Albania Travel Guide (Balkans/Europe)

Introduction to Albania
List of Places to Visit in Albania
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Albania: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Albania
Best Things to Do in Albania: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Albania
Food and Drink Scene of Albania
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Albania: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Albania: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Albania
Best Time to Visit Albania
Do’s and Don’ts of Albania
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Albania
- Health in Albania
Getting to Albania: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Albania
Where to Go Next from Albania: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Albania

Located in the Balkans, Albania is a small but mighty country with a rich history and culture, breathtaking scenery, and a warm welcome for visitors from all over the world. From the stunning beaches on the Adriatic coast to the rugged mountains and historic cities, Albania offers something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Albania

Tirana, the capital city with its bustling colorful streets, parks, and monuments.
Berat, also known as the City of a Thousand Windows, where you can explore its ancient castle and Ottoman-era houses.
Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobblestone streets, steep winding alleys, and towering Ottoman houses.
Butrint National Park, where you can explore ancient ruins dating back to Roman times.
Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana and the site of many significant historical events.
Theth National Park, where you can enjoy amazing scenery, hike in the mountains, and explore traditional Albanian villages.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

National Historical Museum, where you can learn about Albania’s history from the prehistoric era to the present day.
Bunk’Art, a museum located in a former nuclear bunker turned into a modern art installation.
Kruja Castle and the Skanderbeg Museum, where you can learn about the life and feats of Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg.

Natural Attractions of Albania: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Albanian Alps, the country’s rugged mountain range.
Valbona Valley National Park for hiking and outdoor adventures.
The Blue Eye, a natural spring with crystal clear blue water.
Ksamil Beach, a stunning white sand beach with crystal clear blue waters.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Albania

Valbona-Kukaj hiking trail, an approximately 12-kilometer trail in Valbona Valley, with stunning views.
Peaks of the Balkans, a multi-day trek that takes you through Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

Best Things to Do in Albania: Activities and Tours

Go wine-tasting in Berat or the Shkoder region.
Take a boat tour of Lake Ohrid, the deepest and oldest lake in Europe.
Attend the Kala Festival, a popular summer music festival held in the town of Dhërmi.

Week-Long Itinerary for Albania

Day	Activity
Day 1	Explore Tirana, including Skanderbeg Square and the National Historical Museum
Day 2	Visit Berat and explore its ancient castle
Day 3	Hike in Theth National Park
Day 4	Visit Gjirokastra and its Ottoman-era houses
Day 5	Explore the Blue Eye and Ksamil Beach
Day 6	Take a day trip to Butrint National Park
Day 7	Relax and enjoy the beaches on the Albanian coast

Food and Drink Scene of Albania

Must-Try Dishes

Byrek, savory pies with various fillings
Tave Kosi, a lamb and yogurt dish
Fërgesë Tirane, peppers, and tomatoes with goat cheese
Bakllava, sweet pastry with nuts and honey.

Local Beverages

Raki, a traditional Albanian brandy made from grapes or plums
Skënderbeu beer, a popular Albanian beer.

Where to Stay in Albania: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Vila Alba, located near the center of Tirana and offers a tranquil oasis.
Hotel Berati, located in the historic center of Berat and the ideal spot for exploring the city.
Guest House Buza, located in a traditional house in Gjirokastra and has stunning views of the city.

What to Buy in Albania: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Albanian textiles, such as kilims, rugs, and embroidery.
Olive oil, honey, and other agricultural products.
Traditional Albanian clothing, including the qeleshe, a traditional Albanian hat.

Local Culture and Customs of Albania

Albanians are friendly and hospitable people.
Respect local customs, particularly in rural areas, where people are conservative and religious.
Try to learn and use basic Albanian phrases with the locals.

Best Time to Visit Albania

The best time to visit Albania is from May to September. The weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches and mountains are at their best. July and August are the busiest months, so it is recommended to book accommodation and transportation in advance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Albania

Do:

Do try Albanian food and wine.
Do dress respectfully when visiting religious sites.
Do take off shoes before entering someone’s home.

Don’t:

Don’t litter in public places.
Don’t drink tap water.
Don’t wear revealing clothing in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Albania

Albania is a safe country, with low crime rates, and the locals are generally friendly and welcoming. However, it is advisable to take usual precautions for theft and scams. Also, when driving, be aware of aggressive drivers and erratic driving.

Health in Albania

The general health system in Albania is not good, and it is recommended to have travel insurance. It is advisable to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, rabies, and tetanus before traveling to Albania.

Getting to Albania: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Albania

Tirana International Airport
Ohrid St Paul the Apostle Airport

Bus Stations Near Albania

Sofia, Bulgaria
Skopje, North Macedonia

Other Options

Ferry connection from Italy to the ports of Vlorë and Saranda
Driving from Greece, North Macedonia, Montenegro, or Kosovo

How to Get Around in Albania

The best way to get around Albania is by car or bus. There is an extensive bus network covering most of the country, but it can be slow and uncomfortable. Private taxis and car rentals are also available.

Where to Go Next from Albania: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Montenegro: Visit the beautiful Bay of Kotor and the historic city of Kotor.
Kosovo: Visit the capital city, Pristina, and explore traditional Albanian villages.
Northern Greece: Visit Thessaloniki and the stunning Halkidiki peninsula.

Conclusion

Albania has a lot to offer, from rich history and stunning scenery to a welcoming community of locals. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your next trip to Albania with confidence and make the most of your time there. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this hidden gem of Europe!