Albanië-specialist geeft antwoord op veelgestelde vragen

What are questions that are often asked by Dutch travelers who have never been to Albania? We asked this in an interview to our Dutch correspondent and Albania specialist, who lives in Albania. She knows the country like no other and answers a number of frequently asked questions in this travel blog about Albania .

Is Albania a beautiful country?

A trip to Albania is beautiful. You will find untouched nature reserves with wild rivers, great white beaches and impressive rock formations, overwhelming mountain areas and ancient towns where you go back in time. Every region in Albania is unique and the landscape can change drastically from region to region over a very short distance. Albania is incredibly diverse and has something for everyone. You can enjoy the sun, sea and beach, but you can also backpack in Albania and enjoy an active holiday in the mountains. Maybe you prefer culture and history, then you are also in the right place in Albania. Albania is full of surprises, that is for sure.

How to travel through Albania?

Personally, I did my trip to Albania on a motorbike, and I still ride it around the country every day. Motorcycling is my passion and a road trip in Albania is fantastic, but a motorbike is also practical. It allows me to easily maneuver in busy cities, park anywhere, and go off-road to very special places where most regular cars can’t drive. Albania is ideal for motorcyclists, not only because of the adventurous roads, but also because the sun almost always shines!

What is the best way to get around Albania?

If you want to travel around Albania , it is best to rent a car. Public transport in Albania is not always reliable. There are bus lines in the capital Tirana, but there is no clear communication about the stops, routes and times. It can therefore be frustrating and time-consuming to travel by public transport. There are no trains and there is also no public transport outside the cities. That is why it is best to travel in Albania with a rental car. This makes you much more mobile and prevents unnecessary loss of time and frustration. You can easily, reliably and fully insured rent a car through Travelling Albania. Are you not a fan of driving? Then join us on a group trip ! We regularly organize interesting and fun group trips to Albania . You can find the current offer on the website.

How many hours is the flight to Albania?

It is a 2.5 hour flight from Eindhoven to Tirana, the capital of Albania. If you fly from Amsterdam to Tirana, you often have a stopover and are on the road for at least 4 hours. From Amsterdam you can also fly directly to Corfu in the summer months, this flight takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes. You can travel to Albania via the port of Corfu . With the fast boat you are in the city of Sarandë in Albania within 30 minutes! You can book these boat tickets quickly and easily via Travelling Albania.

Can you travel to Albania with ID?

Yes, with your Dutch identity card you can also travel to Albania . A passport is not necessary. Please note that both documents must be valid for at least three months on the day of return.

How long can you stay in Albania?

You may stay in Albania for a maximum of 90 days over a period of 180 days. You do not need to apply for a visa for this.

How much money can you take to Albania?

Albania is not part of the European Union, so you can take up to €10,000 per person without having to declare it to customs. This amount can be taken in euros or in other currencies, or even in ‘value carriers’ such as gold. Are you flying to Albania and do you want to take more money? Then declare it to customs.

Can you pay with euros in Albania?

The currency of Albania is the Lek (ALL). If you are going to travel around Albania, it is wise to take enough cash with you, because not all shops and restaurants accept credit cards. There are enough ATMs available in the cities. In Albania you can also pay cash in euros in many places, except at the market and at museums or other government institutions. Your change will then be in Lek. If you do not want to be surprised, it is a good idea to always have Lek cash with you.

Is Albania expensive for a holiday?

In general, you will be pleasantly surprised by the prices in Albania compared to what we are used to in the Netherlands. The prices of accommodations, food and drinks can vary from area to area. Also, in high season the prices will be higher on average than in low season. Ultimately, you make your holiday as expensive as you want. You can find very nice guesthouses for reasonable prices, eat out at local restaurants, and of course the sun is free for everyone! Those who have more to spend on holiday can also opt for luxurious options. It all depends on your travel style. At Travelling Albania we offer options in different price ranges, including individual tours to Albania , as well as cultural group tours for adults.

How much does food cost in Albania?

In a simple local restaurant you can order a main course for around 500-800 Lek (around €4-6.5). In a more expensive restaurant the prices can be a bit higher, but usually they stay below 1000 Lek (around €8). Do you like to have a beer with your meal? You pay between 100 and 300 Lek for that (around €0.80 to €2.50). In some tourist areas, such as the beaches, the prices can be a bit higher. Do you really want to eat out in luxury, with multiple courses and including the finest wines of Albania? Then you will usually pay around €30 per person. Yes, really!

