Airports Albania currently has two international airports: Tirana International Airport "Nënë Tereza" (TIA): Albania's main airport, 17 km northwest of Tirana. By far the most important airport — practically all international flights land here. Connections from Germany: Wizz Air (from Dortmund, Mem

Arrival by Land & Sea

By Land Albania shares borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece — all of which can be crossed easily: From Montenegro: Border crossing Hani i Hotit (Lake Shkodra, towards Shkodra) or Muriqan (Adriatic coast). Buses from Podgorica to Shkodra: 5–8€, 2h. From Kosovo: Border crossin

Furgons (Minibuses) The backbone of Albanian transport is the Furgons — minibuses (Mercedes Sprinter or VW Transporter) that run fixed routes but have no fixed schedule: They depart when full. This can take 10 minutes or an hour. Furgons are cheap, adventurous, and the most authentic way to experien

EU Citizens & Swiss Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You only need a valid passport or ID card. Albania is not an EU member and not in the Schengen Area — there is a real border control with an entry stamp. The passport/ID must be valid for at least 3 months

Health No special vaccinations are required for Albania. Standard vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A) are recommended. For longer stays or travel in rural areas: consider hepatitis B and rabies (there are many stray dogs in Albania). A travel health insurance is strongly recommended — th

Money, Internet & Language

Money & Currency The Albanian currency is the Lek (ALL). The exchange rate is relatively stable: 1€ ≈ 100 Lek (easy to calculate!). ATMs (bankomat) are available in all cities and tourist areas — they dispense Lek. Common banknotes: 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 Lek. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)

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Travel Guide Albania

Your complete travel guide to Europe's last secret on the Mediterranean

Capital:Tirana

Language:Albanian (Shqip)

Currency:Lek (ALL), 1€ ≈ 100 Lek

Best Travel Time:May–Sep

Flight Time:2–2.5 hours from DE

Visa:Not required (90 days)

Last updated: 17 March 2026 · 12 Chapters · 40 Sections

RECOMMENDED

Route Suggestions

Grand Albania Tour

14–18 days

The ultimate tour through all of Albania's highlights — from the capital to the Albanian Alps and the UNESCO cities to the Riviera. Best with rental car (for the Riviera) and furgons/ferry (for the north).

TiranaKrujaShkodraThethValbonaKoman-SeeBeratGjirokastraBlue EyeSarandaKsamilButrintHimaraDhermiVloraTirana

Riviera & South Express

7–10 days

The most popular Albania route for first-time visitors: UNESCO old towns, the most beautiful beaches of the Riviera, and the spectacular coastal road. Perfect with rental car or bus. Best June–September.

TiranaBeratGjirokastraBlue EyeSarandaKsamilButrintHimaraDhermiVlora

Albanian Alps Adventure

5–7 days

The ultimate trekking trip in Albania's wild north: the spectacular ferry ride across Lake Koman, the legendary Theth-Valbona trek, and the cultural gem Shkodra. Best time: July to September.

TiranaShkodraThethValbonaKoman-SeeShkodra

Balkan Combo: Albania & Neighboring Countries

10–14 days

Albania as part of a grand Balkan tour: From Dubrovnik through Montenegro and Albania to North Macedonia and Greece. Showcases Albania in the context of its neighbors and makes the differences and similarities tangible. Best with rental car or bus.

Dubrovnik (HR)Kotor (ME)ShkodraTiranaBeratOhrid (NMK)Thessaloniki (GR)

All Chapters

Planning· 3 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Albania

4 Sections

Chapter 2

Best Travel Time & Climate

3 Sections

Chapter 3

Budget & Costs

3 Sections

Regions· 4 Chapters

Chapter 4

Tirana & Central Albania

5 Sections

Chapter 5

Albanian Riviera

5 Sections

Chapter 6

Northern Albania & Albanian Alps

4 Sections

Chapter 7

Southern Albania & UNESCO Cities

4 Sections

Understanding· 3 Chapters

Chapter 8

History & Culture

3 Sections

Chapter 9

Food & Drink

2 Sections

Chapter 10

Nature & Environment

1 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 11

Arrival & Transport

3 Sections

Chapter 12

Practical A–Z

3 Sections

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Regions at a Glance

Tirana & Central Albania

Albania's colorful capital combines Ottoman heritage, socialist architecture, and a young, creative café and bar scene — along with the historic Kruja Castle and Mount Dajti as a local recreation area.

Skanderbeg SquareBunk'Art MuseumsBlloku DistrictPyramid+1

Tirana

Albanian Riviera

Europe's last undiscovered coastal paradise — turquoise Ionian Sea, hidden pebble beaches beneath dramatic cliffs, and the spectacular coastal road over the Llogara Pass.

Ksamil IslandsDhermi & Drymades BeachLlogara PassBlue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)+1

Saranda Vlora

Northern Albania & Albanian Alps

The "Accursed Mountains" offer world-class alpine trekking — from Theth over the Valbona Pass, past the spectacular Koman Lake ferry and the cultural center of Shkodra.

Theth-Valbona TrekKoman Lake FerryShkodra & Rozafa CastleShala River+1

Shkodra

Southern Albania & UNESCO Cities

Two UNESCO old towns, an ancient site of world renown, and Albania's culinary paradise — Southern Albania combines history, architecture, and indulgence in a compact area.

Berat (UNESCO)Gjirokastra (UNESCO)Butrint (UNESCO)Permet & hot springs+1

Berat Gjirokastra