Your guide to Albania
Top destinations in Albania
Tirana
One of Europe’s most underrated capitals, Tirana blends Soviet-era architecture with edgy neighbourhoods filled with leafy patio bars and colourful street art.
Albania: fast facts
| Language | Albanian |
|---|---|
| Currency | Albanian lek (L) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
Albania highlights
Ghosts of communism
Albania spent decades behind the Iron Curtain, most of it under the rule of dictator Enver Hoxha. The scars from that era are visible in the thousands of concrete bunkers that dot the landscape. Today, some have been turned into contemporary art galleries. In Tirana, the House of Leaves museum tells the story of Hoxha’s extensive surveillance state.
Castles and ruins
Albania’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites are all worth visiting. They include the archaeological site of Butrint, with ruins dating to prehistoric times. The cobblestone streets of historic Gjirokastër lead to a centuries-old Ottoman castle with sweeping valley views. Berat, nicknamed ‘The City of a Thousand Windows’, tells a fascinating story of religious coexistence between medieval Christians, Muslims and Jews.
Albanian Alps
One of the best things to do in Albania is hiking. In the northern part of the country, the Albanian Alps contain some of Europe’s most challenging trails. A popular route runs from Valbona to Theth, winding through dense beech forests and waterfalls. Charming mountain villages along the way brim with local hospitality, and have guest houses that cater to hikers.
Things to do in Albania
Top attractions
Step back in time while strolling Berat’s 2,000-year-old cobblestone streets. Roaming the Roman ruins of Butrint National Park is a must to see the Greek theatre and Venetian castle. Pack binoculars as hundreds of migratory bird species pass through the park. The turquoise waters of Blue Eye attract visitors looking for a photo op. Come early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Beaches
Arguably the best-kept secret in the Mediterranean, the Albanian Riviera (or Bregu) is where you’ll find the top beaches in Albania. Ksamil is known for its beach clubs and water sports, while larger Sarandë has sprawling resorts and a buzzing nightlife. A few miles away is the mysterious Blue Eye, a cold spring so deep that nobody is said to have touched the bottom.
Nature
Getting out on the water is a must on your Albanian getaway. That could be a boat trip up the crystalline waters of the Shala River. Or it could be a day of rafting on the Vjosa, one of Europe’s last wild rivers and the backbone of the country’s newest national park. Take a dip in a thermal bath, or spot Dalmatian pelicans from the shores of Lake Shkodra.
Culture and museums
Discover the story of a turbulent past in some of the best museums in Albania. The National History Museum in Tirana has exhibits dedicated to the Albanian nun Mother Teresa. In northern Shkodra, the haunting Site of Witness and Memory is a prison turned memorial to the victims of communist repression. Also in Shkodra, the Marubi Museum showcases excellent photography.
Cuisine
Albanian cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan influences. You’ll generally find more meat and pasta in the north and more citrus and seafood in the south. Restaurants in Albania serve dishes like ‘byrek’ (savoury pastry), ‘tavë kosi’ (lamb casserole baked with yoghurt) and ‘fërgesë’ (a stew of tomato, feta and peppers). Good news for vegetarians: Albanians are among the world leaders in fruit and vegetable consumption.
Family friendly
Near Tirana, the Dajti Express cable car leads to a mountaintop adventure park complete with mini-golf, rollerblading and ponies. Nearby is Bunk’Art 1, a former bomb shelter that’s been turned into an art museum. Feeling a bit adventurous? Spend a weekend rafting through the three-million-year-old Osumi Canyon or along the Vjosa river.
Find the best time to visit Albania
Weather in Albania
March – May: Thanks to its mild weather and thinner crowds, spring might be the best time to visit Albania. Come May, the walking trails see more traffic as wildflowers bloom.
June – August: Summer is the time to hit the beach. You’ll enjoy dry, warm weather and perfect swimming conditions. Expect higher prices and more tourists in Sarandë and Ksamil.
September – November: Cooler temperatures make autumn a good time to head inland to soak up the end of Albania’s walking season and enjoy some harvest festivals. October is wet, and November is even wetter.
December – February: Albania’s coldest months bring rain to the southern coast and snow to the northern mountains. Which is great news if you’re looking to hit the slopes at Bigëll-Dardhë in Korçë.
Events in Albania
Spring Day (March): The parks and squares of Elbasan and Tirana come alive with acrobats and musicians in this celebration of spring that dates back to pagan times.
Kala Music Festival (June): This indie electronic music festival in Dhërmi features open-air beach stages, a wellness programme and more.
Tirana International Film Festival (October): This week-long festival showcases the top cinematic talent from the Balkans and beyond with more than 200 screenings, plus awards and parties.
Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival (varies): Every five years, tens of thousands of visitors flock to the UNESCO site for this celebration of traditional music and dance, making it one of the largest cultural events in Albania.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
Albanian head gestures can be confusing. A nod means ‘no’, while shaking your head side to side means ‘yes’. Dress modestly when visiting churches. A tip of about 10% is appreciated in restaurants. But above all, keep to your word. Albanian culture runs on ‘besa’, a sacred pledge of honour.
Health and safety
Be prepared for intense summer heat along the coast, and watch out for heat-related conditions like dehydration and heat exhaustion. Use insect repellent to guard against any mosquito-borne illnesses. The tap water in Albania is not always safe to drink. It’s best to stick to bottled water.
LGBTQ+ travel
With its majority Muslim population, Albania is a historically conservative country that still does not legally recognise same-sex marriage. But social attitudes can vary a lot depending on where you are. Tirana is the most liberal city and even hosts small Pride parades. Though harassment is uncommon, it’s best to avoid public displays of affection in rural areas.
Budget
This is a great destination for travellers looking to experience all the beauty of the Mediterranean on a strict budget. The average short taxi ride is around 1,500 Albanian lekë (L). You can grab a cheap meal for as little as L1,000, and a coffee or local beer costs around L200.
Getting around Albania
Public transport
Buses: This is the cheapest and most flexible way to get almost anywhere you need to go in Albania. There’s also a network of minibuses, called ‘furgons’, that runs between towns and cities.
Trains: Albania’s sparse rail network was created in the Soviet era and hasn’t changed much since. Unless you’re into slow, nostalgic travel, skip these vintage trains and opt for a bus instead.
Boats: The Corfu-Sarandë ferry operates daily, with fast and slow boats crossing the Ionian Sea in 30 to 90 minutes a few times a day. There are also overnight ferries to southern Italy from Durrës and Vlorë and a spectacular two-and-a-half-hour car ferry across Komani Lake between Koman and Fierza.
Domestic flights
Albania is a small country, so there are no domestic flights between cities. Most international flights land in Tirana. From there you can navigate by bus or car.
Driving
With so many scenic landscapes, Albania is a great place for a road trip. Some rural roads are poorly maintained, and the steeper mountain passes can be windy, so stay alert. Finding a vehicle with automatic transmission can be a challenge.
