Albania: Europe's Best-Kept Secret
Ancient cities, turquoise coastline, and prices that won’t empty your wallet. Here’s how to plan your trip.
Albania is one of those places that makes you wonder how it stayed under the radar for so long. The beaches along the Riviera genuinely rival Greece (at a fraction of the price). Berat and Gjirokaster are UNESCO-listed towns that feel like open-air museums without the entrance fee. And the food? Home-cooked byrek, slow-grilled lamb, espresso culture that puts most of Western Europe to shame. It’s cheap, it’s beautiful, and it hasn’t been overrun yet. This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip before everyone else catches on.
2.5–3 hrs
From the UK
May–Sep
Best time
Albanian
Main language
ALL (Lek)
Currency
Best Time To Visit
Spring (Mar-May): Ideal for nature and culture enthusiasts, with moderate temperatures (15°C-20°C), cultural festivals in cities like Tirana and Berat, and scenic hikes along the Albanian Riviera.
Summer (Jun-Aug): Perfect for beachgoers and adventurers, featuring warm weather (above 30°C), stunning beaches like Ksamil and Dhermi, and activities like hiking and rafting in the Albanian Alps.
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Great for food lovers and off-peak travelers, with cooler temperatures (18°C-25°C), less crowded historical sites like Gjirokastër, and scenic food tours amid olive groves and vineyards.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Suited for history buffs and those seeking tranquility, with mild coastal temperatures (10°C-15°C), quieter exploration of historical sites, and winter sports in the northern mountains.
What To Expect
14°C
- Temperature
Capital: Tirana
Population: 2.812 million (2021)
Language: Albanian, the country’s official language, is spoken by almost 98% of the population of Albania. There are two main spoken dialects of Albanian, southern Tosk and northern Gheg, and they are mutually intelligible.
Currency: The official currency in Albania is called a Lek or ALL. 1 USD is equivalent to about 95.32 Albanian Lek and 120.61 is around £1 GBP. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: Most major credit and debit cards are accepted in banks, larger supermarkets and international hotels. It is important to note, however, that smaller businesses and taxis will often only accept cash. A lot of places will now also accept contactless payments like Apple Pay or Google pay.
Plugs: In Albania, they use power sockets (outlets) of type C and F. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: It’s pretty safe to travel around Albania. Albania does have petty crime, but no more than a major city would elsewhere.
Explore Albania
From the Riviera’s turquoise coves to Ottoman hill towns and the wild Albanian Alps.
City Guides (coming soon)
Itineraries + Maps (coming soon)
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do (coming soon)
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips (coming soon)
Everything Else
How Much Does Albania Cost?
Albania is comfortably the cheapest country in southern Europe. Your money goes a long way here.
🎒
Backpacker
~£25 / $32 / €30 per day
- Hostel dorms from £6 / $8 / €7 per night Street food and self-catering
- Furgon minibuses between towns
- Free beaches, hiking, and old town walks
🍜
Mid-Range
~£55 / $70 / €65 per day
- Private rooms and guesthouses
- Restaurants and local tavernas
- Mix of furgon and rental car
- Guided tours and boat trips
🏨
Upscale
~£110+ / $140+ / €130+ per day
- Boutique hotels and seaside resorts
- Fine dining and seafood restaurants
- Private car hire and guided excursions
- Spa stays, wine tours, luxury Riviera villas
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Budget
- Hostel dorm: £6–12 / $8–15 / €7–14 per night
