In 1810, Lord Byron wrote of the beauty of Albania: ‘Morn dawns: and with it stern Albania's hills. Robed half in mist, bedewed with snowy rills.’ Today, this small Balkan paradise, referred to by Albanians as 'Shqipëri,' remains one of Europe's most picturesque yet overlooked countries to visit. Price-wise it’s the ideal destination for the budget-conscious, and thanks to its unique combination of crowd-free beaches, dramatic hiking trails, child-friendly activities, and spectacular historical ruins, a holiday in Albania is guaranteed to please pretty much every outdoorsy type of traveller. Best of all, for those looking to escape the stress of everyday life without having to travel too far, Albania’s convenient European location on the Balkan Peninsula, nestled between Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia, and Greece, makes it only a short flight away.
If you’ve made it this far down the page, we can assume you’re interested in planning a holiday to Albania at some point, and that you’re on the lookout for activities and experiences that are as unique as you are. The good news is that you’ve come to the right place; Evaneos matches you with hand-picked local experts based in Albania whose passion for their country can’t be found elsewhere. As well as being available 24/7 for you while you travel, their local knowledge makes them the best possible people to turn your needs, interests, and questions into a once-in-a-lifetime tour, whether you're looking for an itinerary covering the highlights or an off-the-beaten-track Albanian adventure in a 4x4. And, as with all Evaneos trips, you'll be giving back to the local economy and supporting a fairer, more sustainable way of travelling. So, read on to get a glimpse into what a holiday in Albania might look like, or request a local expert to start planning your trip now.
Boasting more than 300km of coast, a third of its land covered by forests, and three quarters of the country comprised of mountainous regions promising breath-taking views, Albania's geographical diversity is truly unique. Add to that a rich cultural heritage that's worth a visit in its own right, not to mention glistening coastlines and buzzing modern towns, and it'll become clear why Albania has risen to the top of the world's most underrated destinations in recent years. To help you work out what to include in your itinerary when planning a trip to Albania, here are a handful of the best places to visit that our local experts recommend:
It's no longer a secret that Albania is a haven for adventure travellers of all ages, and those seeking a holiday in which the majority of their time is dedicated to exploring the Great Outdoors. Trekking, kayaking, horse riding, rafting, cycling, gorge walking, visiting abandoned bunkers, diving into lagoons... You could spend a whole month travelling in Albania and still find a wealth of activities to get stuck into, but if you only have two weeks or less and want to cover the main bases, here are some tried-and-tested experiences to request in your locally-made trip itinerary:
Deciding when to visit Albania is fairly easy since the climate is typically Mediterranean. The Albanian summer is by far the most popular time to visit for cycling and walking tours since the temperature is warm and dry, and it’s well worth braving a few other tourists to get to see this place at its absolute finest. Albania in April, May, or June is also particularly breath-taking with the wild flowers of the country's numerous national parks in full bloom during this period. Albania’s southern coast, known as the Albanian Riviera, is at its best around Easter time, since the weather is still pleasant, yet the bulk of tourists that descend during July and August have not yet arrived.
Visa regulations for your visit to Albania are fairly straightforward. European citizens can enter the country with their passports for a maximum of ninety days before they need to make further arrangements. Those visiting from the USA can stay for up to a year without an Albanian visa. See government advice online for further information and advice regarding any other circumstances.
Albania is an incredibly safe country perfect for all visitors, including families travelling with young children. Crime is very rarely encountered and even pick-pocketing, which can be expected in most tourist destinations, is not at all common. The vast majority of travellers can vouch for the country's welcoming and friendly atmosphere, so you can enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable time in Albania without having to worry too much.
For the best tips, information, and inspiration to plan your holiday to Albania, ask the experts: Evaneos' hand-picked local travel agencies based there.
The best time of year to visit Albania is during mid-season, particularly in May and September. Temperatures are higher in August and tourism is at its peak, but you can travel then all the same if you reserve in advance. Although it snows for several months of the year in the mountains, temperatures are generally very comfortable in Albania, and rarely fall past zero in winter.
Transportation to in Albania is not included in the price of your trip. You can easily book it at any time through one of our partners.