Albania, a rustic that’s wealthy in historical past, with breathtaking surroundings spanning from high to backside, has someway remained comparatively off the radar. From historic cities to UNESCO World Heritage websites, and pristine seashores to rugged mountains, there are such a lot of issues to do in Albania thats fits every kind of travellers. And the cherry on high? It presents glorious worth for cash.
Emma Mullan, a full-time creator with a ardour for journey, spent 3 weeks there in Summer season 2022 and kindly agreed to share her high suggestions for visiting Albania with me. I really like Emma’s journey content material, particularly her tales on Albania and extra lately, the time she spent per week within the Arctic Circle in a campervan. Take a look at her Instagram and you will note why.
Albania lacks some facilities and companies in comparison with different European locations. However, by embracing all that Albania has to supply, you’re in for an unimaginable journey with, in Emma’s opinion, the friendliest individuals in Europe! And, get there ahead of later, as a result of Albania is usually recognized because the Maldives of Europe, so there’s little question that quickly this gem of a rustic will quickly be VERY common!
get to Albania from Dublin
Sadly, there aren’t any direct flights from any Irish airports to Albania but, however Ryanair do fly from 5 UK airports, so Eire could also be subsequent on their listing….
Within the meantime, a good way to get there’s to take a direct flight to Corfu ( obtainable with Aer Lingus, Ryanair and TUI from Dublin, and Ryanair from Shannon), after which take a 30 minute speedboat or 70 minute Ferry to Sarande, and begin your Albanian journey from there.
You will discover a hyperlink to the ferry companies right here.
Additionally it is doable to get to Albania’s capital by way of connecting flights which yow will discover by way of a Skyscanner search. We flew to Tirana from Antalya, Turkey for simply €60.
Search flights right here
get round Albania
Indisputably, one of the best ways to get round Albania is with a automotive. The truth is, I’d be assured to say that that is very a lot a road-trip vacation spot! Public transport is extraordinarily unreliable and may not get you precisely the place you need to go. With a automotive, you may simply entry lovely locations which can be off-the overwhelmed path and in truth, we might have been misplaced with no automotive.
TOP TIP: It’s vital to ebook automotive rent in Albania advance in an effort to select one thing that fits your price range. Final minute reserving will depart you with restricted choices – normally larger priced automobiles! Ensure you have a world drivers licence.
Search Automobile rent
High 10 issues to do in Albania
With a fast google search of Albania, there’s little question you will note photographs of pristine seashores and shall be closely influenced to go to the south. And whereas this a part of the nation is undoubtedly beautiful and shouldn’t be missed, Albania has SO rather more to supply. Right here’s my High 10 picks from North to South.
1. Albanian Alps
One in every of my best regrets when visiting Albania was not dedicating extra time to the North of the nation which, for my part, is essentially the most lovely of all. The Albanian alps are merely breathtaking and renting a automotive to journey by way of this spectacular panorama ought to be excessive in your listing of issues to do in Albania. Head to Shkoder and begin your journey from there.
For those who like to hike, then the Theth to Valbona hike is a should see in Albania and one thing I regrettably came upon about too late. This difficult village to village hike usually takes round six to eight hours to finish, relying in your tempo and stops alongside the way in which. So it’s undoubtedly one thing to look into for those who’re planning to go North. A number of individuals we met gave this their highest suggestion.
One other spot so as to add to the listing when visiting this area is the beautiful Komani Lake. I’d extremely suggest reserving this expertise by way of an organization, as a result of getting right here alone could be barely chaotic to say the least! A pal of mine booked her expertise by way of KomaniLakeFerry.com and had a fantastic expertise. Keep watch over the climate and contemplate rescheduling if the climate is unhealthy.
Don’t miss out on a few of the beautiful waterfalls too. Grunas waterfall was a surprising one we got here throughout.
2. Kisha e Thethit in Theth Nationwide Park
The long-lasting Kisha e Thethit (the Church of Theth) is a should in your Albania itinerary. The Church was in-built 1892, and legend has it that villagers settled right here with a purpose to worship the Christian religion undisturbed, surrounded by the breathtaking views of the encompassing mountains. No images can do that place justice. The wonder and serenity can solely be skilled in actual life!
There are a variety of lodging and restaurant choices obtainable in Theth Nationwide Park do you have to want to keep right here, and it additionally makes for the proper start line for those who’re taking up the Theth to Valbona hike.
