Visiting Albania: The Complete Guide Nobody Will Give You

I still remember the look on my friend’s face when I told him I was heading to Albania for a month.

“Albania? Isn’t that… dangerous?” he asked, clearly picturing some Hollywood version of Eastern Europe.

Three years and four visits later, Albania has become one of my favorite destinations in Europe. A place where my dollar stretches further, where beaches rival the Mediterranean’s best, and where I’ve made friends who feel like family.

But I also made plenty of mistakes. Got ripped off by a taxi driver in Tirana. Misunderstood the local bus system. And nearly had my trip ruined by an insurance policy that didn’t actually cover Albania specifically.

This guide is everything I wish someone had told me before my first visit.

Why Are People Actually Searching for Albania Travel Information?

When we research “Visiting Albania,” we’re usually looking for answers to these questions:

• Is Albania safe for tourists?
• How expensive is Albania compared to other European countries?
• Do I need a visa to visit Albania?
• What are the must see destinations?
• Is English widely spoken?
• What’s the best time to visit?
• How’s the internet for remote work?
• What insurance do I need?

Let me address all of these from my personal experience living and traveling through Albania since 2021.

The Reality of Safety in Albania

When I told my mother I was going to Albania, she nearly had a heart attack. “Isn’t that where Taken was filmed?” she asked.

No, Mom. That was set in Paris. But the misconception is common.

The truth? I’ve felt safer walking at night in Tirana than in many Western European capitals.

Albania has an incredibly low violent crime rate against tourists. The biggest risks are:

• Petty theft in crowded areas (like any tourist destination)
• Aggressive driving (Albanians have a… creative approach to traffic laws)
• Unmarked swimming hazards at some beaches

💡 Tip: Albanians practice an ancient code called “Besa” which means “to keep the promise.” As guests in their country, you’re entitled to their protection and hospitality. This isn’t tourist propaganda. I’ve experienced it firsthand when my car broke down near Berat, and a local family insisted I stay for dinner while waiting for help.

Visa Requirements Most Travelers Don’t Know About

My first visit to Albania was delightfully simple. As an American, I got 1 year to stay without any visa.

But I’ve since traveled with friends from different countries, and the rules vary dramatically:

• US, EU, UK citizens: Can stay 1 year visa free
• Canadian, Australian citizens: 90 days visa free
• Many Asian countries: Need visa in advance

The part many travelers miss: the clock doesn’t reset with a border crossing. If you’re limited to 90 days, you get 90 days total within a 180 day period.

I watched a Canadian friend get detained at the border because he thought his 90 days reset after a weekend trip to Montenegro. Don’t make that mistake.

When to Visit Albania: The Truth About Seasons

Let me save you from the mistake I made during my first visit in August 2021 when I nearly melted into the Tirana sidewalk.

Albania has distinct tourism seasons:

• June to September: Peak season. Coastline is packed, prices double, but nightlife is buzzing
• April to May & October: My personal favorite. Perfect temperatures, few tourists, prices are reasonable
• November to March: Local experience. Many coastal businesses close, but cities are authentic and cheap

💡 Tip: If you visit during off season, stick to Tirana, Berat, and Gjirokastër. The coastal towns like Saranda and Ksamil practically shut down from November to April.

When I visited Ksamil in February 2022, I was literally the only person in my hotel. The owner gave me a free upgrade just for the company.

Getting Around Albania: Transport Realities

My biggest shock in Albania wasn’t the scenery or the food — it was transportation. Having traveled extensively in Western Europe, I expected similar efficiency.

What I got was… an adventure.

Rental Cars: Your Best Option

Despite some wild driving by locals, renting a car is your best bet for exploring Albania. I paid about €25 per day for a small SUV.

The freedom to drive the stunning coastal highway or venture into mountain villages is worth every penny.

💡 Tip: Most car rentals in Albania only accept credit cards with embossed numbers. My flat Capital One card was rejected by three rental companies before I found one that would take it.

Public Transportation: The Reality

Albania’s public transportation system exists, but it’s not what you might expect:

• Furgons: Mini vans that operate like buses but leave when full, not on a schedule
• Buses: Mainly serve routes between major cities
• Trains: Extremely limited service with very old equipment

My most authentic Albanian experience was squeezing into a furgon headed to Berat with 20 other people, three chickens, and one very quiet goat. Worth it for the story, though probably not for comfort seekers.

Cost of Travel in Albania: What You’ll Actually Spend

When travel bloggers talk about Albania being “cheap,” they’re not exaggerating. Here’s what I typically spent in 2024:

For comparison, I spent about 60% less in Albania than I would have in Italy or Greece for a similar experience.

