Albania tours & vacations

Like much of the Balkans, Albania really shines in summer. While the interior regions sweat it out, the Albanian Riviera is balmy and breezy, with plenty of beaches to cool off. Summer also brings festivals and good hiking conditions in the mountains. That said, it's also peak season, and while still much quieter than other Mediterranean hotspots, you can still expect crowds, especially along the coast.

The shoulder months of May and October strike a nice balance: mild weather, fewer tourists and more breathing room to explore.

When winter arrives, so does the rain – but with temperatures usually above freezing across most of the country, it’s easy to get out and about. From November to March, heavy snowfall is common in the Albanian Alps, so if you’re a fan of the white stuff, it’s a great time to head to the mountains.

Located along the western edge of the Balkan Peninsula, Albania borders some of Europe’s most colorful countries. Italy is within waving distance just across the Strait of Otranto, Greece lies to the south, and Montenegro and Kosovo sit to the north.

Albania's landscapes are wild and diverse. Much of the interior is covered with rugged mountain ranges and deep valleys. In the south, snowy peaks give way to the sparkling waters of the Ionian Sea, and the gorgeous Albanian Riviera is becoming a popular spot among beach lovers and honeymooners. The Greek island of Corfu is also just a short ferry ride away.

Byrek

An Albanian staple, this savoury pie is made with flaky filo pastry filled with spinach and feta, vegetables or spiced meat. It's a popular street food across the country, making for a great snack or grab-and-go breakfast.

Fërgesë

This tangy dish is especially popular in summer. Roasted peppers, tomatoes, onions and garlic are baked with cottage cheese or feta in a clay pot, which is then cooled and served with freshly baked bread.

Tavë kosi

Often considered Albania's national dish, this 'soured milk' casserole is made with lamb, rice and garlic, baked in a creamy egg and yogurt sauce until golden. It's typically served as a main with a crunchy side salad.

Fasule

Fasule is a hearty soup made with white beans, onions, tomatoes and spices. It can be served hot or cold, with bread or rice. Dating back to the Albanian famine, it's still a popular, affordable and nutritious meal.

Petulla

These deep-fried dough balls are a beloved Albanian breakfast. Eat them savoury with feta cheese and olives, or sweet with honey, jam or powdered sugar.

Raki

Raki is a symbol of Albanian hospitality, and you'll likely be invited to share a glass or two during your travels! Made with fermented and distilled fruits like grapes, berries or plums, it's strong stuff – best enjoyed slowly over a long meal.

Berat

This medieval town is home to a UNESCO-listed citadel known as Kalaja e Beratit. Surrounded by ancient stone walls, the fortress encloses several churches and historic buildings, while the white Ottoman houses with distinctive large windows along the hillside have earned the town the nickname ‘City of a Thousand Windows’.

Gjirokastra

This 13th-century citadel is hammered into the mountaintop and showcases excellent examples of Ottoman architecture. Inside, you can explore traditional stone tower houses and the prison which was used by Axis forces during WWII.

Kruja

Once the headquarters of Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero, Kruja Castle dates back to the 4th century. It resisted Ottoman invasions for decades before eventually falling in the 15th century. Nowadays, it's a peaceful spot to take in the views of olive groves, grazing goats and the sprawling landscape.

Rozafa

Rozafa Castle stands on a strategic hilltop overlooking Shkodër. Although it's now in partial ruins, it’s still impressive, and a stroll along its walls will transport you back to Illyrian times.

Pertrela

Sitting on a rocky hill near Tirana, the fortress of Pertrela was part of the defense system for Kruja Castle during the 15th century. Today, it’s one of Albania's best-preserved fortifications with spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

The official currency of Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL).

Debit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted, but cash is still the preferred way to pay. Credit cards are generally accepted at hotels and in touristy areas, but may not be accepted in smaller towns or rural regions.

ATMs are easy to find in cities, large towns and along the coast, but can be scarce in villages and remote areas, so it's best to withdraw enough cash before heading off the beaten path.