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Southeast Europe

AlbaniaTravel guide

Explore Albania visa rulesCommon scams in Albania

Albania is a country in the Balkan region of Europe. Its capital is Tirana. Visitors come for beaches, mountains, ancient ruins, traditional food and low prices.

Why go

  1. Beaches and clear turquoise water along the Albanian Riviera.

  2. Ancient ruins at Butrint and Apollonia.

  3. Historic castles in Berat, Shkodër, Kruje and near Tirana.

  4. Mountain views from Llogara Pass and Dajti Mountain.

  5. Traditional bazaars selling local crafts.

Getting there

By air

  • Tirana's Mother Teresa International Airport is about 15 minutes from the city by car. It has a tourist information centre.
  • For southern Albania, you can fly to Corfu and take a fast passenger boat to Saranda.
  • Other airport options include Pristina in Kosovo, Skopje, Ohrid and Podgorica.

By land

  • International coaches reach Tirana from Istanbul, Athens, Tetovo, Prishtina and Sofia. Services also run from Germany and Italy.
  • You cannot enter Albania by passenger train. The international rail connection from Podgorica to Shkodër carries goods only.
  • Road routes connect Albania with Greece, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro. Watch for slow vehicles, sharp bends and uncontrolled road entrances.

By sea

  • Ferries connect Bari, Ancona and Trieste with Durrës. The Trieste service runs only in high season.
  • An overnight ferry connects Brindisi with Vlorë. A year-round service also connects Brindisi with Shengjin.

Customs

  • If bringing a car, carry its registration and an International Motor Insurance Card, also called a Green Card, valid for Albania.
  • If the car belongs to someone else, carry a Power of Attorney from the owner.
  • Print your vehicle documents. Border guards may be reluctant to accept small documents shown on a phone.

Getting around

  • Buses and minibuses

    Buses and furgons, meaning minibuses, are the most reliable ways to travel around Albania. Stations can be confusing because several agents may sell tickets for the same service. Many services leave Tirana for Shkodër, Durrës, Elbasan, Fier and Berat. Minibuses towards Gjirokaster and Saranda often leave early in the morning. Google Maps lists most intercity connections and times. Confirm with the driver or company, especially outside the busiest season. Avoid depending on the last bus of the day. Services can be cancelled. Drivers should carry printed tickets showing the fare. Tickets are also sold through Busticket.al, Autobus.al and Albus.al. Companies or drivers may answer questions by phone or WhatsApp. Minibus drivers may suggest a nearer pickup point.

  • Driving and car rental

    Drive on the right and keep your car lights on. Police carry out frequent speed checks. Main roads have improved, but smaller roads can have deep holes or lose their paved surface suddenly. Ask local people about roads away from the highways. Watch for risky overtaking, pedestrians and animals on highways. Mountain roads can be narrow with sharp bends. Carry a spare tyre, check engine coolant and use an up-to-date navigation system. Keep another map available. Car rental is available at Tirana Airport and in Tirana. Some local firms take a small online deposit, with the rest paid at pickup. Some rental contracts charge €300–500 for driving on unpaved roads. Get written confirmation that your planned roads are allowed before signing. The source recommends a sport utility vehicle or four-wheel-drive vehicle for northern mountain routes. Small cars risk damage underneath on rocky tracks. Traffic in Tirana can be heavy in the morning and around midday. Roads to and from Greece can also be crowded around Greek holidays.

  • Trains

    The source reports that all domestic passenger trains appear to have been suspended.

What to see and do

  • Albanian Riviera

    Visit for beaches and clear turquoise seas along the southern coast.

  • Llogara Pass

    This mountain pass near Llogara National Park offers wide views over the Riviera.

  • Dajti Mountain

    This popular sight near Tirana offers views over the capital.

  • Apollonia

    Explore an ancient Illyrian city about 8 km from Fier.

  • Butrint

    This World Heritage Site has many ancient ruins.

