Albania
Ultimate Travel Guide
Discover Albania — a hidden gem with pristine beaches, rugged mountains, and rich history.
This guide shows top sights, tips, and hidden treasures for the perfect trip.
Why Albania Should Be Your Next Destination
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Stunning diversity – Alps, beaches, UNESCO towns
✔ Rich history – old ruins, Ottoman bazaars, Communist relics
✔ Few crowds – Mass tourism hasn’t arrived yet
Page Content
Key Stats & Quick Facts
Tirana
28,748 km²
Albanian & Greek
Albanian Lek (ALL)
May to October
Central European Time UTC +1
Right-Hand-Traffic
+355
230V, 50Hz - Type C & F
bottled water recommended
☀️ Best Time To Visit
The best months to visit Albania are May to October. In the Months May–June and September–October temperatures are pleasant (20–28°C), crowds are smaller, and prices are lower. July–August is ideal for beach lovers but expect heat (30–35°C) and busy coastal areas. Winter (December–February) is great for skiing in the Albanian Alps.
Holidays & Busy Weeks to Avoid
Major Holidays
Peak Tourist Weeks
- New Year’s (January 1st & 2nd) – Parties everywhere, transport is packed
- Summer Day/Dita e Verës (March 14th) – Huge street celebrations
- Labor Day (May 1st) – Worker’s Day – National public holiday with occasional protests
- Independence Day (November 28th) – Parades, but museums/shops close
- Liberation Day (November 29th) – National public holiday, celebrations
- Easter Week (date varies) – Prices spike
- Ferragosto (August 15th) – Italian tourists flood the coast
Good to know: Sunday is quiet with many businesses closed
💵 Cash, Cards & Tipping
Do you pay with Cash or Card in Albania?
Cash is King
Many places don’t take cards. Small Vendors and Public Transport are usually paid in cash. ATMs are widely available.
Credit cards accepted in cities, but carry cash for rural areas.
How much cash do you need?
Carrying around the 200$ equivalent in Albanian Lek at a time is more than enough. If you want to withdraw money look for ATMs of larger Banks, avoid individual ATMs as they usually charge higher fees.
Where can you pay with card?
In Hotels, large Restaurants in Tirana or along the Riviera often accept card payment. Supermarkets and shopping malls.
Tipping culture:
- Restaurants: 5-10% if service not included
- Taxis: Round up fare (e.g., 412 to 500 Lek)
- Hotel staff: 1-2$ for porters/bellboys
- Tour guides: 5-10% of tour cost
🏨 Where To Stay In Albania?
Here are the best Hotels in Albania. Find which one fits you best!
(we work on updating this list atleast once a year, so you can find the best deals every season!)
Check out our recommended Hotels for the most visited cities during Roundtrips in Albania.
Many travelers include a few nights of beach relaxation in their Roundtrip. Check out our recommended Resorts & Seafront Hotels in the category “Beach Resorts”!
Have you already planned out which Route you’re going to take? If you haven’t, then check out possible Routes and Itineraries for Roadtrips!
Tirana
Berat
Durrës
- 4R Colombo Hotel
- Museum Boutique Hotel Tirana
- Tirana Central Suites
- Enzo Rooms Center
- Areela Boutique Hotel
- Selen GuestHouse
- BougainVilla Apartments
- La Voglia Hotel Boutique
- Sokak Boutique Hotel
- Villa Tabaku
- Blen Grand
- Hotel Vila Arbri
- Hotel Ajka
- Hotel Kalaja
- Hotel Orestiada
- ALBON Park
- Tramonto Hotel
- Hostel Durres
- Hotel Kristal
Berat
- Sokak Boutique Hotel
- Villa Tabaku
- Blen Grand
- Hotel Vila Arbri
- Hotel Ajka
- Hotel Kalaja
- Hotel Orestiada
- ALBON Park
Durrës
- Tramonto Hotel
- Hostel Durres
- Hotel Kristal
Gjirokastër
Krujë
Sarandë
- Hotel Bebej Tradicional
- Te Ajdini Guesthouse
- Luigi Guest House
- Palorto Hotel
- 4 Rooms 1940
- Alesio Guest House
- Aron’s House
- Vila Gjoni
- Vila Era Beach
- Sunny Side B&B
- Da Luz Boutique Hotel
- The White Troy
- Hotel Portanova
Krujë
- Alesio Guest House
- Aron’s House
Sarandë
- Vila Gjoni
- Vila Era Beach
- Sunny Side B&B
- Da Luz Boutique Hotel
- The White Troy
- Hotel Portanova
Shkodër/Shokdra
Teth
- Hotel Kaduku
- Atelier Boutique Hotel
- CityCenterHotel Shkoder
- Hotel Aleks
- Guesthouse Dritan Tethorja
- Guest House Rrashkadoli
- Guesthouse Te Tata
Teth
- Guesthouse Dritan Tethorja
- Guest House Rrashkadoli
- Guesthouse Te Tata
Check out our recommended Hotels for the most visited cities during Roundtrips in Albania.
