Is Albania Good for a Holiday?
Unspoilt beaches, spectacular mountains, and friendly locals are just some of the reasons travellers are falling in love with Albania.
Albania is home to just 2.7 million people, living in an area not much bigger than Wales. As such, it's perhaps understandable that this diminutive Balkan jewel has slipped under the radar of many travellers.
But with stunning mountains, pristine beaches, and welcoming locals, Albania is an alluring destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation. What's more, it's among the cheapest countries to explore in Europe.
Discover why Albania could be perfect for your next getaway.
Albania has some of Europe's most beautiful beaches
Albania's beaches rival the best in Europe - including more established coastal holiday destinations like Greece, Italy, and Turkey.
What's more, they tend to be quieter than their better-known counterparts.
The lack of development and facilities may be viewed as a downside by some, but this ultimately means Albania has some of the most unspoilt coastlines on the Mediterranean.
Highlights include the divine Drymades beach, which is only accessible after a precarious, winding descent through the dramatic Llogara Pass. To the north of the beach is a beautiful natural archway, and beyond the next outcrop is an enticing little cove lapped by azure blue water.
Albania presents epic trekking opportunities
Among the dramatically titled Accursed Mountains you'll find a network of challenging hiking trails presenting you with endless breathtaking vistas.
Guesthouses, cabins and campgrounds ensure there's accommodation for all tastes and budgets.
The Vjosa Wild River National Park, meanwhile, opened to the public this year, providing critical protection for one of Europe's last truly wild rivers. The country is also home to numerous spellbinding lakes.
Albania offers amazing value for money
If you're on a budget, Albania represents one of the best value destinations in Europe, being significantly cheaper than better-known Mediterranean resorts in Italy and Greece.
Here's a quick idea of the costs in Albania:
- Mid-range hotel in Tirana: 40 - 60 euros
- Backpacker hostel dorm bed: 12 euros
- Meal at a local restaurant: 12 euros
- Street food like burek, a meat-filled pastry: 1 euro
You'll find fresh, delicious and affordable food
Down by the coast you can enjoy the sea's various bounties, from mussels to octopus to red mullet - all for very reasonable prices.
Then there's the famous Tavë kosi - a straightforward but delicious staple featuring lamb, yogurt, and rice, plus whatever else the cook has to hand.
Another must-try is Albanian-style meatballs - known as Qofte - which are comparable to the phonetically similar kofte. Great as a side or main dish.
Albania boasts a host of distinctive wines
Albanian wines are often overlooked in favour of more famous tipples, but they are made from a diverse selection of indigenous grape varieties, resulting in some distinctive flavours.
The country boasts an abundance of artisanal winemaking expertise, crafted with old-world techniques and true passion. You can find a decent wine for as little as 500 lek (£4), and an excellent one for about 1000 lek.
It's home to Krujë Castle
Imposing Krujë Castle wouldn't look out of place as a Game of Thrones backdrop. Indeed, its dramatic history would be enough to inspire several scripts of the same series - steeped as it is in intrigue and rebellion.
Led by one of Albania's most important sons, Skanderbeg, the castle famously held out against the Ottoman Empire in 1443 - surviving no fewer than three sieges. Today, it's a far more tranquil place, housing the National Museum "Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu", and the Ethnographic Museum.
From Tirana you can reach Krujë by bus, rental car, or taxi. There are no trains.
Less than an hour from the capital, it's an easy and rewarding day trip.
But Krujë Castle is just one of many historic sites. The Roman, Ottoman, and Bulgarian Empires all left their mark on the landscape.
In terms of more modern history, there are fascinating nuclear bunkers to explore in Tirana.
Mesi Bridge
Another architectural highlight is the Mesi Bridge, located near the city of Shkodër and around 100km north of Tirana.
Completed in 1770, this unique structure can now be crossed by foot following significant investment.
With a span of 108m, it’s one of the longest examples of an Ottoman bridge in the region, and is definitely worth a visit.
Albania is a mecca for backpackers seeking authenticity
Unlike much of Europe, Albanian hostels are not part of large chains. They tend to be family-run affairs, and as such offer a sense of offbeat authenticity that more developed countries lack. The overall backpacker scene feels less organised - but less commercialised as a result.
Vibrant nightlife scene in Tirana and other cities
From welcoming pubs to neon-lit cocktail bars and buzzing nightclubs, the capital Tirana is sure to delight those seeking a rewarding night out. Establishments don't close their doors until the early hours.
The UNESCO-listed city of Gjirokastër also offers plenty for night owls, particularly in summer when temporary returnees and holidaymakers fill the lively bars of the old town.
The national drink is raki - a spirit made from various local fruits. Even if you're not a drinker, you're likely to sample this eye-watering imbibe at some point; it tends to be enjoyed after meals (including breakfast by some locals!), and long into the evening.
The people are incredibly friendly
Visitors report that Albanian hospitality is one of the highlights of the country.
Many locals are delighted you chose their country to holiday in, a fact reflected in their warm smiles and handshakes. Aside from the spectacular beaches, mountains, and food, it's one of the key reasons many holidaymakers return year after year.
Are there any downsides to an Albanian holiday?
Albania might not suit everyone. It can appear a little underdeveloped, with heavily potholed roads and some buildings in disrepair. But for many visitors, this only adds to the charm, lending the country a sense of off-the-beaten-track adventure that is often lacking in Western Europe.
Getting around is a little haphazard, with old buses and unregulated minivans being the backbone of the transport system.
It's also possible to travel by train, but routes and services are limited, with little investment in the network since the fall of communism in 1992.
In conclusion
If you’re seeking a getaway offering unspoilt nature, welcoming locals and surprisingly low prices - albeit with some rough edges - then Albania could be a great option for your next holiday.
Get a Quote