Is Albania Value Visiting? Some Trustworthy Professionals and Cons

Albania is a little bit of a contradiction. On the one hand, it stays extremely underrated and nonetheless manages to fly below the radar in comparison with better-known European locations.

On the identical tome, Albania noticed tourism rise by virtually 125% between 2019 and 2024, so the phrase is clearly getting out! (An enormous issue was the pandemic, when there have been fewer journey restrictions in place in Albania in comparison with different international locations on the time, serving to to place it on the journey map.)

Whereas there’s been some buzz round Albania in recent times, you may not but know as a lot about this Balkan nation and questioning simply what to anticipate.

I’ll be sincere: I feel Albania is fantastic, however for the second it is probably not fairly for everybody.

Regardless of the hype, Albania continues to be very a lot a diamond within the tough. Should you’re anticipating a excessive stage of growth or for, say, the seashore tourism to be anyplace on par with Greece or Croatia when it comes to vibe or sophistication you’ll most likely be upset.

Nevertheless, in case you take pleasure in journey locations otherwise you’re searching for a budget-friendly different to crowded hotspots in Europe, you may actually like Albania.

Let me share some impressions of Albania so you may make up your personal thoughts as as to whether it’s the correct vacation spot for you.

Degree of growth

Let me stress that Albania stays one of many least developed international locations in Europe. It usually jogged my memory extra of touring in Central or Southeast Asia greater than of (Western) Europe.

Whereas I take into account this a part of its attraction, I simply need to make it clear what kind of vacation spot Albania is.

Simply to clarify what to anticipate:  Whereas some fundamental roads have been improved utilizing international funds, many are nonetheless potholed to the intense. You could sometimes additionally see trash within the highway berms or homes in disrepair. Public transport is kind of usable although it’s underdeveloped in comparison with different European international locations: it depends on outdated coach buses or furgons, unlicensed minibuses just like what you discover in lots of growing international locations all over the world. These are just a few examples.

Whereas I like locations like this as they’re so genuine and stuffed with journey, these anticipating a extremely polished vacation expertise might really feel extra at dwelling in close by Greece or Croatia.

However then once more… Albania’s shoreline is amazingly unspoiled, arguably being the final remaining Mediterranean shoreline that’s nonetheless principally pristine. The trekking within the Accursed Mountains is completely epic. And the newly established Vjosa Wild River Nationwide Park now totally protects one of many final wild rivers in Europe and is promising to develop into a significant ecotourism vacation spot. Should you’re into tradition, delicacies, and historical past, then cities like Tirana and Gjirokaster supply all these in spades. Simply to call a number of of the highlights!

Sure, Albania positively has the potential to be the ‘subsequent Croatia’ at some point. For now, it’s nonetheless comparatively off-path, so now could be the time to discover it earlier than the remainder of the world finds out!

Causes to Go to Albania

The various landscapes

Journey lovers and seashore bums will each discover Albania to their liking, with the Albanian Alps, the Adriatic Sea, and plenty of mesmerizing lakes to discover.

Nearly three-quarters of Albania’s land is mountainous, making for some fairly spectacular trekking alternatives and jaw-dropping vistas.

Should you’re into mountain climbing, then the Valbona to Theth path within the Alps is an absolute should. I promise the stellar views are price each little bit of this day-long hike! For longer treks, don’t miss the Peaks of the Balkans path.

In search of a seashore? Head to the Albanian Riviera cities of Sarandë or Ksamil, the place you possibly can swim in beautiful turquoise waters.

The historical past is fascinating

Do you know that Albania was as soon as typically known as “the North Korea of Europe”?

Albania has a number of the most fascinating histories I’ve dived into in Europe, owing specifically to its grim many years below the ruthless and paranoid dictatorship of Enver Hoxha.

For a substantial a part of the twentieth century, Albania was fully closed off to the Western world, growing on a separate monitor from its neighbors — all of the whereas being linguistically distinctive from the remainder of Europe.

Over the centuries, Albania has additionally been repeatedly conquered by the likes of the Roman, Ottoman, and Bulgarian Empires, every including their marks on the nation.

The turbulent historical past stays evident all through trendy Albania. Ottoman structure dominates cities like Berat, whereas nuclear bunkers from the late 1900s are scattered round Albania, a few of which you’ll be able to go to in Tirana.

It’s protected to say Albanians have been by way of a hell of loads of hardships, and brushing up in your historical past at websites just like the Nationwide Historical past Museum gives you a brand new appreciation for this resilient nation.

It’s extremely budget-friendly

The times of Albania being rock-bottom low cost for vacationers at the moment are over, however it nonetheless presents some wonderful worth for cash. You’ll be able to journey right here for fairly a bit lower than you’ll pay within the likes of Greece and Italy, making it an important different to those Mediterranean hotspots.

Listed below are some concepts of the costs:

Mid-range residence or lodge within the capital: round €40 to €50
Dorm mattress in a backpacker hostel: round €12.
Native dishes in an off-the-cuff restaurant: €6
Road meals reminiscent of burek, an Albanian meat-filled pastry: simply €1.50

It has a thriving backpacking scene

The Balkan area is a mecca for backpackers seeking to get a bit off the crushed path, and Albania has develop into considerably of a hub for journey on this pocket of Europe.

It’s a lot quieter than the ever-popular backpacking trails of Western and Southern Europe however has develop into an up-and-coming spot for vacationers who need to expertise a extra untouched assortment of nations.

