Is Albania A Good Holiday Destination?

Is Albania a good holiday destination? In short - absolutely.

The country is an exciting, interesting, and beautiful place to visit. Even though it's a small place, it’s such a diverse country that a holiday in Albania can be enjoyed by absolutely anyone.

At Skyhook, we offer various guided tours in Albania. We’ve experienced the best of this country first-hand and can confidently say that it’s a worthwhile holiday destination for all travellers.

Let’s explore this in more detail in the guide below.

Yes, Albania is a fantastic holiday destination for all kinds of travellers.

With immense natural beauty, rugged Albania mountains, plenty of history, and cultural charm, this is a seriously underrated European country to visit.

Albania is a great holiday destination for visitors with all kinds of interests - whether you want to experience outdoor adventure or soak up unique Balkan heritage. Albania is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travellers, so the country is still considered more “off the beaten track” compared to more popular European destinations.

Is Albania good for a holiday? Absolutely. Here are some of the main reasons why, and things you can expect from a holiday in Albania.

Albania boasts stunning landscapes, including pristine beaches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, picturesque mountains, and beautiful national parks.

Places like the Albanian Riviera offer breathtaking views and tranquil settings for relaxation, while the Albanian Alps offer the ultimate outdoor playground for hikers.

Compared to many other European destinations, Albania tends to be more affordable. The country offers some great budget-friendly accommodations, dining options, and activities.

This makes it an attractive option for travellers looking to stretch their holiday budgets.

Albania has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with influences from ancient civilizations, the Roman Empire, and Ottoman rule.

Visitors can explore historical sites such as ancient ruins, medieval castles, and Ottoman architecture. Getting an insight into the country's diverse cultural heritage is fascinating for any tourist.

Albanian people are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards visitors.

Travellers often find themselves welcomed with open arms and treated to genuine Albanian hospitality during their stay.

With its diverse landscapes, Albania offers numerous outdoor activities for adventure seekers, including hiking, kayaking and rafting in Albania, snorkelling, and paragliding.

The country's natural beauty provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures.

For travellers seeking destinations away from the crowds, Albania offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience compared to some other European countries.

Visitors can discover hidden gems and lesser-known attractions without dealing with large tourist crowds. It’s definitely an exciting place to visit.

To fully answer the question “Is Albania a good holiday destination?” we’ll need to uncover some of the best things for travellers to do in this country.

Of all the outdoor adventure activities to do in Albania, hiking the country’s impressive mountain ranges always ranks at the top.

Visitors can explore Albania's stunning landscapes on hiking adventures from the north to the south of the country. This includes plenty of exciting hikes in the country’s northern Alps, as well as coastal hikes in the south. Hikers have access to various multi-day trails, as well as day hikes, so there really is something for everyone.

A major Albanian hiking highlight is the eight-day Peaks of the Balkans Trail. This trail offers a challenging yet rewarding journey through the Albanian Alps, where you can encounter breathtaking views, remote villages, and rich cultural experiences. It’s the ultimate way to experience Albania’s famous mountain landscapes.

As we’ve already mentioned, Albania is a paradise for outdoor adventure. This includes some awesome kayaking and rafting opportunities.

The Vjosa River is an amazing destination for kayaking, offering some exciting rapids along the way. Kayaking down the river can also lead you to beautiful destinations like the Pellumbas Caves or the Osumi Canyon.

If an adventure like this sounds good, then check out this six-day hike, raft, and kayak adventure in Albania, stopping at some of the best sights in the country.

Beyond the mountains, Albania is also an amazing coastal destination.

Travellers can unwind on the picturesque beaches of the Albanian Riviera along the Ionian Sea - a highly underrated coastal region. From secluded coves to lively beach towns like Saranda and Dhermi, you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and indulging in fresh seafood.

Explore Albania's heritage sites of Berat and Gjirokastër, known for their well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic charm.

Wander through ancient castles, mosques, and traditional bazaars to immerse yourself in Albania's rich cultural heritage.

Explore the ancient ruins of Butrint National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Saranda.

Visitors can wander through the remains of a Greek and Roman city, including theatres, temples, and fortifications, surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. It’s both a beautiful and fascinating visit - combining ancient history with impressive Albanian nature.

No matter what part of the country you visit, you’ll be sure to have something good to eat.

Indulge in the flavours of Albanian cuisine, known for its fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Sample traditional dishes like tave kosi (baked lamb with yoghurt), fërgesë (pepper and tomato stew), and qofte (grilled meatballs) at local restaurants and eateries.

The Albanian Alps may be known for their amazing mountain peaks, but there are also some seriously charming villages nestled in the mountains.

Venture into the remote villages of Theth and Valbona in the Albanian Alps, where you can experience traditional mountain life, hike to spectacular waterfalls, and witness stunning alpine scenery.

These villages are ideal bases for hikers exploring the area. You can also pass through them when doing a multi-day Albanian hike.

Embark on a scenic boat tour of Lake Koman, often described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world.

Navigate through narrow gorges and rugged mountainscapes while marvelling at the pristine beauty of the Albanian countryside.

Step back in time at the archaeological site of Apollonia, one of the most important ancient Greek colonies in Illyria.

While visiting, you get to explore ruins of temples, theatres, and agora, surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills. It’s a truly fascinating visit for anyone interested in the ancient world.

To make the most of your holiday, let’s cover some essential Albania travel advice and tips.

The best time to travel to Albania is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) months when the weather is mild, and tourist crowds are fewer.

Summer (July to August) is the peak tourist season with warm weather perfect for beach activities, but it can be crowded and accommodation will be more expensive.

Winter (December to February) offers the opportunity for skiing in the mountains, but some coastal areas may experience cold and rainy weather.

Is Albania safe to travel to? It sure is.

Albania is generally a safe country for travellers. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so it's essential to remain vigilant.

Be cautious when using public transportation, especially buses and taxis. Only use licensed taxis and negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

Albania has a relatively well-developed transportation network, including buses, minibusses (furgons), and trains, making it easy to travel between cities and regions.

Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the country independently, especially if you want to visit remote areas or rural villages.

Consider hiring a local guide or joining organized tours for activities like hiking in the mountains or exploring historical sites, as the guides will provide valuable insights and enhance your experience.

So, is Albania good for a holiday? Definitely. With activities appealing to all kinds of people, plenty of natural beauty, and a rich cultural heritage, this is an exciting destination for European travel.

If you’re unsure about where to visit or what to see, taking a guided tour is highly recommended. This way, your guides will organize all of the logistics for you, ensuring you see the best sights and have an amazing Albanian experience. Check out our exciting Albanian trips to see what you can get up to in this country!