Have you already planned out which Route you’re going to take? If you haven’t, then check out possible Routes and Itineraries for Roadtrips!
Tirana
Berat
Durrës
- Sar’Otel Boutique Hotel
- Rooftop Tirana
- Palazzo Roma
- Lot Boutique Hotel
- Maritim Hotel Plaza Tirana
- Rogner Hotel Tirana
- Arté Boutique Hotel
- Mak Albania Hotel
- Beratinus1
- Villa Arben Elezi
- Hotel Orestiada
- Hotel Taraca Gorice – UNESCO quarter
- Hotel Colombo
- Ermes Luxury Hotel
- Ambasador Hotel
- Peaky Hotel
- Hotel Brais
- Grand Duka Hotel & SPA
Gjirokastër
Krujë
Sarandë
- City Street Hotel
- Palorto Traditional Hotel
- KERCULLA Resort
- Hotel Fantasy
- Sharm Hotel Luxury
- Hotel Argjiro
- Hotel Dior
- Kruja Albergo Diffuso , Inside Kruja Castle
- Oskar Hotel
- Hotel Portanova
- Niklas Boutique Hotel
Shkodër/Shokdra
Teth
- Nord Hotel Boutique
- The Roots Boutique Hotel
- Ervini Boutique Hotel
- Mikpritja Theth
- Forest Escape
- Guesthouse Bec Villi
Check out our recommended Hotels for the most visited cities during Roundtrips in Albania.
Have you already planned out which Route you’re going to take? If you haven’t, then check out possible Routes and Itineraries for Roadtrips!
Tirana
Berat
Durrës
- Hotel Livia
- Hotel Elior
- Hotel Aria center
- BnB Tirana Center
- Freddy’s Hotel
- Villa Tabaku
- Piccolo Grande Amore
- Rama Guest House
- Hotel Ajka
- Hotel Morfeus
- Hotel Vila Koral
- Albanian Traditions Legacy
- Tramonto Hotel
Gjirokastër
Krujë
Sarandë
- Hotel Bebej Tradicional
- Yuri Guest House
- Guri Guesthouse
- Arpet Guesthouse
- Skanderbeg Hotel
- Alesio Guest House
- Hotel Castle View
- ROOMS EMILIANO – Castle of Kruja
- Hotel JoAn
- Villa Idrizi
- Hotel Real
- Hotel Lili-1
Shkodër/Shokdra
Teth
- Hotel Kaduku
- Hotel Dirista
- CityCenterHotel Shkoder
- Oro Inn Hotel
- Guesthouse Dritan Tethorja
- Guesthouse Gjelaj
- Thethi Paradise Hotel & Restaurant
- Bujtina Carku
Check out our recommended Hotels for the most visited cities during Roundtrips in Albania.
Have you already planned out which Route you’re going to take? If you haven’t, then check out possible Routes and Itineraries for Roadtrips!
Tirana
Berat
Durrës
- Palazzo Roma
- WE LOVE TIRANA Central Apartments Blloku
- Hotel Boka
- Hotel BRILANT ANTIK City Center
- Rogner Hotel Tirana
- Hotel Gega
- Hotel Orestiada
- MEROLI Guesthouse – UNESCO quarter
- Amalia Hotel
- Hotel Vino
- Peaky Hotel
- Villa La Mer Durres
- Vila Belvedere
Gjirokastër
Krujë
Sarandë
- Palorto Traditional Hotel
- Hotel Argjiro
- The Stone Sky Hotel
- Hotel Dior
- Forest Park Hotel Krujë – Nature and Calm at Kruja’s Gate
- Oskar Hotel
- Oceanic Overview Suites
- Illyrian Boutique Hotel
- PALMA city HOTEL
Shkodër/Shokdra
Teth
- Hotel Ikona
- TRIBUTE Hotel
- Hotel Golden Palace
- Mikpritja Theth
- Guesthouse Bec Villi
Check out our recommended Hotels for the most visited cities during Roundtrips in Albania.
Have you already planned out which Route you’re going to take? If you haven’t, then check out possible Routes and Itineraries for Roadtrips!
