stephanie and I have both been paying customers of  World Nomads  for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption.

While Albania is perfectly safe to travel around, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel, so it’s better to play it safe.

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

how to travel albania

Originally from California, Allison has been living in Bulgaria for the last two years and is obsessed with traveling around the Balkans. She has been published in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, Matador Network, and the Huffington Post. She loves befriending dogs, drinking coffee, geeking out about wine, and cooking food from around the world.

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The World Was Here First

The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Albania Itinerary

Published on October 25, 2023

by Michael Rozenblit

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

how to travel albania

As one of the more off-the-beaten-path destinations in Europe (and even in the Balkans) planning out the perfect Albania itinerary can seem a bit of a challenge. Figuring out where to go, what to see and how to get around when you only have 5 to 7 days in Albania can seem a bit overwhelming.

Albania is a beautiful country in the southeast of Europe with miles and miles of gorgeous Adriatic coastline to rival that of Croatia and Montenegro, vibrant cities that pulse with youthful energy and life and historic ruins with a fraction of the crowds that you’ll find in neighbouring Greece.

If you are considering a trip to Albania and don’t know where to start, then this itinerary is sure to be a help. In it, we outline a route so you can figure out how to spend five to seven days (or more!) exploring this gorgeous Balkan nation.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Albania?

Before mapping out the details of your route, you’re likely wondering how many days in Albania in order to see a lot of diverse places and also not feel rushed (or spend too much time in transit and not enough time in the destinations itself).

In general, plan to spend at the very least 5 days in Albania if you want to see more than just the capital. Ideally, you would want a week or more if you want to spend time in an array of different locations in the country.

Albania is not a large country, however, it can take a bit of time to get from one point to another so this is something to keep in mind when figuring out how many days to set aside for your itinerary. There are also a surprising amount of great places to visit that really deserve the time, so if you can, try to spend one week in Albania.

Even if you only have 5 days to spend, you will still be able to take in a great deal of sites and historic towns and cities in the centre of the country. While you may not have all the time to see the southern Adriatic coast or some of the ancient ruins the country has to offer, it’s enough time to get a good feel for the nation.

Town of Berat

Getting To & Around Albania

If you plan to simply visit Albania as a stand-alone trip, then your best bet is to fly into Tirana’s international airport. There are quite a few connections to Tirana from destinations all over Europe, so it’s easy to get to from abroad.

Many travellers also head to Albania as part of a longer trip through the Balkans or Greece. If you’re coming from elsewhere in the Balkans. you can arrive to Albania via bus from Montenegro, North Macedonia or Kosovo. Most major cities in these areas have connections to Tirana and it can be a great continuation for your trip.

If you’re travelling to Albania from Greece, you can reach the country via ferry from Corfu or overland from the mainland. Regardless, it would make the most sense to do this route in reverse – beginning in Sarande and ending in Tirana.

Once in Albania, it can be tough to figure out how to get around. In the cities like Tirana, you can generally rely on your own two feet while there. And if you want to get around via public transport, this is definitely a viable option.

There is a robust bus network in Albania, however, it can be a bit of a challenge to navigate it and to figure out where there are connections. If you’re in doubt, always check with the reception at your accommodation – they will likely be able to set you in the right direction.

If you are adventurous and want to take the most control over your trip to Albania, then consider hiring a car .

Driving in Albania can be a bit chaotic and it’s best if you feel you are experienced, however, it can be worth it if you want to have the most freedom in your itinerary and want to venture even further off the beaten path. An Albania road trip is a great idea if you’re a confident driver!

Skanderbeg Square in Tirana

5 to 7-Day Albania Itinerary

Day 1 – tirana.

The most logical starting point for any Albania trip is its capital city of Tirana . Located in the north centre of the country, spending a couple of days exploring this dynamic and chaotic city is essential whenever you travel to Albania.

Spend your first day seeing the highlights of Tirana. It’s a pretty compact city and most things are located within easy reach of one another, however, there is a lot packed into a small area. To learn more about the history of the city, consider joining a free walking tour  or  a paid walking tour  of the city.

Begin in Skanderbeg Square, the main gathering point in the city. From there, you can visit the National History Museum and take in the imposing Et’hem Bej Mosque.

Those interested in Albania’s communist history will be interested in the House of Leaves Museum and, of course, you cannot miss a stroll along the pedestrianised Rruga Murat Toptani and exploring the Fortress of Justinian area.

National History Museum in Tirana

Where to Stay in Tirana

Hotel Antigone – Centrally located in the heart of Tirana, this 3-star hotel has a range of rooms along with breakfast, room service and an on-site restaurant and bar.

Hotel Boutique Vila 135 – This luxury hotel in the centre of Tirana has amenities like breakfast, a restaurant/bar on site, parking included and an airport shuttle. There are several plush rooms on offer.

Trip’n Hostel   – Offering both dorms and private rooms, this hostel is centrally located and has great common areas for guests to enjoy. A perfect option for budget and solo travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Tirana hotels!

Day 2 – Tirana

Your second day should also be dedicated to digging deeper in Tirana and seeing more of what this city has to offer.

Spend some time at the Bunk’Art 2 Museum, a converted communist-era bunker turned history museum. Then, cross the river over the Tanner’s Bridge and take some time to explore the Blloku neighbourhood.

Here, you can take in iconic buildings like the Pyramid of Tirana (built as a museum dedicated to former dictator Enver Hoxha) and take in Mother Teresa Square or visit the Grand Park of Tirana. After taking in this area of the city, it’s time to get a great view.

Ride the cable car (known as the Dajti Express) to the top of Moun Dajti, a mountain overlooking the city. Here, there are plenty of fun activities, such as mini golf and rollerblading.

The Pyramid in Tirana

Day 3 – Durres

After a couple of days exploring Tirana, it’s time to move on and see some other areas of the country. Plan to spend the majority of your day in the coastal town of Durres, however, where you choose to spend the night is up to you.

Especially if you’re travelling around by a rental car, it can be easy to stop in Durres for the day and end in Berat to spend the night.

You could also do this if travelling by bus as the buses from Tirana to Berat stop in Durres, so it is on the way – if you are taking public transport, you will have to find storage for your luggage, which can be an inconvenience. You could also opt to spend the night in Durres and continue onto Berat first thing the next morning.

Durres is located only about 30 minutes drive and 45 minutes on the bus from Tirana. Once you’re there, the best activity is to simply take the time to lounge on the beautiful beach and enjoy the gorgeous Adriatic.

You can also take in historic sites – most notably the Durres Amphitheatre. This massive amphitheatre dates back to the 2nd century CE and is very impressive. History buffs will also love the Archaeological Museum, which houses artefacts from the Hellenistic, Greek and Roman periods.

Durres Amphitheatre

Where to Stay in Berat

Hotel Bila Nino – This 3-star hotel in Berat has a number of comfortable rooms along with a garden, terrace and bar for guests to enjoy. There is also free parking on site.

Hotel Republika Berat – A good luxury option, this 4-star hotel is located in the centre of Berat. They have a range of rooms to choose from, private parking, an airport shuttle and breakfast each morning.

Berat Backpackers Hostel – Backpackers and budget travellers will love this highly-rated hostel. Located in an old house in central Berat, they have great common areas and both dorms and private rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Berat hotels!

Day 4 – Berat

Day four of this itinerary for Albania is dedicated to exploring the historic town of Berat. Known as the “town of a thousand windows,” this medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to Albania’s largest castle (the Berat Kala), there is a lot of history to take in here and it is absolutely beautiful.

Berat is known for its wide collection of beautifully preserved Ottoman-era houses that decorate the historic Mangalem quarter of the Old Town – this was the traditional Muslim area of the city. The other part of the old town – Gorica, located across the river – was the historic Christian quarter of Berat.

While in this beautiful city, take the time to wander around the old town and feel its living history. Of course, you cannot miss a hike up to the castle – which will provide excellent views of the city below. There is also a lovely, village-like atmosphere around the castle. There are walking tours available if you want to explore with a guide.

If you want to venture a bit outside the city centre, then there are also some wineries where you can sample some locally-made vintages or you can join a cooking class to learn more about traditional Albanian cuisine. You can also head out to the nearby Bogove Waterfall.

In the evening, you can’t miss a stroll along Boulevard Republika – the main pedestrianised thoroughfare in Berat. This provides excellent people-watching opportunities and an unrivalled energy.

Streets of Berat

Day 5 – Gjirokaster

If you’re seeing Albania in 5 days, this is the final day for you – and boy, is it a great one! Your destination for this day is the beautiful UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokaster. Located in the south of Albania, you’re going to need to have an early start to get here – especially if you’re taking the bus! Getting from Berat to Gjirokaster will take about 3 hours.

Known as the Stone City, Gjirokaster is an absolutely beautiful, historic city that should not be missed when you visit Albania. In modern times, it’s known as the birthplace of Enver Hoxha, the former Albanian dictator, however, there is plenty of other history here as well.

Of course, no visit to Gjirokaster is complete without wandering around the medieval-era castle, which was originally constructed in the 13th Century. Also, make sure to take the time to stroll through the Old Bazaar, where you can browse through artisan shops and maybe pick up some interesting souvenirs from your trip.

While wandering around the old town, take in the historic, Ottoman-era stone houses – these historic homes are part of the reason that Gjirokaster is inscribed on the UNESCO list.

Clock tower in Gjirokaster

Where to Stay in Gjirokaster

Hotel Bebej Tradicional – This rustic 3-star hotel is located in the centre of historic Gjirokaster. They have several great rooms to choose from, free parking and a restaurant on the premises.

The Stone Sky Hotel – This lovely hotel has a range of comfortable rooms for guests to choose from. There is also breakfast each morning, free parking, 24-hour reception and a restaurant/bar.

Stone City Hostel – A great option for backpackers and solo visitors, this highly-rated hostel has a number of room types to choose from, great common areas and a kitchen and day trips are organised.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Gjirokaster hotels!

Day 6 – Sarande

If you’re seeing Albania in one week, then you don’t need to get as early a start as previous days – especially if you feel there is more to see in Gjirokaster! You can spend your morning here – perhaps visiting somewhere like the Cold War Tunnel Museum. This 800-metre tunnel was built as a bunker during communist times and has now been turned into a museum.

After a morning in Gjirokaster, you don’t have a long journey to the final destination of your Albania travel itinerary – Sarande, a city on the Albanian Riviera. This is one of Albania’s most popular coastal cities and it is only about 1-1.5 hours away from Gjirokaster – there are several buses that depart each day.

If you’re self-driving, consider making a detour to the famous Blue Eye – a gorgeous natural spring filled with crystal-clear water located in between Sarande and Gjirokaster.

Once you arrive in Sarande, take the time to stroll around the lovely seaside and take in the views of the gorgeous Ionian Sea.

There are plenty of beautiful beaches to lounge on along with a ruined castle to walk up to and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea. Plan to spend the rest of your time in Albania with Sarande as a base.

City of Sarande

Where to Stay in Sarande

Hotel Kanes – This seaside hotel is great for visitors to Sarande. There are several rooms to choose from – many with sea views. There is a terrace to enjoy along with an airport shuttle and free parking.

Buzë Boutique Hotel – Located right on the beach, this trendy hotel has a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a private beach area, a terrace and an on-site bar to enjoy a drink in the sunshine.

Saranda Backpackers – This waterfront hostel is a great option for budget travellers to Sarande. They have plenty of different rooms to choose from and great common areas.

