So, you’ve seen Albania blowing up all over Insta and TikTok, and you’re thinking, “mate, that looks like a bloody good bandwagon to jump on!”, and you know what you’re right.
And, whilst Albania has changed a lot since our first visit in 2016, it’s still a place that’s kinda like the Wild West of Europe (despite it being in the Southeast, but ya know, you get it!)
If you’re looking for a true off-the-beaten-track adventure in Europe, then Albania hits on all counts. It’s got incredible mountains, picture-perfect beaches, sublime cuisine, welcoming locals and a culture and history unlike any other.
You ready to jump in?
Right then, before you go merrily trotting off, I’ve put together this list of the BEST Albania travel tips for your trip. I’m talking about the sorta stuff that’s gonna make or break your time here and have you talking about this wonderful country for years to come!
Ok then, let’s get these Albania travel tips on the road so you can get your backpack on and get your arse over there in no time.
1. It’s Unlike Any Other Country in the Balkans
So let’s start off with why Albania is so unique, not only in this region, but in the world. Whilst the Balkans is home to many countries that (for better or for worse) have a shared history and related languages, Albania stands out on its own.
Whereas its neighbours were part of Yugoslavia and had historically had close connections to other countries around the world, Albania had its own brand of radical communism under the dictator Enver Hoxha. This resulted in it becoming an isolationist nation shut off from the rest of the world for years.
This had a profound effect on the population, and even today, that can be seen in ripples through the everyday texture of life. As a result, Albania does feel different, it’s more raw, not as polished and has a less developed tourism industry. Avoiding misjudging Albania by Western Standards is key.
Many of the older generations have painful memories from this era and are not always comfortable speaking about it. Be sure to be respectful and sensitive when both approaching the subject and also interacting with artefacts from this era. Most people, though, are very open, welcoming and inquisitive when it comes to visitors, but a bit of tact is required.
2. Hiring a Car is Easily the Best Way to Travel in Albania
Public transport in Albania is famously hit and miss, and I’ve written a lengthier section below to guide you on using it. But if you’re not up for an adventure on a furgon dropping grannies off in tiny villages and sharing your bus with a chicken, then the best way to get around by far is renting a car. When it comes to Albania travel tips, this is one of the best.
Here in Albania, it’s pretty affordable to rent a car, and many of the best places to visit are in rural locations that can be a real pain to get to otherwise. And the thing is, the real charm in Albania is getting off the beaten track, heading into the mountains and exploring its stunning coastline. It’s virtually made for road tripping!
Pretty much my biggest travel tip for Albania would be to skip the headaches with public transport and get your own wheels.
I touched on this above, but one of the really fascinating things about Albania is the language here, which is unlike any other in the region. Whereas most Balkan countries speak their own flavour of Slavic (which is related to languages like Polish, Russian, Czech, etc., etc), in Albania, they speak Shqip, or Albanian!
Now, that might seem obvious, because in Croatia they speak Croatian right (kinda), but Albanian is a totally unique language.
Whilst it still belongs to the Indo-European language family, it forms its own independent branch, meaning it’s not Germanic, Romance, Slavic or Greek. The theory goes that it’s the sole survivor of many ancient languages of the Slavic region, pretty interesting, right?
In many ways, it added to its isolation over the years and is another thing that sets it apart. One of my biggest Albanian travel tips is to learn a few useful phrases, as it will make breaking the ice that much easier.
Here are a few simple Albanian language phrases:
Hello – Përshëndetje (per-shen-DEH-tyeh)
Good morning – Mirëmëngjes (meer-uh-MEN-jes)
Good evening – Mirëmbrëma (meer-um-BRUM-ah)
Goodbye – Mirupafshim (meer-oo-PAHF-sheem)
Please – Ju lutem (yoo LOO-tem)
Thank you – Faleminderit (fah-leh-meen-DEH-reet)
Yes – Po (poh)
No – Jo (yoh)
Excuse me / Sorry – Më fal (muh fahl)
Do you speak English? – A flisni anglisht? (ah FLEES-nee ahn-GLEESHT)
I don’t understand – Nuk kuptoj (nook koop-TOY)
Can you help me? – A mund të më ndihmoni? (ah moond tuh muh nee-MOH-nee)
4. But Don’t Worry, English is Widely Spoken (Kinda!)
Beyond a few phrases, learning Albanian might feel a bit overwhelming, seeing as it doesn’t relate to any other language! But since opening up, English has spread through the country at a remarkable rate, which, if I’m honest, is good and bad at the same time.
