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Introducing Albania

With its unparalleled natural beauty, ancient approach to hospitality, forgotten history, and villages that seem frozen in time, this Balkan country is quickly rising as a new travel destination.

When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Albania is during the Summer, when the weather is warmer and dryer.

Where to go in Albania?
Experience the natural splendor of the Accursed Mountains, the vibrant hustle of Berat and the capital city Tirana, the castle and cold war tunnel of Gjirokastra, and the Mediterranean beaches of the Albanian Riviera. Foodies will relish in the unique and flavorful tastes of Northern Albania.

How many days do I need?
Spend at minimum 3 days and up to 10 or 12 to see everything that this unique country has to offer.

Albania Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Perast, Montenegro
Map of Albania to Montenegro Road Trip - 4 Days
Albania to Montenegro Road Trip - 4 Days

Experience the enchanting scenery and rich history of Albania and Montenegro on this short-but-sweet road trip through the Balkans. Beginning in the Albanian Riviera, your route will take you to the historic cities of Gjirokastra and Berat, the sunny beaches of Ulcinj in Montenegro, and the photogenic shores of the Bay of Kotor. Along the way, you'll make detours at a natural spring, an Albanian winery, a legendary castle, and more.

A child leads a pack animal in rural Albania
Map of Highlights of Northern Albania - 7 Days
Highlights of Northern Albania - 7 Days

Explore mountainous terrain and small villages on this one-week tour through the remote regions of northern Albania and Kosovo. Start near Lake Skadar and see the ancient Rozafa Castle, then continue through the Albanian Alps to the scenic Rugova Valley. Cross the border to see the ancient Ottoman trading cities of Peja and Gjakova, then take the ferry across Lake Koman to the mining city of Bulqize to stay in a traditional stone Kulla home.

Highlights of Albania - 8 Days
Map of Highlights of Albania - 8 Days
Highlights of Albania - 8 Days

See the best of Albania in just over a week with a tour from modern Tirana to the Ionian Sea. See Greek and Byzantine ruins in UNESCO-listed Butrint National Park, take in the village-lined shores from a boat ride on Lake Prespa, tour historic sites like ancient Apolloni and seaside Berat, and grab dinner and drinks in the capital's hippest neighborhood.

View over the "Stone City" to Gjirokastra Castle
Map of Classic Albania - 8 Days
Classic Albania - 8 Days

Get a snapshot of beautiful Albania with a tour from modern Tirana to the Ionian Sea. In just over a week, you'll take in many of the country's best highlights: see ancient ruins in Butrint National Park, stroll the seaside promenade of charming Sarandë, and tour multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. End your journey with a fun night in Blloku, one of the capital's hippest neighborhoods.

Views of Kotor Bay, Montenegro
Road Trip Through the Balkans - 16 Days

This quick-moving tour will take you on a fascinating circuit through Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, visiting UNESCO cities such as Ohrid, Kotor, and Berat and combining culture with the scenic nature that abounds in the Balkans. You'll enjoy scenic drives through tall mountain passes, vibrant national parks, and along the picturesque coast of the Adriatic Sea, stopping for day hikes, traditional meals, and beach days, plus in charming old towns like Perast and Prizren. Explore two of the region's capitals, Tirana and Podgorica, as well as Montenegro's Old Royal Capital of Cetinje. 

St. John's Church, Ohrid
Driving Albania & Macedonia: Lake Ohrid to the Albanian Riviera - 8 Days

This eight-day private tour takes you through Southern Albania and into Northern Macedonia to visit the famous Lake Ohrid. You'll explore three UNESCO World Heritage cities, as well as the famous archaeological parks of Butrint, Antigonea, and Apollonia. Along the way you'll enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, conquer mountain passes, soak in thermal baths, and relax for two nights on the Ionian Sea.

Albania Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Albania Content

An autumn scene in Albania's Thethi National Park
Best Time of Year to Visit Albania

The shoulder seasons of late spring (April to May) and early fall (September) are the best times to visit Albania and enjoy outdoor activities, the Albanian Riviera, and archaeological sites. The weather is pleasant, and you'll avoid the summer holiday rush as well as the scorching summer heat and cold winter weather. Albania also hosts various cultural, music, and culinary events from spring through fall, making it a festive time to visit.

