Traveling to Albania for the first time? How to get there, entry rules, money, language, safety, getting around, when to go and where to stay.
Albania has gone from one of Europe’s least visited countries to one of its most talked about, and fast. We meet a lot of first-time visitors at our campsite near Durrës, and they tend to ask us the same questions. Here are the answers, from people who live here.
01Why travel to Albania now
In a lot of places it still feels unspoiled. Shepherds move their flocks along the road, there are coves on the Ionian coast with nobody on them, and you can have a castle almost to yourself. Add warm hospitality, great food and excellent value, and it’s easy to see why so many people who come once come back.
02How to get to Albania
Most visitors fly into Tirana International Airport, about half an hour from the capital and well under an hour from Durrës, with direct flights from many European cities. If you’re bringing your own car or camper, the ferry from Italy is often the easiest way: boats sail from Bari and other Italian ports to Durrës, and from Brindisi to Vlorë. Overland, you can cross from Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia or Greece, and in the south a short ferry links Corfu with Sarandë.
Drivers, everything you need is in our guide to driving to Albania.
03Do I need a visa for Albania?
Albania isn’t in the European Union or the Schengen Area, and it sets its own entry rules. Citizens of many countries, including the EU, the UK and the US, can visit without a visa for short stays. Rules do change, though, so check the latest requirements for your nationality before you travel, and make sure your passport or ID card is valid for your whole stay.
04Money in Albania
The currency is the Albanian lek. Cards are widely accepted in cities, supermarkets and bigger restaurants, but you’ll need cash for small cafés, markets, village shops and many guesthouses. ATMs are easy to find in towns. Euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, but paying in lek usually works out better. Tipping isn’t compulsory; rounding up or leaving a little extra for good service is always appreciated.
05Language and useful phrases
Albanian, or shqip, is a branch of the Indo-European family all on its own, so it doesn’t sound like any of its neighbors. Lots of younger people speak good English, Italian is widely understood, and in the south you’ll often hear Greek. A few words go a long way: përshëndetje (hello), faleminderit (thank you), mirëmëngjes (good morning), po (yes), jo (no) and mirë se vini (welcome). You’ll hear that last one a lot.
One thing that catches people out: some Albanians, especially older people, nod to say no and shake their head to say yes. When in doubt, listen for the word.
06Is Albania safe?
Yes, generally. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and most visitors find people friendly, honest and curious about where they’re from. Take the usual care with bags in busy places and don’t leave valuables on show in a car. The real risk is on the roads, so drive defensively and avoid mountain roads at night.
07Getting around Albania
A car or campervan gives you the most freedom, and the main roads between towns are generally good. Buses and furgons, the shared minibuses locals use, link most towns and are an easy way to travel without a car, although timetables can be informal. Passenger trains are very limited, so don’t plan around the railway. In cities, taxis are easy to find; agree on the fare or check the meter is running before you set off.
08When is the best time to visit Albania?
Spring and autumn suit most trips: warm days, fewer crowds, green hills in spring and ripe fruit and a warm sea in autumn. Summer is hot and busy on the coast but great for the beach, and it’s the most reliable time for the high mountains. Winter is mild on the coast and quiet everywhere, a good time for cities and history.
09Top places to visit in Albania
Tirana for museums, cafés and energy. Durrës for Roman history and a long sandy beach. Berat and Gjirokastër, two Ottoman-era towns listed together by UNESCO. Shkodër, the Lake Koman ferry and the mountain valleys of Theth and Valbona in the north. Dhërmi and Himarë on the Riviera, the beaches of Ksamil and the ancient city of Butrint in the south. And Lake Ohrid at Pogradec and the old bazaar of Korçë in the east.
Want to string a few of them together? Follow our 10-day Albania road trip.
10Where to stay near Durrës
If you like waking up in nature, Wonderful Camping is a peaceful base for central Albania. We’re on a lake among pomegranate trees and olive groves, fifteen minutes from central Durrës and the port, with Tirana and the airport an easy drive away. Every pitch has electricity, and there are showers, Wi-Fi and a coffee shop that looks out over the whole camp. Ask us anything about the rest of your trip; we’re always happy to help.
