Albania Travel and Tourism Guide on Travel Notes

Rozafa Castle, Albania by Fabian Kühne on Unsplash.

Travel Notes: Europe - Albania Travel Notes - Updated 06 June, 2023.

Albania Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes

Find Albania travel and tourist information with links to official travel and tourism websites and state resources for visitors to Albania. Tweet

About Albania

Albania is a relatively undiscovered gem in Europe, offering unique experiences for travellers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.

One can expect warm hospitality, stunning scenery, and a rich cultural heritage when travelling to Albania.

Mapping Albania

Map of Albania

Countries neighbouring Albania: Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece.

Albania Maps and Travel Guides

Albania Travel Guides - Albania Maps.

Weather in Europe:
Local weather forecasts for destinations around Europe.

Albanian Beauty, Culture and History

Albania Background

Albania is a country located in Southeastern Europe, bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, Greece to the south and the Adriatic and Ionian Seas to the west.

Albania is known as Eagle's Country, Shqiperi in Albanian. Tirana is the capital, with Durres Albania's major port on the Adriatic Sea.

Albania has a population of approximately 2.9 million people and is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and pristine beaches.

Albanian History

Albania has a rich history and cultural heritage, with ancient ruins, castles, and Ottoman-era architecture scattered throughout the landscape.

Located close to the town of Korca (South-east Albania), on the Korca-Kolonja national road, the Tumulus of Kamenica is one of the most representative monuments of the prehistory of Albania and of the wider region.

Rome conquered the Illyrian Kingdom in 168 BC, and went on to rule for more than five centuries. Some of the emperors were even of Illyrian descent, as the region became a major transit route through Byzantium.

As the Roman Empire declined, Goths, Huns, Bulgars, and Slavs all tried to fill the vacuum. Then came the Normans and the Serbs.

After the collapse of Stephan Dushan's Serbian Empire, and the death of Scanderbeg, the feudal lords were soon overrun by the Turks.

Albanian language and culture were suppressed for almost 400 years during Ottoman rule, although the Turks were never able to totally control the people.

Ismail Qemal led a series of revolts against Turkey, and on November 28, 1912, Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912, but was conquered by Italy in 1939 and occupied by Germany in 1943. Communist partisans took over the country in 1944.

Albania allied itself first with the USSR (until 1960), and then with China (to 1978).

In the early 1990s, Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic communist rule and established a multiparty democracy.

The economy of Albania has been steadily growing in recent years, driven by industries such as tourism, agriculture, and energy.

Albania is also a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, NATO, and the World Trade Organization.

Albania Landscape

One of the smallest countries in Europe, Albania is also very mountainous and little known to outsiders.

Albania Language and Culture

The official language of Albania is Albanian, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population.

The country has a diverse religious makeup, with Islam and Christianity being the two dominant religions.

Albania underwent a cultural revolution in the mid-1960s, when Western influences were scorned, Soviet and Chinese systems were followed, and hardly anyone could enter the country.

Albanian Culture.

Albania Traditions and Customs

Predominately an Indo- European people, descendants of the ancient Illyrians, the Albanians are divided into two main groups: the Ghegs to the north of the Shkumbi River, and the Tosks to the south.

In all, Albania is an unique and fascinating country with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty.

Capital City of Albania

The Capital City of Albania is Tirana.

Map of Tirana

Visit Albania

Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or just want to relax on the beach, Albania has something for everyone.

Where to Go in Albania

Berat

Also known as the 'City of a Thousand Windows', Berat is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to many well-preserved Ottoman-era buildings.

You can visit Berat Castle, the Onufri Museum, and the Ethnographic Museum.

Butrint

An ancient city located on a hilltop overlooking the Vivari Channel, Butrint is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania.

You can see the ruins of the ancient city, including the theater, the agora, and the baptistery.

Gjirokastra

An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gjirokastra is a charming hillside town with traditional Ottoman architecture.

You can visit Gjirokastra Castle, the Skenduli House, and the Ethnographic Museum.

Saranda

A popular seaside town on the Albanian Riviera, Saranda offers beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets.

You can also visit the ancient city of Butrint from Saranda.

Shkoder

The largest city in northern Albania, Shkoder is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. You can visit Rozafa Castle, the Marubi National Museum of Photography, and the Ebu Bekr Mosque.

Tirana

The capital city of Albania is a vibrant and colourful city with a rich history and culture.

You can visit the National History Museum, the National Art Gallery, the Ethnographic Museum, and the famous Skanderbeg Square.

Valbona Valley National Park

Located in the northern part of Albania, Valbona Valley National Park is a pristine natural area with rugged mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and dense forests.

Go hiking, camping, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.

Albania Travel Tips

Tirana Bank now has access to the Visa system. I withdrew some Lek from a Skodra branch of Tirana Bank with no problems. It was a little un-nerving to have a guard with a machine gun on duty 24 hours a day but much better than bringing in hard cash.

By Ian Lawrence.

Albanian Cities - Albanian Tourism - Albanian Tours.

Albania Attractions

Albania Transportation

Getting To and Around Albania

Flights to Tirana - TIA

Airlines and Airports - Flights.

Driving Distances from Tirana.

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Where to Stay in Albania

Albania Accommodation

Albanian Hotels - Bed and Breakfast - Self Catering.

Most people visiting Albania will be looking for Hotels in Tirana, the capital.

Popular Hotels in Tirana

Cheap Hotels and Hostels in Albania.

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