Albania

After decades of communist isolation, Albania is now welcoming visitors to discover its rich and varied treasures. The country's coastline, particularly the Albanian Riviera in the south, is its biggest draw, with pristine beaches that rival any in Greece or Italy but with fewer crowds and lower prices. Inland, the country is mountainous and wild, with the Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps) in the north offering spectacular, off-the-grid hiking opportunities, including the famous Valbona to Theth trail.

Albania's history is also unique, with ancient Greek and Roman ruins, Ottoman-era towns like Gjirokaster and Berat (both UNESCO sites), and thousands of concrete bunkers that dot the landscape as a remnant of its paranoid communist past. With its friendly people, incredible affordability, and stunning landscapes, Albania is one of Europe's most rewarding and adventurous destinations.

Reasons to Visit

• The Albanian Riviera: Discover some of Europe's most beautiful and affordable beaches along the stunning Ionian coastline.
• Hike the Albanian Alps: Trek through the dramatic, unspoiled landscapes of the Accursed Mountains in the country's north.
• Explore UNESCO Towns: Wander the historic, stone-clad streets of the unique Ottoman-era towns of Gjirokaster and Berat.
• Unique History: Delve into a fascinating and often bizarre history, from ancient Illyrian times to the decades of communist isolation.

Things to Avoid

• Driving Recklessly: Driving standards in Albania can be erratic, and road conditions can be poor in rural and mountainous areas. Drive defensively and be prepared for anything.
• Expecting a Polished Experience: Albania's tourist infrastructure has seen rapid improvements. While some areas might still present developing conditions, and flexibility is always a valuable travel asset, many popular destinations and services are now well-established.
• Drinking the Tap Water: While tap water in major cities like Tirana is generally treated and potable, quality can vary across regions due to infrastructure. For peace of mind, especially in rural areas, or if you have a sensitive stomach, sticking to bottled water is a safe choice. Consider using a filtered water bottle.

Local Transportation Tips

The most common way to travel between cities in Albania is by 'furgon' (shared minivan), which are cheap and cover extensive routes but have no fixed schedule, leaving only when they are full. Renting a car offers much more flexibility for exploring the coastline and mountains, but be prepared for challenging driving conditions. Taxis are common in cities but agree on a price beforehand as meters are often not used.

Travel Etiquette

• Greetings: A handshake is the standard greeting. Albanians are known for their friendliness and hospitality.
• 'Xhiro': In the evening, Albanians partake in the 'xhiro,' a leisurely walk along the main street or promenade to socialize and relax.
• Nod for 'No': Be aware that a slight upward nod of the head means 'no,' while a side-to-side shake of the head can mean 'yes,' which can be confusing for visitors.
• Respect for Elders: Showing respect to the elderly is an important part of Albanian culture.

Did You Know?

Did you know? During its isolationist communist era under Enver Hoxha, over 173,000 concrete bunkers were built across Albania, one for every 11 inhabitants. These bunkers, intended to defend against a foreign invasion that never came, still dot the entire country.

Cool Albania Stats

• UNESCO Sites: Albania is home to three UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites: the ancient city of Butrint, and the historic centers of Berat and Gjirokaster.
• Atheist State: In 1967, Albania was declared the world's first official atheist state by its communist government, with all religious practices being banned.
• Lake Ohrid: Albania shares Lake Ohrid with North Macedonia. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, estimated to be around 3 million years old.

Recommended Age Group

Albania is most suitable for adventurous Adults and Teens who are comfortable with developing tourist infrastructure and challenging driving conditions.

• Babies (0-2 years): Not recommended. A lack of facilities like changing tables and high chairs, combined with rough travel, makes it difficult.
• Kids (3-12 years): Not generally recommended. While they would enjoy the beaches, the primary attractions are historical or involve strenuous hiking.
• Teens (13-19 years): Highly Recommended. The combination of amazing beaches, epic mountain hikes, and a unique, edgy history makes Albania a cool and adventurous destination.
• Adults (20-64 years): Highly Recommended. For adults seeking an affordable, adventurous, and off-the-beaten-path European destination, Albania is an excellent choice.
• Seniors (65+ years): Not recommended. The poor road conditions, lack of accessibility, and physically demanding nature of many attractions make it a very challenging destination for most seniors.

Accessibility Level: Low

• Albania's infrastructure presents significant challenges for travelers with disabilities. While accessible options are very limited, and many historic sites and public transport systems remain inaccessible, minor improvements might be found in some newer establishments or major urban centers.
• Sidewalks are often in poor condition or non-existent, and curb cuts are rare.
• Public transport is not accessible, and finding accessible hotel rooms is very difficult, even in Tirana.
• Historic sites like Berat and Gjirokaster are built on steep hills with slippery cobblestones, making them inaccessible for wheelchairs.