Albania Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Tirana.

Geography:

Albania is bordered by Montenegro and Kosovo to the north, North Macedonia to the east and Greece to the southeast. Italy lies across the Adriatic to the west; at its narrowest point, close to where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet, Italy and Albania are only 72km (45 miles) apart, separated by the Strait of Otranto.

Albania's highest point is the summit of Mt Korab (2,764m /9,068ft), on the border of North Macedonia. The largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar, straddles the border between Albania and Montenegro; in the southwest, Lake Ohrid is shared with North Macedonia and the Prespa Lakes between Albania, North Macedonia and Greece.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Tirana’s Nene Tereza Airport is Albania’s only airport operating international flights. British Airways (BA) (www.ba.com) has a year-round direct service to Tirana from London Gatwick. Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com) also flies directly from London Luton Airport to Tirana, and Albawings (www.albawings.com) offers direct flights from London Stansted Airport to Tirana.

The major airport is: Tirana International Airport Nene Tereza.

Flight Times

From London to Tirana - 3 hours.

From Rome to Tirana- 1 hour 25 minutes.

From New York to Tirana- 15 hours (including 1 stopover).

From Singapore to Tirana- 15 hours (including 1 stopover).

Getting There By Road

Guarded parking is essential; mid-range hotels (and better) usually provide this to guests. If bringing your own car, make sure your insurance covers you for driving in Albania.

Getting There By Water

Main ports: Durrës, Vlorë, Saranda, Shëngjin.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

There are no internal flights.

Car Hire

You can hire cars in Tirana from the usual international companies, although they are expensive compared to northern Europe and North America. It may be cheaper, to arrange a chauffeur-driven car in advance through one of the Tirana-based travel agencies.

Documentation

An International Driving Permit (technically this should be accompanied with a certified translation) and national driving license are required. If bringing your own car into Albania, you should ascertain before departure that your insurance is valid there; emergency breakdown cover is also worth considering. Drivers should also have their passport and car registration handy.

Getting Around By Rail

The hub of the national railway network is Durrës. From there, services operate to Tirana, Shkodra, Vlora, Rrogozhinë and Fier. Trains are diesel, infrequent (except between Tirana and Durrësi) and slow. The railway system is currently under construction and Tirana’s train station has been closed since 2013, so rather than trains running to or from Tirana’s train station they go to Kashar 7km (4 miles) outside of Tirana’s city centre, where busses in are available.

Regulations

Speed limits are generally 40kph (25mph) in towns, 80kph (50mph) outside built-up areas, 90kph (56mph) on major roads and 110kph (68mph) on motorways. 

Road Quality

Successive Albanian governments have invested heavily in highway improvement and the main inter-city routes are of a reasonable standard.

However, Albania is a mountainous country and some towns will be connected by relatively narrow, winding roads for the foreseeable future. Drive with caution and avoid night drives as hazards are more difficult to see.

4-wheel drive is not normally required.

Side Of Road

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Urban Travel

Taxis are plentiful and relatively economical for short journeys within city limits. Urban buses are very cheap but usually very crowded. Some buses leave as soon as they have enough people on board. In Tirana, there is a flat fare for any bus journey within the city centre. Taxis also have a flat fare, usually based on travel distances and which you should agree with the driver before setting off. Most taxis also are metered.

Getting Around By Water

The only internal boat journey is the Komani-Fierza ferry, run by Berisha Ferry (www.komanilakeferry.com). They offer pickup services from Tirana, Shkodra, and Valbona every day.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Albania set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Albanian Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Albania.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Albania without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, for tourism or business.  

If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply in advance for a long-stay visa or apply for a residence permit from within Albania.  

Vaccine requirements

To enter Albania, you must have a certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Albania guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Albania. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Albania

Terrorist attacks in Albania cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Relations between the majority Muslim population and other ethnic groups in Albania are generally good. The expression of extremist or anti-western views is very rare.    

Political and other demonstrations have been held in central Tirana, with some reported incidents of violence. Demonstrations can cause traffic diversions and other disruption. Demonstrations could happen elsewhere, and may take place outside the capital city.

