Travel and holidays in Albania
Turquoise Riviera, UNESCO-listed Ottoman towns and wild fjords in the hidden heart of the Balkans
Fancy discovering Albania, the Mediterranean’s last secret destination?
For decades, Albania remained one of Europe’s most closed-off countries. Today, it is opening up to the world and revealing its treasures: a Riviera with turquoise waters worthy of the finest Greek beaches, UNESCO-listed Ottoman towns (Berat, Gjirokastër), an exceptional archaeological site at Butrint, and natural landscapes of a wild beauty that leave you speechless.
What makes Albania so charming is precisely what other destinations have lost: authenticity. Still-unspoilt beaches, mountain villages frozen in time, legendary hospitality — the Albanian concept of besa, the law of sacred hospitality — and prices among the lowest in Europe.Voyages Flammang helps you create your tailor-made trip to Albania — a tour of UNESCO sites, a road trip along the Riviera, an immersion in the Albanian Alps or a discovery of Tirana — fully adapted to your wishes, your budget and your pace.
Why go to Albania?
Turquoise Riviera, UNESCO sites, wild fjords, legendary hospitality and unbeatable prices: Albania is the European destination that surprises the most — and disappoints the least. A country that is still authentic, to discover now.
Discover our best offers for your trip to Albania
We have selected our most popular stays in Albania: a tour of UNESCO sites, a road trip along the Albanian Riviera, an immersion in the Albanian Alps, a discovery of Tirana and Berat, or an Albania–Greece combination.
Whether you dream of secret beaches with striking turquoise waters, age-old Ottoman towns, hikes in wild mountains or a road trip in the Balkans, each package is fully customisable to suit your dates and your budget.
Voyages Flammang designs a tailor-made trip to Albania for you, turnkey.
389€
price per personDigitrip
Hotel Mondial
- 4-star hotel in a neoclassical and contemporary style
- Outdoor pool on the 6th floor
- Free sauna
696€
price per person
Grand Duka Hotel & SPA
- Full spa
- The Atrium restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
- Flagship Center directly connected to the hotel
£765
price per personDigitrip
Hotel Epidamn Boutique & Spa
- Intimate address with only 14 rooms.
- Spa with Turkish baths in an underground area.
- Location close to the beach and the Adriatic Sea.
When to go to Albania?
Albania offers a Mediterranean climate along the coast and a continental one in the mountains. The coast is pleasant from April to October. The interior and the Albanian Alps are best visited from May to September.
Spring (April–June) – The ideal season
Mild temperatures (20–25°C), lush green nature, and the sea beginning to warm up. May and June are the best months: fine weather, few tourists, attractive prices, and magnificent landscapes after the spring rains.
Summer (July–August) – Peak season
Intense heat (up to 33°C), sea at 25–26°C, lively beaches. July–August is peak tourist season on the Riviera. Ideal for beaches and the sea, less so for the interior (extreme heat). Booking is strongly recommended.
Autumn (September–October) – The golden season
September is often considered the best month to visit Albania: the sea still warm (24°C), few crowds, cheaper accommodation, and a magnificent interior with the first autumn colours.
Sarandë (indicative data)
| Jan | Feb | March | April | Mai | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our opinion | ||||||||||||
| Season | ||||||||||||
| Tourist peak | ||||||||||||
| T° max | 11°C | 13°C | 16°C | 20°C | 25°C | 29°C | 33°C | 33°C | 27°C | 21°C | 16°C | 12°C |
| Rainy days | 9 d | 9 d | 8 d | 7 d | 6 d | 3 d | 1 d | 2 d | 4 d | 8 d | 11 d | 11 d |
| T° sea | 14°C | 14°C | 15°C | 17°C | 20°C | 23°C | 26°C | 26°C | 24°C | 21°C | 18°C | 15°C |
| Beach | ||||||||||||
| Diving | ||||||||||||
| Hiking |
Where to go in Albania? Must-see places
The Albanian Riviera – secret beaches
The Albanian Riviera is the Mediterranean surprise no one expects. Between Vlorë and Sarandë, more than 300 km of Ionian coastline offers turquoise waters, wild coves, cliffside villages, and still-unspoilt beaches. Ksamil, Dhërmi, Himarë, Gjipe — dream beaches at rock-bottom prices.
