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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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.
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.
Recent stories from Albania
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.
November 12, 2019
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 🙂