You should:

• check local media for the latest information
• avoid any demonstrations, large-scale gatherings or political rallies
• follow the advice of the local authorities

Crime

There is crime and violence in some areas, but reports of crime targeting foreigners are rare. There have been occasional shootings and small explosions related to internal disputes over criminal, business or political interests.    

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from street crime, particularly in larger cities and late at night.

Watch out for pickpockets and bag thieves in tourist areas, on buses and trains and major public transport hubs, including airports.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Penalties for drug-related crimes are severe. Possession of illegal drugs could result in a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years. The penalty for supplying drugs is up to 15 years in prison.     

Being arrested

The Albanian authorities do not always inform the British Embassy when British nationals have been arrested. If you are detained, you may insist on your right to contact the British Embassy in Tirana.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are legal in Albania. Anti-discrimination and anti-hate-crime legislation is in place. Tirana has several gay-friendly bars and a number of LGBT+ support groups.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Water sports and swimming safety   

There are some local press reports that jet skis and boats being rented along the coasts may lack adequate safety precautions and equipment.

If you are considering taking part in water sports activities, do so through a licensed water sports centre and make sure paperwork is completed before starting the activity.

See watersports safety abroad from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Take note of warning signs, follow instructions from lifeguards and observe the flag indicators on beaches. Take local advice if jellyfish or urchins are present.

The 2023 European Environment Agency report noted that a small number of beaches are polluted because of inadequate sewage disposal and treatment.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Albania, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC's Albania guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You may find it useful to have a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK licence. The 1949 IDP is not accepted any more. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

You must carry a green card as proof of vehicle insurance to drive your car in Albania. If you're planning to hire a car, check with your car hire company for information on their requirements before you travel.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

If you stay longer than one year, or live in Albania, you will need to apply for an Albanian driving licence.

To import a vehicle into Albania, make sure you have all the necessary papers on arrival at the border. Consult the Albanian Embassy in the UK before you leave. The British Embassy will be unable to help anyone attempting to bring a vehicle into Albania without the correct paperwork.

Dangers of driving in Albania

Driving can be very hazardous and often aggressive and erratic. Deaths from road traffic accidents are amongst the highest in Europe. Police have taken some measures to decrease the number of accidents.

Minor traffic disputes can quickly escalate, especially as some motorists could be armed. Avoid reacting to provocative behaviour by other road users.

If you are involved in a traffic accident, even a minor one, remain at the scene until the police arrive. This will usually happen quite quickly in built-up areas. Failing to wait could result in charges under the Albanian Penal Code and you could get a fine.

Road conditions

Road surfaces are poor, especially in rural areas. If you are travelling at night, watch out for unmarked roadworks, potholes and vehicles without lights. Four-wheel drive vehicles are more practical on rural and minor roads.

Power cuts can affect street lighting in towns and cities. Elsewhere, even on the major routes, there is no street lighting.

Landmines

There are still unexploded landmines in some remote areas around hill towns on the northern border with Kosovo. Take care, particularly if hiking, and follow any warning signs. Do not walk on uncultivated land or step off the marked paths. If in doubt, seek local advice.    

Extreme weather and natural disasters     

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes – tremors are common. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but do happen.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Flooding and snow

From December to February, severe weather may cause flooding, particularly in northern Albania. Heavy snowfall in mountainous areas can lead to disruption to transport and services. Monitor local and international media for the latest information.

Wildfires

Wildfires are common in Albania from April to October due to the dry and hot weather. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. You should: 

• take care when visiting or driving through countryside 

• make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished 

• not light fires or barbecues except in designated and marked areas  

• not leave any rubbish

Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Albania. Penalties could result from fines to imprisonment. 

Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires. During the event of a wildfire, you should:

• call the emergency services on 112 

• follow any advice from the local emergency services 

• contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK 

• if you need consular assistance call +355 4 223 4973/4/5 during working hours or +44 207 008 5000 out of hours

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 127 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Albania
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face Albania.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Albania. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Air pollution

There can be high levels of air pollution in Albania. You can find further information and advice on air quality on the World Health Organization (WHO) website and check air quality levels on the World Air Quality Index website.

