The underdog of the east, Albania travel is a new concept. Sitting in the southeast of the Balkan Peninsula, a stunning riviera, pristine beaches, exceptional food and warm smiles from friendly locals characterise Albania travel. Yet, somehow, it is still far from the tourist trail.
With a turbulent recent history, Albania opened the doors to travellers after ending communist rule in 1991. With tumbleweed running through grey cities, mountain trails, ancient sites and across beaches, the gates were only open to those curious enough to walk through them. However, in recent years, Albania’s coastal travel accolades have been coming in. Suddenly, Europe’s best-kept secret is getting out, and quite rightfully so.
Albania mixes up a stunning variety of treats for you. Whether you are looking to sunbathe in the Albanian Riviera, hop through history in the cities of Albania or are looking to explore archaeological ruins from the Illyrians, Romans, and Greeks; Albania travel is packed up neatly in a little package that many have not explored yet. In this Albania travel guide, we’ll unpack what is in store for you;
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When to Go to Albania
The best time for Albania tourism is from April to June and September if you are looking to explore the cities and mountains on an active holiday.
If beach time is what you are looking for, these times are also good, however, if scorching hot temperatures are what you are looking for, July to August is peak season, when beach lovers flock to the Balkan coasts to toast under the midday sun. While you will definitely not be alone, this is the best time to sunbathe.
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Things to Do in Albania
Tirana
A vibrant cocktail of Western European and Middle Eastern architectural influences, Albania’s Tirana whispers of its communist past with an electric atmosphere that is characterised by colourful buildings, modern hotels and restaurants. The city is bursting with energy that sits in stark contrast to the ‘worst city in Europe’ accolade Tirana once had.
Albania’s Tirana is small and often chaotic, however, no matter what kind of tidal wave of traffic you end up in, you’ll still cover everything there is to see in this city in one day. Starting from Skanderbeg Square like in this trip to Albania, your time in Tirana will be filled with historical insights followed by stories of the city’s rapid colourful makeover; it’s quite inspiring.
Fun Fact: Tirana is one of the only capitals in the world without a McDonalds.
Durres, Albania’s Beach City
Of all the cities in Albania, Durres is a must if you are looking for some beach time. Practically a coastal extension of Albania’s capital, Durres is often referred to as the eternal city with its 3,000 years of history.
Looking out to the Adriatic Sea, Durres has a Mediterranean air that becomes a haven for beach lovers in the summer months. However, the historian in you may be more interested in the many international settlers that came to build here. From the Roman amphitheatre to the castle and royal villa, Durres will introduce you to the archaeological treasures of Albania.
Apollonia, Albania’s Ancient History
Part of ancient Illyria, Apollonia is an ancient Greek settlement city in the Fier region of modern-day Albania.
Apollonia has a long history as one of the most imminent cities in the Adriatic basin during Greek Antiquity and continued to be throughout the Roman Empire, although it never lost its Greek character and style. The city continued to be at the heart of economic power in the region until it was abandoned at the beginning of the Medieval ages.
Now a prominent archaeological site that is a must-visit, just like in this tour of Albania, Apollonia is considered to be one of the most important citations of ancient Albanian history.
Saranda and Himara
Sitting at the heart of the Albanian Riviera, Saranda hugs the Adriatic Sea, and the Mediterranean soils hug Saranda. With a backdrop of the Ionian Hills on one side and olive groves on the other, this is the perfect sun-kissed Albania destination as you’ll discover on this 9-day Albania family holiday.
Having once been a quiet fishing village, Saranda is now a thriving city that opens its arms to Albanians and travellers alike come the summer months. A gateway to spectacular beaches and coastal explorations, Saranda’s charms are hidden between upmarket hotels.
If Saranda is the gateway to the Albania Riviera, then Himara is the front door. Surrounded by rugged capes and bays, Himara is the capital of a region that is backed by dramatic mountain ranges and fronted by unforgettable beaches, as you’ll discover in this 8-day Albanian Riviera trip.
As with most cities in the Albanian Riviera, Himara has a Greek past; reportedly founded by the Greek god Apollo, the city was inhabited by Greek tribes for centuries and became a symbol of resistance against the Ottoman Empire. The majority of locals still speak Himariot, which is a Greek dialect that changes from town to town.