What do you eat in Albania?

The food in Albania is surprisingly tasty and varied. The Balkan countries are known for their endless grilling, but in Albania you will find a diverse mix of influences from the Mediterranean cuisine of Greece, Italy and Turkey. In addition, the food in Albania is often fresh and prepared with local ingredients. If you travel around Albania , you will discover that each region has its own specialties.

Some traditional breakfast dishes are byrek (puff or filo pastry filled with cheese, vegetables such as spinach or tomato, or minced meat), lakror (a type of pancake filled with cheese or vegetables), petulla (fried dough balls eaten with fresh white cheese or various jams), or tarator (a cold soup based on yoghurt and cucumber). But in many places you can also find a Western breakfast, such as bread with egg, sausages, yoghurt with muesli, or a croissant.

For lunch or dinner you can choose from various meat dishes such as kebab (qebapa), meatballs (qofte) or lamb (such as tavë kosi, a stew with lamb and yoghurt) with bread or rice. Along the Albanian Riviera you can eat delicious fresh fish, possibly with pasta.

You will also find many traditional dishes based on vegetables and legumes, such as beans (fasulë) and lentils (lentil soup). Salads are also very popular and almost always present on the menus. So you can also find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options in Albania.

Is Albania safe for tourists?

In the six years that I have been traveling in Albania as a young woman , often alone, I have never felt unsafe. Albania is absolutely a safe country for tourists to travel to. The Albanians are extremely hospitable and helpful, and if you have a problem they often make it their personal mission to help you. Of course, it is always wise to use your common sense, such as keeping an eye on your belongings in busy areas, and not traveling to remote areas at night.

What language do they speak in Albania?

In Albania they speak Albanian. But besides the Albanian language many people also speak Italian and English, especially the younger generations. Older people, or people who live in remote areas, sometimes only speak Albanian. That does not mean that you cannot communicate with them, because with hands and feet you can sometimes get a long way! It can also be useful and fun to learn a few words of Albanian yourself to make yourself understood. That way you will make a great impression on the Albanians, which will immediately make a connection with the locals!

What is Albania known for?

Albania is known for several things, such as the beautiful landscapes and nature, the hospitality of the local population, the unique Albanian culture, and a rich history. Unfortunately, Albania also struggles with many negative prejudices. You don’t hear much about Albania in the Dutch media, except when it comes to drug criminals, human traffickers or corruption. As a result, many people have a skewed and unrealistic image of Albania. The country is developing rapidly and has taken the first steps to join the European Union. Albania is an extremely safe country to travel to, and as a tourist you have nothing to do with the above problems. It is my mission to show the good sides of Albania more, so that the Dutch get a more realistic picture of what the country is really like! Travelling Albania puts together travel routes through Albania that show the many facets of the country.

Where should you sit in Albania?

It depends on what you want to see and do! If I want to relax on the beach, I choose a place to stay in the southern part of the city of Vlorë, the village of Dhërmi or Himarë, or the city of Sarandë. If I go hiking in the mountains, I choose Valbonë or Theth, or the lesser-known Peshkopi near the Korab mountain (the highest mountain in Albania). When friends and family come to visit, I always take them to Berat and Gjirokastër, for me personally the two most beautiful old cities in Albania. And we always go out in Tirana! These are a few examples, but Albania is rich in beautiful places. There is simply too much to mention! That is why at Travelling Albania, in addition to standard trips and group trips to Albania, we also specialize in tailor-made trips. In this way, we look carefully at what suits you, so that we can recommend the best accommodations.

Where can you find the most beautiful nature in Albania?

The town of Bënjë, with its natural hot springs and views of the Langarica canyon, holds a special place in my heart. This is the place where I first fell in love with Albania. But there are many places in Albania where you can find beautiful nature. My top three personal favorites are the Karaburun Peninsula, Zagoria National Park, and of course Valbona National Park. I also like to go on a road trip through Albania and I love to ride my motorcycle off-road in the area around the village of Shëngjergj, the Dibër province, and Korçë is also beautiful near the lakes of Ohrid and Prespa. These places together already make a great travel route through Albania , but of course there is more. If you are looking for beautiful nature in Albania, I can highly recommend the 15-day fly & drive to the highlights of nature in Northern and Central Albania ! But our group tours are also packed with nature. We have also developed additional adventure group tours for young adults who want to backpack in Albania .

