Planning a Trip to Albania: What You Need to Know

Albania has moved firmly onto the travel map, yet it still rewards a little inside knowledge. Here is everything we tell travellers before their first trip — timing, budgets, transport and the small practical details that make the difference.

When to go: May–June and September–October are the sweet months — warm sea, green mountains and far fewer crowds. July and August are glorious on the Riviera but busy; the Alps are at their best from June to September, when the high passes are snow-free.

“The best Albania trips are planned loosely — the country fills in the details.”

How long to stay: one week is enough for the highlights loop — Tirana, the Alps or Koman Lake, Berat or Gjirokastër, and a few days on the Riviera. Ten days to two weeks lets you add Kosovo, North Macedonia or Montenegro without rushing.

Getting around is easier than ever. Roads are good and distances short — Tirana to Berat is under two hours. Car hire is inexpensive and ideal for the Riviera; for the Alps, a 4x4 or a local driver saves time on mountain roads. Buses and furgons (shared minibuses) connect every major town on a budget.

Practical notes: Albania is very affordable — expect excellent restaurant meals for €10–15 and comfortable guesthouses from €40. Cards work in cities, but carry cash in the mountains. Tap water is fine almost everywhere, English is widely spoken by younger people, and the country is consistently ranked among the safest in Europe. Pack Layers for the mountains, book the Koman ferry and Theth guesthouses ahead in summer — and leave a little room in the plan. Albania has a way of rearranging itineraries for the better.