The Curious City of Gjirokaster and Hadrianopolis
Albania’s stone city, Gjirokaster is an Ottoman-built layer cake of Byzantine, Greek, Albanian and Sufi architectural wonders that will captivate you in moments. However, it hasn’t always been this way; not so long ago Gjirokaster was a political prison during World War II and the communist era and a centre for executions in the country.
Moving back to the positive, Gjirokaster is a beautiful city to explore on foot, whether that’s hiking up to Ali Pasha’s fortress or exploring the stunning Ottoman Bazaar, this is Albania’s oldest and easily most beautiful city.
Constructed in the second century, Emperor Hadrian must have been proud of Hadrianopolis to name it after himself. Today, this is still the most important Roman ruins in southern Albania. The most impressive and most prominent of the ruins of the city is the amphitheatre, which is expected to have seated hundreds of spectators. Next to the theatre is Roman baths which are thought to have been created in the same era.
For the sake of continuity, 400 years later, the Byzantine Emperor Justine named it Justinianopolis; however, there are no notable findings from this time.
You can visit both Gjirokaster and Hadrianopolis in one day, as you’ll see on this 11-day Albania ancient ruins and UNESCO world heritage tour.
Ottoman Albania: Berat
The cradle of Albanian history, Berat is the perfect illustration of the many international settlers that came through Albania’s country over millennia. Once an Illeryian settlement, Berat came into the limelight during the Ottoman era when its iconic stone houses were built, gaining its title as the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’.
From the castle and the Osumi River that runs through it to being home to the best ethnographic museum in the Balkans, there are few reasons not to visit Berat!
How to Get Around Albania
As a country where travel is relatively new, the choices for travelling around Albania are limited;
Bus
There are no bus stations; however, if you are travelling by yourself, the local buses will be the easiest way to get around. Although not the fastest, the local, and slightly illegal fourgons will make their way around cities like Tirana until they are full and then depart to their destination. Alternatively, you can opt for the legal version and wait at the designated stop until the bus collects you. This is a faster, yet more expensive option.
Private Driver
If you are travelling with Designer Journeys, you’ll travel around Albania, and perhaps to the neighbouring Balkan countries like Croatia, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a private driver and car. This is the easiest way, as you do not need to rely on roughly estimated bus schedules and can leave in your own time. Private travel is the most popular means of exploring Albania and our Local Designers in Albania are here to lead the way!
Plane
Travelling by plane in the Balkan Peninsula is expensive and sometimes unnecessary as the countries are so small. The only airport is in the capital of Albania, Tirana. Sometimes it is easier to fly to an airport in one of the neighbouring countries, such as Montenegro, and go from there.
Where to Stay in Albania
Tirana
As Albania’s compact capital, Tirana’s city centre puts you at the beating heart of this lively city. However, if you would like to be more in touch with everyday life in Albania, you’ll also have the option to stay in a residential area and still be within walking distance of the action.
While bucket-list travellers will look to the Tregu Cam, Zone 1 for international hotels in Tirana or the luxurious Blloku, those looking for a more local feel should look to 21 Dhjetori. The truth is, no matter where you choose, you’ll find affordable, centrally-located accommodation.
Albanian Riviera
A stunning vista of sheltered bays awaits in the Albanian Riviera. With many of the Riviera’s beaches becoming crowded in the summer months, knowing all of your options is essential.
Filled with beachside charm, Himara remains sleepy and peaceful, making the little cottages and cosy local accommodation options perfect for a city escape. Similarly, small villages like Ksamil and Porto Palermo offer stunning views, quiet spaces and some of Albania’s top resorts that are ideal for walkers and beach lovers.
Saranda
While still in the Albanian Riviera, Saranda is worlds apart from the quiet, serene landscapes of Porto Palermo and Himara. A lively hub and packed to the brim with accommodation options, Saranda is ideal for party-goers and families alike.
Ranging from guesthouses to hostels and luxurious resorts, you will not be short of options, however, staying a little outside of Saranda comes highly recommended.
Gjirokaster
A spectacularly located town, staying in Gjirokaster is essential for your trip to Albania. For the best experience, staying within the fortress walls will guarantee amazing views. Although the old town presents a challenging hike, waking up in the morning with the Albanian mountains as a backdrop is quite something!
