Albania Travel Report 2026: Seaside Holiday, Route &

Albania is perhaps the most underrated travel destination in Europe. While the masses flock to the Croatian coast, Mallorca, or Greece, right next door lies a country that completely blew me away: unspoiled nature, turquoise lakes that easily rival the Caribbean, unparalleled hospitality, and prices that make you think there's a typo in the menu. In this Albania travel report, I share my honest experiences, the best tips, and everything you need to know before your first trip.

In April 2025, I spent almost two weeks traveling through Albania—with a rental car, a drone, and zero expectations. What I found left me speechless. From the wild Albanian Riviera to the historic city of Kruja, to lakes whose color is so unreal they look fake in photos. Spoiler alert: They're real. And that's precisely why I had to write this travelogue.

Albania beach holidays: Why this country is Europe's best-kept secret

Let me start with the most important question: Why should you travel to Albania in particular? Quite simply—because here you'll still find what most European destinations have long since lost: authenticity. Albania isn't geared towards tourism. There are no souvenir shops on every corner, no overpriced rooftop bars with Instagram-worthy decor, and no hordes of tour groups fighting for the best spot with selfie sticks.

Instead, you'll find a country that's just beginning to open up, and that's precisely what makes it so fascinating. Albanians are incredibly hospitable—"Besa" (the Albanian word of honor) isn't just an empty phrase here, but a lived culture. I was invited into restaurants even though I hadn't ordered anything. A gas station attendant explained the way to me and then got his car to drive me to my hotel because "Google Maps doesn't work very well here." Experiences like these make Albania my number one insider tip in Europe.

What's more, Albania is extremely cheap. A complete dinner with appetizer, main course, dessert, and wine often costs between 15 and 25 euros—for two people. An espresso costs around 50 cents. A good hotel with a sea view? 40–60 euros a night. Anyone coming from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland will feel as if prices have been turned back 20 years.

Albania sights: My top 7 holiday highlights

Albania has an incredible density of highlights in a relatively small area. In just under two weeks, I explored the country from north to south. Here are my personal top 7 sights in Albania:

1. Bovilla Reservoir — The lake that doesn't look real

If you need a picture that perfectly encapsulates Albania, it's the Bovilla Reservoir north of Tirana. The water is so turquoise, so unreal, so absurdly beautiful that I sent my drone up three times, thinking the camera must have a color error. It didn't. The lake really does look like that.

The drive there is a bit of an adventure: a gravel road winds its way up the mountain, riddled with potholes that occasionally test the limits of your rental car. But that's precisely what keeps the crowds away. Once you reach the top, you're greeted by a panorama that simply leaves you speechless. Green mountains, turquoise water, absolute silence. Perfect for a drone shot—and even more perfect for simply marveling at the view.

2. Kruja — The city of Skanderbeg

Kruja is Albania's national pride in urban form. Here, in the 15th century, George Kastrioti—better known as Skanderbeg—defied the Ottomans and rose to become a national hero. The castle towers above the town, behind which rise massive limestone mountains, and in the middle, the Old Bazaar with its cobblestone streets winds its way up the hillside.

What makes Kruja special is that it's not a museum, but a vibrant city. In the Old Bazaar, hand-knotted carpets hang next to copper jewelry, an old craftsman hammers ornaments into metal, and the aroma of freshly grilled lamb wafts from the restaurants. I sat for two hours in a small café, drinking Turkish coffee and simply watching. Kruja is a place where you lose track of time.

3. Albanian Riviera — Picture-perfect beaches

The Albanian Riviera between Vlora and Saranda is the stretch of coastline everyone raves about—and rightly so. Dhermi, Jale, Gjipe—these beaches boast crystal-clear water, are framed by rocks and pine trees, and are free of charge. They are nothing like the completely built-up Côte d'Azur or parts of the Spanish Mediterranean coast.

Gjipe Beach is only accessible by hiking or boat. That's precisely what makes it so special: no mass tourism, no hotel blocks, just you, the sea, and the cliffs. The hike takes about 30 minutes downhill (and the same amount of time uphill again—bring water). The beach itself is a small pebble cove framed by high rock walls. Absolutely stunning.

4. Tirana — The most colorful capital city in Europe

Tirana surprised me. I hadn't expected much, but the capital city is vibrant. In the 2000s, former mayor Edi Rama (now prime minister and an artist himself) began having the gray, socialist-era apartment blocks painted in all the colors of the rainbow. The result: a city that is colorful, chaotic, and incredibly lively.

My highlights in Tirana: Skanderbeg Square (a huge, completely car-free square in the city center), the Blloku area with its cafes and restaurants, and the New Bazaar—a renovated market where you can find everything from fresh feta and local raki to handmade pasta. Oh, and a good flat white costs €1.50 here. In Berlin, you'd pay three times that.