Tap water and milk

Do not drink the tap water in Albania, as it may cause illness. Only drink bottled water. If you drink milk, make sure it is UHT (ultra high temperature) or pasteurised milk.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Albania

Medical and dental facilities, including accident and emergency facilities, are very poor, particularly outside Tirana. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, evacuation by air ambulance and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of list of medical providers in Albania where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Albania

Ambulance: 127

Fire: 128

Police: 112

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Albania
• dealing with a death in Albania
• being arrested in Albania
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Yellow Fever	No*
Typhoid	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	Sometimes
Malaria	No
Hepatitis A	Sometimes
Diphtheria	No

Overview:

Medical facilities (including accident and emergency) are basic and there is a lack of both supplies and doctors. Governmental hospitals often lack drugs and equipment and are not particularly hygienic. The private or faith-affiliated clinics in Tirana provide the best standard of care. Travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure.

Vaccinations Note:

* A certificate of vaccination is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas.

Food Drink:

Tap water is chlorinated and is fine for brushing teeth. However, bottled water is advised for drinking, especially outside Tirana.

Brucellosis and tuberculosis are present in Albanian dairy cattle. Unpasteurised milk and homemade cheese should be avoided; however, in cafes and restaurants the milk is often UHT, and therefore safe.

Other Risks:

Measles outbreaks are ongoing in Albania, so those without proper immunisations are at risk for contracting the disease when traveling.

Rabies is rare in Albania, but medical treatment should always be sought following an animal or bat bite.

Tick-borne encephalitis is spread through the bites of infected ticks. Hikers should check for ticks at the end of each day and should consider a vaccination.

Immunisation against hepatitis B should be considered by those who will be working in healthcare or with children.

Currency Information:

Lek (ALL; symbol Lek). Notes are in denominations of Lek5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 200.

Coins are in denominations of Lek100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.

Credit Cards:

ATMs are widespread; most towns have at least one. Most banks, large supermarkets and hotels accept major credit and debit cards. In other settings like small shops and taxis, cash is used.

ATMs:

ATMs are widespread; most towns have at least one.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0800-1600, generally.

Currency Restrictions:

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. The export of foreign currency is permitted up to $5000, but higher amounts should be declared.

Currency Exchange:

Currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and banks in Pounds, US dollars and Euros. Currency can also be changed on the street, but those exchanges are considered illegal.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
ALL	Lek

Exchange Rates

135.50

161.05

130.01

Language

The official language is Albanian, which 98% of the population speaks. Minority languages include Greek, Romani, Bulgarian and Serb. The most popular foreign languages spoken in Albania are Italian, dating back to when Italy controlled and protected Albania, and English, which is taught in many Albanian schools.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Orthodox Christmas Day	2024-01-07 00:00:00	0
Spring Holiday	2024-03-15 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2024-04-01 00:00:00	0
Lesser Bairam (End of Ramadan)	2024-04-10 00:00:00	0
May Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Orthodox Easter Sunday	2024-05-05 00:00:00	0
Greater Bairam (Feast of Sacrifice)	2024-06-16 00:00:00	0
Beatification of Mother Teresa	2024-10-19 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-11-28 00:00:00	0
Liberation (at the end of World War II)	2024-11-29 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0

Note:

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Lesser Bairam (End of Ramadan), Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Lesser Bairam itself. Lesser Bairam and Greater Bairam (Feast of Sacrifice) may last up to several days, depending on the region.

Overview:

The following items may be imported into Albania without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (persons who are 17 years and older).

• 1L of spirits stronger than 22% (persons who are 17 years and older)

or

• 2L of alcoholic beverages not exceeding 22% (persons who are 17 years and older)

and

• 2L of wine and 10L of beer (persons who are 17 years and older).

• 3kg of coffee.

Gifts / other goods up to a total value of €300 per passenger (travel by train/car) or €430 per passenger (travel by plane and sea); Children under 15 generally €150.

.

Banned Imports:

Prohibited imports include firearms and ammunition, narcotics, certain endangered plant species, certain animals and their products, and goods which threaten public order.