One evening in Saranda, I treated four friends to a seafood feast with wine, dessert, and rakija (local spirit). The total bill? $75. The same meal would have easily cost $300+ in Santorini.

Accommodation Insights: Where to Actually Stay

My accommodation experiences in Albania have ranged from a luxury apartment overlooking the Ionian Sea ($45/night) to a family homestay in the Albanian Alps ($15/night including home cooked meals).

Here’s my hard earned advice:

Cities & Towns Worth Staying In:

• Tirana: The vibrant capital with colorful buildings and buzzing café culture
• Berat: The “City of a Thousand Windows” with Ottoman architecture
• Gjirokastër: Stone city with incredible fortress views
• Saranda: Coastal gateway to beaches and archaeological sites
• Ksamil: Best beaches with crystal clear water
• Theth: Mountain village with breathtaking hiking
• Shkodër: Charming city by the lake

💡 Tip: In Albania, Booking.com is reliable but often not the best deal. I’ve had better luck with Airbnb and local Facebook groups where guesthouse owners advertise directly.

When I stayed in Ksamil, I found a beachfront apartment on Booking for $60/night. After arriving, I talked to the owner and arranged to come back for two weeks at $35/night by booking directly.

Internet & Remote Work Reality

As someone who works online, internet access is non negotiable for me. Albania surprised me with:

• Fast fiber internet in major cities (I regularly got 100Mbps in Tirana)
• Reliable 4G/LTE throughout most of the country (perfect for hotspotting)
• Growing number of coworking spaces in Tirana
• Cafés with free WiFi everywhere

During my three month stay in 2023, I only had one video call drop due to internet issues. I had more problems with Zoom in my San Francisco apartment.

💡 Tip: Buy a Vodafone or One Albania SIM card (about $10) with a data package. Public WiFi exists but isn’t always secure.

Albanian Food: What You’ll Actually Eat

Albanian cuisine was one of my biggest and most pleasant surprises. It’s a delicious mix of Mediterranean, Balkan, and Turkish influences.

Must try dishes include:

• Tavë Kosi: Baked lamb with yogurt sauce
• Byrek: Flaky pastry with cheese, meat, or spinach
• Qofte: Seasoned meatballs
• Speca Me Gjize: Peppers stuffed with cheese
• Fergese: Peppers with tomatoes and cheese

I gained five pounds during my first month in Albania. Worth every ounce.

💡 Tip: Vegetarians will struggle outside major cities. I traveled with a vegetarian friend who essentially lived on byrek and salads in smaller towns. When ordering, make sure to specify “pa mish” (without meat).

Health & Insurance Requirements Nobody Tells You About

This is where I really messed up on my first visit. I assumed my standard European travel insurance would cover Albania. It didn’t.

Albania is often excluded from “Europe” coverage in many policies because it’s not in the EU or Schengen Area.

Here’s what you need:

• Comprehensive travel insurance specifically covering Albania
• Medical evacuation coverage (Albania’s healthcare system is improving but still limited)
• Proof of insurance for visa purposes (if applicable)

My wake up call came when a friend slipped on wet cobblestones in Gjirokastër and needed stitches. Her insurance company initially denied the claim because Albania wasn’t explicitly listed in her coverage area.

For reliable travel insurance that actually covers Albania properly, check out VisitCover’s options here.

The Albanian Healthcare Reality

Speaking of healthcare, here’s what to expect:

• Public hospitals: Basic care, often outdated equipment
• Private clinics: Much better but primarily in Tirana
• Pharmacies: Widely available and can dispense many medications without prescriptions
• Language barrier: Few medical professionals speak English outside Tirana

I had a minor ear infection in Saranda and visited a pharmacy. The pharmacist didn’t speak English but diagnosed me through gestures and Google Translate. The antibiotics cost me $4 and worked perfectly.

Cultural Insights That Will Actually Improve Your Trip

Understanding Albanian culture will dramatically improve your experience:

• Nodding: Albanians nod for “no” and shake their head for “yes” — opposite of Western customs. This confused me endlessly my first week.
• Coffee culture: Albanians take their coffee breaks seriously. Don’t rush this ritual.
• Raki sharing: If an Albanian offers you raki (fruit brandy), accepting is a sign of friendship. Fair warning: it’s strong!
• Hospitality: If you’re invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift. I always bring chocolate or coffee.

💡 Tip: Learn basic Albanian phrases. Even “Faleminderit” (thank you) will earn you massive goodwill.

