Albania
The last of the Mediterranean’s hidden gems isn’t so hidden any more, after multiple appearances on various “best of” travel lists in the last decade. Still… relative to its more famous neighbours, Albania is refreshingly untouched by tourists. But not for long. Every year, more and more people discover one of the world’s most unique destinations.
Rising out of the ashes of a hardline isolationist communism less than 30 years ago, Albania is a country that will beguile you as much as it frustrates you. There, it’s totally possible to have an entire UNESCO site all to yourself, discover totally uncharted territory, or meet locals who’re surprised by your very presence in their country. Learn a few phrases of a language that only a tiny percentage of the world knows, and you’ll already be 10 steps ahead of most visitors to the country.
In this guide, I’ll cover the basics of traveling around Albania, including the best things to see, general costs, and insider tips gleaned from seeing Albania with my husband, his family, and friends who actually live there.
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Best Things to Do in Albania
Albania is a full 10 times smaller than nearby Italy, but it’s attractions are surprisingly diverse. Hop on a crowded furgon to unpronounceable places, explore a museum made out of bunkers, and bask on an impossibly perfect beach, and you’ll soon realize just how incredibly unique Albania is.
Here are my recommendations for some of the best things to do in Albania. Fortunately, the country is geographically small, so you just might be able to check out most of these activities during your visit.
- take in panoramic views of Tirana from Dajti
- wander the UNESCO listed Berat and its 13th Century Castle in almost total solitude
- bask under the Mediterranean sun on a perfect pebbled beach in flashy Dhermi or chilled out Livadh
- eat spit-roasted lamb or goat on the side of a mountain
- scramble up the isolated Albanian Alps in Valbona or Theth
- seek out the Communist past at BunkArt or Komiteti
- escape the summer heat on the winding roads to Llogara
- party all night in Tirana’s Blloku
- dip your feet into the freezing waters of the Blue Eye in Albania (Syri i Kalter)
When’s the Best Time to Visit Albania?
The shoulder months of April to May and September to October are the best in terms of comfortable temperatures, but ask any Albanian, and they’ll tell you that summer is the best time to visit Albania. By far. I tend to agree. Because this is when the beaches of the Albanian Riviera roar to life, nightlife in Tirana’s Blloku rages until morning, and the town of Durres fills with Albanian diaspora from all over the world.
That said, you can enjoy Albania in pretty much any season. It has an enviable Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers, and mild, rainy winters. It rarely snows in Tirana, but if that’s what you’re after, you’ll definitely find it and all the corresponding winter sports, in the mountainous regions of the north.
A word of warning about the weather in Albania though. In winter, despite the mild temperatures, it can feel much colder indoors due to concrete construction, lack of insulation and poor heating. In summer, there can be rolling blackouts due to energy strains from an increased summer population.
It’s wise to remember that despite all its recent modernization, Albania is STILL a developing country, with a few kinks to work out.
Minimum daily budget: 30 EUR / 3,700 Lek and up
Albania is a very inexpensive country to visit. It you’re on a real budget, for 30 euro, you could share a twin room, eat local food, and travel around using public transport. If you want to take tours, party the night away, stay in nicer hotels, or eat foreign food, you need to budget more. And if you plan to visit Dhermi or the Albanian Riviera during summer, you’ll need to budget a LOT more.
Money Saving Tips
1
Have byrek for breakfast
Byrek is a traditional flaky pastry packed full of meat, cheese or vegetables. It's delicious and filling, and can be had for $1 or less in various cafes and restaurants around Albania.
2
Travel by furgon
Furgons are the mini-buses that most Albanians use to travel around. They can usually be found near any city bus depots. They leave whenever they're full. Don't be shy and prepare for a truly local experience.
3
Eat local food
Food is generally vary affordable in Albania. Don't be put off by basic looking restaurants. Find the ones populated by locals, check out the menu and have a seat. Tipping is not required, but you can round up your bill.
4
Don't confuse the money
About 60 years ago, the Albanian lek was appreciated 10 times, and you'll find that many locals still use the ``old`` system of counting money. Make sure you're not accidentally paying an ``extra zero`` for goods and services.
Related Travel Guides & Articles
Recent stories from Albania
Albania’s Top Tours & Attractions
If you’re a traveler who loves trailblazing through unknown territory, Albania’s a good place to do it… particularly outside of Tirana. You’ll have a blast simply trying to make yourself understood, since the Albanian language is, “unique,” to say the least.