Day 7 – Ksamil & Butrint

On your final day in the country, take a day trip from Sarande to the areas of Ksamil and Butrint National Park to the south of the city. Both areas are easily reached via bus from Sarande in about 30 – 40 minutes and buses leave frequently throughout the day.

Whether you’re driving yourself or taking the bus, start your day by visiting Butrint National Park, which is located furthest south on the route. This archaeological park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (there are so many in Albania! ) and is filled with fascinating ancient Greek and Roman ruins that will really put into perspective just how old and how long people have inhabited this area of the world.

In the park, you can see ruins of ancient forums, amphitheatres and temples. Set along the backdrop of the Ionian Sea, it is truly a wonderful place to end your trip and visiting here is one of the best things to do in Albania.

After exploring the park, hop on the bus (or get back in the car) and head a bit north to Ksamil . This area is home to some of Albania’s best sandy beaches and it is the perfect place to lounge around in the gorgeous sunshine and swim. You can enjoy views of Corfu not far in the distance, along with seeing some of the picturesque Ksamil islands.

If you’re leaving Albania after this day, the quickest and easiest way is to fly out via the airport on nearby Corfu in Greece, which is easily reached via ferry in about 1.5-2 hours. Alternatively, you can continue on to mainland Greece via bus or car – the closest major city is Ioannina.

Butrint National Park

Have More Time?

There are lots of different options of places to visit in Albania if you have more time. For instance, if you’re coming from Montenegro or North Macedonia (or continuing on there from Albania), it can be worth spending some time in the north of the country.

The town of Shkoder in the north of the country is gorgeous and has a lovely location on the massive Lake Shkoder – sharing a border with Montenegro.

Those looking to get up in the mountains or who want to add some activity to their trip will love exploring the Albanian Alps in the northeast of the country. Particularly popular is the Valbona to Theth hike, a thru-hiking route that takes about 8 hours to complete from one village to another in some of Albania’s most beautiful national parks.

If you want to experience more of Albania’s coast, then it can be a great idea to add a stop in the lovely coastal city of Vlore in between visiting Berat and Gjirokaster.

Vlore has plenty of beautiful, sandy beaches and is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Albania. Make sure to take the time to stroll through the historic centre of the city while enjoying the vast seaside promenade.

Ruins of Rozafa Castle

Travelling in Albania is one of the most interesting, challenging and diverse places to head to in all of Europe. Retaining an off-the-beaten-path charm and boasting a broad and varied history, Albania is a destination that no visitor soon forgets.

Are you planning on visiting Albania? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

how to travel albania

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About Michael Rozenblit

Michael is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Both solo and with his partner, Maggie, he has travelled to over 50 countries across the globe and has a particular affinity for the Balkans and Eastern Europe. He’s lived in numerous countries worldwide but currently resides in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Read more about Michael

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Helena Bradbury

The ultimate itinerary in albania: for 5, 7 or 10 days.

Albania is one of the most underrated and misunderstood destinations I’ve ever visited and when planning our itinerary in Albania, I really underestimated how much there is to see in this beautiful country.

With beaches and turquoise water like Greece, mountains like Austria and ancient history like Rome or Athens, Albania blew me and my expectations out of the water.

We spent 5 days in Albania as part of a longer Balkan road trip , however we wished we had been able to stay longer to enjoy the beaches more, do more hikes and spend longer in some of the National Parks. 

So if I had to make a recommendation, I’d suggest 7 days in Albania or maybe even 10 days in Albania if I was to go back and do it all again!

This Albania road trip itinerary can be added to if you are planning to visit for more than 5 days. You can also do this itinerary for Albania in reverse; I’ve done this itinerary from Tirana as I’d imagine that’s where most people will be starting from, however we actually drove into Albania from Greece, so we did this itinerary in reverse from the south of the country and worked our way up to Tirana.

My first trip to Albania was in 2018 during the shoulder season and there was significantly less tourism than there is now, so make sure you book in advance (I also highly recommend going in September!).

Turquoise sea and a girl floating in it by some red cliffs on the Albania riviera, a boat is anchored nearby

Albania Riviera

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. While clicking these links won't cost you anything, they will help me to keep this site up and running! Check out the full disclosure policy for more details. Thank you so much!

Is Albania safe?

In one word, yes.

Obviously you should exercise proper safety precautions as you would in any country when travelling but Albania and Albanian people are so friendly and we mostly experienced excitement that we were there as tourists.

Albania was cut off from the rest of the world by its government’s communist regime until the early 1990s, tourism is a valuable and growing industry in the country and huge developments in infrastructure and facilities are ongoing.

People question if Albania is dangerous for tourists but we always found people incredibly willing to help us and young people in particular were very open and honest about their positive hopes for the future.

Driving in Albania

white car on the road in front of a rocky cliff

I won’t go into too much detail as I have a whole post on driving in Albania.

However, driving here was interesting… 

Driving outside the cities was very easy because there was little traffic, no traffic jams and actually nothing to worry about at all, Albania roads were basic but Google Maps served us well.

We did not see a traffic light for 4 days until we arrived in Tirana! Tirana was the most stressful for driving just because it had the highest concentration of vehicles and we saw many incidents like a petrol tanker turning around in the middle of the motorway and driving the wrong way on the carriageway because they missed their exit!

We later learnt from our walking tour guide that many older generations who grew up in Communism never needed a driving licence because they didn’t need to drive. Now many will drive but don’t have a valid licence. I’m sure this situation is changing very fast but this was the reality of what we found and were told on our trip.

So in short, exercise caution. Although we saw some questionable driving behaviour, we never saw an accident and we were not involved in anything worrying either.

Albania travel tips

Most of Albania still operates with cash only, so many sure you have plenty of cash on you at all times

Albania uses the Albanian Lek currency

Tipping is not compulsory but like with most places in Europe, you can tip if you receive great service

Make sure you carry your International Driving Permit if you plan to hire a car

Interactions in Albania can sometimes feel abrupt but this is often just a difference in communication styles between cultures

I’d recommend travelling during the shoulder seasons if you plan to visit coastal resorts as the coastal areas of Albania have become very popular

Albania is not part of the EU or Schengen area to it’s a great option to hop to if you’re reaching your 90-day limit in Schengen

Albania travel itinerary: 5 days, 7 days and 10 days

Day 1: tirana.

aerial view of colourful city of Tirana, Albania

View of Tirana from the Sky Tower

Extending your itinerary (1 day) - Depending on your arrival time to Tirana Airport, you may want to add an additional day to your time in Tirana to see everything.

I loved Tirana and learning about the history and rapid change happening there.

I highly recommend doing a free walking tour - we learnt so much during the 3 hours from our guide. He was a student studying sociology and politics and his insights into the history and future of Albania taught me more than any museum could have!

I also love free walking tours as a way to get to know a city when you first arrive, plus the guide always knows the best food and drink spots to help you plan later in your day too!

You can read my full 2 days in Tirana itinerary here and I highly recommend doing the following:

  • Free walking tour

Bunk’Art 1 and 2 - visit the art and history museums in these converted nuclear bunkers

Pazari i Ri neighbourhood for food and drinks and see the colourful buildings

See a colourful aerial view of Tirana at the Sky Tower

Visit the National History Museum

See the famous Pyramid of Tirana

Explore the Blloku neighbourhood for upmarket bars, cafes and restaurants

The reason that buildings are so colourful in Albania is because the former mayor of Tirana and now Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, wanted to transform how Albanians felt about their city which was full of soviet style concrete block buildings. He believed he could restore people’s pride in their city and how they look after their neighbourhoods if he made the city look more attractive - and it worked! This is why you’ll see the colourful buildings everywhere in Tirana.

a derelict stone pyramid with red framed glass windows on one side, in Tirana Albania

The pyramid of Tirana

colourful neighbourhood in Tirana, Albania

Pazari i Ri neighbourhood

Day 2: Berat

many white houses with big windows on the hillside

Berat, Albania

Extending your itinerary (1 day) - If you are planning 10 days in Albania, I would suggest an extra day here. If you are planning 7 days and would prefer to spend an extra day here, rather than the beach, you can add an extra day here.

The drive from Tirana to Berat is around 1 hour, 45 minutes.

Berat is a protected UNESCO heritage site thanks to its unique white painted Ottoman houses built onto the hillside. The city has existed here for over 2000 years.

The town is often referred to as the Town of a Thousand Windows, because of all the windows on these houses that look out across the valley.

Berat was a real standout on our Albania trip and I’d say it was my favourite of all the places to visit in Albania. The town is so full of character and its position in the valley between the hills is the perfect blend of nature, city and incredible views.

We also stayed in the most stunning hotel which was SO CHEAP. The roof terrace for breakfast with views over the city is one of those core travel moments I’ll never forget. You can read about which hotel I stayed at in Berat and the prices here .

white houses built into the cliffside with a fortress on the top

Berat Castle at the top of the hill

Here are my suggestions for things to do in Berat:

Walk up to Berat Castle - the walk up is worth it for the views. The fortress is located at the top of the hill above the city. I’d recommend doing the walk in the early morning or evening if it’s hot.

Walk across the Gorica Bridge - from this vantage point you’ll get the best view of the famous town of a thousand windows. You can take a stroll along the river on the other side too.

Visit the Ethnographic Museum - to learn about Berat’s fascinating history

Walk through the old Ottoman houses and streets 

Explore the bazaar in the Old Town - the antique stores, souvenirs and Albanian trinkets we found here were beautiful, I wanted to buy everything! 

Absolutely do not miss Berat on your Albania itinerary.

Berat Castle and walking tour tickets - Check prices and availability.

If you'd prefer, you can visit Berat on a day trip from Tirana.

Or visit Berat on a day trip from Durres.

Day 3: Sarandë via the Blue Eye

Extending your itinerary (1 day) - If you’re on a 10 day itinerary, I highly recommend exploring more of the northern Albanian Riviera, list of my favourite beaches are below. Alternatively you could add an extra stop and visit Gjirokaster - another popular option for places to see in Albania.

The drive from Berat to Sarandë is around 2.5 hours and on the way you’ll pass the Blue Eye, not long before you reach Sarandë.

The Blue Eye is a stunning and surreal mountain spring which is vibrant blue in colour. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and honestly feels like you’ve stepped into a fairytale.

The best part is that you can swim here, making it the perfect option for a stop on your drive - just don’t forget your swimsuit!

Parking at the Blue Eye is a bit limited but there is a parking area at the entrance to the park and it’s a short walk down to the spring. There’s also a viewing platform and a cafe nearby if you don’t fancy a swim!

From the Blue Eye to Sarandë, it’s just a short 30 minute drive, meaning you have the rest of the afternoon to start enjoying the Albanian Riviera.

Sarandë is a resort town, full of hotels, beaches, restaurants, bars and cafes - the perfect place to spend an afternoon at the beach or extend your trip a day or so longer to enjoy the vibe here!

If you do choose to extend your time here, I highly recommend exploring the other towns on the riviera such as Lukovë, Himarë, Jala or Borsh.

Here are some of my favourite beaches out of Sarandë, some are more off the beaten path or were recommended by locals. 

Krorëza Beach - hike down or take a boat trip. 

