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Travel information and tips on Albania including passport information, accommodations, transportation to and in Albania, attractions and things to see and do, restaurant suggestions, tours, and much more.
General Information on Albania
This little country alongside the Adriatic coast has been through years by
poverty and wars and for years refugees have fled for a better life elsewhere.
The country is an interesting blend of religions, styles, cultures and
landscapes. Although the country has recently been embracing democracy, the
outside world still sends few travelers and that is kinda' too bad as some
things won't ever change, such as the forested mountains, the warm Mediterranean
sun and the blue waters of the Adriatic.
(The following information was taken from the CIA
World Fact Book)
Between 1990 and 1992 Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist rule and
established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven challenging as
successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, widespread
corruption, a dilapidated physical infrastructure, powerful organized crime
networks, and combative political opponents. Albania has made progress in its
democratic development since first holding multiparty elections in 1991, but
deficiencies remain. International observers judged elections to be largely free
and fair since the restoration of political stability following the collapse of
pyramid schemes in 1997. In the 2005 general elections, the Democratic Party and
its allies won a decisive victory on pledges of reducing crime and corruption,
promoting economic growth, and decreasing the size of government. The election,
and particularly the orderly transition of power, was considered an important
step forward. Although Albania's economy continues to grow, the country is still
one of the poorest in Europe, hampered by a large informal economy and an
inadequate energy and transportation infrastructure. Albania has played a
largely helpful role in managing inter-ethnic tensions in southeastern Europe,
and is continuing to work toward joining NATO and the EU. Albania, with troops
in Iraq and Afghanistan, has been a strong supporter of the global war on
terrorism.
Lagging behind its Balkan neighbors, Albania is making the difficult transition to a more modern open-market economy. The government has taken measures to curb violent crime, and recently adopted a fiscal reform package aimed at reducing the large gray economy and attracting foreign investment. The economy is bolstered by annual remittances from abroad of $600-$800 million, mostly from Albanians residing in Greece and Italy; this helps offset the towering trade deficit. Agriculture, which accounts for more than one-fifth of GDP, is held back because of lack of modern equipment, unclear property rights, and the prevalence of small, inefficient plots of land. Energy shortages and antiquated and inadequate infrastructure contribute to Albania's poor business environment, which make it difficult to attract and sustain foreign investment. The completion of a new thermal power plant near Vlore and improved transmission line between Albania and Montenegro will help relieve the energy shortages. Also, the government is moving slowly to improve the poor national road and rail network, a long-standing barrier to sustained economic growth. On the positive side, macroeconomic growth was strong in 2003-07 and inflation is low and stable. For more information, go to https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
Where To Find Information
Embassy of Albania
You will find a lot of good information at the Embassy of Albania site in the
U.S., Washington D.C. 202.223.4942.
VirtualTourist.com - Albania Facts and information on Albania.
The best month to visit is September as it is still pretty warm then, the days are long and enjoyable, and the fruits and vegetables are in good supply. The days from May to September are the longest with July being the warmest month, but even April and October can be pleasant.
You will need a passport to visit Albania. However, citizens of
the EU, Australia, the USA, Canada and several other countries don't need a
visa. Those who do can get them at the border, for a price equivalent to what an
Albanian would pay for a visa for their countries.
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Currency Information and Money Matters
The currency in Albania is the
Lekė. Prices in Tirana are considerably
higher than in the rest of the country, so if you are on a budget, head for the
areas outside of Tirana to see the sights. If you stick to a tight budget, you
may be able to get by in the country for US$30-40 a day. You can easily double
this if you are in Tirana. That would be for the basics. Paying for a few more
comforts (staying in a better class of hotel and doing some guided trips) will
easily raise this to from $80-100 a day.
Every town has a free currency market that usually operates on the street in front of the post office or the state bank. Look for the fellows with pocket calculators, who will give you about the same rate as a bank without the 1% commission, although some banks will change US dollar travelers cheques into US dollars cash without a commission. Although these "street transactions" are legal, be sure you pay attention and count your notes before you walk away. US dollars are the favorite foreign currency. Bring bills in small denominations as they can be used to bargain. Cash is preferred everywhere, and credit cards are not accepted.