- Ksamil – turquoise waters & island beaches
- Dhërmi – wild cove on the cliffs
- Gjipe – canyon & secret beach
Berat – the City of a Thousand Windows (UNESCO)
Berat is one of the most beautiful Ottoman towns in Europe. Its white houses with countless paned windows cascade along the banks of the Osum, dominated by a 13th-century medieval castle. Its two historic quarters — Mangalem (Muslim) and Gorica (Christian) — linked by an old stone bridge form an ensemble listed by UNESCO.
- Medieval Berat Castle & panoramic views
- Mangalem district & Ottoman houses
- Onufri Iconographic Museum
Gjirokastër – the City of Stone (UNESCO)
Gjirokastër, built entirely of grey stone in the mountains of the south, is Albania’s other UNESCO jewel. Birthplace of Enver Hoxha and Ismail Kadaré, it fascinates with its kulla (Ottoman tower houses), its imposing castle, and its cobbled lanes. A site of austere and unforgettable beauty.
- Gjirokastër Castle & war museum
- Historic quarter & Ottoman kulla
- Ottoman bazaar & a timeless atmosphere
Butrint – archaeological site (UNESCO)
Butrint is one of Europe’s archaeological wonders: a city founded by the Greeks, enriched by the Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in a forest on the edge of a lagoon, a few kilometres from Ksamil, it can be visited like a walk through 2,500 years of history.
- Roman theatre, baths and baptistery
- Venetian ramparts & Byzantine ruins
- Lake Butrint & exceptional natural setting
Lake Koman – the fjords of the Balkans
Lake Koman, in northern Albania, is one of the most striking landscapes in Eastern Europe. Its emerald waters wind between dizzying cliffs. The ferry crossing from Koman to Fierza is considered one of the most beautiful river cruises on the continent. To be combined with the Valbonë Valley and the Albanian Alps.
- Ferry on Lake Koman & wild fjords
- Shurdhah Island & medieval ruins
- Valbonë Valley & Alpine hikes
Tirana – the capital in full renaissance
Tirana is a capital that surprises and charms. Its brightly painted buildings stand in contrast to its communist past. Bunker Art (a museum in an underground nuclear bunker), Skanderbeg Square, the Blloku district (a former neighborhood reserved for the nomenklatura), and the many cafés and restaurants make it a surprisingly lively and modern city.
- Bunker Art & communism museum
- Skanderbeg Square & Et’hem Bey Mosque
- Blloku district & local cuisine
Which trip to Albania is right for you?
Secret beaches, UNESCO heritage, mountain adventure, or cultural discovery — Albania suits every traveler. A country that holds treasures around every corner.
Family trip – discovery & beaches
Albania is ideal for families: the beaches of Ksamil fascinate children, Butrint and its ruins spark curiosity, and Berat and its medieval castle fuel imaginations. A safe, welcoming, and affordable country, where children are warmly received everywhere.
- Ksamil – turquoise beaches & swimming
- Butrint – archaeology in the forest by the lagoon
- Berat & its medieval castle
Couples’ trip – authenticity & romance
A night in an Ottoman kulla in Gjirokastër, a candlelit dinner in old Berat, a sunset over the Riviera from the cliffs of Himarë, a cruise across Lake Koman, and a getaway to Ksamil: Albania is a romantic destination of rare authenticity, still preserved from mass tourism.
- Gjirokastër & a night in an Ottoman kulla
- Lake Koman & a crossing through the fjords
- Ksamil & turquoise beaches at sunset
Trip with friends – adventure & the Balkans
The Valbonë–Theth hike in the Albanian Alps, Gjipe Canyon, lively evenings in Tirana, the Riviera’s panoramic road and wild beaches: Albania is an exceptional adventure playground for groups of friends looking for authenticity, nature, and off-the-beaten-track destinations.
- Valbonë–Theth hike & Albanian Alps
- Gjipe Canyon & wild beaches
- Tirana by night & local gastronomy
Practical tips for your trip to Albania
Albania is not a member of the European Union, but Luxembourgish and Belgian nationals can travel there without a visa with a valid ID card or passport, for tourist stays of up to 90 days. No particular formalities are required.
The official currency is the Albanian lek (ALL). Euros are accepted in many hotels and tourist restaurants, but it is advisable to have leks for local shops, markets, and transport. Bank cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants in Tirana, but less so in rural areas.
A rental car is the best way to discover Albania: distances are short and the scenery is magnificent. Mountain roads can be winding, but the condition of the road network has improved considerably. Minibuses (furgon) connect the main towns at low cost. Tirana has taxis and ride-hailing services.
