Albania – Travel Guide
Albania is a fascinating and eclectic tourist destination, offering a diverse mix of cultures and heritage. Dive into its magnificent mountains, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities. Explore the many relics from its storied past and glimpse into its unique variety of traditions. Most visitors love to taste the delicious local cuisine, also featuring a wide variety of flavors from around the world. Don’t forget to allow your imagination as well as your curiosity to take you on an unforgettable journey of discovery in Albania.
All about Albania
Albania FAQ
What is Albania known for?
Albania is well-known for its contributions to culture, which stretches back over two millennia. You can see artifacts and works of art created by the people who call Albania home in the country`s many museums, of which the Durrës Archaeological Museum and the National Art Gallery are two not to be missed. Albania`s beaches are very popular, ranging from the untouched and pristine to flashy and touristy. Finally, it can`t be ignored that Albania`s Communist-era history and relics set it apart even from other former Communist nations in Eastern Europe.
What are the best places to visit in Albania?
Nearly all visitors to the country arrive in the capital, Tirana, and spend a few days exploring before heading to the coast. The city of Durrës is one of the oldest in Albania, dating back before the time of the Romans. Nearby is the beautiful Albanian Riviera, with such cities and towns as Sarandë, Ksamil, and Vlorë. The largest lake in Southern Europe, Lake Skadar, is a nationally protected wetland, and the ancient city of Shkodër sits between its banks and the Albanian Alps.
How many days should I spend in Albania?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Albania?
We recommend seeing Albania by car. The state railway service, Albanian Railways, is typically used by travelers only for the experience, as the train lines do not connect all regions of the country with one another and the rolling stock is second-hand, mainly from former Communist nations and dated stock from Italy and Germany. Albania`s road network has been fully developed since the fall of Communism; there are now three national motorways and nine slightly smaller expressways connecting each region with one another.
What is the currency of Albania?
The currency of Albania is the lek (written in shorthand as L). U.S. dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for lekë upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at many locations throughout the country.
Do people speak English in Albania?
English is a very popular foreign language for Albanians, and at least two-thirds of people under 30 can speak English. It may be harder to find older speakers of English as the Communist government which ruled until 1991 prioritized full English-language instruction only for a select few. You should have no problem finding English-speakers in large cities and on the Albanian Riviera. To ask someone in Albanian if anyone around speaks English, show them this sentence: A flet njeri anglisht?
Best time to visit Albania
The country of Albanian features a variable climate that predominantly experiences Mediterranean and continental weather with four distinct seasons. The weather can vary based on location with temperatures that can be dramatically different inland as opposed to the coastal areas.
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The coastal regions experience more of a Mediterranean climate and the inland and highland regions have a continental climate and colder temperatures. The country experiences warm, dry summer and mild wet winters and there is no bad time to visit Albania with many different activities to enjoy during the summer and winter months.
There are exciting things to experience in Albania every month of the year, spring and summer are said to be some of the best seasons for those visitors who enjoy time at the beach and in the water, walking and hiking opportunities, cycling, and visiting the many outdoor sights and attractions. The autumn and winter months are great for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and exploring the country’s fantastic museums.
March – May – Spring
The weather during the springtime months is lovely. Filled with sunshine and a quieter time of year to visit the country, with lower prices. Spring is a wonderful time when the weather is not too hot and a great time to visit the pristine beaches and the spectacular coastal areas, an ideal time to visit the stunning, as well as the Albanian Riviera. The Ionian Coast and Saranda are nestled on the coast and is simply spectacular this time of year, an ideal beach getaway destination.
April is the best time to visit the Butrint Archeological Park, the main historical park in the country filled with historical importance and incomparable beauty. Located behind Ksamil Beach and surrounded by stunning nature and the Vivari channel, nature is in bloom this time of year and the crowds have yet to arrive. ,
Make the most of the outdoors during the spring months by cycling, walking, hiking, and visiting the Mediterranean beaches to relax and enjoy the warm weather. The Albanian Riviera offers some fantastic musical events and concerts this time of year.
Events and Festivals
-Dita e Veres – March 14th – An important pagan festival celebrated throughout the country. Elbasan is the best town to participate with dancing, parades, and lots of delicious baked goods.
June – August – Summer
The country of Albanian is bathed in sunshine from June to August making it a brilliant time to visit the country for warm wonderful weather. The Albanian Riviera and the coastal towns are popular destinations during the summer with their beautiful beaches and pristine waters. The summer is also peak season when most of the tourists flock to the country for its summer temperatures, hotels, beaches, restaurants, and attractions, which can be quite busy during these months. Prices also go up and accommodations may be sold out quickly, booking a few months in advance is highly recommended.