Must Visit Destinations Based on Your Travel Style

After four extended visits, here are my top recommendations based on travel style:

For Beach Lovers:

• Albanian Riviera: Especially Ksamil, Himarë, and Dhërmi
• Durrës: Closest beach to Tirana, good for weekend trips

For History Buffs:

• Butrint: Ancient Greek and Roman ruins (UNESCO site)
• Berat & Gjirokastër: Ottoman architecture (UNESCO sites)
• Apollonia: Ancient Roman city

For Nature Enthusiasts:

• Theth to Valbona hike: The most stunning mountain scenery
• Blue Eye: Natural spring with incredible colors
• Lake Koman ferry: Fjord like landscape

For City Explorers:

• Tirana: Blloku district for cafés and nightlife
• Shkodër: Beautiful old town with Italian influence

💡 Tip: The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) gets incredibly crowded. I arrived at 8am before the tour buses and had it completely to myself for an hour.

What to Pack for Albania That Other Guides Miss

After multiple visits across different seasons, here’s what I wish I’d packed:

• Cash: Many places don’t accept cards, especially outside cities
• Bathing shoes: Some beaches are rocky
• Offline maps: Google Maps isn’t always accurate in rural areas
• Portable charger: Power outages still happen occasionally
• Water bottle with filter: Tap water isn’t always drinkable
• Basic medical kit: Pharmacies aren’t always nearby

💡 Tip: ATMs in Albania often run out of cash during peak tourist season. I always arrive with at least €200 in cash.

Money Matters: Currency, Costs & Scams

Albania uses the Lek (ALL), but Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas.

The scams I’ve encountered (and sometimes fallen for):

• Unofficial taxis: Always use licensed taxis or apps like Bolt
• Bill padding: Check your restaurant bill carefully
• Currency conversion tricks: Know the rough exchange rate
• “Special price for you”: Always ask prices before agreeing

My most embarrassing scam story: I took an “unofficial” taxi from Tirana airport my first time. The driver started with a reasonable price, then claimed partway through that was “per person” rather than for the whole car. I ended up paying triple.

Albanian Phrases That Will Save Your Trip

A little Albanian goes a long way. Here are the essentials:

• Përshëndetje (pehr-shen-DET-yeh): Hello
• Faleminderit (fah-leh-meen-DAIR-eet): Thank you
• Sa kushton? (sah koosh-TON): How much does it cost?
• Ku është…? (koo ESHT): Where is…?
• Ndihmë (n-DEEM): Help
• Unë nuk flas shqip (OO-nuh nook FLAHSS shchip): I don’t speak Albanian

Common Questions About Visiting Albania

Is Albania part of the EU or Schengen Area?

No, Albania is a candidate country but not yet part of the EU or Schengen. This affects visa requirements, insurance coverage, and mobile roaming.

Can I use credit cards in Albania?

In major cities and tourist areas, yes. Everywhere else, cash is king. Always carry Lek.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

Generally not recommended. Stick to bottled water or use a filter.

How do I get from the airport to Tirana?

Use the official airport taxi service or pre-book through your accommodation. The ride should cost around €20.

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

Legally yes, though rental companies often don’t check. I always bring one just in case.

What are the COVID requirements?

As of April 2025, Albania has removed all COVID entry requirements. However, check for updates before traveling.

Comparing Albania to Other Balkan Destinations

Having traveled extensively throughout the Balkans, here’s how Albania compares:

Albania offers the best value but requires more patience with infrastructure. For a first time Balkan visitor, it’s perfect if you want adventure with your comfort.

My Three Biggest Albania Travel Mistakes

1. Not bringing enough cash: I ran out of Lek in a small coastal town where the only ATM was broken.
2. Assuming my insurance covered Albania: It didn’t, and I had to buy a new policy mid trip.
3. Rushing through the country: My first visit was a whirlwind 10 days. Albania deserves slower travel.

Final Thoughts: Is Albania Right For You?

After spending a cumulative 5 months in Albania over the past three years, here’s my honest assessment:

Albania is perfect for travelers who:

• Want stunning Mediterranean beaches without Mediterranean prices
• Enjoy experiencing cultures before mass tourism arrives
• Don’t mind occasional infrastructure challenges
• Appreciate authentic interactions with locals
• Seek adventure with reasonable comfort

It’s probably not ideal for those who:

• Need everything to work perfectly and on schedule
• Don’t enjoy stepping outside comfort zones
• Are very picky eaters
• Need luxury accommodations everywhere

For me, Albania represents the perfect balance of adventure and accessibility. It’s Europe with the edges still rough, the people still genuinely curious about visitors, and the experiences still authentic.

And yes, I’m already planning my fifth visit.

Safe travels!

Need reliable travel insurance that actually covers Albania? Check out VisitCover’s tailored options here.