19 Albania Travel Tips You NEED to Know!

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Starting off strong with this one, but it’s crucial to remember to pack tissues in your day bag. As someone from the UK, where toilet paper is almost guaranteed in any public bathroom, it took me many years to remember this isn’t the case everywhere, and still to this day, I make the ever-looming decision to leave my accommodation without tissues. 

The truth is, while travelling in Albania, you’ll be lucky if you get a toilet seat in a public toilet, let alone toilet paper! If you’re planning on going hiking (and if you’re not, you should be), make sure you carry enough toilet paper for the duration of your hike; otherwise, a leaf may be needed… 

Bonus tip: If you’re out and about and need to use the bathroom, you should be able to find a public restroom located near parks or in shopping centres. Failing that, most locals will let you use theirs if you pop into a restaurant or cafe. 

If you’re ever in need of a spot of data, and for one reason or another you have none, find a friendly-looking local and ask them if they’d mind sharing a hotspot. More often than not, they will happily share data with you. 

As much as eSIMs for travelling are great, if you’re up north in the mountains, you may find your signal dropping, and be without bars. Fear not, as the locals probably still have better signal than you would from your home broadband, don’t ask how – it’s one of those wonderful mysteries better left unsolved. 

P.S. 8/10 cafes and restaurants all have their wifi password as 12345678, sometimes with a 9. If you ever need a dose of internet, stand outside and give it a try; there’s a good chance you’ll get in! 

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Albania is one of those countries where you have to let your type A personality have a holiday and go with the flow. The bus schedule you read online is probably 5 years outdated, the one printed at the bus stop is in Albanian, and every local you ask most likely gave you a different answer. 

Here are my personal top tips for travel, planning and buses:

• Get to the bus stop early, and prepare to wait. Don’t leave if it’s past the scheduled time; it will arrive. 

• Plan your travel in the morning, that way you don’t risk the buses being finished for the day. 

• Don’t book in advance if it’s non-refundable.

• Always have a plan B. 

Bonus point: Be prepared to sit on a stool. You may have paid for a bus seat, but in Albania, plastic stools are bus seats not yet unfolded. Embrace it, have fun with it and thank the bus gods when you get an actual seat.

If you’re travelling on a budget, Cevapi is the most affordable (and tasty) way to grab a quick meal. If you have previously travelled the Balkans, you may have had other countries’ versions, such as Romanian Mici, Macedonian Kebapi or Bulgarian Kebapcheta. In Albania, you often get served Cevapi in a warm Pita bread with the option of onions and sometimes also feta. 

The best Cevapi usually come from a rundown, slightly abandoned-looking small shop, hidden away down a random alley. Your best bet to find these is to ask the people who work at your hostel, guesthouse or hotel for their regular one. Spoiler alert: this will become your regular too.

Mountain roads = rollercoaster (entrance fee: your courage)

If you think you’ve been on bumpy journeys before, think again. Northern Albania has some of the worst roads I’ve ever encountered, up there with the roads in the Himalayan region of Nepal. Luckily, whilst being thrown about in the back of a 12-seater minivan that somehow has 16 people in, you will have incredible views, so it makes up for it. 

For the hours you’re in the minivans/shuttle buses, your life will be in the hands of the middle-aged Albanian man who has one hand on the wheel, the other on the phone and who could probably drive the route backwards and with his eyes closed. There will be beeping, there will be shouting in Albanian, and it will be a great time – or at least that’s what you will say once you’re safely off the bus, and looking back on the journey. 

The traffic light just turned red for oncoming traffic, and your little man has just turned green and started walking with a bit of a bounce in his step. Do not be fooled – the chances of a car speeding down the road towards you, showing no sign of stopping, are high. 

In Albania, traffic lights are more of a ‘suggestion’ than a definitive ‘cars are stopping’, so make sure you’re checking the road before crossing, regardless of the traffic lights! 

