One Week in Albania

What You Should Know Before Going On A Albania Tour

Where is Albania?

Albania is located at the southern end of the Balkan region of Europe. The country sits on the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by Montenegro and North Macedonia and shares much of its southern border with Greece.

Is Albania Safe?

Overall, Albania is safe. The people of Albania are very hospitable and kind. However, there are a couple of areas you should know about.

The Kosovo/Albania border is not recommended to visit because of the unrest that is still present after the Albanian Civil War in the 1990s. Additionally, there has been car thefts reported in this area so it is important to secure your items while traveling.

If you are hiking in certain parts of Albania, keep to the trails. Due to the Civil War, there are some unexploded landmines in the areas near the Kosovo border.

While some areas of the country still face unrest, the country is safe for visitors. The people are welcoming and if you remember to avoid certain areas, there shouldn’t be any issues.

What is the Weather Like in Albania?

Since Albania sits on the Adriatic Sea, the coastal part of the country has a typical Mediterranean climate. The summers are warm and dry and the winters cooler. The farther you travel inland in Albania, the cooler the temperature gets. Albania has a very rugged landscape and the mountains can be very cold.

Albania does see quite a bit of rain throughout the year. The capital of Tirana has similar weather to Rome, but is much rainier. Including rain jackets and umbrellas in your suitcase are essential.

Albania Travel Tips

1. While Albania is generally safe and the people are generous, there has been petty theft reported in some areas, including near the Kosovo border. However, most tours in Albania do avoid these areas, but it is important to properly secure your items.
2. Due to the past conflict in Albania, the roads are in poor condition. If you are on a tour that is traveling by bus or van, be forewarned that it may get a little bumpy from time to time.
3. Also, Albania is very affordable to visit. You can spend less than $10 or $5 on a meal and even $20 on a room. But do exchange your money in Albania before you leave because you won’t be able to outside of the country.
4. It is recommended to not drink the tap water. While some locals drink the water, it is best to drink from bottled water to prevent any illnesses.
5. Most Albanians only speak their native language. Learning a few important words in Albanian will be extremely helpful for visiting the country.

When is the Best Time to Visit Albania?

Like most of the other coastal Balkan countries, the summers are warm and the winters are cool. This means you can visit the coast of Albania throughout the year without worrying too much about weather.

Summer is an ideal time to visit because the weather is perfect to enjoy the beaches and coast of the country. This is also the high season for Albania. While Albania is not as busy as Croatia during the summer, word about Albania is getting out there and you should visit before the crowds start to arrive!

If you are visiting Albania to hike or bike, going during the spring or fall is the best time. The weather is cooler, but still sunny enough for you to enjoy the mountains and beaches without the crowds.

What to Pack for Albania?

First and foremost, good walking shoes. Albania has some of the best hiking trails in Europe and stunning national parks. You’ll want to get out and enjoy this amazing landscape without sore feet.

Albania’s weather greatly depends on what part of the country you are in. It’s warm on the coast, but cooler the farther inland you go. Make sure to pack layers because the weather can turn on a dime. If you are visiting the mountains, you’ll need to pack warmer clothes because it is cold throughout the year.

Sunscreen and a hat are paramount. Albania has amazing beaches that are reminiscent of the the French Riviera with aquamarine waters and white sand. The ideal places to relax and unwind.