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3 trips

Destination
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Australasia
  • Central & South America
  • Europe
  • Middle East & Central Asia
  • North America
  • Polar Regions
  • Travel Around the World
Trip Style
  • Adventure Trips
  • Paid Work
  • Volunteering
  • Learn & Develop
  • Short Trips
  • Close to Home
  • Round The World
  • Perfect for...
  • Independent Adventures
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Albania Trips & Tours

Komani Lake in Albania
Download Albania Key Facts

Albania packs endless adventure into its tiny territory! Starting at the northern Albanian Alps, this breathtaking mountain range stretches across Southeastern Europe in marvellous shades of emerald and forest greens with curved grey peaks. Its gorges and lakes are a dream hiking destination that can easily rival some of Europe’s top contenders (and without the crowds!). Then there’s the eclectic variety of charmingly distinct cities, from the UNESCO stone streets of Gijrokastёr to the exciting nightlife found inside Tirana: Albania’s terrific capital. Last, but never least, is the exquisite Albanian Riviera: home to sun-soaked, white-sand beaches that curve along the turquoise coast. No matter what kind of travel experience you’re craving, Albania goes above and beyond to deliver it. And the best part? How affordable everything is!

Read more in our Albania Travel Guide.

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Albania Facts

Capital City

Tirana

Currency

Albanian Lek

Language

Albanian

Dialling Code

+355

Plug Type

C and F

Albania Highlights

Landscape of the capital of Albania, Tirana

Tirana

As the capital of Albania, Tirana’s streets are filled with ancient stories. As you sip coffee at Skanderbeg Square, you’ll find yourself marvelling at the famed statue in the centre. Grab homemade souvenirs from street markets, feast on baklava (filo pastry with sweet syrup), or check out one of the city’s underground nightclubs.

Landscape on Berat and it's iconic houses in the hills, giving it the name the city of a thousand windows, in Albania

Berat

Berat is also known as ‘the city of a thousand windows’, owing to its unique houses stacked through the hills. With influences from the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in history. Visit Berat Castle, a popular hotspot for local picnics with beautifully preserved walls that overlook Gorica Quarters below.

Landscape of beach in Himare, along the Albanian Riviera

Albanian Riviera

On our Albania trips, you’ll have the opportunity to relax on the golden beaches and swim in the bright blue waters. Picturesque locations, such as Vlore and Himarё, offer secluded bays dotted along the coastline. Sunbathe with a book or hop on a dreamy boat trip around Sazan-Karaburan Marine Park; the Albanian Riviera is truly paradise.

Mountains as the sun goes down in Valbone, in the Albanian Alps

The Albanian Alps

Grab your hiking boots and head to the Accursed Mountains, or the Albanian Alps, with awe-inspiring views as far as the eye can see. Valbona National Park is the perfect reason to join an Albania tour, with green trails and natural pools inviting you to cool off after your hike, and guesthouses set back against stunning mountain views.

Traveller walking around the ruins of Rozafa Castle in Shkoder, Albania

Shkodër

A gateway to the Albanian Alps, you’ll love Shkodër's traditional architecture and diverse arts scene. Discover the laidback cafes. Coffee isn’t just a drink in Albania; it’s intertwined with the locals’ way of life! Shkodër is extremely bike-friendly, rent a pair of wheels and cycle through local villages - stopping at Mesi Bridge for a dip.

Albania Travel Advice

Sun beds and Umbrellas looking across the ocean at a beach resort along the Albanian Riviera

Climate & Weather

Albania experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers from June to September. You can expect temperatures of approximately 24°C. Winter, December to March, brings mild, wet winters with temperatures of approximately 9°C in coastal areas and as low as -1°C in mountainous areas.

Rainfall also varies across the country due to Albania’s diverse landscape. During winter, you can expect more rainfall in the northern and southwestern mountains

Ferry ride through Komani Lake in Albania

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Albania is unique to each traveller. The most popular time to travel is May to September, thanks to warm, sunny weather. This is a perfect time to relax on the beach, swim in the tranquil and tackle some of Europe’s best hikes. For travellers looking to save on flights, May or September are great options, as the shoulder seasons.

For a winter getaway, you could visit Albania’s capital city, Tirana, during December to March, and enjoy cozy restaurants and quiet streets.

Skanderbeg Square in the capital of Albania, Tirana

Customs & Culture

Albanian culture is built on long-standing traditions and rich history, with a blend of influences forming the Albania you will experience today. Albanians live by the Kanun, a traditional code of conduct leading local life in aspects of family, hospitality, and marriage. Families are highly valued in Albanian society, with a deep respect for their elders.

Your trip leader on our Albania tours will be able to guide you on cultural customs as you travel.

Red and blue british passports

Passports & Visas

British passport holders can enter Albania without a visa for up to 90 days, in an 180-day period, for tourism or business purposes. To enter Albania, your passport must have an expiry date of at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Albania. You will not be able to enter Albania without valid travel documents.

We recommend staying up to date with the FCDO Advice for Albania before you go travelling, as entry requirements and visa rules can be subject to change. 

Horses in Valbone in the Albanian Alps

Health & Safety

At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help. 

We strongly recommend checking the FCDO travel advice for Albania, as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Gap 360, our biggest priority is ensuring that travellers feel safe and supported on their adventures abroad. Before your departure on our Albania trips, you will have access to our health and safety information with advice for your travels and country fact-files for Albania. You’ll also have access to a 24/7 emergency support number, operated by our UK-based team, to assist you while you're travelling. We always encourage travellers to do their own research before visiting a destination, or if you have any questions, we are just a message or phone call away.

It is possible to travel to Albania on a budget, and it is typically considered one of Europe’s most budget-friendly destinations. You can expect to enjoy Albania’s delicious coffee and mouthwatering meals without making too much of a dent in your travel finances. On our Albania tours, your trip leader can provide affordable recommendations for places to eat.

Travellers fall in love with Albania’s natural beauty, with scenic hikes through the Albanian Alps and bright blue waters in the Albanian Riviera. Albania makes both a perfect beach holiday as well as an ideal trip for adventure seekers. On our Albania trips, you will experience the country's well-preserved architecture and history, making it a unique destination to visit.

The official language of Albania is Albanian, spoken by almost 98% of the population. In popular destinations, such as Tirana and the Albanian Riviera, some English is also spoken.

British passport holders can visit Albania for up to 90 days as a tourist without needing a visa.

Flights to Albania from the UK generally take around 3 hours. From most London airports, travellers can get a non-stop flight.

Popular Trips

Any questions about our trips in Albania?
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