And when in doubt, follow the Albanian granny who is carrying her wicker basket of fruit from the local market and is clearly on a mission to make it to her 2 pm knitting class. She knows how to cross the road like a boss and will stop traffic with her bare hands if it comes to it. 

Similar to many other Balkan countries, you’re going to need cash in Albania. I would highly recommend taking out a lump sum of cash upon arrival to save on bank withdrawal fees. You’re guaranteed to need cash in all areas of the country, especially at locally run restaurants, accommodation and stores. Most larger chains will accept cards, but with an additional fee to pay, you’re better off using cash. 

The best banks to use for the majority of cardholders are Union Bank and OTP Bank, both of which have a lower withdrawal fee. Don’t forget to check your card’s specific fees for transactions abroad too! If you want to pick up a card that is great for minimal fees while travelling, I’d recommend signing up for a Wise card.

Average bank withdrawal fee: 500 – 700 LEK 

Exchange rate (at the time of writing): 100 LEK = £0.89 / €1.02  / $1.20USD

Albania is a country with a wide variety, no part to be skipped. There is something for everyone in Albania, from beautiful beaches, historic cities and incredible hiking trails. 

Southern Albania is known for its beaches, with must-visit spots including Himare, Sarande, Vlore and Gjirokaster, as well as being home to UNESCO World Heritage sights, and being a great spot for a taste of seafood and a sip of wine. 

As you head up North, you’re greeted with some of the best mountains in Europe. The city of Shkoder sits as the popular starting point for numerous hikes, such as the famous Theth – Valbone hike, done by many travellers.

Northern Albania feels more raw, filled with culture and adventure. There are many hikes, lakes, waterfalls and rivers to explore in this area, and a number of activities to indulge in, such as rafting, kayaking and mountaineering.

Okay… maybe not totally. But expect maps not to work when you leave the cities / main towns. If you’re trying to navigate in Tirana, it’s got you covered; however, if you’ve just finished a four-day hike, and arrived at the town of Theth when you ran out of water hours ago and have heat exhaustion, do not rely on Google Maps. 

It will direct you into private property, take you half an hour out of the way, and force you to knock on a local’s door and ask for directions to reach your guesthouse, and yes, if you couldn’t tell, this is from personal experience (don’t be like me).

I’m not saying ask for someone to do your shoe laces up for you, but when you need help, just ask. Locals are so kind and will truly go out of their way to help you. Whether you’re after a recommendation for the best spot, directions, or public transport information, they will always do their best!

Do be warned, you may get your restaurant recommendation with a side of family history, and current drama in their household – but it’s all part of the fun!

One of my biggest travel lows happened in Albania, when I became incredibly sick in the mountains, and I will never forget the kindness of the locals who helped me get to my guesthouse, and the guesthouse owners who checked up on me, fed me, and helped me reach the city again. 

It’s true what they say, strangers really are friends you haven’t met yet. 

Yes, this stands for every country – but it’s always important to remind people! Learning the local language has so many benefits, not only is it going to help you out when you may need it, but it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the culture, get involved with locals and learn something new! 

It’s one of those things that is so simple and so effective. 

Here are ten words/phrases I would recommend learning for your trip to Albania: 

Do not listen to anyone who tells you otherwise. 

When hiking, you may get told by locals that the water is fine to drink. Well, every time they tell you that, please remember this article and remind yourself not to do it.

Every single person I met on my hiking trips in the North got super sick from the water, myself included! 

It’s not worth the risk, so go prepared! Make sure you’re carrying enough water with you, and even better, carry a filter bottle to ensure you never need to worry! 

I’d suggest picking up an UltraPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle.

Now, depending on where you’re from, this one may already be part of your daily life, but dinner time in Albania is late! If you’re from countries such as the UK or Norway, then prepare to have dinner a good few hours later than you would at home, as the average dinner time in Albania is 8 pm. 

If you have travelled in any of the Balkan countries before, you may be familiar with this cherished drink. Raki is a spirit that is seen as more of a way of life in many Balkan countries, and Albania is no different. 

It’s the country’s traditional drink, and dates back to ancient times in rural Albania. 

