cost of travel albania

• Travel Planning Guide

Albania Travel Budget - Visit Albania on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Albania Costs

• Is Albania Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Albania cost?
• Albania Hotel Prices
• Albania Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Business Hotels in Albania
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Albania
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Albania
• Best Hotels for One Night in Albania
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Albania
• Best Hotels for One Week in Albania
• Best Cheap Hotels in Albania
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Albania
• Best Luxury Hotels in Albania
• Best Beach Hotels in Albania
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Albania
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in Albania
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Albania Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Albania
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Albania
• The Best Historical Tours in Albania
• The Best 10-Day Tours in Albania
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Albania
• The Best 3-Day Tours in Albania
• The Best Bicycle Tours in Albania
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Albania
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Albania
• The Best Adventure Tours to Albania
• The Best Eco Tours in Albania
• The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Albania
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Albania
• The Best Cultural Tours in Albania
• The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Albania
• The Best Camping Tours in Albania
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Albania
• The Best Walking Tours in Albania
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in Albania
• The Best Budget Tours to Albania
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Albania
• How much does it cost to travel to Albania? (Average Daily Cost)
• Albania trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Albania?

Is albania expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Albania?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Albania?

You should plan to spend around $81 (Lek7,539) per day on your vacation in Albania. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $21 (Lek1,938) on meals
• $15 (Lek1,403) on local transportation
• $59 (Lek5,497) on hotels

A one week trip to Albania for two people costs, on average, $1,130 (Lek105,549) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 81 Lek 7,539
• One Week Per person $ 565 Lek 52,775
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 1,130 Lek 105,549
• One Month Per person $ 2,422 Lek 226,177
• One Week For a couple $ 1,130 Lek 105,549
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 2,260 Lek 211,098
• One Month For a couple $ 4,844 Lek 452,354

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Albania cost?

A one week trip to Albania usually costs around $565 (Lek52,775) for one person and $1,130 (Lek105,549) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Albania on average costs around $1,130 (Lek105,549) for one person and $2,260 (Lek211,098) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Albania will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Albania on average costs around $2,422 (Lek226,177) for one person and $4,844 (Lek452,354) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Albania is $163 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Albania Explorer “Illyria Route” 8 Days - 16 Destinations $ 1,028
• 5 Days Albanian Country Side UNESCO Lake and old Towns Tour 5 Days - 9 Destinations $ 1,027

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Albania is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability . If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Albania is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Europe for its affordability . You can find more affordable countries such as Ukraine, but there are also more expensive countries, such as Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands.

For more details, see Is Albania Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Albania?

The average Albania trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Albania travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Albania

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Albania is $29 (Lek2,748). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Albania is $59 (Lek5,497). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 29 Lek 2,748
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 59 Lek 5,497

Hotel Prices in Albania

Looking for a hotel in Albania? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Albania based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $49. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Hotel Mucobega Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 73
• Hotel Butrinti & SPA Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 136

Local Transportation Budget in Albania

The cost of a taxi ride in Albania is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $15 (Lek1,403) per person, per day, on local transportation in Albania.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 15 Lek 1,403

Recommended Services

• Private transfer Tirana to Skopje with 1h stop in Ohrid Viator $ 281
• Tirana to Skopje via Ohrid/Prizren | Private Transfer Viator $ 217

Food Budget in Albania

While meal prices in Albania can vary, the average cost of food in Albania is $21 (Lek1,938) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Albania should cost around $8.30 (Lek775) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Albania is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 21 Lek 1,938

Recommended

• Entertaining Cooking Class in Berat, Albania Viator $ 77
• Traditional Albanian and Mediterranean Dinner Viator $ 59

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Albania are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Albania, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Lunch Lek 850
• Frappe Lek 60

Entertainment Budget in Albania

Entertainment and activities in Albania typically cost an average of $8.70 (Lek812) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 8.70 Lek 812

Recommended Activities

• Day tour of Kosovo; Prizren from Tirana Viator $ 170
• Full Day tour of Theth & Blue Eye from Tirana or Shkoder Viator $ 170

Tips and Handouts Budget in Albania

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Albania is $60 (Lek5,594) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Albania is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 60 Lek 5,594

Alcohol Budget in Albania

The average person spends about $8.90 (Lek831) on alcoholic beverages in Albania per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 8.90 Lek 831
• Berat - Unesco Heritage & Wine Tasting, Private Tour from Tirana Viator $ 171
• Wine tasting & vineyards escape day tour from Tirana Viator $ 127

Water Budget in Albania

On average, people spend $2.02 (Lek189) on bottled water in Albania per day. The public water in Albania is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 2.02 Lek 189

Albania on a Budget

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Albania Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Albania is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Though it increases in popularity each year, the country is largely ignored by tourists; many still think of it as a post-communist backwater (as if the world hasn’t changed in the last 30 years).

Yet this is a land of untouched natural beauty, with a rich history dating back to the ancient Illyrians and Greeks. It has become a solid favorite of backpackers looking for an affordable, off-the-beaten-path destination to explore.

I absolutely loved my time visiting Albania. It’s a country full of good food and welcoming people. I enjoyed it so much that I extended my stay.

Hikers and nature lovers can partake of all the hiking and trekking here, beach lovers have the Albanian Riviera along the Ionian coast, and history buffs can marvel at the country’s uncrowded UNESCO sites in Butrint (an ancient Roman city), Berat, and Gjirokastër.

Albania is on the up and up, with more tourists visiting each year. I think it will become as popular (and expensive) as Croatia in the next couple of years, so visit now before the crowds come!

This travel guide to Albania can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this underrated destination!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Albania

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Albania

1. Explore Tirana

Albania’s capital is rapidly transforming into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, with its bustling cafes, eclectic museums, and trendy shops and galleries. Sip coffee at one of many espresso bars, dive into the developing digital nomad scene, soak up history in Skanderbeg Square, and enjoy the city’s booming nightlife. For a hefty dose of local culture, check out Bunk’Art, a former bunker built during the Cold War that’s since been turned into an interactive art space. If you’re in town for more than a couple of days, take the Dajti Ekspres to the top of the nearby mountain, check out the cave of Pellumbas, or go and explore the Roman and Byzantine ruins in nearby Durrës.

2. Visit the historic town of Berat

A city that’s been around for 2,400 years, Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the highlights of visiting Albania . It’s also known as “the City of a Thousand Windows” because of its unique white-walled Ottoman homes, picturesquely stacked atop one another on a crumbling hillside and characterized by their many windows. Visitors should make it a point to wander around Kala, an ancient neighborhood with panoramic views, historic mosques and churches, and a 14th-century castle. There are also a number of noteworthy museums in Berat, including the Ethnographic Museum, which is housed in an ornate 18th-century Ottoman home.

3. Drive the Llogara Pass

The Llogara Pass is a steep (at times the incline is 11%), winding road that rises over a thousand meters (3,500 feet) into the mountains and overlooks the glittering Ionian coast, which has been nicknamed the Albanian Riviera. This road goes from Orikum to Dhërmi, and there are lots of scenic stops along the way. If you need to stretch your legs, the trails at Llogara Pass National Park are a fantastic place to do so. Post-hike, grab lunch at one of the many roadside restaurants in the park. Though it used to be a dangerous and narrow road, the Llogara Pass was repaved in 2009. It’s still a tricky route, but it’s worth it — this is the most scenic drive in the country (and one of the most scenic drives in all of Europe).

4. Hike from Valbona to Theth

T of the most famous day hikes in Albania, this is an old mule trail that leads you across the Accursed Mountains. This section is moderately challenging and takes around eight hours in total. There are fresh water springs along the way, as well as some cafes on the route, but make sure you bring plenty of water just in case. It’s a stunning area with an abundance of flora, fauna, and wildlife to see. In Theth, there are some other hikes as well. Most notably, the Blue Eye of Theth is a shockingly blue pool of water fed by a small waterfall that can be reached in about three hours (one way) from Theth.

Also protected by UNESCO, Gjirokastër is famous for its stonework. Wander the cobblestone streets, hike and explore the castle, swim in nearby waterfalls, and visit the best examples of Ottoman-era architecture in the area. There’s a C old W ar museum here that’s housed in an old 800-meter-long (2,624-foot) bunker from the 1970’s. Close to the nearby village of Muzinë is the incredible natural spring called the Blue Eye. Gjirokastër, for me, is one of the best spots in the country.

Other Things to See and Do in Albania

1. relax on the albanian riviera.

Pristine beaches, turquoise water, cheap and delicious seafood — the Albanian coast has all the beauty and wonders of Croatia, without the high prices and crowds (for now). Dhërmi and Ksamil are considered to have the best beaches in the country, with miles of white, sandy beachfront. If you want a busier beach destination, go to Himarë, where the beach has a promenade lined with cafés and bars. For something more off the beaten path, make your way to Gjipe Beach. For a bustling, developed beach town, visit Sarandë, which is packed with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.

2. Enjoy the view from Rozafa Castle

Situated near Shkodër in northwestern Albania, the 4th-century Rozafa Castle has panoramic views of the area, including the Buna and Drin Rivers. The fortifications here originally date to the 10th century BCE, when the Illyrians lived in the area (the current castle replaced those fortifications). Legend has it that a young woman sacrificed her life to imbue the castle walls with longevity. There isn’t a whole lot to see here, but the ruins are impressive, and it’s a good spot from which to watch the sunset. The Shkodër History Museum provides a great overview of the castle’s past, including the background of the medieval families who lived here. Admission is 150 ALL.

3. Visit the National Museum of History

The National Museum of History in Tirana offers a view of the country’s rich history and is divided into eight sections: antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, independence, iconography, the National Liberation Anti-Fascism War, the Communist Terror, and Mother Teresa (who was born in Albania). There’s a remarkable collection of ancient Greek and Roman mosaics, columns, and statues unearthed in Albania as well. The collection is extensive, so give yourself around three hours here. Handily, nearly the entire collection is signed in English. Admission is 500 ALL.

4. Explore the ancient ruins of Butrint

Greeks from nearby Corfu settled Butrint in the 6th century BCE. It quickly became a large trading city that was still prosperous when the Romans took over in 167 BCE. Nowadays, you can wander the pathways between what’s left of the city, including well-preserved arches and colonnades. In 2003, Butrint was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. It makes for an ideal day trip from Sarandë. I took my time there and spent about three hours exploring the ruins. The entrance fee is 700 ALL and the 45-minute bus ride costs 100 ALL.

5. Admire the art at Bunk’Art

Bunk’Art 1 and 2 are former bunkers that have been turned into museums and galleries underneath Tirana. Built in the 1970s for Albania’s elite, the bunkers’ 100 rooms have now been transformed into a museum and art space. Bunk’Art 1, located on the outskirts of Tirana, focuses on Albania’s communist past and the lives of average people under communism. Bunk’Art 2, the more recent addition, is located right in Tirana; it focuses more on the secret police that were used by the regime to terrorize the population and maintain order. Admission is 500 ALL.

6. See the ancient ruins at Apollonia

Like Butrint, Apollonia was one of the most important cities in the ancient world. The Greeks founded it in 588 BCE, and it fast grew into a city-state with a huge slave trade (just like Butrint). The Romans took over in 229 BCE, when it became a cultural center with an important philosophy school. Even Julius Caesar sent his nephew (Octavius, who became Emperor Augustus) to study there. Today you can visit the ruins (a UNESCO Heritage Site), which include a theater and the restored façade of the administrative center. Admission is 300 ALL.

7. Visit Shkodër

As the largest town in the north (and home to the Rozafa Castle), it plays host to many of the country’s biggest festivals like Carnival, Lake Day, and the Shkodra Jazz Festival. The city’s Old Town is filled with picturesque, pastel-colored homes and buildings. A lot of people breeze through Shkodër on their way to Montenegro from Tirana, but I recommend spending a day or two here. Check out one of the interesting museums here, like the Marubi National Photography Museum and the Site of Witness & Memory Museum. The former is an Albanian photographic museum; the latter commemorates the victims of the communist regime in the city. e to get to Valbonë. If you don’t want to do that, there are day trips available. You can spend a couple of hours on the lake before going up the Shala River, where you can eat lunch, rent a kayak, or chill on the “beach” (the rocky embankment). The mountain water of the Shala is super clear and clean; it looks almost tropical. The restaurants here also rent rooms (or let you camp for free) if you want to stay the night.

9. Go hiking

Albania has lots of incredibly scenic hikes. If you spend most of your time in the south, you’ll get your pick of coastal hikes along the Ionian Sea, including Mount Çika and through the Ceraunian Mountains. In the north, the hike over the Valbona Pass to the village of Theth is popular for a reason; it’s an incredibly beautiful route (and not for the faint of heart). Routes around the country vary in length and difficulty and trekking information isn’t readily available — large parts of these hikes are still undeveloped, so hire a guide if you want to explore. Outdoor Albania has lots of options to help you get started.

10. Take a wine tour

Albania has one of the oldest winemaking traditions in all of Europe. Albanian wine makes use of incredibly rare grapes, and some of the traditional practices date back to the Bronze Age. Many wineries are family-owned and located in breathtaking settings. You can take wine tours from Berat, Lezhë, and Tirana, on which you can sample some of the country’s finest. Expect to pay at least 6,500 ALL for a day trip.

11. Get spooked at Sazan

The “ghost” island of Sazan is a 30-minute boat ride from the southern port town of Vlorë. It served as a Soviet military base and chemical weapons facility for many years before being abandoned. In 2017, the government opened it for tourism, although officially it remains a military base. The rooms in this vast network of nuclear bunkers and tunnels are still stocked with beds and kitchen supplies, and you can still find abandoned gas masks in the valley nearby. Tours don’t run all the time, so you need to ask in the tourist information office in Vlorë. They can book you onto a tour if they are running. Expect to pay 3,500 ALL or more for a day tour to the island.

12. Hike Osumi Canyon

This gorgeous river canyon in southern Albania makes for the perfect day trip from Berat. It is over three million years old, stretches for 40 kilometers (25 miles), and towers 40 meters (131 feet) above the river. The most popular way to see it up close is with a rafting tour. Tours are available February-June and start at 7,000 ALL per person, which includes transportation from Berat, lunch, and 2-4 hours on the water. You can also opt to hike down through the canyon and explore the ancient rock formations and caves via a 12-kilometer trail.

13. Visit the House of Leaves

The Museum of Secret Surveillance, aka the House of Leaves, is an award-winning museum in Tirana located in the old Sigurimi building (the Sigurimi were the secret police). The building was originally used by the Gestapo during the German occupation, continuing as a base of operations for the secret police until 1991. The exhibitions highlight what life was like under German and then communist rule, shedding light on the methods used to spy on, prosecute, and execute enemies of the regime. It’s sobering but incredibly insightful. Anyone even remotely interested in the dark side of Albania’s past will find this museum fascinating. Admission is 700 ALL.

Albania Travel Costs

Budget hotels can be as cheap as 2,500 ALL per night for a double or twin with a private bathroom and A/C. More realistically, expect to pay around 3,500 ALL or more per night. Most hotels offer a fairly large breakfast, too.

Airbnb is a great budget option here. Private rooms start at 1,800 ALL per night although they average about 3,600 ALL. Expect to pay at least 5,800 ALL for a full apartment or home. Prices double when not booked in advance.

For anyone traveling with a tent, camping is available around the country, and it is perfectly legal to wild camp (i.e., pitch your tent anywhere on public land). If you prefer sticking to campsites, prices are usually around 1,200 ALL per night for a basic plot for two people and a tent without electricity.

Food – Like its Mediterranean neighbors, Albanian cuisine relies heavily on fish, olive oil, and local produce (especially onions). Breakfast is usually bread, cheese, and yogurt. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day. Meat stew, grilled sausage, meat pies, and fresh salads are some of the more traditional dishes. Beef, trout, calamari, and sea bass are all popular staples. Goulash is also popular, though mostly in the mountain regions. Some of the most popular must-try dishes in Albania include byrek (a salty pie with various fillings) and speca me gjize, a dish of stuffed peppers. Wash it all down with tea or raki, a traditional alcoholic beverage.

For a meal at a sit-down restaurant, expect to pay 500-700 ALL for an appetizer, wine, and main course. For a really “nice” restaurant (or maybe one serving fish or sushi), you’re likely to spend 1,400-2,000 ALL. The most expensive meal I had in Albania was at this high-end fish restaurant in Tirana — it cost me 3,500 ALL, which is only $31 USD. That included fish, oysters, and wine!

Pizza starts at 550 ALL, while non-European food like Indian, Thai, or Chinese food costs around 600-900 ALL for a main dish. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 600 ALL for a combo meal.

Expect to pay around 150 ALL for a beer, 150-250 ALL for a glass of wine, 70 ALL for a bottle of water, and 140 ALL for a coffee.

If you are planning to cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries cost 2,500-3,500 ALL. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.

Backpacking Albania Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking Albania, expect to spend about 4,400 ALL per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, cooking your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to free and cheap activities like hiking and free tours. If you plan on drinking a lot (Sarandë and Tirana are big party spots), add another 500-1,000 ALL to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of around 9,000 ALL per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or private Airbnb, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks at the bar, see more museums and palaces, do a day trip or two, and take the occasional taxi to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of around 15,000 ALL per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, see all the sites you want, do lots of day tours, and take taxis where you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury. The sky’s the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in ALL.

Albania Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Albania is an affordable country to visit. You’ll be hard-pressed to spend a lot of money, even if you’re staying in private rooms or hotels. You really have to go out of your way to spend money here. But, if you are looking to travel cheap, here are some tips on how to save money :

• Take a free walking tour – Tirana Free Tour offers a free walking tour that highlights the city and its sites. There are also free walking tours in Berat and Shokdër. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Cook your own meals – Many hostels here include kitchen facilities, so if you want to save money, cook your own meals. Groceries are cheap here and there are a lot of farmer’s markets around where you can pick up fresh produce.
• Stay with a local – Staying with a local via Couchsurfing is a great way to save money and connect with a knowledgeable local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Bunk up in a hostel – Hostels in Albania are cheap, especially if you book a shared room.
• Walk everywhere – Most towns and cities in Albania are walkable, so skip the public transportation and taxis to save money.
• Enjoy the outdoors – There are plenty of free hiking trails and outdoor activities around the country that can fill your days.
• Take advantage of wild camping – As it is legal to camp anywhere in Albania, traveling with a tent, or in a camper van, is the perfect way to save money on accommodation.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here usually isn’t safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand, as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure that your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Albania

You won’t find many hostels outside of the main tourist cities, but private guest houses are pretty cheap in the countryside anyway. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Albania:

• Trip’n’Hostel (Tirana)
• Friends Hostel (Gjirokastër)
• Himara Relax Hostel (Himarë)
• The Wanderer’s Hostel (Shokder)
• Saranda Backpackers (Sarandë)

How to Get Around Albania

Public transportation – In most towns and cities, almost everywhere is accessible on foot. Otherwise, take the bus. The fares cost around 40 ALL per ride.

To get from the airport to Tirana, the cheapest way is via the airport shuttle. It runs from 6am until 6pm and drops you off near the National Museum of Tirana. It costs 400 ALL (one-way) and takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for around 2,500 ALL.

Taxi – Taxis are readily available in all the major cities. Expect to pay 300 ALL to turn on the meter plus another 300 ALL for every kilometer. A lot of taxis will try to quote you a price instead of using the meter, which is almost always overly inflated. Make sure they put on the meter to avoid getting ripped off.

Train – Albania has a small rail network, but I never saw or heard of anyone taking it. The locals I talked to say it is too unreliable and slow. Buses are much faster, cheaper, and more reliable so use them instead.

Bus – Buses are the main form of inter-transportation in the country. They loosely follow a timetable. From major cities and starting points, they tend to leave on time but after that don’t count on it. But getting to your destination? Add an hour buffer just to be safe. The roads are always jammed and aren’t in great shape, so on-time arrivals are rare.

Buses cost from 300 ALL to over 1,000 ALL depending on how far you go. A bus from Sarandë to Tirana takes about 5 hours and costs about 1,700 ALL, while Berat to Tirana costs about 400 ALL and takes under three hours. The two-hour journey from Vlorë to Berat is around 400 ALL.

Pre-booking is never necessary. Just show up at the bus station and grab your ticket.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Car Rental – Car rentals start at 1,500 ALL per day. The roads are in bad shape, so be sure to drive carefully. Drivers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car here.For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Albania

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, which means super-hot summers (July-August), with a daily temperature averaging over 32°C (90°F), mild winters on the coast, and cold winters in the mountains (November-February).

The best time to visit Albania is during the spring (May-June) or fall (September-October). During this time, the weather is mild, with average daily temperatures around 21°C (70°F), making it perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Of course, if you want to enjoy Albania’s incredible coastline, the best time to come is during the summer. Albania is not yet a huge tourism draw in Europe, so it is rare to find sites and attractions overly crowded, and prices don’t inflate much during peak season. It’s sweltering at that time of year, however, so come prepared for hot weather!

Those who want to get the most bang for their buck should plan to travel during the off season, from November to March. Prices are at their cheapest — though it must be said that the weather can get very cold. If you’re visiting the coastal areas, don’t expect to be able to swim.

How to Stay Safe in Albania

Albania is generally a safe country to visit. Violent crime is rare but petty crime can be an issue so don’t flaunt your possessions and always make sure your valuables are out of reach while on crowded buses.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you’re using public transportation in Tirana, pickpocketing can be a concern, as in most other urban areas around the world. Never set down valuable items; keep them tucked away out of sight.

Locals are really proud of their country, and Albanian culture has a long tradition of guest hospitality. Moreover, Albania is a “nighttime” country (i.e., people stay out late), so there are always eyes and ears out, keeping would-be criminals in check. (Many of the women I met there told me they feel very safe walking around at night for that reason.)

The main danger in Albania is reckless driving. Albania has some of the highest road fatality rates per capita in all of Europe, so be sure to pay extra attention when driving or while walking near busy roads.

Near the border with Kosovo, landmines can still be found. Avoid hiking off the marked trails there, and keep an eye out for signs and warnings.

Scams aren’t super common, but they do occur. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. This protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations . It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Albania Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Albania Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

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The Cost of Travel in Albania: My 2023 Budget Breakdown

Albania is one of the most underrated travel destinations in Europe. Filled with stunning outdoor adventures such as day hikes to enchanting villages like Theth, an underrated cuisine containing delights like Byrek, and a dark history that is still evident all over the Balkan country to this day.

Spending two weeks in Albania really opened my eyes and showed me that there’s more to Europe other than the popular countries and cities. I kicked my trip off from the north of the country in the interesting city of Shkodër and slowly went down the west coast before crossing the border into Greece. This was nowhere near enough time, as I would have loved to see what the eastern region of Albania had to offer.

My two weeks in Albania were arguably one of my favorite trips to date because I managed to see so much and meet the friendliest of people. Taking the bus from Montenegro to Shkodër, I didn’t know what to expect. After a few days of taking on breathtaking hiking trails, I knew this trip would be one to remember. 

After Shkodër, I ventured to the capital Tirana to learn about Albania’s past communist rule and how society has changed since those times. Following my stop in Tirana, I took a bus to Berat, a city famed for being the city of a thousand windows because of the old Ottoman houses being perched up on a hill. 

My last stop was Gjirokaster, loved for its stone buildings and unique architecture, and wow, was it impressive. The charm this place has is unlike anywhere else I have ever been.

