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Welcome To Albania
Albania is a scenic country in the Balkans that has been gaining more and more popularity as the days pass by. Albania’s rich culture, deep history, and beautiful beaches are the main reasons why most travellers are flocking here to spend their summers.
Though Albania is still managing to maintain its status as a hidden gem, it is only a matter of time before it becomes a mainstream travel destination. Based on my experience in Albania, I’d recommend you explore this Eastern European charm before the rest of the world finds out about it.
Moreover, because of its lower cost of living, Albania is becoming an increasingly popular destination for vacationers sick of the overpriced Mediterranean hotspots. Its proximity to Greece and its convenient access to other nearby countries such as North Macedonia and Montenegro makes it all the more desirable for travellers in South Europe. Pair all of this with its picturesque summery seaside, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a stellar holiday!
Read on below to discover the different cities of Albania to see which would suit your trip best!
Lastly, before you dive deeper into this article, I’d like to give a shoutout to Sierra (@BelleTropics on Instagram) for co-authoring this post with me!
Cities To Visit In Albania
Saranda
For The One Who Wants To Have A Good Time
Saranda - also known as Sarandë - is the heart and soul of the Albanian Riviera with good vibes, good seafood, daily convenience, and a buzzing seaside culture. Out of all the places I visited in Albania, Sarandë stole my heart. If I were you, I would make Sarandë my base and work from here - it is a guaranteed crowdpleaser!
Saranda is a great option for day trips to other beautiful cities on this list such as Ksamil and Gjirokaster – and also to Corfu in Greece. You can get here by taking a 4-hour bus from the capital Tirana or by taking a 30 min ferry from Corfu, Greece. This one's totally for tavellers who want a lively base with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
Things To Do & Experiences In Saranda
To get a sense of what Saranda has to offer, check out some of these activities you could sign up for with our partners at GetYourGuide.
Tirana
For The City Dweller
Tirana/Tiranë is a popular historic and culture hub – the most you'll get in Albania. It’s also known as Europe’s Youth Capital. Tirana is Albania’s biggest city with the most restaurants, cafes, bars, and workspaces compared to the other spots on this list.
It’s important to note that Tirana has the only airport in the country and all major bus routes through the Balkans run through Tirana so it's a solid choice for convenience. This one's best for history buffs, foodies, and those who love urban energy.
Things To Do & Experiences In Tirana
To get a sense of what Tirana has to offer, check out some of these activities you could partake in with GetYourGuide.
Ksamil
For The Beach Lounger
Ksamil has buzzing beach clubs filled with relaxing sunbeds and tropical cocktails. It’s definitely more on the fancy and expensive side. There are hidden remote beaches that are accessible if you have a car which is worth going to. You can find some beautiful properties here. Ksamil is a true gem of the Albanian Riviera though it is packed with tourists.
Ksamil is just 30 mins away from Sarandë and similar to Sarandë, Ksamil is also a quick 30 min ride from Corfu in Greece.
It’s important to note that Ksamil is much smaller and densely packed compared to Sarandë - if that’s the vibe you’re chasing.
Come here if you like small cities with fancy beach clubs and vacation vibes. Alternatively, you could stay in Sarandë and come here as and when you please since they're so close by.
Things To Do & Experiences In Ksamil
To get a sense of what Ksamil has to offer, check out some of these activities you could dive into with GetYourGuide.
Himara
For The Small Town Vacation Vibes
Himara/Himarë is Albania’s diamond in the rough. This small seaside town sits on a stunning bay with a backdrop of mountains and olive groves. This area has some of the most beautiful natural views and stretches of coastline.
It maintains the heart of a small town with the growing potential of a vacation hotspot. New beach clubs and hotels have begun to pop up along the coast, but they’re balanced out by family-owned restaurants, quiet corners of paradise, and endless hidden gems to discover here. There’s plenty of local charm paired with the perks of a town that is eager to welcome tourists.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the short hike to Filikuri Bay to climb down a makeshift rope onto one of Albania’s best beaches! The adrenaline rush is totally worth it.
Himara is the definition of the word “chill.” Come here if you’re looking for a few days of small town seaside vibes - without the higher energy crowd of Saranda.
Things To Do & Experiences In Himara
To get a sense of what Himara has to offer, check out some of these activities offered by GetYourGuide.
Durrës
For The Silent Beacher
Durrës, Albania’s main port city, lies right by the sea just 30 minutes away from the buzzing capital city of Tirana. Despite its amazing location, it doesn't have the excitement people may expect – which could be a good thing if you're seeking quiet seaside vibes to get work done. Durrës doesn't have the charm and energy of the Albanian Riviera but it surely has the convenience of location if you need a quick seaside escape.
In my opinion, you'd rather stay in Tirana and come here for a day trip.
Things To Do & Experiences In Dürres
To get a sense of what Dürres has to offer, check out some of these activities you could dive into from our partners at GetYourGuide.