Telephone:

City codes: Tirana 04, Durresi 052, Elbasani 0545, Shkodra 022, Gjirokastra 084, Korça 082.

Mobile Telephone:

Coverage is good, except in the most remote, mountainous areas. Those with European and Australian phones can buy local SIM cards, others must turn on roaming data.

Internet:

Almost every sizeable town in Albania has public Internet access, usually via an Internet cafe. Some hotels, especially in Tirana, have broadband connections in the guest rooms; a few have Wi-Fi.

Post

The Albanian postal service is not 100% reliable, although it is not especially bad either. Important documents should be sent by courier. DHL and Federal Express have offices in Tirana and a few other cities. An internal courier service called ACS operates within Albania.

Post Office Hours:

The central post office in Tirana is open from 0730 to 2000 Mon-Sun.

Media:

Albania has a good diversity of print and electronic media, although the market is undeveloped which means that all privately-owned outlets are dependent to at least some extent on government advertising. Newspapers are often very partisan; indeed, some widely available papers are published by political parties, like the Rilindja Demokratike and Zeri I Popullit. Political parties, religious groups and state bodies aren't allowed to own private TV and radio stations. The Albanian Daily News and Tirana Times are English-language newspapers.

Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) runs public TV networks, and national private television networks include Top Channel and TV Klan. There are also local television stations. There are also many local radio stations, national radio services from RTSH, and BBC broadcasting in Tirana.

Valbona: Hike through the Albanian Alps

Hike in Albania's magnificent mountains. Outdoor Albania (www.outdooralbania.com) organises hiking, skiing and mountain-biking tours throughout the country, but boating to Valbona to trek through the peaks of the Balkans to Theti is a sure favourite. You’ll be accompanied by mountain goats on the trail and eagles overhead.

Durrës: Explore ancient archaeological sites

See interesting and accessible archaeological sites in Albania’s second-largest city, such as the abandoned ancient Greek city of Apollonia and the steep-sided Roman amphitheatre in Durrës. The city also boasts a second-century bathhouse and a marble Byzantine forum from the fifth and sixth centuries. Near the coast of the Adriatic Sea, find preserved historical remnants at The Archaeological Museum.

Porto Palermo: Cycle to a submarine bunker

Cycle from the Borsh village to Porto Palermo peninsula, a former restricted military zone. This 13km (8 miles) trip leads you through views of the Ionian sea and with moderate ascents it is easy on the thighs and pleasant on the eyes. A special detour at the start of the peninsula region leads to a hidden submarine bunker worth taking a break from the pedal for.

Karavastaia: Look out for birds of prey

Pack the binoculars and bird watch in the coastal wetlands of Karavastaja. Part of the Divjake-Karavasta National Park, the lagoon is the westernmost breeding site of the Dalmatian pelican. The birds and their nests cover the 22,230-hectare area, basking in lagoons of sand dunes and deltas.

Voskopoja: Find fantastic frescoes

Admire the vibrant colours of the frescoes in Albania's little-known churches. Voskopoja, near Korça, was once the largest city in the Balkans, full of churches and basilicas, and with its own academy where artists were trained. Although the church buildings look a little tired, the fantastic frescoes still flourish.

Tirana: Delve into Albania’s communist past

For nearly 50 years, Albania was under Communist rule. Although the regime collapsed in 1990, many of Tirana’s communist sights remain, including the murals and statues in the city centre, the house where Enver Hoxha lived and the Pyramid, built as his mausoleum. Take a bus or taxi up to the Martyrs' Cemetery, with its statue of Mother Albania.

Shkodra: Uncover the legend of Rozafa Castle

Built before the Roman conquest, this castle in Shkodra was last used for military purposes as recent as 1913. Rozafa was the last fortress in Albania to fall to the Ottomans in 1479. Legend has it the castle was named after a woman who was walled into the bulwark as an offering so the castle would stand.

