Albania has a vivid, renowned history under the influence of ancient empires. Yet, the stories of the charming country itself remain mostly unknown. Today, this country of rugged mountains, clear seas and worn out bunkers is creating its own narrative for the whole world to acknowledge.
Holiday destinations in Albania
Albania is situated between Greece and Montenegro. It is a relatively new holiday destination with a lot of unspoiled nature to explore. Although most of the country's area is covered with mountains, the best-known and most developed holiday destinations, such as Durres and Saranda, are located on the coast.
Aside from the beach destinations, the Albanian capital Tirana is gaining popularity year by year. Tirana Airport is the only airport with several international connections.
The rugged mountainous region of Northern Albania, such as the Theth National Park and Valbona, is still largely out of reach for larger numbers of tourists due to weak public transport connections. Additionally, Albania has its own share of Lake Ohrid, which is more famous on the North Macedonian side, where there is an international airport.
The most famous sights in Albania
- Gjirokastra is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in southern Albania. The historic town is known for its Ottoman architecture.
- The city of Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its historic buildings and narrow streets.
- The atmospheric town of Shkoder on the shore of Lake Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in Albania.
- The archaeological site of Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage site near Saranda, where you can admire ancient ruins.
The ruins of the ancient city of Butrint. Photo: Päivi Ahola. - The Roman amphitheater of Durrës is the city's most famous landmark and one of the largest amphitheaters in the Balkans.
- The ruins of Apollonia: An ancient archaeological site near the city of Fier, known for the Temple of Apollo.
- Syri i Kaltër (the Blue Eye): One of Albania's most beautiful natural attractions, located near Saranda. It is a clear spring that resembles a blue eye.
- Theth National Park in northern Albania offers beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls.
- The fortress of Kruja is located in the town of Kruja. It is particularly known for the Skanderbeg Museum and the ethnographic museum.
- The beaches of Ksamil are located in southern Albania, near Saranda. Ksamil is a popular destination with crystal clear waters and fine sandy beaches.
Albanian Food and Drinks
Albanian cuisine is influenced by Greek, Balkan, Italian, and Turkish cuisines. Naturally, there are differences in dishes within the country – for example, the cuisine in southern Albania shows influences from Greece and Italy, while in the north, Balkan nuances can be found. In the coastal regions, one should try the Mediterranean specialties, while in the mountainous areas of northern and western Albania, the food is often heartier.
Famous Albanian dishes and a little about Raki
Byrek is known throughout the Balkans all the way to Turkey. The savory pie made from thin phyllo dough is filled with cheese (Byrek me djathë), meat (Byrek me mish), or spinach (Byrek me spinaq). Kolloface are sausages that are particularly popular in Korçë in eastern Albania, where sausages are a strong part of the cuisine.
Përshesh means crumbling. The dish consists of braised chicken, turkey, or lamb served on bread crumbs that absorb the juices during braising. Tavë Kosi is the oven-baked national dish of Albania, consisting of lamb braised in a yogurt-rice mixture.
Qoftet are spicy meatballs made from beef or lamb minced meat, which can be grilled or fried. They are often served with yogurt sauce. Petulla is a small dough ball or ring that is fried and often served with powdered sugar or honey.
Raki, that is usually made from grapes or plums, is the centerpiece of Albanian drinking culture. The beloved drink is part of the national identity and is drunk in both joyful and sad moments as well as for digestion. Sometimes, Raki is even offered with hotel breakfasts, which shows the straightforward Albanian hospitality and the desire to bring joy to their guests even early in the morning.
Weather and when to travel
While Albania has different climate systems, the coastal areas have a Mediterranean climate. The beach season takes place between the end of May and mid-October.
Early June and late September are especially excellent times for a vacation on the Albanian coast, as the hottest days of midsummer have not yet arrived or are already over. During these prime holiday times, the highest daytime temperatures remain at 22-26°C, and the sea water is over 20°C. During the hottest time of midsummer, daytime temperatures reach peaks of 33-40°C.
Price Level
Albania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe in every way. According to a study conducted by Eurostat in 2023, essential items for travelers, such as accommodation and restaurants, were the second cheapest in Europe after North Macedonia. On the other hand, prices for clothing and shoes correspond to the European average, so shopping in Albania is not exceptionally cheap.
Traveling in Albania
An obstacle for tourism is the still underdeveloped infrastructure. There are only a few international airports in the country, and the road network is in poor condition, making travel within the country take a lot of time.
Rail transport in Albania is limited and does not connect all major cities or tourist destinations. The trains are not very fast, and schedules can be irregular. For this reason, buses are often a more popular and practical option for traveling in the country, as they offer a wider route network and often shorter travel times.
Visa and Travel Documents
The visa requirements for visiting Albania can vary depending on the visitor's nationality. Generally, citizens from the European Union (EU), the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa for short stays (usually up to 90 days within a 180-day period). For stays longer than 90 days, it is advisable to check with the Albanian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information and requirements.
Safety
Albania is generally a safe country for tourists, and they are welcomed with open arms. However, beware of pickpockets on the busy streets and public transport in the capital, Tirana. Follow these general rules in such situations:
- Always keep your bags closed and carry them on the front side.
- Always keep your wallet in the front pocket or a closed bag. Do not carry large sums of money.
- Avoid carrying your passport when you are in the city. If you have it with you, pay special attention.
Albania is located in a seismically active region where earthquakes are possible. In the summer, wildfires may occur.
The Albanian road network is in poor condition, and lighting is inadequate. Avoid driving in the dark.
Payment Methods in Albania
In the larger cities and tourist areas, card payments are widely used and accepted as a common method of payment. However, it is advisable to always carry a sufficient amount of Albanian lek (LEK) as it can occasionally happen that only cash is accepted, especially in smaller towns and remote areas. This can be particularly true in rural areas or small shops and restaurants where the infrastructure for electronic payments may not be sufficiently developed.
