Albania has been rediscovered as a European tourist destination in recent years, discover what to see and the must-visit stops.
One of the most sought-after destinations in Europe is Albania, increasingly popular in recent years, a land waiting to be explored where you can plan a trip among seaside resorts, archaeological sites, historic villages, and natural landscapes of rare beauty.
A holiday in Albania is an experience within everyone's reach, thanks to the relatively low rates, with an extremely favorable exchange rate. Here's everything you need to know to visit Albania, from places to see to the best times to travel.
What to visit in Albania: places to absolutely see
Albania is a relatively small country, yet it is a territory rich in places to explore, from beautiful seaside resorts to fascinating historic towns and free natural spas. Discovering Albania represents a complete immersion in Albanian culture, to visit unique destinations such as the ancient city of Berat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bustling capital Tirana, the modern town of Durres, not to mention the splendid landscapes of Saranda and Shkodra.
What to see in Tirana, the capital of Albania
One of the main destinations is the capital of Albania, Tirana, a cosmopolitan city with many tourist attractions. The tour can start from the Clock Tower, a true local symbol, built in 1820 and towering 35 meters high, continuing towards the futuristic Pyramid of Hoxha, now an important youth cultural center. Also to visit in Tirana are the Museum of Secret Services, Sigurimi, the Central Market, the beating heart of the Albanian city, the imposing National History Museum, and the Et'hem Bey Mosque, making a stop to eat in the bustling Blloku district.
Lake Scutari, on the border with Montenegro
Shkodra is a historic town in Albania, located in the northern part of the country, not far from Montenegro. The main attraction is the beautiful Lake Scutari, on which the houses of the city overlook, with its rivers running through the center creating a rather suggestive landscape. Do not miss a visit to the Rozafa Castle, the large Abu Bakr Mosque, the 19th-century English Clock Tower, the Migjeni Theater, and the small but interesting Oso Kuka Historical Museum.
The town of Berat, UNESCO Heritage Site
The town of Berat, located in the central part of the country, is one of the oldest areas in Albania, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its strong historical significance inherited from Ottoman influence. Here Muslims and Christians live in perfect harmony, as can be seen from the historic center divided into two areas. One of the places to see is the Berat Castle, located at the top of a long climb, not to mention the Mangalemi and Gorica neighborhoods, the Ethnographic Museum, as well as the numerous churches and mosques throughout the area.
The modern town of Durres
Although Durres is a contemporary city, periods of Byzantine and Roman influence have left several archaeological sites, creating a strong blend of past and modernity. The list of places to visit in Durres is really long, however, the Castle and the Venetian Tower cannot be missed, the Amphitheater considered one of the oldest in the Balkans, the Archaeological Museum, the Roman baths, the Orthodox Monastery of Shen Vlash, the Great Mosque, and the nearby Muslim prayer center of Fatih.
Holidays in Albania by the sea: where to go?
Albania does not only mean historic cities, churches, mosques, and archaeological sites, in fact, the country is now one of the most popular destinations for summer vacations, thanks to the numerous Albanian seaside resorts and its beautiful beaches. Among the places to go to the sea in Albania there is certainly Saranda, renowned for its nightlife, excellent restaurants, and some of the most suggestive beaches in the Mediterranean, including the paradisiacal Pulebardha Beach, Ksamil and the area of the Three Islands, near which is also Butrint, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another wonderful place for sea lovers is Vlora, located on the Adriatic coast within the National Park of Llogaraja Pass, ideal for snorkeling and excursions. Near Lake Scutari is Velipoje, an extremely long beach with equipped facilities and services, while in the Vlora area on the southwest coast of Albania is Himara, with postcard beaches like Livadhi, Potami and the beautiful Prinos.
Those who wish to book a beach holiday in Albania can also choose Lukove, located less than 20 km from Saranda, famous for its lively nightlife and crystal clear water, or you can move to Qeparo, a village increasingly appreciated by European summer tourism. Not to be outdone are Borsh, where the 18th-century Castle stands on a wonderful stretch of coastline about 7 km long and Gjipe, with exclusive accommodation facilities and excellent services. Another seaside resort is Dhermi, on the Adriatic coast, which hosts the exceptional beaches of Palase and Drimadhes.
Road trip in Albania: best car itineraries
One way to discover this country is to visit Albania by car, organizing a real road trip, to admire all the most charming places without compromises. The adventure can start from the Port of Durres for those arriving by ship, or from Tirana Airport by renting a car. Then you can continue north or south, depending on your preferences, as in every direction there are places worth visiting.
Among the best itineraries in the central part of the country is the mountainous area of Dajti, suitable for short excursions and a trip on the cable car, while to the south you can reach the resorts of Vlora, the beautiful beach of Orikum, continuing to Porto Palermo, Ksamil, Siri Y Kalter, Pogradec, and Gjirokastra, also known as the silver city. To the north, however, there are destinations such as Shkodra and Theth, where you can find waterfalls, lakes, and extremely suggestive natural landscapes.
