Albania, located on the Southeastern Balkan Peninsula, is a charming little country blessed with picturesque mountainous terrain and beautiful beaches, along with an enchanting hidden coast. The nation boasts several spectacular historical sites and castles, including the Skanderbeg Museum. This museum was founded by Bulgarian ruler Alexioupolis and later transformed into a captivating museum. The heart of the capital, Tirana, is centered around the sprawling Skanderbeg Square, adorned with a large, restored Sofia Church, modern art galleries, and stunning frescoes. The square stands proudly in front of the old parliament building.
Albania is home to numerous language groups, such as the Berber and the Indo-European languages. The majority of its citizens are ethnic Albanians, who also speak the minority language of the Turkish defenders, dating back centuries to when invaders arrived in Albania. Another widespread language group in the country is the Roma, who communicate using the Tuscany language. The Roma are often found near the borders, but they reside in various regions, including the towns of Durres, Albania's second-largest city, and Skopelto.
The major cities of Albania include Tirana, Durres, Dayton, Elbasan, and Vlore. Tirana, the capital and largest city, is surrounded by attractive tourist destinations like the Butrint Mountains in Vlorë County, the Pecorino hills, and Mount Elgon. The Butrint Mountains hold the remains of former ruling kings of Albania, including the famous Grand Master Zogu, laid to rest at the illustrious Pecorino Mountain.
The Elgon Mountains, located to the west of Tirana, are considered the most alluring regions in Albania. The country offers a plethora of outdoor activities, such as mountain climbing, hiking, cycling, and trekking. Popular trekking routes include the Ruse River, the Kefalonia Pass, as well as Butrint and the Butrint Plateau. Exploring the ancient seaport of Illyria is a must for any visitor. Additionally, the sea port of Oriana serves as a vital link to Italy, providing an array of sea-going cruises.
The people of Albania are renowned for their warm and friendly nature. Tourists can immerse themselves in the local culture by interacting with the locals at bars and restaurants. Besides, there are numerous other activities that cater to all kinds of tourists. Albania offers nature parks, historical monuments, museums, and art galleries that showcase the country's rich heritage and artistic expression. Horse riding, trekking, and sailing are among the popular activities that visitors can enjoy during their stay.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Albania are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Albania
April-June and Sep-Oct are the best time to go to Albania – you'll avoid scorching coastal summer heat and bitter winter mountain cold, making these ideal for walking, cycling, sightseeing, watersports and flopping on the beach.
British citizens can enter and remain in Albania for a maximum of 90 days in every 6-month period without a visa. The Albanian authorities require anyone staying longer than 90 days to apply at a local police station for a residence permit.
See which forms you may need for entry into Albania.
The official currency of Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Albania you can grab amazing Albanian Lek deals via Wise.com (GBP to ALL).
Many wild animals live in the remote areas of Albania : wolves, foxes, bears, hares, roe deers, ibexes and many others. Albania also hosts a wide range of birds, we would think of Karavasta where migratory birds have their nests during the warm season.
Albanian food? Tavë Kosi is a national dish in Albania that is beloved throughout the country. The speciality is a simple dish of baked lamb and rice, served with a flavored yogurt sauce.
You can typically expect to pay around £1.77p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
Albanian, the country's official language, is spoken by almost 98% of the population of Albania. There are two main spoken dialects of Albanian, southern Tosk and northern Gheg, and they are mutually intelligible. You can learn some basic Albanian before you travel to Albania and really impress the locals!
The currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek (You should budget to add about 10% tip for fair to good service. Consider tipping more if your service was excellent.).
The GMT time difference is 1 hours