Discover Albania: Essential Travel Tips and Hidden Gems to Explore
When my boyfriend asked me if we wanted to start our trip around the world with Albania, I didn’t know what to say. Albania? I barely knew anything about that country. He, however, growing up in Italy, had only heard misconceptions about Albanians, rooted in the waves of emigration during the 1990s that were often influenced by media sensationalism (King, R. D., & Mai, N., 2009).
Now, looking back, the heart of the Balkans remains one of our favorite places. Its diverse cultures, the friendly people, and stunning landscapes were amazing. This journey began as our opportunity to see Albania through our own eyes, get rid of prejudices, and to embrace the genuine beauty and warmth of this fascinating country.
Keep on reading to find out what you should see in Albania and what to be aware of, ensuring your make the best of your time!
Fact Sheet
- Country Name: Albania
- Capital: Tirana
- Population: Approximately 2.8 million
- Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL)
- Language: Albanian (English and Italian widely understood in urban areas)
- Religion: Predominantly Islam, with Christian communities (mainly Orthodox and Catholic)
- Landscape: Mountains, rivers, forests, and a Adriatic and Ionian coastline
- Climate: Mediterranean along the coast (hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters); continental in mountainous areas (cold, snowy winters and warm summers)
- Plug Type: Type C and F, 230V supply voltage and 50Hz















Navigating Albania: Transportation Tips
Getting to Albania is pretty straightforward. You can either take an airplane to the capital, Tirana, or consider traveling by car, bus, or even bike, as some people we met did. Our last leg to Albania was by ferry from Corfu to Sarandë. From there, we took a bus to Tirana, but we might as well have taken a bus to Athens or other places around the Balkans. The only thing not to recommend is trains—they’re not as common and offer less connectivity compared to other transportation options.
Transportation is relatively cheap in Albania, but you will need cash. For city buses, simply hop in and pay the fare directly to the conductor— in Tirana, it was as cheap as 20 cents per ride. Be aware, depending on the season and time, the buses may be very crowded! When we arrived in Tirana during the afternoon, for example, we decided to walk to our place instead of taking the bus because it was impossible to get on with our luggage. So, you may want to arrange your schedule accordingly or opt for a taxi.
We only took a taxi once and, being tired and exhausted, did not care that we were charged double for a 10-minute ride (something that should have cost around 7 euros instead of 15). Just be aware, check the distance and suggested fare on Google Maps before taking a taxi and communicate with the driver before getting in, and you should be fine.
Climate and Seasons: Best Times to Visit
Whether you prefer sunny beaches or fresh mountain air, knowing when to visit which city in Albania can make all the difference. The coastal regions enjoy a Mediterranean climate, perfect for summer time, while the inland offers cooler continental weather, ideal for spring or autumn.
We went to Sarandë in October, which was perfect: less tourism, still good weather (I wouldn’t recommend to stay later than October though, as stores close during off-season!).
Exploring Albania: Must-See Sites
Albania is full of cultural and natural attractions. I highly recommendthe serene Blue Eye spring or the old cities like Berat and Krujë! Here is our recommendation of places to visit:
- Tirana: Of course, Albania’s capital has to be on the list! The place where modern life meets rich history. Perfect place to stay and take day-trips to other places from.
- Sarandë: Scenic beaches, ideal for seaside relaxation and the occasional day-trip to enjoy the surrounding landscape.
- Gjirokastra: Trave back in time within the historic walls of this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture.
- The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër): A natural spring, known for its vibrant blue water and mysterious depths. Perfect for a little hike!
- Berat: The “City of a Thousand Windows,” famous for its historic architecture and charming hillside setting.
- Krujë: A historic town, home to the Krujë Castle and the national Skanderbeg Museum, a must visit for history fans.
Culinary Delights: A Taste of Albanian Cuisine
Albanian cuisine contains a mix of Mediterranean and Balkan flavors. That means a hearty use of meats – a lot of those -, vegetables, and dairy. I found it easy to follow a vegetarian diet, but vegan is a challenge.
Typical breakfast: Strong Turkish coffee accompanied by fresh bread, local cheeses, and petulla (fried dough). Just delicious! But even as a coffee lover you should not skip some of the delicious mountain tea.

Meals: For lunch and dinner, dishes like ‘tavë kosi’ (baked lamb and yogurt) and ‘byrek’ (a savory flaky pie).
Snacks on the Go: You should definitely try the local bakeries for authentic Albanian baking like ‘kifle,’ small crescent-shaped bread rolls.

Honorable mentions:
During stay in Sarandë one Smoothie Bar stood out especially: Juice Bar. Its beachfront location offers a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for enjoying smoothies and light crepes. The owner was just the friendliest and the juices delicious!
Another highlight was Oda Garden in Tirana. It serves traditional Albanian dishes in a beautiful garden setting with a live band (and the occasional dance through the whole restaurant!)

Travel Smart: Insights on Local Customs and Safety
Dress Code: When packing for Albania, feel free to bring your usual leisure clothes. Shorts, tops, short skits or dresses are pretty common. But consider modest attire especially when visiting religious sites such as mosques and churches. In some more rural areas, dressing conservatively may still appreciated by locals, but you won’t get in trouble.
Safety Tips: Albania is generally safe for tourists and we felt really comfortable there, but like any popular destination, stay alert. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport hubs. Pick-pocketing is not unheard of, so be cautious to keep your trip enjoyable and stress-free.
Local Interactions: Albanians are really hospital and friendly. Shop owners were always very happy when we tried a simple greeting in Albanian, such as “Mirëdita” (Good day) or “Faleminderit” (Thank you). There are many words for “Thank you” though, so don’t be surprised when you are taught a different word. Also, more than once we were engaged in friendly conversations or offered food.
Sources
King, R. D., & Mai, N. (2009). Albanian migration and new transnationalisms. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 35(9), 1615-1632. Retrieved from https://www.ssoar.info/ssoar/handle/document/13201