Yes, Albania is a safe destination for travellers. Crime against tourists is rare. Albanians are renowned for their exceptional hospitality — the concept of besa (a pledge of honour and the protection of the guest) is deeply rooted in the culture. The usual travel precautions apply as everywhere.
The best time is May–June and September–October. In May–June, the weather is nice, the sea starts to be pleasant, and there are few people. July–August: peak heat and lively beaches (tourist peak). September is ideal: sea still warm, fewer crowds, beautiful inland landscapes. Winter: mild on the coast, cold and snowy in the mountains.
Albania is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. Accommodation, dining, activities, and transport are very affordable compared with neighbouring Greece or Montenegro. A budget of €50–70 per day comfortably covers accommodation, meals, and sightseeing. It is one of the best value-for-money destinations on the continent.
Absolutely. The Albanian Riviera offers some of the most beautiful and clearest waters in the Mediterranean. The sea is swimmable from June to October, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 26°C. The beaches of Ksamil, Dhërmi, Gjipe and Himarë are among the most spectacular. Many are still wild and uncrowded.
The official language is Albanian. Italian is very widely understood, especially in tourist areas and among generations who watched Italian television for decades. English is increasingly spoken among young people. In Tirana and on the Riviera, communicating in English or Italian is not a problem.
Create your dream trip to Albania now
Turquoise Riviera, UNESCO sites and wild fjords. We design a tailor-made trip to Albania for you, fully adapted to your dates, your budget and your wishes.
Also discover our other destinations in Europe
Our experts have selected the most beautiful European destinations for you to combine nature, culture and unforgettable landscapes on your next trip.
Austria
Austria captivates with its imperial palaces, alpine villages and mountain scenery. Between Vienna, Salzburg and the Austrian Alps, it’s the perfect destination for a getaway combining culture, nature and elegance.
Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands enchant with their turquoise coves, Mediterranean villages and relaxed way of life. Between Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, the archipelago is perfect for a stay combining beaches, nature and a festive atmosphere.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria surprises with its thousand-year-old monasteries, wild mountains and Black Sea beaches. Between Sofia, Plovdiv and the Varna coast, it’s an ideal destination for a trip combining culture, nature and traditions.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands attract travellers with their mild year-round climate, volcanic beaches and spectacular landscapes. Between Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, it’s an ideal destination for sunny holidays in any season.
Croatia
Croatia charms travelers with its historic cities, turquoise waters, and natural parks. Between Dubrovnik, Split, and the Dalmatian islands, it is an ideal destination for a trip combining culture, beaches, and nature.
Cyprus
Cyprus captivates with its sunny climate, Mediterranean beaches and ancient ruins. Between Paphos, Nicosia and the Troodos Mountains, the island is perfect for combining relaxation, history and scenery.
Finland
Finland fascinates with its boreal forests, thousands of lakes and northern lights. Between Helsinki, Lapland and the vast Nordic wilderness, it’s an ideal destination for a nature trip and winter experiences.
Germany
Germany captivates with its historic heritage, cultural cities and varied landscapes. Between Berlin, Munich, the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley, it is an ideal destination for a trip combining culture, nature and traditions.
Greece
Greece is a dream destination, with its legendary islands, turquoise waters and ancient heritage. Between Athens, Crete and the Cyclades, it’s the ideal place to combine beaches, culture and the Mediterranean way of life.
Iceland
Northern lights, midnight sun, geysers and millennia-old glaciers: Iceland is an extraordinary destination unlike any other country in the world. Between the winter magic of celestial lights and the summer splendour of the midnight sun, the land of fire and ice promises you an unforgettable journey into the heart of a wild and majestic natural world.
Italy
Italy captivates with its artistic heritage, gastronomy and iconic landscapes. Between Rome, Florence, Venice and the Amalfi Coast, it is the perfect destination for a trip combining culture, the art of living and discovery.
Lapland
Northern Lights, dog sledding, reindeer and Arctic magic: Lapland is Europe’s most enchanting winter destination. Between snow-covered birch forests, nights in a glass igloo and encounters with Sami culture, every stay in Lapland is an extraordinary experience that leaves a lifelong impression.
Madeira
Madeira captivates with its spectacular cliffs, its levadas winding through lush nature and its mild climate all year round. Between hikes in the clouds, black-sand beaches and authentic gastronomy, it is a unique island in the heart of the Atlantic.
Malta
Malta captivates with its millennia-old history, fortified towns and turquoise coves. Between Valletta, the island of Gozo and Comino’s Blue Lagoon, the archipelago is ideal for a stay combining culture, sea and sunshine.
