Albania is one of the small Balkan countries that stole my heart with its awesome history and wonderful breathtaking beaches. As it continues to grow in popularity, I recommend using the following tips to enjoy it before it becomes too popular and touristy!
For those planning their first trip or even returning to explore more, my Complete Albania Travel Guide offers in-depth insights and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.
All About Traveling in Albania:
Best Time to Visit
The best season to visit Albania depends on what you're looking for. Here's how I'd break it down:
Spring (April-May): The weather is starting to get warmer and you have fewer tourists so it’s definitely the perfect time to visit!
Summer: While it is hot and mid summer intense weather, it is ideal for beach or outdoor pursuits, so it was my favorite time to visit.
Autumn: The mild climate and fewer tourists still make it a great time for venturing out into the countryside.
Winter: If you enjoy winter sports, the Albanian Alps boast excellent skiing and snowboarding.
Getting There
I flew into Tirana International Airport (TIA), which is the country's main and only international airport. You can also enter the country by land from neighboring countries like Greece, Montenegro, and Kosovo.
Transportation
While taxis are available in Albania there are no big ridesharing apps yet besides Patoko so getting a driver isn’t always easy if you are outside the main center.
The most recommended way to get around Albania is by renting a car. There are public buses but the schedules aren’t always clear and going outside of Tirana will get more complicated.
I share the company I rented from inside the Albania Travel Guide.
Accommodation
I recommend staying in Tirana around the city center when you first arrive. As you start exploring outside the city I recommend finding Airbnbs or hotels in the following main cities: Berat, Gjirokastër, Saranda, Theth, and Shkoder
I created a list of the best stays for each place and share it inside the Albania Travel Guide.
Culture and Local Cuisines
One thing about Albaians is they are extremely kind and welcoming even though sometimes it gets lost in the communication. Most of the younger crowd speaks English but it still comes off as very direct and sometimes a little rude until you realize that’s how they are translating, when in reality they are very sweet and warm!
Some of the typical Albanian dishes to try:
Byrek: These awesome cakes stuffed with meat, cheese, or veggies became my favorite snack.
Tavë Kosi: A wonderful dish that includes lamb and yogurt, perfectly baked, this was highly culinary to me.
Fërgesë: A delicious dish with bread it was served, filled with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese.
Wine and Rakia: I discovered the wine production in Albania and also went to some vineyards for tastings. Rakia is a fruit brandy - a really tasty local drink of Albania, for which I was once offered as a gesture of hospitality.
My favorite restaurants with typical Albanian food are inside the Travel Guide.
Activities and Experiences
Outdoor Activities in Albania
If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a great outdoor adventure, and Albania is a place that doesn’t disappoint. This beautiful country is packed with experiences that will get your heart racing and your spirit soaring.
- Hiking and trekking: Among my favorite things to do here is hiking in the Albanian Alps. Such paths vary from easy walks undertaken by anyone to more demanding treks that challenge even the most experienced hikers. Whether you need to witness panoramic views or hidden pathways, there is something for everyone.
- Mountain Biking: If you are a cycling enthusiast, you will love and enjoy the mountain landscapes and off-road trails. Imagine yourself through rolling hills and the wind across your face, taking in its beauty.
- Rock Climbing: For all the adrenaline junkies, Albanian Alps rock climbing is a must try. What I always remember is feeling reaching the top was and taking in the view; nothing can beat this feeling.
Water Activities in Albania
- Beach Holidays: Let's begin with beaches. The Albanian Riviera is like a dream for anybody who wishes to relax. I still see myself lying in the soft sand, warm sun kissing my skin, and the roaring waves as they lap it up smoothly. Pure bliss.
- Swimming and Snorkeling: The waters of Adriatic and Ionian are crystal clear, giving scope for exploration of that beautiful world while swimming and snorkeling. Spending countless hours exploring such waters must have given such a sense of heaven as when those really pristine waters finally allowed the view of many colorful fishes and simply enjoyed that underwater peaceful world.
- If you are a diver, it is one of the best. Albania has underwater sites that are full of surprises-from ancient shipwrecks to very interesting marine life. Believe me; you can say you have dived into the hidden chapters of history.
- For the adventurous ones, sail on a boat or yacht, so one can enjoy the coast and the surrounding islands.
Cultural Activities in Albania
- Historic sites: Explore the historic sites of Albania to take a step back in time. You could walk through ancient ruins, behold medieval castles, or just see the intricate details of an Ottoman-era mosque. Every site has its story to tell and makes you feel that you're walking in a living museum.
- Experience local culture. To completely immerse, you absolutely have to experience local culture. Simply no comparison exists to the sense of immersion in taking part in traditional Albanian music and dances. The memories from the high-energy night at a local festival with everybody assembled to celebrate, laugh, and dance the night away are simply unforgettable.
- Try local food: And of course, there is the food-Albanian dishes are simply unforgettable. From crispy byrek to the comforting flavors of tavë kosi and fergese, each bite is a delicious nod to the country's culinary traditions. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
- Shop Locally: For a more local flavor, I go to local markets. I love browsing through one-of-a-kind handicrafts, picking up souvenirs, and just chatting with the local artisans-someone always leaves me with special mementos and memories.
- Attend the Fests: If possible, an experience you won't want to miss would be going to one of the local festivals. These festivals are celebrated to commemorate a national holiday or some traditional occasion and form a vibrant community expression of Albania
Currency and Connectivity
The local currency is the LEK and you will definitely want to have cash handy as Albania is a cash heavy society still and does not accept credit cards in most places.
Want the best Albania Experience, living like a local? Here is my Travel Guide -
Our Long Stay Albania travel guide is crafted for those who wish to explore more than a typical Google search.
Designed for slow travelers and those who want to live like a local in each city, our travel guides include everything you need to make a new city feel like home.
Founded by Laura Gomez in August 2022, Long Stay was born from a love of extended travel and a desire to help other travelers experience more destinations like a local.
After traveling full-time and staying for longer periods in various cities, Laura discovered the joy of working remotely while deeply immersing herself in new cultures.
From where to stay, places to eat, and the best spots to work from, to gyms and other essentials, my guides provide comprehensive information to enhance your travel experience.