Albania Travel Guide

Albania is a country located in Europe with name that begins with letter A. Albania is a predominantly mountainous country on the southeast coast of the Adriatic. The present republic was a communist one-party state from 1944 to 1991 and was considered the “lost” country in south-eastern Europe for a long time. For a few years there has been movement in the economy, and the scenic beauties of Albania increasingly attract tourists. The historical city centers of Berat, Butrint and Gjirokastra are among the most worthwhile sights; In addition, Albania scores with unspoiled natural landscapes and inviting coastal regions.

The capital of Albania is Tirana. The highest mountain is the Korab at 2,764 m on the border with Macedonia. The 362 km long coastline on the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea is partly densely populated, while parts of the mountainous region are almost uninhabited. Check Countryaah to find more countries that begin with letter A.

Entry

For a stay of up to one month, citizens of the EU and Switzerland need a passport that is still valid 6 months after the end of the journey.

Climate

On Albania’s coast there is a predominantly Mediterranean climate with mild, humid winters and hot, dry summers. Inland, the climate is more continental with lower temperatures in winter. In the capital Tirana, the mean temperatures are 8 °C in January and 25 °C in July.

Food and drink

Albania was under Ottoman rule for centuries. Accordingly, oriental and Mediterranean influences meet in Albanian cuisine. With the spicy Byrek strudels, with Albanian Bifte and Bakllava, many dishes are common in the country that are eaten in this way or similarly by the neighbors in the Balkans and the Middle East. As a digestif after lunch there is raki or Turkish coffee or Italian espresso.

Medical advice

No special vaccinations are necessary for the trip to Albania. However, it is advisable to take a personal first-aid kit with you – especially since medical care does not meet European standards. In order to prevent diarrhea, you should not drink tap water in case of doubt and refrain from eating raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables.

Cultural characteristics

Hospitality is very important in Albania; many visitors are enthusiastic about the genuine cordiality of the people – especially in the country. You shouldn’t be confused by the traditional body language: In Albania (as in Greece) approval is expressed by a slight shake of the head and negation by a nod – exactly different from ours.

Safety instructions

The general security situation in the country is rated as very good. Due to the poor economic situation – around a quarter of the population still lives in poverty – the German Foreign Office recommends taking precautionary measures to prevent theft.

Climate and travel time

The coastal regions are characterized by a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry and sunny summers and mild and humid winters. On the Adriatic, the average air temperature in August is 23 to 28 degrees, the water warms up to around 26 degrees in the hot summer month.

Active travelers usually come in April and May as well as September and October, when the climate is mild and the vacation spots are not overcrowded. In the Albanian Alps, the hiking season begins in mid-June and lasts until mid-September.

During the spring months, visitors experience the country in full bloom, in autumn the bathing temperatures are pleasantly warm – the grape harvest as well as the olive and mandarine harvest are pending.

All about money

Currency

The Albanian currency is called Lek (currency abbreviation ALL). 1 euro is the equivalent of around 125 LEK

The EURO is also accepted in Albania

Money

The national currency may neither be imported nor exported as a means of payment

You can exchange cash almost anywhere. The exchange fee is usually 1 to 2 percent. In contrast, vacationers have to go to a bank to exchange Lek for euros. You can withdraw cash in the larger cities with the EC-Maestro-Card or credit card. Foreign credit cards are accepted in most gas stations, restaurants, shops, and hotels.

Other essential information

Time difference

Time difference to CET: In Albania the same as here

Electrical current

The voltage in Albania is 220 volts. The sockets are the same as ours, you don’t need a travel plug.