By Dirk Pohlers, adventure traveler from Germany. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips.
Prepare for you Albania holiday with my comprehensive travel guide for first-timers interested to explore the trendy balkan destination.
Albania, the land of eagles, is increasingly becoming a trendy holiday destination. The country is full of untouched landscapes and cultural treasures. Lonely Planet has already chosen Albania as an absolute dream destination! In addition to breathtaking scenery, Albania also has a long stretch of coastline with beautiful beaches that have not yet been overrun by tourists.
The country is still something of an insider tip, but probably not for much longer. That’s why I am sharing my top tips and highlights with you here, which are sure to make your bucket list when you go on holiday in Albania.
Travelers will find the best hotel deals in Albania by booking online on Booking.com. I recommend using the map feature to find the best places to stay.
Booking.comUse Viator to plan ahead and lock in those must-see experiences & tours in and around town.
ViatorI recommend using DiscoverCars to compare rates for different vehicles across dealerships.
Discover CarsDirect flights with the low-cost airlines WizzAir and Easyjet, as well as Eurowings and Lufthansa, which fly to the capital Tirana and now also to the city of Kukës in the north. If you want to go to the south (Ksamil, Saranda, Butrint etc.), you can also fly to Corfu and take the ferry from there.
The best way to get from A to B within Albania is by rental car.
Albania has a Mediterranean climate. There are slight differences depending on the region: on the Adriatic coast of Albania you will find a typical Mediterranean climate, whereas in the eastern mountains there is a more continental climate.
The average annual temperature here is 16 °C, and in the warmest month of July, the maximum average temperature is 30 °C.
The water temperature in the summer months of July is around 23 °C – PERFECT for a beach holiday! The months of May and September are ideal for active holidays and hiking. The coldest month is January, when temperatures average between 6 °C and 12 °C. In winter and sometimes in spring, it rains frequently in Albania.
♻️ If you don’t want to fly and have a little more time, you can also choose a more environmentally friendly way to get to Albania: you can get from central Europe to southern Italy (Bari) by train and from there take the ⛴️ overnight ferry to Dürres, Albania (west of Tirana). It takes about 10 hours.
🚘 If you are, for example, on a road trip through Italy, you can also take your own vehicle on the ferry to Albania.
Yes, a holiday in Albania is safe. Since the strict communist regime of dictator Enver Hoxha and the Kosovo conflict, which ended 16 years ago, there has been a major turnaround in the country and more and more tourists are interested in the undiscovered beauty of Albania.
Although street crime can still occur in exceptional cases, it is definitely not the rule. Due to the dryness, bush and forest fires can occur in summer and flooding can occur during heavy rainfall – as in other countries with a Mediterranean climate, such as Spain or Greece.
The national currency in Albania is the lek. We recommend that you change money locally. There are many exchange offices available. However, you can often pay in Euros. Of course, you can also withdraw money from ATMs with a credit card.
Travel Tip: Sometimes you will be asked at the cash machine whether you would like to pay in lek or euros. Always choose lek, otherwise you will get a worse exchange rate.
Prices are very low compared to Central Europe. You can get an espresso for 50-80 cents and a pizza for 4-5 Euros. A cheap double room costs from 30 € per night and a beer or glass of wine in a restaurant costs around 1-2 euros. In tourist areas (Saranda and Ksamil) you can expect slightly higher prices.
Ksamil is one of the most beautiful and well-known seaside resorts in Albania and is located in the south of the country, about 15 kilometres south of Saranda. The small town has just under 3,000 inhabitants and has one thing above all: BEAUTIFUL beaches and bays.
The white, fine sand and turquoise water create a real Caribbean feel! There are 4 small islands just off the coast of Ksamil that can be reached by boat. There are also some excellent seafood restaurants. During the high season, the local beaches can get quite crowded and prices are higher than elsewhere in Albania.
The Butrint National Park covers almost 9,500 hectares and offers spectacular scenery. However, the park’s main attraction is the ancient site of Butrint, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts many tourists every year. The national park is a kind of outdoor museum in the middle of a southern European forest, surrounded by water and full of historical excavations. Almost all the world’s empires have left their mark here, which is why you almost feel like an archaeologist yourself as you explore the countless small trekking paths.
Travel Tip: It is best to visit the site in the early afternoon, as the tourist buses have already left by then.
The Blue Eye is a karst spring located about 30 minutes by car from the city of Saranda. This place is a natural paradise, surrounded by forest, lush green meadows and a light blue river that flows gently and sometimes wildly along the blue spring. There are small bridges and footbridges everywhere, where you can soak up nature and take great pictures.