Lukove Beach - one of the few designated beach camping spots and it’s stunning

Jali Beach - part of Jala town and easily accessible

Gjipe Beach - our favourite beach but a bit of a hike down, only suitable for off road vehicles.

a beach surrounded by rocky cliffs and turquoise blue water

Day 4: Ksamil

Extending your itinerary (1 day) - If you’re ready for some beach relaxation, you might want to extend your itinerary 1-2 days here if you’re visiting Albania for 10 days, or if you’re visiting for 7 days, you may want to add an extra day here instead of Berat.

While Sarandë is a great option for families with plenty of resorts and safe beaches, I personally preferred the coastline at Ksamil.

Ksamil is just a 30 minute drive south from Sarandë and another stunning coastal area with some of the best beaches in Albania.

Here are my recommendations for things to do in Ksamil:

Enjoy the stunning Plazhi Ksamilit beach

Bora Bora Ksamil (Beach Bar & Restaurant)

Take a short boat trip to the island - Isole Gemelle di Ksamil

Escape the town and visit Pulëbardha Beach

Enjoy the fresh seafood, mussels at The Mussel House are a must!

Go on a lake tour

Visit Butrint National Park

Book a Ksamil to Butrint day trip here

girl floating in turquoise water next to a boat with red cliffs right next to her

Albania boat trip

Day 5: Butrint National Park and onwards journey

an ancient stone ampitheatre in ruins with a girl walking down the steps in the middle at Butrint National Park in Albania

Butrint National Park Ampitheatre

After a day or two of relaxing, plan 2-3 hours to explore the completely unique and stunning Butrint National Park.

Just 10 minutes drive south of Ksamil, you can add this to your itinerary earlier if you’re not fussed about beach time, but I would suggest allowing 2-3 hours to explore this phenomenal historic site.

Butrint National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the history here is truly mind blowing - there are artefacts and structures here from the Iron Age!

The ruins here are not as well-preserved as you might see at other similar sights around the world, but it’s a truly memorable and unique experience to be able to walk among the ruins here and experience the paths and lives that were lived here thousands of years ago without barriers.

Being able to wander wherever you wish makes this site feel amazingly authentic and it’s probably one of my favourite historic and cultural experiences ever, made better by the fact that it’s nowhere near as busy or crowded as other similar historic sites like the Colosseum or the Parthenon! 

You will have seen the surrounding lake from your time in Ksamil, the same lake is in Butrint National Park and the huge ecosystem here is why the National Park is a protected area.

Most of the information signs are in English and entry is around 5 euros.

After Butrint, you can either do the 4 hours drive back to Tirana if you’re flying out of there, or continue your onwards journey, perhaps into Greece , Corfu or North Macedonia .

Summary: Albania itinerary 5 days

Whether you’re spending 5 days or one week in Albania, I hope this Albania travel guide has given you plenty of ideas and inspiration for the best of Albania and how much beauty, history and culture Albania has to offer.

Albania is still an underrated tourist destination and now is a great time to visit as more flight options become available to fly into the country.

Pin this for later to plan your future trip!

This Albania travel itinerary will help you plan 5 days in Albania, one week in Albania or 10 days in Albania to suit your trip. From the best beaches in Albania to must-visit towns and National Parks | trip to albania | albania road trip | road trip

Anita Hendrieka

Albania Transport: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Around Albania

Last Updated on September 12, 2022

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Finding information about public transportation in Albania online is a long and gruelling task and you will find virtually no information.

To save you time and headache here’s a complete guide on how to get around Albania and to show you that Albania travel isn’t that bad!

When travelling Albania , you will have to learn to trust the Albania transport system. It might seem daunting, but it’s the best way of getting around in Albania without a car.

Albania Travel: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Around, person walking down a road looking back over their shoulder with mountains and bushes on either side and in distance on a sunny day

There are timetables for the public transport in Albania, but quite often they are wrong or have been changed. But they will come – eventually!

There’s no rail system or trains in Albania, so if you are planning on getting around Albania without a car it’s all about furgons , buses and hitchhiking!

And that is why I have put together this guide on Albania transport and how to travel in Albania if you don’t have a car.

📚 P.S. Grab access to my Travelling Albania Guide to get a comprehensive insight into more places to visit in Albania (including secret spots that are not recommended in the usual guides!)

If this method of Albania transportation seems daunting – or you want to do a mix of public transport and car hire in Albania – read my full post on how to hire a car in Albania .

guide for how to get around in albania, empty street in Albania with a parked car, a few chairs outside a cafe and  shopkeeper

Table of Contents

This is the most popular way of travelling around Albania .  Furgons are essentially minibuses that are privately-owned and not licensed.

If you want a truly Albanian experience, a furgon is the most unique Albania transport option.

Sometimes they have a timetable, sometimes they don’t. They will usually travel to smaller villages and also more popular routes like from Saranda to Gijrokastёr and Berat.

The furgon is usually crammed with a lot of people in so in the high season, it can be a little cramped, but this is usually my preferred transport choice.

They will drop you off at any point along the way, you just have to let them know.

I had an interesting/wonderful experience on a furgon that was going from Saranda to Berat.

When we stopped halfway for a break we ended up drinking multiple rakis (the local alcohol) and got extremely drunk within the 15-minute stop.

We ended up dancing and making a complete fool of ourselves (or in other words, having a lot of fun) with the entire bus.

It made the rest of the trip fly by. Furgons are definitely more intimate than big coaches!

They can take some getting use to, but I think Furgons are definitely the best way to get around Albania – and the most fun!

travelling albania

The good thing about furgons is you can flag one down and they will usually stop for you and let you on if it’s not full.

So, if hitchhiking fails then you always have that as a backup option as long as you’re not in the middle of nowhere.

In terms of the timetables there are some but most of the time they change. The best option is to ask a local as they always seem to know everything about transport.

Most likely the bus driver will probably be a relation or friend!

If you are wanting information about furgons and buses leaving Saranda then read my ultimate Saranda guide where I list a rough schedule.

🛌🏼 Book accommodation in albania

travelling albania by bus, image of people sitting on a bus from behind

Buses in Albania run for more popular and longer routes like for example from Saranda to Tirana. They also have rough timetables.

Be prepared to share any bus in Albania with car motors, washing machines, and other household essentials.

Usually, the buses are a delivery service as well. You can do the same as with the furgons and tell the driver where you want to get off, they will usually stop.

The buses in Albania will sometimes stop for hitchhikers too if they aren’t full.

If you are planning to travel Albania by bus, I have a whole post on the Albania bus timetables for the most popular routes.

IMPORTANT:  Only use my Albania bus schedule post as a guide. The Albania bus routes and times are more of a guideline. You should ALWAYS double-check the day before you plan to leave by going to the bus station and getting your ticket and/or asking your accommodation supplier.

Bus + furgon stations

In each city, there’s either a bus station or a bus road/s. Albania’s bus stations are a lot less official than you think and most of the time it’s just a carpark with a whole lot of buses.

The public transport in Tirana is pretty straightforward. There are two bus stations in Tirana – one for buses going north and one for buses going south.

They are about a 15-minute walk from each other so make sure you get the right one! The station for buses going south is the further one away from the city.

As soon as you turn up to either of these bus stations you will hear an array of men asking where you’re going.

Just scream which place you want to go and one of them will show you to the bus. They are not asking for a tip, they usually are the guys who help the driver fill the bus up with people.

If you are visiting Tirana, be sure to read my full guide on the best things to do in Tirana .

You can find a Google map of Tirana bus stations here .

💡 PACKING TIP: Make sure you bring a good snorkel , water shoes and a fast-drying towel for all of the beach-going you’re about to do!

travelling around albania transport, map screenshot of buses stops in saranda

The buses go from a few places, but they are all very near to each other. There is a couple of ‘bus roads’ in the middle of Saranda .

Usually, the ones to and from Greece go from outside the ticket office, which is opposite the red building called Partizani.

The buses that go within Albania are found on the street Rruga Flamurit, near the ruins and the park.

If you ask anyone there where you want to go, they will lead you to the right bus. The buses and furgons will have a sign in the window saying where they are going.

Make sure to check out my guide on the top things to do in Saranda , including local secrets!

How to use the buses in Albania, map screenshot of buses stops in Shkoder

There are two bus locations in Shkoder:

One for buses going south to Tirana, which is located opposite the radio station. The other one is on the opposite side of the big roundabout near the mosque.

Again, just yell where you’re going, and someone will take you to your bus.

How to use the public transportation in Albania, map screenshot of bus station in Berat

The bus station is located just outside of the city. You will need to catch a bus, which is situated next to the petrol station (across the road from the bus station).

Or you can catch a taxi (500lek) or hitchhike into Berat as it’s about a 10-minute drive away.

🧳 MUST-HAVE: Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have travel insurance. I recommend either SafetyWing or World Nomads .

Tickets: For the longer bus rides you will usually need a ticket beforehand, especially if its high-season. In low season you can just buy it on the day. For the furgons sometimes you will buy a ticket from the driver or just give him cash when you arrive at the destination.

Aow to travel around Albania without a car, arm of person next to a road with their thumb out to hitchhike

Hitchhiking

If unreliable bus schedules and crowded minibuses stress you out, and you still want to know h ow to get around in Albania, then hitchhiking is another great option.

Hitchhiking in Albania is incredibly popular with tourists and locals. It’s very normal to hitchhike here and you will never wait for more than 20 minutes (usually).

In my experience, it’s taken no longer than 5 minutes! There’s no real art to hitchhiking.

Stick your thumb out, make sure you’re visible and that you’re in a spot that’s easy for someone to pull over.

Although in Albania they will stop in the middle of the street for you – that’s Albanian driving for you!

Is it safe?

Yes, as long as you listen to your instincts. If someone pulls over and you don’t get a good feeling, then just wave them on and try again.

From all the travellers I met this summer, most of them hitchhiked and none of them had any problems with it so that is saying something!

Additionally, I have done my share of solo travel in Albania and never once felt unsafe. Albanians are incredibly friendly.

You can read my full guide on safety in Albania for more information.

Fun fact: In the summer I always hitchhiked to the clubs just out of Saranda! I met the funniest and craziest people by hitchhiking, some which are now good friends!

🛌🏼 Book accommodation in Albania

Frequently Asked Questions

No, sadly Uber does not work in Albania. However, taxi apps are becoming more popular and there are some options like Speed Taxi app or Ups Taxi App. However, this is still a new Albania transport option, so don’t expect it to be like taking an Uber at home.

Unfortunately, there is no train in Albania. So the best way to travel in Albania without a car is the Albania public transport system.

Yes and no. The Albania transport options are cheap, but generally unreliable.

I hope this answered all your questions on how to travel around Albania using public transportation. If you have any further questions about Albania travel, please leave them below and I will try to answer them for you!

Other articles you might love:

  • Albania Weather: Best time to Visit Albania
  • A Guide to the Albanian Riviera: The Best Beaches in Europe
  • Albania beaches: The Most Beautiful Beaches in Albania
  • Your ultimate guide to Ksamil, Albania

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The Comments

Agness of a tuk tuk.

This is such a detailed and exceptional travel guide for Albania, Anita. Hitchhiking there should be fun. Did you try it?

Anita Hendrieka

Thanks for reading. Yes, I’ve tried hitchhiking in Albania, it’s fun!

Raul (@ilivetotravel)

Very helpful – love the maps!

Thank you! 🙂

Super handy guide! I’m interested in travelling to Albania as the beaches look gorgeous- do you know if you can get to them via public transport?

Chris Bloomfield

Hitchhiking is something I have never done, but should really try just for the thrill of it. I love the information you provide in the article. What was the rakis like? I have never heard of it.