Regardless of linguistic gentrification, as someone born in England, where we’re not well known for our foreign language programs, this can come in frustratingly useful! Whilst English language proficiency vastly differs between the generations, you’ll find a lot more people here who know at least enough to get by than many imagine.
BUT… Communication here also has its quirks!
There’s a unique expression that catches a lot of people out (not just in Albania, but widespread in the Balkans), and that’s the head nod, which reminds me a lot of the head tilt you’ll see in India and Sri Lanka. When visiting Albania, be sure to remember this!
Yes (Po) – A slight head tilt
No (Jo) – An upwards nod
Be sure to pay close attention and repeat the words for Yes or No clearly to avoid any miscommunication.
5. They Don’t Call it the Next Greece for Nothing!
Ok, so this is a bit of a clickbait kinda heading, because Albania is, of course, pretty different to Greece, especially when it comes to culture. But hey, they both have great beaches and cheese, right!!
But whilst the “nickname” is a bit reductive, it isn’t without good reason. So below I’ve listed a few of the reasons why:
Both countries have a large number of stunning white beaches with clear turquoise water. Many places in Albania resemble Corfu, Lefkada and Zakynthos.
Albania’s Ionian Riviera (Ksamil, Himarë, Dhermi, Sarandë) offers a good mix of developed beaches, resorts and hidden gems.
Albanian prices are more like Greece was 20 years ago. Your money here goes further from accommodation to transport; it feels like you’re getting “Greece on a budget” if you’re planning a beach trip.
Whereas Greece can feel a bit overdone and saturated with tourists, Albania still feels pretty undeveloped, raw and undiscovered, like Greece before the tourist colonisation began!
Now, where things differ quite a bit between the two countries is not only language and culture, but also the cities and countryside.
Whilst there are some mountains in Greece, a trip here is mostly either about beaches, history or a combination of both… or in my case, consuming my weight’s worth of feta! The ranges are vast, jagged and untamed, unlike the more developed and well-marked trails of Greece.
Albania also has much less developed cities with a vastly different vibe from those in Greece. And yeah, Athens can be a bit rough around the edges and does have a distinct vibe for a Western European City, but places like the chaotic Tirana or stunning Berat are very different.
Why is this on my Albania travel tips list? Well, to say this, Albania has many vast and varied things to do, and for me, it beats Greece hands down! And when you visit, you simply must make the effort to explore them all.
Speaking of Tirana, it’s a city that is not to be missed. Sure, the beaches, mountains and Ottoman cities are nicer to look at, but there’s a lot to this city that those who skip through it miss.
Tirana, though, has a different energy; it’s not become one of those performative European capitals that feel like a Disneyland version of their former selves. It feels real, raw, authentic and for the people rather than a curated space existing only for the tourists. It doesn’t pretend to be anything else… and that’s exactly why, as a traveller, it’s a place you just can’t miss.
If you’re coming here to SEE Albania, not just sit by the beach and pretend you’re in Greece, then spending some time in Tirana is non-negotiable. From city centre bunkers, to street markets, cafe culture, an emerging arts scene and above all, being the beating heart of this passionate nation, Tirana is a fascinating and vibrant city. In fact, I’m not sure why I’ve not put it at the top of my Albania travel tips?!
Albania might have rapidly progressed over the years into modernity, but it remains pretty traditional when it comes to money. Here, you’ll need to make sure you carry cash, as paying via card is still pretty uncommon.
However, ATM’s are everywhere, even in rural areas, so you can easily avoid carrying large amounts of cash around with you. Having said that, you will get charged for withdrawals. So one of my big Albania travel tips is to try to find a balance between spending a small fortune on fees and carrying stacks of cash around.
The LEK is the official Albanian currency, though Euros are also widely used and accepted, especially in tourist regions and major cities. ATMs will only dispense LEK, though.
When booking accommodation, you can quite often pay online before arrival, though in person, it’s likely to be cash. It’s a good idea to grab yourself an international card without its own charges, such as a Wise account.
