Albania Tips: Best Time to Travel, Activities & Destinations

Holidays in the Balkans – mysterious, varied landscapes and a unique culture in a small area. My Albania tips will show you the best places, when to go and how to plan your holiday.

Albania Tips - Mesi Bridge
Dirk Pohlers

By Dirk Pohlers, adventure traveler from Germany. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips.

Table of Contents

The Best Tips for a road trip in the beautiful Balkan country

The most important facts in a nutshell

  • You can spend a varied holiday between imposing mountain ranges and picturesque beaches.
  • Cultural highlights of Albania: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the cities of Berat and Gjirokastra, the ruined city of Butrint, the mountain town of Kruja or the city of Shkoder on Lake Skutari.
  • Summer atmospheres on the Albanian Riviera with the coastal towns of Ksamil, Saranda, Dhermi or Himara.
  • Outdoor activities in the Albanian Alps: Shala River with Koman Reservoir, hikes in the Valbona Valley with the mountain village of Theth.

The southern European country between the Mediterranean, Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece is becoming increasingly popular as a holiday destination, and rightly so. An exciting journey full of diversity awaits you. In this travel guide, you will get to know all the incredible facets of Albania. Deciding on the different destinations will certainly be child’s play. With tradition, remote natural wonders and historic cities, Albania will win you over immediately.

Facts about Albania

Dreamlike Pulebardha beach
Dreamlike Pulebardha beach

Between unspoilt nature, endless mountain worlds, crystal-clear bays, quaint villages and fragrant olive groves, you can count on numerous spectacualr impressions and experience a unique holiday in the Balkans.

Now very briefly about communication in Albania. Many of the locals speak English, some even Italian or German depending on the region. Even if you travel to small villages, it is generally not a problem to make yourself understood.

When entering Albania, you should know that you only need to show your valid identity card or passport for a stay of up to 90 days. There are also a few interesting facts about payment in Albania.

In many places, you can only pay in cash and in the Albanian currency, the lek. Accordingly, you should always have enough cash with you or visit an ATM in lively tourist resorts.

In general, the costs of a holiday in Albania are comparatively low and you can eat out and expect to book your accommodation at reasonable prices.

Travelling to Albania

By plane to Albania

Bovilla reservoir lake near Tirana
View of the Bovilla reservoir near Tirana

When planning your holiday, you will of course need to think about how long you want to travel for and the best way to get to Albania. You can reach Tirana International Airport in just under two hours from many European airports.

Alternatively, you can simply fly to Corfu and combine a holiday on Corfu with an onward journey to Albania. Did you know that the Strait of Corfu separates the holiday resorts of Kassiopi on the Greek side and the Albanian destination of Ksamil by just a few kilometres as the crow flies?

The ferry takes you from Corfu Town to the Albanian Riviera, or more precisely to the picturesque holiday resort of Saranda, in just under an hour.

Travelling to Albania by car

If you have plenty of time, you should arrive in your own car or pick up your hire car at the airport on arrival. Travelling to Albania by car means a journey time of just under 23 hours, taking into account a few breaks and possible traffic jams.

You should therefore plan a journey of just under two days. My tip: when planning your journey, you should rent accommodation halfway and spend a night in a hotel so that you can continue your journey in a relaxed manner.

Or you could decide to go on a road trip through Europe straight away. Once you have decided on a holiday in Albania, there are two routes you should consider.

You can take the ferry to Albania via Italy. The harbour city of Ancona and the cities of Apulia, Bari and Brindisi, are among the possible ports of departure.

Alternatively, you can plan your journey via Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro. If you are travelling through these Balkan states, you should include a few stopovers in your journey, such as Maribor, Zagreb, Zadar or Split.

However, if you are travelling by car, you should also bear in mind that you may have to pay tolls on your journey and that you must have your ‘green card’, i.e. proof of motor vehicle liability insurance abroad, ready for the border crossing into Albania.