Steph and Zach Dorworth

Love this post! Learned a lot about what furgons are. Love your story about how you got drunk on a furgon trip! haha You did a great job too with the detailed maps.

Thanks guys\! 🙂

Omg thanks for this! I’ve always wanted to go to Albania but I’ve heard it’s super difficult to get around so I’m scared but this is so helpful! The mini bus thing is how they got around in Peru too! It was confusing for sure but we used Uber

Good list of transports there. Furgons is new to me. Hitch hiking is something I have never tried, but I believe you get to meet interesting people like you mentioned.

You’ve provided some very helpful transportation tips for getting around Albania. The furgons are a very interesting way to travel between towns and villages in the countryside. Albania still seems like an off-the-beaten path destination in may ways but at least know I know how to get around when I visit!

Thanks for the great info! Figuring out transportation is probably one of my least favorite parts of trip planning as it usually causes me the biggest headache because I struggle to find the information I need. Will definitely save this for if I ever go to Albania!

Francesca Murray

Taking the Furgon sounds fun! Especially your experience during that 15 minute break, lol! I would just be a little nervous without an actual timetable, but as you said, locals usually know best

I’ve been planning so long to visit Albania because I heard it’s very beautiful there, cheap, and generally friendly to digital nomads. I also heard it can be difficult to travel around if you don’t have a car so it’s nice you have a whole post on getting around. The furgons sound like the public transport in South America or Asia, so I should feel right at home LOL I doubt if I’ll get drunk though. As a solo traveler, I’m very careful where I drink haha Bookmarking this for my visit next year!

Siddhartha Joshi

Thanks for sharing this post Anita…I think it’s a great resource for anyone if finding online information about Albania is so tough! I really like the word Furgons though…but traveling in the these without a timetable could be tough, but then they must be great for spontaneous travel plans. And of course, hitchhiking works everywhere…I do the same as you – follow my instincts 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing this post Anita. I heard it can be difficult to travel around if you don’t have a car so it’s nice you have a whole post on getting around. 🙂 I really enjoyed this post. 🙂

Nice, and informative Blog! Thanks. We know from your FAQ page that you are not rich and work hard….but what do you do to earn money on the move? My wife and I are retiring around Oct and looking around for good destinations. Do you know if Albania is considered a Schengen Member? Would like to know if the 90 day clock resets while in Albania. Have you checked out Patreon? It funds artists. One video blogger I follow in Ecuador receives funds thru them. Really interested in finding economical longer term rental there but concerned the language barrier will make it difficult. Wishing you the Best! Rob

This is gold! Thank you so much! We were getting confused about all the bus traveling, even though we have lived 7 months in Asia and traveled just by public transport, coming back to Europe seemed like a bit of a challenge! Thanks again!

Great reading, I had actually just been researching travelling through albania and was getting quite anxious that I might have to pass, as I couldnt find any info. I am going in August this year and now feel confident that I’ll be able to get around no problems! Yay! Are furgons quite obvious mini vans? And what about luggage restrictions?

Also what would you say are a definite to see. I am coming from Montenegro and probably going to Corfu. Thanks so much Anna

Hitchhiking through Albania! Now that would definitely be outside my comfort zone… but I might just be up to it! Just don’t tell MissTIC. I think she would freak.

It’s the best way to get around and you meet the most interesting people!

Great read Anita! Going to Albania in September and will be trying out these spots. Thanks:)

Deborah Jane

Hi Anita – my family and I are travelling to Albania this summer (from the UK) and thinking of hiring a car. We’re flying into Tirana and staying in Shiroka, Shkoder. We want to travel to possibly Berat and Gjirokaster. Would you recommend driving in Albania? So difficult to get reliable opinions. Thank you.

Hey Deborah,

That’s great! Yes, driving in Albania is a good idea. This way you can see lots of little villages and sites along the way that you would miss otherwise. Driving in Tirana is hard because the traffic is so bad all the time but it’s great to travel around the rest of the country. Just beware that Albanians are renowned for being ‘crazy’ drivers – speeding, overtaking on blind corners etc. If you worried about the drivers then you can also easily catch buses between those places you mentioned.

Thanks for your detailed guide! I have a question I hope you can answer.

We want to go to Butrint on Sunday, June 9. We’re in Saranda but not close to the main square. (2 km down the road) Can we just wave at the bus to stop and buy the ticket in de bus? (I don’t know if June is high season)

Best regards,

Hi there, yes you buy the ticket on the bus always and you should be able to just wave the bus down 🙂

Joe Sherwood Taylor

Thanks for your great guide, definitely the best source of info about the country. I am travelling there in a couple of weeks, stating in Durres, travelling north to Shkoder to walk in the ‘Accursed Mountains’. You say there are no trains but many sources say there is a limited network more or less centred on Durres, does this still exist? I love to travel by train.

How would you recommend a family of 4 travel through Albania? Car hire seems somewhat expensive and buses seem temperamental for travelling with kids especially when time is short.

I would like to know too….. travelling there next month. How did you get around? What are Coaches exactly ???

Hey Anita, loving your content as I am planning my trip to Sarande. Wanted to know what is the best way to travel within Sarande and nearby places like Ksamil (I do not drive).

Hi. Happy I found you. I have been In Albania for one week now. Where do you live? I am In Golem. Is it possible To get the copy of your book here so I dont need To order it.. As you know.. Here are no address3s where To deliver. I sta here until the end of April.

Thanks Talvetar

Ismi Voestermans

Hi. Wij are planning to go hiking in Bogë, Albania next June (2023). My question is how is the best way to go there from Tirana. How much cost for taxi for example. I don’t have driving license. We are from The Netherland and will fly to Tirana. Thank you.

gary Chamberlain

Hi, we are planning to travel to Albania riviera in mid September, are there still bus direct from Tirana to Himare or best to go via Vlore or Sarande ????

Mona Dimitri

Bus station from Golem to Vlore . Where is it in Golem? Frequency of the bus, if any. Than you for your reply. Mona

Thank You Anita for sharing your experience. This blog is definitely useful in planning my trip. However, I am traveling with family (2 little kids). The final inference is – its better to hire a car but again how safe is it to drive around in Albania is the question. We are up for using the local transport because i believe that’s the best way to explore :). Thank you again for sharing. I will go through all the links for Albania. Keep up the good work.

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Anita Hendrieka

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The Holistic Backpacker

Inspiring a life of outdoor adventure, eco-mindedness, natural living & holistic wellness

how to travel albania

18 Helpful Albania Travel Tips You Should Know BEFORE Visiting

Albania is an unexplored paradise in the Balkans widely known as “the next Greece.” The country is FULL of hidden beaches, bright blue water, mountains, and untapped nature. In this article you’ll find 18 helpful travel tips for Albania I wish I would have known before visiting.

The culture and the way of life in Eastern Europe/the Balkans is much different than in North America or Western Europe. When you’re travelling in Albania you can expect a more laid back, slow lifestyle which is consequently reflected in the infrastructure, public transit, and other aspects of day-to-day life here.

Initially I was quite shocked and nervous about the way Albanians handle things, but once you get used to the culture and accept that things aren’t a “given,” you’ll relax and have a wonderful time exploring Albania. This all sounds weird and maybe even a little confusing, but once you read this article you’ll have a much better understanding of what I mean and know exactly what to expect!

As you read this post, please consider clicking the links throughout . These are affiliate links which means when you book a hotel or purchase a product, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you ( full disclosure ). These commissions fund The Holistic Backpacker and help me write more blog posts.

Thank you for supporting my work!

18 Helpful Travel Tips for Albania:

1. public transportation in albania.

My first Albania travel tip for you HAS to be about public transportation because the public transit in Albania is chaos… Organized chaos.

Sazan Island, Karaburun Peninsula

If you’re travelling anywhere in the country you’ll want to utilize the bus. You can forget about getting on a comfy train or taking a plane across the country. And taxis – they’re not crazy expensive, but you’ll save so much $ by walking and taking the bus. The locals use the bus and you should too (trust me).

The driving in Albania is absolutely nuts (more about that next) and it’s literally impossible to find bus routes and schedules without local knowledge. You can’t google how to get from point A to point B via google maps – the bus schedules in Albania aren’t uploaded on the internet – and there will be little to no information listed at actual bus stops about when the bus is coming or where it’s going.

The Albanian public transit sounds scary and daunting, but it’s totally doable – you got this!

Here are Some Helpful Tips for Taking the bus in Albania:

  • ASK your hotel, hostel or wherever you’re staying for information about the bus schedules. The employees are super knowledgeable and this will be your best bet at finding accurate information about times and stops.
  • If you struggle in the heat, travel via bus early morning or in the evening. The weather in Albania is SCORCHING in the summer and if you’re unlucky , your bus won’t have air conditioning.
  • In addition to buses, sometimes you’ll be travelling via furgon (minibus). These buses actually don’t follow a schedule and depart whenever they’re full.
  • NEVER rely on the last bus of the day – the public transit in Albania can be a bit dodgy. You don’t want to get stranded!
  • There’s always a person on intracity buses who collects money – these people are SO kind and helpful. If you’re not sure where to get off ask and they’ll help you out. Just note that these people typically don’t speak English so it’s best you write down the name of the place you want to stop so they can see where you’re going.
  • Be patient. The bus is super unreliable and will almost never be exactly on time (if there even is a “time).
  • If you have important flights or travel dates, make sure you travel via bus early or a day in advance. The buses are extremely unreliable.

Vlora, Albania

ps. the buses are super cheap in Albania which makes them a very affordable method of transportation! Intracity will cost you around 40 LEK ($0.45 CAD) and intercity it will usually cost around 6-12 euros.

Quick Albania Bus Story

Okay so ironically the DAY I started writing this post I had a horrendous Albania bus experience. I was travelling from Himara to Saranda which is a 1 hour bus ride… Long story short it took me 5 hours!

The bus was supposed to come at 12… never showed.

The bus was supposed to come at 1… never showed.

The bus was supposed to come at 2… never showed.

FINALLY the bus arrived at 2:30 – I spent a total of 2.5 hours in 100 degree heat waiting for this bus!

THEN the bus pulled off the side of the road, unloaded our luggage at a gas station and kicked us off. Yup.

We then had to wait another 20 minutes until a new bus came and when it finally did come it backed up into the gas station so fast it almost hit me!

On the second bus the driver was using his phone, making calls, and was screaming at the person on the other end. He stopped the bus to buy cigarettes and then engaged in what I was 99% sure was a drug deal.

When I finally made it Saranda I had a 1km uphill-ish walk to my hostel carrying my bags in the scorching heat.

I thought I’d arrive around 1 and instead I arrived at 5. And THIS is why you can’t put your faith in a timely Albanian bus schedule.

In summary, my #1 (and arguably most important) Albania travel tip is to use the public bus system, BUT to not necessarily rely on it.

2. Local Currency

Albania’s local currency is the Albanian LEK (aka ALL). The currency is closed which means you can’t exchange it abroad – you’ll have to wait until you arrive in Albania for that.

You can use euros anywhere in Albania, however the exchange rate is terrible and in most places it’s much easier using LEK. I’d recommend withdrawing a small amount of LEK at the airport – just enough to pay your taxi or bus to the center, then finding an ATM in the center.

Albania travel tip #3 – the Credins ATMs don’t have a service charge for withdrawing Albanian LEK!