Transfer Your Money Abroad Or Grab An International Card
Wise (The Artist Formerly Known as TransferWise)
In the early days of travel we would get a stack of money out and carry it with us… It wasn’t the best way to avoid a disaster really, but getting constantly stung by ATM fees wasn’t much better,
Now we have Wise and, phew, things have CHANGED!! With our Wise account we can keep money in multiple currencies as well as withdrawing cash and paying by card without paying transaction fees. Plus, if you work online like we do, then it’s a fantastic platform for payments.
Surrounding countries like Italy and Greece might get the headlines when it comes to internationally renowned cuisine, but Albania really flies under the radar when it comes to world-class food.
Whilst Albanian food does have some similarities to its neighbours, as with everything in this country that was shut off from the rest of the world for so long, it also does its own thing and does it well! Now I’m not sure about you, but the sound of combining Mediterranean, Ottoman and Balkan foods together sounds pretty mouth-watering to me!
Food here is hearty, fresh, local, simple and unpretentious. It uses ingredients such as lamb, olive oil, yoghurt, white cheeses, peppers, tomatoes, beans and bread. These are usually combined with strong homemade Rakia or even stronger espresso!
When it comes to Albania travel tips, make sure to visit small restaurants, eat with your hosts and never turn down the chance to dine with locals.
Must try Albanian food
Tavë kosi – Albania’s national dish, consisting of baked lamb with yoghurt and eggs.
Byrek – Filo pastry dish filled with cheese, meat or spinach.
Fërgesë – A great dish for vegetarians, it’s a creamy baked dish of peppers, tomatoes, and cheese.
Qofte – Grilled meatballs with herbs.
Speca të mbushur – Peppers stuffed with rice and meat.
Trilece – A sweet sponge cake made by soaking in three types of milk.
After a while in Albania, you’ll notice a rather curious sight… bunkers, and not just one or two, but bunkers literally everywhere. City parks, roadside next to bus stops, and even on the beach. So, you might be wondering, why?!
You know how I mentioned that Albania was shut off from the world for over 40 years by its paranoid dictator, Enver Hoxha. Well, among many of the wildest things that he did was to build roughly 173,000 bunkers across the country, that’s one for every 4-5 citizens.
He believed that every country in the world, at one point or another, was planning to invade, and the best way to counter that was to create these small defensive structures across the country for both soldiers and citizens to defend their country from.
These bunkers were left abandoned after Hoxha’s rule ended, a strange and surreal reminder of a period of isolation and paranoia. Whilst many have broken down over the years, either by the weather or locals, those that remain have often been creatively repurposed. Some are storage for houses, or house art installations, and larger bunkers have become galleries, cafes or bars.
Others sit as silent relics telling the story of the county’s past. The bunkers are safe to climb inside and have a look around, just be sure to treat them with respect. One of my tips for visiting Albania is to take a tour where you can learn in more detail about this period of history.
Life in Albania can be characterised as flowing with an unhurried rhythm. Here, people don’t rush; instead, they stroll – literally. You’ll even find groups of older men walking from one end of the town to another, chatting, hands behind their backs, wearing their best suits and flat caps.
This pace of life flows through everything here, from slow-cooked homemade meals to public transport that takes the scenic route and follows its own schedule and just gets there when it gets there!
Let’s face it, there’s no point in fighting it. When it comes to travel tips for Albania, my biggest would be to let go and embrace slow travel here. This isn’t a country to be rushed through; it’s one to take your time over, explore its many facets. Lose yourself down a cobblestoned alleyway in Berat, take the slowboat through the mountains, stop off at yet another beach and sip one more Rakia whilst you wait for your meal.
Let’s face it, if the bus isn’t going to be on time anyway, you might as well just embrace it!
Getting around Albania is half the fun… or half the battle, depending on your patience levels and whether or not you’ve got a plane to catch! As I mentioned above, things move at their own pace here, and transport in Albania is a prime example of this!
One of the main things to know before travelling to Albania is that public transport can and will frustrate you.
So, I’ve put together a bit of a mini guide on the different types of transport available alongside some must-know Albania travel advice for your trip.
The Best Transport Option
Car Rental
Public transport in Albania is famously unreliable, and renting a car is easy and affordable. So if you want to make the most of your trip to Albania, my biggest travel tip would be to get yourself a car. This way, you can really get off the beaten track and explore this country to its fullest.
Travelling around Albania on a road trip is one of my fondest memories from our return visit, and it was on this occasion that we were really able to see all the places we’d dreamt of, including doing things like taking the Lake Komani ferry and hiking the nearby mountains.