However, if you have limited time, and would feel more comfortable with a little help navigating the language, culture and country, consider joining the following guided tours and activities.
Best Day Tours and Activities
- The UNESCO listed town of Berat is one of the best places I’ve visited in Albania. Book a full day trip to Berat from Tirana.
- Learn about Tirana’s Ottoman and Communist history, and see major sights from all eras on a guided walking tour. Reserve a Highlights of Tirana 3 hour tour.
- Explore Tirana’s sights and the medieval town of Kruja on this 7 hour tour that includes transport. Join a private day tour of Tirana and Kruja.
Best Multi-Day Tours
- Explore the Albanian Alps and the northern regions of Albania, on this fully guided 8 Day Tour. Includes accommodation, transport, lunches and dinners, ferry tickets and a local English speaking guide. Book a 8 day Food and Hiking Tour of the Albanian Alps.
- Experience the best of Albania in 8 days. Includes Tirana, UNESCO listed Berat, Gjirokaster, and Butrint + hotels, 3 course meals and a wine-tasting tour. Book an 8 Day North to South Albania Tour here.
November 12, 2019
Judith
HI Shelley,
I am going to Albania in August and we wanted to spend a week in the south coast but i happen to be overwhelmed as per the amount of choices and i thought it may be worth to check with you perhaps about 2 places were we could set base in and get some recs in terms of best beaches and restaurants. If you have any hotel recommendation I would be glad too. I am going with my mum (50) and my little sister (11) and we have already rented a car and want to have a good time while eating nice food and relaxing and enjoying ourselves.
I actually found your profile as i was looking for info for South Korea as we are heading there in 2 weeks. Thanks a mill
shelley
Hi Judith – wow, South Korea AND Albania in one year. Sounds like a great year of travel. Sooo Albania is a really small country, lined with beautiful beaches. I think you could drive over to Durres to check it out, and then drive down the coast to either Vlore, Dhermi, Sarande, or Ksamil. A beach I really enjoyed near Himare is called Livadhi Beach, so you could look into that. There are hotels and food available on the beach, and it has a really relaxed and peaceful vibe. It really depends how far you want to drive, but really all the beaches are gorgeous, and it’s easy to find food everywhere, near the beach. You can just walk along the boardwalks or in the towns and find something. Don’t worry!
Judith
thanks so much what an amazing message so appreciated!!
Elin Löfgren
Hi! thenks for all your great tips! I’m thinking about going to Albania this summer and I’m thinking about driving from Tirana to Dhermi and then back to the airport. Though I’m a bit worried about the driving. Do you have any experience from driving those roads?
shelley
He Elin, we have done that drive. People drive pretty fast, but the roads are mostly ok, and outside of Tirana and Durres, not very busy. It’s a bit scary driving through mountains in Albania, because there mostly aren’t guard rails on the sides of the road, and the roads are windy (at least when I went), but just go cautiously, and you’ll be fine. The landscape is absolutely stunning!!
Guy Reading
Albania looks awesome. Thank you for sharing the information. It will come in very handy this summer 🙂
shelley
You’re headed to Albania this summer? So awesome. Where are you planning to go? Let me know if you need any other tips – there’s so much I haven’t written about, but I’ve visited 10 times in the last 10 years. 🙂
Guy
Yes 🙂 As long as we can get there from the UK with no quarantine. We will travel from Budva. 1 night stay in Gjirkokaster, 2 nights in Ksamil and 5 nights in Himare. Himare will be our base for the most of it. Very excited.
shelley
Sweet! I think they opened a Komiteti in Gjirokaster, so be sure to check them out! Will you have a car in Himare? Livadh Beach is about 10 minutes drive from there. It’s one of my favourites in Albania. Very chilled out and relaxed vibes and gorgeous water. If you do go, be sure to find a restaurant called Olive Oil – it’s in a field behind the beach, and it’s owned by an Albanian family that makes home style food and grilled seafood everyday. They literally put all the dishes out in the kitchen, and you choose which ones you want… and then you eat at big picnic tables in the garden. You’ll get totally authentic Albanian dishes you can’t really find in restaurants there…and everything is delicious! We ate there literally everyday we were in Livadhi 🙂