What to See in Albania for First Time Travelers?
Visitors coming to Albania for the first time will be amazed by this fantastic place where they can explore a rich variety of attractions. It is an enchanting country that offers you romantic memories of discovering the magical “Blue Eye” spring, admiring the classical architecture like the white Ottoman houses, uncovering the Roman ruins in historic towns, and immersing yourself in breathtaking sunset over the blue ocean in the Balkans.
Saranda, Butrint, Gjirokaster, Berat, Vlora, Durres, Kruje, Shkodra, Theth and the capital Tirana are all popular travel destinations in Albania. Visitors can spend 4 to 7 days to experience diverse landscapes, and we can arrange private trips in any of these remarkable cities. The major tourist destinations are Berat and Saranda, which are popular for honeymoon or family vacations, hence these two cities are highlighted in our best Albania tours. If you want to travel Albania in depth, you can add another 2-3 days to your exploration to the untouched nature of the remote Albanian Alps in the north, where you can enjoy trekking and jeep safari in the wonderful national park of Theth.
![]()
Gjirokastra, Albania
![]()
Theth Mountains
When is the Best Time to Take Albania Tours?
Albania’s weather is varied with the Alpine climate in the north and the Mediterranean climate in the south. The best time to visit Albania is between April to June, and September to October. The weather is quite pleasant during this period. For example, the average temperature in capital Tirana is usually between 23°C/ 74°F and 31°C/ 87°F, which would be just right for a beach holiday or a hiking trip in the Albanian Alps.
The high tourist season is July to August, however the summer in coastal cities is humid and uncomfortably hot with an average temperature of 34°C/ 93°F. In low season from November to next March, it is rather cold in high mountain region of the northern Albania, and winter in coastal cities is also in a chill breeze. Normally, we do not recommend you to visit Albania in winter, but it might be a good time to save cost.
How to Get to and Travel Around Albania?
Travelers can enter Albania in several ways, which are by airplane arriving at the Tirana International Airport (TIA), across the border from Greece, and by ferry to the port cities of Durres, Vlora or Saranda. With virtually no railway system in Albania, buses and cars are the major transports in this small land. Because of the instable timetables of the public transport, hiring a car is the best way to travel around Albania. Our private packages will include the spacious and comfortable car for the whole journey. If you plan to venture north to Shkodra or Theth, our travel specialist will arrange a four-wheel drive or a private jeep safari for you and escort you to explore the untouched nature of the Albanian Alps safely.
Do I Need a Tourist Visa to Albania?
Foreign nationals do not need a visa to Albania if they are from the list of 84 visa-free countries like Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and European countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement. They are only required to hold a valid passport and allowed visa-free travel to Albania for up to 90 days.
Travelers from other countries that are not included in the list still have to apply for a tourist visa before departure. Please check with your local Albanian Embassy or Consulate for detailed policy.
Are Credit Cards or Debit Cards Widely Accepted?
Credit or debit cards are mainly used in the larger hotels, international shops and ATM machines. However some local shops, taxis or mid-ranged hotels only accept payment in cash. In Albania, the most popular payment method is still by cash so far. You are advised to prepare enough cash with you beforehand to avoid any inconvenience, especially when you travel to the isolated areas in the northern region with no ATMs.
