Albania is finally having its moment, and if you’re searching for an affordable, authentic, and crowd-free European vacation, this guide is for you. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Albania, thinking of road-tripping the Albanian Riviera, or visiting the mountains, Albania will surprise you in the best ways.
This Albania travel guide covers everything from travel tips and safety advice to where to go, what to eat, and how to get around. Ready to plan the perfect Albania vacation in 2025? Let’s dive in.
Why Visit Albania in 2025?
Albania offers an authentic travel experience without the price tag or the packed crowds.
- Incredible variety: You can hike in the Alps in the morning and swim in the Ionian Sea by sunset.
- Low cost: A boutique hotel for €40, dinner for under €10, and car rentals around €20/day.
- Underrated charm: Friendly locals, raw scenery, and a mix of cultures make every corner feel different.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on a road trip, or someone planning a budget honeymoon, Albania’s blend of adventure and ease makes it ideal.
Fast Facts & First-Timer Tips
- No visa for 90-day stays (EU, UK, USA, Canada)
- Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL), bring cash for rural areas
- Airport: Tirana International (TIA), or ferry from Corfu
- SIM: Grab a Vodafone or One prepaid SIM for ~€15
- Safe for solo female travelers, friendly to tourists
Summer tip: Book accommodations early from June–September—the coast gets busy.
10 Things That Might Surprise You About Albania
1. It’s Wild in the Best Way
Expect mountain villages with no Wi-Fi, cliffside castles, and small towns where life moves slowly.
2. It’s Culturally Muslim – but Casually
Mosques and churches sit side by side. Religion is practiced lightly, but hospitality is taken seriously.
3. Albanian Is Unlike Any Language You Know
It’s its own branch of the Indo-European family. But don’t stress, young Albanians often speak English but the mid-age rarely.
4. You’ll See the Flag Everywhere
The red flag with the black double-headed eagle is a serious point of pride.
5. It’s Extremely Affordable
Eat out for €10, rent a car for €20/day, and stay in a guesthouse for €30–€50.
Cultural Tips & Etiquette
- “Why are you here?” is curiosity, not suspicion.
- Take off your shoes before entering homes. This is the first house rule you must respect.
- Accept food or drinks offered, refuse politely if needed. In some parts of Albania, there’s a playful belief that if you refuse something offered by a single girl, her future husband might leave her one day. So… maybe just take the cookie! 😄
- Public affection is fine in cities, less so in rural areas. Fun Fact: My grandma never called her husband by his name, back then, it was considered shameful! Times have definitely changed… but better to be respectful to the older generation 😄
- Evening stroll (Xhiro) is a daily ritual. Dress nicely and walk with the locals.
- Multi-generational families are very common, and grandparents play a huge role in raising the little ones. Forget the nanny, here, it’s grandma and grandpa who’ve got it covered.
Learn this phrase: Faleminderit – it means “thank you” and is pronounced fa-leh-min-DEH-reet. Using it will earn you instant smiles from locals!
Is Albania Safe?
Absolutely! Albania is considered a safe destination, especially for solo travelers. Whether you’re exploring cities, hiking in the mountains, or visiting coastal towns, most visitors feel secure and welcomed. Crime rates are relatively low, and locals are often friendly and willing to help if you need directions or assistance. As with any country, it’s always wise to stay aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions, but overall, solo travelers, including women, often report positive and safe experiences in Albania.
What to watch for:
- Aggressive drivers (hmmm, not like India, but definitely not in Europe or the US).
- Stray dogs (they might be aggressive sometimes, so keep an eye on them).
- Occasional delays with public transport.
Why does it feel safe?
Locals in Albania are known for being kind, helpful, and respectful. Many will go out of their way to assist visitors, even if there’s a language barrier. Tourists are generally welcomed with warmth and hospitality, and it’s common to receive friendly smiles or unexpected acts of generosity. While Albania is modern and open-minded, modest clothing is still appreciated in smaller towns and rural areas, where traditions remain strong and people value cultural respect.
As a solo traveler, you will feel safer in Albania than in many Western cities. People stared, but only out of curiosity. For example, my grandma has never seen an Asian person in her life. 🙂
Where to Go: Top Places in Albania
Tirana
A creative, chaotic capital with colorful murals, cool cafes, and quirky museums.
- Don’t Miss: Bunk’Art, Pyramid of Tirana, Skanderbeg Square
- Stay in: Blloku (lively) or Pazari i Ri (central).
Berat
UNESCO town known for its white Ottoman houses and romantic views.
- Don’t Miss: Berat Castle, Stroll by the river (Shetitorja e re), Gorica Castle Ruins
- Stay in: Old Town
Gjirokastër
Stone streets, a castle with mountain views, and lots of character.
- Don’t Miss: The Castle, Old Town
- Stay in: Old Town
Saranda
Busy beach hub and jumping-off point for Ksamil and the Blue Eye.
- Don’t Miss: Lekurasi Castle, Lungomare, Saranda View
- Stay in: Kodrra Area
Himara
A more chill alternative to Saranda with epic views and fewer crowds.
- Don’t Miss: Himara Castle, Lungomare
- Stay in: City Center
Vlorë
Port city meets beach town, good base for boat tours.
- Don’t Miss: Old Town, Lungomare. Plazhi I Ri, Kanina Castle, Vlore Belvedere Vanginz (Bypass Vlora)
- Stay in: Lungomare Area
Shkodra
Artsy, lakeside, and close to the Alps. Great for cafes and culture before/after hiking.
