Albania, a small yet stunning country in Eastern Europe, has quickly emerged as the new go-to travel destination. Whether you're looking for pristine beaches, lush green mountains, or a vibrant nightlife scene, Albania offers something for every type of traveler.

Nestled between Greece and Montenegro (once part of the former Yugoslavia), Albania combines natural beauty with rich cultural history. Its capital, Tirana, is a lively and colorful city that can easily be explored in a day or two. However, to truly experience the charm of the country, it's recommended to venture beyond Tirana and explore its coastal towns, mountain villages, and historical sites.

Main Tips for Albania

• Very Friendly people

• Public washrooms are not easily available

• Even some petrol pumps do not have washrooms

• Local Currency LeK is widely accepted rather than Euros

• Currency exchangers are easily available everywhere

• The roads are very good

• Google maps work everywhere

• Must rent a car to visit offbeat locations

• Free parking is not easily available

• The beaches are mostly shingles

• Albanian Riviera is very beautiful - must visit

  
  

EASY VISA ACCESS

Getting into Albania is simple. The country offers an e-visa system, making it easy for travelers to apply online. Even better, holders of valid Schengen, UK, or US visas do not require a separate Albanian visa, making it an accessible destination for many international tourists.

WHEN TO VISIT

The best time to visit Albania is during the summer months. However, it can get very crowded from the end of June till the end of August. To avoid the crowds and high prices, it's better to travel during the shoulder seasons — May to mid-June and September to October. These months offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and more affordable accommodations.

HOW TO TRAVEL FROM TIRANA AIRPORT TO CITY CENTRE

Albania has only one international airport – Tirana International Airport (TIA), located about 20 km from the city center. There are several options to reach the city:

• Airport Taxis: Readily available outside the terminal.

  • Standard fare is €20 to €25, but you can negotiate, and most drivers will agree to €20.

• Private Taxi Services (Green Taxi, Lux Taxi, etc.):

  • These can be pre-booked via WhatsApp if you have their contact number.

  • They usually charge €12 to €15, depending on your destination within the city.

• Note: Uber and other rideshare apps do not operate in Tirana.

• Language Tip: Most taxi drivers understand basic English, but some may not. It’s helpful to have your destination written down or ready on Google Maps.

  
  

CAR RENTALS – MUST DO FOR VISITING ALL OFFBEAT LOCATIONS

The best way to explore Albania is by renting a car, especially if you want the flexibility to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations like mountain villages or coastal towns.

• Availability:

  Car rental agencies are widely available at Tirana Airport, just outside the airport, and within the city too. There are many available online as well and can be contacted over WhatsApp. They offer good deals and prices and often drop the car at your desired location too.

  
  

• Deposit Requirements:

  Some companies require a refundable deposit, (In some cases the deposits can be quite high depending on the model of the car) while many offer rentals without any deposit, especially if you book locally or via trusted agencies.

  
  

• Driving License:

  A valid driving license in English is required.

  If your license is not in English, it's recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  
  

• One-Way Rentals:

  Many agencies allow pick-up in one city and drop-off in another, which is convenient for road trips across the country. So if you hire the car in Tirana and want to drop it in another location like - Himare, Ksamil etc that is also possible for an extra charge.

CURRENCY

• The local currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL).

• You can exchange foreign currency at licensed exchange counters throughout the city.

• ATMs are widely available and a convenient way to withdraw local currency. Most machines accept Visa, Mastercard, and other international cards.

  
  

Tip: Euro is accepted in some places like hotels and tourist shops, but it's always better to pay in Lek for local purchases to avoid unfavorable exchange rate.

WHERE TO STAY

Albania offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels. When visiting Tirana, the best area to stay is around Skanderbeg Square – the vibrant heart of the city.

This central location places you within walking distance (1 km radius) of nearly all major attractions and services:

• Cafes & Restaurants

• Art installations & Statues

• Theatres & Music Halls

• Exhibitions & Museums (including the famous Bunk’Art Museum)

• Mosques & Churches

• Bus Stations & Transport Links

• Currency exchange centers

• Car rentals Agencies

  

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN TIRANA

Tirana, the vibrant and colourful capital of Albania, is safe, lively, and easy to navigate. With cafes and restaurants at nearly every corner — many open till late — the city has a relaxed yet buzzing atmosphere.

 Fun Fact: Espresso is practically the national drink of Albania. You’ll see people everywhere sipping espresso and enjoying the café culture.