  • Historic castles

    See Petrela near Tirana, Rozafa in Shkodër, the inhabited castle in Berat and Skanderbeg Castle in Kruje. Skanderbeg Castle has a museum holding the national hero's belongings.

Food and drink

  • Speca me djathë

    A pepper casserole.

  • Djathë furre me spec djegës

    Baked cheese with spicy pepper.

  • Tavë peshku koran

    A fish dish.

  • Food influences

    Albanian cooking has strong Turkish influences, alongside Italian and other Western European influences. Food familiar from Greece and Italy is available, especially in larger cities.

  • Mountain tea

    A drink mentioned in the source.

  • Coffee

    Drinking coffee and spending time in cafés are popular local habits.

Money

Albanian lek, currency code ALL.

  • Euros are widely accepted.
  • People may quote prices in 'old lek', which are ten times the current amount. For example, someone saying 2,000 old lek may mean 200 current lek.
  • Most displayed prices use current lek. Check which amount someone means before paying.
  • Ask for a receipt or ticket, especially at official tourist sites.

Tipping: Tipping is not generally expected and can confuse staff. At a western-style restaurant in Tirana, you may round up the bill.

Typical costs

  • The source lists city hotel rooms from €15 per night and hostel stays from about €8.
  • Accommodation in Gjirokastra can cost around 1,000 lek.
  • The source lists a one-way coach from Prishtina to Tirana at €10 and from Athens at €30–35.
  • The source lists the Bari–Durrës ferry at €50, or €60 for the high-speed service.
  • International car rental chains may require a credit card hold of €1,000–1,500.

Language

  • Albanian is the official language.
  • Italian is the most widely spoken foreign language.
  • English is understood in Tirana and, to a lesser extent, in popular tourist cities.
  • Greek is spoken in some southern areas.
  • Macedonian is sometimes understood near Pogradec and Korca.
  • Some returning emigrants speak German or French. Older people may speak Russian.

Staying safe

  • Albania is generally a safe place to visit, but take normal care with valuables.
  • Take care when crossing roads. Some cities, including Berat, have places without traffic lights.
  • Avoid run-down areas that feel unsafe, where pickpocketing and violence can occur. Keep valuables out of sight.
  • Driving needs extra care because road rules and speed limits are often ignored. Take a bus if you are not a confident driver.
1 common scams in Albania, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Respond to local hospitality with respect.
  • Show respect to older people, particularly older men and male family members. Shaking hands is customary.
  • Check what is acceptable with your hosts or companions before doing something that may conflict with their religious customs.

Don't

  • Avoid arguments about religion and politics.
  • Be aware that sexuality and gay rights can be sensitive topics. Attitudes vary between people and between villages and cities.
  • Avoid speaking too enthusiastically about Serbia, as the Kosovo situation can make this a sensitive subject.

Staying healthy

  • Drink bottled water. Avoid tap water unless it has been boiled.
  • Use insect repellent in summer, especially near former swamps and the western lowlands.
  • Watch for broken glass and sea urchins on the seabed at beaches.
  • Pharmacies and some other shops close from about 12:00 to 16:00.

Where to stay

  • Hotels are plentiful in cities and are usually clean. Staff in major cities generally speak English or Italian.
  • The source lists hotels from €15 per night and hostels from about €8.
  • Hotels are less common outside large cities, though places such as Gjirokastra can offer good value.
  • Along the Riviera between Vlorë and around Qeparo, options include wooden villas, bed and breakfasts, campsites and some beach resorts.

Outdoor adventures in Albania

Albania has mountain trails, clear-water beaches and places to watch birds. Thethi is its most popular hiking area, while other options include gorge rafting around Berat and Përmet and mountain walks near Korçë. The Adriatic coast has gently sloping sandy beaches; the Ionian coast is rockier, with a steep sea bottom.

  • Thethi hiking

    HikeNorthern Albania

    Use Thethi village as your base. Follow mapped hiking trails using OpenStreetMap, OsmAnd or Mapy.cz.

