The Riviera & south Updated 15 October 2026
The Albanian Riviera: The Best Places on the Coast
The best spots on the Albanian Riviera, from the islands of Ksamil to Dhërmi, hidden Gjipe, laid-back Himarë and lively Saranda, and how to link them.
Europe's last wild coastline is not staying quiet for long
Your guide to Albania from the turquoise Riviera to the wild northern Alps and the old stone towns in between
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My trip
One real day from a schedule our planner builds. Yours is built from your answers.
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Day 3 · Tirana · 5 stops- Dajti Ekspres Cable Car 09:00-11:00
- Ceren Ismet Shehu 12:30-14:00
- Skanderbeg Square 14:30-16:00
- Fabrika 16:30-17:30
- Cooking Class Tirana 18:00-20:00
closes 21:00
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The Albanian Riviera
From Palasa to Ksamil: the beaches, the coastal towns and the turquoise water of the south.
The Riviera & south Updated 15 October 2026
Saranda or Ksamil: Where to Base on the Albanian Riviera
Saranda vs Ksamil as a base on the Albanian Riviera: beaches, hotels, restaurants, transport, day trips and crowds, with a clear verdict per traveller.
The Riviera & south Updated 15 October 2026
The Best Beaches in Albania: Where the Water Actually Is That Colour
A coast that runs from flat Adriatic sand in the north to Ionian coves under a mountain road in the south, and the beaches worth the drive.
Ready-made itineraries Updated 16 October 2026
Three Days in Saranda and Ksamil
An honest three days in Saranda and Ksamil: a day by day plan for beaches, Butrint at dawn, quiet coves, and the five mistakes that swallow a short trip.
The Riviera & south Updated 16 October 2026
Vlore: Where Albania Declared Independence and the Riviera Begins
A working port city with a long promenade, the square where the country was founded in 1912, and the road south that becomes the best drive in the Balkans.
Day trips & sights Updated 15 October 2026
The Blue Eye: A Spring Nobody Has Reached the Bottom Of
A karst spring in southern Albania where the water comes out of the rock at an unknown depth and an impossible colour, half an hour from the coast.
Where to stay?
Compare prices on hotels and rentals across Albania.
The mountains and wild north
Our on-the-ground guides to the Alps, the trails and the wild corners of Albania.
The Alps & north Updated 16 October 2026
The Albanian Alps: Theth, Valbona and the Famous Hike
A guide to the Albanian Alps: the villages of Theth and Valbona, the famous Theth to Valbona hike, when to go, where to stay, and how to plan the journey.
The Alps & north Updated 17 August 2026
A Week in Wild Northern Albania
A week-long route through the Albanian north: Shkoder and its lake, the Koman ferry, the Valbona valley and Theth, with where to sleep and how it connects.
The Alps & north Updated 15 October 2026
Hiking in Albania: The Best Walks and How Serious They Are
A pass between two Alpine valleys, a gorge that ends at a beach, a national park above the coast road, and very little mountain rescue.
Ready-made itineraries
All itineraries
The Albania map
Every destination, beach and town from our guides, on one map.
Destination
More than 450 of the best places in Albania, in one guide with photos and tips.
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Historic towns Updated 18 October 2026
Berat or Gjirokaster: Which Ottoman Town If You Only Have One Day
Two UNESCO towns and one free day. An honest comparison of Berat and Gjirokaster on setting, castle, food and driving time, and when to skip both.
The Alps & north Updated 16 October 2026
The Albanian Alps: Theth, Valbona and the Famous Hike
A guide to the Albanian Alps: the villages of Theth and Valbona, the famous Theth to Valbona hike, when to go, where to stay, and how to plan the journey.
Trip planning Updated 16 October 2026
Renting a Car in Albania: The Best Way to See It
Everything you need to rent a car and drive in Albania: what it costs, the roads, insurance, fuel and parking, and why a car is the best way to see it.
Ready-made itineraries Updated 16 October 2026
Three Days in Saranda and Ksamil
An honest three days in Saranda and Ksamil: a day by day plan for beaches, Butrint at dawn, quiet coves, and the five mistakes that swallow a short trip.
The Alps & north Updated 16 October 2026
Shkoder, the Gateway to the Albanian Alps
Most people pass through Shkoder on the way north and regret not stopping. A lake, a castle above it, bicycle culture and the road to Koman all start here.
Tirana & the center Updated 16 October 2026
Three Days in Tirana: A Capital That Rewards Slowing Down
A nuclear bunker under a hill, a surveillance museum in a secret police building, a cable car to a mountain, and a restaurant scene nobody expects.
Must reads
The core guides to start from.
Hotels & stays Updated 16 October 2026
Where to Stay in Saranda and Ksamil: An Honest Guide
Where to stay on the Albanian Riviera: Saranda for restaurants and transport, Ksamil for the water, quieter villages between, and what a sea view costs.
Food & culture Updated 15 October 2026
Albanian Food: A Guide to What to Eat and Drink
A guide to Albanian food, from flaky byrek and baked tavë kosi to fërgesë, fresh Adriatic seafood and homemade raki, plus what to order and where.
The Riviera & south Updated 15 October 2026
The Albanian Riviera: The Best Places on the Coast
The best spots on the Albanian Riviera, from the islands of Ksamil to Dhërmi, hidden Gjipe, laid-back Himarë and lively Saranda, and how to link them.
Tirana & the center Updated 15 October 2026
Things to Do in Tirana: The Complete Guide
The best things to do in Tirana, from the colourful main square and communist-era bunkers to the Blloku district, cable car views and the best food.
Trip planning Updated 14 October 2026
First Time in Albania: The Only Guide You Need
Planning your first trip to Albania? Here is when to go, how to get around, visa and money basics, where to base yourself, and rookie mistakes to skip.
Tips & saving Updated 14 October 2026
How Much Albania Costs: Europe's Cheapest Coast
Is Albania expensive? See daily budgets in lek for backpackers, mid-range and comfort travellers, plus what rooms, food and furgons cost and when to save.
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Common questions
Do I need a visa for Albania?
Most visitors can enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid passport. Albania is not part of the Schengen area, so time spent here does not count against the EU 90-day allowance. Always check the current rules for your own nationality before you fly.
When is the best time to visit Albania?
May to mid-June and September to October are the sweetest spots: warm weather, a swimmable sea and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy on the Riviera beaches, while winter suits Tirana and the historic towns.
How much does a trip to Albania cost?
Albania is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. Food, stays and transport are cheap: a meal at a local restaurant runs about 6 to 12 euros, and a good room costs roughly 40 to 70 euros a night in season.
What is the currency in Albania and how do I pay?
The currency is the Albanian lek (ALL). Many places also take euros in cash, but it is better to withdraw lek from an ATM for a fairer rate. Cards work in cities and hotels, though villages and markets need cash.
Do I need a rental car to travel around Albania?
Not essential, but a rental car gives you the most freedom, especially along the Riviera and to the hidden beaches. Cheap buses and minibuses (furgon) connect the bigger towns, but frequency varies and timetables are loose.
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