Is Albania Worth Visiting? Our Honest Experience After 5 Days

Is Albania worth visiting?

Short answer, yes but not for the reasons you might expect.

After five days exploring Tirana, Berat, and Krujë, we found a country that feels refreshingly raw, authentic, and far less crowded than much of Europe. Think layered history, mountain landscapes, vibrant café culture, and surprisingly affordable travel, all without the heavy tourism of places like Italy or Greece.

In this guide, we share our honest first impressions, what might surprise you, the pros and cons, and a simple 5 day itinerary to help you decide if Albania deserves a spot on your travel list.

Quick Answer: Is Albania Worth Visiting?

Yes, Albania is absolutely worth visiting.

After spending five days travelling through Tirana, Berat and Krujë, we found the country offers beautiful Ottoman towns like Berat, vibrant café culture in Tirana, dramatic mountain scenery and very affordable travel compared to most of Western Europe. While tourism infrastructure is still developing in places, Albania remains one of the most authentic and uncrowded destinations in Europe.

In a short amount of time, you can experience:

• Beautiful Ottoman towns like Berat
• Dramatic mountain scenery and lakes
• Vibrant café culture in Tirana
• Very affordable travel compared to Western Europe
• Fewer crowds than most European destinations

Albania Travel Snapshot

Category	Our Experience
Overall Verdict	Absolutely 100% worth visiting
Best Cities	Tirana, Berat, Krujë (We would have added some from the Albanian Riviera, however we did not get to visit it on this trip so we only recommend places we go to)
Best Nature	Lake Bovilla and Gamti Mountain
Budget Level	Very affordable
Best Trip Length	4 to 7 days (Honestly, you could also spend two weeks here!)
Best Time to Visit	May to June and September to October (We visited end of March/start of April)

Our 5-Day Albania Itinerary at a Glance

Our trip focused on three destinations that are easy to connect by bus and offer a great introduction to the country, as it definitely did for us.

During our trip we explored Tirana, Berat and Krujë, three destinations that offer a great introduction to Albania’s culture, landscapes and history.

Some of the most memorable places to visit in Albania include these cities.

• Day 1: Arrive in Tirana and travel to Berat
• Day 2: Explore Berat and continue to Krujë
• Day 3: Krujë morning and Tirana afternoon
• Day 4: Lake Bovilla and Gamti Mountain day trip
• Day 5: Departure from Tirana

This route gave us a balanced mix of cities, historical towns and nature without needing to rent a car.

If you’re visiting Albania for the first time, this combination works extremely well.

First Impressions of Albania

Our first impressions started the moment we landed in Tirana.

The airport felt modern and efficient, and the drive into the city quickly revealed mountains, colourful buildings and roadside cafés. Albania doesn’t feel overly polished or touristy, and that’s part of the appeal.

Compared to much of Western Europe, Albania still feels relatively undiscovered. Prices are lower, crowds are lighter and everyday interactions often feel more genuine.

It’s not a perfectly polished destination yet. Infrastructure is still developing and transport can sometimes feel a little chaotic.

But for us, that unpredictability added to the experience rather than detracting from it.

For travellers researching is Albania worth visiting, this mix of authenticity and affordability is exactly what makes the country so interesting to explore.

The History Is Fascinating and Surprisingly Visible

One of the most interesting parts of travelling in Albania is how visible the country’s history is.

Albania spent decades under the isolated communist regime of Enver Hoxha, and its impact is still visible today. Thousands of Cold War bunkers remain scattered across the landscape.

We were surprised how many we saw on our bus journeys to the different towns. Our Bovilla Lake tour guide mentioned there are tens of thousand bunkers across the country.

In Tirana, we recommend visiting places like the Bunk’Art museums offer insight into this period. We were only able to visit Bunk’Art 2 but that already provided us good context.

Walking through underground tunnels built for government leaders during wartime is a sobering reminder of how recently Albania opened up to the world.