Kruja: Meet Albania's national hero

Make the easy day trip from Tirana to the family seat of Albania's 15th-century hero, Skanderbeg. Within the medieval castle's walls are two interesting museums, the Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg Museum and the Ethnographic Museum, the latter an immersive view of the Albanian home and customs throughout history. The restored Ottoman bazaar just outside the castle is one of the best for souvenir shopping in Albania.

Gjirokastra: Explore the Ottoman architecture

Explore the well-preserved Ottoman city of Gjirokastra for its unique domestic architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ‘Stone City’ of Gjirokastra features cobblestone streets, the Bazaar Mosque, unique 17th-century assembly houses and Albania’s largest castle. The fortress sits imposingly on its hill with views of the city and Albanian alps. Visit the Museum of Weapons inside, established in 1971.

Butrint: Reclaim the abandoned city

Don't miss the UNESCO-listed, ancient city of Butrint, with archaeological remains and inhabitancy dating back to prehistoric times. Embark on one of the suggested walks through the forest and seek out the public baths and Roman theatre or explore the ruins of the city abandoned in the Middle Ages at your own leisure.

Skrapar District: Raft down the Osumi River

With an impressive network of inland waterways, Albania has an abundance of rafting opportunities. In the Skrapar district of Berat, white-water rafting through the spectacular Osumi River canyons is the ultimate adrenaline rush. Zoom from a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoy views of waterfalls and carved rock, and prepare to get wet.

Berat: Stand in awe at the religious art

Berat is a must-see spot for the fresco-frenzied. St. Todri’s Church, one of the ten surviving churches built since the 15th century inside Berat Castle, boasts paintings of post-Byzantian grandeur by the famous 16th-century Albanian artist Onufri. The Dormition of Saint Mary Cathedral, built in the 18th century is also home to the Museum of Medieval Art.

Lake Komani: Set sail on the ferry

Cameras at the ready; take the ferry up the jade waters of Lake Komani. Hemmed in on both sides with rugged and verdant towering cliffs, the Lake Koman Ferry cruise (komanilakeferry.com/en/) is an enchanting introduction to northern Albania, running from Koman to Fierza.

Overview

The best place in Albania to shop for traditional crafts is Kruja, less than an hour from Tirana. The Ottoman bazaar there has rug-weavers and antique dealers. Many of the Kruja shops sell small souvenirs such as alabaster, copper crafts, traditional Albanian clothing and embroideries. Apart from Kruja, there are a few souvenir shops in Tirana, arts in Gjirokastra and a souvenir stall at Butrint.

Opening Hours

Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1700, some businesses might not be open on Saturdays or Sundays.

Overview

Albanian cuisine is a heady blend of Ottoman and modern-day Italian, Greek and Turkish influences, with heavy stews, smoked meat and pickled cabbage served alongside Mediterranean-style fish, feta cheese and rice. Visiting vegetarians will find themselves eating a lot of salad; luckily, Albanian tomatoes and cucumbers are always fresh and delicious.

When it comes to drinking, you should try one of Albania’s high-quality wines, especially indigenous grapes such as kallmet (red and white) and shesh (red and white). Grapes are also used to make raki, a clear spirit that will knock your socks off.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

The usual tipping practice is to round the bill up by about 10%.

Drinking Age

18

Hotels

As one would expect, the capital city has the widest range of hotels, with accommodation ranging from the luxury end of the market - the Sheraton (sheraton-tirana-hotel.tirana.hotels-al.com) and the Rogner (www.hotel-europapark.com) - through business hotels and cosier, family-run establishments, to budget options including Albania's first Backpacker Hostel (www.tiranahostel.com), in a 19th-century villa a few minutes' walk from the city centre.

Grading: There is a somewhat haphazard grading system, using stars, which does not necessarily correspond to the facilities provided.

History

The roots of Albanian culture can be traced back to the ancient Illyrians. The Ardiaei tribe used Shkodra as their capital, and the present-day Albanian language is a rare surviving offshoot of the original Illyrian tongue. The Illyrians lived here first independently, and then alongside the Greeks, until the Romans arrived in the 2nd century BCE and assumed control for nearly four centuries until the empire’s division in 395 BCE.