Whereas I regretfully didn’t keep right here resulting from time constraints, listed below are some high lodging picks in That I’d have on my listing:
TOP TIP: Make certain to convey loads of sunscreen and water as you may be uncovered to loads of solar on this space whereas strolling – and DON’T neglect to take your digicam with you – you’ll get one of the best pictures of your total journey (and life) right here!
3. Tirana (capital metropolis)
Make certain to offer Albania’s capital metropolis Tirana a day or two of your time. For a small metropolis, it has loads of character, in addition to a bustling cafe and restaurant scene. I’d extremely suggest wandering across the Blloku space to benefit from the outlets and cafes. And undoubtedly try the New Bazaar. For those who’re in search of conventional Albanian delicacies, Oda restaurant is a should. However make sure that to ebook it prematurely, as it is vitally common.
Head to the Skanderbeg sq. and go to the Nationwide Historical past Museum. The museum’s collections cowl numerous intervals of Albanian historical past, from historical instances to the current day. Entry into the Nationwide Historical past Museum is lower than €5.
Additionally don’t miss out on visiting a minimum of one of many sequence of Bunk’Artwork museums. These museums are located inside large concrete bunkers that have been constructed in the course of the communist regime, however a lot of them remained unused after the autumn of communism within the early Nineteen Nineties.
Another locations price visiting whereas in Tirana embody the Dajti Ekspres cable automotive for panoramic views of town, and take a look at the newly renovated Pyramid of Tirana.
I’d suggest staying on this centrally situated condo which could be discovered on Reserving.com. I’d additionally extremely suggest Ebel boutique lodge which is situated beside the bus station for those who plan on travelling to Montenegro and must be on the bus station good and early!
TOP TIP: For those who’re in search of some unimaginable cocktails, head to Colonial Cocktails Academy. It’s one of the best cocktail bar I’ve been to on my travels to this point.
4. Berat
In relation to Albania vacationer sights, The UNESCO World Heritage metropolis of Berat is on most guests lists. Make certain to offer your self a minimum of 2-3 days to soak up all that this place has to supply. Positioned in central Albania alongside the Osum river, Berat is called “The Metropolis of a Thousand Home windows” due the quite a few home windows in its conventional homes that line the hillside.
Among the finest issues to do in Berat is to go to the hilltop fort which overlooks town and presents unimaginable panoramic views. The fort dates again to 4 BC and up right here you’ll discover Byzantine church buildings, Ottoman mosques and conventional Albanian homes which have residents to this present day.
It’s also possible to ebook a novel cooking class inside Berat Fort, see extra right here:
View Cooking Class
I couldn’t suggest Lodge Guva Mangalem extra. This was centrally situated, spotless and had spacious rooms and a scrumptious Albanian breakfast. The peaceable rooftop terrace had unimaginable views over Berat additionally. Nonetheless, keep in mind that this lodge is located uphill and you should go up some winding and slim streets to get right here, so it isn’t appropriate for everybody. It’s unimaginable worth for cash – We paid simply €30 per night time, together with a scrumptious Albanian breakfast!
View Lodge
One of many high issues to do in Albania is ebook a wine tasting tour, and I discovered a high rated tour that leaves from Berat and prices simply €60.
View Wine Tour
TOP TIP: Don’t miss out on some of the memorable meals of your life at Dwelling-made Meals Lili, located proper subsequent door to Lodge Guva Mangalem. This can be a as soon as in a lifetime expertise within the house of an Albanian household with simply 6 tables.
Your meal is certain to show into a celebration with all the opposite friends and right here you’ll expertise Albanian hospitality like no different. Make certain to ebook prematurely as a result of the locations are extraordinarily restricted.
5. Gjirokaster
Gjirokaster is one other UNESCO World Heritage metropolis situated in Southern Albania. This is among the most lovely cities in Europe that I’ve ever been to, and could be visited over 1-2 days.
For those who’re brief on time, a day journey is worth it, however I’d suggest a minimum of an in a single day keep to soak up all of the attraction that Gjirokaster has to supply. AND, you’ll discover a few of the finest worth lodging of your life! Also known as the “The Metropolis of Stone”, Gjirokaster has an unimaginable hilltop fort with breathtaking views over town and the encompassing countryside.