But Albania’s story stretches far beyond the communist era. Ottoman architecture still defines towns like Berat, where white stone houses cascade down the hillside beneath a centuries-old fortress and towns like Krujë, where a 400-year old bazaar still exists.

Travelling through these places reveals just how layered Albania’s history really is.

Berat: One of the Most Beautiful Towns We Visited

Berat was easily one of the highlights of our trip.

Known as the City of a Thousand Windows, the town sits along the Osum River and is famous for its white Ottoman houses stacked across the hillside.

Walking through the historic Mangalem quarter felt like stepping into another era. Stone streets wind uphill to Berat Castle, where sweeping views open across the valley.

What makes the castle unique is that people still live within its walls. Small homes, churches and cafés give the fortress a quiet, lived-in atmosphere. You can feel that there when you visit.

Although we only spent one night in Berat, but it was enough to enjoy the town’s charm before continuing our trip.

If you’re planning to visit, we HIGHLY recommend the hotel we stayed at here: check availability and prices for Hotel Ansel – the stay overall and especially the breakfast were amazing!

Krujë Offers a Completely Different Experience

From Berat we travelled north to the historic town of Krujë.

If Berat feels relaxed and scenic, Krujë feels more dramatic. The town sits high on a mountainside overlooking the plains, and its medieval castle was once the stronghold of Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg.

The highlight is the Krujë Bazaar, a cobbled market street lined with shops selling rugs, antiques, copperware and local crafts. It was easily one of the most atmospheric places we visited in Albania.

Staying overnight was a great decision for us. Once the day-trip buses leave, the town becomes much quieter. We stayed one night in Krujë.

We stayed at Kruja Albergo Diffuso and highly recommend it, as it feels as if you are staying within the castle itself and you are a 2 minute walk into the castle, museum and bazaar. You can also read our review on our stay here.

Waking up in the mountains and having breakfast overlooking the valley was one of those simple travel moments that stays with you.

Tirana Is One of Europe’s Most Underrated Capitals

Before visiting, we hadn’t heard much about Tirana as a city destination. It was the only airport we could fly into from Germany so we knew we had to go there so we could travel to the other areas.

But after spending time there, it quickly became one of the most interesting capitals we’ve explored in Europe.

Tirana feels very different from cities like Rome or Paris. It’s energetic, colourful and constantly evolving, with communist-era buildings sitting beside modern cafés and creative spaces.

The Blloku neighbourhood stood out to us. Once reserved for communist officials, it’s now filled with restaurants, cocktail bars and some of the best café culture we experienced in the Balkans.

We spent hours wandering the streets, stopping for coffee, raki and exploring the mix of old and new.

Tirana has a growing range of boutique hotels and apartments. We stayed at Hotel Vila e Arte City Center.

If you’re wondering is Albania worth visiting for its cities alone, Tirana might surprise you.

The Nature Around Tirana Is Incredible

One thing we didn’t expect was how quickly you can escape into nature from Tirana. If you’re visiting Tirana, we highly recommend adding a Lake Bovilla day trip from Tirana to your itinerary.

We joined this Lake Bovilla Half-day Tour that included a short hike up Gamti Mountain overlooking the lake. The views from the top were easily some of the most impressive landscapes we saw during our time in Albania.

Clear turquoise water winds through rugged limestone cliffs, creating scenery that feels almost untouched.

It was a reminder that Albania isn’t just about cities and historic towns. It’s also a destination for outdoor adventure and exploring.

The Food Was Better Than We Expected

Albanian food doesn’t get the same international attention as cuisines like Greek or Italian, but we found it consistently delicious and very affordable.

Many dishes blend Mediterranean flavours with Balkan influences. Grilled meats, fresh salads, local cheeses and homemade bread appear on most menus, often alongside seafood and hearty stews.