Tirana
Berat
Durrës
- Museum Boutique Hotel
- Enzo Rooms Center
- Tirana Sweet Apartments by TS
- 4R Colombo Hotel
- Hotel Vila Arbri
- Hotel Orestiada
- Çuçi B&B
- Helin’s Hostel by Backpackers
- Hotel Kristal
- Nord Hotel Boutique
- Petit Hotel Elita
- Drini Hotel
- Vila Kaci
- Ermes Luxury Hotel
Gjirokastër
Krujë
Sarandë
- Bed and Breakfast Kotoni
- Hotel Bebej Tradicional
- Guesthouse Rusto
- Qiqi Hotel
- Yuri Guest House
- Karafil Guesthouse
- Guni Inn
- Aron’s House
- Vila Taga Guesthouse
- Garden Villa Guni
- Sunny Side B&B
- Hotel Olsi
- Hotel Vila Vilson
- Mesopotam Agrotourism Resort (9km from Saranda)
Shkodër/Shokdra
Teth
- Hotel Kaduku
- Hotel TREVA
- InTown Guesthouse Shkoder
- Villa Davisol
- Bujtina Carku
- Guest House Gjelaj
- Trojet e Mija
- Kulla Pracja Theth
Check out our recommended Beach Resorts & Beachfront Hotels in Albania!
Borsh
Durrës
Golem
- Luna Mare Boutique Seaside
- Ciao Borshi Boutique Hotel
- Meliá Durrës Albania
(All-Inclusive) - Sol Tropikal Durrës
(All-Inclusive) - Adriatik Hotel, BW Premier Collection
- Hotel Adriatik 2
- Sky Rooftop Luxury Suites
- Sandy Beach Resort
(All-Inclusive) - Luxury Premium Finese
(All-Inclusive) - Premium Beach Hotel
(All-Inclusive) - Sea La Vie Suites
Himarë
Spille
Vlorë
- Potam Sea Bliss
- Amber Hotel
(All-Inclusive)
- Regina Blu
(All-Inclusive) - Mazarine Hotel
🏛️ Sights & Experiences
Albania is a small country with a mix of old history and beautiful nature. You can find ancient ruins, old stone towns, and wild mountains all close together. Explore all sights & Activities Albania has to offer!
It is always recommended to book tours well in advance, especially in peak season.
Skanderbeg Square & Statue
Major city square in the center of Tirana
City of Berat (UNESCO)
A city renowned for its white Ottoman houses on a hillside
Rozafa Fortress
A historic castle built on a hill with beautiful views
Ksamil Islands
A group of four small, forested islands in the South of Albania
Apollonia Archaeological Park
ruins of an ancient Greek and Roman city
Komani Lake
A large, winding reservoir surrounded by steep mountains
Teth Nationalpark
A protected mountain area known for its valleys and traditional stone houses
Llogara Nationalpark
A coastal mountain park famous for its diverse forests and pass
City of Gjirokastër (UNESCO)
A historic city characterized by its distinctive slate-roofed stone houses
Gjirokastër Fortress
A large stone fortress overlooking the city, now a museum
Krujë Castle
A medieval fortress atop a hill, housing a museum and bazaar
Bunk’Art 1 & 2
Two museums located in massive Cold War-era underground bunkers in Tirana
Old Bazaar of Krujë
A traditional market street within the walls of Krujë Castle
Butrint Nationalpark (UNESCO)
An archaeological site with ruins from Greek to Venetian periods
Osum Canyon
A deep river gorge with steep vertical walls
Syri i Kaltër - “Blue Eye”
natural, deep-blue spring forming a clear pool
Divjakë-Karavasta National Park
A coastal wetland park centered on a large lagoon. Home to over 250 bird, mammal, and amphibian species
Valbona Pass
A high mountain trail connecting two glacial valleys
Pyramid of Tirana
A former communist-era concrete monument, now a modern cultural center with a climbable roof
Lake Ohrid (UNESCO)
Lake Ohrid is one of Europe's oldest and deepest freshwater lakes - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Haxhi Ali Cave
The Biggest Sea Cave in Albania located on the Karaburun Peninsula, known for its turquoise waters and legendary pirate history
Lëkurësi Castle
16th-century Ottoman fortress on a hill above Sarandë with a restaurant on top and great views of the bay
The Obelisk of Education
Monument in Gjirokastër with spectacular views
Cold War Tunnel Museum
An 800-meter secret bunker built under the Gjirokastër fortress to shelter officials during a feared nuclear attack
Skënduli House
300-year-old Ottoman-era tower house museum showcasing wealthy merchant life in historic Gjirokastër.