Here are some examples on what to expect to pay for meals and
lodging:
Meals
Lodging
You should plan to tip almost everywhere in Albania with a reasonable tip being 10-15% in restaurants. Use discretion when considering tipping in other situations. Bargaining is fine in markets and bazaars, and for everything from hotel rooms to taxi rides to souvenirs.
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate
I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Health Risks
As there is a risk of Diarrhea, I would suggest you drink only bottled water.
You can receive medical help and service at state run hospitals, but it is not
to great.
Electricity
220 volts, 50 Hz. Be sure to take your adaptor and converter kit.
Find the converter you will need in the Getting Away Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you need in the Getting Away Travel Store!
Travel
Insurance
If you need medical
care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not
accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay
in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed
medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation
and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel
insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit
the Getting Away
Health
and Safety Tips for Travelers
page for additional information about insurance.
Travel Warning
The security situation in Albania remains very unstable. Visitors should take
care to exercise extreme care, maintaining a high level of personal security
awareness at all times. There is a lot of unexploded munitions along the
Albania/Kosovo border, or at least, this is suspected, and travel to the Bajram
Curri and Tropoje area should be avoided. Crime is rampant, with armed gangs
operating particularly in the northeast near the border with Kosovo, in Shkoder
and in the south between Memaliaj and Gjirokastra. Armed robberies, assaults,
mobster assassinations, bombings and car jackings have been also been reported.
Street crime (particularly at night) is a very real problem across most of the
country. Driving in Albania is also hazardous and night travel should be
avoided, even with a hired driver. Visitors hoping to travel by road outside
Tirana should use the services of a local driver/interpreter, but in general
it's inadvisable to travel outside the main cities.
Check with the U.S. State Department for
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public
Announcements.
Books, Maps and Other Resources
My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is
Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on
the money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting.
Click on Fodor's
Travel Guides to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
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I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
Getting To and Around Albania
You can fly from many European capitals, and Athens is among those offering the
best value. Malév Hungarian Airlines offers a cheap service from Budapest to
Tirana. Italy is the most expensive flight gateway as Alitalia charges fares
that approach business class fares for one-way tickets.
The country is also accessible by bus from Ioannina, Greece to Kakavija on the Albanian border, and there are regular services between Tirana and Sofia in Bulgaria. Land crossings were possible from Yugoslavia before the current round of hostilities in Kosovo, but you can still cross by land from Macedonia.
The ferry takes from nine to 25 hours, depending on where you leave from Italy, and there is another ferry between Koper, Slovenia and Durės. Departure tax from Albania is US$10.
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the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also
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For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.
Getting Around In Albania
Most Albanians travel the country in private minibuses or state-owned
buses as they are frequent, cheap and comfortable. I would suggest you do
likewise. You will find that the roads are generally poor and badly maintained.
If you are doing it on your own (which I do not recommend) you should be
warned that gas (petrol) stations are available in the cities but are few and
far between in the countryside.
There is a limited railway network with daily passenger trains leaving Tirana for Shkodra, Fier, Ballsh, Vlora and Pogradec.
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Cities, Towns and Areas In Albania
| Berat Butrint (ruins) Durrės Elbasan Gjirokastra Korēa Kukės Shkodra Tirana
Berat
Butrint |
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Within a century of the Greeks arriving, Butrint had become a fortified trading city with its own acropolis, the ruins of which you can still visit. Just below the acropolis in the forest is the 3rd century BC theatre, also used for performances when the Romans were there. You will also want to visit the interesting public baths with their geometrical mosaics. There is also a wall with Greek inscriptions and a 6th century baptistery decorated with colorful mosaics of animals and birds. There is a triangular fortress that overlooks the entire site. Butrint is accessibly by road from Saranda, which is linked to Tirana and Vlora by bus.
