Albania
Visa: Visa-free for EU, US, and many other nationalities for up to 90 days. Free Visa Check
Language: Albanian (Shqip) -- a completely unique language with no close relatives! Don't worry, younger generations speak excellent English, and many older locals speak fluent Italian.
Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL). Cash is king. There are places that accept credit cards, but always keep a stack of cash handy. Don't exchange too much at the airport. There are many exchange offices in the city center, where offer better rates. Note: Most ATMs charge a hefty access fee (around 4-6 EUR).
Transportation: Forget about the railway system. Buses are the best way to get around. I explored this country relying on buses, domestic furgons (minibuses), and unexpected hitchhiking! Navigating Albania by public transport is completely doable.
Check on Gjirafa to find out buses schedules.
Renting a car is a better option if you want to travel at your own pace. Just stay alert, and always choose a reputable car rental company, and definitely opt for full insurance for total peace of mind.
What To Expect
Albania is a true hidden gem. Rugged mountain peaks plunge straight into turquoise seas, and decades of communist isolation have given way to a booming, vibrant energy.
Wandering through Albania feels like a cinematic journey through time: yesterday, you were retracing history inside Tirana's communist bunkers; today, you are weaving through the Ottoman-era stone houses of Berat and Gjirokastër (both UNESCO World Heritage sites); and tomorrow, you could be standing among the ancient Roman ruins of Butrint or hiking the raw, jagged trails of the Albanian Alps.
When hunger strikes, Albania comforts your soul with unpretentious Balkan soul food. Imagine layers of flaky, piping-hot byrek, comforting clay pots of tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt), and fresh seafood along the Riviera—all inevitably paired with a fiery shot of homemade raki.
Beyond the viral beaches lies a country defined by fierce independence and a legendary code of hospitality that will make you feel like family the moment you step off the beaten path.
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