Visiting Albania: How Many Days Are Enough?

Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, Albania is without doubt one of Europe’s most overlooked treasures! The country boasts stunning landscapes from gorgeous beaches of the Ionian Sea to the peaks of the Albanian Alps which is yet to be impacted by mass tourism. Having had the opportunity to explore this country more than once, Albania is one of a few countries that I keep coming back to again and again.

Going back in history, Albania was known for being a mystical and isolated nation in Europe. Like much of Europe’s history, it all goes back to World War II, when Albania was under the grip of one of the most isolationist and Stalinist regimes in the world, led by the ruthless and paranoid Enver Hoxha from the end of the war until his death in 1985. The Hoxha regime, characterized by its strict Stalinist orthodoxy, pushed Albania into a period of extreme isolation, not just from the Western world but also from other Eastern Bloc countries after splitting with the Soviet Union in 1961 and later with China in the late 1970s. For more than 40 years Albania was a closed and isolated country, and only now, more than 30 years after the collapse of communism in the East, is truly opening up to tourism for the first time!

In comparison with the much more widely popular Croatia, Albania only receives about a fourth of the tourist that Croatia receives (6 million vs 20 million). So, my advice to you is to hurry! Because it is just a matter of time before the hordes of tourists realize the hidden gem that this country really is!

Albania is a small country but packed with things to do! To experience everything that Albania has to offer in one trip, a minimum of 10-12 days is recommended. This will give you enough time to explore the Albanian Riviera, the traditional small towns of Gjirokastër and Berat, as well as hiking in the Albanian Alps.

Why Visit Albania?

Albania is a land of undiscovered beauty, offering great food, pristine beaches, low prices, as well as great hiking. To put it simply, there is a lot that is packed into this small mountainous nation, and you could easily spend weeks exploring it. Here are the main reasons why this Balkan nation should be on your radar:

• Delicious food: One thing about Albania that stood out to me was its delicious cuisine. Albanian cuisine is the result of its history and geography, featuring a variety of flavors with influences from both Greece, Italy and the more traditional Balkan and Ottoman cuisine. At the Albanian Riviera you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes like grilled octopus and sea bream, while heading inland other traditional dishes such as tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt) and fërgesë (a traditional dish with peppers, tomatoes, and cottage cheese) should be tried. I would say that a trip to Albania is worth only for the food.
  
• Beautiful Nature: From the untouched beaches of the Albanian Riviera to the majestic Albanian Alps, Albania really is a paradise for anyone who loves nature. The country is home to numerous national parks with unique and untouched landscapes like the Llogara Pass, Theth National Park, and the Blue Eye Spring which are just a few examples of Albania’s natural wonders.
  
• Affordability and Hospitality: Compared to its Western neighbors, Albania is a highly affordable travel destination. It’s actually very cheap to travel in Albania! The cost of accommodations, food, and activities is low, which makes it a great place to travel to for anyone that on a budget or is simply tired of checking the price of everything. To give you a feeling for the overall costs of Albania, a beer will cost you are 1€ – 1.5€ while a meal in a restaurant will cost you about 5€. Moreover, Albanians are known for their warm hospitality, often going out of their way to make visitors feel welcome.
  
• Unique Culture and Traditions: For example, the UNESCO towns of Berat and Gjirokastër are both examples of well-preserved Ottoman architecture, while many Orthodox Churches date back to the Byzantine Empire. Additionally, traces of the Ancient Greeks and Romans can be found in the UNESCO site of Butrint.

Main Regions and Attractions

1. Tirana (2 days recommended)

The capital city of Albania, Tirana, is both vibrant and funky. One of the first things visitors notice is the city’s brightly painted buildings. Following the end of communism, Tirana underwent a transformation, with many of its grey, dreary communist-era buildings painted in sparkling colors. This initiative, led by the former mayor (and later Prime Minister) Edi Rama, aimed to revitalize the city and boost the spirits of its residents.

Before I visited Tirana for the first time I didn’t know what to expect, however I was pleasantly surprised by its lively atmosphere, particularly in the Blloku area, once restricted to the communist elite, which is now a bustling district filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants. Just like the rest of the Balkan capitals, the cafe culture in Tirana is lively with cafes on every street corner.

Spend your first day exploring Skanderbeg Square, the heart of the city, surrounded by notable landmarks such as the National History Museum, which offers a deep dive into Albania’s past. Also, don’t miss the Tirana Pyramid, first opened in 1988 as the Enver Hoxha museum serving as a museum for the legacy of Enver Hoxha. After the fall of communism, however, the building ceased to function as a museum and was later used as a NATO-base during the Kosovo War in 1999.

On day two make sure to make your way up to the top of the Dajti mountain overlooking Tirana. To get there you need to use the cable car known as the Dajti Ekspres, which is located roughly 10-15 min by taxi from the city center of Tirana. From the top you will have a beautiful view overlooking Tirana and even seeing as far as to the Adriactic sea.

2. Berat and Gjirokastër (2 days recommended)

Known as the city of a thousand windows, Berat is a historic little town located roughly a 2-hour drive from Tirana. Dedicate half a day to exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, wandering through its cobbled streets, and admiring the beautifully preserved Ottoman houses. Then, head to Gjirokastër, another UNESCO site, and spend the following day exploring its imposing fortress and bazaar. Both cities are excellent places to explore beyond the capital of Tirana, offering insights into Albania’s diverse history and showcasing some impressive Ottoman architecture.