Durrės
Unlike Tirana, Durrės is an old (Or should I say, ancient?) city that was
founded about 600 BC by the Greeks. Fop centuries it was the largest port on
the Adriatic, and the start of the Via Egnatia to Constantinople. Roman
ruins and Byzantine fortifications embellish this major industrial city and
commercial port, which is Albania's second largest city.
You might want to visit the Archaeological Museum, which faces the waterfront promenade near the port. Behind the museum are the ancient 6th century city walls that are capped by round Venetian Towers from the 14th century. The Roman Amphitheatre, built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD is impressive and should also be visited. It stands on a hillside just inside the walls. The former Palace of King Ahmet Zog stands to the west of the amphitheatre, and in front of that is a statue of Skėnderberg. Try to ignore the huge radar disks set up by the Italian army. When you're in the centre of town, don't miss the Roman Baths behind the Aleksandėr Moisiu Theatre on the central square.
Durrės is about 24 miles west of Tirana, and is easily accessible by rail. If you're coming from Italy there are direct ferries from Trieste, Ancona and Bari, and there are also services from Koper in Slovenia.
Elbasan
Located about midway between Pogradec and Durrės is Elbasan. It was founded by
the Romans in the 1st century AD, and strong stone walls with 26 towers
were added in the 4th to protect it against invading barbarians. The 17th
century Turkish Baths are in the centre of town, on the opposite side
of the park from the Ethnographical Museum. For an interesting walk, go
through the Bazaar Gate near the clock tower and follow a road north
past the 15th century King's Mosque to St Mary's Orthodox Church
where you will find some beautiful stone arcades in the walls. Elbasan is only
about 30 miles southeast of Tirana and can be reached by bus, minibus taxis
and train.
Gjirokastra
Gjirokastra is not to be missed as it is a strikingly picturesque
town perched on the side of a mountain above the Drino River. The town was
well established by the 13th century and, after a slow decline when it was
occupied by the Turks in 1417, it has remained a busy place since the 17th
century. You will want to spend some time in the wonderful bazaar where
embroidery, silk and the still famous white cheese are still traded. Above the
Bazaar Mosque (in the centre of town) is the Mėmėdheu ABC Monument,
commemorating the Renaissance of Albanian education around the turn of the
20th century. Dominating the town is the 14th century citadel, now a
museum of armaments. The Ethnographic Museum, and the old Turkish
Baths are in the lower town. Gjirokastra is about 75 miles south of
Tirana, and as it's on the main highway between Tirana and Saranda it is
easily reached by bus.
Korēa
Korēa is the main city of the southeastern interior of the country.
It sits on a 3,000-foot-high (almost) plateau west of Florina, Greece, about
25 miles south of Lake Ohrid. It is Albania's largest carpet and rug producing
centre, and has been since the Greeks were there. There are several museums in
the city, the Muzeu i Artet Mesjetar Shqiptar (Museum of Albanian
Medieval Art), the Muzeu Historik and the Muzeu i Arsimit Kombėtar
(the Education Museum). You should also visit the bazaar, west of the
Hotel Iliria. Korēa is a little over 100 miles southeast of Tirana, and you
can get there by bus. It is also the first stop in Albania if you enter from
Florina in Greece.
Kukės
This town sets in one of the most beautiful areas of Albania high
above Lake Fierza and just below the 8,000-foot summit of Mt Gjalica.
This a very pleasant place to spend a few days with the Hotel Turizmi one of
the finest in Albania. Kukės is about 60 miles northeast of Tirana, and
minibuses and buses travel there several times a day.
Shkodra
Shkodra, one of the oldest cities in Europe, is the traditional
centre of the Gheg cultural region. In 500 BC an Illyrian fortress was already
guarding the crossing west of the city where the Buna and Drin rivers meet.
