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Plan your next trip to Albania
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Albania is a holiday destination that seems to be topping just about everyone's bucket list at the moment - and for good reason. It's a truly beautiful place, with undiscovered landscapes and cultural treasures. Not only that, but Albania has a long coastline that's lined with picturesque beaches that feel like they have not yet become overrun by fellow holidaymakers.
No matter which sort of holiday you're after, whether you're planning your next family-friendly adventure or a relaxing beach holiday, we've got all the best and cheapest Albania holiday deals right here.
But better be quick - Albania's hidden gem status will soon become a thing of the past.
Yes, Albania is safe! After the reign of dictator Enver Hoxhas and the conflict with Kosovo, more and more tourists have been impressed by the beauty of this country.
Street crime can still be present at times, but it is certainly not widespread. It is safe for single travellers (even solo female travellers): from our experience, you can leave for Albania with peace of mind!
Adriatic coast: typical Mediterranean climate
Western mountains: continental climate
Average annual temperature: 16°C
Best time to visit Albania: July and August are popular tourist months, with temperatures up to 30°C and ideal water temperatures. Our favourite time to visit is autumn and spring. Thanks to the mild climate, you can go on cultural trips and discover different local towns, such as Tirana, Berat and Gjirokastër.
The worst time to visit Albania: January, when temperatures are between 6-12°C and the water is very cold.
If you're planning a trip to Albania, here are some helpful tips to consider before you go (and yes, trust us, we've been there!). Ready to take some notes?
1. Cash is KING 👑
While credit cards are accepted in larger cities like Tirana, smaller towns and rural areas mostly operate on a cash basis. ATMs are available in most towns (although these can come with a hefty withdrawal fee), but it's a good idea to carry enough cash with you, especially if you plan to explore more remote regions. The local currency is the Albanian lek (ALL), but euros are also often accepted in tourist areas.
2. Consider your transport needs 🚗
Albania’s public transport system is a mixture of buses and furgons (minibuses). Furgons don’t have fixed schedules; they just leave whenever they’re full. It’s an affordable way to travel between cities, but be prepared for variable departure times and indirect routes. For more remote destinations, increased flexibility or if you’re on a strict time schedule, we’d recommend renting a car (it’s pretty affordable to do so in Albania).
3. Buy a local SIM card 📲
Consider purchasing a local SIM card (or an e-SIM) for your phone, which is cheap and widely available. Vodafone and Telekom Albania offer good coverage. This will give you access to maps, communication and local apps, which will be particularly useful if you plan to travel off the beaten path where wifi might be scarce. Otherwise, where possible, make sure to download useful apps such as Maps.me, which offers offline maps and is particularly useful for hiking trails and lesser-known routes.
4. Watch out on the roads 🫣
Albania’s road infrastructure has improved, but you’ll still encounter endless potholes, unpaved roads and narrow mountain passes. If you rent a car, pay the extra supplement for a 4x4, rather than getting their cheapest and smallest option, especially if you’re exploring mountainous regions. Drive cautiously, especially at night, as road signs and lighting can be inconsistent.
5. Understand the tipping culture 💰
Tipping is not obligatory in Albania but it is appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip is common. For taxi drivers, it’s nice to round up to the closest lek.
6. Respect local etiquette and traditions 🕌
Albania is a predominantly Muslim country - make sure to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites, and behave respectfully.
7. Be prepared for language barriers 🫢
Outside of major tourist spots, English may not be widely spoken, especially by older generations. A basic understanding of Albanian phrases or a translation app can be helpful (even more reason to get an e-SIM!) Also, please note that nodding your head in Albania means 'no' and shaking it means 'yes' - we know that might get a bit confusing!
8. Immerse yourself by taking part in the 'Xhiro' tradition 🚶♂️
In the evenings, especially in smaller towns, locals take part in xhiro, a leisurely stroll along the main streets or boulevards. This is a great time to immerse yourself in the local culture, join the walk and take in your surroundings. Shops and cafes are often open late, making it a good time for leisurely exploring. It’s particularly great for summer holidays when you can wander around in the cooler evening instead of the super hot midday sun.
