Albania – Destination Guide

Albania is one of Europe’s most exciting under-the-radar destinations, where rugged mountains plunge into turquoise seas, ancient traditions remain strong, and mass tourism has yet to take hold. Sitting between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania blends Mediterranean beauty with Balkan culture, Ottoman history, and a fiercely proud local identity.

From hiking through remote alpine valleys to swimming off hidden Riviera beaches, wandering UNESCO-listed towns, and enjoying incredible food at outstanding value, Albania offers big experiences with a refreshingly authentic feel.

🏙️ Regions to Explore

🌆 Tirana

The colourful and energetic capital where Albania’s past and future meet.

• Explore Skanderbeg Square and Et’hem Bey Mosque
• Visit Bunk’Art museums inside former Cold War bunkers
• Discover the vibrant Blloku neighbourhood
• Enjoy café culture and nightlife at excellent value

🏔️ Albanian Alps (Theth & Valbona)

Wild, remote, and breathtaking, ideal for hikers and nature lovers.

• Hike the iconic Valbona to Theth trail
• Stay in traditional mountain guesthouses
• Experience dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and valleys
• Visit some of Europe’s least-touristed alpine villages

🏘️ Berat

A UNESCO World Heritage town known as the “City of a Thousand Windows.”

• Wander Ottoman-era houses stacked along the hillside
• Visit Berat Castle and the Onufri Iconography Museum
• Walk the cobbled streets of the old quarters
• Photograph one of Albania’s most iconic towns

🏰 Gjirokaster

A striking stone city with deep Ottoman roots and mountain views.

• Explore the imposing Gjirokaster Castle
• Browse the historic bazaar
• Visit traditional stone houses
• Learn about Albania’s cultural heritage

🌊 Albanian Riviera

One of Europe’s most underrated coastlines along the Ionian Sea.

• Swim in crystal-clear waters at Ksamil, Dhermi, and Himarë
• Relax on white-pebble beaches and hidden coves
• Enjoy seaside dining without crowds
• Watch unforgettable sunsets

 

✈️ Getting There

Major International Airports

• Tirana International Airport (TIA) – Main international gateway
• Corfu (Greece) offers ferry access to southern Albania

Airport Transfers

• Affordable taxis and private transfers
• Car hire widely used for flexibility
• Buses connect Tirana with major regions

🚐 Getting Around

• Minibuses (furgons) connect most towns
• Car hire recommended for rural and coastal areas
• Roads are improving but mountain travel is slow
• Taxis are inexpensive in cities

🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements

• Visa-free entry for many nationalities for up to 90 days
• Passport validity of at least 3 months beyond departure
• No Schengen visa required
• Apply for e-Visa at https://e-visa.al/
• Always check current entry rules before travel

💰 Money & Costs

• Currency – Albanian Lek (ALL)
• Cash widely used outside major cities
• ATMs common throughout the country
• One of the best value destinations in Europe

🍽️ Food & Drink

Hearty, fresh cuisine influenced by Mediterranean and Balkan flavours.

• Byrek pastries with cheese, spinach, or meat
• Tavë Kosi (baked lamb and yoghurt)
• Fërgesë with peppers and cheese
• Fresh seafood along the Riviera
• Local wine, espresso, and raki

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April–June) – Ideal weather and hiking conditions
• Summer (July–August) – Hot, beach-focused travel
• Autumn (September–October) – Warm seas and fewer crowds
• Winter (November–March) – Quiet and cultural

🏞️ Top Experiences

• Hike between Valbona and Theth
• Wander Berat and Gjirokaster old towns
• Swim in Ksamil’s turquoise waters
• Explore Cold War bunkers in Tirana
• Drive the Albanian Riviera coastline

🎒 Packing List

• Lightweight summer clothing
• Layers for mountains
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Swimwear
• Sun protection
• Daypack
• Universal power adapter

⚙️ Practical Info

• Electricity – 230V, European two-pin plugs
• Water – Bottled water recommended
• Vaccinations – Routine travel vaccines recommended
• Travel Insurance – Strongly recommended
• Safety – Very safe with low violent crime
• LGBTQIA+ Travelers – Same-sex relationships are legal, but Albania is socially conservative. Tirana is the most welcoming, and discretion is advised in rural areas.
• Tourist Taxes – No nationwide tourist tax currently
• Connectivity – Good coverage; affordable local SIM cards. Using an eSIM is our recommended choice while travelling anywhere in the world, and our recommended provider is Holafly. For more information on eSIMs, check out this blog.

💬 Language & Etiquette

Language

• Albanian; English widely spoken by younger generations

Etiquette Tips

• Hospitality is a core cultural value
• Guests are often offered food or drinks
• Dress modestly in rural and religious areas
• Learning a few basic phrases is appreciated

❤️ Why Visit Albania

Albania offers wild landscapes, rich history, welcoming locals, and outstanding value, all without the crowds found elsewhere in Europe. It feels raw, real, and refreshingly undiscovered.

For travellers seeking beaches, mountains, culture, and authenticity in one place, Albania delivers far more than expected.