What is the climate like in Albania?

Sunny! Albania has a subtropical climate and an average of 300 sunny days per year. From April to October you can usually count on nice weather. November to March also has plenty of nice and dry days, but it is colder in these months and there is a greater chance of rain. The weather also depends on where you are in Albania. Albania has many differences in altitude, and therefore the weather and temperature can be very different on the southern coastline than in the mountains in the north. In general, you can expect a difference of 6 to 7 degrees between northern and southern Albania.

How hot is it in Albania in summer?

The summer months of July and August are the warmest. The temperature is on average around 25-30 degrees, but can rise to 35 to 40 degrees on the coast and in the lower areas. In the higher areas it is usually 5 to 10 degrees cooler. In the months of June and September it is also still full summer, but the chance of heat waves is much smaller.

What time does it get dark in Albania?

The days are longest in June and July, and it doesn’t get dark until between 20:00 and 20:15. Albania also has a summer time like the Netherlands, where the clock is put forward one hour in April and back one hour in October. It gets dark first in the winter months of January and December, between 16:10 and 16:20.

Can you drink the tap in Albania?

It is not advisable to drink tap water in Albania because it is not as pure as in the Netherlands. There is a chance that the water is contaminated with bacteria or parasites that can cause diseases. There are Albanians who claim that you can drink from the tap, but they are used to this and therefore in some cases are better equipped to handle the water. This does not apply to you as a traveler, so it is absolutely wise to only drink bottled water. An alternative is to use a water filter such as LifeStraw with which you can filter tap water so that you can safely drink it, and you do not have to keep buying bottles. In the mountains and nature reserves you will also find many natural water sources, this water is usually safe to drink.

What should you pay attention to in Albania?

That you never come back. And no, I don’t mean because you’re kidnapped! But because you’ve fallen so in love with the country that you never want to go home. Really, it happened to me… You can read all about it in the Albania blog : From Amsterdam to Tirana: my adventurous move to Albania .

Is Albania worth it?

I can assure you that Albania is absolutely worth a visit, and that you will return home full of fresh energy, inspiration and stories. Albania is an excellent holiday destination for sun, sea and beach, but will also make the heart of the adventurous traveller beat faster. It is a paradise for lovers of nature, culture and history. Albania has something to offer every traveller. Curious? Then take a look at our tours of Albania , beach holidays , group trips and business trips .

Where can I buy Albanian Lek outside Albania?

You cannot buy Albanian Lek outside of Albania. You can only buy some Albanian Lek within the borders of Albania once you have arrived. This also means that you will need to drink or exchange your Albanian Lek before you travel home.

What currency should I take to Albania?

Bringing some cash euros is the best option. However, US dollars or pounds can also be easily exchanged. Of course, you can also choose to withdraw money from an ATM (withdrawal rates vary).

Can I pay with euros in Albania?

In many places you can pay with euros. Taxi drivers, bus drivers, hotels and large supermarkets do accept euros. However, I still recommend you to take a small amount of Albanian Lek with you, so that you can buy bottled water, coffee, pastries, fruit or ice cream on the way.

Do I need to exchange money at the airport?

In most cases it is cheaper to exchange money at a small exchange office in the center of Tirana or Durres or another big city. So if possible pay your taxi to your hotel in euros, pay your hotel in euros and then look for an exchange office nearby. There are ATMs at the airport, there is a Vodaphone at the airport, there is WIFI and there are yellow taxis from Tirana Airport Taxi Service in front of the arrivals hall of the airport.

Do I need to exchange money at the bank in Albania?

It is usually cheaper to exchange money at a small money exchange office than at a bank. You will find exchange offices easily, they usually have very bright and large signs outside. Currency exchanges are found in the city centres, not in small villages.

Can I pay by card in Albania?

Major hotels and large supermarkets accept credit cards. However, small bakeries, fruit stalls and restaurants expect and prefer cash. I therefore always recommend that you carry some cash with you when travelling in Albania. Take some cash euros and a small amount of Albanian leke for small expenses such as pastries, ice cream, coffee, mineral water and fruit.

Can I buy my bus ticket online?  

Most bus drivers only accept cash payments, so if you travel by bus I recommend you to always have cash on you. Also remote areas, like Shala River, Valbona or Theth, are destinations where it is best to have some cash on you.