The spring itself appears like a huge dark blue eye and shimmers in the sunlight in an infinite number of shades of blue. The karst hole is at least 50 metres deep and water bubbles up from the bottom continuously. The water temperature is around 12 degrees all year round, but it is worth the courage to swim, because the water is so crystal clear that you can see to the bottom.
Gjirokaster is an ancient stone city built on the steep slopes of a mountain. The road leading to the old town is just as steep. The best way to explore the winding, steep streets is on foot – often via steps, which is why Gjirokaster is also known as “The City of a Thousand Steps”. It is practically the cultural centre of Albania and there is therefore a lot of history to discover here. Be sure to visit the castle, the ethnographic museum and the old mosque. Gjirokaster has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
The capital of Albania is the ideal place to start your round trip. There is a relaxed urban vibe here. Art and culture can be found on every corner, and the city is also an exciting mix of architecture: from dilapidated Italian villas to communist palaces and extravagant skyscrapers, there is everything to see here!
The cityscape is characterised by sweet cafés and bars, green parks with an artistic touch, painted house facades and markets with a wide range of delicacies. If you want to learn more about the dictatorial regime of Hoxha in Albania, you should definitely visit the bunker and the “House of Leaves”. The National History Museum, the Et’hem Bey Mosque and Tirana’s local mountain, Dajti, are also worth seeing.
Berat is one of Albania’s oldest cities and delights us with its sweet, historic little houses. It is also known as the city of a thousand windows and was declared a museum city as early as 1961. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, which is why no new houses may be built in three districts of Berat. From the castle fortress, you have a wonderful view over the city and can also visit churches and mosques.
The highest mountains in the country await you in the north of Albania. The peaks rise up to 2,600 metres and are a dream for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. Mountain lakes, vantage points and untouched green nature characterise the landscape. Furthermore, the north of Albania is definitely the least developed for tourism! And while you are in the north, you could also pay a visit to the historic Ura e Mesit bridge.
Travel Tip: The Hike from Valbona to Theth or vice versa. It is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in Europe.
Gjipe Beach: South of the city of Dhermi lies what is probably the most beautiful beach in Albania: Gjipe. You can get there by car (a good off-road vehicle is best, or you have to drive very carefully) or by boat. The best thing to do is to park at the car park, which is 20 minutes away, and walk the rest of the way.
As already mentioned, the road is difficult to drive on. But you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania. The spaciousness of the bay ensures that you can still find a quiet place even in the high season.
Porto Palermo: crystal-clear, calm waters, a natural beach and a breathtaking view – of the historic Porto Palermo fortress, built in 1800 and located on a peninsula that can now be visited. Porto Palermo is located in the south between the towns of Himara and Saranda and should definitely be a stop on your road trip south.
Borsh Beach: This beach is also not far from Himara. At seven kilometres, it is one of the longest beaches in Albania. The water is crystal clear and the beach is still quiet and relatively uncrowded. There are a few restaurants and beach bars where you can rent sun loungers.
Buneci Beach: Buneci Beach (Plazhi i Bunecit) is a quiet beach surrounded by wild nature. There are a few bars, but it is easy to find a quiet spot away from them. The water is crystal clear and a little cooler than elsewhere in Albania, as a mountain stream flows into the sea nearby. You can jump directly into the water from the jetty.
Ksamil Beach: Where was that famous picture of Albania with the turquoise water and the jetty taken that you always see on Instagram? Right here! So if you want to tick off the most famous beach in Albania from your bucket list, this is the place to be. Enjoy the finest Maldivian flair with a drink in one of the many beach bars and restaurants! In summer, you’ll be joined by many other tourists.
Look forward to a route through the undiscovered country of Albania, where you will experience an exciting mix of big city and nature. It is worth visiting at any time of the year. From the hustle and bustle of the capital to mountains and lakes and cultural excavations, it has it all! Among them, the famous Lake Ohrid, you can discover impressive Ottoman architecture and be enchanted by dreamy villages. In our example, we send you on a round trip of about a week during your holiday in Albania!
Tirana – Pogradec (Lake Ohrid) – Orikum (Llogara National Park) – Berat – Tirana
Tirana
The capital of Albania is the ideal place to start your tour and get a first impression of Albanian culture. Historical sites and museums, delicious local food and street art will definitely keep you entertained. – Things to do in Tirana
Pogradec (Lake Ohrid)
The sweet city of Pogradec is located on the shores of the beautiful Lake Ohrid in the south-east of Albania. Here you will spend two more nights to enjoy the time at the lake. The famous lake, which extends into Macedonia, is one of the most attractive destinations in the country and in the entire region.