It’s important that you choose the right time of year to visit Albania. The country gets extremely hot summers and cold winters, but it depends on where you’re going. The west coast is the hottest region in the country, with Sarandë being the warmest city. If you can, try to visit Albania in the shoulder season months of April and March, the weather is nice then and not too hot.

Albania is one the cheapest places in Europe, which is great for the everyday traveler because you get more bang for your buck.

During my trip, I stayed in either guesthouses or private rooms in hostels and used public transport to go everywhere. I found the further south you go in the country, the more expensive things start to get; this is where all the stunning beaches are, so more tourists go there. But don’t worry; it’s never too overpriced.

One thing you’ll come to realize when you’re in Albania is how good the food is. The cuisine has a blend of Balkan and Mediterranean influences with flavorful tastes and is quite rich. Eat as much Byrek as possible in Shkodër, feast on Petulla in Tirana, and have your first-ever Cevapi in Berat.

Using Albanian public transport is an experience in itself. The main way to get around is by taking minivans as there’s no national train line, but often the bus drivers won’t leave until the bus fills up, and there’s barely any AC on board, so you’ll often be stuck in 35-degree heat on a crammed bus waiting for the last seat to fill.

You can’t leave Albania without sampling some Rakia for yourself, an anise-flavored liqueur made with fermented grapes or plums, depending on the distiller’s choice. This stuff is sold everywhere, from the side of the road by locals to high-end bars. It’s super strong, so be careful when choosing your portion sizes.

I have written this article to fill you in on the cost of travel in Albania. This Balkan beauty is a very affordable destination to visit. You get great value for money, whether it’s food, tours, excursions, or accommodation. What you would spend on a week in western Europe would last you a month in Albania; that’s how cheap it is.

You can easily get by on 30 euros or less in Albania, depending on what you like to spend your money on. I only spent around 20 euros on some of my travel days without even watching my cash.

So, without further ado, let me show you how much your travel expenses for Albania will be. It’s time to start planning your vacation of a lifetime.

The Cost Of Accommodation In Albania

Albania has accommodation for every type of budget, from boutique apartments in Tirana at $35 a night to private villas overlooking the city of Berat for $54. Whatever city you visit, bargains are waiting to be snapped up.

Apartments and guesthouses are in abundance in Albania, and they’re very affordable, especially when you compare them to some big-name hotel chains. That’s why I mostly opted to stay in them, plus a lot of the time; complimentary breakfast was served, saving me money on an extra meal every day. It was the same in most hostels too.

Everyone has their own style of accommodation they like to stay in, so I’ll go through each one in detail to give you a better idea of what to expect when you’re in Albania.

How To Save Money On Accommodation In Albania

Let’s start with saving money on accommodation in Albania for budget travelers. Anyone who’s a backpacker will be happy to know that there are countless ways to save yourself some dollars on places to stay.

Couchsurfing is a phenomenon that has always been around but recently has gained huge interest from backpackers in particular. It’s a cool concept that allows travelers and locals to connect on a platform where travelers can request to be hosted by someone living in the city they’re visiting. 

Often, the host will offer up their couch or sometimes even a spare bedroom if you’re lucky. And the best thing is, it’s absolutely free. As well as that, you get to learn firsthand about a new culture that you wouldn’t discover if you were staying in a fancy hotel alone.

Maybe you’re thinking about volunteering somewhere; if so, you need to look into WOOFING. It’s an interesting website with a huge catalog of volunteering opportunities available worldwide in various regions. Whether it’s working on a local family-run farm or a sustainability project in the countryside, you’ll find all sorts of exchanges there. A lot of the time, your meals and accommodation will be included too, so you won’t have to spend a dime.

House sitting is another excellent way of finding somewhere to stay for free. Log on to the house sitting website, type in the city you’re visiting, and apply to look after somebody’s home as well as their pet when they’re on vacation. More often than not, you can find yourself staying in mansions with ample swimming pools, which isn’t anything to complain about.

Hostels In Albania

A popular way of saving money on accommodation in Albania is bunking in a hostel. If you’re willing to share a room with five or six other people, you can easily cut your costs in half. You’ll be surprised how cheap hostels are.

There are hostels in all of the major cities in Albania, and they have a different vibe from the ones in western Europe. In places like Amsterdam or Prague, you’ll find most of the time they’re filled with young groups of friends, whereas in Albania, it’s mostly solo travelers staying in hostels, so you have much more of a chance of meeting like-minded people.

Here are my Albania hostel recommendations you need to check out for your trip.

• You have to stay at the charming Wanderers Hostel in Shkodër , a quintessential backpacker hub with a wonderful social vibe. It’s only a few minutes from the city center and on the side of an adorable street. A basic four-bed mixed dorm a night costs $12.5 0, and a four-bed private room will set you back $43 .
• There’s only one hostel where you should stay when in Tirana: the Vanilla Sky Backpacker’s Hostel . Six-bed mixed dorms cost $16 , and a double private room is only $39 . That’s fantastic value for a capital city. Just a short walk from Skanderbeg Square, and there are coffee machines in each dorm, which is a nice touch. 
• Everyone loves the Saranda Backpackers Hostel in Sarandë for its prime location and the boat tours they run every day. Not to forget the BBQs they host in the summer. A bed in a six-person dorm at this property costs $14 . Sadly, no private rooms are available, but the cozy dorms with modern air conditioning systems make up for it.
• Situated in a 300-year-old UNESCO-protected building, the Berat Backpackers offers a unique stay for backpackers with traditional Ottoman features and five garden terraces for socializing. A night’s stay in an eight-person dorm costs $13 , and a double room with a private balcony costs $30 .
• Stone City Hostel in Gjirokaster has been voted the best hostel in Albania for three years in a row. For a good reason, it’s filled with the best amenities, has lovely common areas, a fully functioning bar, and a relaxed atmosphere. A single bed in a 10-person dorm there will only cost $14, and there aren’t any private rooms available.

Hostels in Albania are extraordinarily cheap and provide guests with modern places to stay. On average, you’ll spend between $12 and $16 per night on a bed in a dorm room or $30 and $43 for a private room.

The Best Hotels To Stay in When Traveling In Albania

The alternatives to hostels in Albania are guesthouses, apartments, and hotels, and they’re still affordable. Since Albania isn’t a hugely popular travel destination, I was able to book some of the guesthouses I wanted to stay in on the day of check-in, which gave me tremendous flexibility for planning my days ahead.

Booking.com is hands down the best and cheapest tool to use when booking a place to stay in Albania. There are so many options there, like you wouldn’t believe. As I love finding great value accommodation options, I always use the website’s “top reviewed” filter, which gives me an insight into the properties that people enjoyed their stay at, so I don’t end up somewhere below standard.

I have listed my Albania accommodation recommendations below.

• Shkodër – Ridi’s Comfort Apartment – ($29 a night for a one-bedroom apartment) – Enjoy a stay at one of the top-rated properties in Shkodër city center, featuring one spacious bedroom, a fully stocked kitchen, and a flatscreen TV. Clean and comfortable with the friendliest landlord Arseld who’s a great help with whatever you need; you couldn’t ask for much more, especially for the price.
• Tirana – Mel’s Place – ($37 a night for a one-bedroom apartment) – Seek refuge in Albania’s capital Tirana at Mel’s Place, an outstanding property just one kilometer from Skanderbeg Square. Modern in all aspects and providing breathtaking views of the city’s skyline, Mel’s Place ticks all of the boxes for value, amenities, and location.
• Sarandë – Villa Balbi 34 – ($61 a night for a deluxe double room with a balcony and sea view) – Spend your time in beautiful Sarandë at the Villa Balbi 34, a gorgeous property 200 meters away from the city’s beach which you can see from your balcony. Each unit contains huge double beds with plush mattresses and crisp sheets, air conditioning, and modern-styled en suite bathrooms. I would describe Villa Balbi 34 as a home away from home.
• Berat – Olive B&B – ($36 a night for a double or twin room with a private bathroom) – This delightful B&B is situated just outside the center of Berat, right on the city’s river. With well-maintained rooms and a convenient location with all the main sights, only a few minutes walk away. The complimentary breakfast served every morning is to die for and will have you full until late in the afternoon.
• Gjirokaster – Stone Rooms 1850 – ($27 a night for a double room with a private bathroom) – While there are many admirable guesthouses in Gjirokaster, Stone Rooms 1850 has something special about it. The guest rooms boast contemporary private bathrooms, a work desk, and city views and are designed to make you feel like you’re back in the Ottoman Era. It’s located steps away from the old town, so you’re only a saunter away from all the delightful restaurants and bars.

The average cost of a mid-range hotel per night in Albania is $27

The Cost Of Transportation In Albania

Albania isn’t the biggest country in the world, but getting from A to B can be a nightmare at the best of times. Public buses are what most travelers will take, and it’s what I used during my trip, but if you have another way, I would recommend you take it. 

The bus system in Albania operates a kind of make it up as you go like arrangement. They’ll cram as many people on as possible, stop to pick up their friends along the way completely off-route and drive like they’re in Mario Kart. 

While bus fares are cheap, the drivers will also have different prices for each person; for example, if you’re the last person to arrive, nine times out of ten, you’re getting charged more than the first person. 

Barely any information about bus schedules is online, so you have to show up at the station and hope for the best. Although this sounds like a bit of an adventure at the start, it can be a pain after a while.

I inserted a price list for the popular bus journeys when I visited in 2022, but this might have changed since.

• Shkodër to Tirana with a local bus – $3.76
• Tirana to Berat with a local bus – $3.76
• Tirana to Sarandë with a local bus – $12.90
• Tirana to Gjirokaster with a local bus – $9.68
• Berat to Gjirokaster with a local bus – $9.68

The alternative to buses is hiring a car since there’s only one major airport in the country and no train line. Many government travel warning websites will tell you to avoid hiring a car because the roads in Albania are poor, but honestly, I didn’t find them that bad. If I were to return, I would look into a car rental. Many of the guesthouses have free parking available, and fuel is generally cheap.

See below for the average car rental prices in Albania.

• Car Wiz – Tirana – $37 a day
• Sur Price – Shkodër – $60 a day
• Sur Price – Sarandë – $49 a day

Uber has not yet established itself in Albania, but taxis are readily available and quite cheap. Always negotiate a price with your driver before you get in the cab, as some drivers are notorious for scamming tourists. If you’re going to the airport, ask your guesthouse owner to organize it for you and get them to agree on the price, so you don’t get ripped off.

There aren’t many domestic ferries you can take in Albania, but if you are interested in going to either Greece or Italy, some routes are available from Durrës and Sarandë. Prices vary depending on the time of year, but to get the cheapest tickets, head down to the port the day before and enquire.

The average cost of transport per day in Albania is $6.

Food In Albania

Albanian food is highly underrated. I only knew a little about the cuisine before I arrived in the country. But after meeting up with a local from Couchsurfing, he showed me some of the most delicious dishes to sample, and wow, were they amazing.

If you’re confused about what you should try, stick to the basic snacks like Cevapi and Byrek. After you’re fed up with them, then branch out and try to get adventurous with things like Tava e Kosit and Speca të Mbushura.

Wherever you go in Albania, the food is affordable, even in touristy areas. Still, to give you a better idea of what to expect, I’m going to do a full breakdown of typical breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

Breakfast Prices In Albania

Byrek – Arguably, the most well-known food from Albania is Byrek. This tasty breakfast snack consists of layers of dough with selected fillings such as ricotta cheese, spinach, onions, tomatoes, or meat. You can easily get your hands on Byrek at a bakery for around a dollar.

Flija – Similar to Byrek, but with a twist, Flija is another scrumptious breakfast bite that’s made with multiple layers of pancakes and drenched in cream, sour cream, and butter. Be warned; you need to have a big appetite to get through a serving of this. A slice of Flija usually costs between $1.00 and $1.50

More typical breakfasts in Albania

• Fergese (bell peppers, onions, spices, feta cheese, and tomatoes) at a cafe – $3 to $4
• Trahana (wheat flour and yogurt made into chunks the size of pasta) at a local eatery – $3 to $4
• Petulla (fried dough) at a street food stall – $2

Lunch Prices In Albania

Fërgesa – Every restaurant will have Fërgesa on their menu. It’s one of the country’s signatures that’s almost like consisting of tomatoes, peppers, onions, spices, and cottage cheese. Don’t forget to order yourself some bread for dipping. Fërgesa will typically cost about $3 to $4 with a side of bread.

Imam Bajalldi – Originating from Turkey but making its way to Albanian shores decades ago during the Ottoman period is Imam Bajalldi. It’s a simple recipe with stuffed eggplant filled with cheese, onions, tomato puree, and parsley. A serving of Imam Bajalldi is priced between $3 and $4.

More typical lunches in Albania

• Tavë Kosi (lamb and rice bake) at a typical Albanian restaurant – $4
• Kackavall ne Furre me Domate (baked cheese with tomatoes) in a locally owned dining venue – $3.50

Dinner Prices In Albania

Cevapi – You can’t leave Albania without sampling some Cevapi; it would be a sin. This meal is eaten all over the Balkans, but the way the Albanians prepare it is special. It’s made by grilling minced meat and rolling it into pieces of finger-sized sausage. The meat is then put into a certain type of bread and sprinkled with onions. A full Cevapi should only cost a maximum of $4.

Tave Mishi – Dinner for two, anyone? Tave Mishi is a massive spread of meat that usually comes out for big occasions. There’s just about everything in there, from lamb to sausage. If you order Tave Mishi at a restaurant, a side of lemon will be served alongside it for some added flavor. The price of a platter of Tave Mishi varies, but expect to pay between $6 and $10, depending on how much food is on it.

More typical dinners In Albania

• A plate of Qofte (meatball-based dish) in a restaurant – $3 to $4
• Peshk dhe Perime ne Tave (fish and vegetables) at a seafood eatery – $5 to $6

Alcohol in Albania is cheap. A locally brewed beer only costs around $2, and for imported ones, it’s $3 to $3.50. On the days you don’t find yourself drinking beer, you’ll probably be drinking Rakia, a locally distilled spirit drank by Albanians on every occasion, whether it’s to wake up or to celebrate somebody finishing their exams. Shots of Rakia only cost about a dollar, but go easy on that stuff because it’s distilled at home usually, which means they can make it as strong as they way; after a couple of them, you’ll end up not remembering your name.

Different Food Budgets For Albania

You could easily get by on less than $10 a day on food in Albania if you don’t drink alcohol, especially if you only eat two times a day. Of course, there are high-end restaurants where you can spend copious amounts of money, but if you’re just sticking to local eateries, you’ll spend very little.

In Albania, I don’t recommend getting your own ingredients and cooking your own food just because eating out is cheap. Obviously, if you have some sort of allergies to certain foods, well then you should go about doing some shopping. If that’s the case, you could spend $10 to $15 on supplies in a supermarket.

Even though alcohol in Albania is cheap, it will still add a bit to your budget. If you like to have a drink after a day of exploring, you’ll spend at least $15 a day between food and a couple of beverages. 

We all love to treat ourselves sometimes, but if you’re someone that luxurious restaurants are your guilty pleasure, you could spend anything for $60 and up.

The average cost of food per day in Albania is $10.

The Cost Of Activities In Albania

There won’t be any time to be bored in Albania with so many fun and exciting activities to do. Many of the sights throughout the country are either free or only cost a couple of dollars, but if you’re looking to do some guided tours, they’ll set you back quite a bit. 

From treks like the Gamti Mountain hike to Kruja Castle, I managed to see as much as I could but promised myself I wouldn’t rush as I wanted to enjoy myself.

Here’s a full list of activities you shouldn’t miss in Albania.

Day Trip to Bogë and Theth National Park from Shkodër – $77.20 per person – Go deep into the Albanian Alps through Theth National Park in search of the picturesque village of Bogë. Soak up alluring mountainscapes and immerse yourself in the Balkan countryside.

The Gamti Mountain Hike – from Tirana – $85.77 per person – Take on one of Albania’s most impressive hikes, the Gamti Mountain Hike. Follow an experienced guide as they take you through the challenging trek one step at a time. As you reach the top, you’ll be treated to a fabulous view of the crystal clear, ice-blue Bovilla Lake. This one’s a popular one, so do book in advance! You can check availability using the widget below:

Osum Canyon and Bogove Waterfall Tour from Berat – $75.05 per person – Visit the largest canyon in Albania, Osum Canyon, which is 76 kilometers long. Experience natural beauties such as Bogove Waterfall, a natural pool, clear waters, skyscraping cliffs, and more. To top it all off, indulge in a lovely Albanian picnic lunch provided by your guide.

The Blue Eye and Lekuresi Castle Tour From Saranda – $63.26 per person – No doubt you’ve heard about Albania’s national symbol, the blue eye, a clear freshwater spring where you can see from a depth of over 50 meters. This tour takes you to see it for yourself as well as making a stop at the Lekursi Castle, embedded within rolling hills. You’ll even be able to spot the island of Corfu from the top on a clear day.

Old Baazar and Cfaka Walking Tour In Gjirokaster – $16.08 per person – Roam through Gjirokaster’s famous old town in search of the delightful Old Bazaar, where you can pick yourself up some souvenirs. See the well-known Zerzebili Bridge before stopping by the ancient district of Cfaka, lined with Ottoman buildings housing cute bars, bakeries, restaurants, and corner stores.

The average cost of activities per day in Albania is $20.

The Total Costs of Your Albania Trip

And that’s all of your expenses for traveling to Albania. Now, we need to determine how much the total costs of your trip will add up to.

• Accommodation: $12.54 a night for a budget traveler + $27 for a mid-range traveler
• Transportation: $6 per day
• Food: $10 per day for a budget traveler + $60 for a mid-range traveler
• Activities: $20 per day

Total expenses for each day – $48.54 (budget traveler) or $113 (mid-range traveler)

Albania is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe, but get there soon, as it’s starting to get a bit more attention in recent years, and soon it will end up as popular as places like Croatia.

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Is Albania Cheap? 2024 Trip Costs & Pro Budgeting Tips!

• December 20, 2022

There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As ever, all opinions are my own.

Albania is skyrocketing to the top of people’s Europe bucket lists at the moment, and with its reputation as one of the cheapest countries in Europe, it’s no surprise!

But is Albania really that cheap? How much will your trip to Albania cost? And what are the realistic prices you can expect to pay once you get to Albania for things like accommodation, food and activities?

In this blog post, I’m going to cover everything you need to know about the cost of travel in Albania, including up-to-date prices, to help you work out how much money you will need to take to Albania. At the end of this post, I’ll also provide a suggested daily travel budget for Albania.

Before we get started, though, I just wanted to point out that when I say “cheap” in this post I definitely don’t mean bad quality. In fact, Albania is one of the best countries I’ve been to when it comes to getting bang for your buck.

The cost of living in Albania is very low, which translates to low prices for travellers from the UK, US and Western Europe. There are so many other reasons to visit this wonderful country besides the low prices, though!

With that said, then, let’s get started!

Where I’ve Been In Albania

Albania is a fairly small country, but despite this, costs vary quite a bit depending on where you’re visiting. In general, though, Albania is very cheap for tourists and offers excellent value for money!

I visited Albania in September, which is the shoulder season. There’s a fairly short peak season on the Albanian Riviera, which lasts from July to August, and these are the months when you’ll find the highest prices. Shoulder season in Albania offers great value as the weather is (usually) still great but the crazy summer crowding and prices are gone.

I spent two weeks in Albania, visiting the following destinations:

Gjirokaster (mountains)

Himare (coast)

Berat (mountains)

Tirana (capital city)

I was pretty happy with these destinations as I feel that I managed to get a good taste of the different areas of Albania. However, there is one notable destination missing here – the Theth to Valbona hike.

I unfortunately couldn’t get to northern Albania due to unseasonal storms during the end of my trip, but I’m already planning a return trip to do this hike!

Obviously, I haven’t travelled across the whole of Albania, and I still have a lot of exploring to do. That said, though, I feel like the destinations I did visit offer a great sample in terms of prices and costs in Albania.

Top tip: The currency of Albania is the Albanian Lek (LEK), but I have listed most of the prices in this post in both LEk and Euros to keep everything simple.

Price of Accommodation in Albania

You’ll be surprised by just how affordable accommodation in Albania is. Standards are generally good, and there are a wide range of hostels across the country – perfect for those travelling on a super tight budget!

You can get a top-quality, fully-furnished and renovated apartment in the centre of Tirana for just €40 per night. A double room in a budget hotel will cost around €30 per night! A private double room in a hostel will cost you around €28 per night, and a dorm bed will cost around €12 .

Something worth bearing in mind is that if you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, or are worried you’re too old to stay in one, Albania is the perfect place to try it out. 

At every hostel I stayed at in Albania there was a wide range of people staying there – from 18 year old backpackers to retired couples! Hostel culture in Albania is far more inclusive and it’s socially acceptable for people of all ages to stay at hostels.

Just double check there’s no age policy at the hostel before you book and you’re good to go!

My Recommendations for Budget Accommodation in Albania:

Here are the places I stayed at in Albania, along with how much I paid for them:

Gjirokaster : Gjirokaster was my first stop in Albania and, since I left my booking fairly last minute, many options were sold out. I ended up staying in a dorm at this family-run hostel for €9 per night. It was very clean, quiet and well-located. It also has a few private rooms which look lovely. This is perfect for you if you want a quiet stay. However, there was no social atmosphere. If I return to Gjirokaster I’ll book in advance so I can stay at this top-rated hostel .

Himare : So… I stayed at this popular hostel in Himare for €13.80 per night, but for the life of me I can’t work out why the ratings for this are so high… The place was pretty dirty, with flies all over the kitchen, but the main gripe I had was that the water for the shower barely worked, and one night we were actually left without any water or electricity, so we all had to sit in the dark! I don’t recommend it… I have heard pretty good things about this hostel instead.

Berat : I stayed at this lovely hostel in Berat and couldn’t recommend it highly enough! The dorm bed was the comfiest I have ever slept in, the owner was AWESOME and the building is so quaint and cute! I paid €11 per night.

Tirana : I had been travelling Albania solo up until this point, but my boyfriend flew out to meet me in Tirana, so we chose to stay in an apartment. We stayed in this wonderful apartment which I can’t fault at all! I wish we could have stayed there for a month! We paid €48 per night, but split between the two of us that worked out at €24 each – incredible value!

The average daily cost of my accommodation in Albania was €15.

Cost of Food and Drink in Albania

The cost of food and drink in Albania for tourists is very low. Unfortunately, there isn’t a huge range of cuisines or drinks available in Albania, but Albanian food in general is pretty yummy so you’ll definitely have enough variety for a couple of weeks.

Most hostels in Albania offer free breakfast, so I recommend picking somewhere that offers this to save yourself some money! If your accommodation doesn’t offer free breakfast, though, you’ll be pretty limited. Byrek (flaky filo pastry typically stuffed with spinach and cheese) is the most popular breakfast. A byrek costs around 150 LEK ( €1.50 ).

You can also find croissants at most places, which cost around 150 LEK ( €1.50 )

It’s not common to find specialty coffee such as lattes and flat whites outside of the capital city, Tirana, but you’re usually able to find cappuccinos for around 150 LEK ( €1.50 ). An espresso or black coffee can cost you as little as 50 LEK ( €0.45 )!

Lunch and Dinner

Albanian food overall is hearty, heavy and very filling – but you’re able to find lighter options too! Since Albania shares a border with Greece, you’ll find a few Greek dishes such as Tzatziki dip or Greek salad on almost every menu across the country.