The New Bazaar lit up for Christmas and New Year in Albania's capital, Tirana
Albania in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

December is the first actual month of winter in Albania, and temperatures are cold and crowds are somewhat nonexistent. However, Albania doesn't tend to get as cold as many other European countries, making it a top winter city break destination. Read on to discover more about traveling to Albania in December.

Yellow leaves of fall in Pogradec, Albania (photo courtesy of Endri Killo)
Albania in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

November is late fall in Albania, which means cooler temperatures, a chance of rain, and practically no other tourists. If you're interested in city attractions and cultural sites in ancient towns, November is a great time to visit. Find out more about seeing Albania in November.

Albania Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map Albania to Montenegro Road Trip - 4 Days
Albania to Montenegro Road Trip - 4 Days
View article
Map Highlights of Northern Albania - 7 Days
Highlights of Northern Albania - 7 Days
View article
Map Highlights of Albania - 8 Days
Highlights of Albania - 8 Days
View article

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit Albania also visit these destinations

Trip Reviews for Albania

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Tomaz’ staff was amazing and responsive. Appr...
Albania | May 8 - May 24, 2025

Joanne
Joanne M.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 02, 2025
Tomaz’ staff was amazing and responsive. Appreciated the contact with us during the trip. Read more

Tomaz’ staff was amazing and responsive. Appreciated the contact with us during the trip.

Hotel Reviews
Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro
Kotor

Amazing in every respect

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Logu i Harushave
Theth

Staff very helpful. Biggest complaint was the heat was not on in the restaurant at all and it was cold. Room heat only on late afternoon. Limited menu available. Rooms basic.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mrizi i Zanave Agroturizëm
Lezhë

Room was fun for one night. Tour of the farm was amazing. Restaurant good food but it’s large size meant no charm.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sharm Hotel Luxury 4*
Gjirokastër

Everything great but just too far from Old Town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Colosseo Tirana 4*
Tirana

Ok hotel for what it was location could be a bit more central. Staff weren’t responsive to a maintenance issue in our room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PARADISE BEACH HOTEL
Vlore

Great restaurant and rooms. Liked the beach bar and great reason

Authenticity & Character
Nothing but no real character
Location
Good for that town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Alpeta Agrotourism & Winery - Roshnik , Berat 3*
Roshnik
Authenticity & Character
Staff contact was pretty basic. One staff member very helpful arranging last minute excision.
Location
Just a bit out of the way for Berat and other excursions
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Envy Hotel Durres 4*
Durrës
Authenticity & Character
Location
Central
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Speed boat tour - Boka bay, Our lady of the Rocks and Blue cave
Albania

Good company and safe boat in high winds. Adapted tour very well in high winds.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided tour of Tirana
Guided tour of Tirana
Tirana

Guide wasn’t prepared for city closure due to economic summit and things to do. We wanted to go to House of Leaves and he knew this the day before when it was open. Went to Bunker 2 at our initiative and he knew very little about it. We just read the signs in English. Well meaning person but Mickey Mouse and a bit of waste of our time as a guide for us.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided tour of Kotor
Guided tour of Kotor
Albania

Great guide. Lots of history and insights into Montenegro.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
City & Food Tour of Tirana
City & Food Tour of Tirana
Tirana

Hard to understand guide. Didn’t understand our questions. Not a city food tour and we have done many. Did have tastings of several dishes in one restaurant.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Wine tasting
Albania

This was a trip highlight and amazing

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Insights into life in Albania pre and post communism. His English was perfect.
Transport
Not applicable
Guided tour of Gjirokastra
Gjirokastra

Enthusiastic but way too much information and hard to follow. Did answer questions and insights on Albania which was great. Got us into the bunkers for free. 😊

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Not applicable
Guided tour of Berat
Guided tour of Berat
Berat
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Not applicable
Guided tour Durres
Guided tour Durres
Durres

