Insider Tip Albania Holiday – Dreamy Beaches and Fascinating History

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Albania – the small Balkan country is still fairly underestimated by many and often left out when planning a holiday. Let me present you the beautiful and unspoilt Albania with its unique attractions, historical sights and beaches.

All you need to know for your holiday in Albania

Albania scores with extensive beaches, untouched national parks, a rich culture and exciting cities. On our holiday trip, we found a (still) undiscovered pearl of the Balkans. As if its natural beauty isn’t not enough, what makes Albania even more attractive to travelers is the fact that it is still relatively inexpensive. In this article, we will show you the places and landscapes that fascinated us and convinced us of Albania as a holiday destination.

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Holidays in Albania

Albania Holidays – Key facts

Getting there, visa information, safety and tourism – this section tells you everything you need to know about Albania.

Where is Albania located?

Albania is a small country on the Balkan Peninsula in south-eastern Europe. It borders Montenegro and Kosovo to the north, North Macedonia to the east, Greece to the south and southeast, and the Adriatic and Ionian Seas to the west. The following Albania map shows you the location of the country.

Albania – How to get there?

Albania’s capital Tirana and its airport are well connected to many European departure airports. Flights take about 1-2 hours and prices are comparable to those of a flight to Greece. Speaking of Greece: if you are on holiday on the popular island of Corfu, for example, and are planning a trip to Albania that lasts one or more days, you can take the daily ferry from Corfu to Saranda and reach the popular seaside resort in a maximum of 2 hours. There are also numerous ferry connections from the Italian coast. For example, you can travel directly from Bari or Brindisi to Durres in Albania.

Tip: The ferry from Corfu to Saranda runs daily and costs only €20.

A more challenging way to get to Albania is by land using your car. However, you will also pass other charming countries such as Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. If you choose this option, you should be aware that the road conditions are often not comparable to your home country and that you are likely to travel more slowly, especially in Albania. However, for those who love road trips and adventure, travelling overland is a great way to see more on your way.

Accommodation and hotels in Albania

You won’t find many large hotels in popular holiday resorts on the Albanian Riviera, because so far the magnificent panorama has been spared the buildings of large hotel chains. However, you are sure to find small hotels or guest houses, and the best thing is that they are not only usually lovingly and family-run, but also more affordable and cozy.

I particularly recommend holiday apartments and houses. The apartments are often modern and rarely cost more than €50 per night. By the way, the high season in Albania is during July and August, when you can expect slightly fuller beaches here.

Is Albania safe for holidays?

Albania is generally considered a safe holiday destination. As with any trip, you should be sure to be covered by international health insurance that guarantees you free medical care in an emergency.

The Albanians are very hospitable and will usually try to help you with any problems you may have. But be careful: if you are driving to more remote areas, the road conditions may be rough, so it is best to take a car with four-wheel drive. The main roads, however, are well maintained, especially between the coastal towns and the capital, Tirana.

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Do I need a visa for Albania?

As an Austrian citizen, you can enter the country with an ID card or passport that is valid for at least three months and stay in the entire country for up to 90 days without a visa.

What is the currency of Albania?

The Albanian Lek is the currency used in Albania, but the Euro is also a widely accepted means of payment. It often makes more sense to pay in the local currency, especially if you settle smaller amounts, as this guarantees that you pay the lowest price. €1 is currently worth around 100 lek, and you can find ATMs and currency exchange offices in every major city.

Places to see & visit in Albania

In Albania, you will find great beaches and secluded bays that are much more untouched and unspoilt than in Greece. The coastal section in the southwest of the country, also known as the Albanian Riviera, is particularly popular with holidaymakers. From Saranda, the Riviera stretches up to Vlora, where the Ionian Sea becomes the Adriatic.

The port city of Saranda in Albania

If you take the ferry from Corfu to Albania, Saranda (or Sarandë) is the starting point for your holiday in Albania. The port city may not look very pretty at first glance, but its true charm becomes more apparent in the evening hours. The beautiful promenade is particularly attractive, taking you past small markets where you can buy fruit and souvenirs, as well as numerous restaurants and bars.

I can particularly recommend the restaurant Mare Nostrum, which is one of the best in the city. Incidentally, you don’t have to dig deep into your pockets for the excellent dishes here either, because fresh fish dishes are available for as little as €10, and a half-litre of house wine costs €5.

A true holiday paradise

Saranda is also the perfect starting point for excursions to the mountain spring Syri i Kalter, the ‘Blue Eye of Albania’. However, since there are no buses on this route, you should take a rental car or a taxi for about €10 each way. The journey takes about half an hour and takes you inland over more or less well-developed serpentine roads.