Book a Rental Car
Best Place to Organise a Rental Car
Depending on the type of trip you’ve got planned you might just want to rent a car.
This is a great way to see much more of a place and get to some pretty out-of-the-way and hard-to-visit places.
When it comes to options, we always use Discover Cars to find the best deals.
Don’t want to hire a car? Then you must be prepared to embrace the slow and unreliable public transport for getting from A to B! Transport and travel around the country can be very frustrating at times due to the unreliability of the public transport system.
Let’s take a closer look at how to travel around Albania.
You can now pre-book long-distance buses on 12 Go or Busbud. These are generally between main cities, such as the Tirana to Shkoder route, for example. These are more reliable coach-style buses and run on more of a fixed timetable. These tickets can be bought beforehand at bus stations or online (for some, not all). They are great for both travelling in Albania and to neighbouring countries.
These are unlicensed minibuses that don’t run on a regular schedule. They are a great way to travel shorter distances, very cheap and a great local experience. Expect them to pull up in areas only locals know about (make sure to ask around!) and only set off once full. They will often also make unscheduled stops or change the route to drop someone off in a nearby village, for example. Payment is often in cash once the bus has set off.
These also don’t run on a scheduled timetable; they will just set off when the bus is full (much like the furgons), so if you’re in a hurry, I wouldn’t recommend relying on these. You will usually find these around the main squares in the main towns and cities. Payment is often in cash once the bus has set off.
This is sometimes a necessary and also a very legitimate method of transport in Albania, especially in rural areas. As the public transport can be so unreliable and infrequent, hitchhiking is sometimes the only way to get to where you need to go… as we’ve found out a few times when travelling through Albania!
It’s generally pretty safe if the usual precautions are taken, especially if travelling alone at night. But one of my top Albania travel tips is to give it a go, it’s a great way to meet and interact with locals.
Remember that there is no Uber in Albania, so only use registered taxis and make sure they turn on the meter. Personally, I have a real hatred for taxis, but on occasion, they are your only option, so just be aware that most of the taxi drivers here are going to try it on a little!
Where to book your transport online? The best two options you’ve got are for 12go and Busbud. I’d recommend looking at options on both, as prices and availability can differ. You also might find different routes on offer on each site.
Quick Travel Guide for Albania: The Essential Things to Know
I know you’ve been gagging for this, so here it goes: I’m coming at you with some cutting-edge practical information for your trip to Albania. Yes indeed, my travel tips aren’t all about philosophical wanderings or exploring bunkers, nah son, I’m coming at you with straight up useful shiz!
Know Your Visa Requirements for Albania
Most folks can, in fact, visit without the hassle of a visa. BUT, Albania isn’t in Schengen (which does have its uses), so it does have its own rules, which can change without notice. So it’s always best to check on the Gov website before travelling to Albania.
Currently, the situation is:
UK/ EU/ Aus/ NZ: visa-free entry for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Albania.
USA: U.S. citizens can stay in Albania up to one year without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned arrival in Albania.
If you’d like to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a proper visa for Albania. In terms of visas, there are no specific tips for travelling to Albania from the UK, as it’s a pretty easy process, thankfully.
Travel Costs and Budgeting Tips For Albania
Wondering, “Is Albania cheap to travel?” Well, you’ll be thankful to learn that yes, indeed, it is. But it’s still a good idea to set yourself a daily budget before you go.
Here are some approximate daily prices for essential things as part of our Albania travel guide.
Dorm Bed: £8 – £16 per bed, per night ($10 – $20)
Private Room in Hostel: £20 – £41 per night ($25 – $50)
Budget Hotel / Guesthouse: £29 – £41 per night ($35 – $50)
Use the furgons rather than taxis – It’s gonna be an adventure, but you’ll not only pay a fraction of the price, but you’ll probably avoid getting scammed too!
Consider guesthouses and hostels – Guesthouses will often offer free breakfast, and hostels usually have a communal kitchen.
Eat in a small local place – If the menu isn’t in English, then you know you’re onto a winner!
Skip Ksamil in Peak Season – This is one of the only places in the country that could be considered moderately expensive if travelling during the summer. Instead head to Himarë or Qeparo.
Seek out free attractions – Albania has a huge amount of amazing things to do and see that will cost you absolutely nothing (or very little!), including hikes, viewpoints, bunkers, beaches, and even some castles.