5. Berat — The City of a Thousand Windows

Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is nicknamed the "City of a Thousand Windows" — because the whitewashed Ottoman houses are built so close together on the mountainside that from the opposite bank of the river, it looks as if the entire city consists only of windows. The image is iconic and one of the most photographed scenes in Albania.

Berat is divided into two historic quarters: Mangalem (at the foot of the castle) and Gorica (on the other side of the river). Between them lies the 18th-century stone bridge. The castle itself is enormous—practically a city within a city, where people actually live. It's not an open-air museum, but a vibrant neighborhood with small churches, mosques, and restaurants.

6. Theth & Valbona — The Albanian Alps

Anyone who thinks Albania is just beaches hasn't seen the Albanian Alps. Theth and Valbona in the north are mountain villages nestled in spectacular valleys and connected by one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Balkans—the Valbona-Theth Trail. The hike takes about 6-8 hours and crosses the 1,800-meter-high Valbona Pass.

The landscape is reminiscent of the Dolomites—but without all the tourist crowds. Theth has a handful of guesthouses, the famous Blue Eye (a natural spring pool), and the Grunas Waterfall. If you love hiking, this part of Albania is an absolute must. My tip: Plan at least three days to explore the region at a relaxed pace.

7. Syri i Kalter (Blue Eye) near Saranda

The Blue Eye in the south (not to be confused with the one in Theth) is a karst spring whose water shines such a brilliant blue that you won't believe it until you're standing right in front of it. The spring gushes upwards from a depth of over 50 meters, forming a perfect blue "eye." Surrounding it: dense forest, absolute tranquility. Entry costs 50 LEK (approx. €0.50) — and it's worth every penny.

Albania Costs — How cheap is the country really?

One of Albania's biggest advantages: The country is incredibly affordable. Here's an honest overview of my actual expenses while there. The currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL), where 1 Euro is roughly equivalent to 100 LEK — making conversions wonderfully simple.

As you can see, Albania is easily 50–60 % cheaper than Germany. And that's with a quality that is absolutely convincing. The food is fresh, regional, and mostly homemade. The hotels are clean and welcoming. You get significantly more for your money here than in most other European holiday destinations.

Holidays in Albania: Is it dangerous? Honest experiences

Entry and visa

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days—only a valid passport or identity card. Entry is straightforward and rarely takes longer than 10-15 minutes at the border. It's even faster at Tirana airport.

Arrival

The easiest way is a direct flight to Tirana (TIA). Lufthansa, Wizz Air, and Eurowings, among others, offer direct flights from Germany. Flight time from Munich is approximately 2 hours. Cheap flights are often available from €50-80 each way if you book early. Alternatively, you can also enter via Montenegro or North Macedonia if you're planning a road trip.

Rental car — yes or no?

Exploring Albania by rental car is by far the best way to discover the country. The main roads are in good condition, the Tirana-Saranda highway is modern and well-developed, and you have the flexibility to spontaneously stop at a viewpoint you didn't know about beforehand. I picked up my rental car directly at Tirana airport—it went smoothly.

A few tips: Off the main roads, the roads can get bumpy (gravel tracks to some sights). Albanian drivers are… let's say "creative." Using your horn isn't a sign of aggression here, it's a way of communicating. And it's best to fill up at larger gas stations—the smaller ones by the roadside can sometimes be a bit questionable.

Currency and Payment

The currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL). The exchange rate fluctuates around 1 EUR = 100 ALL, making mental arithmetic extremely easy. In Tirana and tourist areas, you can often pay with Euros (but the exchange rate is usually less favorable). Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but: take enough cash with you! Especially in smaller towns and markets, everything is done in cash. ATMs are readily available in every major city.

Security

Let me dispel a common misconception: Albania is safe. Period. I never felt unsafe at any time—neither during the day nor at night. The crime rate for tourists is extremely low. Albanians are proud of their country and treat visitors with great respect. Of course, you should always use common sense (no displaying valuables in your car, no waving around large bills), but that applies worldwide.

Best Travel Time

The best time to travel to Albania is from May to October. In the height of summer (July/August), it can get very hot on the coast (35°C+) and the beaches are crowded—especially with Albanian and Kosovar tourists. My sweet spot: May/June or September. Pleasant temperatures, fewer people, and lower prices. For the Albanian Alps in the north, June to September is ideal.

Internet and SIM card

Albania is not in the EU, which means your German mobile contract won't work here without roaming charges. My tip: Buy an Albanian SIM card (Vodafone or ONE Albania) at the airport. 10 GB costs around €5-7 and coverage is good in most areas. There may be dead zones in the mountains—it's best to download Google Maps offline beforehand.