July and August are the hottest months of the year, and popular months in coastal towns such as Saranda, and Durres, which are packed during this time. These months are also a pleasant time for visiting the mountains to explore the great outdoors, temperatures are a little cooler inland. Theth is nestled high in the Albanian Alps, a spectacular region for hiking and exploring the peaks of Thethi and Boga as well as the stunning Grunas Waterfall.
Events and Festivals
-Fustanella Festival – Mid-July – Gjirokaster is a charming town decorated with Ottoman houses and the festival takes place here.
-Za Fest – August – Music festival featuring some of the country’s best songwriters.
September – November – Autumn
The autumn months in Albania are a beautiful time to visit, with cooling temperatures after the summer, still warm enough to enjoy the great outdoors. Visiting most of the country’s outdoor sights and attractions is easily done and enjoyable this time of year, the weather starts to cool down as the months go on, and there is a noticeable difference in November. This is shoulder seasons with fewer tourists visiting the major cities and attractions. Kruje is a lovely place to visit this time of year along with Berat, known as the city with a thousand Ottoman windows is simply charming too. Prices for accommodations will be lower during the autumn months and places are a lot less crowded.
September the beaches are great for sunbathing, relaxing, and swimming in places like Vlora and Durres just a few hours away from Tirana. Take a boat to Karaburun, an stunning untouched peninsula great for swimming, relaxing, and eating excellent seafood. October brings the blooming fall colors, and the weather is still enjoyable, the mountains are great this time of year for hiking and trekking. As the colder weather sets in it’s the perfect time for visiting Tirana, the country’s capital with plenty of museums, galleries, and shopping to discover.
December – April – Winter
During the winter months, temperatures around Albania plummet with the inland, mountainous regions being the coldest and the coastal regions follow suit. Many places and attractions on the Albanian Riviera will close down during the wintertime. It is still the perfect time to explore the mountains if you like hiking in the winter and skiing, Mt Korab is the highest peak in the country. Snowshoeing vacations take place in the Albanian Alps from late January to Mid-March.
Visiting Korca during the winter months is a dream with its gorgeous winter scenery, lovely café culture, and surrounding mountain scenery. This is one of the country’s most important towns and the main ski destination, a charming region situated near the Greek and Macedonian border with endless opportunities for skiing, ice skating, hiking, and other winter activities. Visiting Tirana during the wintertime is said to be one of the best European winter destinations especially in the heart of the city in Skanderbeg Square, which is magically decorated for the holiday seasons. The square is adorned with decorations and lights with a big Christmas tree, a carousel, and a wonderful winter market. Tirana is also the host for New Year’s Eve celebrations with concerts, music, food, and fireworks.
Events and Festivals
-Albanian Independence Day – November 28th – Tirana features big celebrations, concerts, and other fun events.
-Christmas Eve – December 24th
-Christmas Day – December 25th
-New Year’s Eve – December 31st
-New Years Day – January 1st.
Tipping in Albania
The questions “when?” and “how much?” can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these “tips” will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in Albania
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Albanian Lek?
The currency of Albania is the Albanian Lek (LEK). US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Albanian Lek upon arrival. In our culture we can put everything on credit and debit cards, however, in Europe, you will find it useful to always keep a little cash on hand. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and in many locations throughout the city.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
When dining in restaurants, cafes, and bars in Albania you can simply round up the bill if you wish to leave a tip, rounding up to the nearest full amount or tipping around 5%-10% of the bill is sufficient. Consider tipping more if your service is outstanding, the service workers in Albania do not make that much money and a little can go a long way.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Staff in hotels throughout Albania will be extremely grateful to receive any tip you give them, it’s a nice gesture if the employee has taken care of you. Anything up to 200 LEK a day is an ample amount, tipping the housekeepers who keep your room clean, bellmen that help with your bags, and the concierge who helps plan an excursion or makes dinner reservation for you. It is polite, but not required and you may have to be persistent when tipping.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping taxi drivers in Albania is not a common practice. However, rounding up the fare to the nearest hundred lek and leaving the change is a wonderful gesture. Use your discretion if the driver was friendly and helpful and you would like to tip, then go ahead and leave some extra change, but it is not at all required. Always remember when travelling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping a tour guide in Albania is very much appreciated, but never expected. A common practice is to tip 10% of the total cost of your tour, some tour operators may include a tip in the total price, so be sure to check your receipt.