1. Skanderbeg Square

This is the central hub of Tirana and the best starting point for exploring the city. The square is surrounded by:

• Numerous cafes and restaurants

• Cultural landmarks

• Museums and institutions

• Major hotels and the main bus stop

• The old town called TopTani is situated just walking distance away from the square. It is a vibrant bustling place full of shops and numerous cafes and restaurants.

  

• Tirana Mosque is also very beautiful place to visit which is also near the Skanderbeg Square

  
  

2. The Pyramid of Tirana

Originally built as a museum, the Pyramid has been revamped into a modern cultural space:

• Hosts cafes, event halls, and exhibitions

• You can climb 120 steps (or take an elevator) to reach the top

• Offers a great view of Tirana from above

  
  

3. Bunk’Art Museums

Albania is famous for its bunkers — nearly 175,000 were built during Hoxha’s communist regime. A few have been turned into fascinating museums:

• Bunk’Art 1 and Bunk’Art 2 are located near the city center

• These museums showcase Albania’s Cold War history, political past, and underground life during the regime

  
  

4. Dajti Mountain & Cable Car

For a scenic escape just outside the city, Dajti Mountain is a must-visit:

• Dajti Ekspres Cable Car

  • This cable car is one of the longest in the Balkans: 4.2 km long

  • Spectacular views of Tirana and surrounding hills

  • Return ticket: ~1500 Lek per person excluding the adventure park

    
    

  • How to Get There:

    • Take the blue bus from behind Skanderbeg Square, near the Friendship Monument

    • Fare: 40 Lek per person (one way)

    • Drops you about 500 meters from the cable car entrance

  • At the Top - You will find:

    

    • Adventure Park with ziplining, quad biking, and other activities (extra ticket required) Can be purchased from Cable Car ticket Window and can be purchased up as well.

    • Mini golf, restaurant with panoramic views, and peaceful hiking trails

    • Main trail: 4.5 km, moderate difficulty, great for nature lovers

    • Scattered bunkers on the way, now overgrown with plants, offer a surreal sight

    • Return: Take the same bus back to the city (another 40 Lek)

      
      

      KRUJE – SMALL MOUNTAIN TOWN (near Tirana about 40 km)

      
      

      Kruje is a small picturesque mountain town located about 40 km from Tirana, takes approximately one hour by car. The roads are well-maintained and marked, making it an easy and enjoyable drive with Google Maps working reliably throughout.

      Highlights:

      • Kruje Castle: A beautiful historical site with incredible panoramic views from the top. The castle is partly restored, but it still retains a lot of charm and history.

      • Old Bazaar: A charming, cobbled street lined with shops selling traditional Albanian crafts, souvenirs, and antiques.

        

        Parking: Parking is not free—it costs €5 per vehicle and is located right at the entrance of the town. Tour buses also park here, so it's well organized.

         

        Public Washrooms: The main public washrooms are located just past the old bazaar, near Hotel Panorama. You’ll need to walk into the square marked “Hotel Panorama” to access them. Be prepared—each restroom has only a couple of cubicles, and they may lack essentials, so carry sanitizer and tissues. Other than this, shops and restaurants may have restrooms, but generally only for customers.

Kruje is a must-visit day trip from Tirana, offering a blend of history, scenery, and culture in a compact area.

SHKODËR

Located about 100 km from Tirana (or about 85 km from Kruje), Shkoder is a small town near the Albanian Alps, close to the Montenegro border. It’s possible to combine Kruje and Shkoder in one day if you leave Tirana early by 10 am. Spend couple of hours in Kruje, then drive around 1.5 hours to Shkoder and spend rest of the day there.

Main Attractions to see in Shkoder:

• Rosafa Castle

  

A historic site with breathtaking views of the river, lake, and distant mountains.

• Entry ticket is required to enter the castle and costs 4 euros per person.

• Free parking right at the entrance

• Easy to walk around

• The views are breathtaking from the castle - A must visit if in Shkoder.

• Fun fact: Small tortoises live freely within the castle grounds!

  

  
  

  Lake Shkoder:

  The best views are from the nearby village of Shiroka, just across the Buna River bridge. After crossing, drive a few kilometres into the village.

• Free and paid parking available (the paid one appears first; drive a bit further for free parking)

• Restaurants lining the lakefront are perfect for a scenic meal at Shiroka. This view is not there in Shkoder.

• If coming from Tirana - Shiroka comes before Shkoder, better to visit here first before going to Shkoder.

  

• Kole Idromeno Street: - The Pedestrian street at Shkoder

  A vibrant pedestrian zone in Shkoder filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops. A great place to unwind and enjoy the local atmosphere. Highly recommended if you're in town.