The road to Kosovo also begins here. Shkodra's skyline is dominated by the
very impressive Sheik Zamil Abdullah Al-Zamil Mosque, which is located
next to the Muzeo Popullor which features exhibits of paintings and
historic photos. There is also a pretty good archaeological collection. A
visit should also be made to the Catholic Franciscan Church on Rruga
Ndre Mjeda. Rozafa Fortress, Located near the southern end of Lake
Shkodra, is also worth a visit. Legend has it that a woman named Rozafa was
walled in here, and she asked that two holes be left in the wall so she could
still feed her baby. Nursing mothers come here today to smear their breasts
with the milky water for good luck. Below the fortress is the many-domed
Leaden Mosque, the only mosque in town to escape destruction during the
1966 Cultural Revolution. Shkodra is accessible by frequent buses and trains
from Tirana, about 50 miles to the south, and infrequent buses from Durrės.
Tirana
The capital of Albania since 1920, Tirana is small and pleasant
enough to explore on foot. Most visitors to Tirana begin their exploring at
Skėnderberg Square, a great open space in the heart of the city. Mt
Dajti, which rises to about 5,000 feet, is located on the eastern side of
the town. There is also an interesting market that is worth some exploring on
the east side of town. You should also visit the National Museum of History.
It is the largest and finest museum in Albania. It is easy to find as it is
located next to the 15 storey Tirana International Hotel, the tallest building
in the country. A huge mosaic mural entitled Albania covers the faēade
of the building. To the east, the Palace of Culture has a theatre,
restaurant, cafes and art galleries. The entrance to the National Library
is on the southern side of the building. Opposite that is the cupola and
minaret of the Mosque of Ethem Mey, built in 1793 and one of the city's
most distinctive buildings. Tirana's clock tower, built in 1830, stands
beside the mosque. On the other side of the Lana River (to the south) are the
sloping white marble walls of the former Enver Hoxha Museum.
Occasionally used as an exhibition centre, it is slated to be turned into a
disco. Further south on Bulevardi Dėshmorėt e Kombit are the ultramodern
Palace of Congress and the Archaeological Museum, which has a
fantastic selection of objects from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.
If you have something you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Things To See And Do
In Albania
Albania has some wonderful beaches and you could spend the better
part of a month traveling the Adriatic and Ionian coasts going from one
sun-soaked spot to another. Hiking and trekking are also an interesting
activities through the forests and farmlands. There are also several mountains
and cliffs that offer opportunities for climbing. The areas along the coast and
in the central plains are great for cycling. There is also a lot to see and do
in the following cities of Albania.
Berat
Berat is Albania's second most important museum town. It is sometimes
called "the city of a thousand windows" as the red-roofed houses seem to be
filled with them. Along the ridge above the gorge is a 14th century citadel
sheltering small Orthodox churches such as the Orthodox Cathedral of Our Lady,
the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Church of the Evangelists,
all of which should be seen. You should also visit the Mangalem, the old
Muslim quarter, which is located on the slope below the citadel. A seven-arched
stone bridge leads to Gorica, which is the Christian quarter.
There are also several fine mosques, such as the Leaden Mosque, the
King's Mosque, the Bachelor's Mosque and the Alveti Tekke.
Berat is 75 miles southeast of Tirana.
Butrint
The ancient ruins of Butrint are located about 11 miles south of Saranda and
are of special interest if you are into interesting insights into ancient
world ruins. Virgil claimed that the Trojans settled Butrint, but no evidence
of this has yet been found, and the site has been pored over by archaeologists
trying to prove it. Treasure hunters from Italy lifted many of the antiquities
before the war, but most have since been returned and are on display at the
National Museum of History in Tirana. Greeks settled Butrint during the 6th
century BC, although the area had been settled long before by the Illyrians.
Within a century of the Greeks arriving, Butrint had become a fortified trading city with its own acropolis, the ruins of which you can still visit. Just below the acropolis in the forest is the 3rd century BC theatre, also used for performances when the Romans were there. You will also want to visit the interesting public baths with their geometrical mosaics. There is also a wall with Greek inscriptions and a 6th century baptistery decorated with colorful mosaics of animals and birds. There is a triangular fortress that overlooks the entire site. Butrint is accessibly by road from Saranda, which is linked to Tirana and Vlora by bus.