I didn’t notice a huge variation of the prices of lunch and dinner across Albania with the exception of Himare. Since coastal Albania is so popular with tourists almost everything costs more here – especially food and drink. That said, though, you’ll find the country’s best seafood on the coast.

Here are some examples of what I paid for different dishes in Albania:

• Ferges with bread (cottage cheese, pepper and eggplant dish) – 400 LEK ( €3.50 )
• Bean soup – 300 LEK ( €2.65 )
• Stuffed peppers – 250 LEK ( €2.20 )
• Meat and cheese casserole – 480 LEK ( €4.25 )
• Doner kebab – 200 LEK ( €1.75 )
• Mushroom pasta at an Italian restaurant – 600 LEK ( €5.25 )

Cost of Drinks in Albania

When it comes to drinking, Albania is very affordable. I imagine it’s just a few years until stag and hen (bachelor and bachelorette) parties start coming here, since Albania is sooooo cheap for drinking!

Beer is probably the most common alcoholic drink in Albania, and you can find it everywhere. The most common and popular brand of beer is probably Korce, which is also very affordable, but it’s hardly something worth writing home about. Other local options include Peja and Tirana.

Albania also produces wine, and you can even go on wine tours from places like Berat. I only tried wine a few times in Albania but it’s certainly… different… to what I’m used to. It’s very popular with Albanians, though, so you should definitely give it a try!

Obviously the cost of beer and wine in Albania is way lower in the supermarket than at a bar or restaurant, but there’s not a huge price difference. I doubt you’ll have to worry about how much you’re spending when you go out to drink in Albania!

Here are some examples of what I paid for different drinks in Albania:

• 330ml bottle of Peja beer at a restaurant – 150 LEK ( €1.30 )
• 500ml bottle of Korce beer at a bar – 200 LEK ( €1.75 )
• Bottle of mid-range wine at supermarket – 750 LEK ( €6.55 )

Price of Activities in Albania

Most things to do in Albania are very cheap – from boat tours, to museums, to walking tours. Museums outside of Tirana typically cost just 100-200 LEK to enter ( €0.85 – €1.75 ). That said, though, the museums outside of Tirana generally aren’t worth writing home about.

The more expensive museums are those in Tirana, but boy are they worth the extra money! Bunk Art (500 LEK – €4.35 ), Bunk Art 2 (500 LEK – €4.35 ) and the House of Leaves Museum (700 LEK – €6.15 ) are essential stops on your Tirana itinerary. 

The cost of outdoor activities in Albania can vary quite a lot. It’s worth just going ahead and booking them though, and not worrying about the cost, because Albania’s nature is out-of-this-world! 

A full-day tour of the Osum Canyon from Berat, including lunch, cost me 5000 LEK ( €44 ), and a beach-hopping boat tour from Himare cost me 2500 LEK ( €22 ). As you can see, even the more “expensive” activities in Albania have very reasonable prices.

Price of Transportation in Albania

I can only describe public transportation in Albania as organised chaos. It makes no sense, seems to follow no rhyme or reason, but works surprisingly well! 

Unless you’re planning to hire a car, which is not something I would personally do (Albanians drive like maniacs and the mountaintop roads are very narrow and windy!) you’ll be using the public buses, also called furgons, to get around.

You can read my full post on how to use Albania’s buses for more information, but in terms of prices, it’s safe to say that bus travel in Albania is very cheap.

I paid between 400 ( €3.50 ) and 700 ( €6.15 ) LEK per intercity journey in Albania, with the shortest journey still taking 90 minutes. As you can see, then, the cost of your ticket is very good value when you consider the distances covered!

Once you’ve arrived at your destination you’ll only rarely need to use local transportation, since towns in Albania are so walkable. Exceptions are Tirana and Berat, where you’ll need to catch a city bus from the bus station to the city centre. These buses cost just 40 LEK each way ( €0.35 ).

The bus from Tirana airport to the city centre costs 300 LEK ( €2.60 ) each way.

Flights to Albania

Flights to Tirana (the only international airport in Albania) can be surprisingly cheap if you’re flying from another country in Europe. That’s because a few budget airlines, such as Wizz Air and Easyjet, fly there directly. From London, return flights to Tirana cost around €60 .

However, if you’re flying to Albania from further afield you’ll have to first fly to one of Europe’s main transport hubs before catching a connecting flight. New York is usually the cheapest place to fly from in the US, and you can get return flights (with a layover in Rome) for around $600 .

Cost of Travel Insurance for Albania

If you have even a single brain cell, then travelling without travel insurance is absolutely out of the question! It’s a necessity no matter where you’re travelling to, and although Albania is a safe place to visit, bad luck can happen to anybody.

Of course, I can’t force you to buy travel insurance, but I’ve heard of far too many people who skip paying the small price of travel insurance and instead end up with a hospital bill worth thousands of Euros when they accidentally get injured on their trip. 

Travel insurance will also cover you if your flight is delayed or cancelled, if any of your devices are lost or damaged, or if the airline loses your luggage, which happens alarmingly frequently!

For my readers I recommend SafetyWing . This is probably the most popular insurance in the world for backpackers and adventurous travellers. It also covers a ton of fun activities so you can go hiking or mountain climbing with no worries.

Click here to get a quote from SafetyWing!

Average Travel Insurance cost = €30 for 1 month (€1 per day!) .

Daily Budget for Travelling in Albania

Phew… I know there has been a lot of information in this post, so let’s bring it all together to calculate a realistic daily budget for travelling in Albania:

• Budget hotel room shared with travel partner = €15 each
• Byrek and coffee at a bakery = €3
• Lunch and dinner at traditional restaurants (not including drinks) =  €8.50
• Four beers at a bar or restaurant (hey, I’m not judging!) = €7
• Entry to a big museum, and a few free attractions = €5

Total average travel cost for one day in Albania = €38.50

Obviously this budget takes the mid-range option, so it’s possible to spend far less in Albania if you need to.

At a push, you could bring your spending down to around €25 per day by staying in hostel dorms, cooking your own food, limiting your drinking and visiting only very cheap and free attractions.

But honestly, why would you? There’s really no need to rough it in Albania just to save a couple of LEK when it is so cheap to travel there to start with! Albania is not a wealthy country, and your tourist money will go a long way to helping the tourism industry develop here.

Is Albania Expensive?

As you can see, Albania is the complete opposite of expensive. It’s one of the most affordable places I’ve ever visited, and I’m pretty sure Albania is the cheapest country I’ve ever been to in Europe! 

Albania is not an expensive country to visit for tourists from Western Europe, the USA and Australia, which is where most of my lovely readers are based.

I hope this guide has helped you to work out the realistic cost of travel in Albania. Hopefully you now have some clarity on how much you’ll need to budget for a trip to Albania. As you can see, prices across the board are very low, and for these prices you still get amazing quality. 

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to book your trip to Albania!

FAQs about Prices in Albania

Still have questions? No worries, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the cost of travel in Albania:

How much is a meal in Albania?

A main meal (lunch or dinner) in a restaurant in Albania costs, on average, around 450 LEK (€4). 

How much is a coffee in Albania?

Cappuccinos in Albania cost around 150 LEK ( €1.50 ), and an espresso typically costs around 75 LEK ( €0.65 ), but can be as little as 50 LEK ( €0.45 )! Coffees such as flat whites or lattes are not common in Albania outside of the capital city, and it is very rare to find soy, oat, or almond milk at a coffee shop in Albania.

Is Albania cheaper than Greece?

Yes! Albania is much cheaper than Greece. I arrived in Albania straight from Greece, and my daily spending instantly dropped by about 60%! Therefore, in my experience, Albania is around 60% cheaper to travel to than Greece.

Is Albania cheaper than Croatia?

Albania is cheaper to travel to than Croatia, although prices on the Albanian Riviera are creeping closer to those of coastal Croatia in recent years.

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Albania Travel Guide 2024 – Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on March 1, 2024

This Albania travel guide is updated every month to give you the best and most up-to-date information on travelling Albania .

Not only that but I’m also a full-time resident on the ground and run the leading Albania travel blog so you get everything from a local perspective.

As Albania’s tourism is slowly increasing the demand for information is increasing too.  Unfortunately, as tourism is still so new, it can be hard to come across factual and up-to-date information. 

For example, bus timetables can change with a click of the fingers, and the only people who would know would be the locals.

Therefore, I have created this full Albania travel guide with all the information you need if you plan to visit Albania for the first time, or the next time! 

💾 Albania is full of beautiful surprises.

I have lots of great information for you to use during your travels to Albania so make sure you bookmark this page so you can come back to it again and again.

Here’s your full Albania Travel guide!

Why should you trust my information?  I have lived in Albania since 2017, so I have a great knowledge of the dos the don’ts, the best local spots to visit and the ones you should avoid! 

Also, I have an extra local insight as my partner is Albanian.

Every month, I try to update this Albania travel guide, sometimes more often as new information comes up or as I explore new places.

If you like this Albania travel guide, then go grab a physical copy of my 170+ page comprehensive downloadable Albania guide here.  

Read more: 11 lessons I have learned from living in Albania

Where is Albania?

Great question, and one that I’m often asked when talking to foreigners outside of Albania.  Where the heck is Albania?!

Albania lies in South-Eastern Europe.  Its neighbours are Greece to the south, Montenegro to the north and Kosovo and Macedonia to the east(ish).

Albania sits on the coast of the Adriatic Sea and is home to some of the best beaches in Europe.

Some of the best beaches are found in the Albanian Riviera which stretches from the city of Vlora (Vlore in Albanian) and the popular tourist city of Saranda (Sarandë in Albanian), where I have lived for 5+ years.

How to get to Albania

Albania can be reached in many ways by air, bus and ferry.

Flying to Albania

There is one international airport which is Tirana International airport, also called the Rinas International Airport or Nënë Tereza.

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There is another currently being built in Vlora but who knows if/when that will be finished.  I’ll keep you updated!

Flights in and out of Tirana can be expensive, however, Wizz Air and Ryanair have started a service which means sometimes you can grab budget-friendly flights to and from Tirana throughout the year which is great news for tourism.  Check the latest prices and availability of flights to Tirana here.

Overland from Greece

You can easily catch a bus from Athens to Saranda .  

It takes about 9 hours and costs around €35.  You can also catch a bus from Ioannina which stops at Gjirokastër from there you can catch a bus elsewhere in Albania.

I have caught this bus a dozen times.

If you take snacks and download some entertainment on your phone, it’s not that bad. They do also stop a few times for snacks, lunch and coffee so it really isn’t that bad.

Ferry from Greece

Another incredibly easy way is Corfu!  The island of Corfu is only a 25-minute ferry ride from Saranda.

The prices and times will vary depending on the season. You can find them here.

If you do decide to catch the ferry, especially in the summer, make sure you book a few days before because they can get booked fast and you may miss out.

Corfu does direct flights to a bunch of other European countries.  If I want to fly to the UK I will fly out of Corfu as EasyJet does cheap and direct flights from there!

This can be a great way to get to Albania with a quick stopover in Corfu. 

Usually, you will have to stay in Corfu the night depending on when your flight is but it’s a good excuse to explore the island as it’s very beautiful too.  Check the prices and availability of flights to Corfu here.

Read more : How to get from Corfu to Saranda

Overland from Montenegro

If you’re coming from Montenegro there are buses between Kotor and Podgorica to Shkodër and Tirana. If you want to head towards the south, you will have to change buses in Tirana.

Overland from Macedonia

There are 3 buses from Skopje to Tirana (8:10am, 8:45am and 9pm).  Please check with your accommodation that these are still the times that the bus leaves as in the Balkans bus timetables frequently change!

Overland from Kosovo

If you are coming from Kosovo there are regular buses from Pristina to Tirana.  Then if you want to visit other places around Albania you can go to the regional bus station and catch a 2nd bus to wherever you want to go.

Boat from Italy

You can catch a boat from Durres to Bari and Ancona. 

There are several crossings per week but it’s best to contact the ferries themselves as crossings and prices change from month to month.

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If you can weirdly transport yourself to Albania using time travel then I don’t have any information for you, but congratulations, that’s an awesome skill to have!

Recent History of Albania

Albania’s history is beyond fascinating compared to some other countries in the world. 

From 1941 to 1992 Albania was under the strict communist regime of the leader Enver Hoxha. 

Everything was controlled, from food to housing and jobs.

Some compare it to North Korea, but only those who lived through communism will know. 

There were labour camps where political prisoners were sent if they said something that the communist leader did not like. 

The prisoners built the infrastructure that Albania sees today.

After the collapse of communism, Albania saw itself as a democracy.

Unfortunately, in 1997 the government collapsed after a dodgy pyramid scheme. 

Over 2/3rds of the population invested their life savings into this scheme which meant most people lost everything they had worked hard for all those years.

The civil unrest saw a lot of anger and violence from the citizens of Albania, many fled from the country for a better life.

The civil unrest went on for 6 months and when visiting Albania, you will see for yourself that Albania is still recovering.

There is still a lot of corruption within government sectors today. It seems every day there is a new person whose corruption has been exposed.

Ancient history of Albania

Many only discuss communism and the civil war as the history of Albania but the real history dives way older than that. 

If you move to Albania, you will find yourself in many conversations with locals about ancient Albania and the Illyrians who many believe are older than the ancient Greeks.

There is so much that hasn’t been uncovered and publicized about Albania’s ancient history.

The ancient site of Apollonia which is in Fier and is a popular site to see if anyone who loves ancient history, is less than 5% excavated.

One of the biggest ancient graves have been found near Korca in 2018 which archaeologists believe are more than 5000 years old!

Butrint National Park is also a great UNESCO site to visit if you want to learn more about the rich history in Southern Albania.

Read more: 5 Best Albania UNESCO Sites to Visit

Language of Albania

Shqip is one of the most fascinating languages I have come across and one of the hardest to learn (in my eyes!).  It’s an Indo-European language that relates to no other language in the world, it has its own roots.

The North and South speak different dialects.  In the south they speak Tosk, and, in the north, they speak Gheg.

Usually, the two different parts can understand each other a little. 

I found myself in a hostel in Kosovo with a girl from the north and a girl from the south and they were speaking English together because they could not speak Albanian together!

The younger generation in Albania mostly knows some English as they are taught in school.  The older generation you will find speak none such as the adorable Albanian grandmothers.

You don’t have to worry about the language barrier when you travel to Albania as you can always get past it with some English and sign language.

If you really want to impress the locals when you come to Albania it’s a great idea to learn a few words.  Albanian people love it when people try and speak the Albanian language. 

It’s always met with a smile and a little giggle.

• Pershentdejte – Hello
• Faleminderit – Thank you
• Gazuar – Cheers or Salut!

Capital of Albania

The capital of Albania is Tirana. 

There’s a lot to see and do in Tirana and it’s fast becoming a tourist mecca of trendy cafes and bars and a great place to learn about the recent history of Albania.

I have a full Albania travel guide on the best things to do in Tirana as well as my recommendations on restaurants and hotels below.

The capital city is a great place to base yourself while doing the odd day trip around the local area because there’s SO much to see in this part of the country. Click here to read about the best daytrips from Tirana.

Read more: 19 best things to do in Tirana

When should I visit Albania?

I have a full article on the best times to visit Albania below. 

My favourite time is spring because in the south especially, the beach bars start to open, the sun is out and in full swing, and it’s just a little quiet.

Plus if you’re on a budget, then this is a great time before the prices rise in the summer.

Albania has the ol’ Mediterranean climate so during the summer it can get very hot and dry.

Below I go into detail on the pros and cons of travelling at any time of the year.

Read more: The best time to visit Albania

Travel insurance in Albania

If you’re going to travel in Albania, I personally would look into SafetyWing Travel Insurance, you can read more about it here .   They have two great plans whether you are on a budget or want a more comprehensive insurance plan. 

No matter where in the world you are from, or where you are going, they can hook you up with the best deal!

➡ Get an instant travel insurance quote here

Albania Holidays and celebrations

1st January – New Year’s:   As Albanians generally don’t celebrate Christmas like elsewhere in Europe and other parts of the world, they go all out for New Year’s!

They usually gift presents and see the New Year in with their family then go out and party until the sun rises.

Apparently, this tradition came from communism as all religion was outlawed and the only holiday that isn’t religious is New Year’s.  So, because of that, Albanians only could celebrate one holiday a year.

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14th March – Dita e Verës (Summer Day): This is one of my favourite days in Albania, as it’s the start of spring, is always a great day!

This is the biggest pagan holiday and an important holiday for Albanians and throughout the Balkans.  It celebrates the first day of the Albanian ancient calendar as well as the end of winter and the start of summer and the rejuvenation of nature.

If you want to celebrate this day then head to Elbasan.  Here is the centre of celebrations with concerts and festivities for the day. People also make and eat ballakume – a sweet cookie.

You will notice people wearing a 2-string red and white bracelet named ‘verore’ which many start to wear March 1st.  After dita e vere is over they then tie the bracelet to a tree for good luck.

28th November – Flag and Independence Day: This is the day that Albania declared its independence from The Ottoman empire.  It was proclaimed in Vlore in 1912.

Only 6 days later the first government of Albania was created and led by Ismail Qemali.

A prominent moment was when Ismail waved the first flag of independent Albania from the balcony of the assembly of Vlora.  This flag was inspired by Skanderbeg’s (a national hero) flag which had been used 400 years beforehand.

29th November – Liberation Day: The day after Independence Day Albanians also celebrate liberation day.

This day celebrates when the country was liberated from Nazi Germany during World War 2.

25th December – Christmas Day: Albanians don’t celebrate Christmas day like other countries.  New Year is more celebrated.

On Christmas day all the shops run as normal and the day continues like any other day.  However, New Year’s is a different story.

Read more: Festivals in Albania

Prices in Albania

Albania is an incredibly affordable destination.  This is the reason why many choose Albania as their holiday destination.

You can grab a beer for about €1-2 and a meal between €5-10.  A hostel bed with breakfast and a beer can cost as low as €10 and a hotel room for around €20-50.

There are many great options for all budgets, whether you’re a backpacker and want to stay in the best hostels , are in the mid-range and want nice hotels that don’t break the bank or prefer a more luxurious holiday within these must-stay luxury Albania hotels .

If you want more of an adventure and plan to hike around the country, here are the top campsites in Albania to stay in!

If you are thinking of a more permanent move then you check out my article where I go through the prices of renting, food and utilities.

It’s also helpful if you are just visiting as it gives you an idea of what you should pay for different things.

Read more : Cost of Living in Albania

Read more: Getting a long-term visa in Albania

Best places to stay in Albania

There are several accommodation options for travellers coming to Albania. 

In each of my destination Albania travel guide, I recommend the best places to stay in that city or town.

You can book easily through Booking. 

Here are some quick links to destination, hotel and activity guides that will be helpful during your stay in Albania:

Tirana travel guides

• The Most Incredible Hotels in Tirana
• 15 best bars in Tirana to check out
• 16 best restaurants in Tirana
• Top 12 day trips from Tirana to try

Saranda travel guides

• 20 Incredible Hotels in Saranda
• Best things to do in Saranda
• Best restaurants in Saranda

Ksamil travel guides

• 17 best Ksamil beaches to visit
• 10 best hotels in Ksamil

Berat travel guides

• 12 hotels in Berat to stay in

Northern Albania travel guides

• Things to do in Theth, Albania – Home to the famous Albanian Alps
• Kruja Guide
• Cape of Rodon (Durres) Guide

Southern Albania travel guides

• Best things to do in Gjirokaster
• 7 best hotels in Dhermi to stay in
• Qeparo Guide
• Himara Guide
• 13 Amazing Things to do in Korca, Albania
• 8 Things to do in Permet, Albania – Full Travel Guide
• Ali Pasha Castle (Butrint)
• Visiting the Beautiful Blue Eye, Albania (Syri i Kalter)

What it’s like to travel to Albania

Travelling in Albania is something you may have never expected. 

Many expect Albania to be dangerous, not friendly and ugly but people are surprised that none of those is true.

Albania is safe for tourists.

The Albanians are some of the friendliest and most welcoming locals in the world.  They will treat you like one of their own.

Albania is far from ugly. The pristine beaches, mountains and people confirm that. Albania tourism is thriving!

When you travel to Albania, you shouldn’t plan too far ahead.  Everything is flexible, from bus timetables to itineraries.

I would suggest having a rough plan but the option to be a little flexible with it.

Read more: 35 Unique Things to do in Albania

Where to go in Albania

Albania is full of scenic, historic and interesting places to visit. 

You can see the article below which goes into detail of the best places to visit including tourist and local spots which most tourists don’t even know about.

• Read more: 24 Incredibly beautiful places to visit in Albania
• Read more: 10 incredible cities to visit in Albania
• Read more: Theth- Valbona hike: Best hike in Albania!
• Read more: 14 most must-visit castles in Albania
• Read more: 5 best hikes in Albania

The best beaches in Albania

My favourite part of Albania are the beaches.  It’s what made me fall in love with Albania in the first place.

I have tried and tested just about all the beaches in Albania and all the beaches located within the Albanian Riviera .

Below you can check out the ones I recommend visiting.

Read more: 17 of the most beautiful beaches in Albania

Holiday Itineraries for Albania

Below you can read how to spend 1 week in Albania and how to spend 10 days exploring the country! You can get more holiday itineraries in Albania by purchasing my itinerary pack here.

Read more: How to spend 1 week in Albania

Read more: South Albania Itinerary: 10 Days in the Albanian Riviera!

What to pack for Albania

If you’re stuck on what to pack for your trip to Albania, check out my Albania packing list before you start jetting off on your holiday!

Otherwise read below for my must-have top picks for any holiday.

🧳 Anita’s Packing Must-Haves: Don’t leave home without these must-haves in your suitcase!

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Facts about Albania

There are many interesting things to learn about Albania. 

I have included them all in the article below.  Click to check them out!

Read more: Facts about Albania

Health and safety in Albania

Is Albania safe?  This is such a popular question and one of my most viewed articles on Albania answers just that and goes into detail (read below).

Yes, Albania is a safe country to travel whether you’re a family, couple or a solo traveller (female and male).  Petty crime like pickpocketing is non-existent.

You will notice that Albanians have the best hospitality, maybe in the world!  Everyone is very helpful and if you’re very stuck in a situation there will most likely always be someone to help you.

If any other Albania travel guide tells you otherwise, they’re wrong!

The only thing you have to watch out for is taxi drivers as most of the time they will try and charge you 2 or 3x the regular price.

Read more: Is Albania safe?

Wi-Fi in Albania and getting a sim card

Believe it or not, I have found Albania to have better Wi-Fi than in New Zealand. It’s fast and reliable.

As I now live in Albania, I have a Wi-Fi router which was free to set up and cost me 2000 lek per month.  Most accommodation options and restaurants will have Wi-Fi.

If you would like to get a sim card you can do so at any of the Vodafone shops around.  There’s one at the airport if you fly into Tirana. 

They will get you set up on a local sim fast and easily.

For under €10 you can get 5MB of data and I have found that you will most likely get another 5MB free!

Can you drink the water in Albania?

I wouldn’t recommend drinking the water in Albania.  The water throughout the country has high levels of chloride and heavy metals. 

I used to drink the water myself but noticed after a couple of months I started to experience bad stomach pains. 

Then, I found that none of the locals drink the water, that’s when you know to not drink it!

Cultural norms in Albania

Staring: In Albania, it’s totally normal and encouraged to stare.  You may find at the start it might be a bit uncomfortable, but you will have to get used to it!

I have had old men stop in the middle of the street to just stare at me.  Nowadays I just try and laugh and give a good old stare back!