Next to take over the mantle of leadership were the Byzantines. During their reign, Albania was subject to relentless attacks from Visigoths, Huns, Slavs and Ostrogoths. A short-lived period of successful Albanian resistance between 1443 and 1468 helped stoke the fire of a burgeoning independence movement, though the country did eventually fall to the Ottomans who stuck around for more than four centuries.

Following the establishment of the nationalist Prizren League and uprisings in 1910 and 1912, the Turks finally gave in to Albania’s demands for autonomy. Despite the proclamation of independence, things weren’t all fine and dandy. Establishing a coherent state proved difficult and WWI saw the country occupied by a succession of armies, among them the French, Italian and Austro-Hungarians.

In 1941, soon-to-be-leader Enver Hoxha formed the Party of Labour of Albania. Hoxha and his party would keep Albania on a tight totalitarian leash during a restrictive reign that lasted from 1945 up until the early 1990s. During the early decades of Communist rule, Albania cosied up to China; the two states united by their common enemy, the Soviet Union. But when China severed the partnership in the late 1970s, insular Albania was left extremely isolated; comparisons are sometimes drawn between it and modern-day North Korea.

In 1991, Albania finally shed its one-party system, becoming the last country of the former European communist countries to hold multi-party elections. The first year of democracy was turbulent; the country stabilised after the March 1992 elections, but the collapse of pyramid-banking schemes brought Albania to the brink of civil war in early 1997.

Since then, Albania has gradually become more politically stable and economically prosperous. The 2005 parliamentary elections resulted in the first peaceful handover of power from one governing party to another. Albania has been a NATO member since 2009 and the country has been granted official candidate status for EU accession – meaning a coveted spot in the bloc seems tantalisingly close.

Did you know?
• Upon the Mussolini-ordered invasion of Albania in 1939, the country’s first and last royal ruler, King Zog, fled his homeland and used gold looted from the Albanian treasury to foot his bill at London’s Ritz Hotel.
• Albania was the first country in the world to be declared an atheist state in 1967.
• During Communist rule, virtually the only Western films allowed to be shown in Albania were those featuring British comedian Sir Norman Wisdom. Hence, Wisdom became a popular cult figure in the country.

Religion

Albania is an extremely secular society. According to a 2011 census the breakdown is 56.7% Muslim, 10.03% Catholic, 6.75% Orthodox (the autocephalous Albanian church), but at best these figures indicate a nominal attachment to each faith as both the Orthodox church as well as the Muslim community have voiced disagreement with these figures.

Social Conventions

Normal Albanian etiquette is for people to shake hands the first time they see each other every day, and then again when they part. Between friends, a kiss on both cheeks is exchanged by men as well as women.

The usual way to indicate 'yes' is by moving the head horizontally from side to side. 'No' is usually signalled by a nod of the head.

Albanians usually remove their shoes inside their homes or other people's houses.

Smoking is widespread, and it is very unusual to find a non-smoking section in a restaurant, never mind a bar. However, smoking is not allowed on public transport, and this ban is almost always respected.

Homosexuality is still a taboo, although not illegal and laws against discrimination being in place since 2010. Public displays of affection by LGBTQ+ couples are likely to be greeted with some hostility.

Best Time To Visit:

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures vary between the lowland coasts and the highlands, but generally everywhere is pleasant year-round. Bring an umbrella for winter travels, Albania’s rainiest season.

In the lowlands, average winter temperatures hover around 7°C (44.6°F) and summers reach 24°C (75°F). More of the average annual 1,000-1,500mm of rainfall occurs in the north than the southern lowlands.

The eastern Albanian highlands, due to greater altitude, have colder winters that can reach lows of -1°C (30°F) in January. This warms up by the peak of the summer to the mid-20°C range (mid 70°F).

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Required Clothing

Clothing should suitable for the time of year and regions of the country to be visited, and also on the activities planned. For outdoor activities in the mountains, good waterproofs and warm layers should be carried at all times of year. On the coast in summer, long trousers and a light jacket will often be required in the evenings.

Dialing Code:

+355

Area(sq km):

28,748

Population:

2.877.797

Population Density(per sq km):

102.17

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

127