Final Thoughts:
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., waiters are paid a living wage, and the expectations for tipping are lower in Albania than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Driving in Albania
The stunning country of Albania features a breathtaking coastline with a beautiful variety of beaches, magical mountains, historic cities, and wonderful UNESCO Heritage Sites to explore. Exploring the country and its magnificent cities by car is a great option when visiting Albania.
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There are some incredibly scenic road trips such as the one from Vlora to Saranda winding down the mountains to the spectacular coast and the Albanian Riviera. There are some lovely countryside roads between places like Gjirokaster and Korce as well as the southern Albanian Riviera that provide wonderful driving opportunities. The majority of the cities are relatively easy to drive around as well with plenty of sightseeing opportunities.
Overview
Driving in Albanian can be quite daunting with many chaotic drivers that speed along the roads passing on blind turns, and generally having a lack of respect for road rules. Let’s not get started on Albanian’s use of roundabouts and lack of traffic lights! Which can cause some heart-raising moments with drivers not stopping, randomly cutting across lanes to exit and enter the roundabouts and so much more! Traffic lights only seem to be present in the capital city of Tirana, the rest of the country is sort of a free-for-all. Driving here can be a challenge if you are not a confident, responsible, and somewhat aggressive driver. The country has one of the highest road fatality rates in all of Europe, driving here is not for the inexperienced. It is not unusual to be held up by farm animals and wildlife on the roads in Albania. The rural parts of the country live the simple way of life where horses, carts, and donkeys are not an unfamiliar sight on the country roads. So be prepared to slow down or stop for goats to be herded across the road, or witness cattle grazing by the roadside. You must be 18 years or older to drive in Albania, you will be required to have an international driver’s permit and a valid driver’s license from your home country. They drive on the right-hand side of the road, and pass on the left. Seatbelts are required by the driver and all passengers, third-party insurance is required and speed limits are signposted in km/h (50 km/h = 31 mph).
Road Conditions
The road conditions vary throughout the country with many of the city roads and the ones along the coast and leading to the borders being in relatively good shape with road signs, etc. All the roads in Albania are single lanes, there are many-layered with potholes especially in the country and east towards Berat and Central Albania, where many roads have yet to be resurfaced. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is the best way to get around the country, the road conditions throughout the country are improving as tourism increases. Driving outside of major cities at night should be avoided as the roads are poorly lit and hazardous due to road conditions. There can be a huge risk of deep, wide potholes caused by flash floods in remote throughout the year.
Road Signs
Albanian roads have basic road signs and markers in the main towns and cities, however on country roads and mountain roads be wary of unmarked roadworks, sharp bends, and potholes. The road network in Albania is split up into expressways labeled with an A, the State Highways are labeled by an SH. The A1 is the longest road (and only toll road) in the country and connects the port city of Durres with the capital city of Tirana and Kosovo in the northeast. The A2 is another expressway that runs from the North by Vlore to Levan.
Speed Limits
The national speed limit on Albanian motorways is between 110km/h (68 mph) and 80 km/h to 90 km/h on rural/main roads, and 40 km/h in towns. Most of the time Albanians completely ignore the speed limits and are always eager to pass foreign drivers. It’s best for you to stick to the speed limits as a visitor, as police easily spot rental cars and are more likely to pull you over than a local.
Documents and Laws
Always carry your license, international driving permit, and registration along with rental vehicle paperwork when driving. Keep your headlights on, or you will get pulled over and get a ticket. Dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you are visiting. The operators can answer your call in their native language, English or French. Drunk driving is strictly forbidden. Albanian has a zero-tolerance for drink driving. The blood alcohol content limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.01%.
Car Rentals
It is a great idea to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle when renting a car in Albania, due to the sometimes poor quality road conditions and big hills/mountains throughout the country. Car rental companies usually require that you are 25 or older to rent a vehicle in Albania. Most companies will require a credit card for a deposit when renting a vehicle. You must hold a valid driving license from your home country, and usually the second form of proof of identification (passport). You are not allowed to drive outside of Albania unless you have previously planned it with your car hire company.
Gas Stations/Petrol Stations
Petrol stations are readily available around cities and villages. On the main highway, the petrol stops are clearly marked and often don’t offer a wide range of services like elsewhere in Europe, where you would have a resting place with a restaurant next to it.
Petrol Stations in Albanian are normally open and operate from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm in urban locations. Be sure to have cash on hand as not all petrol stations accept credit cards. There are no automatic petrol pumps in Albania, all are manual.
Top cities in Albania
What to expect while traveling