Norway
Norway impresses with its vertiginous fjords, mountains and Nordic landscapes. Between Bergen, the western fjords and the Lofoten Islands, it is the perfect destination for a trip focused on nature and spectacular panoramas.
Porto Santo
Porto Santo charms with its 9 km beach of golden sand with therapeutic benefits, its crystal-clear turquoise waters and its generous sunshine all year round. Between thalassotherapy, diving, a legendary golf course and the Portuguese way of life, it is a rare and soothing island in the heart of the Atlantic.
Portugal
Portugal captivates with its historic cities, Atlantic cliffs and renowned cuisine. Between Lisbon and Porto and the beaches of the Algarve, it is an ideal destination for a stay combining culture, sunshine and discovery.
Slovenia
Discover Slovenia: Lake Bled, the Postojna Caves, the Soča Valley and the Adriatic coast. Voyages Flammang creates your tailor-made stay in the heart of Europe.
Spain
Spain captivates with its vibrant cities, sun-drenched beaches and rich cultural heritage. Between Barcelona, Madrid, Andalusia and the Spanish islands, it’s the perfect destination for a getaway combining culture, gastronomy and sunshine.
Turkey
Between East and West, experience Ottoman magic. Turkey, a bridge between Europe and Asia, fascinates you with its millennia-old history, its incredibly diverse landscapes and its vibrant culture.
FAQ: everything you need to know to plan your trip to Albania
Decide on your priorities: coast and beaches (Riviera), UNESCO sites (Berat, Gjirokastër, Butrint), nature (Lake Koman, Valbonë National Park), or Tirana and culture. Albania is ideal for a tour combining city, sea and mountains. Voyages Flammang designs your tailor-made stay according to your wishes.
7 days are enough to cover Tirana, Berat, the Riviera (Sarandë, Ksamil, Dhërmi) and Gjirokastër. 10 days allow you to add Butrint, Lake Koman and the Valbonë Valley. The country’s small size makes getting around easy — you can drive across Albania in 4–5 hours.
May–June for ideal weather, few crowds, and lush green nature. July–August for the beaches and summer atmosphere (very hot, up to 33°C). September–October for the sea still warm, a peaceful shoulder season, and autumn colors in the mountains. Avoid the inland areas in summer (extreme heat).
Albania is exceptionally affordable: allow €800 to €1,500 per person for 7 all-inclusive days (flights, quality accommodation, restaurants, car rental, activities). It’s one of the European destinations offering the best value for money, with comfortable accommodation and generous cuisine at very reasonable prices.
Connecting flights from Luxembourg via Vienna, Rome, Istanbul or Amsterdam to Tirana (TIA) — Mother Teresa International Airport. Total duration: around 3 to 5 hours. Wizz Air, Air Albania, Austrian Airlines and Turkish Airlines regularly serve Tirana from European airports.
Albania is ideally located for a Balkan combo trip: Albania + Montenegro (Adriatic coast), Albania + Greece (Corfu, Epirus), Albania + Kosovo + North Macedonia (Balkan road trip). The ferry crossing between Sarandë and Corfu (30 minutes) is particularly popular for an Albania–Greece combo.
The Albanian Riviera and Ksamil (turquoise beaches), Berat and Gjirokastër (UNESCO sites), Butrint (archaeology), Lake Koman (wild fjords), Tirana (Bunker Art, Skanderbeg Square), and the Valbonë Valley (hiking in the Albanian Alps). A country that surprises you at every turn.
Yes, it’s an excellent family destination. The Riviera’s beaches are ideal for children. Archaeological sites (Butrint, Apollonia) and medieval castles fascinate older kids. The Albanians’ legendary hospitality and the country’s overall safety make it a serene destination for family travel.
The Albanian Alps, nicknamed the “Prokletije” (Accursed Mountains), in northern Albania, are one of the wildest and most spectacular regions in the Balkans. The Valbonë Valley and Theth Valley are the two gateways to this still unspoiled massif. The Valbonë–Theth hike, crossing a pass at 1,800 m, is one of the Balkans’ most famous treks.
Albanian cuisine is Mediterranean and generous: fërgesë (peppers, tomatoes, local cheese — Tirana’s signature dish), tavë kosi (lamb with yogurt), bylmet (fresh dairy products), qofte (grilled skewers), fresh seafood on the Riviera. All at very affordable prices. Albanian cuisine will delight lovers of authentic flavors.