Albania: what to see, how to get around and why it’s worth visiting
Albania is one of those countries that still manages to surprise you. Small, little explored, and outside Europe’s most tourist-heavy circuits, it combines crystal-clear beaches, wild mountains, and cities shaped by a long history of diverse influences. Located between the Balkans and the Adriatic Sea, it offers very diverse landscapes, affordable prices, and an authentic cultural identity. Traveling through Albania means discovering a genuine, welcoming, and different country, where simplicity, local life, and the unexpected are all part of the experience.
Albania: what to see, how to get around and why it’s worth visiting
Albania is one of those countries that still manages to surprise you. Small, little explored, and outside Europe’s most tourist-heavy circuits, it combines crystal-clear beaches, wild mountains, and cities shaped by a long history of diverse influences. Located between the Balkans and the Adriatic Sea, it offers very diverse landscapes, affordable prices, and an authentic cultural identity. Traveling through Albania means discovering a genuine, welcoming, and different country, where simplicity, local life, and the unexpected are all part of the experience.
These are just some of the most notable places in the country, ideal for a first visit. This is not a ranking or selection, but rather a glimpse of many places that make Albania such a special destination:
- Tirana – Vibrant capital, museums, cafés, and urban life.
- Sarandë – Ideal base to explore the south and the Albanian Riviera.
- Ksamil – Turquoise beaches and small islands off the coast.
- Berat – The city of a thousand windows, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Gjirokastër – Ottoman architecture and historic stone old town.
- Butrint – Greco-Roman archaeological site, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Albanian Riviera – Pristine beaches and coastal villages.
- Theth – Albanian Alps, trekking and untouched nature.
- Valbona – Mountain valley and hiking routes.
- Shkodër – Northern culture and gateway to the Albanian Alps.
Albanian cuisine is simple, tasty, and based on fresh products, with Balkan and Mediterranean influences:
- Byrek – Pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach.
- Tavë kosi – Oven-baked lamb with yogurt, one of the most traditional dishes.
- Fërgesë – Dish made of peppers, tomatoes, and cheese.
- Qofte – Spiced meatballs.
- Fish and seafood – Very common along the coast.
- Dolma – Stuffed grape leaves with rice and meat.
- Qumështor – Traditional milk-based dessert.
- Raki – Typical alcoholic drink, very popular throughout the country.
- Currency: Albanian lek (ALL).
- Language: Albanian.
- Plugs: Type C and F, 230V.
- Tipping: Not mandatory; usually rounding up or 5–10%.
- Connectivity: Good in cities; irregular in rural areas.
- Payments: Cash widely used; cards accepted in hotels and larger restaurants.
- Car – Best option to explore the country freely.
- Furgon (minibuses) – Very common and cheap, but without fixed schedules.
- Bus – Connects main cities, though less frequently.
- Taxi – Affordable; agree on the price beforehand.
- Ferry – Connections with Greece and Italy from major ports.
- May to June – Ideal weather and fewer tourists.
- July and August – Summer, perfect for beaches but more crowded.
- September – Excellent weather, fewer people, and lower prices.
- Winter – Quiet, with fewer tourist services in rural areas.
The climate is Mediterranean on the coast and mountainous inland.
- Bring cash: many places do not accept cards.
- Rent a car if you want to explore beaches and mountains.
- Don’t underestimate travel times: roads can be slow.
- Enjoy local hospitality: it’s common to be offered food or raki.
- Learn a few basic Albanian words: it goes a long way.
- Check road conditions if traveling to mountainous areas.
- Albania is a very safe country, but always take care of your belongings.
During our trip we spent ten days in Sarandë, exploring the Albanian Riviera and the beaches in the south of the country, and two days in Tirana, which allowed us to experience both its coastal side and its capital. Traveling through Albania gives you the constant feeling of discovering a destination that has not yet been mass tourismized.
Must-see destinations in Albania
These are just some of the most notable places in the country, ideal for a first visit. This is not a ranking or selection, but rather a glimpse of many places that make Albania such a special destination:
- Tirana – Vibrant capital, museums, cafés, and urban life.
- Sarandë – Ideal base to explore the south and the Albanian Riviera.
- Ksamil – Turquoise beaches and small islands off the coast.
- Berat – The city of a thousand windows, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Gjirokastër – Ottoman architecture and historic stone old town.
- Butrint – Greco-Roman archaeological site, UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Albanian Riviera – Pristine beaches and coastal villages.
- Theth – Albanian Alps, trekking and untouched nature.
- Valbona – Mountain valley and hiking routes.
- Shkodër – Northern culture and gateway to the Albanian Alps.
What to eat in Albania (must-try dishes)
Albanian cuisine is simple, tasty, and based on fresh products, with Balkan and Mediterranean influences:
- Byrek – Pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach.
- Tavë kosi – Oven-baked lamb with yogurt, one of the most traditional dishes.
- Fërgesë – Dish made of peppers, tomatoes, and cheese.
- Qofte – Spiced meatballs.
- Fish and seafood – Very common along the coast.
- Dolma – Stuffed grape leaves with rice and meat.
- Qumështor – Traditional milk-based dessert.
- Raki – Typical alcoholic drink, very popular throughout the country.
Practical travel information for Albania
- Currency: Albanian lek (ALL).
- Language: Albanian.
- Plugs: Type C and F, 230V.
- Tipping: Not mandatory; usually rounding up or 5–10%.
- Connectivity: Good in cities; irregular in rural areas.
- Payments: Cash widely used; cards accepted in hotels and larger restaurants.
How to get around Albania
- Car – Best option to explore the country freely.
- Furgon (minibuses) – Very common and cheap, but without fixed schedules.
- Bus – Connects main cities, though less frequently.
- Taxi – Affordable; agree on the price beforehand.
- Ferry – Connections with Greece and Italy from major ports.
Best time to visit
- May to June – Ideal weather and fewer tourists.
- July and August – Summer, perfect for beaches but more crowded.
- September – Excellent weather, fewer people, and lower prices.
- Winter – Quiet, with fewer tourist services in rural areas.
The climate is Mediterranean on the coast and mountainous inland.
Useful reminders for traveling in Albania
- Bring cash: many places do not accept cards.
- Rent a car if you want to explore beaches and mountains.
- Don’t underestimate travel times: roads can be slow.
- Enjoy local hospitality: it’s common to be offered food or raki.
- Learn a few basic Albanian words: it goes a long way.
- Check road conditions if traveling to mountainous areas.
- Albania is a very safe country, but always take care of your belongings.
