Is Albania Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons to Book Your Trip (Or Not)
Is Albania worth visiting? This is a question we heard ourselves asking before our trip, especially because Albania has had a pretty awful reputation throughout the Balkans. While we were doing a road trip through the region, almost every person we met from a neighboring country seemed surprised that we were planning to go to Albania. We were constantly asked some version of, “Why would you go there?” Of course, that only made us more curious to see the country for ourselves.
Fast forward to today, and Albania has completely changed on the tourist radar. The Albanian Riviera is all over social media, places like Ksamil and Theth are becoming increasingly popular, and more travelers are starting to realize just how much the country has to offer. But popularity doesn’t automatically mean a destination is worth visiting, and we think it’s important to give you our honest opinion based on our own experience traveling around the country.
So, is Albania worth visiting? We absolutely think it is, and in this guide we’re going to explain exactly why we loved it, from the incredible landscapes and beaches to the culture, food, and road trip opportunities. But we’re also going to be honest about the drawbacks and things we think you should know before booking your trip, that way you can see if it’s a right fit for you.
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Is Albania Worth Visiting? Here’s A Bit About What to Expect
Before deciding whether Albania deserves a spot on your European itinerary, iwe want you to know what makes the country so unique, and why other tourists choose to visit. Here’s what you should know before deciding if Albania is right for you.
🇯🇵 What Is Albania Famous For?
Albania is best known for its stunning coastline, dramatic mountain landscapes, historic towns, and relatively affordable travel. The country sits along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, giving it some seriously beautiful beaches, while the northern and southern parts of the country offer completely different landscapes.
One of the things we loved most about Albania was how easy it was to combine different types of travel into one trip. You can explore Tirana, head north toward Theth and the Albanian Alps, road trip through the countryside, visit historic cities like Berat and Gjirokastër, and then make your way down toward the Riviera.
We’d say it’s most known for its beaches, but honestly we fell in love with the incredible variety of landscapes the country has to offer, and that it’s hardly touched in many areas.
🤔 Is Albania Worth Visiting?
We absolutely love Albania, and think it’s worth visiting, despite what other people had warned us about. We had such an enjoyable trip, and Albania surprised us in all of the best ways.
While there are certain things that could improve, the pros heavily outweighed the cons for us. We’re going to share all of the reasons Albania is worth visiting, along with some things that should be considered before booking your trip.
Is Albania Worth Visiting? Here are the 10 Reasons We Think it is
First, let’s dive into all of the things that make Albania a great travel destination!
🌊 1. The Beaches are Incredible
Let’s start with the obvious one: Albania has some seriously beautiful beaches. The Albanian Riviera stretches along the country’s southern coast, with bright blue water, rocky coves, sandy beaches, and beach clubs overlooking the Mediterranean.
What surprised us most was how beautiful some of the coastline can be without the same level of overwhelming development you’ll find in more popular Mediterranean destinations. There are plenty of different types of beaches, so whether you want somewhere with restaurants and beach clubs or a more natural setting, there are options to explore.
Exploring the Albanian RIviera is so special, and there is truly so much to do and see. Whether you’re looking to have cocktails at a beach club, go kayaking, or hike to a hidden cove, there is something for every type of beach lover out there.
Suggested Read: The Albanian Riviera: A Gem to Add to Your European Bucket List
💎 2. There are Crystal Clear Waters All Over
Not only are the beaches beautiful, but the clear waters don’t stop at the coast. You can find gorgeous swimming holes, rivers, and canyons with waters that will take your breath away.
The Blue Eye is probably one of the most famous examples, with its striking blue-green spring surrounded by lush scenery. Lumi i Shalës is another completely different experience, where bright turquoise water winds through a dramatic mountain landscape – honestly one of our favorite places to visit in Albania!
This is one of those things that makes Albania feel surprisingly diverse. You can have that crystal-clear Mediterranean water experience on the coast, then find equally impressive shades of blue and green surrounded by mountains and forests elsewhere in the country.
♨️ 3. You Can Visit Natural Hot Springs
Albania also has something that many people don’t immediately associate with the country: natural hot springs. These are another way to experience Albania’s nature beyond the beaches and provide a completely different type of experience.
After diving into history, going on adventures, and traveling all around Albania, there’s truly nothing better than spending time at the hot springs in Benje.
If you’re someone who likes combining relaxation with outdoor experiences, Albania gives you exactly that.