3. Albanian Riviera (3 days recommended)

With turquoise, crystal-clear waters and sun-drenched beaches, the Albanian Riviera rivals its more famous Mediterranean counterparts like Spain and Greece. Eventually, you begin to wonder how so few people have yet to discover this place. Sarandë is probably the most popular of all the beach resorts on the Albanian Riviera and is also in close proximity to Gjirokastër if you are following my itinerary so far. Getting there from Tirana is not, however, the smoothest, as there is no proper highway built between the two cities and it takes about 3-4 hours. The scenic landscape of Albania does, however, make the drive enjoyable.

Spend your first day exploring the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which showcases the various historical layers that have influenced Albania over more than 2,500 years, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian influences.

Use Sarandë as your base and spend the next few days exploring the surrounding beaches and areas. My favorite places include: Blue Eye Lake, a turquoise deep water spring; Ksamil, with its turquoise sea and white sands; the small town of Dhërmi; and Gjipe Beach. The drive along the coast offers breathtaking views, particularly through the Llogara Pass, where the Ionian Sea stretches out beneath towering mountains.

4. Albanian Alps (3 days recommended)

For adventurers and nature lovers, the Albanian Alps are a must-visit. Base yourself in Valbona or Theth to explore the pristine landscapes of northern Albania. Hiking from Valbona to Theth through the Valbona Pass is one of the main hiking trails, offering beautiful views of this largely undiscovered part of Europe. If you are looking for a great resource on hiking between Valbona and Theth, make sure to check out this blog. Hiking in these areas will also give you a great opportunity to experience traditional Albanian hospitality, staying in local guesthouses and enjoying native dishes prepared by your hosts, all at very affordable prices.

Itinerary locations

Travel Tips

• Best Times to Visit: Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. I have visited Albania in the month of July, and temperatures can become a bit unbearable.
  
• Transportation: When traveling in Albania, I recommend that you rent a car, when traveling beyond the capital of Tirana. It will give you the most flexibility and the possibility to travel at your own pace. Buses and minivans are however available, for example between Tirana and Sarandë and are inexpensive, but so is car rental!

What To Eat In Albania

Below you will find a few dishes from the Albania kitchen that I believe should not be missed on your trip to Albania:

A traditional dish you shouldn’t miss is Fërgesë, a dish made with peppers, tomatoes, and cottage cheese, often served with fresh bread. It perfectly summarizes the simplicity and richness of Albanian flavors.

Tavë Kosi is another traditional dish, originating from Elbasan. It’s a unique baked lamb and rice dish, seasoned with a mixture of yogurt and eggs, creating a creamy, custard-like topping that’s both spicy and full of flavour.

For seafood lovers, Korani (trout) i Korçës is a must-try. This dish, typical of the Korçë region, features freshly caught trout from the near by lakes seasoned with local herbs and spices, grilled or baked to perfection.

No meal is complete without trying Byrek, also a Balkan classic, a versatile pie that can be filled with cheese, spinach, or meat. The flaky pastry is a common, not just in the Albanian households and bakeries but also in the whole of Balkan, perfect as a quick snack for lunch.

Lastly, Baklava is a sweet finale to any Albanian meal. This dessert, although shared across many cultures with Ottoman influence, has a special place in Albanian cuisine. Layers of thin pastry are filled with nuts and covered in syrup, creating a delicious little dessert.

Interesting Facts About Albania

The Land of Bunkers: During the communist era, over 170,000 concrete bunkers were constructed across Albania by Enver Hoxha’s regime, intended to act as defensive positions in case of invasion. These bunkers are scattered throughout the country, from beaches to mountain tops, and have become a peculiar symbol of Albania’s past.

Albanian Language: The Albanian language, or Shqip, is one of Europe’s oldest languages and has no direct relatives, standing as its own branch in the Indo-European family of languages. This makes it unique and of great interest to linguists.

First Atheist State: In 1967, Albania declared itself the world’s first atheist state under Hoxha’s regime. Religious practices were banned, and many churches and mosques were destroyed or repurposed. Today, Albania is known for its religious tolerance, with a mix of Islam, Orthodox, and Catholic Christianity practiced freely.

A Country of Eagles: Albania is often referred to as the “Land of the Eagles”, and its flag features a black double-headed eagle on a red background. The eagle is a symbol of freedom and heroism, deeply rooted in Albanian history and folklore.

Conclusion: How Many Days Are Enough?

So to conclude, how many days are enough when visiting Albania? I would say, for a complete tour of the country, no less than 10 days are necessary. The main places and attractions I have mentioned above can be visited in the order they appear, creating a perfect itinerary for anyone looking to explore all parts of Albania. However, if you don’t have 10 days or more to spare, you can choose to conclude your journey at Sarandë or Gjirokastër, making it a 7 or 4-day trip instead. Either way, I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed with Albania, whether you decide on a short trip to the beach or to the ancient small towns of Berat and Gjirokastër. It will literally blow your mind how so few tourists make it to this unknown country on the shores of the Ionian Sea. But hurry before that changes!