Sharing the Albania we fell in love with♥︎
Hey Albania! Beyond its pristine beaches, the country reveals quiet villages, rugged mountains, and hidden rivers that feel like your own secret escape. It’s in the slow walks through ancient streets, the golden light over the hills, and the simple joy of discovering something completely unexpected. Traveling here isn’t about seeing it all, it’s about feeling the rhythm of Albania and letting it surprise you.
a love letter to albania
Albania is a small southeastern European country in the Balkans. It’s coastline runs along the Adriatic and Ionian Sea. Between endless mountains, crystal-clear bays, untouched nature, quaint villages and fragrant olive trees, you will experience the amazing diversity of Albania. There is beautiful flora and fauna to marvel at here, as well as over 697 natural monuments and 14 national parks to discover. Neighbouring countries are Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece. The country has developed into one of the most exciting travel destinations in Europe in recent years. One of the most beautiful countries in Europe in our opinion. A hidden gem with a rich history, fascinating landscapes and a beautiful coastline, Albania is the perfect destination for travelers looking to get off the beaten track.
Capital: Tirana
Population: 3 Million
Currency: Lek (ALL)
Area: 28.748 km²
Language: Albanian
Neighboring countries: Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece
Fact: There are more than 750.000 bunkers across the country
April – October
19-31 C° / 66-88 °F
Spring and autumn are ideal times to explore the country at your leisure and it’s definitely less crowded. Summer is perfect for a beach holiday and enjoying the coast. Winter is good for winter sports and less touristy exploration.
A rental car is probably the most flexible and convenient way to travel through Albania. It allows you to easily reach remote places, such as remote beaches or the Albanian Alps. Taking the train is not really recommended cause passenger transport in Albania is very limited. Buses are one of the most popular and cheapest ways to get from place to place in Albania.
As an EU citizen, you don’t need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days. You can enter with your ID card or passport. If you plan to stay longer, you must register with e-Albania within the first 30 days of entry.
Tap water in Albania is generally undrinkable, as it contains a high level of chlorine. We therefore recommend using bottled or filtered water.
In Albania, sockets of type C and F are generally used. These correspond to those in most European countries.
The condition of the roads in Albania varies considerably. However, most routes and roads are relatively good. Driving in Albania is often somewhat challenging (especially in cities) but still manageable. Driving is a very good way to travel around the country. You can drive through Albania without paying tolls or a vignette; only some sections and tunnels require a toll.
International emergency: 112
First aid: 127
Fire department: 128
Police: 129
Tipping is not mandatory, but is considered a token of appreciation for good service. We recommend tipping around 10%.
A few simple Albanian words can go a long way when traveling around Albania. Here are some useful basics:
Hello – Përshëndetje
Thank you – Faleminderite
Please – Ju lutem
Yes – Po
No-yeah
Goodbye – Mirupafshim
Good morning – Mirëmëngjes
Good evening – Mirëmbrëma
How are you? – Are you jeni?
Cheers! – Gezuar!
Excuse me – Më falni
How much is it? – Sa kushton?
These hotel links are affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support ♥︎
Albania is one of those countries that’s far too often overlooked, and that’s precisely what makes a trip there so special. Moreover, it hasn’t yet been affected by mass tourism like other European countries. Before our trip, we wondered if there was any crime, perhaps even corruption! But upon arrival, you immediately sense the blend of hospitable people and genuine warmth. In addition, you’ll find a breathtaking diversity of the country, from numerous white sandy beaches and rugged mountains in the north to charming, colorful cities like Tirana and Berat.
What truly makes Albania special for us is its authenticity. It’s also a country for both adventure and relaxation. You can climb ancient castles, hike through the mountains, unwind on secluded beaches, or savor the culinary delights – from fresh fish and traditional dishes to sweet baklava.
When we travel, we always save the best places we discover from hidden viewpoints and cozy cafés to beautiful beaches and must-see spots. To make trip planning easier, we created interactive travel maps with all our favorite locations in one place. Simply open the map and explore the places we personally visited.
Note: The buttons and images above link to our interactive travel maps hosted on Rexby, where you can explore all saved locations in detail. Thanks for your support friends!
Albania’s City of a Thousand Windows
Mountain Views & Coastal Escape
Ancient Ruins & Adriatic Beaches
The Ultimate Albanian Riviera Guide
Historic Streets & Mountain Views
Albania’s Most Beautiful Beaches
The Gateway to Northern Albania
Our Guide to Albania’s Capital