⛰️ 4. The Landscapes Are Incredibly Diverse
For a relatively small country, Albania has an impressive amount of natural variety. You can go from the Mediterranean coastline into rugged mountain landscapes, with rivers, lakes, valleys, canyons, and forests along the way.
This was one of our favorite parts of traveling through Albania because the scenery can change dramatically as you move around the country. A trip here doesn’t have to be exclusively a beach vacation, and it doesn’t have to be exclusively a mountain adventure either.
Albania has beaches, mountains, hot springs, and waterfalls, but also has quaint fairytale-like towns and a ton of history. Basically you can fit a lot in one trip, making it a place that many travelers can enjoy.
💡 Want to know the best spots? Check out our guide of 24 Most Beautiful Places in Albania to Photograph.
🏛️ 5. There’s a Fascinating Mix of History and Culture
Albania has a complicated and fascinating history, and you can see pieces of it throughout the country. Ancient civilizations, Roman and Ottoman influences, traditional Albanian culture, and the country’s relatively recent communist past can all be seen scattered around the country.
What we loved is that you don’t have to be a history expert to notice these influences. They appear in the architecture, historic towns, castles, museums, food, and everyday life.
We think this is an especially good reason to visit if you like destinations where the history isn’t confined to one famous monument. In Albania, you can learn a bit about the history, and appreciate different aspects of the culture without it having to be your entire trip.
💡 History buff? Tirana has some fascinating bunker museums.
🍽️ 6. Albanian Food Is Underrated
Albanian food doesn’t always get the same attention as the cuisines of Italy, Greece, or other countries in the region, but we think it’s criminally underrated. The cuisine has both Mediterranean and Balkan influences appearing throughout its dishes, and the food actually greatly varies between the different areas like the mountains vs seaside.
You’ll find plenty of fresh ingredients, seafood along the coast, meat dishes, cheeses, breads, vegetables, and hearty traditional meals. And because Albania is still developing as a major tourist destination, eating authentic local food is easy.
For us, food is always an important part of traveling, and Albania truly blew us away with its flavors.
💰 7. It’s Relatively Affordable
Another reason Albania has become so appealing to travelers is that it can be considerably more affordable than some of Europe’s other popular Mediterranean destinations. While prices have been increasing in Italy, Greece, and Croatia each year, Albania can still offer good value for travelers who want beautiful scenery, restaurants, beaches, and experiences without the price tags found in some neighboring countries.
We were having seafood pasta dishes at beach clubs for just 10 euros when we went – which would cost probably double or triple in many other countries!
Of course, we wouldn’t recommend choosing Albania only because you expect everything to be cheap. Popular coastal areas like Ksamil can be more expensive, particularly during the summer, and prices can vary quite a bit depending on where you stay and what type of experience you’re looking for.
Still, for travelers trying to get more out of their budget while exploring Europe, affordability is definitely an added bonus.
🌴 8. It’s Still Not Too Crowded
One of the biggest advantages Albania has right now is that you can still enjoy many of its most beautiful areas without dealing with the level of crowds found in other popular Mediterranean destinations in Italy, Greece, or Croatia.
That doesn’t mean Albania is some completely undiscovered secret anymore. Tourism has grown significantly, and some of the most popular places can absolutely get busy, especially during the summer. But compared with many other European beach destinations, there are still opportunities to find space to relax.
We especially loved being able to enjoy the beach club experience without feeling like we were fighting for a tiny piece of sand (with the exception of Ksamil). If you’ve ever visited a famous European beach in the middle of summer and wondered how anyone is supposed to relax when you’re surrounded by people, you’ll understand why this can be such a major advantage, particularly in places like Dhermiu and Drymades.
🫶🏻 9. The People Were Much Different Than We Expected
When I was going to school in Myrtle Beach, I knew a group of Albanian guys. They were known as being absolute sleeze bags. That experience paired with dozens of people from other Balkan countries complaining about Albanians to us certainly didn’t leave us with high hopes.
But when we got to Albania? It was a completely different story. We actually found ourselves in a ditch within our first hour there. A local man quickly came to our rescue, and his elderly mother came outside. She didn’t speak a lick of English (nor did we speak any Albanian), but she continued to hug me and smile signaling everything would be okay. She even invited us in her home afterwards.
After that experience we started to realize that Albanians are actually a lot like New Yorkers – tough on the outside, and warm on the inside. They’re deeply misunderstood, and actually some of the kindest people we met along our travels!