Travel in the shoulder seasons – Spring and Autumn offer the best value for money and fewer crowds.
Having access to the internet, maps, and messaging is essential whilst travelling around the country. Outside of Tirana, Albania is a very rural country and not somewhere you want to get stranded without any means of communication.
In terms of top Albania travel advice, staying connected is one of the most important.
Get Yourself an eSIM for Easier Travel Anywhere!
One of my biggest tips when travelling to Albania is to get yourself an eSIM. By doing this, you’ll be sure to stay connected whilst you’re on long buses, hiking in the mountains and trying to book that last-minute room when you inevitably decide to stay longer!
It’s a convenient and easy way to connect to the internet on the go. You can organise it before your trip, and as soon as you turn your phone off aeroplane mode, you’ll be connected when you land. Rather than messing about at the airport, queuing for SIM cards, you’ll be chilling at your digs in no time.
Deals range for all budgets, and if you run out, it’s easy to add on to your plan through the app. Currently, plans start from £3.30/ $4.50 for 1gb of data for 7 days.
The BEST International eSim
Airalo
We all know the scene, right?
You arrive at an airport after a horrendous 12-hour flight at 6:00 am in a new country! There’s a sea of taxi drivers out for blood, and you realise you can’t connect to the airport WIFI to grab an Uber…
But you’ve got an eSim, so no worries! Boom!
Your phone is already set up with data before you land, and with Airalo you know you’re getting a good deal and reliable service across 200+ countries!
Use the code “AIRALOESIM10” for 10% off your first purchase
If you fancy doing things the old school way, then you can also pick up a local SIM card easily and cheaply. You can buy these from either the airport, branded stores for each provider or at many small shops and convenience stores.
There are a few different options, but some of the best include:
Vodafone: A great option for tourists. They have put together some Prepaid sim card packages specifically for visitors, which offer competitive prices with a good amount of data and calls.
One Albania: These offer very similar tourist sim card packages as Vodafone, so it’s worth checking out both to see which works best for you.
Which one is best? Well, Vodafone tends to have better geographical coverage, whilst One Albania has faster speeds.
But Free WiFi is Plentiful!
In case you get stuck without data, the good news is that free Wifi is widely available in major cities and tourist areas.
Head to a cafe, public library, transport hub, fast food restaurant or even some public squares. Reliability is pretty mixed, but for general use and basic browsing, speeds are pretty good.
When it comes to the best time to visit Albania, it’s really one of those places that can be visited year-round. However, depending on what you want from your trip, there are better times than others, depending on which of the many things to do in Albania you’re thinking of doing.
For example, if you’re planning on hiking, then winter will be too dangerous. Hitting the beach equally ain’t so hot in the colder months, BUT, it’s also great during the shoulder seasons. The Albania weather can and does change vastly between seasons and regions, so bear that in mind.
April – June and September – October
Lovely weather, less crowded and lower prices mean that shoulder seasons in Albania are a great time to visit. It’s also great for sightseeing, hiking and enjoying the beach.
Perfect time for the Valbona to Theth hike.
Temperatures range between 20-28 degrees.
Pros: Mild weather, fewer crowds and cheaper costs.
Cons: Some areas can still be a little chilly and quiet.
July – August
Still a great time to visit Albania with the weather being hot and dry, especially to enjoy the beach on the Albanian Riviera in places such as Sarandë, Ksamil, and Dhermi.
Temperatures range between 30-35 degrees.
Pros: The sea is warm, and the nightlife is fantastic, especially on the Albania coast.
Cons: Crowded, Higher prices and fewer options for budget accommodation
November – March
In cold and wet weather, some of the higher mountains will be covered with snow and inaccessible, so not ideal for hiking. Most beach areas/ resorts will be closed.
Albania in winter is great for skiing, especially in the Dardhe or Boga regions.
Temperatures range between 6-16 degrees and even as low as -5 degrees in the higher mountainous regions.
Pros: Less crowded, local hospitality and engagement can be great. You can also find great deals on accommodation.
Cons: Cold and wet, most of the popular hikes can be inaccessible, and the transport can be even more unreliable.
A generalised packing list is perfect for Albania, such as what you might pack for any other trip in Europe. However, there are two caveats that I’ve included on my list of Albania travel tips.
The first is what season you’ll be travelling in. Of course, for a winter trip, you might want to pack some thermal undies rather than your budget smugglers!