The dining culture also feels relaxed and welcoming. Meals often last longer than expected as you sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

Coffee culture is HUGE too, especially in Tirana, and we quickly fell into the routine of stopping for coffee several times a day.

Albania Is Surprisingly Affordable

Another major reason Albania is worth visiting is the cost.

Compared to most Western European destinations, Albania is still very affordable. Accommodation, food and transport are noticeably cheaper than places like Italy or France.

Even in Tirana, you can enjoy great meals and comfortable hotels without spending a fortune.

Prices are slowly rising as tourism grows though, so visiting sooner rather than later might be a good idea (in our opinion).

What Might Surprise You

Despite the positives, Albania might still surprise some travellers.

The country feels less developed as a tourism destination compared to parts of Western Europe.

English is common in cities but less so in smaller towns, and public transport schedules can be unpredictable.

Road conditions also vary, especially in more rural areas.

But for us, that’s part of the appeal. Albania still feels authentic and unpolished in a way that’s becoming rare in Europe.

Is Albania Safe to Visit?

One question that often comes up when planning a trip to Albania is safety.

During our five days travelling through the country, we felt safe most of the time.

Just be mindful at the Tirana bus terminal – you may encounter someone urging you to get on a particular bus because they want to fill it up (this happened to us, and we ended up sitting on the floor or standing the entire time). We recommend going straight to an information window and securing a seat on the next scheduled bus first.

Cities felt lively and welcoming, and locals were always helpful when we needed directions.

Like anywhere, basic travel awareness is important, but Albania felt no less safe than many other European destinations we’ve visited.

Is Albania Worth Visiting? Pros and Cons

Like any destination, Albania isn’t perfect. But understanding both the positives and the trade-offs can help set realistic expectations before visiting.

Pros of Visiting Albania

1. Fewer Crowds Than Most European Destinations

One of the first things we noticed was how uncrowded many places felt. Even in popular spots like Berat and Krujë, it rarely felt overwhelming.

Compared to packed destinations like Rome or Dubrovnik, Albania feels refreshingly relaxed. You can wander historic streets, enjoy cafés and explore viewpoints without heavy tourism.

2. Excellent Value for Money

Another reason people ask is Albania worth visiting is the cost.

Compared to Western Europe, Albania is very affordable. Accommodation, food and transport are noticeably cheaper than countries like Italy or France.

3. Incredible Variety in a Small Area

In just five days we experienced:

• A vibrant capital city
• A UNESCO-listed Ottoman town
• A historic mountain fortress town
• A 400-year old bazaar
• A Turquoise lake and mountain scenery

Distances between destinations are short, making it easy to see a lot in a short time.

4. Authentic Travel Experiences

Albania still feels relatively undiscovered compared to much of Europe.

Interactions feel genuine, places feel less commercialised and everyday life remains part of the travel experience. For travellers researching is Albania worth visiting, this authenticity is one of the country’s biggest advantages.

Cons of Visiting Albania

1. Infrastructure Is Still Developing

Tourism is growing quickly, but infrastructure is still developing.

Our tour guide mentioned they were expecting 10 million visitors in 2024, so I wonder how much that has grown now.

Public transport can feel disorganised, roads vary outside major cities and some areas are harder to reach without a car.

2. Fewer Direct Flights

Depending on where you’re travelling from, reaching Albania may require a connection as they only have the Tirana International Airport.

We flew a direct flight from Eindhoven (EIN) in the Netherlands to Tirana (TIA) with Wizz Air (which is a budget airline).

3. Tourism Services Can Be Inconsistent

In some places things don’t always run with the efficiency you might expect in more established destinations.

Opening hours can vary and transport schedules change, so a little flexibility helps.

For many travellers though, that unpredictability is part of the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Albania worth visiting?

Yes, Albania is absolutely worth visiting. The country offers a mix of historic Ottoman towns, dramatic mountain landscapes, vibrant cities like Tirana and very affordable travel. For travellers wondering is Albania worth visiting, it remains one of Europe’s most authentic and least crowded destinations.