🇪🇺 10. Albania Is a Great Option for Travelers Spending Time in Europe
There’s another reason Albania can be particularly useful for certain travelers: Albania is not part of the Schengen Zone.
This was actually relevant to us personally because we’d already spent significant time traveling through Europe. Albania gave us the opportunity to continue exploring Europe without adding another Schengen country to our 90/180-day calculation.
Of course, visa requirements depend on your nationality, so you’ll always want to check the current requirements before your trip. But for travelers who are already navigating Europe’s Schengen restrictions, Albania can be a very interesting destination to consider.
Is Albania Worth Visiting? Here’s Who Should Visit & Who Should Skip it
Albania isn’t necessarily the perfect destination for every traveler, and we think that’s important to be honest about. The country has some incredible scenery and experiences, but it also has its quirks, and whether Albania is worth visiting really depends on what you’re looking for from your trip.
💁🏻♀️ Who Is Albania Ideal For?
🏖️ Beach lovers who want beautiful Mediterranean coastline, crystal-clear water, and beach clubs without the same level of crowds found in some other European destinations.
🏔️ Nature lovers who want to experience mountains, rivers, lakes, natural springs, and other landscapes beyond the beach.
💎 Travelers who want to see incredibly clear water, whether that’s along the coast or in places like the Blue Eye and Lumi i Shalës.
🌿 Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy exploring natural attractions, hiking, swimming, and getting away from major cities.
🍽️ Foodies who want to discover a cuisine that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as some of Albania’s better-known neighbors.
🏛️ History and culture lovers who enjoy destinations with a complicated past, historic towns, castles, and a mix of different cultural influences.
💰 Budget-conscious travelers who want a Mediterranean destination that can still offer good value compared with some other popular European destinations.
✨ Travelers who enjoy destinations that are still developing, rather than expecting everything to be perfectly polished and designed around tourism.
🚗 Adventurous travelers who don’t mind a little unpredictability and are willing to be flexible when things don’t always go exactly as planned.
🙅🏻♀️ Who Should Consider Skipping Albania?
🚗 Travelers looking for an easy, stress-free road trip. We enjoyed driving through Albania, but the roads and driving conditions can be challenging, so this isn’t necessarily the easiest destination for a first-time road trip.
🧼 Travelers expecting everything to be perfectly polished, especially in more remote areas. Albania’s tourism industry is developing quickly, but infrastructure and services aren’t always at the same level you’ll find in more established European destinations.
🏖️ People looking for a completely quiet beach vacation in the middle of summer. Albania is less crowded than many Mediterranean destinations, but its popularity is growing and the most famous areas can still get busy.
🏙️ Travelers who prefer highly developed tourist destinations with extensive infrastructure, predictable transportation, and everything planned around visitors.
🗓️ People who don’t want to spend time getting between destinations. Albania has a lot to see, but the country’s geography and road conditions can make travel between places take longer or be more complicated than you might expect.
😌 Travelers who need everything to go according to plan. Albania can be an amazing place to explore, but flexibility and patience will make the experience much more enjoyable.
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FAQ About Visiting Albania
Don’t know if Albania is worth visiting? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers in regards to safety, pricing, and other things that may be deal breakers in deciding if this country is should be your next trip.
Is Albania worth visiting?
Yes, we absolutely think Albania is worth visiting. The country has beautiful beaches, incredibly clear water, mountains, historic towns, natural hot springs, great food, and plenty of opportunities to experience nature. It also remains less crowded than many other popular Mediterranean destinations.
That being said, Albania isn’t perfect, and there are some things you should know before visiting, particularly when it comes to driving, infrastructure, and how developed different areas are for tourism. For us, though, the positives far outweighed the drawbacks.
Is Albania good for a vacation?
Yes! Albania can be a great vacation destination, especially if you want a combination of beaches, nature, culture, and outdoor activities. You can spend time along the coast, explore the mountains, visit natural attractions, and discover historic towns during the same trip.
It’s also a good option if you want a Mediterranean vacation that feels a little different from the more established destinations in the region.
Is Albania expensive to visit?
Albania can be relatively affordable compared with many other popular European destinations, although prices have been increasing as tourism continues to grow. Your overall budget will depend heavily on where you stay, when you visit, and what type of experiences you choose.
The most popular coastal areas can become noticeably more expensive during the summer, so don’t assume that every part of Albania will be extremely cheap.