Make certain to additionally head to Zekate Home which is considered one of the best surviving instance of an Ottoman tower home in Gjirokaster. Right here it is possible for you to to discover the beautiful rooms of this mansion that belonged to the rich Zekate household, who performed a major position within the financial and social lifetime of Gjirokastër in the course of the Ottoman interval. I’d extremely suggest reserving a strolling tour with an area information.
View Strolling Tour
Gjirokastër’s previous city is a maze of slim cobblestone streets, conventional homes, lovely outlets, cafes and eating places and town serves as a fantastic base to go to the well-known Blue Eye which is simply 35 minutes away and subsequent up on the listing!
I’d extremely suggest staying at The Previous City Clock which is centrally situated, spotless, spacious and glorious worth for cash at round €25 per night time in peak summer season season.
6. The Blue Eye (Syri i kaltër)
The Blue Eye is considered one of high vacationer sights in Albania and very common with vacationers. It’s undoubtedly a worthwhile go to in case you are within the space and all you’ll want is 2-3 hours to get pleasure from all the things this pure monument and its environment has to supply.
The Blue Eye will get its title due to the attractive crystal clear blue water that’s extremely deep. This pure spring has a depth of greater than 50 metres and is de facto lovely to witness! While you go to, you would possibly see some individuals swimming within the Blue Eye, though there are a lot of indicators saying this isn’t allowed resulting from sturdy currents and the depth of the water. You possibly can discover the encompassing forest and picnic areas and benefit from the lovely landscapes.
TOP TIP: Pack your individual lunch to get pleasure from at one of many many picnic areas. This manner you may keep away from vacationer costs and crowds on the on-site cafe.
You can also make your individual manner when you have a automotive or take a taxi. It’s additionally doable to go as a part of a half day tour which yow will discover right here.
It prices 50 LEK (approx 40c) per individual to enter. The automotive park prices round 100 LEK (80c)
7. Sarande and the Monastery of 40 Saints
Sarandë in southern Albania is a seaside city identified for its vibrant ambiance and sandy seashores. You possibly can stroll alongside the waterfront promenade and revel in some scrumptious recent seafood below the palm timber.
Town of Sarande itself is kind of constructed up and resulting from its rising recognition and have to cater for extra vacationers, there’s ongoing building of accommodations and residential buildings. I’d counsel taking a brief drive exterior of the principle metropolis of Sarande looking for the attractive seashores that shall be a bit of quieter and extra picturesque than these in the principle city.
Nonetheless, it’s vital to bear in mind that this area is considered one of Albania’s hottest alongside the Riviera and it’s tough to discover a seashore that isn’t crowded in the course of the peak summer season months.
For those who select to remain in Sarande, it’s a nice base for day journeys in Albania, I’ve some linked right here:
View Day Journeys
Whereas within the metropolis, I’d extremely suggest a visit to the Monastery of 40 Saints. This historical monastery which could be reached by automotive, dates again to the sixth century AD, and overlooks town with magnificent views. Legend says that the monastery was constructed in honour of forty Christians who have been killed in the course of the Roman persecution. Be warned although, this place could be very creepy and never for the faint hearted!
8. Ksamil and Butrint Nationwide Park
When researching the Albanian Riviera, you’re prone to be met with pictures of Ksamil, usually described as “the Maldives of Europe”. Ksamil is a particularly common summer season vacation spot for Albanians and is rising in recognition for individuals from all around the world. I feel it’s actually vital to notice that what you see on Instagram shouldn’t be precisely what you get right here. Let me clarify…
There are some actually beautiful seashores in Ksamil however to have the “Maldives” expertise, it’s good to be ready to pay. All seashores in Ksamil have been privatised throughout our go to in 2022 and if you wish to chill out in essentially the most beautiful spots, it’s good to be ready to pay as much as €30 per individual for a solar mattress and better costs for meals and drinks.
Ksamil is extraordinarily crowded within the peak summer season months, so it’s additionally vital to reach VERY early to seize your spot. However when you have a bit of additional money to splash, then it’s definitely worthwhile.
Whereas I’d completely suggest spending just a few nights in Ksamil, I’d be mendacity if I didn’t say I used to be barely dissatisfied. The unimaginable surroundings is usually spoiled by floating bouncy castles and pedal automobiles scattered throughout and I felt that what I noticed on Instagram didn’t mirror the complete actuality of the vacation spot.
