Suggested length of stay
4-5 days to explore Tirana, Lake Ohrid, and the coastal region leisurely. 7 days for a first-time visit could fit in at least 3 places on your itinerary. 10 days to see all the highlights, including Tirana, Kruje, Apollonia & Berat, Albanian Riviera, Butrint & Ksamil, Blue Eye and Gjirokaster, Shkoder, Lake Koman, Theth, and Valbone.
Modes of transport
Road
Road conditions in Albania are as interesting as their road rule obedience; though you can self-drive in Albania, it is recommended to have a driver.
Air
There are no internal flights in Albania.
Rail
Several train lines once crisscrossed the country, but after the fall of communism, many fell into disrepair. Whilst the main station of Tirana is no longer in use, train travellers can use the station in Kashar, a suburban part of the city. Plans are apparently in the pipeline to create a new train travel hub in Tirana, but as the Albanians’ say, “avash avash”. Today you can travel by train between several locations and tickets should be no more than a couple of hundred lek.
Ferry
Several ferries in Albania can transport you to various locations inside and outside the country. You can travel from Ancona, Bari, Trieste and Brindisi, to Corfu, and from Corfu to Sarande. Internally you can take a ferry across Lake Koman to Valbone, a place that is only really otherwise accessible on foot (for hardcore trekkers) or via Kosovo.
Food
Albanian cuisine is representative of the cuisine of the Mediterranean. It is also an example of the Mediterranean diet based on the importance of olive oil, fruits, vegetables and fish. The cooking traditions of the Albanian people are diverse as a consequence of the environmental factors that are, more importantly, suitable for cultivating nearly every kind of herbs, vegetables and fruits.
Drinking water
The tap water in Albania is not drinkable in most places. It may contain high amounts of chlorine, which affects the taste and may cause stomach cramps. According to the WHO, only 87% of the country has safe tap water. It is better to buy bottled water and use tap water for brushing your teeth.
Visas
You can visit Albania for 90 days without a visa. You’ll need a visa for longer stays.
Money
The local currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL).
ATMs and credit card facilities are available in larger cities and in tourist areas.
Many shops and service providers prefer cash.
You can change major currencies at banks and authorised exchange bureaus.
Inoculations & health precautions
Ticks in forests and country areas can carry encephalitis. Ticks are active from spring to autumn.
Embassy Contacts for Albania
The Australian embassy in Italy is responsible for Albania.
Australian Embassy, Italy
Via Antonio Bosio 5
Rome 00161, Italy
Phone: +39 06 852 721
Email: info-rome@dfat.gov.au
Electricity
For Albania, there are two associated plug types: type C and type F. Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins Plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side Albania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Getting there
Many Airlines fly from Australia to Frankfurt, Germany or Rome, Italy, then directly fly to Tirana in Albania.
Ready to discuss your trip to Albania?
Speak to one of our travel specialists and we’ll create your personalised itinerary just for you.