The hostel scene is flourishing in Albania. One thing I appreciated so much was what number of hostels are native and family-run, having an actual ‘traveler vibe’ that’s typically lacking from bigger chain hostels. (This additionally goes for close by Bosnia-Herzegovina by the best way, the place I discovered the hostels to have a real native attraction.)

Should you like down-to-earth journey, you’ll absolutely love travelling in Albania, the place issues aren’t but so overorganized or commercialized.

The meals is to die for

Albania’s location within the southeast of Europe means it’s influenced by the cuisines of its Balkan neighbors, in addition to that of nations like Turkey and Italy.

This has made Albania’s meals a novel melting pot of flavors. Even throughout the nation, you’ll come throughout completely different dishes relying on the area you’re visiting.

Here’s a fast rundown of the entire meals you merely can’t depart Albania with out making an attempt:

• Burek – This flaky pastry dish is usually stuffed with beef however can also be generally made utilizing cheese, potatoes, or greens. You received’t need to look far to get your arms on some, as this super-inexpensive favourite is present in bakeries and cafes in virtually each nook of the nation. Although it’s usually thought-about a breakfast meals, it’s completely acceptable to tuck into burek at any time of day.
• Baklava – Having spent centuries below Ottoman rule, it’s no shock that baklava is amongst Albanian’s prime decisions relating to desserts. Should you’re unfamiliar with this candy deal with, it’s a mixture of crispy filo pastry, nuts, and syrup. Like byrek, you’ll be capable to discover baklava nearly anyplace within the nation.
• Tavë Kosi – Albania’s nationwide dish, tavë kosi, is a hearty mixture of baked lamb, rice, yogurt, and eggs. Though it seems like a peculiar mixture, every ingredient comes collectively completely to create a heat, casserole-like dish that’s excellent after an extended day of mountain climbing! There’s loads of debate about the place serves the perfect tavë kosi, however I can’t fault Tirana’s tackle this culinary delight.
• Fërgesë – Feta cheese, tomatoes, and peppers are baked collectively on this tasty dish, which might be loved by itself or as a aspect. Relying on the place within the nation you end up, the cheese can range, so each plate is a bit completely different from the final. It’s normally served in central Albania, however you received’t battle to seek out fërgesë in most cities and cities.

The nightlife scene

Admittedly, being an older backpacker, I don’t dive into the nightlife as a lot as of late. Nevertheless, I might simply inform that Albania has a lot to supply on this entrance.

Whereas I skipped the nightlife in Tirana, fellow vacationers had been very a lot into the scene there. Cozy pubs, swanky cocktail bars, and nightclubs open till the early hours are present in lots of Albania’s bigger cities, however the capital is dwelling to a number of the greatest places for an evening in town.

Even in case you’re not sometimes a bar-goer, I can just about assure you’ll devour some raki by the tip of your keep. That is Albanian’s best-loved spirit, and it additionally occurs to be sturdy sufficient to make your eyes water!

Loved after meals, as a toast, and at the same time as a part of breakfast by some Albanians, this conventional drink will most likely be supplied to you extra instances than you possibly can depend.

Albanian individuals are very hospitable

With regards to raki, the explanation this pungent liquor will probably be served as much as you again and again is essentially due to how welcoming and heat the Albanian individuals are. Should you’re invited for a meal by locals, anticipate tons of raki to be flowing.

Now, to be sincere, I’ve heard various reviews on the hospitality or friendliness of Albanians. Some travellers informed me they felt they had been much less outwardly pleasant than anticipated — or that some males displayed sexist conduct. Others spoke of hitchhiking by way of Albania, assembly so many fantastic locals, and even being invited to a village occasion. So… your mileage might range.

It’s at all times tough to generalize from a restricted variety of (subjective) encounters on a visit. Perhaps it’s honest to say that since Albania went by way of many years dwelling below a paranoid dictatorship, adopted by years of excessive criminality, the deeper cultural vibe might not at all times be stars and rainbows. Nevertheless, I discovered notably those that work together with vacationers commonly to be delightfully welcoming and even excited so that you can be travelling in Albania.

It’s a lot safer than you may anticipate

Lastly, what retains some guests away is outdated details about the safety state of affairs in Albania.

To be honest, Albania did have fairly a ‘wild west’ interval after the autumn of the dictatorship within the Nineties, which rightfully earned it a repute for crime and violence. However these days are fortunately long gone.

As we speak Albania is a protected nation to journey by way of and one which’s targeted on lowering crime and corruption in order to at some point be a part of the European Union. Whereas illicit enterprise does happen, it’s one thing that may be very a lot behind-the-scenes and never a visual a part of each day life (not not like how it’s in southern components of Italy).

You could remember that there’s nonetheless such a factor because the ‘Albanian mafia’. When motion motion pictures require some baddies, they’ll usually wheel out the Albanian stereotype. However whereas they nonetheless have some foundation in actuality, you’ve got little to fret about as a vacationer.

Due to a typically low crime fee, Albania has gained a repute as one of many most secure spots within the Balkans. I’ve met many solo (feminine) vacationers in Albania who thought-about it very protected, and even hitchhiking appears to be a well-liked option to journey round Albania, which might not be the case if there have been many risks concerned.

In fact, relating to main cities, I normally are usually particularly acutely aware of protecting my belongings hidden and avoiding remoted or dimly lit areas, although Tirana felt a lot safer than loads of equally sized cities.

So, all in all, is Albania price visiting?

My reply is an emphatic “YES!”, particularly as a result of I like finances and journey journey for which Albania is most suited.

However in case you’re searching for a journey vacation spot the place the buses at all times run on time and the place all of the tourism infrastructure is ideal, then different international locations will (for now) be a better option.