    • Mountain thunderstorms can bring strong winds and heavy rain.

  • Dhërmi Beach

    BeacheAlbanian Rivieranear Dhërmi

    September for fewer crowds; July and August are crowded.

    Visit Dhërmi on the coastal road between Vlorë and Saranda.

    • Cost: Beach access is free. A lounger-and-umbrella set costs around €3 per day.
    • The Ionian coast has a steep sea bottom.
    • Watch for broken glass and sea urchins on the sea floor.

  • Mount Dajti hike and cable car

    HikeMount Dajti National Parknear Tirana

    Hike: about 2–3 hours one way. Cable car: 15 minutes.

    From central Tirana, take bus 11 towards Porcelani. For the hike, get off at Thesari and follow the trail towards the upper cable car station. For the cable car, get off at Bunk'Art 1 and walk 5–10 minutes.

    • Cost: Cable car: 700 lek one way or 1,400 lek return.
    • Mountain thunderstorms can bring strong winds and heavy rain.

  • Mount Korab trails

    HikeNortheastern Albanianear Peshkopi

    Access the Mount Korab hiking area from Peshkopi. Use OpenStreetMap-based trail maps to plan your walk.

    • Mountain thunderstorms can bring strong winds and heavy rain.

  • Zagoria Valley trails

    HikeZagoria Valleynear Përmet

    Explore the trails around Përmet and the Zagoria Valley using OpenStreetMap, OsmAnd or Mapy.cz.

  • Tomorr National Park ridge hiking

    HikeSouthern Albanianear Berat

    A few days.

    Head to Tomorr National Park, not far from Berat, for walks along the mountain ridges.

    • Ridges in this area reach around 2,000–2,500 metres.
    • Mountain thunderstorms can bring strong winds and heavy rain.

  • Llogara National Park trails

    HikeAlbanian Rivieranear Dhërmi

    Explore the national park trails around Dhërmi with OpenStreetMap-based trail maps.

    • Mountain thunderstorms can bring strong winds and heavy rain.

  • Gorge rafting around Berat and Përmet

    RaftingBerat and Përmet areas

    Rafting takes place through the gorges around Berat and Përmet. Booking and meeting-point details are not available.

  • Ksamil Beach

    BeacheSouthern Albania

    September for fewer crowds; July and August are crowded.

    Visit the beach at Ksamil.

    • Cost: Beach access is free. A lounger-and-umbrella set costs around €3 per day.
    • Watch for broken glass and sea urchins on the sea floor.

  • Golem Beach and Mali i Robit

    BeacheAdriatic coastnear Durrës

    The beach season starts in the first weeks of May. July and August are crowded.

    Follow SH4 south of Durrës. Take the secondary road at Plepat roundabout or use the Golem/Mali Robit exit.

    • Cost: Beach access is free. A lounger-and-umbrella set costs around €3 per day.
    • Watch for broken glass and sea urchins on the sea floor.

  • Karavasta Lagoon birdwatching

    WildlifeWestern lowlandsnear Fier

    Visit Karavasta Lagoon as a nearby nature outing from Fier.

    • Use insect repellent in summer, especially in the western lowlands.

  • Morava Mountains hiking

    HikeSoutheastern Albanianear Korçë

    Explore the mountain trails near Korçë.

    • Mountain thunderstorms can bring strong winds and heavy rain.

  • Golem Pass trails

    Hikenear Golem

    Find the trails around Golem and Golem Pass using OpenStreetMap, OsmAnd or Mapy.cz.

  • Lalzit Bay Beach

    BeacheAdriatic coastnear Durrës

    The Adriatic beach season starts in the first weeks of May.

    Head to Lalzit Bay near Hamallaj village, 25 km north of Durrës.

    • Cost: Beach access is free. A lounger-and-umbrella set costs around €3 per day.
    • Watch for broken glass and sea urchins on the sea floor.

  • Portez Beach

    BeacheAdriatic coastnear Durrës

    The Adriatic beach season starts in the first weeks of May.