Expressing: Albanians are very expressive.  They love to move their hands when they talk.

Albanians are also very loud.  Most of the time they are just having a conversation but sound like they are arguing.

The headshake: In some parts of Albania, they will shake their head side to side for a yes and up and down for a no.

They also shake their head side to side when they are listening in a conversation.  It can get very confusing, especially if you’re asking a question and the answer is yes but their head is saying something else.

Grunting: Upon my observations, while living in Albania, I have noticed that Albanians grunt a lot.

In fact, I have listened to a whole conversation once with just grunting and noises instead of words.  Super interesting.

Communication: If you want to know about how your weight is doing, ask an Albanian.  Don’t be offended if Albanians say that you look thin or fat.

Weight is not something that’s a taboo subject to them.  I still struggle with this if I’m honest.  Although, when I’m having a skinny day, it’s the best confidence boost.

Dress:   you’re welcome to wear whatever you like during your time in Albania.  The women make a big effort when it comes to dressing up.

They love to wear big high heels and dresses that I would only wear once in my lifetime, to the local club.  I always feel underdressed at a club or sometimes even walking down the street.

The older men usually wear suits, yes suits!  Just for having a coffee!  Pretty impressive huh.

You may notice that most of the older women in Albania are wearing all black. There is a reason for this.  This is to pay respects to loved ones that have passed.  They usually wear this for as long as 10-20 years after that person has passed away.

Greetings: Albanians will usually greet you with a kiss on each cheek or a handshake.

When older women greet younger women, you will normally get a million kisses, a pinch on the cheek and squeezed until you can’t breathe.

Dating:  Some families still arrange marriage but nowadays this not common at all.  Sometimes the family will be open to their son/daughter dating a foreigner.  I have only heard from one girl I met that it was a problem for her, and she wasn’t accepted into the family.

From personal experience, I have an Albanian boyfriend and his family have welcomed me like I’m their daughter.

However, dating is not really something that Albanians do.  But saying that, if you’re looking for an Albanian boyfriend you will easily find one.

If a single man goes out with a single woman, it’s usually considered that they are together.

So, ladies, if you do go to dinner with a man make it clear that you want to get to know each other and going for dinner doesn’t mean you’re boyfriend and girlfriend.

Men generally don’t like women who have dated many other men in that city/town too.

Albanian men will do anything for their girls and can usually be quite possessive.  They will get jealous easily if you do have guy friends.  Don’t take offence to this though, it just means they care and they will openly tell you that.

Gender roles:   Albanian women generally look after the house and the men work for the family.

This is how most families work in Albania but today it’s now common for women to be working too.  Gender roles are still very much prominent in Albanian society.

As unemployment in Albania is very high, a lot of men will sit in coffee shops for much of the day.

Albanian flexy time:  If someone says to meet at a particular time it usually means at least half an hour after that.  It’s considered polite to be late.

Even Dr/dentist appointments are merely suggestions.  No wonder nothing gets done in Albania quickly.

Albanians don’t like commitment so arranging things ahead of time probably won’t end well.

Superstitions in Albania

I’m currently constructing an article on Albanian beliefs.  In the south, there are many things that Albanians believe in.  For example:

• If you have finished a glass of raki and you order another, the waiter will pour the raki into the cup you are already using.  They will never give you a new cup.  This is because if you change the cup, you can lovers!
• You may notice stuffed toys hanging outside houses/apartments.  This is to ward off bad spirits.

Corruption in Albania

I try to be very honest in this Albania travel guide when it comes to corruption. Unfortunately, corruption in Albania is still alive and well. 

It’s not something that you really have to think about unless you do something that’s illegal. 

Corruption is slowing down though if you compare it to five years ago, or maybe it’s that you just can’t see it as obvious anymore.

Things are slowly changing for the better.

Driving in Albania

If you visit Albania it can be a great idea to hire a car in Albania . That way you will see more of the country and get to stop at all the great hidden spots most tourists would completely miss.

🤫 Insider Tip: The best way to explore Iceland and get off the beaten track is to hire a rental car and explore the area 🚗 Our #1 recommendation is Discover Cars which caters to over 145+ countries around the world. Click here to get an instant quote .

When it comes to driving in Albania, it should come with caution as signs and road laws seem to be merely suggestions for Albanians.

Speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, overtaking on blind corners etc is very common. 

When driving in Albania always drive with caution and beware of all sides of the car as people can and will overtake you without your knowledge.

You MUST put your lights on when driving in Albania. 

There is a law that states it.  Whether the law is followed through, that’s another story.  Better to leave them on than not.

Another thing that they are very tough on is always carrying your drivers’ license. 

Albanians can be put straight into jail if they don’t have their license on them when an officer asks.  This applies to foreigners.

I have had friends who didn’t have their licences on them and it was a horrible experience.  There was a lot of shouting, taken ‘hostage’ in a police station and a huge hassle! 

So please, always carry your licence.

Read more: How to Hire a Car in Albania

Religion in Albania

Talk to just about any Albanian and they will tell you that religion doesn’t matter.  They don’t care what you believe in, it’s your choice.

Albania is a Christian country, then after the Ottoman empire, it became predominately Muslim. 

However, during communism, all religion was banned so it became the first atheist country. 

Nowadays many online articles say that the Albanian population is predominantly Muslim, which is somewhat untrue.

If you do come across someone who is a Muslim you probably won’t even notice because pork is eaten, alcohol is drunken, and no one follows any sort of rules.

Drone flying in Albania

You can fly your drone everywhere except near Tirana airport of course and military spaces. 

As of now, there are no laws on drone flying in Albania.

There was speculation that there was, but my partner has personally checked with officials and you can fly anywhere that’s not airspace.

Transportation

I have a full article on transportation below!  The most popular way of getting around is by public transportation which only consists of busses.

You can also hire a car if you feel comfortable enough to drive.

Backpackers quite often hitchhike through the country which is completely safe.  Albanians often hitchhike themselves so it’s very common.

Read more: Getting around Albania

Read more: Albania bus timetables

What to eat in Albania

There are many delicious foods you should try during your time in Albania.  Albanian cuisine is fresh, healthy and very delicious.

They use a lot of olive oil, white (feta) cheese and eat lots of fruit. 

Albania also does great Italian food. Many Albanians moved to Italy after communism and the civil war, and brought back their skills of Italian pizza and pasta. 

Greek food is also readily available.

In the south and along the coast of Albania they eat a lot of seafood.

What I love about Albanian food is that everything is fresh and comes from the local garden, so you always feel full and amazing after a meal!

Read more: 39 Delicious Albanian Dishes to Try!

What to drink in Albania

Raki is the national drink.  It’s an alcoholic spirit which can be between 20-80% and the dangerous thing is, you never really know how strong it is.

Many families brew their own raki.  You will see old men with their glass of raki with their morning coffee.  They use it for health and to ‘keep strong’.

They also use raki in hospitals as a serializer for wounds. 

If you have a cough or cold, someone will probably recommend that you drink Raki.

Albania also has its own beer.  There’s one called Korca and one called Elbar.

There are also some delicious Albanian wine and great wineries to visit in Albania. 

There are 3 around the town of Berat.  My favourite is Çobo.  You can go there for a tasting and for €14 taste 4 wines and a little food platter with olives, cheeses and bread!

Join my travelling Albania Facebook group!

I have created a group on Facebook called ‘Travelling Albania’.  It’s a great group where we help each other with any questions you may have about travelling or living in Albania.  Make sure you join below!

🌍 Join the Facebook group here

If there’s something else that you didn’t find in this Albania travel guide then let me know in the comments so I can be sure to add it!

I try to create as much new and valuable content for this Albania blog as possible.

Other Albanian articles you will love:

• How to Find an Apartment to Rent in Saranda, Albania
• 17 best Albanian souvenirs to buy
• Travel Albania: 15 Beautiful Photos of Albania
• Reasons Why I Love Albania
• 9 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Albania
• Backpacking Through the Balkans: From Bosnia to Albania

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The Comments

Great article. I have Albanian friends .I have always been interested in visiting Albania. In depth guide!

Anita Hendrieka

Thank you for reading! 🙂

Thank you for all your insight into Albania! You are living the dream! I find myself drawn to this area of the world more and more.

Question: my partner and I will be in Athens in May and would like to travel along the coast north. I appreciated your post about taking the bus to Sarande (and this one about renting a car in the Albania). Have you ever seen/heard of the possibility of renting a car to drive from Athens/Sarande through Montenegro to Croatia? Thanks!

Hi there! Thanks for a great and informative read. I’m also a fellow kiwi and my partner and I are about to cross from Corfu to Albania! I was curious as to where this new market is in Tirana you spoke of? Google maps hasn’t provided me much insight. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks!

Hey Georgie, the market is called ‘Pazari i Ri’ in Albanian 🙂

I have a question I hope you’ll be able to answer. I’m visiting Albania this August with my boyfriend. We plan on backpacking through the country. I’ve read and heard that Albanian people tend to be quite racist towards black people. My boyfriend is black so this concerns me. Can you tell me more about racism in Albania?

Thanks in advance!

Hey Maxime, Thanks for your comment! I’m glad that you have chosen Albania as your holiday destination. To be completely honest, I have heard both positive and negative stories about racism in Albania. As I don’t have any personal experience myself I don’t think I am equipment to answer that question, but I highly recommend joining my Facebook group ‘travelling Albania’ and asking in the forum as there might be people in there who have had some personal experiences! 🙂

Thanks for your reply! I can’t seem to find your facebook group. Can you maybe post the link? Thank you!

Hey Maxime, you can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travellingalbania/

Ingrid Danielsson

Hello! I travel to Albania all the time since I know a lot of Albanian people there. So very very much to explore and I do that both with my Albanian friends and with Swedish tourists who I bring to share it with. I should say that the water is very clean and the best possible to drink, at least in the northern regions like Dibra and Tropoja. You can fill your bottle with cold fresh water directly from the mountains at a lot of places along the road, even around Gjirokastër in the south. Also when you buy coffee you often get a glass of water. Don´t be afraid to drink that! I guess only in the biggest cities you should be better off buying your water, which is very cheap but sadly do contribute to the plastic bottle consumption.

Hey Ingrid, yes you’re right! If you can get water straight from the mountain then it’s amazing! Unfortunately nearly all over Albania, it’s not advised to drink water from the tap. There have been tests done in Tirana and Saranda by people I know and they have come back unsafe to drink. I try to get water from the local spring just of Saranda but unfortunately, I do have to buy most of my water when I can’t get there 🙁 Hopefully, Albania can provide fresh drinking water from the tap for their citizens soon!

In my native town Tepelena, we drink from the tap, is good.

Amber Richards

Albania is such an amazing country and often underrated! I’ve been there twice and will go again as soon as I can – great places!

Hi Anita – thanks for the wonderful guide. Regarding driving, is it expected to have an international driving permit, or a regular drivers license (in my case the US) okay?

Trying to avoid a situation like the one you mentioned!

Hey Shawn, yes as you are from the US you will need an international drivers license. You can only use your own license if you are from the EU 🙂

Anita, thank you, thank you, thank you! Your guide is helping me a lot!! The information is very valuable. Next week I’ll be there, yuhu!

Hey!! Major thanks for this guide! You helped me a lot!! Although, I always thought Kukër airport is international too, no?

Yes, there is but as far as I know they do not do commercial international flights. I read somewhere that they might start opening it to some low-cost airlines in autumn 2019

Thomas Mills

Hello, thank you for this wealth of information! I have been fascinated with Albania for years. However, I need your advice, I am in Croatia now, looking into traveling through Albania. But I am concerned about road conditions, and running buses, especially after the recent earthquake. Would you advise me to try this trip, or avoid it for the time being? Thank you for your time and consideration! Tom

Hello, thank you for your amazing experience. I will have a 4 day trip to Albania this November and i intend to visit Tirana and Theth. Do you think its a suitable time to enjoy scenery in Theth ? as i am a natural lover, i would love to explore this beautiful place.

Hey there, depending on when in November you visit it will be constant rain or there may be even snow so I’m not sure it is the best time to visit

Hello! Thanks for the inspiring stories! I do not find any information about grave and burial culture. In each of the countries I visit, I’m visited a some cemetery. I find it interesting to know about other different traditions. What would you recommend to visit? Best regards!

Hi FAB information thanks for the Blog after reading it really looks and sounds perfect. I have just started my nomad journey this year but stuck in two countries due to awful Covid situation. Albania sounds perfect. Being EU citizen I have read up on the 1 year temporary residence visa which I may apply during my 90 days. Please can you please advise as some requirements are not fully detailed on the government webpage. 1. Do I need my birth certificate? (as this would take me long time to arrange) or only passport? 2. I note I need a medical certificate from Armenian Hospital, I am unable to find the full listed details of the tests. What does the health examination entail please? Is it just general health check or a full health screening blood work (what tests) , X Ray etc. 3. Is it easy to obtain / register for a tax number? 4. Would I need to start a business LLC in country, to provide support in my application? (even though my online work is still fledgling as I live on savings and rental income) 5. How long does the process take, normally I am plan to travel early January Thank you very much jo

I would like to visit Albania for the first time as a digital nomad but I’ve heard that there are frequent power cuts. Is that true?

Your blog is a treasure! Thank you so so much. I’m hoping to travel to Albania at the end of this May. Any recommendations on traveling to Albania during the pandemic? Thank you so much!

Hey! Thanks for the lovely comment 🙂 I just published a new post about the situation here: https://www.anitahendrieka.com/albania-travel-restrictions/ Hopefully that helps!

Dear Anita, Thanks for all the information about Albania, knowing the conuntry sounds amazing! My wife and I want to spend 3 weeks all around the country in July, focusing on the beaches, but I am afraid about the influx of people and covid precautions on them. As you live there, how full use to be the albanian riviera beaches during July? We would appreciate too your recommendation on “special beach places”.

Thanks in advance, Warm regards!

Swarup Kumar

Read your blog with interest Can you advise some acco near prespa lake Not in Podugorce Or a trip for 3 days from kasmil to Prespa Thank you swarup Kumar

Hi Anita, I just found your blog and am very impressed so far. I find myself with the unexpected opportunity of staying in Finiq near Saranda for a while, and wanted to check in to see whether you have done any posts about crafts and artisans in Saranda and surrounding areas, or at least any coverage of souvenirs unique to the area or wider Albania? My primary interest is in the ethnographic and photographic documentation of traditional skills, so I am researching what potential there may be. Also, can you advise me on the importation and use of drones in Albania, and whether places such as Butrint need permits or advance permission? Thanks!

Louise Phillips

Your travel guide to Albania looks amazing. My friend and I are thinking of going to Albania, we are both in our 70’s but are fit and like travelling. Can I pick up a hard copy of your guide in UK? I can see Amazon sell it in the US but cannot find it in Britain? Thanks Louise

Wow! What a fantastic resource, thank you! I’m a travel writer in Canada, and we’re heading to Albania in autumn – can’t wait to put your advice into practice.

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Is Albania Cheap To Travel? Complete Guide To Budget Travel In Albania

Is albania cheap to travel to.

Cost of Travel in Albania

Accommodation

Budget: Hostels and guesthouses can range from $10 to $20 USD per night for a dormitory bed or a basic private room.

Mid-range: Hotels and guesthouses with more amenities typically cost between $30 to $60 USD per night for a double room.

Luxury: Upscale hotels and resorts may range from $80 to $150 USD per night or more.

Food and Dining

Street food and local restaurants: Meals at local eateries and street food stalls can cost as little as $2 to $5 USD per dish.

Mid-range restaurants: Dining at mid-range restaurants can cost between $5 to $15 USD per meal.

Fine dining: Upscale restaurants may charge $20 USD or more for a meal.

Transportation

Public transportation: Bus and train fares are relatively low, with prices typically ranging from $1 to $5 USD for intercity travel.

Taxis: Taxi fares within cities are affordable, with short rides costing around $2 to $5 USD.

Rental cars: Car rentals can vary widely depending on the type of vehicle and rental duration but expect prices starting from $25 to $50 USD per day.

Attractions and Activities

Entrance fees to tourist attractions like museums, archaeological sites, and national parks generally range from $0 to $10 USD per person.

Guided tours and outdoor activities may cost anywhere from $10 to $50 USD or more depending on the activity and duration.

Miscellaneous

Souvenirs and shopping: Prices for souvenirs and locally made products vary, but you can find affordable options starting from a few dollars.

Miscellaneous expenses such as SIM cards, toiletries, and other personal items may add a few dollars to your daily budget.

Travel Tips to Reduce Costs

Choose budget-friendly accommodation.

Eat Like a Local

Utilise public transport.

Plan Your Activities Wisely

Be mindful of your spending.

Travel Off-Peak

Negotiate Prices

Stay flexible, connect with locals.

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TRAVEL to ALBANIA – Tips and Information Guide [2023]

Here is our complete guide to tell you everything you need to know to travel to Albania!

Whether you’re into epic mountain adventures, relaxing beach vacations or partying it up in a bustling city, Albania has something for you!

Albania is perfect for those who like to spend their time getting lost in the natural treasures of a country.  

The beautiful coastline, stunning mountains and the flora are only a few of its wonders that bring tourists here from around the world.

Along with a rich history and culture, it is a great holiday destination for both energetic and chilled out tourists.  You can count on spending a perfect beach vacation here, but you can also choose a more active approach.

The urban areas, although rather small, like the capital Tirana, have a unique spirit worth visiting. On the other hand, the Albanian Alps offer great hiking opportunities for mountain-lovers.

While its popularity is continuously growing year after year, it is still considered to be the Balkan’s hidden gem.

Unfortunately this stunning and diverse country is still relatively off the beaten path, thanks to a couple of major tourists hotspots in its vicinity.

Maybe that should inspire you to travel to Albania and try to uncover all it has to offer!

More and more tourists travel to Albania to experience its gritty, vibrant streets or to take a dip in its waters. Not only is Albania surrounded by two seas (the Adriatic and the Ionian), it also has a few wonderful rivers and lakes.

But in our opinion it would be a shame to visit Albania and not explore the Theth National Park, along with its gorgeous natural landmarks.

The food is an experience itself, combining influences that have shaped the history of the Balkan peninsula through the years!

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to delve into our guide to travelling to Albania and get you prepared for your next big adventure!

Albania Travel Guide

For a more detailed display of things you should see and do, make sure you read this  Albania Travel Guide !

Along with those suggestions, you will also get all the important information necessary for a pleasant trip.

All you have to do is pack your bags and decide when you’ll take some time for yourself!

General Info

Here’s a list of certain things that you will definitely find useful on your visit.

The general info will come in handy one way or another!

• Currency: Albanian lek
• Capital: Tirana
• Language: Albanian
• Population: 2,876,591
• Area: 28,748 sq. km
• Electricity Voltage: The standard voltage is 220-240V at 50 Hz. If you have 110V appliances, you should use a voltage adaptor whilst in Albania.
• Electricity Sockets: Type C (also works with plug E and F) and type F (also works with plug C and plug E)

How to Get to Albania

There’s a bunch of different ways to travel to Albania, and the method you choose depends on where you are coming from, how long you have, and what your budget is.

When it comes to air travel, Albania has one major airport in Tirana – the Nënë Tereza.

Direct flights to it are available from many European cities, as well as Israel and Turkey.   If you’re travelling from another continent, you will need to have a layover in a major city in Europe.

There still aren’t any direct flights available from North America, South America, Africa or Australia. The closest option for those coming from the Americas is flying to London or Frankfurt first.

The majority of the flights come from Italy (from around 15 cities), while German cities are in second place.

The large airlines that fly to Nënë Tereza are British Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Alitalia.  If you’re interested in low-cost airlines, Wizzair has flights from Budapest, London and Dortmund.

Another airport, called the Kukës, should start working in 2020, and it should primarily be a low cost airport.

Getting to the Nënë Tereza from town is fairly simple.

You can take the shuttle (Rinas Express) from the centre of Tirana or travel by taxi.

The bus ticket costs around 2€, while the taxi fare is around 18€.

Make sure you look for the ATEx sign on the cars, since they are the only approved taxi company at the airport.

One of the most popular ways of reaching Albania is by ferry.

Most of them depart from Italy and arrive at either Durrës, Vlorë or Sarandë, although some come from Greece too.

Ferries for Durrës leave from Ancona, Bari and Trieste.  If you go to Brindisi, you can catch a ferry to Vlorë and Sarandë.

There’s also a connection between Sarandë and Corfu in Greece.

The well-known Italian ferry operators are Adria Ferries, Adriatica di Navigazione, Azzurra Line, Venezia Lines and Ilion Lines.

On the other hand, if you’re planning to travel to Albania from Greece, check out Sarris and Ionian Seaways.

The prices depend on the number of passengers, whether you have a vehicle or not and the time of year.

There are a couple of ways to get to Albania by coach. Even though it’s not the most comfortable way to travel, it’s usually inexpensive and fairly frequent.

You can catch a bus to Albania from Istanbul, Athens, Prishtina, Tetovo, Thessaloniki, Sofia, Larisa, Ohrid and Ulcinj.

The prices go from 10€ to 35€ for a one-way ticket, depending on your starting point.

Albania Visa Requirements

All EU citizens, as well as those from the USA, Canada, Australia and UK, can travel to Albania without a visa.

The only condition is that they don’t spend more than 90 days there.

In total, there’s 55 countries whose nationals don’t need a visa for a 90-day stay in Albania.  Check if yours is on the list by clicking here .

Those who didn’t find their country on the lists above must be issued with a visa.

They can be issued free of charge or cost up to 55 euros, depending on the country.

5 Interesting Facts About Albania

• The flora of Albania makes 30 percent of the entire European flora.
• The Albanian language is very unique. It is Indo-European, but it forms its own independent branch and it has no relatives!
• Until 1991, there were only around 5000 cars in Albania. The Communist dictator Enver Hoxha banned them and insisted that citizens walk or use some type of public transport.
• The Albanian Vjosa river is considered to be Europe’s very last free-flowing river. Make sure you see its beauty in person.
• Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, was Albanian!

Best Time to Travel to Albania

Albania’s climate is divided into 3 zones: the warm coast, the continental interior and the cold mountains on the north. Depending on what you’d like to see and do, you should choose different times of the year for your trip.

However, the best time to visit in general would be late spring and early fall.  The temperatures will be pleasant and you’ll be able to enjoy all your activities.

So, anywhere between April and June, and then September and October.

If you’ve chosen Albania as your summer vacation destination and you like the heat, visit in July. That is the peak of the tourist season and the weather is extremely warm.

It is advised that you avoid the period between December and March , since it can get really cold and wet.

But, if you’re a lover of snow and winter sports, use this time to visit some of Albania’s ski destinations!

Another advantage of visiting during the cold months is that you’ll be one of the few tourists in Albania. Basically, it will be like living with the locals.

Albania Travel Itineraries Suggestions

Albania is a country of great variety and vibrancy.

Visiting different parts of it could feel like visiting multiple countries!

Planning your stay can get difficult, but we’ve created a couple of itinerary suggestions, based on different preferences.

Most of them require renting a car, but you could also rely on buses or the kindness of strangers.

Here’s a few ways to spend 10 days in Albania:

1. The Seaside

• Catch a ferry to Vlorë from Italy
• 2 days in Vlorë
• 2 days in Dhërmi
• 2 days in Sarandë
• 3 days in Ksamil
• Go back to Sarande and catch a ferry  

 2. Culture

• Fly to Tirana
• 3 days in Tirana
• 2 days in Berat
• 2 days in Gjirokastër
• 2 days in Krujë
• Go back to Tirana to fly out

Budget for Travelling in Albania

In general, Albania is inexpensive for Western tourists, especially when compared to some of the nearby countries, Croatia and Italy.