You will encounter some pretty bumpy roads here and you will definitely need a car that you can drive off the main roads. It can be adventurous!

people around Rental Car in Albania with lush green mountains in the background

Travelling through Albania by bus

Albania by public transport? Is that possible? If you are travelling alone or want to do without a car, the question of possible alternatives naturally arises.

Tirana Minibuses

Travelling by bus should not remain unanswered on the list of Albania tips. In contrast to a hire car, you can’t organise your holiday quite as flexibly and spontaneously when travelling by bus.

But first of all, you need to know that you can easily get from A to B between the main holiday resorts and cities. However, timetables are usually neither fixed nor displayed and asking around is key here. So you will rely on helpful locals.

Camping in Albania

Travelling through Albania in your own van and pitching your tent in the midst of wild nature? Just the thought of it triggers pure longing and wanderlust in me.

Whether with a view of dreamy bays or in the middle of endless mountain worlds – in Albania you can spend the night in the midst of unspoilt nature. Falling asleep under a sparkling starry sky and being woken up by the first rays of sunshine sounds just perfect, doesn’t it?

Is wild camping allowed in Albania? In principle, you can camp anywhere in Albania and enjoy your vanlife.

However, you must expect restrictions in the national parks and of course stay away from private property. You should also behave respectfully towards nature and the locals and of course leave your site clean.

Campsites in Albania:

  • Camp Paradise
  • Camping Gijrokaster
  • Jungle Camping in Borsh
  • Camping Legjenda
  • Camping Moscato
  • ARBI Camping
  • Camping Clandestino
  • Nirvana Camping Site
  • Boga Alpine Resort
  • Ksamil Caravan Camping
  • Albturist Ecocamp Përmet

Best Time To Travel To Albania

Every year the question is: when to plan a trip? As soon as you have decided on your dream destination, it’s time to take a holiday and start planning.

Best Time To Travel To Albania

But when is the best time to travel to Albania? If you want to make the most of the good weather on the Adriatic coast and combine your trip with a holiday by the sea, you should visit during the months of May to September.

What is the current weather like in Tirana?

If you’re planning a bit of sightseeing and want to avoid the heat, you’ll have to limit yourself to the months of May, June and September. And especially in the low season, you have the chance to immerse yourself even more in the unspoilt nature of the country and fully enjoy its many advantages.

Of course, the time to travel also depends on your plans in the country. Albania is characterised by dry, hot summers and wet, mild winters, with the spring and autumn months being particularly suitable for an active holiday in the Albanian mountains.

But of course it is also somewhat colder in the heights of the hinterland in the summer months than by the sea. And in winter, nature usually transforms into a dreamy winter landscape, allowing you to get to know the Balkan country from a completely different angle.

Cities in Albania

Tirana | Gjirokastra | Berat | Shkoder | Durrës | Kruja | Korça

Tirana

Tirana Street scene
Tirana Street scene

When on holiday in Albania, you absolutely must make a stop in the capital Tirana. The best place to start your exploration tour is the historic Skanderbeg Square.

During your stay, you can walk in the formative and moving footsteps of the past. You will notice time and again how much the city is changing.

In the Pazari i Ri district, you should buy some delicious spices and souvenirs at the market. There are also numerous cafés where you can take a break or two.

Gjirokastra

If you are travelling in the south of the country, you absolutely must pay a visit to one of the top Albania tips. It’s no coincidence that the small town of Gjirokastra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Surrounded by the imposing Mali i Gjerë mountains, you will find the so-called city of 1,000 stairs in the picturesque valley of the Drino River. Historic Gjirokastra is characterised by traditional Ottoman-style stone houses built amidst the picturesque hilly landscape.

Gjirokastra - One of the oldest cities in Albania and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Gjirokastra – One of the oldest cities in Albania and UNESCO World Heritage Site

During your stay, the magical scenery will seem like something out of a fairy tale and you must enjoy the views from the castle of Gjirokastra or visit the nearby aqueduct.

Amidst the narrow and steep labyrinth of alleyways, you will find cute souvenir shops and quaint restaurants where you can take a break and savour the culinary art of the Balkans.

