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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

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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

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Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
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Trip Reviews for Albania

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Excellent tour company
Albania | Oct 29 - Nov 8, 2023

L
Lara N.
Australia | Reviewed on Dec 12, 2023

Ed planned a fantastic trip for me based on both the places I wanted to visit and his own extensive local knowledge.
During the trip Ed and his team provided friendly and efficient service and assistance as needed.
I would recommend anyone to book a trip through the team!

Local specialist: Ed Reeves
Ed
Ed Reeves
Local specialist in Tirana, Albania | Replied on Dec 18, 2023

Thanks so much for the kind words, Lara! Glad you had a good tour with us!

Tirana and south of Albania
Albania | Aug 24 - Sep 3, 2023

G
george g.
Saint Clair Shores, MI | Reviewed on Sep 04, 2023
We had an amazing trip to south of Albania! As we got so used to from the Kimkim team (and we are getting spoiled after the years), from the first contact with Ed to the final goodbye at the Tirana airport from "Nik" (Kreshnik), our guide and driver, all went great. The trip was as we envisioned in our request: explore as much as possible the "real" Albania, stay away from tourist traps and crowds and get to see how "real" people live. Nik was a treasure trove of history, culture, politics... Read more

We had an amazing trip to south of Albania! As we got so used to from the Kimkim team (and we are getting spoiled after the years), from the first contact with Ed to the final goodbye at the Tirana airport from "Nik" (Kreshnik), our guide and driver, all went great. The trip was as we envisioned in our request: explore as much as possible the "real" Albania, stay away from tourist traps and crowds and get to see how "real" people live. Nik was a treasure trove of history, culture, politics and everything else. He knows his country like back of his hand and he seems to know everyone (and everyone seems to know him....) so he/we were treated like locals. The only downside: we ran out of time (but that was out problem).

Hotel Reviews
Guesthouse Chri Chri
Përmet

Remote, relatively inaccessible location but terrific experience with the host family.

Authenticity & Character
private house converted into a guest facility; a true "mom and pop place"
Location
remote location, high in the mountains, accessible only by ATV via a poor road
Staff
very friendly, accessible and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
everything was spick and span
Hotel Boka
Tirana

Very nice hotel in a nice location in downtown Tirana, close to the local market, many restaurants and shops. Friendly staff and very nice breakfast. The only issue was the air conditioning seemed to be turned off at night which was nit fun in the hot weather...

Authenticity & Character
small, boutique hotel with friendly staff
Location
as above
Staff
pleasant, approachable, accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
everything seemed to be clean...
Local specialist: Ed Reeves
Ed
Ed Reeves
Local specialist in Tirana, Albania | Replied on Sep 06, 2023

Thanks so much for the kind words! Hope you can make it back one day and Nik can show you the north and Kosovo - he spent a lot of time in Prizren when working on the infamous Pristina-Tirana highway so has a lot of friends in Kosovo too! I know he had a great time showing you around, so thanks for choosing us!

We would go back tomorrow
Albania | Jun 18 - Jun 25, 2023

Christine
Christine R.
Australia | Reviewed on Jul 02, 2023
Margil was an amazing guide. He was prompt, energetic, extremely knowledgeable and highly personable. He genuinely likes people and loves to show off his country. Notwithstanding this, he doesn’t shy away from its less savoury past snd present. We left with an abiding love for the country and a great appreciation for its people. They are remarkably resilient, hardworking and engaging. We would go back tomorrow, with Kimkim, if we could. Read more

Margil was an amazing guide. He was prompt, energetic, extremely knowledgeable and highly personable. He genuinely likes people and loves to show off his country. Notwithstanding this, he doesn’t shy away from its less savoury past snd present. We left with an abiding love for the country and a great appreciation for its people. They are remarkably resilient, hardworking and engaging. We would go back tomorrow, with Kimkim, if we could.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë

This surpassed our expectations in every way.