There is a sign for the mountain lake, so you can’t get lost. The entrance fee to the small park is 100 Lek per person, which is €0.80. After a short walk, you will reach the 12-degree cold spring of the mountain lake, which is called ‘Blue Eye’ thanks to its colour. If you are intrepid, you can even go for a swim here.

Albania Beach Holidays

Albania, Europe’s hidden gem, offers breathtaking seaside resorts that you absolutely must discover. From the mesmerizing azure coast of the Albanian Riviera to the idyllic beaches of the Ionian Sea, you’ll find everything your heart desires. Relax on the fine white sands of Dhermi or enjoy the crystal-clear waters and vibrant nightlife of Saranda – a lively town. For those seeking adventure, Ksamil offers dreamlike islands to explore by boat. Be enchanted by the natural beauty of Albania and experience unforgettable moments in these paradisiacal seaside resorts.

Tip: I have a dedicated article about the most beautiful beaches in Albania. Here you can find out where to find the most beautiful beaches.

Vlora – where Ionian Sea & Adriatic Sea meet

Vlora, the charming coastal town in southern Albania, is a real gem where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic. This unique location offers you breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear water and a variety of water sports. From historical sites such as the monastery of Zvernec to modern seafront promenades, Vlora has something for everyone.

Enjoy the delicious Albanian cuisine in the local restaurants and let yourself be enchanted by the warm hospitality of the locals. Vlora is the perfect place for an unforgettable holiday full of relaxation and adventure.

Himarë – secluded beaches and crystal-clear water

Himara, a picturesque coastal village in southern Albania, is a true paradise for beach lovers. Hidden coves with fine white sand and turquoise waters so clear you can see the seabed await you here. Get off the beaten track, relax in peace and enjoy unspoilt nature. The warm hospitality of the locals and the delicious local cuisine will round off your stay perfectly. Whether you are snorkelling, sunbathing or simply unwinding, Himara offers you everything you need for an unforgettable holiday.

Borsh – Relaxing on the longest beach in Albania

Borsh, a picturesque coastal village in southern Albania, is home to the longest beach in the country. With seven kilometres of untouched golden sand, Borsh offers a perfect retreat for sunbathers, families and nature lovers.

The crystal-clear, turquoise water invites you to swim and snorkel, while the surrounding hills offer ideal hiking trails. Here, you can experience authentic Albanian hospitality and enjoy freshly caught fish and traditional dishes at the local restaurants, away from the crowds. Borsh is a hidden gem that promises unforgettable holiday experiences for families.

White sandy beaches in the popular seaside resort of Ksamil

In southern Albania, you will find the village of Ksamil, one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in the whole country. If you travel from Saranda, you can easily reach Ksamil by bus in just an hour. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for just under €10 or rent a car in Saranda. Once you arrive in Ksamil, you can’t miss the beach sections around Ksamil Beach. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas directly from the adjacent tavernas.

Since most of the beaches are pebble and stone beaches, you should bring swimming shoes, then bathing in the clear water of the Ionian Sea is a true pleasure. There are three small islands just off the coast, which you can swim to or take a boat to.

Tip: Don’t miss out on the Beach Bar Korali in Ksamil! Here you can enjoy delicious seafood like fresh mussels and a magnificent view.

I was truly surprised by the good Italian food that is served up here in many restaurants. The pizza comes out of traditional stone ovens with a juicy topping and the pasta can easily keep up with the original Italian version. But don’t hesitate to try the typical Albanian cuisine as well. It is usually a bit heartier, but also super tasty! Of course, raki is an essential after-dinner drink. The comparably low prices in bars and restaurants are a huge plus for a holiday in Albania – you will rarely pay more than €20 for a dinner including drinks.

Albania’s capital – Tirana

On your holiday in Albania, you will hardly be able to avoid the capital, Tirana. Located in the central west of the country, the city can be both the starting and ending point of your trip. While you were able to enjoy deserted beaches on the Albanian Riviera, a real contrast awaits you in Tirana, with cultural highlights and a vibrant, modern everyday life.

The capital’s central Skanderbeg Square, which is located directly in front of the museum, bears the name of the national hero and is adorned by a large statue. Take a stroll around the square and then be sure to visit the magnificent Et’hem Bey Mosque. The interior of the sacred building can also be visited if you are interested.

Berat – The city of a thousand windows

The city of Berat is no less interesting. It is one of the oldest cities in Albania and, with its historic ottoman style houses, offers a truly magnificent sight. Thanks to the many small houses, the city is also known as the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’. A glance at the backdrop of the former Muslim district of Mangalem explains the name itself.