3. SIM Card

When you arrive in Albania you’ll most likely want to pick up a SIM card. I don’t even want to KNOW how much roaming or international texting/calling would run you here.

You can pick up a SIM card in Albania at the airport or at Vodafone once you arrive in the city centre. In Tirana (where you’ll most likely arrive) there seems to be a Vodafone on every street corner so you won’t have any issues finding one.

Albania travel tip

When I purchased my Albanian SIM card at Vodafone I actually got it free with a plan. And by the way, phone plans are cheap here – especially if you buy the monthly ones. You can get a whack load of data for under $20!

Albania travel tip #3 – grab a cheap SIM card, but pay attention to the international minutes and international texts as those are quite limited.

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4. Safety in Albania

Albania (and a lot of the Balkan countries) have a bad rep for being unsafe, especially for solo female travellers. I’m here to tell you that’s not true!

Filikuri beach, Albania

To be honest, a lot of Albania looks sketchy. SO sketchy . When I first arrived I was a bit worried because the streets, buildings, and even natural spots looked dangerous; trash everywhere, stray dogs, run down buildings, etc.

You’ll quickly discover that this is just Albania though! Just because it looks sketchy doesn’t mean it’s sketchy at all. In fact most places are totally safe and the people… The people are so lovely here.

Like anywhere you’ll want to take general safety precautions, but I honestly felt safer walking alone in Albania than I do in many places in Canada and the US. So, Albania travel tip #4 is to take normal safety precautions, but be open minded and don’t stress about everything!

I can’t attest to this because I didn’t personally hitchhike, but apparently it’s so safe here that the hitchhiking culture in Albania is huge! Everyone you talk to – locals and travellers alike – rave about how easy and safe it is to hitchhike in Albania.

5. People and Culture in Albania

Like I previously mentioned, the people in Albania are INCREDIBLE and so social! I’ve never been part of a culture that’s so kind, welcoming, helpful, and generous.

Bright blue water of the Ionian Sea

Almost everyone here wants to chat on the street and is willing to lend a helping hand, especially when it comes to public transit. I was struggling to navigate the bus one day. I asked a local man for help and he went so above and beyond. He got me on the right bus, paid my bus fare, brought me to the connecting furgon, carried my bags, AND invited me back to his bar in Tirana for free beers afterwards!

I’ve also noticed that Albanians are so excited to meet North American people. The locals are thrilled to hear I’m from Canada and they’re even excited to meet Americans too (unlike other places in Europe hahaha)! One night my American friend and I were blessed by a non-English speaking Albanian man. And for no particular reason either! He just heard us speaking English and wanted to send us good energy.

So, my 5th Albanian travel tip for you is to get to know the local people (it’s not hard) and don’t be shy about asking for help.

6. “Albania Time”

Remember that whole unreliable bus thing I was just talking about. Okay, well that ties into the whole “Albania time” thing.

Sunset in Vlora

Albanians are so slow moving and chill; that’s the way of life in the Balkans. People don’t rush around here and people certainly don’t walk fast on the street. At first I thought this was just because the culture was so low-key and unbothered, but after spending some time here I’m actually realizing it’s because it’s just too hot to move quickly.

I’m a super fast walker and such a go-go-go person, however in Albania I found myself walking at such a leisurely pace and not following the schedule/itinerary I made for myself. The entire vibe of my trip in Albania was “eh, whatever.” And you’ll find this attitude everywhere .

Albania time also corresponds to tours and other excursion based activities. Your boat tour was supposed depart at 10am? Now it’s 10:45 and you still haven’t left? Albania time .

^side note – at first I found the Albania time thing kinda “sketchy” and had questions like “is this safe?” “am I getting scammed?” floating around in my head. 99/100 times the situation is not sketchy, it’s “just Albania” (as you’ll constantly hear the locals say).

Albania travel tip #6 is expect delays wherever you go and with whatever you do. Learn to roll with it and embrace the whole “chill vibes” thing!

7. Purchasing… Anything

One thing I found to be quite challenging in Albania was the lack of available… Everything.

Albanian sunset

Come prepared with everything you need in Albania. There’s an ongoing joke here that goes something like:

Traveller: “Where can I buy a backpack?”

Albanian: “Bulgaria”

This is a joke, but it’s also not a joke. You can’t buy anything practical in Albania, for instance a backpack. Upon arriving I needed to buy a natural bar of soap, a water filter, a spork, and a bathing suit. I could ONLY get the bathing suit.

So, my 7th (and very important) Albanian travel tip is to bring everything you need to Albania . Don’t just expect to be able to buy things here because you will have to scramble and you will be disappointed.

8. “The Next Greece”

Okay pay close attention to this Albanian travel tip – TRAVEL ALBANIA SOONER THAN LATER!

Albania is quite literally the next Greece and is one of the last unexplored/undiscovered countries in Europe. The country is cheap to travel and it’s not as touristic as other destinations like Italy or France.

Albania is a hidden gem, but this status won’t last forever! Albania is growing in popularity every year and the country can quite literally “only go up from here” in terms of prices, infrastructure, and inflation.

There’s no better time than now, so Albania travel tip #8 is to pack your bags and book that flight to Albania!

9. Local Knowledge

Now I’m gonna add on to the whole “unexplored” and “undiscovered” thing. Since Albania isn’t one of those “top 10 travel destinations” everyone flocks to, you won’t find too many travel bloggers talking about this place. And that means you’ll find limited information about Albania on the web.

The Hiimara Castle

Throughout your google searches you’ll find a few helpful websites or articles, however said websites and articles will only have some information – you’ll still be left with lots of unanswered questions.

So, my next Albania travel tip is to utilize local knowledge.

Ask questions at your hotel or hostel. Talk to Albanian people on the street. Quiz your waiter or waitress. This will be a hard pill to swallow if you’re an independent traveller (like me), however in Albania you NEED to talk to people to get around.

Throughout my time in Albania I found hostel employees to be the most helpful and knowledgeable. In fact, a huge part of Albania’s tourism industry is based on this whole idea of local knowledge. You can’t just “go do stuff” in Albania like you can in other countries. You need their help and they need your business!

10. Culture Shock

I hate to say it because I really do love Albania, but this country isn’t great in a lot of ways. There’s trash everywhere, it’s loud, it’s busy, and the socialization is much different here than in my home country of Canada . I can 100% say that when I first arrived in Albania I experienced HUGE culture shock and had a moment of “oh no, what did I get myself into!?”

Serbian church at the Himara Castle

The driving here is absolutely insane (especially in Tirana). To put it into perspective, between the trash, the traffic, and the general “rundown vibe” you’ll feel like you’re in India.

You’ll (hopefully) quickly adjust to the culture though and escape to the more nature-y spots of the country like Himara or the beautiful national park of Theth. In these spots you’ll experience less of what I just talked about and have a more relaxing/less culture shock-y style trip.

At first travelling in Albania can be daunting, so Albania travel tip #10 is to embrace these cultural differences and know ahead of time what you’re getting into.

11. English Speakers

This is something I was not expecting, but the Albanian people actually speak pretty decent English! I’ve had very few instances of (seriously) struggling due to a language barrier.

how to travel albania

The older generation here speaks very little (if any) English, whereas the children here speak almost flawless English. The 20-something’s are pretty hit or miss with English, but speak enough to at least have an okay conversation.

English is now a school requirement in Albania, so in the coming years you can only expect English to become more and more commonplace.

Albania travel tip #11 – you can get by speaking English, however having the google translate app downloaded to your phone is not a bad idea!

12. Albanian Drivers

I keep touching on the whole crazy driving thing in Albania, but I haven’t explained it fully. So here we go.

I’m all about driving and road tripping. I’ve had car since forever and my greatest adventures have happened via road trip. However my 12th Albania travel tip for you is to NOT rent a car or road trip here – use tours and public transit to get around instead!

Of course having a car is ideal and if you’re more of a nature traveller you’ll be longing for a car. I recommend hiring a car or doing tours instead though. Hiring a car or embarking on tours is relatively cheap in Albania and if you’re brave you can negotiate a price with the driver.

Alternatively you can use websites like Viator – my favourite adventure booking site – to book tours that include your transportation. This way you meet people, there’s no planning involved, you don’t have to drive, AND you’re utilizing that whole local knowledge thing I talked about in Albania travel tip #9.

A few of my favourite tours in Albania are: The Blue Eye , rafting in the Vjosa River , horseback riding/4×4 to Lengarica Canyon & the thermal baths , Osumi Canyon rafting , and the Bovilla Lake Tour (just outside of Tirana).

Himara castle - Albanian travel tips

Here’s why I don’t recommend driving in Albania:

  • People just walk out into the street whenever they want.
  • Cars don’t signal OR LOOK when changing lanes.
  • The speeds that people drive here… omg.
  • People will just stop their cars and park wherever they want. Middle of the freeway? Sure. Stop and block and entire street? Why not.
  • Everyone uses their phones while driving… Even the taxi drivers.
  • The accident rate is phenomenally high here.
  • Motorbikes cut in and out of traffic like it’s no one’s business. And the drivers don’t even wear helmets!
  • The roads are literally terrible. So steep, rocky, and full of potholes.

I’m sure there are driving and road rules in Albania. But I’m also sure no one knows what they are (or at least they don’t care).

13. Weather & When to Visit Albania

The summer is so hot in Albania. Like SO H O T . If you struggle in the heat I’d recommend visiting during the shoulder season because summer is borderline unbearable.

Hiking near Tirana

Summer is a great time of year to visit Albania if you’re into water sports or roasting yourself on the beach all day. However if you’re into hiking or outdoor adventure, you’ll quickly discover Albania’s searing summer temps are just too much to bear.

Albania travel tip #13 is to visit during early spring or fall if you’re searching for outdoor adventure or more moderate temperatures.

If you plan to visit Albania in the summer, make sure you are drinking plenty of water and eating lots of fruit to replenish your sugar levels. Like drink what you think is a lot, and then drink more.

14. Eco-Friendly (not)

Albania is the least eco-friendly country I’ve visited. I knew it wouldn’t be great here, but it’s unfortunately even worse than I expected.

My next Albania travel tip goes out to all the eco-conscious and natural-living folk out there. Be prepared, plan ahead, AND bring everything you need to be eco-friendly.

Albania is a beautiful country with so much potential, but it’s quite behind in a lot of ways and conscious living is one of them. Unfortunately plastic is king here, there’s no recycling, you need to buy water in plastic bottles because of heavy metals from the tap, there’s trash on the ground everywhere, and nothing is natural .

We all have our own ways of being eco-friendly, but a few items I’ve found absolutely invaluable in Albania are my shampoo & conditioner bars , Stasher bags (find on Stasher or Amazon ), toothpaste tablets , and coconut oil.

A couple things I wish I would have brought are more homemade sunscreen, a water filter (more on that next), and an extra bar of natural soap because you won’t be able to find the things in Albania.

Remember, planning is key!

15. Spontaneous Planning

Luckily, Albania is a country in which you don’t need to plan in advance. Everything here is accessible, accommodation is cheap, and because it’s less touristy you’ll find availability everywhere – even last minute.

Albania travel tips

The combination of these things makes Albania the perfect place for spontaneous travel and it’s one of my favourite things about the country. There’s just no stress to it! This was especially nice to experience after travelling in Norway which is a destination where everything needs to be planned in advance.

This whole spontaneous, cheap travel thing won’t last forever though. Remember Albania travel tip #8? Albania is the next Greece and in the coming years it will grow in both popularity and price.