Great guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Not applicable
Local specialist: Tomaz Martinek
Tomaz
Tomaz Martinek
Local specialist in Slovenia | Replied on Jun 13, 2025

Hi Joanne, thank you so much for your kind review. We look forward to seeing you on your next adventure with KimKim.
Kind regards, Tomaz

The planning and then putting the itinerary i...
Albania | Sep 2 - Sep 16, 2024

Charlene
Charlene S.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2024
The planning and then putting the itinerary into action was perfect. A wonderful experience we had. After the first 48 hrs, we settled down and relaxed, went with the flow, and driving through the countries of Albania and North Macedonia was delightful. Superb roads like driving on a pool table at times compared to roads in Scotland. Loved our itinerary which was prepared by Ed beforehand taking into consideration our likes & dislikes. The places and accommodation we visited were ideal,... Read more

The planning and then putting the itinerary into action was perfect. A wonderful experience we had. After the first 48 hrs, we settled down and relaxed, went with the flow, and driving through the countries of Albania and North Macedonia was delightful. Superb roads like driving on a pool table at times compared to roads in Scotland. Loved our itinerary which was prepared by Ed beforehand taking into consideration our likes & dislikes. The places and accommodation we visited were ideal, beautiful and would never have considered these hidden gems.

Hotel Reviews
La Brisa

Superb hotel overlooking the sea. Sumptuous breakfast. Friendly staff. A shock to the system coming to a touristy part on our travel itinerary but a nice change for a bit of down time & relaxation

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Praga

Ideal location very welcoming staff. Amazing view. Staff done our washing for a very small fee which was very welcomed. Excellent breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
The elderly owner of the hotel explained the history of the hotel to us & obviously full of pride for his establishment
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Camp Nivica

Just wow 👌 waking up to wild horses meandering through the camp. View was something special to behold. Food prepared onsite was delicious and we loved the peace and solace of the camp. Stunning!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Guesthouse Chri Chri
Përmet

Wow! Superb accommodation on a mountain with stunning views

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Villa & Winery Mal Sveti Kliment
Ohrid

Beautiful hotel, fantastic location ,dtunning views, lovely breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Art Hotel Rruga Kavaja

Excellent location. Staff friendly and helpful. Accommodation clean and fresh. Ideal hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bujtina Oxhaku
Korçë

Excellent friendly staff. Location at hotel was at the top of a steep road, but no complaints from us as it helped work off the calories. Nice view of the city.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Berati Castle Hotel
Berat

Lovely hotel. Top of the mountain so to spesk as actually within the castle grounds. Road leading to hotel was excellent with parking

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ed Reeves

Book your Albanian Adventure with Ed!
Albania | Jul 12 - Jul 18, 2024

G
Grace J.
Australia | Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024
From start to finish, our trip in Albania was absolutely phenomenal. Ed was very helpful with the planning of the trip, perfecting an amazing itinerary for my friends and I that consisted of a mix of the mountains and the beach which we wanted. Ed took away the stress of worrying about transfers and destinations, creating an incredible 7 day Albanian adventure. Once in Albania, everything ran smoothly and Ed connected us to fabulous local tour guides who enabled fabulous experiences. I... Read more

From start to finish, our trip in Albania was absolutely phenomenal. Ed was very helpful with the planning of the trip, perfecting an amazing itinerary for my friends and I that consisted of a mix of the mountains and the beach which we wanted. Ed took away the stress of worrying about transfers and destinations, creating an incredible 7 day Albanian adventure.

Once in Albania, everything ran smoothly and Ed connected us to fabulous local tour guides who enabled fabulous experiences. I cannot reccomend Ed and KimKim as well as Albania as a travel destination enough. Thank you so much Ed (as well as Kreshnik and Kledis) for the most fabulous week and the absolute highlight of our European trip.

Hotel Review
Bujtina MBI Kanion

This guesthouse was located in the most beautiful area on top of a canyon providing incredibly scenic views. The food provided was absolutely amazing and the hosts were kind and gracious, going above and beyond for my friends and I to ensure we had a fantastic stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
No
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ed Reeves

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