Secondly, where you’ll be headed. Regardless of what season you’re visiting in, I’d always recommend bringing some waterproof and warm gear for the mountains.
Here are my top recommended specific items for your trip to Albania.
Trail shoes
A must for that hike from Valbona to Theth. Make sure you get some trail shoes that are lightweight and can be worn when exploring cities too.
How Safe is Albania for Travel? Here’s What You Need to Know
There are a lot of preconceptions historically when it comes to whether Albania is safe to visit. Well, I’m here to tell you that it is a super safe place to visit. But here I’ll break down a few things to know if you’re wondering, how safe is Albania?
Albania is Generally Safe to visit.
Generally speaking, Albania is very safe for visitors, and things like violent crimes against tourists are extremely low. In fact, it’s now considered much safer than places like Paris, Brussels and London, for example. Of course, caution is always needed when travelling overseas, and here the biggest risk is traffic.
That said, be sure to check any Albania travel warnings before your trip on your own government’s website.
So, is it safe to go to Albania? Hell to the yes it is!
But Please Be Aware of Pickpockets
As with anywhere in the world, you’ll need to be aware of pickpockets when in crowded areas like markets, on public transport and around stations. Keep money and cards in a secure place such as a money belt, and avoid flashing them unnecessarily.
You Must Avoid the Tap Water!
Being in Europe might have you lured into a false sense of security when it comes to drinking the tap water. I have a mate who paid the price for that mistake. Let me tell you, it was a shitty time indeed! Even most of the locals don’t drink it.
Stick to bottled water, or better yet, invest in a Grayl filter bottle. These reusable bottles make virtually drinking from anywhere possible, even from something like a stream.
The main danger you’ll face here in Albania is the traffic. Drivers can be aggressive and reckless, and often ignore pedestrian crossings. On top of that, drink driving is more common here than in many other countries. One of my biggest Albania travel tips is to always take an extra second when dealing with traffic.
In fact, Albania has one of the highest fatality rates per capita throughout Europe. Not to put you off, but it’s just something to be aware of and take extra care over. You should also be cautious when hitchhiking to not stand in areas where drivers might not see you.
Avoid Rural Areas When Driving at Night
Following on from that is another piece of safety advice when it comes to driving. If you’ve decided to hire a car, make sure to plan your Albania travel itinerary wisely so that you’re only driving during the day.
Driving through rural areas at night can be dangerous due to road conditions, no street lights and stray animals. One of my biggest tips for driving in Albania is to do it with an extra degree of caution, day or night, but especially after dark.
Only Use the Registered Taxis in Albania
As there is no Uber in Albania, make sure when using taxis that they’re registered and that they put the meter on or that you agree a price beforehand. It will save you a whole world of hassle and money!
One of the big things to know about Albania is that they use an app called “Bolt” rather than Uber, and it’s another good alternative to a standard taxi. But it only really operates around Tirana.
Rakia, if you didn’t know, is a popular spirit in the Balkans at about 40-50% ABV. Made by fermenting fruit (grapes, plums, mulberries, and figs are common), it’s a potent drink that you’ll want to pace yourself with. This is even more true if you’re drinking homemade rakia, this stuff is like paint stripper!
It’s commonly served as a welcome drink, at meals, during celebrations or festivals and also just between friends. Often your host will insist you have some and keep topping you up, so it can be hard to keep track of how much you’ve drunk!
One thing I learnt quickly whilst holidaying in Albania is to sip and not take rakia as a shot! You’ve been warned.
Be Cautious When Hiking
After a night on the Rakia, you might be up for a hike to blow away the cobwebs! Whilst this is a great idea and the mountains of Albania are one of its main draws, you should also exercise a high level of caution in this wild and untamed landscape. Whether conquering a mountain peak or skinny dipping in a beautiful waterfall, the rural side of Albania is worth your effort, but with caution.
Don’t take the mountains here lightly; conditions can change quickly and become dangerous. There are also wild animals such as brown bears, snakes and boars, whilst uncommon, you should always be on the lookout. Never stray from marked paths or trails, as there is also a possibility of old landmines and be sure to wear appropriate clothing and pack plenty of snacks and water.
Apps such as Maps.me and All Trails are very useful to have, as the phone signal can be a bit sketchy when driving or hiking in rural areas. Having these downloaded has saved our skin many a time whilst travelling, not just in Albania, but all over the world.