16. Drinking Water in Albania

One of the biggest Albania-based questions people have when visiting is “can I drink the tap water in Albania?” The answer is tricky – yes and no.

In the capital city (Tirana) you can absolutely not drink the tap water. It’s full of heavy metals and it’s super unsafe to drink. Unfortunately you’ll need to buy bottled water. From an environmental standpoint I recommend bringing a reusable water bottle or a 2L Hydrapak and refiling them with the 5L jugs from the store when you’re on-the-go.

Albania travel tip #16 – drink bottled water & do what the locals do (even if it involves plastic) .

Better yet, bring a water filter to Albania that rids heavy metals. Not all water filters are made equally and you therefore can’t use popular brands like Lifestraw in Albania. I’m doing some research on what filters can and can’t be used in Albania and I’ll update this post when I find answers! If you have suggestions though, leave them in the comment section at the end of this post 🙂

The yes part to this question – in Valbona and Theth national park the water is SO clean you can drink it right from the source (although I do always recommend bringing aquatabs ). If you’re lucky you’ll also come across some hostels or accommodations that have a reverse osmosis filter. I stayed at numerous hostels like the Himara Hostel and Hasta la Vista in Saranda which thankfully had them.

17. Dress Code in Albania

This can’t be a complete list of Albania travel tips without touching on what to wear. To break it down, bring only flowy clothes. The heat and the sun and the absurd amount of sweat that will inevitably come out of your body makes wearing tight clothes a nightmare.

Albania travel tip #17 – bring light, flowy clothes, leave the heavy materials & tight stuff at home!

Albania travel tips

I’d recommend packing the following clothing for Albania:

  • One athletic outfit.
  • CROCS – the ultimate adventure/beach shoe. Or TEVA’s if you want something a little more dressy.
  • A couple pairs of light/flowy pants (sun protection/avoiding the whole thighs sticking to chair thing).
  • 1 lightweight long sleeve (also for sun protection – one that can preferably be worn in water).
  • A BUNCH of flowy shorts and tank tops.
  • A lightweight cardigan/shall for more sun protection.
  • A hat that throws a decent amount of shade.

Here’s an extra tip – pack light and leave all the extras at home! You don’t want to carry around heavy bags in the sweltering Albanian heat.

Not necessarily an Albanian travel tip, but something I think is interesting and super cute.

Albania travel tips

Unless you’re at the beach you won’t find anyone outside during the hot Albanian summer days. Everyone hides inside, blasts the air con, or literally sits in front of a rotating fan until the sun goes down. THEN, sunset xhiro begins.

Xhiro translates to “walk” in English and this walk is a beloved Albanian pastime. In the cooler (and by cooler I still mean 80-90 degrees F) hours of the evening you will suddenly find all of Albania emerging from their homes and strolling around the city/beach.

You’ll have also noticed all the strangely empty patios and outdoor seating areas during the daytime hours – during Xhiro all these locations are PACKED and Albania becomes the most social place I’ve ever seen.

If you want to take part in a true Albanian pastime, set out for a sunset stroll or “xhiro.”

Downloadable Map of Albania

how to travel albania

I’ve created a map of Albania equipped with 200+ pinned locations including:

  • Hiking trails, national parks, caves, waterfalls & beaches
  • Historical, cultural & religious sites
  • Lodging options, restaurant recommendations & transit hubs
  • Main points of interest, big cities, beach towns and mountain villages

Each pin has photos, a description, direct booking links, and external itineraries (when applicable).

The map is downloadable to Google Maps on your phone and was designed to be a digital tour guide when you’re on-the-go.

This map has all of Albania’s best and will save you loads of pre-travel research time.

Happy adventuring!

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how to travel albania

About The Author

HI, I’m Taylor – the voice behind The Holistic Backpacker.

After moving to Banff National Park in 2020 I became an outdoor adventure enthusiast and vowed to never stop exploring.

I now spend my days travelling the world, climbing mountains, and spending nights under the stars in the Canadian Rockies backcountry.

I created The Holistic Backpacker so I could share my adventures and help connect people like you with the same amazing experiences.

GET TO KNOW ME | WORK WITH ME

how to travel albania

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  • Hiking trails, national parks, beaches, caves, & waterfalls 
  • Historical, cultural, & religious sites 
  • Lodging options, restaurant recommendations, & transit hubs
  • Main points of interest, big cities, beach towns, & mountain villages

This map acts as a digital tour guide & was designed with the intention of saving you pre-travel research time!

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Getting from A to B can be a little tricky in Albania – it’s best to be flexible, exercise patience, and to treat travel information as a guideline rather than gospel.

Most travel is conducted by bus ; the vehicles are usually fine, fares are cheap, and the roads are being improved. However, the authorities have so far steadfastly refused to build any official bus stations – fine in smaller towns, but a nightmare in a city as large as Tirana where matters are utterly confusing. Buses are sometimes supplemented by minibuses known as furgons , which are technically illegal, especially in big cities, though some still run undeterred; they tend not to depart until full and will often roam around town until they have enough passengers.

There are no international train connections to Albania, but the country has a small rail network. As part of ongoing construction projects in the north of the city, Tirana’s main train station has been demolished and relocated to the small town of Kashar near the airport. From here a limited service runs to a few destinations across the country.

Travel advice for Albania

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Albania

  • Culture and Etiquette in Albania
  • Eating and drinking in Albania
  • How to get to Albania
  • Sports and Outdoor activities in Albania
  • Travel Tips Albania for planning and on the go
  • Best time to visit Albania

Find even more inspiration here

Tirana, Albania © RussieseO/Shutterstock

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Andy Turner

written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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The 9 best places to visit in Albania

Anita Hendrieka

Nov 18, 2023 • 7 min read

Rear view of man crossing bridge, Accursed mountains, Theth, Shkoder, Albania, Europe

A hike to the Theth Waterfall can be combined with the trail to the Blue Eye © Ben Pipe Photography / Getty Images

Albania is slowly becoming the jewel of the Balkans due to its sparkling crystal waters, impressive mountains and affordability for all types of travelers. Come with an open mind and a rough plan, and be ready to be submerged in a rich culture like no other in Europe.

If you’re planning a trip to this magnificent destination and are looking for the most beautiful places to visit but have no idea where to go in Albania , we’ve got you covered.   

Descending from the Qafae Pëjes pass towards the village of Theth, Albania

1. The village of Theth

Best place for hiking and adventure lovers

Theth might just be the most peaceful place to visit in Albania. This small village nestled in between the Albanian Alps is perfect if you’re looking for the best hiking in the country and dramatic landscapes to enjoy.

There are two hikes you must do while visiting Theth . The first is the hike to the Blue Eye , which leads you through a forest, over rivers and finally to a vibrant blue natural spring. This hike is easy to moderate and perfect if you’re not an experienced hiker.

The second is one of the most popular in the country and one of the most beautiful: the Theth to Valbona  hike. This trail starts from the top of Theth village, near Guest House Gjelaj, and it leads you through the Albanian Alps to breathtaking views at the top. It’s not for the faint-hearted, as it will take roughly six to eight hours to complete – but you will be glad you did it!  

Planning tip: Make sure you bring cash with you, as ATMs can be hard to come by, and almost everything will need to be paid for in cash.

Old houses and orthodox church in the old city of Korce

Prettiest place in Albania

When you visit Korce, make sure to stroll through the Pazari i Vjeter , which is the old bazaar of the city. Here, you can admire the bazaar’s 13th-century style in the form of old cobbled streets and Ottoman-style architecture.  

When you visit this area, be sure to pop into The Kooperativa, a communist-themed cafe that gives you a glimpse of Albania’s communist history from 1944 until 1991. 

Try the traditional alcoholic drink called raki, made from distilled grapes and very popular in Albania. You might even catch someone having a glass of raki with their morning espresso!

Streets of Old Town Gjirokaster, Albania

3. Gjirokastra

Best city for Albanian traditions

Known as the city of stone, Gjirokastra is a UNESCO city in the south of Albania. It was the birthplace of the former communist dictator, Enver Hoxha. 

One of the best things to do here, apart from walking the bazaar and visiting the castle of Gjirokastra, is to wander around  Zekat e House .  This traditional family home was built between 1811-1812 and is a beautiful example of some of the most fascinating Albanian home and marriage traditions. When you visit, one of the family members will show you around and explain the different rooms and their purposes.

If you love wine and want a foodie experience, then you need to take a trip to Te Fucite  (The Barrels). This family restaurant and winery specializing in smooth handmade wine offers platters of local cuisine for you to try while overlooking their vineyard and the surrounding mountains.

Planning tip: Try the dish called pasha qofte , which is essentially a cream soup made from milk with small meatballs inside. It’s a delicious dish you can only find in Gjirokastër.

People enjoy time on the beach, play snooker or having good food in the reataurant

Best place to go for beaches  

If you’re looking for a destination where you can lay about, get a sun tan and enjoy a dip in the sea, then you need to visit Dhermi . It’s one of the pearls of the Albanian Riviera and home to many summer music festivals, including the Kala festival and ION festival .

With idyllic beaches, trendy beach bars and views that might make you never want to leave, Dhermi is a hotspot for younger generations looking for the hottest parties and the best vibes of the summer. 

Try Restaurant Luciano for delicious food overlooking the water, or head to Alevra restaurant and beach bar to try some mouthwatering seafood with a twist.

Planning tip: Make sure you book well in advance if you’re visiting in July and August, as hotels can be booked out due to the festivals mentioned above.

5. P ë rmet

Best for white-water rafting and mountain biking

On a bend in the fast-flowing turquoise Vjosa river, about 32km (20 miles) from Greece where the river springs, is the hub town of Përmet. From here you can organize adventure activities from white-water rafting to camping, hiking and mountain bike riding in the region. Once an Ottoman-era commercial center, Përmet is "one of the greenest and cleanest parts of the country" today. The Vjosa River was recently designated as a wild river national park , Europe's first. 

Detour :  A 29km (18-mile) taxi or bus ride away is the Bënjë thermal baths next to an Ottoman-era bridge on the Lengarica River (a tributary of the Vjosa). In summer, you can pick up supplies from small vendors here; in the off-season, bring your own food and drinks. 

Best northern city in Albania

The city of Shkodra  is a breath of fresh air and is unlike any other city in Albania. When you arrive, you’ll notice most of the population peddling around the city by bike. While you’re there, do as the locals do and hire a bicycle for the day. Then head down to Liqeni i Shkodrës to enjoy the beautiful lake views. 

While you’re in the area, make sure you visit Rozafa Castle and ask one of the guides about the legend of Rozafa. Also, when you reach the top, you’ll experience a magnificent 360-degree view.

Planning tip: If you would like to do the Theth to Valbona hike and don’t fancy taking your luggage with you, a popular option is to leave your bags in Shkodra at your accommodation. Shkodra is a great city to base yourself in, as transfers will leave from there to take you to either Theth or Valbona.

Most peaceful village in Albania

Lin is a quiet village positioned on Lake Ohrid, which means there is excellent fishing here. If you’re looking for a lake getaway and craving silence and tranquility, this is a perfect choice. 

One of the best things to do is walk to the archaeological site on the hilltop, where you’ll get to see the well-preserved mosaics of a Paleo-Christian church built in the 6th century. If you visit in the summertime, the mosaics will be uncovered, and there should be a guide who can tell you all about their history.

You also get an incredible view from the top of Lin and can see North Macedonia as you look over Lake Ohrid.