Shkodër
For The Mountain Hermit
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Shkodër/Shkodra is a chill and quiet mountain town. It’s known for its scenic mountainous views including a 2-day hike to Theth, a boat trip of Lake Skadar, and the panorama of the city from the Rozafa Castle. If you like really really slow mountain towns with good restaurants and local cafes, you can come to Shkodër.
Shkodër is conveniently located just 2 hours away from Albania’s capital, Tirana and Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica if you’re ever longing for a bigger city escape for the day.
If you like the outdoors and the peace of the hills, this spot is for you.
Things To Do & Experiences In Shköder
To get a sense of what Shköder has to offer, check out some of these activities you could dive into from our partners at GetYourGuide.
Gjirokaster
For The Authentic Culture Experience
Known as the "Stone City" and the "City of a Thousand Windows" respectively, these two are essential for anyone seeking culture. Gjirokaster embodies old-school Albanian culture, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Albanian experience. It's famous for its steep cobblestone streets and a massive fortress overlooking the valley. You can certainly immerse yourself in the traditional Albnian way of life and savour its unique charm.
Things To Do & Experiences In Gjirokaster
To get a sense of what Gjirokaster has to offer, check out some of these activities you could dive into from our partners at GetYourGuide.
Safety As A Traveller In Albania
During my time in Albania, I had a safe and pleasant experience with no issues or concerns. Throughout my exploration of the country, I never felt out of place or uncomfortable. The locals were exceptionally kind and always ready to lend a helping hand when needed.
Additionally, I must mention that I encountered very few travel scams during my stay. For instance, taxi drivers consistently offered fair prices for their services without the need for lengthy negotiations. It was refreshing to experience such honesty and transparency during my travels. Just don’t look for trouble or do anything careless and you should have nothing to worry about.
Is Albania Safe For Women?
As a woman travelling solo, Sierra was comfortable during her trip to the Albanian Riviera. She found the locals to be very welcoming and friendly to tourists, with plenty of safe options for tours, accommodations, and transportation. There is a strong female expat community in Sarande with women of all ages. She found that the bus system was a safe and easy way to get around, with the bus drivers being extremely helpful to tourists navigating the area. Hitchhiking is very common in Albania, but most female expats she met recommended against it when you’re not with a travel partner or group of people.
One thing that may surprise you is that Albanian locals, both men & women, are very comfortable staring at tourists! This is a common aspect of the culture and is just a signal of curiosity rather than danger. It may be uncomfortable initially (especially for women traveling solo), but it’s not as intimidating if you’re expecting it!
Getting A SIM In Albania
When you land in Albania, I strongly suggest you purchase a SIM card to stay better connected as a digital nomad. Purchasing a local SIM on your travels is usually better than activating your existing provider’s roaming plan. Personally, I saw the deals at the phone providers at the Tirana airport arrivals and was not impressed with their prices. I waited until I got to the city and got a Vodafone SIM from the local market for a better deal.
Alternatively, I recommend checking out Airalo for an eSIM while travelling in Albania. I've used it multiple times on my trips around the world, and it's been a lifesaver. It’ll save you the hassle of hunting for SIM cards at airports and local markets – you can purchase it easily on your phone and you're good to go!
📱 Get An Airalo eSIM For Albania Today →
Getting To & Around Albania
Flight to Tirana
Tirana is home to Albania’s only international airport which is one of two main entry points into the country. From Tirana, you can get buses to almost every major city in Albania.
If you’re still in the planning phase for your Albania trip, feel free to use our Skyscanner widget below to explore flight options and prices. Who knows, you might just stumble upon a fantastic deal to make this digital nomad escape a reality.
Flight & Ferry Via Corfu
The other main entry point would be to fly into Corfu in Greece and take the 30 min ferry across to Saranda or Ksamil. This is definitely the better option if you want to spend most of your time in the Albanian Riviera.
Buses In The Balkans
Most of the time it's just about showing up to the station and inquiring about intercity bus timings. People usually buy their bus tickets on the spot so be prepared for some uncertainty and chaos - this is normal for travellers in the Balkans. This shouldn’t stop you from visiting.
Riviera Bus
The Riviera Bus is a pricey but comfortable & scenic route that takes you from Tirana to the south of Albania at €29.90. You can consider this one if the public bus system can get confusing or overwhelming for you.
Renting A Car
Thinking about renting a car in Albania? Travelling around Albania will be much easier if you have a car. It's a total game-changer compared to dealing with the local public transport hassle. Plus, having your own wheels lets you hit up those off-the-beaten-path beaches in the Albanian Riviera.
And That’s A Wrap
Albania offers an amazing combination of culture, nature, and play. It is an ideal summer destination because of its vibrant culture, rich history, and laid-back lifestyle. This blog post should give you the lowdown on various Albanian cities and how they match up with their vibes. Cheers to your next adventure!