My route — 12-day Albania road trip

Here is my tried and tested route for a nearly two-week road trip through Albania, which I can recommend to everyone:

• Days 1-2: Tirana — Arrival, Skanderbeg Square, Blloku district, New Bazaar, Nightlife
• Day 3: Kruja — Day trip, castle, old bazaar, Skanderbeg Museum (45 min from Tirana)
• Day 4: Bovilla Reservoir — Half-day excursion, drone flying, viewpoints
• Days 5-6: Berat — Old Town, Castle, Mangalem, Gorica, Wine Tasting
• Days 7-8: Gjirokastra & Blue Eye — UNESCO Old Town, Fortress, Syri i Kalter
• Days 9-10: Albanian Riviera — Dhermi, Jale Beach, Gjipe Beach, Porto Palermo
• Day 11: Saranda & Butrint — Port city, ancient ruins of Butrint (UNESCO)
• Day 12: Return journey to Tirana — via the motorway (approx. 4-5 hours)

This route covers the main highlights while still giving you enough time to truly enjoy each place. No stress, no rushing — Albania should be discovered slowly.

Food in Albania — My culinary highlights

Albanian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean, Ottoman, and Balkan influences—and it's fantastic. Here are my personal recommendations:

The national dish. A puff pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, or minced meat. Available on every street corner, it costs 1-2 euros and is the perfect breakfast or snack on the go.

Lamb in a yogurt and egg sauce, baked in the oven. Sounds simple, tastes sensational. The most famous Albanian dish, and deservedly so.

On the coast, you can get fish that was in the sea just hours before. Sea bream, sea bass, or squid—grilled with olive oil and lemon. That's all you need. And all for a fraction of what you'd pay in Italy or Greece.

Albanian schnapps. It's always served after a meal. And usually homemade. Politely declining it is practically impossible. My tip: Drink it in small sips and eat with it. The raki the next morning will be more forgiving if you've eaten well beforehand.

Turkish coffee, strong and unfiltered. Served in a small copper pot (xhezve), it's as much a part of everyday life in Albania as bread is in Germany. 50 cents, maximum 1 euro. The best conversations happen over a cup of Turkish coffee.

Albania holiday experiences: My honest conclusion after 12 days

Albania surprised, delighted, and humbled me. This country shows you that travel doesn't have to be expensive to be unforgettable. The scenery is breathtaking, the people are warm and welcoming, the food is fantastic, and the prices are almost ridiculously affordable.

Is Albania perfect? No. The infrastructure could be improved in some places, there are garbage problems, especially on some beaches and riverbanks, and the driving habits are… something you have to get used to. But it's precisely these quirks and imperfections that make Albania authentic. Nothing here has been polished or staged for tourists. You'll experience a real country with real people.

Not in five years, when the big hotel chains have built and prices have risen. Not when the next travel blog craze sweeps the country. Now. Albania is a window into the future of Balkan tourism—and at the same time a window into a past when travel was still something special.

If you have any questions about my trip to Albania or need tips for your own route, feel free to write to me. Instagram. And if you want to read more travel reports from me, check out my Gran Canaria travel report or my Crossing the Alps on the E5 to.

Planning a tour of Albania: Combining coast, culture and mountains

In short: A tour of Albania is best suited to combining the historic cities in the interior with the Riviera and, if time allows, the north. Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastra, Saranda, and the mountainous region around Theth each offer very different experiences, ensuring the trip isn't limited to just a beach holiday.

To determine the order of the trip, consider the landscapes: Tirana is centrally located and makes a good starting point. Berat and Gjirokastra add two UNESCO World Heritage cities to the route, while Saranda and Ksamil open up the southern coastal region. In the north, Shkodra and Theth provide access to the Albanian Alps. This allows you to first decide which regions are important before planning individual stops.

Those with less time can skip the north and focus on Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastra, and either Saranda or Ksamil. A longer trip can include Theth and additional stops along the Riviera. The main roads between Shkodra, Tirana, and Saranda are paved; however, gravel and potholes may be encountered on secondary roads and access routes to some natural attractions. For journeys through the mountains, allow plenty of time, as the roads can be narrow and winding.

From Gjirokastra to Butrint: cultural stops in the south

Gjirokastra adds a distinctly different cityscape to any trip to Albania compared to Berat. The old town is built of grey stone, even the roofs are made of slate. Above the old bazaar streets rises the large fortress, which houses a weapons museum and a crashed American spy plane from the Cold War. This makes the "stone city" not just a stopover on the way to the coast, but a cultural highlight in its own right.

From there, the route continues towards Saranda. South of the port city lies Butrint, an ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological park combines a Roman amphitheater, a Byzantine baptistery, and a Venetian fortress in a landscape of cypress trees and lagoons. Allow three to four hours for a visit. Butrint is therefore well-suited as a separate excursion, rather than just passing through.