Albania is one of the most affordable countries to explore in Europe. But, if you're on a shoestring budget, here are our top tips for saving money while you're in Albania.
1. Withdrawal lek before you arrive or use euros 💶
Albanian lek is a less common currency, so you’ll struggle to buy it from most of your usual currency exchange offices. However, we’d advise you to use Manorfx, which has great Trustpilot reviews, and get some cash before you leave at a great rate. Alternatively, withdraw euros from your usual currency exchange and use them instead of lek. You’ll get your change in lek, but that’s ok (just don’t have too much lek left over as you’ll struggle to sell it back).
2. Use ATMs wisely 🏧
If you absolutely need to withdraw cash when you’re in Albania, choose ATMs linked to major banks like Raiffeisen or BKT to avoid high fees. Also, withdraw larger amounts to minimise transaction fees. Be aware that some ATMs charge a flat fee for foreign cards, so it's worth checking which ones offer better rates.
3. Take advantage of free activities or low-cost attractions 🥾
Exploring Albania can be done at a very low cost because lots of Albania’s attractions, like historical sites, natural parks, and beaches, are either free or have a minimal entry fees. For example, we’d recommend exploring the ancient ruins of Butrint or hiking in the Llogara National Park.
4. Use public transport 🚌
Opt for furgons (minibuses) instead of taxis, or rent a car or use a private transfer when travelling between cities. Furgons are much cheaper and cover most major routes. While they may not have fixed schedules, they are frequent and cost-effective, especially for solo travellers.
5. Travel in the shoulder season 🍂
Prices for accommodation, flights, and tours are significantly lower in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October). The weather is still pleasant and you’ll avoid the summer crowds, making your trip both cheaper and more enjoyable.
6. Eat where the locals do 🍴
Avoid touristy restaurants, especially in popular areas like Tirana or on the Albanian Riviera. Instead, look for local eateries, known as gostilnas or tavernas, where you’ll find authentic Albanian dishes at a fraction of the price. Try traditional foods like byrek, tave kosi, and fresh seafood.
The capital of Albania is the ideal place to start your holiday. It has a relaxed, urban feel. Art and culture can be found at every corner, and the city is also an exciting mix of architectural styles: from ramshackle Italian villas to grand communist buildings and extravagant skyscrapers, you can see it all here! The cityscape includes cute cafes and bars, green parks with an artistic touch, painted facades and markets with a wide variety of delicacies. If you want to learn more about Hoxha's dictatorial regime in Albania, you should visit the bunker and the House of Leaves. The National History Museum, the Et'hem Bey Mosque and Tirana's local mountain, Dajti, are also worth a visit.
Berat is one of the oldest cities in Albania and delights us with its cute, historic houses. Because of this, it is also known as the city of a thousand windows and was declared a cultural history city back in 1961. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, which is why no new houses can be built in three districts of Berat. From the castle fortress, you have a wonderful view over the city and can also visit churches and mosques.
Ksamil is a beautiful, famous seaside resort in Albania. It is located in the south of the country, about 15 kilometres south of Saranda. The small town has about 3,000 inhabitants and has beautiful beaches and bays.
The white sand and turquoise water give it a Caribbean feel. There are four small islands just outside Ksamil that can be reached by boat. There are also some excellent seafood restaurants. In high season, the beaches get crowded and prices are higher.
Butrint National Park covers almost 9,500 hectares and offers spectacular scenery. However, the main attraction of the park is the ancient site of Butrint, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts many tourists every year. The national park is an open-air museum in the middle of a southern European forest, surrounded by water and it's full of historical artefacts. Almost every empire has left its mark here, so you can feel like an archaeologist as you explore the many trails.
The best time to visit is in the early afternoon, when the tourist buses have already left.
