ALBANIA TRAVEL GUIDE – Discover Europe’s Hidden Gems

ALBANIA – The hidden gem of the balkans

Situated in Southeastern Europe, Albania enjoys a prime location along the sea, with a stunning coastline facing both the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
Albania is a great choice for anyone looking for a destination that’s yet not found by the masses, thus offering more authenticity. The country offers an interesting mix of history, breathtaking landscapes and offbeat places, if that’s your thing.
Wander through the ancient ruins of Butrint, relax on the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera, or hike the scenic trails of the Accursed Mountains. Albania offers a diverse and enriching travel experience. You’ll be captivated by the country’s rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and delicious cuisine, making it a must-visit destination in the Balkans.

Population

2 800 000

Capital

Tirana

Language

Albania (Italy, greek, englsih)

Currency

Lek, but Euros are widely accepted

visa

Visa-free entry for EU, US, and more for up-to 90 days

Read further from Official authority website

weather

Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Time zone

uTC+2

basic phrases in albanian

Hello / Greetings:
Përshëndetje

Thank you:
Faleminderit

Excuse me:
Më falni

Overview of Albania

History

Albania, nestled in the Balkans, has a rich history that begins with the ancient Illyrians. Over the centuries, it has been influenced by the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, each leaving their mark on the country’s culture and architecture. The medieval period saw the rise of local principalities and kingdoms, such as the Kingdom of Albania and the Principality of Arbër.

In 1912, Albania declared its independence, marking a new chapter in its history. The 20th century brought significant political changes, including a period of communist rule under communist dictator Enver Hoxha. The communist regime fell only a few decades ago, meaning the majority of the population still remember the good and the bad. Visitors are encouraged to visit the Bunk’Art museums to learn more about the country’s unique history. Today, Albania is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, from the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines to the rugged mountains, and its warm hospitality.

Climate

The climate of Albania is Mediterranean on the coast, but slightly more continental in the interior. Typically, you can enjoy warm weather from May to October, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C and often reaching up to 40°C along the coast. From October to April, Albania experiences its rainy season, particularly in the central uplands.

safety

Albania is a relatively safe country to visit, even for women travelling solo. Traffic might feel a little chaotic to some, hence driving is only recommended for very confident drivers. Locals might not know or obey the traffic laws creating dangerous situations.

Top attractions and activities

Albania has a lot to offer, from beaches, and untouched nature to historic and cultural experiences. Discover the best attractions and activities in Albania.

Albanian Riviera

In the southern part of Albania you should make your way to the Albanian Riviera, a coastal paradise promising breathtaking beauty. Some of the nicest beaches in Europe are found here.

Berat

Around in the middle of Albania, 120 km from the capital you can find the culture-rich town of Berat, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, also known as the “town of a thousand windows“, or “the city of one over one windows” because it consists of white Ottoman-era houses that climb up the hillside, gazing down the city with thousands of windows.

Tirana

Tirana, the vibrant capital of Albania is worth visiting. It blends history and modern architecture in a mesmerizing way. You’ll find buildings from the past, with really high modern buildings right next to them. Visiting Tirana also allows you to learn more about the countrys history, with its museums and historical sites such as the Skanderberg Square located in the heart of the city, dominated by the Skanderberg monument built for a national hero of Albania.

Dajti Express

While you’re at Tirana, you should head to Dajti Express, the longest cableway in the Balkans taking you from the city to the heights of Dajti Mountain. The ride itself is breathtaking, and the views from the mountain are spectacular. The area offers plenty of activities from minigolf to an adventure park. Additionally there is a great restaurant offering local dishes for a very affordable price, which are definitely worth trying.

practical information

Visa requirements

As of 11/2024 a Visa is generally not needed; Schengen, US or UK citizens may enter without a visa. Passport needs to be valid at least 3 months after the date you leave the country.

It is always advised to check if any requirements apply to you. Up-to-date visa information can be found from Albania’s Europe and Foreign Affairs Ministry’s website. Unfortunately the link to a comprehensive visa regulation table for foreigners is broken on the ministry’s website. As of 11/2024 Wikipedia seems to hold an up-to-date list of Visa requirements.

Vaccinations to visit albania

In general no specific vaccinations are required.

Language

Albania’s official language is Albanian, however the younger generation and some of the older people in the most touristy areas also communicate moderately well in English. Italian and Greek are widely spoken. I recommend you to learn a few words and phrases of Albanian before visiting, as they will at least help you show respect towards the locals, which they will often pay you back.

how Much time to spend in albania?

Generally I would not require anything under 5 days. From my experience I’d recommend starting with a 7-day visit. A 7-day trip allows you to see most of the main attractions and experience the greatest activities, but you’ll also learn what you would like to see next time. Yes, you will want to come back.

Is albania expensive?

While tourism in Albania is growing rapidly, it’s still relatively cheap, except for the most touristy and popular areas such as Saranda in the Albanian Riviera. Below are listed some typical prices from Albania. 1€ is typically around 100 Lekes.

  • Coffee 100-200 lek
  • Bus ticket 150 Lek
    • Intercity bus E.G. North to south varies at 1000-2000 Lek
  • Beer 200-350 Lek
  • Accommodation is very affordable; for 2000 Lek per night you get a lot of bang for the buck and even cheaper solid options are available

Cash or Card?

Accepting card payments in Albania is getting more usual, but cash is still however the only method of payment in many places. I recommend exchanging around 100-200€ at the airport, depending on what you are planning to do. You can of course withdraw more cash later if needed, but typically this amount is sufficient as you will be able to pay by card quite often.

Is Albania religious?

Yes and no. While a little over half of Albania’s population are Muslims, It is not considered as a Muslim- nor a religious country. You will find plenty of mosques and churches, but faith is not really publicly displayed. From my experience you can dress quite freely anywhere in the country, but should cover up if visiting a mosque.

Can i drink alcohol in albania?

Albanians serve, sell and consume plenty of alcohol, regardless of their religion. Alcohol is typically very cheap. However you might find a hard time finding certain soft drinks such as Smirnoff or Breezer. Only the best equipped supermarkets sell these. You could still find some similar alternatives, however.

What is the best time to visit albania?

Temperature-wise the best time to visit Albania is from May to September, August being the hottest and most touristy. The crowds are still not comparable to more popular countries, so in my opinion you can still go in August and enjoy your stay.

August is also guaranteed to offer the hottest weather if that’s what you seek. Word of advice though; it can get hotter than 40 °C especially along the coast, which is too hot for most activities.

If you wish to make sure you’ll get to enjoy the tranquility, consider visiting in September or later. The weather and water will obviously start cooling down late September, and from October on most places will start closing up and ending the season.

Food and drinks

where to stay


unsure what to pack? Feel like you are forgetting something?

I’ve put together a packing list to help you travel easier.

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