Durrės
You might want to visit the Archaeological Museum, which faces the
waterfront promenade near the port. Behind the museum are the ancient 6th
century city walls that are capped by round Venetian Towers from
the 14th century. The Roman Amphitheatre, built between the 1st and 2nd
centuries AD is impressive and should also be visited. It stands on a hillside
just inside the walls. The former Palace of King Ahmet Zog stands to
the west of the amphitheatre, and in front of that is a statue of Skėnderberg.
Try to ignore the huge radar disks set up by the Italian army. When you're in
the centre of town, don't miss the Roman Baths behind the Aleksandėr
Moisiu Theatre on the central square.
Elbasan
In Elbasan you will want to see the 1st century AD stone walls with 26
towers, the 17th century Turkish Baths, the Ethnographical Museum,
and the 15th century King's Mosque to St Mary's Orthodox Church.
Gjirokastra
Gjirokastra is not to be missed as it is a strikingly picturesque
town perched on the side of a mountain above the Drino River. The town was
well established by the 13th century and, after a slow decline when it was
occupied by the Turks in 1417, it has remained a busy place since the 17th
century. You will want to spend some time in the wonderful bazaar where
embroidery, silk and the still famous white cheese are still traded. Above the
Bazaar Mosque (in the centre of town) is the Mėmėdheu ABC Monument,
commemorating the Renaissance of Albanian education around the turn of the
20th century. Dominating the town is the 14th century citadel, now a
museum of armaments. The Ethnographic Museum, and the old Turkish
Baths are in the lower town.
Korēa
There are several museums in the city, the Muzeu i Artet
Mesjetar Shqiptar (Museum of Albanian Medieval Art), the Muzeu Historik
and the Muzeu i Arsimit Kombėtar (the Education Museum). You should
also visit the bazaar, west of the Hotel Iliria. Korēa is a little over
100 miles southeast of Tirana, and you can get there by bus. It is also the
first stop in Albania if you enter from Florina in Greece.
Shkodra
A visit to Shkodra should include the following: the very
impressive Sheik Zamil Abdullah Al-Zamil Mosque, which is located next
to the Muzeo Popullor which features exhibits of paintings and historic
photos; the Catholic Franciscan Church on Rruga Ndre Mjeda; Rozafa
Fortress, Located near the southern end of Lake Shkodra; and the
many-domed Leaden Mosque.
Tirana
The National Museum of History. It is the largest and finest
museum in Albania. It is easy to find as it is located next to the 15 storey
Tirana International Hotel, the tallest building in the country. A huge mosaic
mural entitled Albania covers the faēade of the building. To the east,
the Palace of Culture has a theatre, restaurant, cafes and art galleries.
The entrance to the National Library is on the southern side of the
building. Opposite that is the cupola and minaret of the Mosque of Ethem Mey,
built in 1793 and one of the city's most distinctive buildings. Tirana's
clock tower, built in 1830, stands beside the mosque. On the other side of
the Lana River (to the south) are the sloping white marble walls of the former
Enver Hoxha Museum. Occasionally used as an exhibition centre, it is
slated to be turned into a disco. Further south on Bulevardi Dėshmorėt e Kombit
are the ultramodern Palace of Congress and the Archaeological Museum,
which has a fantastic selection of objects from prehistoric times to the Middle
Ages.
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to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Suggestions For Accommodations In
Albania
The best inexpensive accommodation in Tirana is through private rented apartments or with local families. The formerly cheap state-owned hotels have either closed or been renovated, and now ask substantially higher prices. New hotels are similarly out of the budget traveler's reach. However, I would still look for a hotel, if I were you, and spend the extra money.
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Some Suggestions For Dining In Albania
There are plenty of places to eat on Skėnderberg Square and on Bulevardi Dėshmorėt e Kombit, and small and stylishly interesting bars have sprung up all over town. Some of the hotels also offer meals.
If you have something you believe I should add to this section, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some Favorites In Albania
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have something you believe I should add
to this section, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Embassy of Albania You will find a lot of good information at the Embassy of Albania site in the U.S., Washington D.C. 202.223.4942.
VirtualTourist.com - Albania Facts and information on Albania.