Authenticity & Character
It could have been s hôtel anywhere in Europe, but it was an excellent example to of one.
Location
Brilliant!! Even the 6am call to prayer from the adjacent mosque was mellifluous.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Riviera
Himare

One got the impression that the owners of this hotel are working very hard to improve the facilities and ambiance of their hotel. It was entirely comfortable, but still in yhrr we process of becoming more.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The location was pretty, but there was not much “activity”. As we were there for two days, without a car, it gave us time to rest up from our busy schedule.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel room was basic but clean and comfortable.
Hotel Praga

This was a quirky, but charming hotel. It was well situated within walking distance to the market and the castle.

Authenticity & Character
The bedroom was filled with historical pieces and the communal areas were similarly decorated
Location
Staff
The staff spoke excellent English snd were eager to be if assistance.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Guesthouse Chri Chri
Përmet

This was the only time on our trip that we got to speak with other travellers. It made a delightful change. Gilberto had access to the key to a local, rarely available to the public, orthodox cathedral and he gave us a private tour.

Authenticity & Character
The walls of the guesthouse were made of 3ft thick stone. The outbuildings were original. The road was … an adventure.
Location
While we did not see Përmet, we did enjoy the rural location of the guest house.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Onufri

The ceilings in the rooms of this hotel were unbelievable. Such craftsmanship!

Authenticity & Character
The woodwork was so very special.
Location
Very central and within east walking distance to most things. (We drove to the fortress)
Staff
When present, the staff were very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Boka
Tiranë

We stayed, NOT at the Hotel Boka, but the Hotel Art. This was a lovely hotel, perfectly located and spotlessly clean. The staff were excellent and the breakfast was exceptional.

Authenticity & Character
It was an old building that had been beautifully repurposed as a hotel. It was true to the name Hotel Art, with wonderful local and European art at every turn.
Location
Close to the Skandereg Square and east walking distance to all that we wanted to see.
Staff
Nothing was too much trouble. Their English was excellent.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Gjirokastra - Exploring Albania's "Stone City"
Gjirokastra - Exploring Albania's "Stone City"
Gjirokastra

Gorgeous city! Loved everything about this place. Don’t miss the markets.

Quality of Experience
It was very easy to get by with just English, wherever we went.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tirana - Welcome to Albania's Chaotic Capital!
Tirana - Welcome to Albania's Chaotic Capital!
Tirana

We initially thought we would self drive, but a friend who lives in Albania convinced us otherwise. Thank goodness. Hectic, doesn’t begin to describe the traffic. Tirana is so much prettier than I had anticipated and so rich in history. We loved it.

Quality of Experience
It suited our interests. It was tailor made for us.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Driving through morning peak hour was probably the one time we really appreciated the mighty Kaz
Berat - Exploring The "City Of A Thousand Windows"
Berat - Exploring The "City Of A Thousand Windows"
Berat

We love the city of Berat. It’s like no other place. The sunset tour of the castle was breathtaking

Quality of Experience
Dinner at Lili’s was so much fun! Everything was designed to relax us, make us laugh and feel very special.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Brilliant
Transport
We walked everywhere (except up to the castle).
Kruja Bazaar - Albania's Best Shopping Opportunity
Kruja Bazaar - Albania's Best Shopping Opportunity
Kruje

Great fun - colour and movement and a feast for the eyes.

Quality of Experience
The unsurpassed views; the extraordinary history museum I’m the castle precinct and the hotel’s location, combined to make this a fitting hurrah to an extraordinary holiday
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Margil was like so many of the prolly we met - gracious, keen to show their country, interested in learning from us.
Transport
Home-cooked Evening Meal
Përmet

It was a lovely meal, on the terrace, with good company.

Quality of Experience
My grandparents were Albanian. I found myself in Albania.
Food
Loved it. Margil was a great help with this, too, those we wished that he would have joined us.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Margil was exceptional. Words fail to do him justice.
Transport
I’m not going to lie, the Jaz was the one thing we would have changed. It was poorly air conditioned, poorly sprung and underpowered. It’s a good thing the countryside kept us diverted.
Local specialist: Ed Reeves
Ed
Ed Reeves
Local specialist in Tirana, Albania | Replied on Jul 03, 2023

Thanks so much for the kind words - and all the photos! Margil really enjoyed showing you Albania, and we hope you make it back one day for the north and Kosovo!