A boy jumps off a pier into the Mediterranean Sea in Sarande (Saranda), Albania

Most visited place in Albania during summer

Saranda is the southern gateway to the Albanian Riviera and one of the best cities to visit, not least because it’s close to one of the region's best beaches, Ksamil Beach. 

Get a hotel in Saranda, where you’ll be close to some of the best restaurants in Albania and the city’s buzzing nightlife. Then explore the beaches of Saranda and Ksamil during the day.

One of the best things to do from Saranda is to hop on one of the day trip boat tours that leave from the boulevard and go to the beaches of Kakome and Krorez. Tickets start from €30.

Planning tip: The best time to visit Saranda is in May, June or September when the crowds are not crazy but the beach bars and restaurants are open. As this is a summer destination, most businesses close during the off-season.

Fishing boats in the harbor of Porto Palermo

9. Porto Palermo

Most underrated Albania Riviera destination

The triangle-shaped castle is a great reason to stop at Porto Palermo castle, as are the beautiful, unspoiled and peaceful beaches you'll find here – making for an excellent camping spot along the Albanian Riviera coast. 

You can also rent a kayak and paddle along the beaches and quiet bays. As you kayak, you’ll see the old military submarine bunker situated on the hill not far from the main beaches of Porto Palermo. 

Porto Palermo is filled with history and spectacular swimming bays and has a peaceful positioning along the Riviera.

This article was first published October 2022 and updated November 2023

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Albania Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, albania - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Albania due to crime .

Country Summary : Law enforcement’s ability to protect and assist travelers is limited in some areas, especially in remote regions. There has been targeted violence associated with illicit drug networks and organized crime countrywide. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and the extent of police and emergency services in their area.

Read the  country information page for additional information to Albania.

If you decide to travel to Albania:

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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7 Easy, Affordable Countries To Visit as an American Tourist

Posted: April 26, 2023 | Last updated: June 28, 2023

<p>Summer travel is upon us, and maybe this year you've got your sights set on somewhere more far-flung than the United States. <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/category/saving-money/travel/?utm_term=incontent_link_1&utm_campaign=1222872&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=1&utm_medium=rss">Travel abroad</a> can be incredibly enriching and full of new experiences you can't get at home.</p> <p><strong><em>See: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/savings-advice/cities-plenty-jobs-cheap-housing/?utm_term=related_link_1&utm_campaign=1222872&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=2&utm_medium=rss" rel="">10 US Cities With Plenty of Jobs and Cheap Housing</a><br>Find: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/how-to-build-a-financial-plan-from-zero-1705027/?utm_source=msn.com&utm_term=related_link_2&utm_campaign=1222872&utm_content=3&utm_medium=rss" rel="">How To Build a Financial Plan From Zero</a></em></strong></p> <p>However, the cost to travel internationally can sometimes be prohibitive. Because of this, GOBankingRates contacted several travel experts to recommend the most affordable <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/travel/spring-vacation-planning-most-affordable-countries-to-visit-travel-insurance-factors/?utm_term=incontent_link_2&utm_campaign=1222872&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=4&utm_medium=rss" rel="">countries for Americans to visit</a> right now -- like these seven.</p>

Summer travel is upon us, and maybe this year you've got your sights set on somewhere more far-flung than the United States. Travel abroad can be incredibly enriching and full of new experiences you can't get at home.

See:  10 US Cities With Plenty of Jobs and Cheap Housing Find:  How To Build a Financial Plan From Zero

However, the cost to travel internationally can sometimes be prohibitive. Because of this, GOBankingRates contacted several travel experts to recommend the most affordable countries for Americans to visit right now -- like these seven.

<ul> <li><strong>Cost-of-living index:</strong> 36.39</li> <li><strong>Purchasing power index:</strong> 29.56</li> <li><strong>Grocery cost index:</strong> 28.39</li> <li><strong>Healthcare quality index:</strong> 53.05</li> <li><strong>Safety index:</strong> 60.48</li> <li><strong>Peacefulness index rank:</strong> 51</li> <li><strong>Average annual temperature:</strong> 59.0</li> </ul>

Charles Neville, with JayWay Travel , a specialist European custom tour provider, recommends Albania for food lovers.

He says, "Expect exceptional local produce and abundant fresh fish and seafood from the Adriatic and Ionian seas, combined with hearty traditional meat dishes, and more-than-decent local wine. Hotels work out to less than half what you'd pay for an equivalent property in western Europe."

Alex Gillard, the founder of Nomad Nature Travel , also raves about Albania, calling it "a great, relatively undiscovered country to visit as an American tourist."

He adds, "Depending on the season, you can get a 500 to 600 dollar round-trip flight. I've spent months in Albania and it is very safe, the food is an affordable and incredible mix of Greek, Italian and local fare, and you can rent a car and get around their beautiful country for very cheap."

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<p>Ande Wanderer, a travel writer and owner and editor of the travel site, <a href="http://wander-argentina.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wander Argentina</a> recommends Argentina not only for its affordable travel, but its excellent track record with COVID-19.</p> <p>"We have had continuous days with zero Covid deaths and 90% of the country is fully vaccinated." Additionally, there are no vaccine requirements to enter the country.</p> <p>He calls it one of the most affordable countries in the world to visit right now, where visitors "get double the pesos for their dollars." He recommends coastal Patagonia around Puerto Madryn to see whales, elephant seals, sea lions, and dolphins.</p> <p>Also, Buenos Aires is a culinary lover's best bet, "with $12 steak and Malbec dinners, never-ending cultural events...weekly street fairs such as the huge San Telmo Flea Market, all night milongas and dancing in the street, especially on Argentina's Independence Day, July 9."</p>

Ande Wanderer, a travel writer and owner and editor of the travel site, Wander Argentina recommends Argentina not only for its affordable travel, but its excellent track record with COVID-19.

"We have had continuous days with zero Covid deaths and 90% of the country is fully vaccinated." Additionally, there are no vaccine requirements to enter the country.

She calls it one of the most affordable countries in the world to visit right now, where visitors "get double the pesos for their dollars." She recommends coastal Patagonia around Puerto Madryn to see whales, elephant seals, sea lions, and dolphins.

Also, Buenos Aires is a culinary lover's best bet, "with $12 steak and Malbec dinners, never-ending cultural events...weekly street fairs such as the huge San Telmo Flea Market, all night milongas and dancing in the street, especially on Argentina's Independence Day, July 9."

how to travel albania

Andy Turlington, owner and travel advisor at Wildest Dreams Bookings in North Carolina, recommends Cuba, which is a short flight from Florida -- only about 100 miles from Key West.

"Cuba [has] interesting architecture, and the cars are a step back in time. Hotels in Havana start at about 50 U.S. dollars per night, but they have an Airbnb equivalent called 'Casa Particulars,' and many of them can be had for roughly 30 U.S. dollars per night."

<p>"Cuenca, Ecuador is a great, affordable, and interesting place to live, especially if you want to practice Spanish," said <a href="http://intentionaltravelers.com" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelle Chang</a>, an entrepreneur and travel blogger. "It's also not so exciting as to be distracting from getting work done."</p> <p>Living on a shoestring budget is easy in Cuenca. </p> <p>"Ecuador uses the US dollar, but the cost of living is less than half and so far, their inflation rate has remained below ours," Chang said.</p>

This South American country is also extremely affordable. Turlington says, "You can easily get by in this country on about 30 to 50 U.S. dollars a day."

He especially recommends the capital city of Quito, where meals can usually be had for less than five U.S. dollars. Additionally, a taxi will cost about two dollars "to pretty much anywhere," and the bus costs about 35 cents. "Hotels can easily be had for less than 35 U.S. dollars a night, and for the ultra-cheap, they have plenty of hostels as well for about 10 U.S. dollars."

<p>A country that's super affordable for an American tourist is Panama, according to Becca Siegel and Dan Gold, owners of the travel blog <a href="https://www.halfhalftravel.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">HalfHalfTravel.com</a>. "The reason is that flights are often cheap from major hubs, especially if you can fly to Miami first, or through Miami with a short layover."</p> <p>Once you land in Panama, they say that food, tours and accommodation are extremely affordable. "In Panama City alone, you can go walking in Casco Viejo, see the Panama Canal, excellent museums and experience great nightlife and culture."</p> <p>An extra bonus is that Panama uses the U.S. Dollar, so you won't have to do any currency exchanges, which they say is "super convenient for lots of American visitors."</p>

A country that's super affordable for an American tourist is Panama, according to Becca Siegel and Dan Gold, owners of the travel blog HalfHalfTravel.com . "The reason is that flights are often cheap from major hubs, especially if you can fly to Miami first, or through Miami with a short layover."

Once you land in Panama, they say that food, tours and accommodation are extremely affordable. "In Panama City alone, you can go walking in Casco Viejo, see the Panama Canal, excellent museums and experience great nightlife and culture."

An extra bonus is that Panama uses the U.S. Dollar, so you won't have to do any currency exchanges, which they say is "super convenient for lots of American visitors."

<p>South Africa isn’t often mentioned as one of the most tax-unfriendly nations in the world, but perhaps it’s being overlooked. Located at the very bottom of Africa’s continent, this country known for its safaris, minerals and beautiful landscapes taxes its citizens 45% on the high end, with corporations paying a flat 28% tax, regardless of industry. Overall, taxes contribute 27% to South Africa’s GDP. </p>

South Africa

Todd Sarouhan, owner of Go Visit San Diego and Go Visit Costa Rica, recommends Cape Town, South Africa for an affordable travel experience.

He says, "The most affordable countries are the ones where the exchange rate is in favor of the US Dollar. Cape Town is no stranger to being voted the best city in the world, the last time and for the seventh time running in 2019. Cape Town is a coastal gem, lying in the shadow of a cloud-hugged mountain where wine flows, penguins waddle and there's always something to do."

<p>While everyone has fantasies about retiring at age 40 or 50, the reality is that few people can afford this luxury, thanks in part to longer life expectancies. No matter how large your nest egg might be — or how frugal your lifestyle — retiring too early can ruin your well-laid financial plans and affect your quality of life down the line.</p>

Turkey is a great option for tourists wanting to go to Europe, Turlington says. "The lira has been greatly depreciated over the last 2 years or so, making Turkey a bargain hunter's paradise."

Istanbul offers some incredible cuisine, and plenty of historical locations and different architecture and religious sites. Istanbul has copious amounts of good hotels in the 50 US Dollar range as well. Armenia and Georgia are also lower cost options in this area of Europe.

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Albanian Lek card

Travelling from the UK to Albania? Spend effortlessly in Albanian Leke (ALL) with a multi-currency card.

40+ million worldwide customers use Revolut

Revolut offers so much more than a travel card. Exchange currencies, send money abroad, and hold 36 local currencies in-app. These are just some reasons why our customers rely on us for their travel spending.

How does a Albanian Lek card work?

How does a Albanian Lek card work?

How to get your ALL card

Get your Albanian Lek card in 3 steps

Join 40+ million people worldwide saving when they spend abroad with Revolut.

Order your free Albanian Lek card. Top up your balance in GBP or 36 other currencies.

Start spending in Albanian Leke.

Currency exchange fees subject to fair-usage limits and weekend markups. Currency exchange shown is only an indicative example.

Why should I get a Albanian Lek card?

Why should I get a Albanian Lek card?

Where is the Albanian Lek card available?

Where is the Albanian Lek card available?