Berat

One of the most beautiful cities in Albania and one of the top unknown places in Europe can be found around 80 kilometres south of Tirana, between the imposing Albanian mountains. The city with its typical white houses built on the mountainside is also affectionately known as the ‘city of a thousand windows’.

Cityscape with stone roofed houses and countless windows in the Gorica quarter of Berat in central Albania
View of the Gorica quarter in Breta, central Albania

One of these top Albanian tips has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 and boasts a historic old town centre. If you ask me, you should definitely not miss out on this special highlight.

Along the Osum River, you can enjoy breathtaking views, especially from Berat Castle and the inhabited neighbourhood surrounding it. You will fall in love with the fascinating landscapes at first sight and experience vivid scenery, especially at sunset.

Shkoder

The journey continues to the north-west of the country. Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in Albania and has been characterised for centuries by its excellent location along important trade routes, from which the city still benefits today.

Shkoder_Rozafa-Castle-View
Views from the castle ruins of Rozafa

Surrounded by the Albanian Alps, the tourist city with its location on the beautiful Lake Scutari is one of the top Albania tips. In the immediate vicinity, you can not only immerse yourself in the life of the locals, but also visit breathtaking natural highlights.

The Koman Reservoir and Theth National Park are among the special excursion destinations. But you will also find exciting sights in Shkoder itself, such as the ruins of Rozafa Castle and numerous imposing religious buildings.

Durrës

If you want to start your trip through Albania with a few relaxing days at the beach, you should find out more about the harbour town of Durrës. Just 40 kilometres west of Tirana, you can spend an unforgettable holiday with the whole family on the Mediterranean coast.

Sunrise over the city of Durrës
Sunrise over the city of Durrës

With its shallow water inlets, the holiday resort is predestined for fun and games with the little ones. Before you pack your bags and explore your next holiday destination, you should follow in the footsteps of the past.

The Venetian Tower of Durres
The Venetian Tower of Durres

Can you believe that you’ll get a glimpse of antiquity in Albania? In addition to the remains of city walls and the Venetian Tower, you will also find the historic amphitheatre of Durrës, which will bring you closer to times under Roman rule. The lively holiday resort is also adorned with colourful street art – special photo spots.

Hotel Tip: Elite Bay Hotel Lalez Durres – A newer addition in the beautiful bay of Lalez a little north of the centre of Durres and one of my favourites. Clean and quiet with great food, friendly staff and a fantastic pool. A small path leads you to the hotel’s own private beach.

Kruja

If you want to combine a hiking holiday in Albania with a cultural programme, the small town of Kruja is a picturesque destination. In the mountains of the Skanderbeg Mountains, you can see the historic fortress of Kruja from afar.

aerial view of Kruja with caslte on the hill
View of the Kruja castle ruins

The medieval atmosphere combined with the preserved influences of the Ottoman Empire allow you to immerse yourself in the authenticity of the country and experience an unforgettable holiday.

From Kruja, excursions to the densely forested Qafë Shtama National Park are well worthwhile. The mountain landscapes with their small lakes and springs are perfect for exploring on hikes. If you’re already in the area, you shouldn’t miss one of our top Albania tips.

Korça

Finally, get to know the town of Korça. In south-east Albania, you can follow in the footsteps of art and culture and literally become one with the life of the locals. If you read up on one of the special Albania tips, you will come across the fact that the city is also known as the ‘cradle of Albanian culture’.

Boulevard of St. George - locals like to stroll there in the evening
Boulevard of St. George – locals like to stroll there in the evening

Surrounded by lush green boulevards, imposing religious buildings and endless parks, you can experience an unforgettable stay. As soon as you approach the city after your tour through the Albanian mountains, you can look forward to a welcome change between tradition and modernity.

Even today, the different influences from the Ottoman Empire to French culture still characterise the cityscape. And at the end of an eventful day, be sure to treat yourself to a delicious beer from the local brewery Birra Korça!