    Go to Bishti Palles, 13 km north of Durrës and north of Currilat.

    • Cost: Beach access is free. A lounger-and-umbrella set costs around €3 per day.
    • Watch for broken glass and sea urchins on the sea floor.

  • Albanian Alps mountain walks

    HikeNorthern Albania, along the Montenegro border

    Even a village less than 10 km away can take a full day to reach.

    Plan mountain walks with mapped trails. OpenStreetMap-based apps provide trail information.

    • Short distances can take a full day in this terrain.
    • The area receives heavy rainfall.

  • Brar Canyon and Bridge

    More to doMount Dajti National Parknear Tirana

    Follow Myslym Keta Street northeast of Tirana to Brar village.

  • Shëngjergj cave and waterfall

    More to doTirana areanear Tirana

    The cave and waterfall are near Shëngjergj village. Detailed access instructions are not available.

  • Lura National Park

    More to do

    Visit Lura National Park to see its mountain landscape and lakes. Detailed access instructions are not available.

  • Lake Prespa and Prespa National Park

    More to doSoutheastern Albania

    Visit Pustec for Albania's part of Lake Prespa and Prespa National Park.

  • Fir of Drenovë National Park

    More to doSoutheastern Albanianear Korçë

    Visit the national park near Korçë for a quiet nature outing.

  • Shkumbin River walks

    Hike

    Visit the Shkumbin River area for relaxing walks and picnics. A specific starting point is not given.

  • Viroit Park and Lake

    More to doSouthern Albanianear Gjirokastër

    Travel 2 km north of Gjirokastër along the E853. The park is on the west side of the road.

  • Gorica Hill horse riding

    More to doBeratnear Berat

    Horse riding is available at Gorica Hill in Berat. Booking details are not available.

  • Ali Demi Skate Park

    More to doTirananear Tirana

    Easy Dry weather.

    Go northeast along Bulevardi Bajram Curri, then turn right onto Rruga Ali Demi. Continue about 800 metres; the skate park is on the right.

    • Avoid the park when it rains because it fills with water.

Airports, metros and trains in Albania

Airports with scheduled flights

  • TIATirana International Airport Mother TeresaRinasMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
334 km

People and safety in Albania

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mixed.

  • Muslim59%
  • Christian17%
  • Jewish16%
  • No religion8%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Legal gender change is not recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #68 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

60% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 88 of 198 countries can visit Albania easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required88
  • eVisa108
  • Visa required2

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe43 of 45 countries
  • Americas22 of 35 countries
  • Asia19 of 50 countries
  • Oceania2 of 14 countries
  • Africa2 of 54 countries

Questions

What currency should I use?

The national currency is the Albanian lek, and euros are widely accepted. Check whether a spoken price means current lek or 'old lek', which are ten times the current amount.

Can I get around without a car?

Yes. Buses and minibuses are the most reliable ways to travel around Albania, though stations can be confusing and services can be cancelled.

Will people understand English?

English is understood in Tirana and some popular tourist cities. Italian is the most widely spoken foreign language.

Can I drink the tap water?

The source recommends bottled water. Avoid unboiled tap water.

Do I need to leave a tip?

Tips are generally not expected. You may round up the bill in a western-style restaurant in Tirana.

What is the weather like?

Coastal lowlands have mild winters and warm summers. Mountain areas are cooler, and inland nights are almost always cool.

Is it easy to find somewhere to stay?

Cities have plenty of hotels, while options are less common outside large cities. The Riviera also has bed and breakfasts, campsites, villas and some resorts.

What plug and electricity supply does Albania use?

The electricity supply is 220 volts at 50 hertz. Schuko and Europlug plugs are used.

What food can I expect?

Albanian cooking has Turkish, Italian and other Western European influences. The source mentions pepper casserole, baked cheese with spicy pepper and fish dishes.

Are shops open on Sundays?

Most shops open on Sunday. Usual opening hours are 09:00–20:00, often extending to 22:00 in summer.

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