Food & Drink to Try in Albania
Finding itself in the Balkans next to food capitals such as Croatia and Greece, it’s no surprise that Albania has such flavoursome cuisine;
Byrek
An Albanian version of the Greek, spanakopita, byrek is a salty filo pie filled with spinach and cheese; you’ll also see versions with meat. The cheese version is a favourite among vegetarians who will revel in the options that Albania has to offer!
Speca me Gjize
Pepper lovers will not be able to get enough of this dish. Speca me Gjize is made up of red, yellow and green peppers stuffed with spiced rice and baked in the oven until soft. This healthy dish is made luxurious and hearty with the addition of cottage cheese.
Baklava
Another dish that is found in the Balkans and beyond, baklava is thought to have originated in the Middle East. Yet, every country in the eastern Europe has its own way of making this delicious sweet. Traditionally flavoured with rose water, filo pastry is layered or rolled between pistachios, almonds and heaps of sugar to create a dessert that sweet tooths will dream about.
Fried Kackavall
Now the sweet tooths are occupied, cheese lovers will stop traffic for kackavall, the typical cheese of the southern Balkans. You’ll frequently find this cheese on your plate as a starter in restaurants; however, it’s also popularly mixed into a salad.
This yellow cheese is often baked, however, for the best cheese experience, look no further than the fried version served with bread.
Festivals & Events in Albania
Gjirokaster Folk Festival
If you happen to be in Gjirokaster when this festival is happening, you’re in for a treat! Blessing the city every four years, Gjirokaster Folk Festival is September’s biggest event with Balkan musicians, dancers and artists from around the region gracing the stage.
The folk festival has become a UNESCO event as a celebration of Balkan culture, so expect the city to be busy!
Korca Beer Festival
Beer lovers rejoice at Korca. In the height of summer, over three days in August, Albanians come together for the love of beer, the outdoors and a good time. With beers from across the world and local and international bands, Korca is a great day out for all the family.
Dita e Veres
This annual celebration sits at the heart of Albanian culture, on the 14th of March, the whole country stops to celebrate this traditional pagan holiday. The day celebrates the goddess of the forests, Diana, who comes out to stop the winter season. A day for all the family, locals celebrate with food and time together.
National Festival of Urban Folk Songs
A nationwide celebration of all things folk, the National Festival of Urban Folk Songs hits the tiniest villages and towns to come together through music. With each town celebrating in their own way, the festival has gained traction from folk lovers around the world who come to listen to the unique Albanian style.
Albanian Independence Day
By far the most important day of the year for Albanians, on the 28th of November, the entire country grinds to a halt to celebrate this day.
This is the day Albania became independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1912. With most of the country off work for the day, you can guarantee the streets will be alive with parades and music on this day.
Tips for Albania Travel
Currency: In Albania, the currency is the Albanian lek. At the time of writing, December 2020, 1 USD is equal to 101 Lek.
Language: Albanian history is as colourful as its languages. Two dialects, Tosk and Gheg, are the most prominent of this unique European language. Small pockets of Albania have Greek, Romani, Serbian and Aromanian dialects that date back thousands of years. While nearly half of the country’s population speak a little English some Albanian phrases will always be appreciated.
Religion: Albanian’s main religion is Islam, making up 70% of the population, the other 30% is made up of Christian and Agnostic.
Safety: Despite the country’s recent history, Albania is incredibly safe. However, it’s advised to take care, the road rules are a little hairy.
Culture: In Albania, you nod your head to say no and shake your head to say yes.
Top Travel Tip: Early evening, take a stroll, the rest of the town will be out with you.
Ready to Plan Your Albania Travels?
From the streets of Tirana to the bay of Hirama, snag a trip to Albania before word gets out! Take the stress out of your tour of Albania by browsing our range of fully-customisable tours to Albania that show you just want this enormously underrated country has to offer you.
Whether you are looking for adventure or want to tick-off your list of ancient Greek and Roman sites, our Local Designers in Albania and the Balkans are at hand to plan the perfect trip for you. If you can’t find a trip you want by selecting ‘design your own trip’ instead, you’ll be taken to a form where you can fill in the basic details that will take you one step closer to your dream trip.