You can find accommodation for a reasonable price and there are great cheap food options. Museum tickets and public transportation fares are very affordable.

Some prices could go up slightly during the summer, especially in seaside towns, since that’s the peak of the season.

However, it’s never too drastic.  Of course, it all comes down to your needs and personal spending habits.

There’s always something interesting to try and something to spend money on. But, if you put in a little effort into your planning, you could experience Albania on a budget!

The prices below are per day.

Budget for Backpackers in Albania

Single Traveller: 20€ – 40€

If you’re visiting during the spring or summer, backpacking is a great way to explore Albania.  Accommodation in a hostel in Tirana is around 7-15 euros per night.

If you book ahead, you will be able to find the cheaper rooms.

Another suggestion is Booking.com or AirBnB, since you can really get lucky with the prices.

Click here to get $35 off your first stay on AirBnB.

Certain budget hotels can be very affordable, so you can get a room for around 20 euros/night. Ask around and try to find some free tours, since volunteers organise them from time to time.

If you’re trying to save money on food, there are always great on-the-go options for 2-3€ in total. For example, instead of eating in a restaurant, try the delicious, traditional Balkan pastry – burek.

It’s a win-win!

Use public transportation to get around, just like the locals do. The minibuses they often travel by are called furgons.

They don’t have a specific timetable, but they are cheap. Buses are even less expensive, but they’re slightly slower.

Flashpacker

Single Traveller: 50€ – 80€

Having a bigger budget means more comfort and luxuries, such as museums and restaurants.

The entrance to the National Museum in Tirana costs less than 2€, and most museums have the same prices.  Make sure you visit as many as you can, for a glimpse into Albania’s history and culture.

You can have a delicious, satisfying meal for 5€ – 10€, as long as you avoid the most expensive places. Having a cup of coffee will never cost you more than 1,5 €.

Therefore, taking a break in a cute cafe can become your daily ritual.

The starting price for taxis is around 2€ – 3€, while every kilometre is approximately 1€.

You can treat yourself to this type of transportation, since it’s probably cheaper than in your home country!

You can find a mid-range hotel room in the very centre of Tirana for an average of 35€ – 45€/night.

The people are incredibly friendly, so you should consider asking a local for some recommendations!

Single Traveller: 90€ and more

Accomodation in Albania’s most luxurious hotels can cost you anywhere from 60€ to 90€ daily. That will allow you to enjoy private spas and transport to and from the airport, to name a few things.

You should consider booking a tour and letting a guide introduce you to everything this country has to offer.

Why travel to Albania if you’re not going to get to know it properly? Tours of the capital will cost you around 20€, while a full-day hiking tour will be close to 80€.

Depending on what you like, you’ll definitely find an option that fits your budget and your interests.

Fine dining won’t be too costly compared to average European prices. You won’t pay more than 40€ for the most expensive meal in a luxurious restaurant!

Consider buying an authentic Albanian souvenir to remind you of your experience.

Traditional Albanian rugs called kilims and the famous Skënderbeu Cognac are a great choice!

Top 5 Places to Visit in Albania

It’s hard to single out only 5 places, when there’s so much to see and do. But these five spots should be the ones you must not miss!

• The Blue Eye Of Theth : Located in one of Albania’s most beautiful national parks, this might be the most stunning sight in the country. If you’re into hiking, plan your route around this, it will definitely be rewarding!
• Gjirokastër : This lovely place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It gives visitors a chance to experience a real Ottoman town, as the architecture and the cobbled streets are well preserved!
• Berat : Berat is yet another UNESCO Site, also known as the “city of a thousand windows”. Visit its castle. churches and mosques to understand the diversity of Albania’s history and culture.
• Tirana : The capital is also the biggest and busiest city. Try to meet some locals and blend in with them so you could feel the real spirit of Tirana. Even though it’s not the most beautiful city you’ll see, you’ll see for yourself why it’s so appealing to tourists!
• The Riviera : You can’t travel to Albania and not spend some time on the seaside. The crystal clear waters of the two seas and the fairly cheap prices guarantee a good vacation. The Albanian riviera is a hidden treasure when it comes to European holiday destinations!

Top 5 Experiences To Have In Albania

• Hiking From Theth To Valbona : Albania’s most popular hike is also one of the most beautiful ones in this part of Europe. As long as you’re prepared for approximately 7 hours of walking, you’ll really enjoy the incredible scenery. Make sure you bring all of the necessary equipment and enough food, so that you can truly be focused on the nature. This isn’t the easiest journey, but it sure is worth the struggle!
• Experience xhiro : Xhiro is an authentic Albanian tradition. Every evening, people go out into the streets, usually the big boulevards, and take a walk. They use this time of day to catch up with their friends or neighbors and hear about each other’s days. Many use xhiro to sell their products, so they bring out whatever it is they’re selling into the streets. Don’t be surprised if you see people having a barbecue party on the sidewalk – it is all possible during xhiro. This Albanian social ritual is something you must be a part of while you’re in the country.
• Take a Tour About Albania’s Communist Past : As you may or may not know, Albania was under a Communist dictator Enver Hoxha until 1991. This era shaped the country into what it is today in many ways. There are still many sites to see all over Albania that are closely linked to that era. For example, entire parts of Tirana were restricted to those who weren’t members of the Communist party. This tour will introduce you to all the interesting facts about Albania’s 20th century history. It is exciting and strange and something you should definitely learn about!
• Osum River Rafting : The breathtaking Osum river canyons are a must-see for every nature enthusiast. Try to visit during the spring, since the water levels will allow you to see all the waterfalls. The adrenaline rush combined with the beautiful scenery will make for an unforgettable experience. There’s also an interesting legend involving the river and the two mountains surrounding it, Tomorr and Shpirag. The story says that two brothers killed each other because of a girl named Osum and that her tears formed the river.
• Visit the bazaars : Authentic Albanian bazaars exist in a few cities and they’re an amazing way to get to know their culture. They are a great place for buying traditional, handmade products, such as kilims and çifteli, an Albanian instrument. The Krujë bazaar is one of the most famous ones, since it has existed for hundreds of years. If you’d like to buy some souvenirs or just feel the bustling spirit, this is the place to be. Supporting small local businesses and craftsmen is something you should do in your country and abroad!

Transport in Albania

Using public transport in Albania can be unreliable, since timetables pretty much don’t exist. However, it is very cheap and fairly fast, so it’s still very popular among tourists and locals.

Most people travel by bus.   The fares are very low, so you’ll rarely spend more than a few euros on the ticket.

The tricky part is that the bus leaves the station when it gets full, not according to the timetable. That means that you can’t really predict when it’s going to come.

It’s best to ask a local who uses the bus often to tell you an approximate time of arrival. Also, always get in the bus with the most passengers, since that one will leave first!

People also travel by furgon – a minibus or van of sorts – for a more pleasant trip. The same rule about leaving when full applies here as well.

Be aware that the driver picks up and drops off people along the way. Therefore, you can get off anywhere you want and get on whenever you hail the driver.

This type of transport is very unpopular and rarely used by the locals. The rail system is not developed and the trains are in bad condition, so it’s best to stick to other options.

If you do choose to try it, you’ll be happy to know that the tickets are cheap and the views are beautiful.

The trains operate between a couple of cities and towns, such as Durrës, Shkodër, Vlorë and a few more.

Also, you should know that Albania is not connected to other countries by train.

Even though taxis are the most expensive type of transport in Albania, they’re cheap compared to standard European prices.

The starting price is 250 lek, which is roughly 2-3 €. Every kilometre is an additional euro.

Most taxi drivers speak some English, so communicating won’t be an issue.

To avoid getting scammed, ask a local or the staff in your hotel to find you a taxi.

Accommodation in Albania

Whether you’re a backpacker or someone who needs more comfort, Albania covers it all.  From hostels and tiny hotels to the, large world-famous ones, there are options for everyone.

An interesting way to spend your vacation is in an authentic guesthouse.  There’s quite a few of them in Albania, but you might have to ask the locals for suggestions.

It’s really fascinating to wake up in a traditional Albanian household and eat freshly prepared meals!

The riviera destinations are growing more and more and, therefore, there’s an abundance of hotels.

However, wherever you go, AirBnB might be a good option, since it’s usually inexpensive.

Food in Albania

If you’ve ever been to the Balkans, you know that the food is incredible in every country.

Since it was influenced by many cultures through the centuries, it is a wonderful mix of flavours, ingredients and textures.

Many Albanian dishes have meat in them, but you can find vegetarian and vegan options.

If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t be unsatisfied. The desserts are usually made with nuts, crunchy dough or fruit.

The Berat region has the biggest fig plantation in Europe and their fig preserves are delicious!

Here’s a few dishes you must try when you travel to Albania:

• Tavë Kosi (baked lamb with rice and yogurt)
• Speca me Glizë (peppers stuffed with rice, veggies and ground meat)
• Fërgesë (creamy vegetable and cheese stew – could also be made with meat)
• Byrek (filo pastry filled with different toppings, such as cheese, spinach, meat and cabbage)
• Trilece (creamy, milky cake)
• Qofte të Fërguara (fried meatballs)

Safety in Albania

In general, Albania is a safe country for all visitors. There hasn’t been many instances of violence against tourists.

It’s even safe for solo women travellers, since the people are friendly and welcoming.

Pickpocketing is very rare and there aren’t any parts of Albania that are more risky than the others.

Of course, it is always advised that you take certain precautions, like keeping your money in a safe place.

One thing you should be careful about is the traffic.

Albanian drivers are notorious for not exactly following the rules and regulations, so be cautious when crossing the streets.

The roads are slowly getting better, but if you’re a driver yourself, you will need some patience.

Packing List For Albania

If you decide to come during the spring and summer, you won’t need a ton of clothes. The weather will be nice and pleasant, ideal for walking around.

But if you’re travelling to Albania during the colder months, please add a winter jacket to this list!

• 3 x t-shirts
• 1 x sweater
• 1 x sunglasses
• 1 x swimsuit
• 1 x flip-flops
• 2 x swimsuit
• 1 x comfy leggings/sweatpants

Miscellaneous Items

• Waterproof case

Medical Care In Albania

Since Albania is a relatively poor country, the state of the healthcare system is pretty much the same.

Tirana is the most developed in that sense and you shouldn’t have a problem finding help there.

You will be able to find a variety of medication in Albanian pharmacies, called barnatore.

However, if you’re on some type of regular prescription medication, make sure you bring it with you, along with a doctor’s letter.

It is recommended that you have travel insurance before you travel to Albania. Sometimes, you will have to pay in advance even if you’re covered.

The private hospitals and clinics in Tirana mostly have English-speaking doctors and nurses, so you’ll be able to explain your symptoms.

You shouldn’t be afraid of any specific diseases in Albania, but make sure you have all your vaccinations.

If you plan on spending time in the nature, pay attention to ticks and wear long sleeves and trousers.

In summary, if you have to seek medical care, try to go to Tirana, since the quality and safety is best there.

Travel Tips For Albania

• Try not to drink tap water. The water in some mountain areas is safe to drink and also very delicious, but make sure you educate yourself properly.
• Remember this: nodding in Albania means no and shaking your head means yes! Either adapt to the locals or stick to communicating with words only.
• Get used to the traffic chaos. Look left and right multiple times before crossing the street, get used to the honking and the speed. Also, public transport is irregular and often too packed with people.
• It is useful to know a few Albanian phrases and the locals will certainly appreciate it. For example, përshëndetje means hello and faleminderit means thank you. If you’d like to ask someone whether they speak English, say Flisni Anglisht?
• If you’re planning on exploring the Albanian mountains, bring some type of insect repellent. Also, cover your skin as much as possible, to avoid unpleasant rashes and insect bites.
• Try some of the Albanian wines! Albania has a very long tradition of wine making, dating back to the ancient Roman era. You can stick to the classics, or try some of the rare or more luxurious wines. For example, the Uka Farm is the only place in the world where you can drink Ceruja wine. If you’d like to switch things up, try the orange wine.

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Albania Budget Travel Guide – Is it Expensive?

Written by: Eral Kadrija

Updated on: September 16, 2023

A budget travel guide refers to the estimates related to the expenses that might occur when planning a trip to Albania. This includes accommodation, transport, food/drinks, and activity costs.

Albania isn’t expensive. The accommodation prices vary between $25-300 per night, the transportation prices vary between $0.4 (public transport) to $20 (private taxi), and the food prices vary between $2 (fast food) to $150 (luxury dinner).

Compared to other European countries, Albania is cheap and offers the same natural beauty (Albanian Riviera), and its cuisine is a mix of Albanian, Italian, Turkish, and Greek culture.

On average, you need $7-15 (630-1300 LEK) per day in Albania for a moderate lifestyle and $50-100 (4500-9000 LEK) for a luxury lifestyle, excluding accommodation costs.

Note: The official currency of Albania is LEK (ALL).

Table of Contents

Accommodation Prices in Albania

The accommodation prices in Albania vary between $50 (4500 LEK ALL) per night (one-room small Airbnb for rent) to $200-300 (18000-27000 LEK ALL) per night (luxury hotel with ultra all-inclusive), during the summer .

The accommodation prices in Albania vary between $25 (2200 LEK ALL) per night (one-room small Airbnb for rent) to $150-200 (13600-18000 LEK ALL) per night (luxury hotel with breakfast and dinner), during winter .

The prices in Albania depend on the city and month you visit. For instance, visiting Sarandë or Ksamil during summer is way more expensive than during winter. Summer is the peak season for tourists in Albania .

You can find hotels as cheap as $15-25 (1300-2200 LEK) per night in rural and remote areas of Albania during all seasons.

We recommend booking a cheap hotel/apartment in the center of the city if you are planning to explore the city. The city center apartments are more exposed to locals and local cuisines, and you will learn more about Albanian culture .

Accommodation Prices During Summer

A one-room small apartment will cost you about $50-100 (4500-9000 LEK) per night in Albanian Riviera cities, about $35-50 (4500-6300 LEK) in Durrës, Shëngjin, or Velipojë, and $50-200 (4500-18000 LEK ) per night in Tiranë, during summer .

In Albanian Riviera areas, a $50/night (4500 LEK) room (without breakfast) is considered cheap during summer. You can find the same apartment for $25/night (2200 LEK) (or cheaper) during winter or spring.

South Albanian (Albanian Riviera cities) accommodations tend to be more expensive during summer than Tirana (capital city). While Tirana accommodations are more expensive during the rest of the year.

You can find accommodation package deals in Albanian Hotels that include breakfast, brunch, and dinner for a specific number of days during summer. They are usually cheaper than renting rooms for 1 day.

The accommodation prices decrease in Autumn in Albania. A one-room small apartment will cost about $20-40 (1800-3600 LEK) per night in Albanian Riviera and beach cities, and $50 per night in Tiranë, during Autumn season.

Accommodation prices during summer are as follows.

• One-room small apartment – $50/night in Albania Riviera cities, $35-50 in Durrës or Velipojë, and $50-200 in Tiranë.
• Hotels with Breakfast and Dinner – $75-150 per person.
• Houses for rent – $150-200 per night.

Accommodation prices during Autumn are as follows.

• One-room small apartment – $20-40/night in Albania Riviera cities and in Durrës or Velipojë, and $50-200 in Tiranë.
• Hotels with Breakfast and Dinner – $35-75 per person.
• Houses for rent – $100-150 per night.

Accommodation Prices During Winter

A one-room small apartment will cost you about $25 (2200 LEK) per night in Albanian Riviera cities and Shëngjin, Velipojë, Durrës, and $50-150 (4500-13500 LEK) in Tiranë, during winter .

Tourism drops during winter in Albanian Riviera cities as the temperatures aren’t high enough for beaches, and bars/hotels near the beaches are closed.

The prices will increase during Spring, but not as much as in Summer. A one-room small apartment will cost about $30-50 (2700 LEK) per night in Albanian Riviera and beach cities, and $50-70 (4500-6300 LEK) in Tiranë, during Spring .

Accommodation prices in Albania during Winter are as follows.

• One-room small apartment – $25/night in Albania Riviera cities and in Durrës or Velipojë, and $50-150 in Tiranë.
• Hotels with Breakfast and Dinner – $35-50 per person.
• Houses for rent – $75-100 per night.

Accommodation prices in Albania during Spring are as follows.

• One-room small apartment – $30-50/night in Albania Riviera cities and in Durrës or Velipojë, and $50-70 in Tiranë.
• Houses for rent – $75-100 per night

How to save Money on Accommodation in Albania?

To save money on accommodation in Albania, book directly with the hotel, book in advance, book an apartment in less crowded zones, get a package deal, or ask for a discount (this works for private apartments only).

You can also ask for a price reduction if you book a room for more than 1 week.

You can find most of the hotels and apartments for rent in Albania on Airbnb or Booking.com, but they have a higher price. Find the apartment/hotel you like, and search for the name of the seller (or hotel) on Instagram. You can get a room/hotel for $10-20 (908-1816 LEK) cheaper if you book it directly.

Hotels or apartments located away from the beach or city center will cost you less. A hotel with a package offer will be cheaper in the long run.

You can also negotiate a deal with Albanians, while they are hard-headed they will give you a discount if you book an apartment for more than 1 week.

Transportation Prices in Albania

Public transportation in Albania (inside the city) costs 40 LEK ($0,44 per ride. The Taxi start tariff is 300 LEK ($3) for the first 1.5km (0.9mi), then 120 LEK ($1) per km or 25 LEK (0.2$) per minute.

You can get a fixed fee (Taxi tariff) for larger distances. For instance, it costs 1500 LEK ($16) to get a taxi from Tirana Airport Rinas to the city center (with a fixed cost).

The bus transport ticket price depends on the location you want to go. For instance, the one-way bus ticket price to go from Durrës to Tirana costs 200 LEK ($2). But, the one-way bus ticket price to go from Tiranë to Sarandë costs 1300-2000 LEK ($14-22) and it’s about 5 hours away.

The number of trains in Albania is limited. For instance, there’s one train that goes from Elbasan-Durrës (and back) once on Saturday and Sunday.

You can also travel inside Albania by car rental. The prices of car rentals in Albania vary between $15 to $150/day (1300-13000 LEK), depending on the car model and period you rent it.

For instance, a small Mini Cooper will cost approximately $15/day + gas (1300 LEK/day) to rent, while a larger car will cost $25-50 + gas (2200-4400 LEK) per day. The prices of car rentals increase during summer due to high demand.

To get around Albania , we recommend public transportation or a taxi to move around inside the same city, or bus or car rentals if going to a different city.

Note: The public transportation in Albania starts at 06:00 and ends at 23:00. While the last bus is usually at 18:30. To find the bus schedule, check here .

Transportation Prices in Albania are as follows.

• Public Transporation – 0.4$ (40 LEK) per ride.
• Taxi – $3 (300 LEK) for the first 1.5 km (0.9 mi) then $1 (120 LEK) for each additional km.
• Bus – $2-20 (200-2000 LEK) depending on the city you want to go.
• Car Rentals – $15-150 (1300-13600 LEK) + gas per day, depending on your chosen car type.

Food Prices in Albania

The food prices in Albania are low; on average you will spend $3-4 (270-360 LEK) for breakfast, $5-8 (450-720 LEK) for brunch, and $10-15 (900-1300 LEK) for dinner per person. On average, you will spend $10-15 (908 -1362 LEK) for food per person in Albania.

There are high-end luxury hotels and restaurants in Albania, such as seafood or steakhouses, where you will pay $100-150 (9080-13600 LEK) per person per dinner, and local cuisines or fast foods where you will pay less than $3 (270 LEK).

We recommend avoiding restaurants and bars near the tourist areas (or near beaches) if you don’t want to overpay for food in Albania. For tasty and cheap food, find local cuisines in neighborhoods away from tourist areas.

Most (if not all) restaurants and bars in Albania have a printed menu on their tables or an online menu. Before ordering food or drinks, check the price on the menu.

If you want to try cheap and tasty food in Albania order: “Sufllaqe” $2-4/180-360 LEK, “Doner Pule” $3-4/270-360 LEK, or “5 Qebaba” $2-4/180-360 LEK.

Some Albanian traditional food includes: “Flija”, “Sarma”, “Tavë Kosi”, “Speca me gjize”, and “Ballokume Elbasani”, but they cost between $3-20 (270-1800 LEK). You can find traditional Albanian food in traditional restaurants.

In Albania, you can also find famous foreign fast foods such as KFC, where a hamburger will cost $4-6 (360-540 LEK), or Burger King Albania.

Drink Prices in Albania

The drink prices in Albania are cheap; on average water costs $1 (80-120 LEK), coffee $1-2 (150-200 LEK), sodas cost $1.5-2 (150-200 LEK), beers $3-5 (300-600 LEK), alcohols mixed with sodas $5-10 (500-1000 LEK). On average, you will spend $3-10 per day for drinks in Albania.

Different bars and restaurants have different prices. For instance, bars close to the beach or busy bars will charge you more for drinks. It’s recommended to check the price of the drink on the menu before ordering it.

Prices in high-end luxury restaurants in Albania are way higher, where a bottle of water will cost $3-5 (270-450 LEK) and alcoholic drinks will cost $10-30 (908-2700 LEK).

Most clubs (if not all) will ask for an entrance fee if there’s a planned event, it’s best to check their Instagram page to see the price.

Bars and restaurants won’t ask for an entrance fee, but some require a reservation.

Activity Prices in Albania

Entrance tickets for museums and castles in Albania are between $1-7 (0.98-635 LEK). The prices for tourist attractions are between $5-80 (450-7200 LEK).

The entrance tickets for museums and castles in Albania are as follows.

• Rozafa Castle (Schloss Shkodra) – 400 Lek ($4.5).
• Berat Castle – 200 Lek ($2).
• Castle of Gjirokastra – 200 Lek ($2).
• Muzeu Kombëtar Gjergj Kastrioti – 500 Lek ($4-5).
• Lake Koman (Liqeni i Komanit) – 800 Lek ($7-8).
• Apolonia Archaeological Park – 600 Lek ($5-6).
• Butrint Archaeological Park – 700 Lek ($6-7).
• Pellumbas Cave and Erzeni Canyon Tour – 8000 LEK ($90) / varies from the number of the group.

The fees for tourist attractions are as follows.

• Shala River Tour – 1800 LEK (ALL) / $20 per person.
• Dajti Ekspres Cable Car – 700 Lek ($8).
• ATV Adventure in Durrës – 7000 LEK ($80) per person for 1h 30m.
• Jet Ski – 2700 – 4500 LEK ($30-50)for 15 minutes

FAQs About Albania Trip Cost

Is tipping mandatory in albania.

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Albania. The staff will appreciate it if you tip them, and most people round the price when paying, but tipping isn’t mandatory.

Can You Pay with a Credit Card in Albania?

Most credit cards are accepted in high-end luxury restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and international hotels. But, local cuisines, hostels, and private apartments accept only cash.

What Currencies Do They Accept In Albania?

The accepted currencies in Albanian local businesses are LEK (official currency), pound (sign: £), euro (symbol: €; code: EUR), and dollar (symbol: $; code: USD). However, local exchange currency will accept most currencies.

Are flights to Albania Expensive?

Flights to Albania are expensive during Summer and December ($200-500 / 18000-45000 LEK). But, during the rest of the year, you can find cheap flights ($50-200 / 4500-18000 LEK).

