Traveling to Albania | Practical Guide and Tips
Albania, or Shqipëria as it is known locally, is one of the most fascinating destinations in the Balkans. It is a country where Mediterranean beaches, rugged mountains, traditional villages and a fascinating recent history come together.
After spending three months traveling around Albania by hitchhiking and minivans, I discovered a country that offers much more than just a cheap destination or another passport stamp.
From the legacy of Skanderbeg and the Illyrians to decades of communist isolation, Albania has experienced dramatic changes throughout its history. Today, that past is still visible in its landscapes, towns, architecture and, above all, in the people you meet along the way.
Albania became one of my favorite countries in the Balkans, and in this guide I’ll share the practical information you need to plan your own trip.
The basics of traveling around Albania
Visa
Citizens of Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia and EU countries can currently enter Albania without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Check my passportTransportation
Albania has no trains, metro or tram network. Within cities, buses are generally the main form of public transportation, while furgons are one of the most useful ways to travel between destinations.
Hitchhiking: Albania is particularly easy to explore this way. Average waiting time was around five minutes.
More infoCurrency
The official currency is the Albanian lek (ALL). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but Albania remains largely a cash-based country, so you should always carry some cash with you.
Reference rate: 1€ = 96 ALL
Check RR updatedHow to get there
Tirana has become an increasingly important Balkan travel hub. Low-cost airlines such as Wizz Air and Ryanair connect Tirana with numerous European cities. I’ve personally managed to find flights for as little as €15.
Search flightsMaps
For planning a road trip or an independent journey, I recommend having a physical map of Albania. The Reise Know-How Albania map (1:220,000) is particularly useful. Google Maps works well for many destinations, but it doesn’t always provide reliable information about local furgon and bus connections.
See mapWhat can you experience in Albania?
Sea, mountains, villages with their own codes of ethics, and a communist history of total isolation. In my guides below, I’ve included a recommended itinerary with alternative experiences.
Do you need personalized help planning a unique and special trip?
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Extra tips for traveling around Albania
Accommodation
Albania can be relatively inexpensive, particularly if you’re coming from Western Europe. In Tirana, for example, you can find a bed in a shared dorm for around €8, while private rooms can start at approximately €20.
Search accommodationCash or card?
The expression “cash is king” is particularly relevant in Albania. It’s a good idea to bring some euros with you and exchange them locally when necessary. ATM fees can be high, so check the conditions of your bank or card before withdrawing money.
Tip: A multi-currency card such as Wise can also be useful when traveling around Albania, particularly if you need to manage ALL alongside euros and other currencies.
Open for freeSIM Card
Although many things in Albania are inexpensive, mobile data can be relatively expensive compared with other European destinations. One and Vodafone are two of the main mobile operators in the country.
Recommended: If you want to arrive already connected, an eSIM can be a convenient alternative. Services such as Airalo allow you to purchase a data plan before arriving.
See eSIM
My 7, 10 or 15-day Albania itinerary
Want to know how I’d organize a trip around Albania? I’ve prepared a detailed itinerary based on my own experience traveling around the country for three months by hitchhiking and furgons. You’ll find recommendations for places to visit, accommodation, transportation and how much time to spend in each destination, while still leaving room for the spontaneous experiences that make independent travel around Albania so rewarding.