• Mesi Bridge

  A historic Ottoman-era bridge located just outside Shkoder. The bridge is made up of stones and even the walkway on the bridge is cobbled stones. Though not very touristy, it's worth a visit if time permits. A new bridge is already made next to it. One can walk on the bridge, the cars are not permitted on it though.

  

  
  

  The other thing one can visit in Shkoder is a beautiful mosque and church both located near each other within the walking distance near the pedestrian Street.

  
  

  Parking: Shkoder offers both free street parking and paid lots. Free spaces fill up quickly, so paid parking may be more practical during busy times. The charges are around 3 euros for 3 hours.

  Public Washrooms – Couldn’t find free public washrooms. But you can use the ones in the restaurants and shops.

  
  

  BERAT – The Town of a Thousand Windows

Located about 100 km from Tirana, Berat is a charming and historic city best known for its Ottoman-era hillside houses, earning it the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is often referred to as the "Town of a Thousand Windows" due to the symmetrical, white-washed homes with large wooden windows cascading down the hill. It really looks amazing. Must visit place.

Don’t miss the “Panoramic View” point inside the castle. There is an arrow pointing and stating Panaromic View at one place inside the castle, follow the directions to come to this area. The stairs leading to this place are very slippery, so be careful. This is where you can enjoy an iconic view of Berat’s Ottoman houses clinging to the hillside. As the name suggests, the view truly is panoramic and unforgettable. This is a great spot for white ottoman houses stacked on the hill across the Osum River near Gorica Bridge.

Main Attractions at Berat

 Berat Castle

• The 13th-century fortress sits atop a hill and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Ottoman style houses are also visible from the Castle.

• Inside the castle walls, you’ll find:

• A museum

• Several Byzantine churches

• A small bazaar selling local handmade crochet items

• Traditional eateries serving local Albanian cuisine

  Points to Note

  • Cars are allowed to drive up to the castle entrance

  • Parking is free

  • From the entrance, it’s a short uphill walk to explore the castle grounds

•  Public Washrooms

  • Limited availability

  • The only clean and accessible washroom found was inside the museum, and it’s available only to museum ticket holders

  • It's advisable to carry tissues and sanitizer

  • Numerous cafes and traditional Albanian restaurants are located inside the old town

  • A lovely place to enjoy authentic dishes like Tave Kosi, Byrek, and Qofte

  
  

• From Berat, travelers often continue south towards the Albanian Riviera, making it an excellent midway stop for those exploring the coast after Tirana. Albanian Riviera is the most important arear to visit in Albania.

  
  

THE ALBANIAN RIVIERA – Coastal Gem of the Adriatic

The Albanian Riviera is the crown jewel of the country’s tourism, stretching along the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. This spectacular coastal route begins from Vlore in the north and continues all the way down to Ksamil near the Greek border.

 Best Base: Himare

While Vlore and Saranda are larger cities with more hotels and nightlife, the best town to stay for exploring the entire Riviera is Himare. Located roughly midway between Vlore and Ksamil, Himare offers a quieter, less crowded experience and serves as a perfect base for day trips up and down the coast. The blue Eye and Gjirokstar are also close from Himare. One can also decide to stay at Sarande too.

 Highlights of the Riviera

1. Vlore

• A large city and the starting point of the Riviera

• Features numerous hotels along the waterfront and a wide range of beaches

• More urban and bustling compared to the smaller coastal towns

2. Himare

• A peaceful coastal town with a relaxing vibe

• Beaches are mostly shingle with some sandy stretches, but the calm, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming

• Spile Beach is centrally located and popular for:

• Walkways

• Beachfront cafes and restaurants

• Shallow waters ideal for families

• A wide variety of boat tours are available from Himare, taking you to:

• Secluded beaches inaccessible by foot/ car. Can be reached only by boat.

• Caves in the hills surrounding the sea.

• Cold War-era submarine tunnels, once used to hide naval vessels

  

3. Saranda

• A larger coastal city, lively and well-developed

• Ideal for those looking for more nightlife and amenities

• Lots of hotels, restaurants, and organized beaches.

• Ideal place to stay here too to explore the riviera. Near to Ksamil, Gjirokastër and Blue Eye - Natural spring.

4. Ksamil – The Jewel of the Riviera

• Just 20 minutes south of Saranda

• Known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and proximity to Butrint National Park

• Considered the most picturesque spot on the Albanian coast

• More expensive compared to other towns, but the beauty makes it worth it

• Surrounded by small islands that can be reached by:

• Paddleboats

• Water taxis

• Organized 1 to 3-hour boat tours, easily arranged from beach vendors

  
  

 Boat Tours

• Boat Tours are easily Available in Himare, Saranda, and Ksamil

• Tours typically include:

  • Visits to hidden beaches and coves

  • Submarine tunnels from the communist era

  • Swimming and snorkelling stops

• Prices vary based on duration and destination, so it’s worth checking multiple vendors. Prices are quoted usually in Euros.