Other cities in Albania:

  • Vlora
  • Përmet
  • Pogradec
  • Corovoda
  • Elbasan
  • Velipoja
  • Tushemisht

Holiday Destinations in Albania

Ksamil | Saranda | Borsh | Qeparo | Himara | Vuno | Theth

Ksamil

Turquoise blue water at the holiday resort of Ksamil
Beach Holiday in Ksamil Albania

In the very south of the country you will find one of the most beautiful holiday resorts in Albania. The small seaside resort of Ksamil is located on a paradisiacal peninsula on the Ionian Sea and in the immediate vicinity of Corfu.

The island is less than four kilometres away – so you can perfectly combine your holiday in Greece with a trip to Albania or vice versa. But now back to Ksamil.

The so-called ‘Caribbean of Albania’ is characterised by crystal-clear water and dreamy bays. But precisely because of this beauty, you can imagine that it attracts many holidaymakers, especially in the summer months of Julky and August.

Travel Tip: in the low season, you have the chance to soak up the magical charm in a more relaxed atmosphere. During your stay, you should hire a boat and paddle to the beautiful Ksamil Islands, it’s well worth it.

You will also find the Butrint National Park with the magical archaeological site of the ruins of Butrint nearby.

Saranda

Fantastic harbour town of Saranda
The harbour town of Saranda

The seaside resort of Saranda on the Albanian Riviera is around 20 minutes’ drive north of Ksamil. The location of the town is as follows: it blends in picturesquely with the surrounding hilly landscape and is situated on a wide, open bay.

Mango Beach Saranda
Mango Beach Saranda

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Saranda is perfect for an unforgettable beach holiday. After you have explored the beautiful coastal landscape around Saranda, you can end your evening along the promenade of the tourist centre and treat yourself to a drink or two.

Borsh

Endless beach in Borsh
Endless beach in Borsh

If you prefer things a little quieter, you need to drive around 40 kilometres from Saranda to spend the night in the small coastal village of Borsh. The endless stretch of beach offers you numerous opportunities to spend a day under the warm Albanian sun.

Qeparo

Holidays in Qeparo
Holidays in Qeparo

Let’s move on to the holiday resort of Qeparo. One of the most exciting Albania tips offers you an active holiday in a class of its own, and you should definitely go on an exploration tour of the old, quaint village centre above the coast.

Himara

Picturesque beaches around the holiday resort of Himara
Picturesque beaches around the holiday resort of Himara

A winding road takes you to the enchanting holiday resort of Himara. As you gaze out over the wide, sparkling sea, the mountain peaks of the Ceraunian Mountains loom in the background, somewhat separating the town from the other holiday destinations.

As soon as you decide to make a stopover in Himara, you can look forward to beautiful beaches and remote bays – such as Livadi Beach or Gjipe Beach. As well as relaxing by the water, you should also pay a visit to the somewhat remote village centre with its stone houses.

Vuno

Holiday resort of Vuno in southern Albania
Holiday resort of Vuno in southern Albania

Along the Albanian Riviera, the small village of Vuno is now one of the top Albanian tips and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places with traditional architecture.

Amidst the imposing mountain slopes, the typical Albanian whitewashed stone houses and the steep, narrow, cobbled streets blend miraculously into the natural surroundings. Between lush green bushes, fragrant cypresses, olive groves and fig trees, you can go on hikes or find a spot on Jala Beach.

Beaches in Albania

Picturesque Dhermi Beach in the holiday resort of the same name

Of course, the most beautiful beaches in Albania should not be missing from the list of Albania tips. Basically, you can look forward to encountering dreamlike landscapes along almost 300 kilometres of coastline. Here, the Mediterranean presents itself from its most beautiful side.

Along the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, you will be greeted by a dreamlike interplay of crystal-clear sea water, pristine nature, thunderous cliffs, secluded bays and metre-long beaches. You’ll need to be prepared for both fine sandy beaches and pebbles – water shoes are definitely justified here.

Some parts of the Albanian coast are completely undeveloped and you will have to make your way over hill and dale to your chosen resting place or drive along gravel tracks. But such an adventure sounds tempting, doesn’t it?