How Much Money Do You Need on Average Per Day, Week, and Month in Albania?

On average, you need $7-15 (630-1300 LEK) per day in Albania (excluding the hotel) for a moderate lifestyle, and $50-100 (4500-9000 LEK) for a luxury lifestyle.

You need $100 (9500 LEK) per week in Albania for a moderate lifestyle (excluding the accommodation costs), and $350-700 (31750-63500 LEK) per week for a luxury lifestyle.

On average, you need $450-500 (40866-45000 LEK) per month (excluding accommodation costs) in Albania for a moderate lifestyle, and more than $1200 (108978 LEK) for a luxury lifestyle.

According to the Albanian Statistic Institute , the average salary in Albania is 64706 LEK (ALL) ($712) in 2023.

When is the Best Time to Visit Albania?

The best time to visit Albania is during the Summer season if you enjoy beaches, swimming, and vibrant nightlife.

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About the Author

Eral Kadrija

Eral is a passionate traveler who loves to explore the world and share his experience through words. He understands the importance of travel planning, so he provides practical advice on everything related to traveling.

Is Albania expensive to visit?

Upon return of my visit to Albania, many of my friends and relatives have asked if it is expensive to visit Albania. For many people, Albania is still “unknown” as a travel destination. However, I absolutely love visiting Albania, so I decided to write a blog post about the cost of travelling to Albania.

Is Albania expensive to visit? Albania is not expensive to visit. Compared to other European countries, Albania is a cheap holiday destination. The average daily travel costs are €42 per person per day. A double room in a hotel costs only €25-€40. A cheap meal is €2-4 or a local restaurant costs €4-€10. A museum ticket is €1-€4.

Albania is a hidden gem in Europe. It has beautiful beaches and impressive mountains, and it is very affordable. So, you can travel to Albania on a budget, without feeling you missed out on anything.

Let’s calculate how much money you need for your trip to Albania. So that you can relax and enjoy your holiday in Albania, without having to worry about the money.

How much does it cost to travel to Albania?

On average, it costs €42.00 per person per day to travel in Albania. This number was calculated by “Budget Your Trip”, which is a travel website where people can enter their actual travel costs.

Average Travel costs per day = €42.00 per person

Even though, the €42.00 per day is an average. It gives you a good idea, that travel in Albania is very affordable. In many European countries, you spend €42.00 per day on accommodation alone. Due to the low costs, one week of travel in Albania costs €293.00 per person on average.

Average accommodation cost per day = €16.00 per person Average accommodation cost per day = €32.00 for a double occupancy room

Accommodation in Albania is cheap. The average cost of accommodation is €16.00 per person per day. For a double occupancy room, the price is €32.00 on average. These amounts are the average of what former travelers spend in Albania, calculated by Budget Your Trip.

Dorm bed per day = €10 – €15 Budget hotel room = €25 – €40 Midrange hotel room = €40 – €60 Luxury hotel room = €80 or more

The Lonely Planet travel guide also calculated the average for accommodation in Albania. According to Lonely Planet, a dorm bed costs only €10 – €15 per person per day.

However, it is often not worth staying in a dorm bed, because budget hotels are very affordable in Albania. A double room in a budget hotel is between €25 – €40 per day. Mid-range hotel rooms are between €40 – €60 per day. And top end hotel rooms are €80 or more.

Bear in mind that the vast majority of hotels in Albania are in the budget or mid-range. Only in the larger cities, there are some high end hotels.

Meals for one day = €13.00 per person

On average, former travelers spend €13.00 on meals for one day per person. This might seem very low, but food and drinks is very affordable in Albania. Bakeries, for instance, will sell you a whole bag full of bread and pastries for only €1 – €2. Be sure to try the Byrek pastry, which is the national dish.

Cheap meal = €2 – €4 Lunch or dinner in a local restaurant = €4 – €10 Dinner in a leading Tirana restaurant = €15 – €30

The Lonely Planet calculated the average prices for a meal in Albania. A cheap meal in a cafe will only cost you €2 – €4. And lunch or dinner in a local restaurant is only €4 – €10 per person.

Food in a local restaurant in Albania is very enjoyable. The food is similar to Greek food, Turkish food and Italian food. There are many places that make Greek salads, BBQ meats and Gyros. Moreover, everywhere in Albania you can see Italian style restaurants, shops and supermarkets. And desserts are often baklava and Turkish coffee.

Intercity furgon / minibus = €2 – €7 Short taxi ride = €5 – €10

Transportation is very affordable in Albania. The cheapest way to travel around the country is with the Furgon. Furgon is the Albanian word for a minibus. According to the Lonely Planet, it will cost you between €2 – €7 for a minibus trip, depending on your destination.

Because there are no effective train connections, the minibus is the most popular way to travel between cities in Albania.

Travelling by furgon is an authentic Albanian experience. The minibuses are very informal. The bus drivers will stop along the way to greet friends, to take a coffee break and to let people off the bus close to their house. You have to be patient and relaxed, but it is a very affordable way to travel.

The Lonely Planet calculated a short taxi ride between €5 – €10. If you are staying in Saranda for instance, you can take a taxi ride to a nearby beach, like Ksamil beach. A 10-minute taxi ride to Ksamil will cost you €10.

Car rental per day = €20 – €50

The most expensive way to travel through Albania is with a rental car. A rental car will cost you between €20 – €50 per day. It is very convenient to rent a car in Albania. Because you can easily make a round trip through the country, without having to search for the local buses.

If you plan on renting a car, you do need to decide beforehand. Because car will significantly increase your daily travel budget.

Moreover, if you plan on driving to remote areas and on mountain roads, you will need a four wheel drive car. The roads along the Albanian Riviera, Vlore, Saranda, Tirana, Berat, Shkodra and Durres are in a good condition. But some of the remote areas, like Valbona and Theth, in the mountains do require a four wheel drive car. Renting a four wheel drive car is more expensive and usually starts from €30 – €35 per day.

Admission to a museum = €1 – €4

According to the Lonely Planet, a ticket for a museum will cost between €1 – €4 per person. Actually, my experience is that entrance tickets are very cheap in Albania, especially compared to other European countries.

Bunk Art museum = €4 National history museum in Tirana = €1,60 Butrint UNESCO = €5,50

Butrint is the most attractive UNESCO heritage site in Albania. An entrance ticket will only cost you 700 Leke, which is €5,50. Which is very cheap, because in other European countries an entrance ticket to a UNESCO sight will easily cost you €25.00.

Is Albania expensive, compared to other countries in the Balkans?

Albania is cheaper than the other countries in the Balkans. Budget Your Trip calculated the average travel cost per person per day, based on the money former travelers spend. And visiting Albania is less expensive, than visiting Montenegro, Croatia, Greece or Macedonia.

Average Travel costs (per person per day) Albania = €42.00 Montenegro = €59.00 Croatia = €69.00 Macedonia = €73.00 Greece = €110.00

In Albania, you will spend less money on a holiday. In Albania, on average travelers spend €42.00 per person per day. Whereas, in Montenegro former travelers spend €59.00 per person per day. And Greece for instance is much more expensive with an average travel cost of €110.00 per person per day.

The reason why Albania is less expensive, is because it is off-the-beaten-path. Whereas Greece has an established reputation for beach and island holidays, Albania is still relatively unknown.

It is unbelievable, to think that Croatia, Montenegro and Greece are along the same coastline, but Albania is still unfamiliar for most people. Albania has a stunning coastline along the Ionian Sea, and close to the Greek border. You can basically have the same Greek coastline, but spend less money for accommodation and food in Albania.

The main reason why Albania is so undiscovered, is its recent history. Until 1992, Albania was completely isolated from the rest of the world. Albania was ruled by a communist dictator, who build a wall around the country. That communism ended in 1992 and Albania has been democratic since.

Throughout the last 25 years, Albania has worked hard on becoming democratic and more western. They are also applying for membership of the European Union. And tourism has been growing steadily.

The fact that Albania is off-the-beaten-path is one of its perks. Because Albania has beautiful virgin beaches, that nobody knows about.

How much money to take to Albania?

You could take around €50.00 per day to Albania for your holiday. This €50.00 per day will cover accommodation, meals and transportation. These amounts are based on averages from Lonely Planet and the Budget Your Trip website.

Daily travel budget of €50.00 per day: 1. Accommodation is a budget hotel room = €25 – €40 per night 2. Meals in local restaurant, cafe, bakery = €13 per person for one day 3. Transportation by furgon minibus and short taxi rides = €2 – €10 per day

If you are travelling on a budget, you do not have to worry about accommodation. Because finding affordable accommodation is easy. Within the €25 – €40 per night price range, will give you plenty of hotels to choose from.

Similarly, it is easy to save money on food and drinks in Albania. You will be astonished to see how cheap the local bakeries, little supermarkets and local restaurants are.

However, if you plan on renting a car in Albania, you must add some money to the travel budget. Car rentals are expensive and usually cost between €20 – €50 per day. There are car rental offices of Avis, Europcar, Eurocar and Hertz at Tirana International Airport. You can inquire about their pricing online, before you travel to Albania.

****Insider Tip*** Bring some cash money with you for your trip to Albania. Because currency exchange is cheaper than withdrawing cash from the ATM machine. More details below.

Can you use credit cards in Albania?

You can use credit cards in Albania at luxury hotels, fancy restaurants and at big supermarkets. However, most Albanian people pay for their expenses in cash. In many local restaurants, little supermarkets and at local markets, you can only pay by cash.

Lonely Planet: “Acceptance of credit cards is normally confined to upper-end hotels, restaurants and shops, although every year their usage becomes more widespread.”

Therefore, it is best to carry some cash for your holiday in Albania. Because during your holiday, you don’t want to miss out on some of the local experiences. Let me give you some examples of places, where you can only pay in cash.

Places in Albania, where you can only pay in cash:

1. Byrektore Byrek is the national pastry in Albania. For sure, you will want to try this local pastry during your holiday, and this can only be paid in cash.

2. Buying bottled water During you holiday, it is safest to only drink bottled mineral water. So, guaranteed you will want to buy a bottle of water at a local shop, while you are walking around.

3. Castle entrance ticket Some of the smaller castles, like the Castle of Porto Palermo, only accept cash payment for the entrance ticket.

4. Touristic attractions Some of the touristic attractions, like Kepi Rodonit or the clock tower, only accept cash of entrance fee. Definitely, you don’t want to travel to the attraction, and then not have cash to pay the entrance fee.

5. Local restaurants The Albanian cuisine is lovely. There are grilled meats, Greek salads, Italian pasta, white cheese and fresh breads. Surely, you will want to try some fresh food on one of the terraces. But local restaurants almost exclusively accept cash.

6. Coffee houses Albanian people really enjoy going for a coffee, often several times a day. And you will see multiple coffee houses on every street. Some of them serve the traditional Turkish style coffee. Local coffee houses only accept cash most of the time.

Are there ATMs in Albania?

There are ATMs in Albania in the cities, but not in the more remote areas and mountain villages.

For instance, if you are going on a hiking tour in the North of Albania. You must withdraw money from the ATM machine in the city Shkodra. Because once you travel to the mountain villages, like Theth or Valbona, you can only pay in cash.

In the Albanian Riviera, you can expect ATM machines in the bigger cities, like Vlore and Saranda. However, if you are travelling to a virgin beach, like Monastery beach or Mirror beach. Then you will only be able to pay cash as the local restaurant on the beach. Even if you bring your food along for the trip, still bring some cash to buy bottled water.

There are ATM machines at Tirana International airport as well. You can withdraw cash in the arrivals hall. But it is smart to bring some cash euros with you, because you can pay the airport bus and airport taxi in euros.

Cash withdrawal from ATMs in Albania is expensive

Withdrawing cash from an ATM machine in Albania, is quite expensive for foreigners. The ATM machine might charge you €4 – €5, if you withdraw €100.

The reason is that Albanian is not a part of the European Union. Within the European Union, banks are forced to disclose their withdrawal fees and exchange rates. Because there are transparency rules and laws in the European Union.

However, Albania is not a part of the European Union, so banks do not have to disclose their fees. If you withdraw money with a foreign card, there is also a currency exchange involved. Some of the banks might charge you €4 – €5, if you withdraw €100.

These charges for the ATM transaction are often “hidden fees”. Because the machine won’t disclose its fees before you do the withdrawal. Therefore, you won’t know about the fees until checking your bank account afterwards. Not all ATM machines charge high fees, but you won’t know until you try.

***Insider Tip*** If you want to save money, bring some cash euros, pounds or US dollars on your trip to Albania. Because currency exchange is much cheaper, than withdrawing cash from an ATM machine.

Currency exchange costs less than 1% at currency exchange offices in Albania. Whereas, withdrawing from an ATM can cost you €4 – €5, if you withdraw €100.

What is the currency in Albania?

The currency in Albania is the Lek. Albanian Lek is only used in Albania. But many of the touristic cities and hotels, you can pay in euros as well. However, you will get a better deal, if you pay for items with the Albanian lek.

1 euro = 124 Leke 1 pound = 140 leke 1 us dollar = 110 leke

You will feel rich in Albania, because 1 euro is worth 124 leke. So you will find yourself paying 200 leke for 1 cup of coffee.

There are Albanian bank notes of 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 leke. Although, there are some small coins, the value of these is very little.

Because Albanian Lek can only be used within Albania, it is best to exchange small amounts at the time. Before you go home, you will want to spend all your remaining currency. If you bring the Albanian lek home with you, you won’t be able to exchange it anywhere.

Where can you buy Albanian lek?

You can only buy Albanian Lek in Albania. It is not possible to buy or sell the Albanian currency abroad.

Albanian people pay for everything in cash. Many local restaurants and local shops only accept cash money. Therefore, it is best to carry some Albanian lek in cash with you, for your travel in Albania.

The cheapest way to get Albanian lek, is through currency exchange. Currency exchange is very cheap in Albania. At the currency exchange agencies in Albania, you can exchange for a margin less than 1%.

Withdrawing money from an ATM machine can cost you €4 – €5, if you withdraw €100. Therefore, exchanging cash money is cheaper, as they only charge you a 1% margin.

Currency exchange is very popular in Albania. Because many Albanians have family members, who work abroad. Albanian people regularly receive foreign currency transfers. It is very common for Albanians to carry cash euros, pounds or us dollars. Which they exchange at the currency exchange agency.

In Albania, there are currency exchange agencies on every high street in the cities. Don’t make the mistake to exchange your foreign cash at the bank, because they will charge you 7% for a margin. Whereas currency exchange agencies will charge you less than 1% as a margin.

It is best to exchange small amounts of money into Albanian Lek. And then make sure you use all your Albanian lek, before you go home. Because you cannot exchange Albanian lek, in your home country.

Can you use euros in Albania?

The Albanian currency is the Lek, but euros are widely accepted. You can use euros in Albania to pay for:

1. The airport taxi 2. Car rentals 3. Most hotels 4. Travel agencies 5. Tours

The best currency to bring to Albania is cash euros. Once you arrive at the airport, you can pay for your car rental or taxi with euros. Then, at your hotel you can settle the bill in euros as well. Most hotels quote their price in euros. For hotels, you can choose to pay for the hotel in either euros or with Albanian lek.

After getting to your hotel, search for a currency exchange agency close to the hotel. It is better to avoid exchanging money at the airport, because it is more expensive. Instead exchange currency, once you have gotten to your hotel.

Lonely Planet: “The lek is the official currency of Albania, though the euro is widely accepted; you’ll get a better deal for things in general if you use lek.”

Although, you might be able to pay some of your travel expenses in euros, it is still smart to exchange some Albanian lek. Because you will be charged less, if you pay in Albanian Lek. In Euros, the prices tend to be rounded up.

If you do not have cash euros, then the other good currencies to bring are pounds or us dollars. Because these currencies are easy to exchange everywhere in Albania.

Is bargaining for lower prices normal in Albania?

In Albania, bargaining for a lower price only happens on the street markets, in souvenir shops and for taxi rides. In any other shops, you should not bargain for a lower price.

Lonely Planet: “It’s perfectly acceptable to haggle at markets and at shops selling souvenirs. Elsewhere it’s not common. For long-distance taxi rides, haggling is definitely a good idea.”

Albania has many lovely bazaar markets. The most popular markets to visit for tourists are: -Bazaar market in Kruja -Bazaar market in Gjirokastra -Pazari i Ri market in Tirana

At these traditional bazaar markets, you can buy local handicrafts and souvenirs. For instance, you can buy traditional Albanian clothes, local honey, homemade wines, wooden handicraft products or traditional rugs.

If you visit one of these street markets, you should absolutely bargain for a lower price. Because you are actually expected to bring the price down a little bit.

For a taxi ride, it is best to agree on the price before your depart. Like anywhere in the world, a taxi driver may try to overcharge you for the trip. If you are taking a taxi from the airport, you can check the official price list on the website of TIA taxi before you travel.

For other popular taxi rides, you can find the correct pricing online. On forums, like TripAdvisor, people give you a clear price indication. So that you know what a reasonable price is for the distance you travel.

In mini-markets or clothes shops, you are not expected to bargain. The prices for many of the little markets are incredibly low, compared to European prices. You will be astonished how many groceries you can buy for only 1-2 euros.

Do you tip in Albania?

You tip in restaurants, bars and cafes in Albania. A normal tip is usually about 10% of the price. In coffee houses, you can simply leave 100 Albanian Lek for the waiter.

The salaries in Albania are low compared to European standards. Many employees make around 300 euros a month in Albania. So it is best to leave a small tip for the waiters and servers you meet on your trip. A small tip makes a large difference for them, because the wages are low in Albania.

How much money can you take into Albania?

You can take the value of 1.000.000 Albanian Lek into Albania. If you take more than the value of 1.000.000 Albanian lek into Albania, you should declare it at customs.

Here is an indication of the amount of money you can take to Albania:

1.000.000 LEK = 8200 Euros 1.000.000 LEK = 7300 British pounds 1.000.000 LEK = 9050 US dollars

You are allowed to take the equivalent of 1.000.000 Albanian Lek into Albania. This amount is the total value of cash in any currency you carry into the country. It includes any precious metals, gems, valuable items and antiquaries.

If you exceed the value of 1.000.000 Albanian Lek, you should declare this at customs. You will be asked for the reason of carrying more than 1.000.000 Albanian Lek into Albania. And you should prepare the correct forms and documents for the border control. More information on the Albanian Government website.

What is the best time to visit Albania, if you are travelling on a budget?

The best time to visit Albania between April and October, because the weather is sunny and warm. Albania is very affordable year-round. However, if you are travelling on a budget, try to visit just before the high-season or just after the high season.

The high-season in Albania is in July and August. Therefore, the prices for hotels are a bit higher in these months.

The months April, May, June and September are just outside the high-season, but the weather is still lovely. These months are the best period to visit Albania, because you can travel on a budget, enjoy the sunshine and avoid the any crowds.

High season: July and August Average temperature: 29 ° C Saranda and the Albanian Riviera: 33 ° C

The high-season in Albania is in July and August. This is the period, where the temperatures are the highest. The average temperature is 29 degrees in July and August. But in the Albanian Riviera in the south of Albania, the temperature is even higher at 33 degrees.

In these months, it is best to rent a car and visit one of the hidden beaches. So that you can avoid any other tourists and enjoy true privacy. Try visiting Gjipe beach, Mirror beach or Aquarium Bay for instance.

Pre-summer season: April, May, June Average temperature: 17 ° C in April, 23 ° C in May, 27 ° C in June Saranda and the Albanian Riviera: 22 ° C in April, 24 ° C in May and 29 ° C in June

The months April, May and June are just before the high season. In this period, the weather is getting warmer. But it is still quiet and there are not many tourists yet. The average temperature is 17 degrees in April, 23 degrees in May and 27 degrees in June. Travel to Saranda in the South of Albania, for the warmest weather. In June, it is 29 degrees in Saranda, for instance.

April, May and June are the best period to visit the famous place, like Butrint and Ksamil beach. Because the real tourism season has not started yet. And a paradise beach is best explored in privacy!

Post-summer season: September and October Average temperature: 26 ° C in September and 21° C in October Saranda and the Albanian Riviera: 27 ° C in September and 22 ° C in October

If you visit in September or October, you are able to avoid any crowds and travel on a budget. Especially, in September the temperatures are still really lovely. The average temperature is around 26 degrees. And the seawater in Saranda is still warm, at a pleasant 26 degrees.

How much does Airbnb cost in Albania?

An Airbnb costs on average 27 pounds (or 32 euros) per night in Albania. The company Vouchercloud researched the average Airbnb price per night for European countries.

The cheapest countries to book an Airbnb night are Macedonia (£26 per night), Albania (£27 per night), Moldova and Kosovo (£28 per night).

Spending 27 pounds (or 32 euros) per night on an Airbnb in Albania is very realistic. Because different sources reveal the same information. The website Budget your trip calculated an average accommodation cost of €32.00 for a double occupancy room. And the Lonely Planet states that a budget hotel room costs between €25 – €40 in Albania.

Tirana in Albania is one of the fastest growing travel destinations according to Airbnb

In 2019, Airbnb revealed that many UK travelers are searching for cheaper city breaks. The popular booking website of Airbnb revealed a top 10 of the cities in Europe where booking numbers are growing the fastest. According to Airbnb, Tirana in Albania is number two on that list. The number of travel reservations in Tirana have been growing extremely fast between 2018 – 2019. Because UK travelers have discovered that Tirana is a very affordable city break destination.

Tips to travel on a budget in Albania

Travelling in Albania is very affordable, but like in any country, there are some ways you can save money while travelling.

Tip 1: Bring some foreign cash and exchange it in Albania Currency exchange is very cheap in Albania. If you want to exchange foreign currencies, like euros, pounds or us dollars in Albania, it is very affordable. The margin for currency exchange is less than 1%.

To get the best currency exchange rates, you must go to a currency exchange agency. The rates are displayed an include a 1% margin. There are no currency exchange commissions or fees in Albania, so do not accept paying those.

Avoid banks when exchanging currency. Because it is much more expensive to exchange at a bank. Banks can charge you around 7-8% for a margin, instead of the normal 1%.

Tip 2: Remember the hidden costs of paying by card in Albania Paying by card in Albania is expensive. If you pay by card or withdraw money from an ATM machine in Albania, you may be charged hidden fees.

Because Albania is not a part of the European Union, there are no transparency rules and regulations. Within the EU banks are forced to disclose their fees and exchange rates on the ATM machine.

However, in Albania banks make their own fees and exchange rates. And the ATM machine or card machine, does not always disclose the rates before the transaction. Therefore, you may be charged 4 – 5 euros for a 100 euro withdrawal at the ATM machine.

Therefore, it is recommendable to bring some cash money with you to Albania and exchange it. Moreover, if you withdraw cash from the ATM, check your internet banking afterwards. If it is expensive, use a different ATM next time.

Tip 3: Plan your transportation, because transportation can be expensive in Albania Travelling by rental car, by private transfer or by taxi can be expensive in Albania. And there are no trains in Albania. Only travel by furgon minibus is affordable.

Let’s say you are travelling from Tirana airport to the city center of Tirana. You can choose from the following options:

Bus from airport to Tirana = 250 LEK (€2) Taxi from airport to Tirana = costs 2500 LEK (€20) Rental car at airport = €20-€50 a day

As you can see travelling by bus is very affordable. However, travelling by rental car or taxi is rather expensive. Since there is no train connection available, these are your only options.