Activities at Lake Ohrid
Vlorë & The Llogara National Park
After a short stop at one of the beautiful beaches around Vlore, you will reach the Llogara Pass by car, an impressive mountain pass with many stunning panoramic viewpoints overlooking the coast. It is also worth taking a hiking or trekking tour in the national park. The best starting point is the city of Vlorë, but there are also accommodations on site.
🏴☠️Pirate tip: Be sure to eat at Llogora Tourist Village (you can also stay there) and stop at Panorama Llogara for photos and an espresso!
Berat
You have now reached your final destination. Berat is conveniently located on your way back to Tirana and is idyllically situated on the Osum River. In 2008, this city was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is under special protection, as three districts of the city are home to the typical historic white houses. The impressive castle fortress of Berat is a real insider tip!
Shkoder – Kunë-Tale Nature Park – The Mesi Bridge – The Valleys of the Albanian Alps (Vermosh, Theth & Valbona) – Lake Komani – Tirana
A boat trip on Lake Komani is definitely one of the highlights of Albania. Here you will pass densely wooded hills, steep slopes, gorges and a narrow valley. After 1 hour on the boat you will reach the Shala River, which is known for its crystal-clear water.
You can either book a private boat tour (that sometimes including transfer from Tirana, as the journey from Shkoder is very adventurous due to poor road conditions), or you can drive to Koman yourself. The ferry runs from mid-April to early November.
Albania is a real hiking paradise, with a wide range of untouched natural beauty to discover. Some of the most beautiful hiking areas include:
The Theth National Park, with the Grunas Gorge and a 30-metre-high waterfall, the summit plateau of the Maya e Dhëmbelit with a view of the Vjosa river and the Valbona Valley on the border with Montenegro and Kosovo, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic route far from mass tourism.
Those who enjoy climbing peaks can hike to the Korab mountain, Albania’s highest mountain at 2754 metres. South of Tirana, there are idyllic forest sections in the Llogara National Park with a sea panorama.
Private hiking tour through Theth National Park
Those who like a bit of adrenaline can go on a rafting trip between the huge rocks in the Osum Gorge (known as the “Albanian Grand Canyon”). The tour is also suitable for those who have never done rafting before but are adventurous, as the rapids of the Osumi River are classified as level 2.
If you don’t want to go rafting in the Osum Gorge, you should still put it on your bucket list, because the mighty rock face, the ancient bridges and trees are also impressive from the land.
Albania is also known as “the country of 200,000 bunkers“. Why? During the Socialist People’s Republic of Albania, the dictator Enver Hoxha had the bunkers built with the aim of building 1 bunker for every 4 Albanians.
Today, some of the bunkers are in the front gardens of residential buildings or have been converted into stables or storage rooms. Some of them house exhibitions (e.g. the BUNK’ART art exhibitions in Tirana) or museums, while others are simply left to fall into disrepair somewhere in the countryside and are freely accessible for exploration. This is an exciting experience for anyone who loves lost places!
Everyone is talking about agritourism in Italy, but did you know that there is something similar in Albania? The menu at agritourism establishments in Albania is based on what grows and lives on the farm. Accordingly, all products are organic and come from the region, including wine, spirits, raki and sometimes even beer.
Not only do you get particularly healthy, delicious and environmentally friendly cuisine in the restaurants, but you also support local farmers.
Here is a small list of agrotourism farms in Albania: Blerina’s Agrotourism Experience (Tirana), Ceren Ismet Shehu (Surrel), Agroturizëm Gjepali (near Durrës), Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm (northern Albania), Chateau Fasel (near Tirana), Rozmarine (Pellumbas), Agritourism Huqi (Tirana), Iluminatum Residence (near Tirana)
Although viticulture in Albania has a long history, it is still very underrepresented internationally. Nevertheless, there are more and more winegrowers in the country and some beautiful wineries where you can do wine tasting or take a tour of the cellars and vineyards. You can usually also try the national schnapps Raki Rushi (grape schnapps), which plays an important role in Albanian culture. Most wineries are located in the Berat region.
Here is a small list of good wineries in Albania: Cobo Winery, Nurellari Winery (Berat), Alpeta Agrotourism & Winery, Duka Winery and Vineyard, Luani Winery, Kantina Balaj