You’re probably wondering: where is the most beautiful part of the Albanian coast? The south-west with the Albanian Riviera from Saranda to Vlora is particularly popular.

Albania’s beaches are still considered a partially unspoilt corner of Europe. Before you plan your trip, you should know that there are already a few places along the coast (Saranda, Himara) that are relatively well developed for tourism.

Incidentally, the beaches of Ksamil exude a very special Caribbean feeling. And note the following list of the top beaches in Albania: Gjipe Beach, Porto Palermo Beach, Dhërmiu Beach, Borsh Beach, Krorëza Beach, Jale Beach, Pulëbardha Beach, Gjiri i Akuariumit Bay or Livadhi Beach.

Places of interest in Albania

National parks in Albania

Wild scenery in the Valbona Valley National Park

If you are planning a holiday in Albania, an adventure in nature is at the top of your to-do list. Do you have any idea how many national parks the small Balkan country is home to?

There are 15 protected natural areas in the country – incredible, isn’t it? The national parks in Albania will whisk you away to untouched landscapes and let you experience a holiday full of tranquillity and idyll.

To start with, you should get to know the hiking paradise in the Valbona Valley National Park. A magical paradise awaits you in the north of the country, not far from the border with Montenegro.

Between deep forests, crystal-clear rivers and deep gorges, you can hike through deserted mountain worlds. If you’re already in the area, you should continue on to the Theth National Park.

Here, you can also look forward to dreamlike alpine mountain worlds that will make you forget your everyday life for a moment. We continue with a very special retreat, the largest national park in AlbaniaShebenik-Jablanica National Park.

In the region bordering North Macedonia, you have the opportunity to hike at an altitude of over 2,000 metres during your trip, discover the protected beech forests of Rajca or take a break along roaring wild rivers. Here you can experience the pure unspoilt nature of Albania.

Depending on where you are travelling, a detour to the Tomorr National Park is also worthwhile. Not far from the town of Berat, you will find unique scenery for an unforgettable hiking holiday in Albania.

Back on the Adriatic, you will find the Divjaka-Karavasta National Park. Near the town of Divjaka, you can enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere amidst extensive pine forests and observe numerous bird species at the Karavasta lagoon.

Finally, you will find one of the most famous national parks in the south of the country. South of the holiday resort of Ksamil, Butrint National Park offers you the chance to marvel at the historical remains of antiquity, discover the landscapes of the saltwater lagoon of Lake Butrint or marvel at the special biodiversity of the Vivar Canal.

Pure Nature in Albania

The top sights in Albania include other exciting natural spectacles that bring you closer to the beauty of the country in a picturesque way. The Koman Reservoir is one of the most popular excursion destinations.

Surrounded by the rugged mountains of the Albanian Alps, the reservoir is one of the most exciting day trips in Albania. In the Malgun Gorge, you have the opportunity to take a boat trip across the Drin River over a length of 34 kilometres. It’s well worth it!

Boat tour across Lake Koman
Boat tour across Lake Koman

We continue with the mysterious karst spring The Blue Eye. But don’t be surprised, word has got around that you can discover picturesque landscapes in the area between Saranda and Gjirokastra. Accordingly, you should be early and be prepared that you won’t be alone.

As you have no doubt already realised, Albania is home to wild gorges, roaring rivers and breathtaking forests. This includes one of Albania’s special insider tips, the Shala River in the northern Alps. You absolutely must plan a boat trip here!

Shala river (with low water level)
Shala river (with low water level in September)

Or you can travel to the ‘Grand Canyon of Albania’. The spectacular Osum Gorge is one of the most beautiful Albania tips and offers plenty of action. If the water level allows, you can book rafting tours. Or you can enjoy the unique views on hikes.

In the immediate vicinity, you can continue your journey along the wild Vjosa River. Incidentally, this is one of the last wild rivers in Europe that starts its journey in Greece and flows into the Mediterranean.