Spend confidently with a Albanian Lek card

Spend confidently with a Albanian Lek card

How to save money when spending in Albanian Leke

Tips for saving money in Albania

No need to exchange cash before you travel — use your travel money card to spend or withdraw money from an ATM.

Choose the local currency when spending with your card in shops and restaurants.

Spend in Albanian Leke like a local with Revolut.

How to avoid unwanted ATM fees

How to avoid unwanted ATM fees

Need to make ALL withdrawals in Albania?

Fee-free Albanian Lek ATM withdrawals

Fee-free atm withdrawals up to £200, fee-free atm withdrawals up to £400, fee-free atm withdrawals up to £800.

ATM withdrawals are subject to fair-usage fees depending on plan. Currency exchange fees may apply.

What are you waiting for?

Save when you travel with a ALL travel card

Rating as of 14 Mar 2024

686K Reviews

2.7M Reviews

Need a little more help?

Albanian Lek currency card FAQs

Is it better to use a travel money card rather than cash in albania.

There is no 'best' way to spend in Albanian Leke, but here are some tips to help you save money:

  • Don’t exchange cash at the airport. It’s much cheaper to withdraw money from an ATM with your Albanian Lek card.
  • Don't carry more cash than you need. When you return home to the UK, you’ll have to re-convert this cash back to GBP.
  • Always choose ALL as the local currency when spending with your card in shops and restaurants.
  • Download the Revolut app, then sign up to get instant notifications on what you spend and manage your balance.

Are travel money cards safe and secure?

Where can i use my all travel money card, how much can i pay using my albanian lek card.

There is no limit to the amount that you can spend using your Albanian Lek card. Just top up in-app with however much you want and enjoy your travels.

How can I avoid unwanted ATM fees in Albania?

There are tonnes of benefits to a Albanian Lek card. Let’s look at a few:

  • Send and spend in Albanian Leke and 150+ other currencies.
  • No need to exchange or carry cash. Pay with your Albanian Lek card, either contactless or with chip and PIN.
  • No need to wait for your physical card to arrive. Instantly add your card to Google Pay or Apple Pay.
  • Create single-use virtual cards for safe online shopping or travel bookings.
  • Enjoy fee-free ATM withdrawals between £200 and £2,000 monthly, depending on your plan.
  • Get instant payment notifications to keep track of how much you spend.
  • Stay in control of your card’s security, with card freezing and spending limit controls.
  • Easily manage your spending around the world with the free Revolut app.

How do I get a Albanian Lek travel money card?

To order your Revolut debit card and start spending in Albanian Leke, simply:

  • Download the Revolut app on your Android or iPhone and sign up for free.
  • Order your free Albanian Lek card. Top up your balance in GBP or 150+ other currencies.
  • Get your card in the post or add it to Google Pay or Apple Pay to use it immediately.
  • Start spending like a local in Albanian Leke.

IMAGES

  1. Albania travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go

    how to travel albania

  2. Albania Travel Guide: Things to Do in Albania in 2020

    how to travel albania

  3. What to See in Albania

    how to travel albania

  4. Best Places to Visit in Albania in 2020

    how to travel albania

  5. The Best Places to visit in Albania

    how to travel albania

  6. Albania Travel Guide: Things to Do in Albania in 2019

    how to travel albania

VIDEO

  1. Albania:s tourism is booming #albania #travel #traveldestinations #beach #albaniatravel #nature

  2. HOW DANGEROUS is Albania

  3. Culture SHOCK In Tirana, ALBANIA

  4. Here are five of the best places to visit in Albania#travel#blog#topfive#bestof

  5. Has your country done a genocide to Albanians?

  6. We spent 48 hours in Tirana, Albania!

COMMENTS

  1. 22 Travel Tips for Albania: Things to Know Before You Go

    My top travel tips for Albania to save you money, time and stress. Read this before you go travelling in Albania. When I embarked on my 6-month overland journey through the Balkan countries, Albania was definitely the country I was most nervous about visiting. I had read all about the rugged beaches, high mountains and historic towns and castles - so I had no trouble deciding where to go and ...

  2. TRAVEL to ALBANIA

    Albania Visa Requirements. All EU citizens, as well as those from the USA, Canada, Australia and UK, can travel to Albania without a visa. The only condition is that they don't spend more than 90 days there. In total, there's 55 countries whose nationals don't need a visa for a 90-day stay in Albania.

  3. Albania International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  4. Albania Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    Albania Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources. These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  5. What You Should Know Before Travelling to Albania

    It is a safe country. The country does lie in an earthquake zone, and a 6.4-magnitude quake in 2019 killed 51 people. The epicentre was in Mamurras, in the northwest of the country, with tremors felt in Tirana. Life has gone on since the quake, and the government has since tightened up construction regulations.

  6. Albania Itinerary: Complete 2-Week Road Trip

    Below are our favorite places to stay for each destination on this 2-week Albania itinerary: Berat: Hotel Mangalemi, Tradita e Beratit Hotel. Gjirokaster: SS Kekezi, Argjiro Traditional, Hotel Argjiro. Ksamil: Ionian Hotel, Summer Point Hotel, Hotel Meta. Himarë: Scala Bungalows, Filoxenia Holiday, Guest House Solive.

  7. Albania Travel Guide 2024

    Albania is an incredibly affordable destination. This is the reason why many choose Albania as their holiday destination. You can grab a beer for about €1-2 and a meal between €5-10. A hostel bed with breakfast and a beer can cost as low as €10 and a hotel room for around €20-50.

  8. Albania Travel Guide 2023: All You Need to Know

    Taxis are also available for private transfers, and you should expect to pay around $3 for a 1.5-kilometer city fare. Car rental is another way of exploring Albania. You will pay around $15-$40 per day for a car, and the main roads between cities in Albania are relatively easy to navigate.

  9. Albania Travel Guide 2024 · Itineraries, Top Places, Beaches

    Best Time to Visit Albania. Albania is a stunning year-round destination, but choosing the best time to visit depends on your preferences.. Spring: This is when Albania's landscapes burst out in color, with wildflowers carpeting the hillsides and the countryside coming alive. Visit archeological sites like Butrint National Park and enjoy hiking in the serene valleys of Theth, witnessing the ...

  10. Albania travel guide: the BEST things to do in Albania and my top tips!

    10. Durres. Once the capital of Albania, this town is one of Albania's best beach towns, and popular with tourists and locals alike. It can get crowded, but the town is full of history, the beach is beautiful, and the restaurants are full of fresh seafood. You can also hike to the ancient amphitheatre.

  11. The Ultimate Albania Itinerary: 1 Week, 2 Week, and 3 Week Options

    Follow the two week itinerary, but add one day in Tirana and use it for a day trip to Kruja Castle, which is a wonderful stop on your Albania Itinerary. From Berat, you can add a side trip to Korca and/or Pogradec to enjoy some time on the Albanian side of beautiful Lake Ohrid. The renovated, lovely Korca Bazaar.

  12. Getting to Albania

    From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Albania. Culture and Etiquette in Albania; Eating and drinking in Albania; Getting around Albania: Transportation Tips; How to get to Albania; Sports and Outdoor activities in Albania; Travel Tips Albania for planning and on the go; Best time to visit Albania

  13. 10 Days in Albania: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

    Best Time to Visit Albania. Choosing the right time to visit Albania can enhance your travel experience, offering optimal weather conditions and a range of cultural events. Albania experiences warm summers and mild winters, with climatic variations between its coastal areas and mountainous regions. Spring (March to May): Spring is a delightful ...

  14. Albania travel

    Albania is slowly becoming the jewel of the Balkans due to its crystal waters, impressive mountains, and affordability for all types of travelers. National Parks. Albania boasts Europe's first wild river national park - here's why you should visit. Apr 6, 2023 • 3 min read. Best in Travel - 2023.

  15. The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Albania Itinerary

    Day 1 - Tirana. The most logical starting point for any Albania trip is its capital city of Tirana. Located in the north centre of the country, spending a couple of days exploring this dynamic and chaotic city is essential whenever you travel to Albania. Spend your first day seeing the highlights of Tirana.

  16. The Ultimate itinerary in Albania: for 5, 7 or 10 days

    Day 2: Berat. Berat, Albania. Extending your itinerary (1 day) - If you are planning 10 days in Albania, I would suggest an extra day here. If you are planning 7 days and would prefer to spend an extra day here, rather than the beach, you can add an extra day here. The drive from Tirana to Berat is around 1 hour, 45 minutes.

  17. Albania Transport: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Around Albania

    The buses in Albania will sometimes stop for hitchhikers too if they aren't full. If you are planning to travel Albania by bus, I have a whole post on the Albania bus timetables for the most popular routes. IMPORTANT: Only use my Albania bus schedule post as a guide. The Albania bus routes and times are more of a guideline.

  18. 18 Helpful Albania Travel Tips You Should Know BEFORE Visiting

    So, my 5th Albanian travel tip for you is to get to know the local people (it's not hard) and don't be shy about asking for help. 6. "Albania Time". Remember that whole unreliable bus thing I was just talking about. Okay, well that ties into the whole "Albania time" thing.

  19. Albania Travel Guide: How to Travel Europe's Best Kept Secret

    Albania is an insiders' tip - but that might soon change. More and more people are discovering Albania as a travel destination. And Albania has a lot to offe...

  20. How to Travel Around Albania

    Travel Around Albania by Furgon. Travel in Albania by furgon is how most locals get around. There will be a furgon to take you almost anywhere that is on a relatively main road. It is also possible to flag one down on the road and ask to be dropped off at specific points on the route.

  21. How to get around in Albania

    From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Albania. Culture and Etiquette in Albania; Eating and drinking in Albania; Getting around Albania: Transportation Tips; How to get to Albania; Sports and Outdoor activities in Albania; Travel Tips Albania for planning and on the go; Best time to visit Albania

  22. Best 9 places to visit in Albania

    Known as the city of stone, Gjirokastra is a UNESCO city in the south of Albania. It was the birthplace of the former communist dictator, Enver Hoxha. One of the best things to do here, apart from walking the bazaar and visiting the castle of Gjirokastra, is to wander around Zekate House. This traditional family home was built between 1811-1812 ...

  23. Albania Travel Advisory

    If you decide to travel to Albania: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter. Review the Country Security Report for Albania. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

  24. The next 50 years of travel

    In the past fifty years, Which? Travel has traced the changes in holidays from the first footsteps abroad for most Brits in the 70s to the boom in cheap flights that continues today. We were (rightly) sceptical about timeshares in the 80s and first picked Lisbon as an underrated city in 2000. ... Albania-on-sea. There has already been a lot of ...

  25. The world's smallest flag carrier airlines

    Air Albania (Albania) Fleet size: 3. Currently serving five destinations from its hub in Albania's capital, Tirana, Air Albania operates an all-Airbus fleet, consisting of one A319 and two A320s ...

  26. 7 Easy, Affordable Countries To Visit as an American Tourist

    Alex Gillard, the founder of Nomad Nature Travel, also raves about Albania, calling it "a great, relatively undiscovered country to visit as an American tourist." He adds, "Depending on the season ...

  27. Get your Albanian Lek Currency Card

    2. Order your card. Order your free Albanian Lek card. Top up your balance in GBP or 36 other currencies. 3. Spend like a local. Start spending in Albanian Leke. Currency exchange fees subject to fair-usage limits and weekend markups. Currency exchange shown is only an indicative example.