 Tips for Visiting the Riviera

• Avoid peak summer (late July–August) if you prefer fewer crowds and better prices

• Himare is ideal for couples and families wanting to explore multiple destinations

• Ksamil is better for beach lovers seeking a picturesque and luxurious seaside vibe

• Most beaches are a mix of pebbles and sand, so bring appropriate footwear

  
  

GJIROKASTER – The Stone City of Albania

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gjirokaster is one of Albania’s most unique and well-preserved towns, often called the “Stone City” due to its distinctive stone houses with grey slate roofs and narrow cobbled streets. The Gjirokstar Castle and the old bazar are the top attractions to Visit here. The place is close to Himare and Sarande and can be easily visited in a day's time.

There are many small hotels too if you want to spend a night here.

Getting There

• From Berat, Gjirokaster is about 3–3.5 hours by car through scenic but sometimes winding mountain roads.

• From Himare or Saranda, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car. Better to stay at Himare and explore Gjirokaster from there.

 Main Attractions

1. Gjirokaster Castle

• One of the largest castles in the Balkans

• Overlooks the entire city and offers spectacular panoramic views of the Valley below.

• Inside the castle:

  • Museum of Weapons, with items from different periods including WWII

  • Old prison cells, used during various regimes

  • A U.S. Air Force plane on display, symbolizing Cold War tensions

• 

2. Old Bazaar

• A beautiful Ottoman-era market, recently renovated

• Full of shops selling handicrafts, carpets, silver jewellery, antiques, and traditional clothing

• Lined with cafes and tavernas—great spots to take in the historic ambiance

  

3. Traditional Ottoman Houses

• Gjirokaster is famous for its tower houses, built in Ottoman architectural style. Few of the houses are still preserved and conduct guided tours.

  

Where to Eat

• Plenty of charming local restaurants in the Old Town serving traditional Albanian cuisine

• Don’t miss:

  • Qifqi – Rice balls with herbs, a local specialty

  • Byrek, Tave Dheu, and Baklava

• Rooftop restaurants near the castle area offer stunning sunset views with dinner

Parking & Accessibility

• Cars are not allowed in some parts of the old town; streets are narrow and steep

• Designated paid parking areas are available near the castle and old bazaar

• Wear good walking shoes, as the cobbled streets are slippery and uneven

  
  

 Accommodation: In case wanting to spend a night here:

• Choose a guesthouse or boutique hotel in the Old Town to stay in a traditional stone house

• Many offer views of the valley or castle

Add-On Suggestions:

Combine Gjirokaster with a trip to Blue Eye – A natural spring just 1 hour away toward Saranda.

BLUE EYE – The Natural Wonder of Albania

The Blue Eye - is one of Albania’s most stunning natural attractions—a deep, crystal-clear natural spring that mesmerizes visitors with its vibrant turquoise and emerald colors. It's surrounded by lush forest and located in the south of Albania, making it a perfect day trip from Saranda or Gjirokaster.

  Location & Access

• 22 km from Saranda (about 30–40 minutes by car)

• 35 km from Gjirokastër (about 45 minutes by car)

• Entry Fee: ~100–200 Lek per person (plus separate parking charge). The parking is at the entrance and they charge about 300 Lek per car.

• The Blue Eye is a natural spring over 50 meters deep (exact depth still unknown).

• Swimming is not allowed but people still swim

• The water is so clear that you can see straight down to the bottom—even as it shimmers with intense blue, green, and aqua tones.

• The spring bubbles up forcefully from the earth, creating a fascinating whirlpool effect.

• It maintains a chilly 10°C temperature year-round, making it too cold to swim (and swimming is now prohibited for preservation).

 What to Expect

• A short 20 - 25 minute walk from the parking lot through scenic forest paths. A short train to shuttle passengers till Blue Eye is also operational and charges 300 Lek per way per person. Good for those who cannot walk so much.

• A wooden platform and bridge allow for perfect photo ops right above the spring

• Several restaurants and cafes in the area, built into the forest and offering traditional food and cool drinks with views of the stream

• Beautiful shaded picnic areas and trails ideal for a peaceful nature stop

• Washrooms are also there which are free of charge but not very clean

  

• Ideal Place for a stop if in Sarande or Ksamil

• On the way between Gjirokastër and the Albanian Riviera