The special paradise around the Vjosa with its tributaries and fantastic gorges will be one of the highlights of your trip. The fragile ecosystem is characterised by its unspoilt nature, which numerous researchers are trying to protect.

Natural spectacles in Albania’s border region

Unique nature at Lake Scutari
Unique nature at Lake Scutari

It is also worth taking a look at the picturesque Lake Skutari. This beautiful jewel is located in the border region between Montenegro and Albania and is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula.

Surrounded by fascinating mountain scenery, you can explore one of the best Albania tips. In this fascinating outdoor paradise, you will be greeted by unique flora and fauna. An excursion to the Montenegrin side is also worthwhile, with the Crnojevic river bend being an absolute must.

Have you ever heard of Lake Ohrid? One of the exciting Albania tips is located in the border region between Albania and North Macedonia.

Incidentally, the smaller part of the lake is located in Albania and, as one of the world’s oldest lakes, is characterised by excellent water quality, diverse flora and fauna and exciting historical sights. The North Macedonian monastery of Sveti Naum in particular promises an unforgettable visit with its incredible panorama.

Historic sights in Albania

When travelling through Albania, in addition to excursions into nature, a look at the historical sights is of course also part of the must-see programme. We start with the ruins of Rozafa Castle.

Rozafa Castle ruins of Shkoder
The huge walls of Rozafa Castle in Shkoder

Not far from the town of Shkoder, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Drin and Buna rivers from the Venetian walls and take advantage of the proximity to Lake Skutari. Next, you should find out about the fortress of Kruja.

If you are planning a stay in Tirana, you should include a trip to the mountain town of Kruja and learn more about the history of Albania at the Skanderbeg Museum.

Berat Castle as seen from Gorica hill opposite
Berat Castle as seen from Gorica hill opposite

Afterwards, it’s worth taking a look at Berat Castle and its historic neighbourhood. The preserved fortress walls date back to the 13th century and take you on an exciting journey through time.

But you can also discover some cultural treasures in the south of Albania. Whether it’s the castle of Gjirokastra, the UNESCO World Heritage Site around the ruins of Butrint or the archaeological site of Apollonia – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Further sights in Albania:

  • Hotova-Dangell National Park
  • Llogara National Park
  • Dajti National Park
  • Mariner National Park Karaburun-Sazan Marine Protected Area
  • Ksamil Islands
  • Përmet & Benjë Thermal Springs
  • Historic arch bridge Ura e Mesit
  • Amphitheatre of Durrës
  • Fierza Reservoir

Activities in Albania

Hiking in Albania

Gravel path in the village of Theth
Gravel path in the village of Theth, Albanian Alps

The special Albania tips definitely include endless hikes or trekking tours. If you’re ever travelling in the Balkan Peninsula, you absolutely must plan excursions into the enchanting and endless mountain worlds.

The Peaks of the Balkans long-distance hiking trail in the border triangle of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo, for example, leads you over 192 kilometres and ten daily stages through dreamlike summit worlds and along ancient paths steeped in history. Of course, you can also choose individual routes as an alternative.

Peaks of the Balkans

Another well-known long-distance hiking trail is the Via Dinarica, which links the Balkan countries of Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania, among others, over a distance of more than 2,000 kilometres. As soon as you find out more about the hiking routes, you will come across the different routes: White Trail, Blue Trail & Green Trail.

The ‘Blue Trail’ takes you along the beautiful Adriatic coast, while the ‘White Trail’ is the main trail and takes you through the Dinaric Alps. In contrast, the Green Trail takes you through the deep forests and hinterland of the Balkans.

Alternatively, you should definitely take the opportunity to plan hikes from the Valbona Valley to Theth. In the midst of protected nature, you can experience an incredible wilderness.

Animals such as brown bears, lynxes and chamois still live there in their natural habitat. If you are in the mood for adventure, you should venture from the mountain village of Theth into the remote regions around the Prokletije mountain range and the highest mountain in Albania (Jezerca at 2694 metres above sea level).

Of course, you can also hike along the beautiful Mediterranean coast. This gives you the chance to discover dreamy villages, jump into the sea at remote bays and immerse yourself in the life of the locals.