What to do in Albania with children
Albania is certainly a suitable destination for a trip with children, both because of its proximity to our country and because it is able to offer many attractions for the little ones. Naturally, among the favorite destinations for a holiday with children are the coastal resorts, many of which are equipped to welcome families, including the best ones are Dhermi near Tirana and the Karaburun area, with spectacular places to visit like Grama Bay, the Cave of Slaves, and Petrun with the Duk Gjoni Cave.
Even Ksamil and the nearby islands provide everything you need when traveling with children, otherwise you can choose the area around Lake Ohrid, a cooler environment declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those who prefer excursions can opt for the Valbona Valley National Park, where you can take a ferry trip on Lake Koman, or visit the archaeological site of Apollonia, easily reachable from Berat and Durres.
What to Eat in Albania: Typical Albanian Dishes
A vacation in Albania is a unique opportunity to taste traditional Albanian cuisine, experiencing the typical flavors of this land, not far from Mediterranean gastronomy. Absolutely try the Koran fish, grilled and served with accompanying vegetables, or the Meze, an appetizer consisting of various courses of cheeses, olives, and sauces. Also much appreciated is the Tave Dheu, a meat dish served with artisan bread and ricotta, to be eaten in the classic terracotta container.
Other dishes of Albanian culinary tradition include Byrek, a savory puff pastry cake with meat and vegetables, very tasty, Baklava, a typical dessert quite common in all areas of Albania, Kadaif, another dessert that shows all the Turkish influence in Albanian gastronomy, and Dolma, an indispensable dish in Tirana restaurants, made with a meat filling inside a vine leaf lining. In smaller towns, you can find two meat dishes, Kukurec and Qofte, always accompanied by potatoes and mixed vegetables.
Traveling to Albania: Useful Tips Before Leaving
At the moment, Albania is not part of the European Union; in fact, an official application was submitted some time ago, still under evaluation. The country, therefore, has not adopted the Euro but instead uses the national currency, the Lek, whose value is 122 lek per euro. In several places, it is possible to find currency exchange offices, however, they apply quite burdensome commissions, so it is better to withdraw cash from ATMs, or if possible, pay by card, but it is important to consider that not all places are equipped with POS.
Although Albania is not part of the European Union, there is an international agreement, so it is possible to travel with the Italian identity card without problems, otherwise, you can use the passport. Inside the country, it is possible to drive with the Italian driving license, but an internationally valid insurance policy for trips abroad is required. As it is still an extra-EU state, our health card is not accepted, so to avoid risks, it is advisable to take out travel insurance, activating a policy for medical expenses.
How much does a holiday in Albania cost: prices and indications
One of the advantages of traveling to Albania, which has made this tourist destination so popular, is the possibility of spending little, organizing a low-cost vacation. Prices are quite cheap, despite a progressive increase in rates due to the large influx of tourists in recent years, who now crowd the beaches and resorts of the country. Naturally, the expense depends on your choices; in fact, it is possible to book luxury resorts and eat in renowned restaurants, increasing costs, or stick to less expensive facilities.
In summer, the rates are the highest of the year, so those who want to save money should prefer the low season periods, May, June, September, and October, avoiding July and August. Some services such as car rental and transportation cost as in Italy, while others are cheaper, including restaurant meals, evenings out, and admission to museums and archaeological sites. Hotels offer costs similar to Italian structures, at least for the high season, otherwise prices drop significantly.
How to get to Albania: all travel options
The strong growth in tourism has caused a significant increase in transportation to this Balkan country, in fact, to get to Albania, you can choose from a wide range of different solutions. The fastest and most comfortable means is obviously by plane, reaching the international airport of Tirana from the main Italian cities, alternatively, there are two other airports, one to the north near Kukes and the other to the south near Saranda. Flights are operated by various airlines, including Alitalia, Albawings, and Blue Panorama.
Another widely used means is the ferry, to avoid renting a car once you arrive, also savoring the pleasure of a cruise in the Mediterranean. The crossing to the Port of Durres takes from 7 to 9 hours, with connections made by shipowners such as GNV, Adria Ferries, and Ventouris Ferries. Finally, you can also go to Albania by car, facing a journey of at least 12 hours crossing Slovenia, Montenegro, and Croatia.
When to go to Albania: the best times to travel
Albania's climate is similar to that of Italy, so typically Mediterranean, characterized by cold winters and hot, humid summers. The best time to travel is definitely summer, especially if you want to visit the coastal resorts, finding high temperatures from June to September. If, in addition to the beaches, you want to organize a complete vacation, including also the mountainous areas and historic cities, the most suitable seasons to go to Albania are spring and autumn, when you can encounter mild temperatures and scarce precipitation.