- Campsite: £4–8 / $5–10 / €5–9 per night
- Budget guesthouse: £15–25 / $19–32 / €18–30 per night
Mid–Luxury
- Private apartment (Airbnb): £30–55 / $38–70 / €35–65 per night
- Boutique hotel: £50–100 / $64–128 / €60–120 per night
- Luxury resort: £120+ / $153+ / €140+ per night
City Travel
- City bus: £0.30 / $0.40 / €0.35
- Furgon (minibus): £2–8 / $2.50–10 / €2.30–9 per trip
- Taxi across town: £2–5 / $2.50–6.40 / €2.30–6
Long Distance
- Furgon Tirana to Saranda: £8–12 / $10–15 / €9–14
- Domestic bus Tirana to Berat: £3–5 / $4–6.40 / €3.50–6
- Car rental per day: £18–35 / $23–45 / €21–41
Eat Cheap
- Byrek (street food): £0.40–0.80 / $0.50–1 / €0.50–0.90
- Restaurant meal (local): £3–6 / $4–8 / €3.50–7
- Coffee (macchiato): £0.40–0.80 / $0.50–1 / €0.50–0.90
Eating Out
- Mid-range restaurant: £6–12 / $8–15 / €7–14
- Seafood by the coast: £8–18 / $10–23 / €9–21
- Beer at a bar: £1–2 / $1.30–2.50 / €1.20–2.30
Budget Fun
- Berat or Gjirokaster castle entry: £1.50–3 / $2–4 / €1.80–3.50
- Blue Eye Spring: £0.80 / $1 / €0.90
- Beach day: Free
Big Experiences
- Boat tour Albanian Riviera: £15–35 / $19–45 / €18–41
- Guided tour Butrint ruins: £20–40 / $25–51 / €23–47
- Theth to Valbona ferry + hike: £8–15 / $10–19 / €9–18
Tips for Saving Money in Albania
💧 Drink tap water carefully — it’s safe in Tirana but locals recommend bottled water in rural areas. Either way, a filtered bottle saves money fast.
🚌 Use furgons over taxis — these shared minibuses connect every major town and cost next to nothing. They leave when full, not on a schedule, so build in flexibility.
🏖️ Skip the sunbed fees — most Albanian beaches are free. Ksamil and Dhermi charge for loungers at beach clubs, but walk 50 metres in either direction and you’ll find empty sand.
🍽️ Eat where locals eat — tourist restaurants near the main squares charge double. Walk one street back and prices drop immediately.
🏠 Stay in guesthouses — family-run guesthouses are everywhere and they’re cheaper than hotels, often including breakfast.
☕ Learn the coffee culture — a macchiato costs under £1 everywhere. Skip the fancy places and sit where locals sit.
🚗 Rent a car for the Riviera — splitting a rental between 2-3 people works out cheaper than furgons for coastal trips, and you can stop wherever you want.
🎫 Free walking tours — Tirana has excellent free walking tours (tip-based). Best way to get your bearings on day one.
💳 Carry cash — Albania runs on cash, especially outside Tirana. ATMs exist but card machines are rare in smaller towns and villages.
📱 Get a local SIM — Vodafone Albania or One (formerly ALBtelecom) sell tourist SIMs for under £5 with plenty of data.
Getting Around Albania
Albania’s not massive, but the roads are… interesting. Here’s how to get between places without losing your mind.
Domestic Flights
Albania has one international airport (Tirana). There are no domestic flights. You fly in, then everything else is overland.
✅ Budget airlines fly direct from the UK (Wizz Air)
✅ Tirana airport is 30 min from city centre
❌ One airport means overland travel to the south is mandatory
Car Rental
Best for the Riviera and anywhere off the main routes. The roads have improved a lot in the last few years.
✅ Total freedom, essential for the coast
✅ From £18 / $23 / €21 per day
❌ Albanian driving is… an experience. Not for nervous drivers.
Furgon (Shared Minibus)
The backbone of Albanian transport. Cheap, chaotic, and they leave when full. Not before.
✅ Incredibly cheap (£2–12 / $2.50–15 / €2.30–14)
✅ Connects every major town
❌ No fixed timetable. Seriously.
Taxi
Fine for city trips and short hops. Agree a price before you get in or use an app.
✅ Available everywhere
✅ Cheap compared to Western Europe
❌ Meters are rare outside Tirana. Always agree price first.