Finally, a little tip: as not all hiking trails are perfectly signposted, you should download maps or orientate yourself in some other way – then you definitely won’t go wrong.

More Activities in Albania

Summer-Llogara-pass-Albania-panorama
Llogara Pass View

If you’re travelling in southern Albania, you need to pay attention now. Because the Llogara Pass is one of the most exciting Albania tips and promises you a panoramic road in a class of its own.

Perhaps Albania’s most beautiful road? You’ll have to form your own opinion on the spot. As you drive along the serpentine roads of the Albanian mountain road, you can look out over the steeply sloping terrain over the roaring sea and, depending on the weather, see as far as Corfu.

As previously mentioned, you shouldn’t miss out on the numerous water sports activities in Albania. Whether on boat trips across the Koman reservoir, the Shala River, the Buna River or Lake Skutari – you will fall in love with the picturesque nature at first sight.

If you like thrills, you should book rafting tours in Albania. There are numerous offers, especially around the Vjosa River and the Osum Gorge.

If you are planning a trip to the Osum Gorge, a stopover in the village of Bogovë is also worthwhile. There you can go on exciting hikes and cool off at the Bogovë waterfalls.

Cultural highlights undoubtedly include the National Historical Museum in Tirana and the underground museum Bunk’Art. Albania’s bunkers, of which there are over 100,000 in the country, are considered historical testimony to the communist past and tell the story of the country.

Excursions from Albania

As already mentioned in advance, you can combine your holiday in Albania with a stay on Corfu. If you have enough time and are travelling in the south of the country, a ferry crossing from the coastal town of Saranda is worthwhile.

The ‘green island’ of Greece welcomes you with rugged landscapes, dreamy mountain scenery, romantic villages and beautiful beaches. Or are you travelling by car?

Then you shouldn’t miss out on Montenegro’s must-see destinations around Lake Skutari National Park, the Bay of Kotor or the coastal town of Budva.

Or are you planning a road trip in the Balkans? Then you should find out more about the underrated capital Sarajevo. Or you could visit the historic city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the famous photo spot around the Stari Most arch bridge.

Whether on the outward or return journey, you are also spoilt for choice between charming holiday destinations in Croatia. Opt for stopovers in Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, Brac or Zadar.

But the cities of Zagreb or Ljubljana should also play a role in your considerations. It’s worth taking a close look when doing your research, there are so many highlights hidden in the Balkans!

Food & Drink in Albania

albanian food platter

Of course, cuisine also plays an important role during a holiday. Food and drink unite – if you want to get to know your holiday destination better, you need to get to know the diversity of Albanian cuisine and its traditions and customs.

In general, you will feel the proximity to the Mediterranean with its Mediterranean influences and the location in the Balkans at first hand when you take a look at the menus. The numerous oriental influences are also undeniable.

As soon as you are travelling in Albania, you will encounter incredible hospitality. In addition to cereals, rice and vegetables (potatoes, peppers, aubergines, tomatoes, beans), fish and meat are among the most important ingredients.

A typical appetiser is turshia, for example, in which vegetables are marinated in spices and vinegar. But the cold cucumber soup tarator or the pastes ajvar and pinxhur are also an integral part of Albanian cuisine.

Other popular Albanian dishes include stuffed vine leaves, qebapa (a type of minced meat roll), fasul (bean soup), Albanian-style pita and byrek. Other typical specialities include Albanian goulash, potato soup, osmahre and flia.

The latter is a pastry made from dough filled with cream, cheese or yoghurt. Albanian cheeses are also often served as a side dish.

You’ll have to get used to the fact that many restaurants will simply refill your plate if you don’t return the favour – hospitality at its best. As a nightcap, you absolutely must try an Albanian grape brandy (Raki rrushi) or a mulberry brandy (Raki Mani).

But wine from Albania is also becoming increasingly popular and drinking coffee is a favourite hobby. If you are travelling in the Albanian capital, you must visit some of Tirana’s coffee houses.

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