Is Albania worth visiting?
Absolutely! Despite its recent boom in tourism, I still find that Albania has a great deal of underrated places to visit and discover.
Albania is unique within Europe for its less-developed feel, which is ideal for adventurers and those seeking a less-massified and curated version of tourism which is common in many other parts of the Mediterranean.
Is Albania friendly to tourists?
Albania has been recently adjusting to a boom in its tourism economy.
From my personal experience travelling across the country more than once, I found Albanians to be very warm and friendly towards tourists.
Do you need a visa to visit Albania?
Whether you need a visa to travel to Albania depends on your nationality.
For example, citizens from the UK, US, and EU/Schengen (or traveller visiting on a multiple-entry Schengen visa) can enter Albania without a visa for up to 90 days in 180 days.
Other nationalities may require an E-Visa to enter Albania – check exemptions and application process here.
Do I need travel insurance for Albania?
While travel insurance isn’t a mandatory requirement to enter Albania, it is recommended.
As Albania is not part of the EU, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) available for EU citizens is not valid in the country. As such, you should consider travel insurance when travelling to Albania in the same way you would for travelling to any third country.
What language do they speak in Albania?
The official language in Albania is Albanian, although English is generally spoken in touristic areas, primarily in the Albanian Riviera.
Can you drink tap water in Albania?
While tap water in Albania is generally safe enough for brushing your teeth or washing produce, tap water treatment levels can vary widely between cities and regions.
Therefore, I’d recommend you to avoid drinking tap water in general and buying bottled water instead.
Is Albania safe?
Albania can be considered a safe country. From my experience travelling across the country more than once, I felt very safe.
You should, of course, follow the normal precautions for travelling in a foreign country as you would anywhere else.
Is Albania cheap for tourists?
Compared to other nearby European destinations, Albania is generally considered an affordable country to travel to.
Read through the following expected travel costs in Albania for a better idea:
Accommodation
Accommodation prices in Albania vary greatly depending on the season and region. In broad terms, it is cheaper to stay in the north of the country, followed by Tirana and the mountain regions, whereas the south part of the Albanian Riviera is the most expensive.
In low season, it’s possible to find budget stays for as little as 20€/night, up to 80€/night for a 4-star hotel. 5-star hotels, albeit few, usually cost over 120€/night.
In peak season, budget accommodation goes up to 40€/night, with mid-range options averaging around 80€/night in most of the country but over 160€/night on the riviera for a high-end resort.
Food
Dining out in Albania is often affordable, and a full meal for two people averages at 25€, including drinks and dessert. Drinks at beach bars often cost between 5-8€, and a local beer can cost as little as 1.50€.
Transportation
Car rental in Albania is often affordable, averaging at 40€/day for a small car. However, during low season I have heard of people only spending 100€ to rent a car for a whole week! Fuel costs around 1.75€ per litre.
Local bus tickets, such as within Tirana, cost 0.40€ per ride. Long-distance buses or mini vans vary in cost depending on the company, but usually average 12€ for a 1-2-hour ride between cities (for example, from Tirana to Shkodër).
Activities
Most natural activities like hiking or beach-hopping are free (and I recommend you bring your own snorkel mask and water shoes!). Some beaches have private areas with sun beds which you have to pay to use, but most have a public area where you can put down your towel for free.
Museum entry tickets average at 5€ or less.
Parking
I also had no trouble finding free parking (though in peak summer season it is harder to find).
What power plug type is used in Albania?
In Albania, Type C and Type F power sockets are used. These are consistent with the plug types used across mainland European countries.
If you travel from a country where a different plug type is used, you’ll need a travel adapter.
Also, consider that the voltage in Albania is 230V at a frequency of 50 Hz. This is consistent with the voltage used in the UK. If you travel from countries where a lower voltage is used (eg. 100-120V), you’ll want to consider using a voltage converter to avoid damage to your appliances (most common for hair styling products).
Can you pay with Euros in Albania?
The official currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek, however, Euros are also widely accepted as payment.
Until recently, cash was king in Albania. However, from my experience in the south of the country, most touristic areas and larger towns will accept card payments at shops and restaurants.
I advise you to still bring some money in cash for small purchases, and especially if you will travel using mini vans or buses. In rural areas and in the north of the country, I found that people were less keen to accept card payments, and even some hotels required payment in cash.
Should you tip in Albania?
Tipping is not expected in Albania. However, at restaurants, it is appreciated if you decide to tip because you enjoyed the service. Rounding up the bill to the nearest number is usually sufficient.