We’d never go anywhere without first downloading the map. Make sure to do this whilst you’ve got a stable internet connection and double-check before heading out.
Always Make Sure You Have Travel Insurance
Albania might be a pretty safe place to travel to, but with crazy drivers, bears, mountains and rakia on tap, it’s best to be safe than sorry and always travel with good insurance. Be sure to get yourself covered with the best out there, just in case – It’s one of my biggest Albania travel tips.
Also, if you’re renting a car, make sure that you take out extra cover either with your rental company or separately, as it’s not worth the risk. Always check what your Albania travel insurance covers in this regard.
Is Albania safe to travel to? YES! Without insurance? Are you mad, bro!?
SafetyWing Travel Insurance
SafetyWing
Travel insurance is one of those annoying things that no one likes to think about, let alone pay for, when you’re planning your next trip. It can also be bloody annoying as a backpacker/long-term traveller to find affordable coverage that meets the itinerary-less lifestyle (*cough* World Nomads *cough*).
So instead of getting subpar travel insurance, now we just always go with SafetyWing. It takes like 5-10 minutes to purchase your policy and essentially functions as a monthly subscription plan with near-global coverage!
From Beaches to Bunkers, You’ll Have a Blast Travelling Albania!
There we have it, we’ve got to the end of my tips for travelling to Albania. Sad face!
Ten whole years have passed since we first visited Albania, and back then we just couldn’t have imagined how much more popular it’s become these days. Whilst it still remains firmly off the beaten track when it comes to European travel, it’s most definitely on the radar for those looking for a more authentic and adventurous experience… for a fraction of the price.
I get it, though. Some folks out there still have some reservations, which is why I put together this list of Albania travel tips. Hopefully, after reading this post, you’ll be ready to pack those bags and get out there, because when you do, you’ll be richly rewarded with one of the most unique, friendly and beautiful countries in the world.
I have such fond memories of the interactions we had with the folks here. On more than one occasion, we were invited into people’s homes to share food, drink and conversations in broken English.
And isn’t that exactly what travel should be about?
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When it comes to Albania travel tips, visitors must be aware that public transport here requires patience, pre-planning and an easygoing attitude! It’s an experience for sure, and it’s made all the better if you embrace it for what it is – chaotic and unreliable!
Albania is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe, and the world! It offers an incredible level of value for experience, beauty and friendliness of locals. Here, accommodation is affordable, transport is mega cheap, and it’s easy to eat well on a budget!
No! Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Albania, and even the locals don’t do it! It’s best to stick to either bottled water or, even better, get yourself a Grayl filter bottle so you can drink safely from any source and not contribute to plastic waste.
It’s super easy to hire a car when you visit Albania, and it’s my recommended method of transport if you want to really explore all the stunning rural areas of the country. Booking ahead of time is essential for the best availability and prices, as this is a popular method of transport for visitors.
Albania is a pretty easy-going country, but being Muslim, it can be a little more conservative than others in the region. Avoid wearing clothing that is too revealing outside of beach/ pool settings, and don’t refuse an offer of food or drink (unless you absolutely need to or feel unsafe). It’s also considered impolite to point at or make direct eye contact with someone you don’t know.
The question “Is it safe to travel to Albania?” comes up often, and it’s a symptom of the misunderstandings that have followed this country for years. The answer is a resounding, YES!
It’s somewhere that is great for tourists with welcoming locals and a low crime rate.
Just watch out for the crazy drivers and strong rakia!
Is Albania safe to travel alone? Again, that would be a massive yes, and there is a good network of backpackers, guesthouses and hostels where you can meet new people easily.
For transparency’s sake:Many of the links we have on our site are affiliate links. This means that when you click one of these links and make a booking or purchase, for example: accommodation, gear, insurance or transport, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).Also, know that as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Most importantly, know that we still only recommend services, gear and products we believe in and our earned commission helps us keep travelling and bringing you high-quality posts and content.
Yo, I’m Nic (they/them), one-half of The Roaming Renegades.
I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia! I am also a proud member of the LGBT+ community.
I’ve explored 80 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work? I dunno, but my back hurts, and I still collect Pokémon cards! Who wants in?!
If you’re looking for the best romantic European city breaks for you and your partner, then I’ve put together this EPIC list for the perfect trip away.
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