12 practical tips and useful things to know

Traveling in Albania is all about contrasts and diversity. One day, you’ll be standing atop the Albanian Alps, and the next you’ll be floating in the clear waters of a hidden bay. Adventure, culture and relaxation blend seamlessly here. While Albania is growing in popularity among travelers, there are still plenty of places where you feel like you’re exploring an undiscovered corner of Europe. From matters related to traffic and money to mobile Internet, the country has its own rhythm and rules. We have traveled all over Albania and collected the most practical tips and useful ideas for you. This way, you will be well prepared and make the most of your trip to Albania.

The best time to visit Albania is between May and September. During this period, the country is at its best: nature is green, coastal towns are lively, and mountain roads are available. Accommodation and restaurants are also fully open.

The summer months of June, July and August are by far the most popular. It is hot and sunny, with inland and coastal temperatures easily reaching 30°C (86°F). Perfect for beach days on the Albanian Riviera or a road trip with plenty of swimming stops along the way. Would you like to visit northern Albania to hike in the Albanian Alps? This is the best season. However, keep in mind that July and August are high season, which means it can get crowded in popular beach towns like Ksamil and Sarandë.

May and September are ideal if you want a good balance between peace, active days and beautiful weather. Temperatures are nice, and tourism is not yet overwhelming. April is a transitional month: the weather is getting warmer, but it’s still quite cold. Ideal for exploring cities like Tirana and Berat, although it’s not warm enough for beach days. It is still possible to visit the Albanian Alps in September, but in April and May, it often snows and many hiking trails remain impassable.

In the fall and winter months, it gets quieter. The coast is temperate but unpredictable, while the mountains may have snow, making some roads difficult to access. Many accommodations are also temporarily closed during this season.

Albania is not part of the European Union. This means that in many cases you will pay extra for mobile data, calls or texts. Check with your service provider before leaving if your data plan is valid in Albania. Some providers (such as KPN or Vodafone) offer an additional international package, but they are often limited in data and more expensive than alternatives. Do you want to be online instantly without any hassle? Then a Albania eSIM It is a great solution. With it, you can easily use mobile Internet via a digital SIM card without replacing your own card.

In Albania, you pay in Albanian Lek (ALL). Sometimes amounts in euros are also listed, but it is almost always cheaper to pay in leks. The euro is not accepted everywhere, and when it is, the exchange rate is often unfavorable.

While you can increasingly use debit or credit cards in Tirana and tourist coastal towns, this is not the case everywhere. In villages, small shops, restaurants, guesthouses and markets, cash is almost always required. You will also usually need cash to purchase entrance tickets to local attractions. Always keep some cash on hand.

ATMs are easy to find, especially in cities and tourist areas. Union Bank, Credits Bank and BKT charge the lowest fees. The fee is usually a fixed amount per withdrawal, so it’s smart to withdraw a larger amount at once. The maximum amount you can withdraw depends on the bank and ATM.

Tipping in Albania is not mandatory, but it is highly appreciated. In restaurants and cafes, it is common to leave around 10% if you are satisfied with the food and service. Rounding up the bill is also a good thing, especially for a coffee or drink. If you booked a tour or received good service during the transfer, it is a good idea to tip the guide or driver as a thank you. A typical guideline is about 10% of the tour price or about $2 per person per day for the guide or driver. In taxis, tipping is not expected, but rounding up the fare is considered a nice gesture.

With a rental car, you can explore Albania freely. Whether you’re taking a road trip along the Albanian Riviera, driving through the rugged north, or visiting cultural landmarks like Gjirokaster and Berat, car rentals allow you to make the most of your trip. Want to know what to look for when renting and driving in Albania? Consider choosing the right car, road conditions, traffic rules and of course costs. In our detailed article on renting a car in Albania, we share all the ins and outs so you can hit the road well prepared!

Water shoes are very useful in Albania. Many beaches consist of pebbles or rocks rather than fine sand, and in rivers or near waterfalls the ground can be slippery or uneven. The last thing you want is to step on a sharp rock or sea urchin while on vacation. Water shoes are also ideal for adventure activities, of which Albania has plenty! It is also a paradise for hikers. Are you planning to hike from Thethe to Valbona? Make sure to bring sturdy hiking boots. Even on short trips, it is useful since many of the trails are quite difficult.

Albania is becoming more popular, especially in the summer. In July and August, international and domestic tourists travel through the country en masse. If you are visiting during this time, plan your trip in advance and reserve important items early. Unique experiences and special stays – such as a boat trip on Lake Koman with an overnight stay on the Shala River – sell out quickly.

July and August are high season in Albania. These are the busiest months of the year, and prices rise sharply. Accommodation prices can double. Renting a car is also more expensive in high season. Booking early is the best way to avoid exorbitant prices. Take a look at our favorite accommodations in Albania to secure a great stay.

Navigation apps are useful but not always accurate in Albania. There’s a good chance you’ll suddenly end up on an unpaved road that looks good on the app. Sometimes the roads reach dead ends, especially in mountainous areas or small inland villages. Do not rely blindly on the app, and when in doubt, seek help from a local resident.

It’s also a good idea to ask your host or guide in advance about the best route. Local knowledge is invaluable in Albania. They will know which roads are valid and which ones to avoid. This way, especially with a rental car, you won’t end up stuck on a bumpy mountain road.

Not everything in Albania runs on schedule. The bus might be late, a restaurant might suddenly close, or you might get stuck in traffic because a herd of sheep is crossing the road. Tours and transfers don’t always start exactly on time, sometimes for no apparent reason.

At first, you may feel that Albania is a bit chaotic or unpredictable, especially if you are used to very organized travel. But that’s also part of the magic – going with the flow. Don’t let that get you down, rely on a comfortable pace instead. Chances are, your best memories will come from those unexpected twists.

No trip to Albania would be complete without enjoying the local cuisine. The country’s food culture is rich and full of diversity, with influences from the Balkans, Greece, Italy and Turkey. Dishes are usually prepared with fresh local ingredients such as fresh fish, homemade cheese, seasonal vegetables and artisan bread. Along the coast, seafood dominates the menu, while in the mountains you’ll find delicious meat dishes and stews. Vegetarians also have plenty of options. While the cuisine is rich in meat, there are plenty of vegetable, legume and cheese dishes as well. Here are some must-trys:

• Peric – Delicious filo pastry filled with spinach, meat or cheese
• Tavi Kosi – A baked dish of lamb and yogurt
• Vergesi – Creamy blend of peppers, tomatoes, and cheese
• Special specifications – Stuffed peppers
• Fuck you – Spiced rice balls from Gjirokastër

Foreign language, funky infrastructure, remote destinations – it may seem like planning a road trip through Albania is a challenge. But nothing could be further from the truth! You can easily plan your trip yourself without needing a travel agency. We’ve curated the ultimate Albania itinerary, covering the country’s most beautiful destinations. For each stop, we’ve also created step-by-step guides packed with practical information – from how to get there to what not to miss, plus tips on great restaurants, cozy places to stay, beautiful beaches and unique walking routes. With these resources, you will have no difficulty organizing your own adventure in this stunning corner of Europe.