FAQ
When we go on a trip, we often ask ourselves (a lot of) questions, and that's normal. Over time, I've come to realize that Albania can be the subject of many questions.
To help you prepare for your trip to the land of eagles, you'll find below a non-exhaustive list of questions and answers.
It all depends on what you want to see and do. Generally speaking, the best time to visit Albania is between April and October.
If you want to visit the north of the country (Theth, Valbone, Tropoje...), it's best not to venture there before May.
I wouldn't recommend going to the beaches in August, because beyond the summer season it's also the month when a lot of Albanians from abroad return to enjoy their families at the seaside. What's more, it's certainly the hottest month, and the temperatures can sometimes be a handicap.
In my opinion, the most pleasant months are May and June, as well as September and October.
Many will say the Riviera, and I can only confirm that some of the beaches are incredible.
Nevertheless, I'm keen to show another side of Albania. There are also extraordinary landscapes inland and in the north, places that are all too often forgotten.
So, once again, it's all a question of desires and expectations!
Even if the cost of living has risen in recent years, it's still a cheap destination, as the French have good purchasing power.
You can find restaurants at 15€ with drinks, but beware: some of them see the tourists coming...!
TIPS: Every time I go on vacation and want something to eat or drink, I look at the terraces, and when I see lots of locals, I sit there to avoid catching tourists.
If you want to enjoy a beach club setting with music and cocktails, I recommend Dhermi.
If you're looking for a family-friendly setting, I'd recommend Livadh, with its several restaurants and parking lot (large but quickly filled in season).
For the more adventurous, I recommend Drimadhes or Gjipe, accessible by sea or via footpaths.
Don't forget, Google maps is your best friend. If you're a bit curious, you'll find some coves, so keep your eyes peeled…
The country is known for its religious peace.
By this I mean that all religions live side by side in harmony. It's not uncommon to see a mosque just a few meters from a church. Nevertheless, the majority of the population is Muslim.
Contrary to preconceived ideas, girls can dress as they like.
However, if you're visiting remote areas such as the north of the country, mentalities may differ.
If you're going in spring or summer, it's best to wear light, breathable clothing, as the days are hot. Bring a light jacket for the evening, but don't pack a sweater!
How to answer this question without writing 3 pages?
Albania is a magnificent country which, in addition to offering ideal temperatures, is a destination with a multitude of facets.
Beaches, mountains, culture, traditions, folklore, cities - in my opinion, it's a country that can meet everyone's expectations.
The dollar is fully recognized in Albania. Today (November 2024, $1 is worth 93 lek).
The €10,000 question! In 8 years, I think I've heard everything about Albania, with films and reports having largely fed the stereotypes surrounding this country (thanks Liam Neeson - Taken).
To answer you as honestly as possible, it would be a lie to say that the mafia and corruption don't exist. Nevertheless, the mafia is present in many countries, and we don't mind going to Italy, for example.
I've never had any problems there, even when I was alone, even when I went out. For example, I feel that security in France has deteriorated considerably in recent years, and today I can say that I feel more confident going out in Albania than in my native country.
It all depends on what you want to do and, above all, how long you want to do it for.
On the Internet, you'll find everything from €500 to €1,500 or more. If you rent a car, stay in luxury hotels or hire a driver/guide, the price can quickly climb.
Nevertheless, it's possible to get by on average for less than 1000€ per person for 1 week.
I recommend the car, especially if you want to move around the country a lot and time is short.
Let me explain: public transport such as buses and minibuses is plentiful, and remains a cost-effective way of getting around. However, if you're in a hurry or want to get to places off the beaten track, I'd advise against it.
There's no national bus company, and as far as I know, there's no website with timetables.
There are plenty of mini-buses on the main roads, but again, it's often a bit vague... There are no defined stops, no fixed timetables and comfort can be rudimentary.
Hitchhiking isn't common, but that's why Albanians quickly realize that you must be a foreigner! Someone is bound to stop quickly.
You can pay by card almost anywhere.
However, if you need to leave the urban areas and well-known places, for example to visit the Albanian Alps or a small producer, make sure you have some cash with you.
The unit of currency in Albania is the LEK (ALL). 1 dollar is equivalent to 93 leks on average.
A great deal of work has been done in recent years to make the main roads safer. All major roads are now expressways.
Nevertheless, if you need to venture inland or into the north, some roads are still wild, winding and rugged.
Find out in advance, depending on the season. Some vehicles are more suitable than others.
Water temperatures range from 13 to 25 degrees depending on the season.
The most pleasant months for swimming are between June and September inclusive.
For USA: a valid passport is required for entry, valid for at least three months from the date of arrival.
U.S. citizens may stay up to one year in Albania without applying for a residency permit. If you wish to stay in Albania longer than one year, you may apply for a residency permit once you enter the country.
From the UK : British citizens can enter and remain in Albania for a maximum of 90 days in every six-month period without a visa. The Albanian authorities require anyone staying longer than 90 days to apply at a local police station for a residence permit.
As in many European countries, service is generally included in the price. Nevertheless, tipping is almost a custom in Albania.
You can leave the equivalent of 5 to 10% if you are satisfied with the quality of service.
For the record, wages in Albania are low: a waiter earns an average of €400 a month, and they don't work 35 hours like we do…
I wouldn't recommend drinking tap water in cities. However, it depends on each individual: some are more fragile than others, and I've never been tempted..!
Most likely, your operator won't allow you to make calls or go online from Albania, as it's outside the EU.
At the airport, it's very easy to pay for a SIM card. I recommend Vodafone.
It's also possible to buy e-sim cards on the Internet in advance of your trip.
And don't forget that there's Wi-Fi in Albania, in hotels, bars, restaurants and large public squares.
There are plenty of ways to get to the city from the airport. Cabs, buses or rental cars are available at the exit.
For cabs, there are a number of different companies, and a trip costs between €10 and €15.
The Luna Travel bus company offers a 24-hour service, although there is only one bus per hour. The fare is €4.
For rental cars, there are several international companies present at the airport, but you should be aware that local companies will be cheaper and won't ask you for a credit card.
From Croatia, you can reach Albania by various means of transport.
By car is not the most economical choice, but you'll have the opportunity to see some extraordinary landscapes while discovering Montenegro.
By bus, there are routes linking some of Croatia's major cities (Dubrovnik, Split) with Albanian towns such as Shkodër and Tirana. This option is less expensive, but the journeys are longer and you won't be able to stop whenever you like.
By plane is the fastest option. You can fly direct or with a stopover from Croatian cities such as Dubrovnik, Split or Zagreb to Tirana, the capital of Albania. Please note, however, that even if these flights are direct and short, you should expect to pay an average of €200 return.
Unfortunately, at the moment, facilities are almost non-existent.
Some luxury hotels do offer suitable facilities, but this remains a minority.
It's important to bear in mind that Albania's service and infrastructure are developing to welcome more and more tourists every year, but they still have a lot of catching up to do, and this will take several more years.