Zekate House
1812 Ottoman-era tower house in Gjirokastër, famed for its panoramic city view
St. Mary’s Monastery
A 13th-century Byzantine monastery on Zvërnec island in the Narta Lagoon, reached by a scenic wooden bridge
Mount Korab
The highest peak in both Albania and North Macedonia, standing at 2,764 meters
Popular Activities & Experiences
Click on any Activity to see a detailed description!
🚌 Transport & Getting Around
If you arrive by plane we recommend to book a private transfer in advance for the most convinience. The prices are not as high as in other european cities.
- Private Transfer is the quickest and most convinient way to reach your Accommodation.
- Shuttle Bus frequents between Tirana Airport and City Center regularly. This is the cheapest way to reach your Accommodation.
You can check current flight prizes on Skyscanner.
Renting a car in Albania is very popular. You can take a rental car in Tirana or in other major cities. It allows you to travel in your own pace, visit more remote places and see some beautiful beaches you otherwise can’t reach by public transport. It is recommended to book a car before you arrive in Albania, especially in high season.
We recommend to take a private Transfer from the airport to the city, so you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot in Tirana. You can pick-up your rental car in Tirana the next day before leaving the city.
- Requirements:
- International Driving Permit (IDP)
- EU license accepted – international driver’s license still recommended
- Credit card
- Road conditions:
- Coastal roads are well-maintained
- Mountain roads are narrow and steep (4×4 recommended for Theth/Valbona)
- Safety Tips:
- Avoid driving at night in remote areas (could miss potholes or other obstacles)
- Watch out for risky overtakers – drive safe
Albania’s transport system is very affordable, but it can be hard to find bus stations and connections if you don’t speak albanian. It’s recommended to book bus tickets online which is way easier – you get an adress for a pick-up point & a departure time. If you’re looking for public transportation schedules and want to see which companies offer services, the best website is called Rome2Rio. They not only show the schedules, but show you the cheapest option and also on which website you can book the tickets.
Intercity buses – very cheap connections between bigger cities throughout Albania (can be as cheap as 5€)
Trains – limited routes & very slow – not recommended
Use the Bolt App! It’s cheaper than street taxis + the App gives you a fare in advance.
Avoid scams if you’re using regular Taxis: Agree on fares upfront or insist on the meter
There are ferry connections from Greece, Italy and Slovenia. It is possible to enter Albania through the following ports:
- Port of Durrës – Connects to Italian ports of of Bari, Ancona and Trieste & slovenian port of Koper
- Port of Saranda – Connects to the Greek island of Corfu
- Port of Vlorë – Connects to Italian ports of Brindisi and Otranto
- Port of Shëngjin – Connects to the Italian port of Bari
Popular among tourists is the Komani Lake Ferry!
Looking for Ferry schedules? Check out Rome2Rio. The site shows schedules worldwide from Bus, Train, Flights, Ferries & more and even directs you to where to book the tickets.
📶 Internet & SIM Cards
Which eSim or SIM card should you buy in Albania?
Best eSIM providers:
The best and most trusted eSIM providers currently are:
- Airalo
- Saily
- Holafly
Never used an eSIM before? Here is a complete Guide on how to buy, install and use an eSIM!
Best SIM card in Albania:
Currently the best provider is Vodafone Albania
You can get a SIM card when you arrive at the Airport in Tirana (TIA), or in any Vodafone Shop in the cities.
📱 Best Travel Apps
We recommend downloading the following Apps on your phone before traveling to Albania.
- Booking.com App, Expedia or others (depends on where you booked your accomodations)
- Bolt (Albania’s Uber alternative – Cheaper than taxis, no haggling)
It’s always easier to travel when you have useful Apps on your phone. We recommend the following Apps to help you enjoy your trips more.
Navigation & Transport
- Google Maps/Apple Maps (Offline Mode) (Download offline maps for remote areas in advance)
- A Ride Hailing App that works in your destination (Like Uber, Bolt, Grab, etc.)
- Komoot (offline navigation and route planning for biking & hiking)
- Waze (Best for: Real-time traffic updates and police speed traps)
- Maps.me (great offline hiking maps)
- iOverlander (Van life-friendly stops with water refill points)
Accommodation
- Booking.com App (Hotels, guesthouses, and apartments)
- Expedia (Hotels & more)
- Airbnb (Apartments & Alternative stays)
- Park4Night (Find free camping spots for road trips)
Other useful Apps
- Google Translate (Download languages offline – Helps with menus in restaurants and signs – Use the camera feature to translate text instantly)
- Xe Currency Converter (Currency Converter)
- HappyCow (For vegetarians/vegans – Lists plant-friendly eateries in Albania)
🍽️🍷 Dishes & Drinks
Albania’s best food and drinks. Here are some traditional dishes you can try in Albania.