If you want to travel cheaply in Albania, then the Furgon minibus is the best option. The furgon buses are privately owned. Basically, the driver of the bus owns the bus. Furgons stop at the local bus stations.

You do have to be patient, if you choose to travel by furgon. The buses have a schedule, but they often wait to depart until the bus is full. Moreover, they make many stops along the way at mini-markets and coffee houses. The bus driver may play local music in the background or call his friends while driving.

How to book a cheap flight to Albania?

In many cases, the flight to Albania might be your biggest travel expense.

Albania has only one international airport, which is Tirana International Airport. This airport is still relatively small and the number of airlines that fly to Tirana airport is limited.

You can book a direct flight to Albania with these airlines:

If you cannot find an affordable direct flight from your country to Albania, you can choose to fly to Corfu island instead.

Corfu island is a small Greek island, in front of the Albanian coastline. From Corfu, you can take a ferry boat to the Albanian coast. The ferry boat trip takes between 30 – 70 minutes, depending on the boat you book. And the ferry boat trip is quite affordable between €18.00 – €23.80 for one adult for a one way ticket.

The advantage is that there are many European airlines, that offer a budget flight to Corfu island. So it is likely, that it is cheaper for you to fly to Corfu airport, than flying to Tirana airport.

The airlines that offer flight Corfu are: Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Alitalia, Armenia, ASL Airlines France, Astra Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Aviolet, Blue Air, Blue Panorama Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Condor, Easy Jet, Edelweiss Air, Ellianir, Enter Air, Eurowings, Finnair, First Choice, Jet Time, Jet2.com, Lufthansa, Mistral Air, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Olympic Air, Ryanair, Sky Express, Small Planet airlines, Smart Wings, Sun D’or, Swiss International Air Lines, Transavia, Travel Services Hungary, Travel Services Slovakia, Tui, Tui fly Belgium, Tui fly Deutschland, Tui fly Nordic, Tui Ireland, Volotea, Vueling and Wizz Air.

Related Questions

What is the best currency to use in Albania? The best currency to use in Albania is the Albanian Lek. Because you will get a better price for items, if you pay in Albanian lek. However, Euros are widely accepted in travel agencies, hotels and taxis.

Is Albania dangerous for tourists? Albania is not dangerous for tourists. According to the UK government, the public security in Albania is generally good. If there is crime in Albania, it is not targeted at foreign travelers. It is still smart to book a comprehensive travel insurance, including medical coverage.

I am an Albania Tour Guide , who organizes 1-day, 2-day or multiple day private tours in Albania . I arrange your transportation and I am your English speaking guide. So that, you get to experience the most beautiful places in Albania! Kind regards, Manon

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Prices in Albania

What are the prices in Albania for goods and services for tourists in 2024? This is one of the first and most important questions for any traveler. It forms the basis for planning a travel budget. In this article, I will tell you about the prices for everything that can be useful to an average tourist.

Table of Contents

Prices in Albania: general information

First, I recommend reading an article about the currency of Albania . There you will learn not only that the country’s currency is the Albanian lek but also what can be paid for in euros, where it is better to exchange currency, and where cards are accepted for payment in Albania.

I want to dispel one stereotype: The film industry and Albania’s ranking as one of the poorest countries in Europe have created the stereotype that Albania is a very cheap country where you can vacation like a king for 5 euros. In reality, it cannot be said that a vacation in Albania is cheap. Yes, it is affordable, but it’s not all for a few pennies.

If we evaluate the overall price level, here are the conclusions I can draw:

• Food prices are about the same as in stores in Germany or Spain, perhaps slightly cheaper.
• Eating in restaurants is slightly cheaper, but not significantly.
• Car rental prices are quite budget-friendly, but gasoline prices are sky-high, like in other European countries.
• Accommodation, especially on the waterfront, especially during the high season, is also not €5 per day, but much more expensive.
• Fresh fish, despite being a coastal country, costs the same as in Italy or Spain.

Well, you understand that it’s not an expensive Barcelona or astronomically priced Switzerland, but it’s also not Southeast Asia where €5 is a lot of money. Many prices are comparable to ours, some things are more expensive, some things are cheaper.

Prices in Albania for:

And now let’s move on to the prices themselves. It is also important to understand that the prices I will be mentioning are for tourists who come here on vacation. If you come here to live for a couple of months, many expenses will be much cheaper. But this article is specifically for travelers.

For your convenience, I will provide all prices not only in Albanian lek but also in euros. You can always check the current exchange rate in the header of this guide.

Cost of groceries

Read all about Albanian stores in this article.

Prices for fruits and vegetables

The price heavily depends on the season. The prices in this article are for August-October when the harvest is gathered. In spring, most vegetables will be more expensive.

Alcohol beverages and Cigarette Prices

Useful to know: Albania is a heavily smoking country. Many people smoke here, and there are almost no restrictions on smoking in public places.

Read all about spirits and wines in Albania here.

Prices in Albania in Cafes, Restaurants, and Taverns

The table below represents the average prices you will find in most eateries in the country. As you understand, you can find both cheaper and much more expensive options.

Useful to know: The average bill for one person in a restaurant in any city in Albania: main course, salad + glass of wine or beer + tip amounts to around 1000-1200 lek or 10-12 euros. Our usual dinner for two: one salad, two main courses, bread and tzatziki for bread, two beers – 2000 lek. Approximately 20 euro

• Read all about dining in Albania here. There is a lot of useful information about tips, portion sizes, waiting time for orders, and more.

Prices for Accommodation (Hotels, Apartments)

The prices in the table below are specifically for tourists who rent accommodation for a short period. For expats and other travelers looking for accommodation for a month or longer, the prices are quite different.

Interesting to know: Those who still believe that Albania is a very cheap country will be surprised. Yes, it is affordable, but not everything is free here.

Prices for Rental Cars, Gasoline, and Parking

A very detailed article about car rental in Albania can be found at the link. In short, Albania is an ideal country for car rental: it is safe, there are no idiots like ours, and the traffic intensity is low (except in Tirana). Public transportation will not take you far in Albania; the bus network is almost non-existent.

In general, car rental is affordable, and all energy sources in Albania are very expensive. However, the distances traveled are not long here. So, if you don’t rent a huge SUV with high fuel consumption, you won’t spend much on gasoline. The roads are good everywhere, and parking is free in 90% of cases. But in any case, it is preferable to find accommodation with parking space.

Useful to know: Renting an economy-class car for 14 days in Albania will cost around 300 euros + about 80 euros for gasoline. This is a reasonable price to fully explore the entire country. It is two to three times cheaper than renting a car in Croatia, for example.

Taxi and Public Transportation Prices

Below is not a comprehensive list of public transportation prices, but it should give you an idea.

• Read detailed articles about taxis, transfers , and public transportation in Albania through the provided links.

Excursion and Tour Prices in Albania

There is a wide selection of excursions in Albania, and everyone can find an interesting tour. Most excursions are conducted in English, and Italian is also often available.

For a full list of excursions in Albania, including prices and where to find them, read the overview article: All about excursions . You will also find information about extreme activities in the country.

Prices for Entrance Tickets to Attractions

Below is an incomplete list; you can find the full list in the article about all attractions in Albania .

Table provides a better understanding of the price range for cultural activities during your trip to Albania.

In reality, the majority of attractions in the country are free. For example, all waterfalls, canyons, and hot springs. The paid attractions are usually man-made.

Prices for Souvenirs from Albania

For a full list of gifts that tourists bring from Albania , refer to the article through the provided link.

Airfare Prices to Albania

• In short, it is possible to purchase round-trip tickets from major European airports to Tirana for approximately 100-300 euros per person.

Important to know: For information on how and where to purchase tickets to Tirana with short layovers and convenient arrival times , refer to the article through the provided link.

In conclusion, you now have a good understanding of the main aspects of prices in Albania for various goods and services for tourists. You can now estimate your travel budget. While it may not be as cheap as the stereotype suggests, your vacation will still be relatively inexpensive. If you exclude accommodation and excursions, many prices are comparable to or even cheaper than what we have at home.

Wishing you reasonable purchases at reasonable prices!

Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Albania

• Flights at the best prices with best discounts
• DiscoverCars – a major international resource
• LocalRent – the leader in the Albanian car rental market. Very low deposits, even in cash.
• Hotellook – compares prices among dozens of platforms and offer you the best one.
• Booking – large online booking platform.
• Agoda – even more accommodation options in Albania.
• GetYourGuide – more than 550 tours
• Viator – 920+ excursions and activities throughout the country
• Comprehensive travel insurance : EKTA
• Airalo eSIM in Albania from $4.5
• DRIMSIM – universal SIM card (or eSIM) in any country in the world.
• Taxi and airport transfer : Intui.Travel

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Wander-Lush

Easy 2 Week Itinerary for Albania: Nature, Culture & History

This easy itinerary for Albania has a strong focus on nature, history and culture. Use it to plan the perfect 2 weeks in Albania or more, travelling exclusively by bus (no car required!).

After travelling overland in the Balkans for 6 months, Albania stands out as one of my favourite countries in the region.

Compact and relatively easy to get around, in a short space of time you can wander beautiful UNESCO Old Towns Berat and Gjirokaster , soak up the incredible scenery of the Albanian Alps on the Valbona Theth trek , eat delicious Albanian food in the country’s best restaurants, and bask in cafe culture and visit quirky museums in the cosmopolitan capital city, Tirana .

That’s to say nothing of the beautiful beaches along the Albanian Riviera , other natural wonders including waterfalls and Blue Eye water holes , and alternative Albanian cities such as Korca .

This easy Albania itinerary by bus focuses on history, culture and cuisine, with a bit of nature thrown in.

• For even more inspiration, see my list of the 21 best things to do in Albania .
• Planning to rent a car? See my intrepid 2-week road trip in Albania itinerary .
• Don’t forget to read my essential travel tips for Albania !

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

About this Albania itinerary

This Albania itinerary follows a slightly unconventional route, starting in Shkoder in the far-north and ending in Korca in Albania’s southeast. Fitting with my travel style, it prioritises destinations that highlight culture, history and cuisine with a little bit of nature time as well.

You’ll notice that there are no beaches on this Albania itinerary. If you’re a beach person (and it’s the right season), you can easily slot in a few days on the Albanian Riviera after Gjirokaster. At the end of the itinerary, I’ve included more options for extending your stay.

When is the best time to visit Albania?

We visited Albania in mid-June – summer, and the start of the high season. Because Albania is still a relatively off-the-beaten-track destination in Europe, it doesn’t tend to get overcrowded, even in Tirana. An exception would be the beaches along the Albanian Riviera, which do get busy in the summer months (especially July and August).

If the Valbona Theth trek is on your Albania wish list, remember that the high mountain pass is only accessible at certain times of year. The best time to do the trek is between June and September, but the trail might be open as early as May and as late as November depending on weather conditions.

If you’re planning a visit in high season (June to August), there are a couple of things you should book in advance, including your accommodation in Tirana and most importantly your transportation for the Valbona Theth trek.

In this detailed guide to the Valbona Theth trek , I provide instructions and links for booking the Komani Lake Ferry and van transport from Shkoder.

How much time do you need for this Albania itinerary?

I’ve purposefully kept this itinerary quite loose so that you can adjust it to fit your schedule. However, you’ll need a minimum of 2 weeks to cover all the points of interest mentioned.

We did this itinerary in three weeks travelling at a slow pace. If you have longer to spend in Albania, you can easily extend your itinerary by adding on the Albanian Riviera or more trekking in the north.

One of the best things about travelling in the Balkans is being able to hop across the border. From Albania, you can easily continue your travels in Ulcinj and Montenegro , Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia , Kosovo , or Thessaloniki and Northern Greece . The choice is yours!

Recommended 2-week Albania itinerary

Day 1: Shkoder Days 2-5: Valbona & Theth Day 6: Kruje Days 7-9: Tirana Days 10-11: Berat Days 12-13: Gjirokaster Day 14: Korca

How to get around Albania

Before visiting, I heard lots of horror stories about bus travel in Albania that made me quite anxious about getting around. In the end, I had nothing to worry about.

Compared to some other countries in the region ( Slovenia , for instance), bus schedules are a bit looser and the roads are a bit rougher. But all things considered, buses in Albania run pretty smoothly. Stations tend to be well signposted (if not a bit chaotic), there are plenty of bus services running in all directions, and vehicles themselves are usually quite modern, with AC and plenty of luggage room (though don’t expect WIFI or USB portals).

Bus tickets in Albania are well-priced, making this a budget-friendly way to travel.

We did this entire Albania itinerary using a combination of furgons (minivans) and coach buses, plus one ferry. If you want to replicate our route, I’ve included full public transportation instructions for getting from place to place under each destination.

Top tip: Use the website Gjirafa to check bus routes and schedules for Albania and neighbouring countries in English.

Should you hire a car in Albania?

Some people elect to hire a car in Albania and self-drive. While you can certainly pack more into your Albania travel itinerary if you have your own car, it’s not mandatory.

If you do want to go down this path, I recommend using comparison website Discover Cars to find the best deals on international companies and local agents.

Check out my round-up of the best road trip itineraries in the Balkans (including Albania) for more inspiration.

→ Browse Albania car rentals here on Discover Cars .

Where to stay in Albania: Hotels recommended in this itinerary

For quick reference, here is a list of all the accommodations recommended in this Albania itinerary. Further details can be found under each destination.

• Where to stay in Tirana: Arté Boutique Hotel (luxury); Bujtina Shqiptare (mid-range); Tirana Backpacker Hostel (budget); top 10 Tirana Airbnbs .
• Where to stay in Shkoder: Hotel Tradita (boutique); Sweet Living Apartment (mid-range); The Wanderers Hostel (budget).
• Where to stay in Valbona: Guesthouse Mehmeti (mid-range guesthouse).
• Where to stay in Theth: Guest House Bec Villi (mid-range); Bujtina Polia (farm stay).
• Where to stay in Kruje: Rooms Emiliano inside the castle (mid-range).
• Where to stay in Berat: Hotel Klea (boutique); Villa 97 (mid-range); Berat Backpackers Hostel (budget).
• Where to stay in Gjirokaster: Hotel Muse’e (luxury); Bed and Breakfast Kotoni (mid-range); Stone City Hostel (budget).
• Where to stay in Korca: Life Gallery Hotel (luxury); Bujtina Oxhaku (mid-range); Stacioni Hostel (budget).

The perfect itinerary for Albania: Nature, culture & history

Arrive and start your albania itinerary in shkoder.

• Recommended time in Shkoder: 1 night

When you arrive, I recommend heading straight to Shkoder (Shkodër) in Northern Albania. Shkoder is the jumping-off point for trekking in the Albanian Alps. The city itself is small and friendly, and will offer you a good introduction to Albanian history and cuisine.

Shkoder sits on the edge of Southern Europe’s largest lake, Lake Skadar . We did a boat trip on the lake from the Montenegrin side during our road trip (the huge marshland straddles the border), but it’s also possible to explore the lake starting from Shkoder.

Like most cities in Albania, Shkoder is very walkable. Explore the Old Bazaar area, visit the Ethnography Museum , and wander down the main pedestrian street at dusk. The Ebu Bekr Mosque dominates the city’s skyline and can be visited outside of prayer times.

My top recommendation for Shkoder is to hire a bicycle and ride south. A long path follows the two twisting rivers that branch off from the lake, connecting the city with a set of smaller villages where you can find cute restaurants and waterfront cafes.

Rozafa Castle , Shkoder’s medieval fortress, contains a small antiquities museum. It’s located high on a hill, making it a great place to watch the sunset over the lake.

→ Here are more great things to do in Shkoder .

Where to stay in Shkoder

Boutique: Hotel Tradita – beautiful boutique rooms finished with Albanian textiles, set inside a 17th-century building. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Mid-range: Sweet Living Apartment – a self-contained, one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city, with full kitchen and bikes for hire. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Budget: The Wanderers Hostel – comfortable dorms and private double/family rooms with a colourful courtyard for socialising. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

How to get to Shkoder

From Tirana: If your Albania trip starts in the capital, take a direct bus to Shkoder from Terminali i Transportit Ndërkombëtar dhe Kosovës. Coaches and furgons leave every 30 minutes between 7am and 5pm. Tickets cost 400 LEK, and the journey takes around 2 hours. Double-check times locally.

From Durres: If you’re coming from Italy on the Bari Durres overnight ferry , you can either take a direct bus to Shkoder from Durres station, or change buses in Tirana.

From Montenegro: Buses from Ulcinj on Montenegro’s southern coast bound for Kosovo make a pit stop in Shkoder on their way through. In summer, there are at least two afternoon services on this route.

Take the Kolman Lake ferry to Valbona

• Recommended time in Valbona: 1 night

Leaving Shkoder, press north-east into Albania’s mountainous border region in preparation for the Valbona Theth trek . This is by far the most beautiful part of the country and vies for the most dramatic natural landscape in the whole region.

After travelling to the ferry terminal by road, the first step is to cross Koman Lake (Lake Komani) and the Drin River via a massive prehistoric gorge carved through the mountains. After a few hours on the water, the legendary Koman Ferry terminates in the village of Fierza , where you then jump in a furgon to travel the rest of the way to Valbona (Valbonë).

For full details about getting from Shkoder to Valbona and instructions on how to buy tickets, see this guide .

Valbona itself is small and peaceful, with a scattering of lodgings set in its verdant valleys . When you arrive, eat a home-cooked dinner and get an early night – tomorrow is going to be a big day!

Where to stay in Valbona

Guesthouse: Guesthouse Mehmeti – spotlessly clean family run guesthouse in a serene location. Home-cooked meals are fresh and tasty, and staff speak English and can organise a car transfer to the Theth trailhead. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Hike to the alpine village of Theth

• Recommended time in Theth: 2 nights

Detour: The Valbona Theth hike requires a medium level of fitness. If you’re not keen on the trek, take the Koman ferry as instructed above and spend a couple of nights relaxing in Valbona instead.

The walk from Valbona to Theth was the highlight of my time in Albania . Because of the altitude, you can only do the trek in the warmer months (we still saw traces of snow in June!).

It’s hard to describe the trek without going on and on – but in a nutshell, it involves ascending a steep mountainside, crossing the Valbona Pass , and walking down the opposite side of the mountain into Theth village. There is no other way to get from A to B, so you have to carry all your gear with you and organise lodgings on the other side (for this reason, I recommend leaving your big luggage in Shkoder).

Once you get to Theth, stay for a couple of nights so you can relax and take in the mountain air. There are a number of short walks around town if you need to stretch your legs after the hike, including one trail to a Blue Eye .

Theth is more pleasant than Valbona, which is one of the many reasons I recommend doing the hike in this direction.

Where to stay in Theth

Guesthouse: Guest House Bec Villi – simple family run guesthouse with a beautiful garden terrace. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Farm stay: Bujtina Polia – a tranquil property in the centre of Theth featuring light-filled rooms and an onsite restaurant. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Leave the mountains & return to Shkoder

The ride back to Shkoder from Theth is a bit of a rough one (3-4 hours over bumpy dirt roads), so I recommend spending an afternoon and night in Shkoder to break up the journey before you continue south.

Stay at the same accommodation in Shkoder so you can collect your bags.

A nice way to spend an evening in Shkoder is with a walk through the city park, stopping off at some of the textile and handicraft shops along the main street. Indulge in a full spread of Albanian cuisine at Peja Grill , or treat yourself to a meal in the courtyard at the historic Vila Bekteshi .

Alternative option: If you’re fighting fit after the trek, you can always head straight through to Kruje or Tirana without stopping in Shkoder for the night.

Learn about Albanian history in Kruje

• Recommended time in Kruje: 1 or 2 nights

Kruje (Krujë) is only 30km north of Tirana, so most people end up visiting as a day trip from the capital. Since it’s on the way from Shkoder to Tirana, I suggest stopping off for a night or two – if only to spend the night sleeping inside the castle complex , which is a very special experience.

Kruje was Albania’s first capital and is the spiritual home of the country’s most revered leader, Skanderbeg . The military hero is memorialised in a wonderful museum located adjacent to Kruja Castle, which overlooks the Old City. On a clear day, you can see right to the Adriatic Sea from the top of the old walls.

I enjoyed Kruje for a couple of reasons. It’s quiet – most tourists visit for the day and leave at dusk, which makes wandering the cobbled Old Bazaar after dark all the more atmospheric.

Secondly, there are a couple of guesthouses located inside the castle grounds. It’s a really unique experience to wake up and eat breakfast amongst the ruins .

Where to stay in Kruje

Mid-range: Rooms Emiliano – a wonderful family-style guesthouse inside the castle complex. Wander amongst the ruins at night and eat breakfast with a view in the morning – it’s a very special place to spend a night or two! Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

How to get to Kruje from Shkoder

There are regular buses from Shkoder to Tirana that can drop you off on the highway in Fushë-Krujë, the new part of Kruje.

In the absence of a bus station, coaches leave from the roundabout in the centre of Shkoder ( see the exact location here ) every 45-60 minutes between 6am and 5pm. Tickets cost 300 LEK and the trip takes just over an hour. There is a large white sign on the street marking the departure point and advertising the times.

When you get on the bus, inform the steward that you want to jump off early in Fushe-Kruje (the ticket price will be the same). They will drop you off on the highway. From there, walk east into town towards the bank and George Bush Statue to pick up a minivan, which will take you to Old Kruje on top of the hill (roughly a 20-minute drive; 100 LEK).

Vans stop just shy of the castle grounds. If you’re staying at the very top of the hill, you’ll need to either walk or take a taxi the rest of the way (approx. 300 LEK).

Immerse yourself in Tirana, Albania’s hip capital city

• Recommended time in Tirana: 2-4 nights

After starting your Albania itinerary in the tranquil north, Tirana will be a bit of a shock to the system – in a good way! Some of the most interesting museums and galleries in the Balkans are located in Tirana, including the famous BunkArt 1 and BunkArt 2 , which are set in two of Albania’s disused concrete bunkers.

Cafes, restaurants, street art, quirky architecture and communism-themed bars are just some of the other things to check out in quirky Tirana. This is one of my favourite cities in the Balkans.

→ See my Tirana City Guide for more inspiration .

• Where to stay in Tirana

Luxury: Arté Boutique Hotel – old-world opulence (think parquet floors, emperor-sized beds and velvet drapes) behind a historic facade in the hip Blloku neighbourhood. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Boutique: La Suite Boutique Hotel – modern luxury (white marble bathrooms; generous timber-floored suites) on the river near the Pyramid of Tirana. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Mid-range: Bujtina Shqiptare – homely self-contained apartments with full kitchens and private balconies 700m north from Skanderbeg Square. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Budget: Tirana Backpacker Hostel – mixed dorms and private singles in a friendly hostel with outdoor gardens and communal lounge spaces. Conveniently located 10 minutes’ walk west from Skanderbeg Square. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Airbnb: A-Tirana Apartment – this contemporary, light-filled apartment sleeps 4 and has all the mod-cons of a boutique hotel nestled inside an atmospheric 1968-built Commieblock. Browse more great Tirana Airbnbs here.

How to get to Tirana from Kruje

Make your way back down the hill to Fushe-Kruje by van or taxi. A constant supply of coaches, furgons and city buses ferry passengers between Kruje and Tirana, so you’ll never have to wait more than 15 minutes for a departure.

The trip to Tirana takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic. Tickets cost around 150 LEK.