You won’t need to go out of your way to try Raki, as it’s commonly served at bars, restaurants, and even offered as a welcome drink at some hostels. If you want to enjoy it like the locals do, sip slowly and enjoy its taste. 

If you’re someone who doesn’t drink, don’t worry! In my month in Albania, I never had anyone judge me for not taking them up on a glass of Raki, and I can count on one hand how many days went by without being offered it. Just let them know you don’t drink alcohol; it’s much better than saying you don’t like it, because then you may be judged!

If you’re a budget backpacker, your brain may be autowired to staying in hostels; it’s kind of an unspoken backpacker thing.

However, in Albania, you may find guesthouses to be cheaper than hostels, especially if you’re travelling with a friend or in a group!

Make sure you compare prices, as you may be able to get a private room in a guesthouse for the same cost as a dorm bed, who wouldn’t take that offer?

Albania also has hostels listed on booking.com, so don’t take hostelworld as gospel – check around! Up north in mountain villages and towns, you may also find guesthouses that have dorm rooms available; these are the best of both worlds! 

Similar to the bus schedule being essentially non-existent, the concept of time is interpreted differently by everyone. ‘Soon’ or ‘shpejt’ in Albanian could mean 3 minutes, 3 hours, or 3 days, depending on who said it to you. 

If you have planned a dinner with a local, prepare to wait a while for them to arrive, because 8 pm really means 8.30 at the very earliest, and allow at least half an hour to say your goodbyes. One last coffee, one last hug, except they’re never the last, there’s always one more. 

This is why flexibility is key, so try to embrace it and go with the flow as much as possible!

Now we’ve spoken about packing, I’m here to remind you to leave some empty space in your backpack for souvenirs! 

Of course, you can pick up the traditional magnets, postcards and patches here, but if you’re looking for something a little more unique, here are a few ideas: 

If you’re into shopping and fashion, Albania has a ton of markets and thrift stores you can browse and pick up pieces from, and let’s be real, clothes are an awesome souvenir! They’re practical and make for a fab story when someone compliments it.

Fan of coffee? Why not pick up a traditional coffee set, and make every cup of coffee back home remind you of an awesome trip! 

And for those of you who love a little bit of random treasure, the flea markets in places such as Tirana and Gjirokaster hold hundreds of goodies, such as old bank notes, coins, stamps and even communist memorabilia such as old bunker signs.

It’s no secret that whilst the coast of Albania is absolutely beautiful, it can get busy; however, there are still things you can do to ensure you still have a great time, and to try and avoid some of the crowds. 

If you’ve visited places like Dhermi and Ksamil, you may have had a taste of what’s on offer, but want to experience it in a more peaceful way? Here are a few places to add to your list: 

Finding the right beaches in Albania is key to your experience, and one of the first that comes to mind is Gjipe beach, a beach hidden away between dramatic cliffs, only accessible by either a boat or hiking. Lack of accessibility makes for a much quieter spot to relax, plus you have the adventure of getting there! 

Aquarium Bay is as close to a secret lagoon as you could get. With crystal clear water and fewer crowds, it makes a great spot for snorkelling. 

Grama Bay is one of the most remote spots on the Riviera, with turquoise waters, a white pebbly shore and fewer tourists. It’s usually reached with an organised boat trip from places such as Himare, making it a great spot for a lesser touristy location. 

Reminder: These lesser-visited gems deserve to stay gems. Remember to leave no trace, and leave it as, or better than, you arrived. 

After reading the previous tips, you’re hopefully super excited to see some of Albania’s incredible beaches and mountains, but it’s important to remember it’s a country with one of the most challenging recent histories. 

Until the early 1990s, it was isolated under one of the harshest communist regimes, and you will see reminders of this all around.

Allow yourself some time to learn and understand more about its history, and it will allow you a better understanding of the hardship it’s been through and the resilience of its people. 