Okay, now that we’ve the negatives out of the way in which, it’s time to debate the positives and there are such a lot of that make Ksamil a should see in Albania.
The bar and restaurant scene is unimaginable and you’ll fairly actually be spoiled for selection on the place to eat and drink. Ksamil is so vigorous and has a real “vacation vibe” with one thing for completely anybody. There are lodging choices to go well with everybody, from the luxurious traveller to backpacker athough l I’d extremely suggest Villa Xristos Kalageros.
And there are some actually lovely seashores in Albania for those who wander a bit of farther from the well-known “Instagram” areas. A private favorite was Plaza Agosto, the place we returned each single day to chill out, eat and drink. I’d extremely suggest buying your solar lounger at Seaside Bar and Grill Reni Risi. The costs have been very affordable, the views have been beautiful and the meals was superb!
Among the finest issues we did in Ksamil was the Tongo Island Boat journey and BBQ. A pace boat transports you to essentially the most unimaginable spots near Ksamil, with loads of time to leap into the ocean and swim.
The ultimate spot is Tongo Island the place you may benefit from the beautiful personal seashore with only a few others. Right here you may be served a scrumptious lunch with fish, greens, cheese, fruit, beer, tender drinks and water earlier than returning to Ksamil at sundown. This tour should be booked in individual on the tour workplace in Ksamil.
9. Himare and Lambjano Bay
A private favorite spot was the seashore city of Himare, specifically Potami seashore. This city was undoubtedly rather less developed and extra laid again and fewer crowded than Ksamil and Sarande, with loads of nice spots to eat and drink in the course of the day and into the night.
The water at Potami seashore was crystal clear, and in contrast to Ksamil, it’s doable to put down your individual umbrella and towel, with out having to buy a solar lounger. I’d extremely suggest consuming at Grill Rondo Potam and UMI sushi & cocktail bar.
From Himare, a go to to Lambjano Bay is an absolute MUST. That is no doubt some of the beautiful little seashores I’ve ever set foot. The seashore is situated between Llamani seashore and Porto Palermo and is a bit of bit tough to seek out so you could have to ask for assist from some locals.
Your finest guess is to park beside Palermiti Luxurious Rooms Resort and simply off the principle street, take a left and comply with the gravel monitor. It takes about 20 minutes to succeed in the seashore however it’s fully price it. Simply keep in mind to convey a towel, umbrella and snacks as this can be a wild seashore and there aren’t any amenities obtainable.
TOP TIP: After Lambjano Bay, head to the attractive Fort of Porto Palermo which is only a brief drive away. Courting again to the early nineteenth century, this historic gem presents lovely views of the Ionian Sea and surrounding landscapes.
10. Drive the Llogora Move
The Llogara Move is understood to be considered one of Europe’s most spectacular drives and shouldn’t be missed in your Albania journey! You’ll drive by way of the Ceraunian Mountains and the scenic route boasts panoramic views of the Ionian Sea.
The winding street by way of the Llogara go is an thrilling drive and there are such a lot of unimaginable lookout factors alongside the way in which, and also you received’t be dissatisfied for those who keep for sundown!
For those who’re courageous sufficient, you are able to do a paraglide from the highest of Llogara go, proper all the way down to one of many beautiful seashores under. You possibly can ebook your paragliding expertise right here:
View Paragliding
The place to remain in Albania
Theth Nationwide Park
Tirana
Berat
Gjirokaster
Himare
Ksamil
High Suggestions for Visiting Albania
- Ensure you have a drivers licence or journey with somebody who does. The easiest way to get round is with a automotive.
- Be ready to pay for all the things in CASH (this has presumably modified however in 2022, we have been infrequently ready to make use of card to pay).
- Use Credins ATM’s to keep away from excessive charges.
- Pack a rainjacket – the climate could be very changeable even in summer season and particularly within the North within the mountains
- Be ready to pay as much as €30 for a sunbed in common areas like Ksamil (and be ready for it to be crowded in summer season)
I hope this journey information to Albania will encourage you to make a journey there quickly, and an enormous because of Emma Mullan for sharing her high issues to do in Albania with me.
A few of the hyperlinks on this put up include affiliate hyperlinks, the place I obtain a small fee if a reserving is made, however at no extra cost to you. Whereas each effort is made to make sure accuracy, costs, accommodations and sights are topic to alter.
