Tirana
Albania’s capital is small city home to a handful of museums, monuments, parks and historic buildings. It is worth taking the time to see the concrete housing estates which have been painted in rainbow colours, lighting up what was once a bleak area.

Berat
Known as the 2400 year old museum city Berat is a UNESCO protected site just over 100km from Tirana. This tiny castle city is a fabulous place to explore Albanian history and culture.

The Blue Eye
The clear blue waters of this natural jewel is a highlight for many travellers, located near the village of Muzine in southern Albania. The clear waters which are surrounded by oak and sycamore trees can be seen from a depth of more than 50 metres.

Koman Lake
Spectacular scenery surrounds this stunning lake located in northern Albania. Dense forested hills and narrow valley encompass the turquoise waters making it a picture postcard destination. There are a wide range of activities including boat tours, and great places to stay.

Valbona Valley National Park
Located inside the Albanian Alps bordering Montenegro, it is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Albania. With high mountain peaks, pretty valleys, glacial springs and interesting rock formations, its pristine ecosystem has been well preserved.

The best times to visit Albania are April to June and September to October. The months of July and August can get very hot.

You know those countries where people look at you aghast when you say you’re going to visit? Albania really doesn’t deserve the side eye! Stunning mountain scenery, beaches that match any to be found in the Med, a lively and eclectic café and restaurant scene, gloriously tumbling down castles, hilltop villages, and a plethora of galleries and museums are light year away from the image most people carry in their heads.

Young in terms of European capitals, Tirana grew from a mosque, hammam and stove built by a feudal lord in 1614 – apparently all you needed back then to make a city! It has clearly come through several transformations and is now a quirky, funky, rather cool and colourful city easy to explore on foot.

If you are looking for ruins (alongside local food, I am a huge sucker for a decent ruin), Butrint fits the bill perfectly. South of Saranda it sits in a National Park and hails from around the 6th century BC, soon becoming a fortified city known for its trade. The heavy footsteps of the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines all made an imprint before it went into decline (hence the ruins) until the 20th century when Italian archaeologists stepped in.

You can see Corfu from Albania’s southern coast, there are even daily ferries – it’s really that close. So if you want to discover one of those super cool places before everyone else, choose Albania now.

Kate Couling

Currency Albanian Lek

Language Albanian

Weather Albania has a Mediterranean climate which can vary by region. Overall the country enjoys many days of sunshine with the coastal areas enjoying hot dry summers. Winters on the coast can be wet and mild where the alpine areas are cold and snowy.

Social customs & quirks Albanians are friendly towards travellers and have a very hospitable culture. It is not uncommon to be invited in for coffee or a meal by one of the friendly locals.

Festivals & events The Korca Beer Festival takes place every August and is a must do for beer lovers where you can sample locally produced and international beers. If you are visiting Albania in March, Dita e Veres is a celebration around the country marking the change from winter to spring where you can enjoy traditional food, dancing and celebrations.

Health* Currently no compulsory health requirements to visit Albania.

Notes *Please be aware that Health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travel.

Notes *Please be aware that Health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travel.