Tirana is a great spot to learn more about this, and here are some of my recommendations to do so: 

• House of Leaves: This is the museum of secret surveillance, and it focuses on how the communist regime spied on its own people. It’s an incredibly eye-opening museum to visit. 
• Bunk’Art 1 and Bunk’Art 2: Two immersive museums that are set in old bunkers underground. They dive into life under dictatorship and Albania’s isolation. 
• National Historical Museum: This will give you a broader overview of Albanian history. 

And of course, no ‘top tips’ article would be complete without giving you some must-visit locations to add to your Albania itinerary! Here are some cities and towns you should check out on your trip:

• Theth: The adventure capital of the country and home to some of Albania’s best hikes.
• Tirana: A cultural gem, with a communist past.
• Shkoder: A beautiful city at the base of the mountains, full of activities to do.
• Vlore: Where history meets the beach.
• Valbone: A quiet space in the mountains to simply exist.
• Gjirokaster: A UNESCO World Heritage site, full of history.
• Berat: The city of ‘a thousand widows’ and a sunset lover’s dream.
• Butrint National Park: Ancient ruins and a UNESCO heritage site. 

Albania has such a variety, it can be hard to figure out how to pack everything into a 40L backpack, so here are my must-pack, and why you need them:

• Good hiking boots are crucial if you’re headed up North.
• Suncream, Albania gets HOT!
• First aid kit and rehydration sachets for those long days out hiking.
• Swimsuit, because the beaches are irresistible.
• Waterproof phone case, whether it’s for swimming, waterfalls or rafting – you’ll want to capture photos! 
• Multiple bank cards, cash is needed, and you want to make sure you can get it! 
• Dry bag, or a separate bag to put wet clothes in for a travel day, just in case they haven’t dried yet. 
• Your patience (you need it).

Whilst it’s always good to go prepared, no need to stress! Most things can easily be picked up in either shopping centres or street markets.

The last thing you want to do is book a trip without looking into the best times to visit Albania and how the seasons could affect your plans, so here’s a breakdown of the best times to visit:

• January & February: Best for skiing, and cosy stays to relax in the snowy mountains.
• March: The start of spring, best time to visit the South before the crowds become big, although it can still be chilly! Higher altitude hiking in the Albanian Alps may still be inaccessible. 
• April: The best month to road trip! Mountains become more accessible, and beaches are warm enough for a dip. 
• May: Hiking season starts, and the weather in the South is warm, but not overwhelming.
• June, July and August: Hot Hot Hot! Hiking is possible, but prepare for the heat, and book everything in advance! Riviera gets packed, and prices increase. 
• September & October: The best months. It’s warm, it’s light, it’s quiet, you have everything! 
• November: Cool but rainy. Great for someone who likes hiking in bad weather, and anyone wanting to experience the city’s cultures!
• December: The Christmas scene is amazing! Think: snowy mountains, warm cocoa and Christmas markets! 

Want to explore some of the most breathtaking mountains on Earth, without the stress of planning it all yourself? Come and travel with us on our Albanian Alps Adventure Tour. Accommodation, guides, local homestays, food and transport are all sorted. You just need to get here!

The Broke Backpacker has launched a tour company, Elsewheria, that strives to create a travel experience that’s immersive, authentic, and full of soul. From hiking from one mountain village to the next, kayaking across glassy lakes, sharing meals in family-run guesthouses, and making new friends who love adventure as much as you do. This trip might be just what you’ve been looking for…

Bonus Albania Travel Tip: Get Insured!

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Albania.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Albania is a country that rewards curiosity. Chatting with locals, learning the language, understanding how the recent history has shaped it into the country it is today, or stumbling into rural villages, every step you take will truly affect your time there. Go in with an open mind, and you will be shown why travellers fall in love with Albania. 

After taking on board these 20 tips, you should be more than prepared for your trip! If you only take on board one thing from this, let it be to go with the flow, be flexible and just enjoy the spontaneous side of travel.

If this is the early days of your planning, you can check out some of our other Albania articles to help plan your itinerary and dig deeper into the country before you go.