Is Albania safe for tourists?
Albania can be visited by tourists, but as with anywhere else, it’s important to use normal travel precautions and stay aware of your surroundings. We also recommend doing some research about your specific destinations before traveling, especially if you’re planning to explore more remote areas.
Is Albania crowded with tourists?
Albania is becoming much more popular, so some of the country’s most famous destinations can get busy during the summer. However, compared with many other Mediterranean destinations, Albania still offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy beautiful places without the same level of crowds.
This was actually one of the things we enjoyed most about traveling there.
Is Albania good for a road trip?
Albania can be a fun country to explore by car, but we wouldn’t describe it as one of Europe’s easiest road-trip destinations. Some roads and driving conditions can be challenging, and you’ll want to be prepared for the realities of driving there before renting a car.
We personally enjoyed road-tripping through Albania, but enjoying something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy. If you’re planning to drive, make sure you understand what you’re getting yourself into before booking.
What is Albania known for?
Albania is best known for its beautiful coastline, crystal-clear water, dramatic mountains, historic towns, and relatively affordable travel. The country also has a fascinating history and a unique culture shaped by its position between different parts of Europe and the Balkans.
What is the best time to visit Albania?
The best time to visit Albania depends on what you want to do. Summer is particularly appealing for a beach vacation, while the shoulder seasons can be better if you want to explore without dealing with as many people or as much summer heat.
If you’re planning to combine the coast with hiking and other outdoor activities, it’s worth considering the weather conditions for the specific regions you’ll be visiting rather than looking at Albania as one single climate.
How many days do you need in Albania?
We’d recommend giving yourself enough time to experience more than just the coast. Albania has a lot more to offer than its beaches, so rushing through the country can mean missing some of its mountains, natural attractions, historic towns, and other experiences.
The amount of time you’ll need will ultimately depend on whether you’re focusing on the Albanian Riviera or trying to explore several different parts of the country.
Is Albania worth visiting instead of Greece or Croatia?
We wouldn’t necessarily say Albania is better than Greece or Croatia because they’re all very different destinations. However, Albania can be a fantastic alternative if you want beautiful Mediterranean scenery while experiencing a country that is less developed for mass tourism and, in many cases, more affordable.
If you’ve already visited Greece or Croatia, Albania can also be a great way to experience a different side of the Balkans.
Is Albania Worth Visiting? Final Thoughts & What’s Next
So, is Albania worth visiting? For us, absolutely. After actually traveling through the country and seeing it for ourselves, we couldn’t believe it wasn’t more popular (Although we do know that will change!). The beaches are beautiful, the water is unbelievably clear, the mountains are impressive, and there are so many natural and cultural experiences beyond the coastline.
At the same time, we don’t think you should book a trip to Albania expecting it to be another Greece or Croatia. Albania is still developing as a tourist destination, and things like driving, infrastructure, and getting between destinations can be challenging. We actually think that’s important to know before you go, because having realistic expectations can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy your trip.
For us, the imperfections are part of what made Albania memorable. We went into our trip after hearing so many people throughout the Balkans question why we would even want to visit, and we came away with so many reasons to visit Albania. If you’re willing to be flexible, embrace a little chaos, and explore beyond the obvious tourist spots, we think Albania is absolutely worth visiting.
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👀 What’s Next?
Now that you know whether you want to visit Albania or not! Don’t go anywhere though.
Here are other Albania guides we have:
✈️ How to get to Albania
🤩 The best places to visit in Albania
📸 24 best photo spots in Albania
🏙️ How to spend one day in Tirana
💎 How to visit Lumi i Shales
🏔️ Theth travel guide
🏞️ How to visit Osum Canyon
🏖️ Albania Riviera travel guide
🌊 How to visit Gjipe Beach
🚌 How to get around Albania
📖 Complete guide to planning a trip to Albania
Now you hopefully know if Albania is worth visiting! Still not convinced or need more clarification Feel free to drop your questions them in the comments below!
Want to learn more about visiting Albania? We have tons of other Albania Travel Guides for you, as well as new ones coming up every week! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so that you’re able to stay up to date with our most recent articles, and get special discounts on our shop.
Ready to start planning an incredible trip to Albania? Well, we’re here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning, so you can skip all the tedious work, and simply enjoy your trip. Take a look at our travel planning packages we have, or simply email us to get started today!
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