Intercity Bus
Longer routes like Tirana to Saranda or Korce. More reliable schedules than furgons.
✅ Scheduled departures on major routes
✅ Air conditioning on newer buses
❌ Still slow on mountain roads
Ferry & Boat
Albania has one international airport (Tirana). There are no domestic flights. You fly in, then everything else is overland.
✅ Budget airlines fly direct from the UK (Wizz Air)
✅ Tirana airport is 30 min from city centre
❌ One airport means overland travel to the south is mandatory
Which Is Right For You?
Sticking to cities
Furgons and taxis. Cheap and easy.
Hitting the Riviera
Rent a car. The coast road is half the fun.
Backpacking on a budget
Furgons everywhere. Bring patience and snacks.
Short on time
Fly into Tirana, taxi or bus to your first stop.
Quick Tips
📅
Book Furgons On The Day
You can’t pre-book most furgons. Just show up at the departure point early morning.
💳
Carry Cash for Transport
No furgon or rural taxi takes cards. Have small Lek notes ready.
⏰
Build In Buffer Time
Mountain roads are slow. A 100km drive can take 3 hours. Plan accordingly.
📍
Use Google Maps
Google Maps routing in Albania can be wildly inaccurate. Ask locals for road conditions.
Book Tours & Tickets
Related Resources
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here’s how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Theft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won’t see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to avoid every single one.
Travel Insurance
Don’t skip this one. Especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain exactly what you actually need.
FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Albania?
Most visitors don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days, including UK, EU, US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders. You just show up with a valid passport. Albania is pretty relaxed about entry requirements compared to most of Europe. Always double-check the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before you travel, as rules can change.
Is Albania safe for tourists?
Yes, Albania is generally very safe. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Petty theft can happen in busy areas (same as anywhere), but most visitors report feeling safer in Tirana than in many Western European capitals. The biggest actual risks are the driving and the occasional stray dog. Use common sense, keep an eye on your stuff in crowded spots, and you’ll be fine.
How many days do I need in Albania?
A week gives you a solid introduction. You could do Tirana (1-2 days), Berat (1-2 days), and the Riviera (3-4 days). Two weeks lets you add the Albanian Alps (Theth and Valbona), Gjirokaster, and Korce. If you’re combining Albania with Montenegro or North Macedonia, 10 days for the Albanian section works well.
What's the best time to visit Albania?
May to September for beaches and warm weather. June and September are the sweet spot because you get the sunshine without the peak-season crowds of July and August. Spring (April-May) is great for hiking and exploring cities when it’s not too hot. Winter is quiet and cold, but Tirana has a decent cafe scene and hotel prices drop significantly.
Is Albania expensive?
Not even close. Albania is comfortably the cheapest country in southern Europe. A decent restaurant meal costs £4-8 / $5-10 / €5-9. A beer is £1-2 / $1.30-2.50 / €1.20-2.30. You can travel well here on £25-55 / $32-70 / €30-65 per day depending on your style. It’s one of the few European countries where backpackers can still stretch a small budget a long way.
Do people speak English in Albania?
In Tirana and tourist areas along the Riviera, many younger Albanians speak good English. In smaller towns and rural areas, much less so. Italian is widely understood (many Albanians grew up watching Italian TV), and some older people speak Greek near the southern border. Learning a few Albanian phrases goes a long way. “Faleminderit” (thank you) gets you instant goodwill.
Can I drink the tap water?
In Tirana, the tap water is generally safe but doesn’t taste great. Most locals drink bottled or filtered water. Outside the capital, stick to bottled water. A reusable bottle with a filter is the smart move for both your wallet and the environment.
Do I need travel insurance for Albania?
Yes. Albania isn’t in the EU, so your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC) doesn’t work here. Medical facilities are basic outside Tirana, and if anything serious happens you’ll likely need evacuation to another country. Good travel insurance is non-negotiable. Compare policies in our Travel Insurance hub.
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