Albania
Tips, Guides, and What to ExpectFun Fact
Albania has over 170,000 bunkers throughout the country. They were built during the communist era under dictator Enver Hoxha, who feared imminent invasion. The bunkers were a defense network to protect the Albanian people in case of an attack. They were never used and today many have been repurposed as museums, cafés, and tourist attractions.
What to Expect
Visiting Albania offers an incredible mix of diverse landscapes and rich history. In the north, the rugged Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps) provide breathtaking hiking and nature experiences, while the southern beaches rival those of Greece and Croatia for their beauty and tranquility. Along the way, you’ll find hot springs, canyons, and waterfalls that showcase the country’s untouched natural charm.
Albania’s long and complex history is visible everywhere with communist era bunkers dotting the landscape. Each town reflects a blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, Roman, and Venetian influences, seen in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. For travelers seeking both natural beauty and cultural depth, Albania is truly a hidden gem.
Best & Worst Time to Visit
Best Time: May to September – Warm and sunny weather that is ideal for going to the beach, hiking or sightseeing.
Worst Time: November to February – Cold and wet weather and many places will be closed for the season.
What You Should Bring
These are general must-have items when travelling to Albania:
- A filtered water bottle like a LifeStraw
- Tissues or travel wipes (public restrooms may not provide toilet paper)
- Type C or F travel adapter
- An eSIM for your phone, since Albania isn’t covered by most European phone plans
Languages
The official language is Albanian (Shqip) and it is one of Europe’s oldest languages with no other modern language related to it. In tourist areas you will find that people sometimes also speak Italian, Greek and English. “Hello” (përshëndetje, pronounced PUR-shen-DEH-tyeh) or “thank you” (faleminderit, pronounced fa-leh-min-DEH-reet) is always appreciated.
Currency
Albania is not part of the European Union and does not use the euro. Instead, the country has its own currency called the Albanian Lek, which is a “closed currency”. This means that you cannot exchange Albanian Lek outside of the country.
This is important to know because in Albania, cash is almost used exclusively. Most places, including hotels and restaurants, rely on cash and will rarely take credit cards. You can either withdraw cash once you arrive or bring foreign currency to exchange locally.
Popular Posts
Explore the most popular posts about Albania
7 Best Day Trips From Tirana to Add to Your Itinerary
Albania is one of my favorite countries I have ever visited. It surprises me how few people have it on their radar because it has everything for any type of traveller. (Read here all about why I love Albania). If you don’t have time for a long trip, you can still...
4 Picturesque Hikes in Theth National Park Albania
I recently travelled to Albania and one of the top places I wanted to visit was Theth National Park. I had seen photos on social media of Teth and I was curious if it was actually as beautiful as it looked online. After spending a day hiking in Theth National Park I...
Is Renting a Car in Albania Worth It?
A key part of planning your trip is deciding how to get around. If you decide to visit multiple cities, which I hope you do, you will want to do some research on public transportation versus renting a car in Albania. During my 2.5 week trip in Albania, I rented a car...
Albania Travel Tips for First Time Visitors
Albania has quickly become one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Europe. Just a few years ago, I did not know anyone who had visited, but now several of my colleagues, myself included, have traveled there this year! Although tourism in Albania is on the...
Is Albania Worth Visiting?
Albania has been attracting a lot of attention lately as Europe’s ultimate budget destination. Tourism is growing, new direct flight routes are popping up, and travel blogs and social media are full of dreamy photos of its gorgeous coastline and incredible mountains....