- Don’t Miss: Old Town, Buna River, Rozafa Castle
- Stay in: Old Town
How to Get to Albania
Tirana International Airport (TIA):
This is Albania’s main international gateway and the busiest airport in the country. Located just 17 kilometers from the capital city, Tirana International Airport is well connected to major cities across Europe. Most international travelers arrive here when flying directly into Albania.
Corfu, Greece:
An alternative way to reach southern Albania is by flying into Corfu, a Greek island located just off the Albanian coast. From Corfu, you can take a short ferry ride (approximately 30–70 minutes) across the Ionian Sea to reach the Albanian coastal city of Saranda — a popular starting point for exploring the Albanian Riviera.
Podgorica, Montenegro:
If you’re traveling from Montenegro, flying into Podgorica is a convenient option. From there, you can reach northern Albania by taking a direct bus or shared taxi to the border city of Shkodra. This is a great route for those combining a trip through the Balkans.
Getting Around Albania
Public Transport in Albania
Albania’s public transportation system is basic but functional, especially for travelers on a budget. While the country doesn’t have a rail network for passenger travel, it offers several road-based options that connect most towns and cities.
Furgons (Minibuses):
Furgons are privately operated minibuses that serve as one of the most common forms of local transportation. They’re widely used by both locals and tourists due to their affordability and frequency. Furgons don’t usually follow a strict timetable. They depart when full, and they often pick up and drop off passengers along the route. (So, if a distance is 1h, you will make it in 1h and a half) You can find them at informal stops or near city bus stations, and they’re especially handy for short to mid-distance travel between towns.
Regional Buses:
For longer journeys between major cities, regional buses are a good option. They’re generally more comfortable than furgons, but also slower, as they make more scheduled stops and often stick to set routes. While not as modern or organized as in Western Europe, regional buses are quite reliable and cover a wide network across the country. Tickets are usually inexpensive, and it’s best to purchase them directly at the station or pay the driver in cash.
Driving
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Albania, especially if you want the freedom to visit remote villages, scenic viewpoints, and hidden beaches that are difficult to reach by public transport. With your own vehicle, you can travel at your own pace, stop whenever you like for photos, and venture off the typical tourist routes. Albania’s landscapes are incredibly diverse, from rugged mountains to coastal roads, and having a car allows you to truly experience the beauty of the country. Roads have improved in recent years, and while driving in cities like Tirana can be a bit chaotic, the highways and countryside routes are generally straightforward to navigate. Just keep in mind that road signs may be limited in some areas, and Google Maps or offline maps can be very useful. They cost: ~€20–€30/day.
Tip: Get full insurance.
Taxis & Ride Apps
In larger cities such as Tirana and Vlora, you can easily get around using ride-hailing apps like Bolt or CarGo, which are convenient and affordable alternatives to traditional taxis. These apps function well in urban areas where the service is established. However, it’s important to note that in smaller towns and rural areas across Albania, these apps typically do not work, as the service coverage is limited or nonexistent. In those areas, transportation usually relies on local taxis, furgons (shared minibuses), or private transfers arranged in advance.
Tip: Always ask for the meter in regular taxis.
Best Time to Visit Albania
| Season | What to Expect | Best For |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Hot, lively | Beaches & nightlife |
| Shoulder (Apr–May, Sep–Oct) | Mild weather, lower prices | Road trips, hiking |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Snow in Alps | Cozy stays & quiet trips |
TIP: For both beach and mountains, aim for late May to early June.
What to Pack when Visiting Albania
Summer
- Light clothes, sandals, swimsuit, sunscreen
- Bug spray
Spring/Fall
- Layers, hiking shoes, rain jacket
Winter
- Warm coat, gloves, boots (especially for the Alps)
Year-Round Musts
- Type C adapter
- Local SIM or pocket Wi-Fi
- Reusable water bottle
What to Eat in Albania
Must-Try Dishes in Albania
- Byrek – savory pastry.
- Tavë Kosi – lamb, yogurt, and rice.
- Fërgesë – spicy cheese and veggie dish.
- Qofte – grilled meatballs.
- Baklava – sweet and sticky perfection.
Street Foods in Albania
- Corn on the cob, chestnuts.
- €2,5 gyros, pizza slices, or burek.
What to Drink in Albania
- Rakia – strong and homemade.
- Local beers – Birra Korça or Tirana.
- Mountain tea or Turkish coffee.
Fun fact: It’s not uncommon to be invited to dinner by a stranger. Albanians treat guests like family.
Budget Tips & Sample Costs
| Category | Daily Cost (Mid-range) |
| Stay | €25–50 |
| Food | €10–25 |
| Transport | €5–15 |
| Activities | €5–20 |
| SIM/Data | €10 (15–30 days) |
Tips for visiting Albania on a budget
- Skip tourist menus, eat with locals.
- Furgons are cheap and easy for town-hopping.
- Go off-season (May or September).
- Stay in guesthouses or shared Airbnb.
Why Albania Belongs on Your 2025 Travel List
Albania is affordable, friendly, and still full of surprises. It’s a country where stories happen: a grandma offers you fruit, you stumble on a hidden beach, a stranger invites you for rakia.
So if you’re craving something different, without compromising on comfort, Albania is your place. Come before everyone else does.