The Blue Eye is a karst spring located about 30 minutes by car from the town of Saranda. This place is a natural paradise, surrounded by forests, lush green meadows and a light blue river that flows along the blue spring, sometimes gently, sometimes wildly. There are small bridges and footbridges where you can enjoy nature and take great photos. The spring itself looks like a giant dark blue eye, shimmering in infinite shades of blue in the sunlight. The karst hole is at least 50 metres deep, with bubbling water constantly rising from the bottom. The water temperature is around 12°C all year round, but it is well worth the effort as the water is so crystal clear that you can see all the way to the bottom.
Gjirokaster is an ancient stone town built on a steep mountain slope. The road to the old town is correspondingly steep. Its winding, steep alleys are best explored on foot - often via stairs, which is why Gjirokaster is also known as 'the city of a thousand steps'. It is considered to be the cultural centre of Albania, so there is a lot to discover here. Be sure to visit the castle, the ethnographic museum and the old mosque. Gjirokaster has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
The highest mountains in the country are in the north of Albania. The peaks reach up to 2,600 metres and are a hiker's dream. Mountain lakes, view points and unspoilt green nature characterise the landscape here. What's more, the north of Albania is definitely the least developed in terms of tourism! And while you're in the north, don't miss the historic Ura e Mesit bridge.
🏴☠️ Pirate tip: Be sure to hike from Valbona to Theth or vice versa. It is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in Europe.
Silt Island in the Karavasta Lagoon is the perfect destination for all animal lovers. Especially in early summer, you can find a wide variety of animal species here, especially the colony of Dalmatian pelicans. This colourful hustle and bustle, and the great diversity of species, are truly inspiring!
Gjipe Beach: Probably the most beautiful beach in Albania is located south of the town of Dhermi: Gjipe. You can reach it by a very good rental car (preferably an off-road vehicle or really careful driving) or by sea. However, the best way to get there is to park at the car park 20 minutes away and walk the rest of the way. As mentioned above, the road is difficult to drive on. However, you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania. The vastness of the bay ensures that you can always find a quiet spot, even in high season.
Porto Palermo: Porto Palermo has crystal-clear, calm waters, an unspoilt beach and a breathtaking view; you can see the historic fortress of Porto Palermo from here, built in 1800 and situated on a peninsula that can be visited today. Situated in the south between the towns of Himara and Saranda, Porto Palermo should be a stop on your journey south.
Borsh Beach: This beach is also not far from Himara. At seven kilometres, it is one of the longest beaches in Albania. The water is crystal clear, yet the beach is quiet and relatively tourist-free. There are a few restaurants and beach bars where you can hire sun loungers.
Buneci Beach: Buneci Beach (Plazhi i Bunecit) is a quiet beach surrounded by wild nature. There are a few bars, but you can easily find a quiet spot away from them. The water is crystal clear and somewhat cooler than elsewhere in Albania, as a mountain stream flows into the sea nearby. You can jump straight into the water from the jetty.
Ksamil Beach: Wonder where that renowned Instagram image of turquoise blue water and a jetty was taken? Exactly HERE! So if you want to tick the most famous beach in Albania off your bucket list, this is the place for you. With a drink from one of the numerous beach bars and restaurants, you can enjoy Maldives flair at its finest!
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Albania?
A: Like with many other European destinations, you can visit Albania without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Always keep up to date with the latest entry requirements.
Q: Is Albania safe?
A: Yes, Albania is considered to be a safe country. However, petty crime like pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas, so we'd always recommend staying vigilant of your surroundings.
Q: Which language is spoken in Albania?
A: Albanian is the official language of Albania; you'll find that English is spoken in touristy areas, especially by younger generations.
Q: Which local dishes should I try?
A: Albanian cuisine is heavily influenced by its Mediterranean heritage, so you can expect fresh seafood, olives and meat. Famous dishes include tavë kosi and byrek.
Q: Should I tip in Albania?
A: While tipping isn't mandatory in Albania, it is appreciated. A 10% tip on a restaurant bill would be considered generous; small tips are appreciated for taxi drivers and hotel employees.
Q: Are there any health precautions I should take before visiting Albania?
A: You should make sure that you're up to date with recommended vaccinations; it's always worth speaking to your doctor or a travel nurse if you're unsure. Tap water isn't considered safe to drink; we'd recommend using bottled water instead.