Is Albania worth visiting in 2026?

Yes, Albania is worth visiting in 2026, especially as tourism is growing quickly but still feels relatively uncrowded. Travellers asking is Albania worth visiting will find historic towns like Berat, vibrant café culture in Tirana and beautiful mountain scenery, all at prices far lower than most Western European destinations.

Why is Albania worth visiting?

Albania is worth visiting for its combination of culture, history and nature. Travellers researching is Albania worth visiting are often surprised by its Ottoman towns, dramatic mountain landscapes, welcoming locals and affordable travel costs compared to neighbouring destinations like Italy or Greece.

Is Albania worth visiting for a first trip to the Balkans?

Yes, Albania is worth visiting for a first trip to the Balkans. The country offers vibrant cities, historic towns like Berat and Krujë, and beautiful nature within short travel distances. For travellers asking is Albania worth visiting in the Balkans, it provides a great introduction to the region.

How many days do you need in Albania?

For a first visit, 4 to 7 days in Albania is a great starting point. You can begin with Tirana, Berat and Krujë.

Longer trips allow time to explore the Albanian Riviera, national parks and mountain regions.

Honestly, you could easily spend 2 weeks or more in this country! Next time, we will definitely hit up the Albanian Riviera.

Is Albania expensive to visit?

No, Albania is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. Accommodation, meals and transport are significantly cheaper than in many Western European countries. This affordability is one reason travellers researching is Albania worth visiting are increasingly choosing Albania for their trips.

Is Albania safe for tourists?

Yes, Albania is generally considered safe for tourists.

During our five days travelling through the country, we felt safe most of the time. Cities felt lively and welcoming, and locals were always helpful when we needed directions.

The only thing to watch out for is at the Tirana bus terminal, where someone may try to push you onto a bus they’re trying to fill (this happened to us, and we ended up sitting on the floor or standing). We recommend going straight to an information window and securing a seat on the next scheduled bus.

Overall, with basic travel awareness, Albania felt no less safe than many other European destinations we’ve visited.

Do you need a car to travel in Albania?

No, you do not necessarily need a car to travel in Albania (especially on your first trip). Many travellers researching is Albania worth visiting without a car explore cities like Tirana, Berat and Krujë using buses, taxis and guided tours.

We used a combination of public bus, taxis and guided day-trips when we explored Berat and Krujë.

What is the best time to visit Albania?

The best time to visit Albania is late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months the weather is warm and crowds are smaller.

Although we would also recommend visiting late March to start of April – we visited during this time and found it to be pleasantly quiet.

Summer is also popular, especially along the Albanian Riviera, though temperatures can be very hot and it can be very busy.

Is Albania crowded with tourists?

Compared to many European destinations, Albania is still relatively uncrowded – BUT it heavilty depends on where you are going to and the time of year.

Our local guide mentioned that the Albanian Riviera can be overcrowded during summer months (July-August).

However, when we visited during the end of March – early April, it was NOT crowded at all and that we visited quieter historic towns so that might have contributed to that.

What are the best places to visit in Albania?

One of the best places to visit in Albania include Tirana, Berat, Krujë, the Albanian Riviera and Lake Bovilla near Tirana. We were quite surprised by the variety of historic towns, cities and nature across the country.

Final Thoughts – Is Albania Worth Visiting?

After five days travelling through Tirana, Berat and Krujë, our answer is simple.

Yes, Albania is absolutely worth visiting.

The country blends historic Ottoman towns, dramatic mountain landscapes, vibrant café culture and surprisingly affordable travel in a way that still feels relatively undiscovered.

If you’re planning a trip to the Balkans or still wondering is Albania worth visiting, our experience suggests it offers far more than most travellers expect. For those looking for an emerging European destination before mass tourism arrives, Albania should be HIGH on your list.

Thanks for reading,
Ryan