Gjirokastra and Butrint showcase two distinct historical facets of the country: In Gjirokastra, slate houses, the fortress, and bustling bazaar streets define the experience, while in Butrint, ancient and later structures within a cohesive park take center stage. Including both sites allows you to connect the interior with the Riviera without simply switching between beaches every day. Saranda serves as an ideal base for exploring Butrint and the southern coast; Gjirokastra remains the perfect stop between Berat and the sea.

Albania's North: Placing Theth and Lake Komani in its natural environment

The Albanian Alps offer a stark contrast to the coast on a tour of the region. Theth lies at an altitude of 800 meters and is characterized by traditional stone houses and towering peaks. Around the village are the 18th-century church, the Grunasi Waterfall, and the Blue Eye of Theth. The latter is a mountain pool and should not be confused with the karst spring Syri i Kaltër to the south.

Even without a multi-day mountain hike, the north can be experienced with a trip across Lake Komani. This artificial reservoir between Shkodra and Fierza is 34 kilometers long and cuts deep into the mountains. The ferry crossing takes about three hours; minibuses from Shkodra provide transport to the ferry landing. This allows the ferry trip to be incorporated into a longer journey as a separate element of experiencing nature.

Those who enjoy hiking will find the well-known Valbona Pass between Theth and Valbona. The trail takes approximately six to eight hours and leads over a pass at an altitude of around 1,800 meters. When planning, it's important not to treat the coastal drive and the mountain days as the same: Theth, Valbona, and Lake Komani form a distinct region, for which Shkodra is the most sensible starting point. This allows ample time for exploring the trails, viewpoints, and onward travel, rather than treating the northern part of the trip like a brief city stop.

Related to this: Albania Costs, Travel destinations in spring.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Albania (FAQ)

Is Albania safe for tourists?

Yes, Albania is a safe country to travel in. The crime rate against tourists is very low, and the hospitality of the Albanian people is legendary. As everywhere, common sense is all you need. I never felt unsafe.

Do I need a visa for Albania?

No. Germans, Austrians, and Swiss citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days with a passport or identity card. Entry at the border or airport is usually quick and straightforward.

How expensive is a holiday in Albania?

Albania is one of the most affordable travel destinations in Europe. With a comfortable daily budget of €50-80 per person (including accommodation, food, and transport), you can travel very well here. A dinner for two often costs only €15-30, and a good hotel €35-65 per night.

When is the best time to travel to Albania?

May to October, with May/June and September being the sweet spot: pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and lower prices. In the height of summer, temperatures on the coast can exceed 35°C. June to September is ideal for the Albanian Alps.

Can I pay with Euros in Albania?

In tourist areas and hotels, yes, but at a less favorable rate. The official currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL). It's best to withdraw Lek from an ATM or exchange it at the airport. The exchange rate is approximately 1 EUR = 100 ALL, making conversion very easy.

Do I need a rental car in Albania?

I highly recommend it. With a rental car, you're flexible and can reach even remote places like Lake Bovilla or Gjipe Bay. The main roads are well-maintained, but off the beaten track, it can get bumpy. A small car costs from about €20-25 per day.

Is there Wi-Fi and mobile internet in Albania?

Hotels, restaurants, and cafes almost always offer free Wi-Fi. For when you're out and about, I recommend an Albanian SIM card (Vodafone or ONE Albania, around €5-7 for 10 GB). Network coverage is good in cities and along the coast, but there may be dead zones in the mountains.

Which regions can be combined on a shorter round trip?

A compact route can connect Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastra and Saranda or Ksamil. This option omits the north, including Shkodra and Theth, focusing instead on culture and the southern coast.

What distinguishes Gjirokastra from Berat?

Both cities are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but they present different cityscapes. Berat is known for its white Ottoman houses and numerous windows, while Gjirokastra's old town is characterized by grey stone and slate roofs.

Is Butrint worth a day trip from Saranda?

Butrint lies south of Saranda and combines several historical periods in one archaeological park. Allow three to four hours for the amphitheater, baptistery, fortress, and the surrounding area with its cypress trees and lagoons.

Are the Blue Eye at Theth and Syri i Kaltër the same place?

No, these are two different natural attractions. Theth is a blue mountain pool, while Syri i Kaltër to the south is a karst spring near Saranda.

Is it possible to experience Lake Komani without a long hike?

Yes, the ferry trip takes about three hours across the 34-kilometer-long reservoir between Shkodra and Fierza. From Shkodra, there are organized minibus connections to the ferry terminal.

About the author

Max Haase

Travel Content Creator · Drone Photographer · Visual Storyteller

A professional travel creator for over 10 years with over 4 million followers. Specializing in high-end tourism board collaborations and visual travel storytelling.

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