Appetizers
- Supë peshku – Light Fish Soup
- Speca të Mbushura – Bell peppers stuffed with meat and rice
- Jani me fasule – Bean Stew
- Tarator – Cold Cucumber-Yogurt Soup
- Perime në zgare – Grilled vegetables (bell peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and zucchini)
Main Courses
- Tavë Kosi – traditional Albanian baked lamb and rice casserole
- Peshk në zgarë – Grilled fish
- Qofte/Kofta – Grilled meatballs with herbs
- Tavë dheu – Traditional stew with veal liver, cheese, tomatoes, and onions
- Koran në furrë – Baked Ohrid trout
- Pulë me përshesh – Chicken served with a cornbread side cooked in broth
- Fërgesë Tirane– Peppers, tomatoes, and cottage cheese, usually eaten with bread (vegetarian option)
Desserts
- Petulla – Fried dough balls (like donuts) with honey or cheese
- Trileçe – Fluffy cake with sweet milk sauce or rice pudding
- Bakllava – Layered pastry filled with walnuts and soaked in syrup
- Byrek/Burek – Flaky pie with cheese, spinach, or meat
Traditional Drinks
- Raki – 40% alcohol fruit brandy (try the fig or grape version)
- Boza – Fermented wheat drink (sweet & tangy)
- Albanian Wine – Shesh i Zi (red) and Pulebardha (white)
- Caj mali – Mountain tea
🛍️ Souvenir Ideas
Are you looking for some authentic Albanian souvenirs and gifts you can buy on holiday? Check out our list below!
Traditional
- “Qeleshe” (Fez Hat) – A woolen hat worn by Albanian men in the north.
- Silver Filigree Jewelry – Intricate designs from Berat and Gjirokastër
- Lahuta – One string fiddle, traditional balkan instrument
Local Food & Drinks
- Albanian Raki – Strong fruit brandy (best homemade versions)
- Mountain Tea (Çaj Mali) – A healing herbal tea from the Alps
- Olive Oil & Honey – Traditional products
Unique
- “Qilim” (Wool Rugs) – Handwoven in Shkodra
- “Xhubleta” (Traditional Skirt) – A rare folk costume from the north
Best places to buy Souvenirs in Albania:
- Kruja Bazaar (best for antiques)
- Tirana’s Pazari i Ri (food & crafts)
🗣️ Useful Phrases in Albanian
Basic Albanian & Polite Phrases
Hello – Përshëndetje (per-shen-DET-ye)
Good morning – Mirëmëngjes (MEE-ruh-mun-jes)
Good evening – Mirëmbrëma (MEE-ruhm-bruh-ma)
Thank you – Faleminderit (fah-leh-min-DEH-reet)
Yes/No – Po / Jo (poh / yoh)
Excuse me/Sorry – Më falni (muh FAHL-nee)
Where is…? – Ku është…? (koo UH-shtuh)
Bus station – Stacioni i autobusëve (sta-TSIO-nee ee ow-toh-BOOS-uh-veh)
Taxi – Taksi (TAHK-see)
How much? – Sa kushton? (sah KOOSH-ton)
Menu – Menyja (meh-NYAH)
Water – Ujë (OO-yuh)
Cash/Card – Para në dorë / Kartë (PAH-rah nuh DOH-ruh / KAHR-tuh)
Cheers! – Gëzuar! (guh-ZWAHR)
Tips:
Albanian is phonetic – Pronounce every letter.
Locals appreciate effort – Even broken Albanian gets smiles!
🛡️ Safety in Albania
✅ Low Violent Crime – Rare attacks on tourists
✅ No Terrorism Risk – No significant incidents
✅ Hospitable Culture – Locals often actively help
⚠ Pickpocketing – In tourist areas, at the beach
⚠ Chaotic Traffic – Risky overtaking, poor road conditions
⚠ Scams – Taxis without meters, incorrect change
⚠ Avoid night buses – Limited schedules and safety concerns
Recommendations for Maximum Safety
Free Emergency Numbers:
- Only book Rides through the Bolt App
- Night Walks are not a problem in cities, but avoid beach promenades
- Don’t leave anything laying around in your rental car.
- EU Emergency Number: 112
(Call in case of medical emergencies or accidents) - Police: 129
- Ambulance: 127
- Fire Department: 128
We are constantly updating and are working on providing the latest information for you. If you have any suggestions for things we should add or notice any inaccuracies send us a message:
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