The city’s main tourist attraction, however, is the castle district of Berat. The castle, which towers above the city’s rooftops, is the city’s most famous landmark. Various churches and the ruins of mosques can be visited in the castle area. If that doesn’t interest you, just enjoy the great view over the city of Berat. If you are looking for a spectacular excursion destination near Berat, we can recommend the Osum Canyon. The largest gorge in Albania can be visited as part of a day tour.

Gjirokaster – the city of a thousand steps

The city of Gjirokaster (also Gjirokastra), which is considered the cultural centre of Albania, is also worth a visit. The city of stones and a thousand steps, as Gjirokaster is also known, is characterised by its small houses with pyramid-shaped roofs in the old town. Be sure to make the short effort and walk up the steep path to the old castle of Gjirokaster, which was used by the Nazis as a fortress during the Second World War. Various cannons and an old aircraft wreck are reminders of war times, but the view you can enjoy from here is truly breathtaking.

If you want to learn something about Albanian history, you can visit the ethnographic museum here afterwards. In addition to the castle and the museums, there are also old mosques in the city that date back to Ottoman times. Even today, around half of the Albanians are devout Muslims, but the peaceful coexistence with other religions is not a problem for the inhabitants.

Tip: At the foot of the castle, you will find numerous souvenir shops and the Berati Castle Hotel, from whose restaurant you have a great view of the castle and the city below.

Butrint National Archeological Park

A particularly popular excursion destination in Albania is the Butrint National Park, which is located not far from Ksamil. Here you can marvel at the ancient site of Butrint, a city of ruins surrounded by old trees, which has witnessed various cultures such as those of the ancient Romans and Greeks, but also the Ottomans. Traces of these cultures can still be found in Butrint today. In the 1990s, the ruined city, which is one of the most important attractions in Albania, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Tip: I recommend visiting the site in the early morning or afternoon, when the crowds are still to come or have already left and you can take your time to see the highlights, such as the well-preserved amphitheatre. You can arrive with the same bus that also goes to Ksamil, which runs between Saranda and Butrint once an hour.

Durres – Perfect for an easy beach holiday

The second largest city in Albania is the lively port city of Durres, which is located just 40 kilometres east of Tirana. Since Durres is located directly by the sea, you can expect to find many beaches, bays and hotels here, which are particularly popular during the summer months.

But Durres has more to offer than just beaches: The Roman amphitheatre and the Archaeological Museum, where you can learn more about the city’s past, are well worth seeing. It’s best to take a guided tour and let a local show you the city’s sights!

Hiking in Albania

Albania is not only a destination for sun worshippers and culture lovers, nature lovers and active holidaymakers in particular will love the country’s wild landscapes. The mountains in the north of the country attract hikers who want to enjoy the unspoilt nature of Albania.

14 national parks attract nature lovers, who can look forward to fantastic and diverse landscapes ranging from mountain ranges to ancient sites and large forest areas. Tours in the Dajti Mountain National Park, which is located not far from the capital Tirana, are particularly popular. Trained guides will show you the most beautiful sides of this green country on an organised hiking holiday.

Bunkers & Communism

You are bound to come across one or two mushroom-shaped bunkers on your travels through Albania. More than 170,000 of them still adorn the landscape of this small Balkan country today. Each one is a reminder of the rule of dictator Enver Hoxhas, who had the bunkers built throughout the country to protect against capitalist enemies. Some are located on the extensive beaches, others in the mountains and still others in the middle of the city.

Although some of the bunkers have since been destroyed, the Albanians have also recognised the potential of their country’s secret landmarks and now simply live with the concrete blocks, which are not only a living testimony to Albania’s history but also real tourist magnets. A few bunkers have even been converted into small, walk-in museums. Photos are being taken, and some holidaymakers are even climbing into the small, sometimes rather well-hidden mushrooms.

What is the political situation in Albania today?

For a long time, Albania was under the strict communist regime of dictator Enver Hoxhas. It was only after his death and the subsequent overthrow of the regime that the opening of a country that had previously been almost completely isolated from the western world became possible.

However, the peace that had been established did not last long, because as early as 1997, six years after the first free election, the lottery uprising led to the collapse of economic and political structures, and many Albanians lost their entire fortunes due to dubious investments. In 1999, Albania was affected by the Kosovo conflict, with thousands of Albanians fleeing the then Serbian-held territory of Yugoslavia.

After the conflict ended almost two decades ago, tourism slowly began to flourish. Since then, hotels have been built in the country’s popular coastal resorts, and restaurants are increasingly catering to visitors from around the world.