Continue to Berat, the ‘city of a thousand windows’

• Recommended time in Berat: 2 or 3 nights

Berat is the first of the twin UNESCO Listed Old Towns you’ll be visiting on this Albania itinerary. Nicknamed the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’ for its signature architecture, Berat oozes with old-world charm.

Spend your days in Berat ambling along the twisted cobble streets of its two opposing neighbourhoods, Mangalemi and Gorica , the old Muslim and Christian quarters. Together they make up Berat Old Town.

Pop into the Ethnographic Museum, eat yourself silly at the terrific Berati restaurants in town, climb up to Berat Castle at sunset for beautiful views, and set a day aside for a trip to the incredible Osumi Canyon and waterfalls outside the city.

→ See my complete guide to Berat for more inspiration .

Where to stay in Berat

Boutique: Hotel Klea – basic rooms in a charming stone building nestled inside the Berat Fortress complex. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Mid-range: Villa 97 – simple self-check rooms with en suites and air-con. Check prices & availability on Booking.com .

Budget: Berat Backpackers Hostel – a well-regarded budget option in the Gorica neighbourhood. Check prices & availability on Booking.com .

How to get to Berat from Tirana

Buses and furgons bound for Berat depart every 30-60 minutes from Tirana’s Terminali i Transportit Ndërkombëtar dhe Kosovës. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, and tickets cost 400 LEK (bus) or 500 LEK (furgon).

In Berat, buses terminate at the Terminali i Autobusave 3km north of the Old Town ( see the exact location here ). From there, you can either take a city bus (30 LEK per person) or a taxi (500 LEK) to reach the Old Town.

Go south to the charming town of Gjirokaster

• Recommended time in Gjirokaster: 2 nights

A small city in the mountains cut from slate and stone, Gjirokaster (Gjirokastër) is absolutely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Albania. Like Berat, it’s Old Town has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical value.

As well as a meandering Old Bazaar and unique fortified houses , this charming town boasts a hilltop castle, Gjirokaster Fortress , that houses a fantastic museum. An easy walk from town, you’ll find an Ottoman-era aqueduct nestled in the hills.

Do a walking tour with Stone City Hostel to explore the underground city and war tunnels.

→ See my complete guide to Gjirokaster for more inspiration .

Where to stay in Gjirokaster

Mid-range: Bed and Breakfast Kotoni – quaint guesthouse with city views and a spectacular complimentary breakfast. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Boutique: Hotel Muse’e – 200-year-old property fitted out in proper Gjirokaster style. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Luxury: Kerculla Resort – modern hillside resort with a generous outdoor pool and commanding views. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Budget: Stone City Hostel – popular dorm accommodation with free walking tours of Gjirokaster for guests. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

How to get to Gjirokaster from Berat

Take a city bus back to the Berat Bus Terminal to board a coach or furgon for Gjirokaster. Tickets cost 900 LEK per person, and the trip takes around 3 hours. Most buses then continue to Saranda.

In Gjirokaster, buses terminate at the bottom of the hill. To get to the Old Town, either walk or pick up a taxi – just be careful to negotiate the price first (we unfortunately got scammed by a driver in Gjirokaster and ended up paying triple what we should have).

Finish your Albania itinerary in Korca

• Recommended time in Korca: 2 nights

Korca (Korçë) is unlike any other city in Albania in terms of both its look and feel. Located in the south-east corner of the country close to the border with Greece and North Macedonia, Korca’s history is intertwined with Greek and Aromanian heritage, giving the city a distinctly European feel .

Pretty architecture, a huge cathedral , several amazing museums and the oldest school in Albania are among Korca’s claims to fame.

While you’re there, sip on a Birra Korca at the brewery , cafe hop in the restored Old Bazaar, and visit the outstanding National Museum of Medieval Art .

→ See my complete guide to Korca for more inspiration .

Where to stay in Korca

Boutique: Hani I Pazarit – a historic inn inside with Old Bazaar, featuring a sweet internal courtyard and an acclaimed restaurant. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Luxury: Life Gallery Hotel – a modern and minimal boutique choice with floor-to-ceiling windows and free-standing baths. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Mid-range: Bujtina Oxhaku – a lodge-like guesthouse with city views and homely rooms. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

Budget: Stacioni Hostel – a popular hostel (dorms and privates) that offers free bike hire. Check prices and availability on Booking.com .

How to get to Korca from Gjirokaster

Furgons coming from Saranda make a pit-stop in Korca before continuing on to Gjirokaster. At the time of our trip, there was only one van a day leaving in the early morning. I recommend going down to the bus station the day before to inquire in person. Note that these vans leave from the station office opposite the roadside where you got dropped off.

Tickets cost us 1,300 LEK per person, but the price does fluctuate with the cost of fuel. The trip takes around 5 hours.

Onward travel: Departing from Korca

From Korca, you can either take a bus back to Tirana via Pogradec (3.5 hours) or continue your travels overland into Greece or North Macedonia. We took a bus from Korca to Thessaloniki .

Another option is to go halfway to Pogradec then catch a bus to Ohrid on the North Macedonian side of the lake.

Extra time? More great places to visit in Albania

Albanian beaches.

If some beach time is in order, the pristine beaches in Southern Albania beckon with their white sands, beach bars and sweet thatched umbrellas.

There are dozens to choose from – some have been developed into resorts, while others remain hidden gems. Sarande, Himare, Gjipe Beach, Drymades Beach and Dhermi Beach are all good places to start.

Find more Albania beach recommendations here.

Occupied by both the ancient Greeks and Romans, Butrint is home to a spectacular arena and a range of other ruins . It’s a must-visit for history buffs. Butrint is located at the very southern tip of Albania’s coastline, so the easiest way to visit is on a day trip from Saranda.

Read more about visiting Butrint here.

Pogradec & Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid, which Albania shares with neighbouring North Macedonia, is one of the prettiest landscapes in the Balkans. Pogradec is the biggest town on the Albanian side and serves as a nice base for exploring the lake and surrounding wineries .

If you’re game, you can even hire a bicycle and circumnavigate the Ohrid in a day, crossing two international borders along on the way.

Albania’s National Parks

If you’re looking for more hiking trails and outdoor activities, Albania has 15 national parks, all with stunning scenery and beautiful mountains. See this list for inspiration.

Albania travel costs: How much to budget for your trip

Albania is one of the most affordable countries in the region and an incredible budget-friendly destination all round. Our main costs (aside from accommodation and food) was museum entrance fees. You can easily save cash by sticking to free activities: Albania has no shortage of beautiful scenery, beautiful churches and mosques, all of which are completely free.

Eat local for affordable prices on food, stick to buses and furgons rather than embarking on an Albania road trip, and you’ll have no trouble keeping your costs down.

Here is a breakdown of our expenses for 23 days in Albania:

• Sim card & data package: 1,600 LEK
• Restaurant meals: 31,640 LEK
• Groceries: 9,714 LEK
• Coffee, drinks & snacks: 8,650 LEK
• Ground transportation: 13,000 LEK
• Activities & entrance fees: 11,580 LEK
• Souvenirs: 300 LEK
• Total: 76,484 LEK (627.58 Euros) = 13.60 Euros/person/day

What to pack for Albania

• A good quality backpack. The easiest way to get around Albania is with an anti-theft day pack and a large pack for your main luggage. Here are a few of my favourite minimalist backpack designs for inspiration.
• A scarf (women). A lightweight cotton scarf is my number one travel item. In Albania, it will come in extra handy for covering your hair when entering a mosque or Orthodox Cathedral. This neutral travel scarf goes with anything, and it even has a hidden pocket.
• Walking shoes. From cobbled streets to rocky peaks, comfy walking shoes are absolutely essential for Albania. I love these comfy sandals , and my partner lives in these waterproof shoes .
• A reusable water bottle. Avoid single-use plastics whenever you can. I love my S’Well water bottle for warm climates because it doesn’t sweat.
• Wine Wings. Should you decide to buy a drinkable souvenir in Albania, these handy custom-made bottle protectors will keep your vino safe and sound in your luggage. A travel corkscrew and a wine stopper are bound to come in handy, too.
• Entertainment for long bus/furgon journeys. If you don’t suffer motion sickness, an e-reader is great for passing the time on long road journeys. If you have a travel buddy , pick up a headphone splitter – probably my favourite travel gadget of all time – so you can share a screen or a podcast. Check out my full list of essential items to make a long train or bus journey more comfortable .
• Biodegradable wet wipes. Try this convenient travel pack .

Itinerary for Albania: Pin it & share it

Albania Travel Guide

Discover insider tips, itinerary inspiration, and all the best things to see, do and experience in Albania!

Albania Essentials

My favourite resources and tools for planning a trip to Albania.

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hi Emily interesting blog, great information. minus the hikes, do you think I could do this in November??

Hi Cindy, we just came back from spending October in Albania. It was still surprisingly warm! I think early November would be fine. The coast is obviously very quiet now, but Tirana and the interior are beautiful with fall colours.

awesome thanks, we not going for a beach holiday so will be fine. will be visiting Albania and North Macedonia for 5-6 weeks, November and 1st week of December. will have warm clothes as we travel to Poland for the rest of December.

Hi Emily, Great guide full of inspiration as always:)

We will be in Albania in early April for two weeks. April is too early for Theth or the beach, so now we are considering Albania and Kosovo. With two weeks, would you stick to Albania only or add Kosovo too?

Tirana looks like a place we want to stay for a week perhaps, or is that too long?

Hey De Wet! Awesome to hear you’re planning a trip. I would have happily stayed in Tirana for a week, there are a couple of day trips and the city itself is lovely. We are going back in October and plan to do that. If you can add in Kosovo, it would be a great addition. Even just Pristina and Prizren (though Gjakova was my favourite place). But maybe you can still get up to Theth via the new road? It’s a lovely spot to relax and do short hikes, even if you can’t do the big walk.

I’ll look into the new road to Theth as well as Prizren and Pristina, thanks.

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Top luxury hotels in Albania

Hotel Vila D

The River Hotel,bar&restaurant

Lot Boutique Hotel by Hotels and Preference

Hotel Ksamil beach

Bougainville Bay Hotel

Albania - the estimated travel expenses for food, public transport, attractions entrance and accommodation., how much does a trip to albania cost.

Currency in Albania is Albanian Lek

Albania prices guide., if you are travelling alone to albania, depending on your expectations, you will pay for an overnight stay from 21 usd (1,900 all) for a hostel to 71 usd (6,500 all) for a luxury hotel., the other daily costs you have to pay when travelling to albania are:.

• Food 5.90 USD (548 ALL)
• Meals in restaurants 8.90 USD (829 ALL)
• Bottled water 0.65 USD (60 ALL)
• Local transportation 1.70 USD (160 ALL)
• Entrance tickets 26 USD (2,400 ALL)
• Alcoholic beverages 4.60 USD (424 ALL)

As you can see - a stay for a few days in Albania can cost 144 USD (13,000 ALL) or 611 USD (56,000 ALL) , depending on whether you are a frugal tourist or you are planning to spend a luxurious holiday in Albania.

How much Albanian Lek should I have for one week in Albania?

If you want to spend a week in Albania the cost of your stay will be:

• 336 USD (31,000 ALL) - a cheap stay for 7 days in Albania
• 475 USD (44,000 ALL) - a budget travel for 7 days in Albania
• 584 USD (54,000 ALL) for a one week of comfortable stay in Albania
• 1,400 USD (132,000 ALL) for a week of luxury holidays in Albania

How much money do I need per day to stay in Albania?

If you are travelling alone to Albania, 48 USD a day should be enough. If you choose a hotel for your stay in Albania, the price will rise to 68 USD. A couple will have to pay around 120 USD for one day in Albania. A family with two children should have 210 USD for one day stay in Albania.

How to visit Albania on a low budget? How to travel Albania cheaply? How to save money while travelling in Albania?

In order not to exceed reasonable expenses during a trip to Albania, which we estimate at 68 USD (6,300 ALL) for a one day, you must comply with the following rules:

• Choose to stay in a hostel (21 USD (1,900 ALL) ) or in a cheap hotel (32 USD (2,900 ALL) ).
• Use public transport. The price for a one-way ticket is 0.43 USD (40 ALL) and for a monthly pass 17 USD (1,600 ALL) .
• Make your own breakfast and own dinner. Daily shopping cost in the shop is around 5.90 USD (548 ALL) in Albania.
• Choose restaurants outside the city centre and close to tourist attractions. Meal in a cheap restaurant cost around 9.20 USD (850 ALL) in Albania. McMeal at McDonalds (or equivalent meal in other fastfood restaurant) costs approximately 7.50 USD (700 ALL) .

Car-related costs are mainly fuel, road tolls and parking fees. Of course, the price depends on the purpose of the journey and energy efficiency of a vehicle.

In Albania, you will pay for the fuel accordingly:

• Petrol price in Albania is around: 2.10 USD (194 ALL)
• Diesel fuel price in Albania is around: 2.00 USD (184 ALL)
• 1kg sausage: 15 USD (1,400 ALL)
• 0,5 kg bread: 0.89 USD (82 ALL)
• 10 eggs: 3.40 USD (313 ALL)
• 1kg cheese: 10 USD (961 ALL)
• 1 liter milk: 1.90 USD (172 ALL)
• 1 kg apples: 1.40 USD (126 ALL)
• Bottle of local beer (0,5 liter): 2.20 USD (206 ALL)

Car rental prices in Albania

• What is the average price for a car rental in Albania?
• How much does it typically cost to rent a car in Albania?
• Is it cheaper to rent a car for a week in Albania?

What is most famous in Albania? How much does an average entrance to travel attractions in Albania cost?

The most important tourist attractions in albania that we recommend:, the museums worth a visit in albania:, on warmer days, we recommend walking in parks in albania. below is a list of the largest and most interesting parks in albania. parks in albania:, alcohol prices in albania, albania - whisky prices comparison, albania - rum prices comparison, albania - vodka prices comparison, albania - gin prices comparison, book the best hotels in albania - in partnership with booking.com, compare hotel rates in albania and save up to 80%.

Mak Albania Hotel

Hotel Kaduku

Maktirana hotel & tower.

Green House Hotel & Restaurant

Hotel Bella Vista

Compare travel cost and expenses in specific cities in albania 2024.

Rafael Young

- travel expert and vlogger (26 years old, zodiac sign: scorpio).

Tourism in Albania

Albania, a country in the Balkans, is known remarkably for its tourism all over the world. There’s no doubt one would love to visit the country and its Capital Tirana during the Albania Tourism journey. This article is designed to guide you carefully about the most renowned aspects about tourism in Albania and where you should start, expenses, the best time to go there and more.

The Best Time to Visit Albania

Before setting out on a journey for tour in an entirely new country, you must gather knowledge about its climate and weather conditions to determine which time of the year, and then which month specifically will be best for you. This is an act of traveling responsibly and creating an environment for yourself that you can best prepare for, should a need for any uncertain weather change adaptation arise. You need to look at a country’s climate zones, monthly-seasonal relationship, study their weather charts etc.

Albania – Climate Zones

Albania generally has dry and warm summers and characteristically damp winters in contrast. It is much like many other Mediterranean countries in this aspect, not different by a lot. But on the local scale, some amount of climactic variation may occur at sometimes, differing comparably in one region to the others.

The western regions of Albania have much more moderate temperatures than the rest of the country. This western region is also in the influence of the warm and sometimes breezy air coming from the Ionian and Adriatic seas. In contrast, the eastern region of Albania is supremely influenced by the continental air. The eastern region is also characterized by the cold and often harsh winters and the mildly warm summers.

The rainfall is abundant throughout the country, however, its occurrence is spread at uneven times all through the course of the year. Now that you know about the seasonal conditions of Albania relating to eastern and western regions of the country, lets take a look at the climate zones.

Albania specifically has three main climate zones. Along with knowing what these are, you must also memorize where they are exactly to plan your trip to Albania.

• The warm, and mild Mediterranean coast
• Cool mountains of the Northeast
• The continental extremes (elevations) of the interior.

The best time to visit Albania are the months of April-June and then September-October. By going to Albania on tour during these months, you get to stay out of the extremely hot coastal summer heats and the cold, harsh, wet and damp mountainous winters. These areas during the months mentioned will be perfectly splendid for cycling, walking, waters sports, hanging out by the pool and so much more that you will want to do on your tour.

In the summer months, however, you must not feel bad about traveling to Albania. During this time, the Mediterranean beaches get less visitors than any other place, and even the beaches are super gorgeous at this time. The crispy and chilly winter season in the mountains is perfect for snowshoeing as well. This is very different than the rest of country being cold and damp during the time of winter, the mountains are just perfect.

Albania Tourism Expenses

According to estimates and tourist travel records, you are supposed to have a plan of spending at least $50 USD on a daily basis in Albania. It is an equivalent of Lek 5,149. The estimate for past tourists meal expenses is $15 USD per day, an equivalent of Lek 1,550. For local transportation, they’ve spent $11 USD, or Lek 1,140.

The average hotel cost in the country for a pair is $38 USD, or Lek 3,950. Therefore, we can calculate that a trip for two people for one week would essentially cost you $695 USD, or Lek 72,087 on an average basis.

These estimates have been gathered and calculated through the experience and documentation of other tourists so you can have the best idea of an estimate to take with you to spend a comfortable time in Albania on your tour of the country.

Is Albania Safe for Tourists ?

Travel safety and responsible traveling is supposed to be your priority wherever you travel. But lets talk about the conditions for tourists in Albania specifically to guide you about the country more.

It is well known that Albania is a safe country to travel to for Tourists. However, petty crimes like pocket thieves and harsh violent driving is a very rare occurrence just as in any other country. You should keep your belongings safe and secure at all times, keep an eye out for your surroundings at all times and this includes public transport. Be extra careful during public transportation. One thing that must also be your priority is to follow the country’s laws and rules as well as the citizens do.

Keep your credit cards safe and always on your person to limit the risk of them being stolen. Never share you PIN with anyone and be cautious at the ATM’s as well. Never trust any stranger who tries to accompany you. Do not go out into the dark hours of the night completely alone, this can be dangerous not only in Albania but everywhere else in the world.

It turns out there is no violence against tourists at all in Albania. However, safety measures must be practiced by every tourist as mentioned. You must be cautious and aware at all times.

Best Places to Visit in Albania

Pyramid of tirana.

Located in the capital city of Albania, Tirana, the Pyramid of Tirana is perhaps one of the most popular tourist attractions situated in the country. It has promoted the Albania Tourism excessively well. It has stood well and beautifully through the tests of time, as it faced threats of destruction by previous governments. It is after all a symbol of renowned communism. It represents the contradictions in the history of Tirana. Its inauguration was on the 14 th of October in 1988. It is a remarkable piece of architecture and is a representation of Tirana itself, its culture and history. You can even climb to the top of it, walk all around it as well.

Shkodra Lake

Shkodra is the the center of traditions and culture in Albania. Its top visit places include the Shkodra lake. You can also visit and explore the mountains here, biking here is also extremely fun and safe.

The Shkodra Lake is a stunning lake, that builds the border between Montenegro and Albania itself. It is super great to even swim in the lake, and is not very difficult to get here. You must visit this place for appreciation of its cultural and historical beauty.

Dhërmi Beach

If your plan is to visit the most beautiful beach in Albania on your tour, this is it. It is a spectacular strip a dew kilometers long, of dazzling white rocks. This beautiful strip is then accompanied by mesmerizing deep blue waters. If you visit this area according to the times we mentioned where there’s less crowd here, it can be very quiet is extremely serene to take it in. The beach is however, pretty large and spread long so you can absolutely find a good clear spot even mid summer.

Must Visit Destinations in Albania

• Albanian Riviera is the most popular spot for tourists, with many international music festivals and nightclubs.
• Llogara Pass is another popular place known for the best drive in the country, extremely beautiful and serene to relax. It resembles the Transfagarasan in Romania .
• The Church of Saint Mary of Blachernae in Berat is a must visit. Berat is one of the oldest towns in the country. It is also called the City of a Thousand Windows, owing to its combined Albanian and Ottoman architectures.

Where to Stay in Albania

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I'm in my early 30s and found that I do enjoy travelling! While I am also a senior administrator at a web hosting company, I also have my own little business and make bow ties in my spare time :) I've created this blog so that anyone who loves to travel can find helpful info for their journey. And, why not, share it with other travelers!

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"Albania has the spectacular landscapes and incredible history and culture to rival any Mediterranean country in Europe. After being buried in communism for so long, it's now open for all, and there's never been a better time to visit this wonderful country. But hurry - this secret won't be kept for much longer."

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See the Palace of Culture in Tirana

The Palace of Culture in Tirana really lives up to its name. It's a grand building where you’ll find cultural institutions like the National Library and the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The first stone of this stunning building was symbolically laid by former Soviet president Nikita Hrushov in 1959 and your Albania travel guide will show you around the highlights of this cultural treasure.

Stroll through Skanderbeg Square

Of all the top Albania attractions, you can’t miss checking out Skanderberg Square, the main square in Tirana. It’s massive at over 430,000 square feet and you’ll find some of the country’s most important buildings here including the National Museum of History, the Clock Tower and the giant Skanderberg Monument of the Albanian national hero.

See Tirana's famous Clock Tower

The 114-foot tall Clock Tower is an unmissable stop on any Tirana tour, and we’ll take you to see this famous piece of Ottoman architecture dating back to 1822. After hearing the bells ring out, you can even climb the spiral staircase to take in the spectacular views over Tirana. Be sure to come back in the evening to see the tower beautifully lit up after dark.

Walk through the winding streets of Tirana city center

One of the best parts of your Tirana trip will be roaming the colorful streets of the city, where brightly painted façades mingle with leafy streets and shopping strips. You’ll join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour, before having time to delve into the trendy café districts and vibrant markets where you’ll find some real Albanian arts and crafts.

Learn about the decades of communist rule in Albania

When you travel Albania with Trafalgar, we'll dive into the rich history of the country. You’ll learn how Albania was once ruled by a communist regime and see the remnants of this tyrannical period. Stop by former Communist buildings, visit the Bunk’Art museum, and wander through the Blloku district, once reserved for the communist elite.

Our top 5 things to do in Albania

Our Albania trips will show you all the best things to do in Albania, from the top Tirana attractions to the historical gems of the country.

National Historic Museum

The National Historic Museum is the best Albania museum to explore the country’s complex history. There are thousands of objects, ranging from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages to the 21st century. There’s a pavilion dedicated to the crimes of the communist regime, and don’t miss the Beauty of Durrës, a treasured mosaic from the 4th century BC.

House of Leaves

Also known as the Museum of Secret Surveillance, this excellent museum is located in the former headquarters of the Sigurimi, the secret Albanian police, and the German Gestapo. Used as an interrogation and torture house, you can see old surveillance items and learn the stories of those who were spied on and executed during the communist regime.

Bunk'Art

You can’t miss this fantastic museum on your Albania tour. It’s a massive underground anti-nuclear bunker constructed for the country’s communist politicians and military elite. Spread out over five stories and over 100 rooms, including a 200-seat meeting hall, you'll marvel at the architecture and learn more about Albania’s tragic communist history.

Best museums in Albania

Tirana’s museums are some of the best places to visit in Albania and we’ll show you all the historic highlights like the giant underground bunker and a former secret police headquarters.

The most popular food in Albania, byrek is a baked or fried pastry made with flaky, thin dough. It’s stuffed with all kinds of tasty fillings and the favorite is spinach and feta cheese, or you can also find ones with meat or pumpkin. Keep your eyes peeled for the street vendors selling this treat, as it’s sure to become your go-to Albanian snack.

If you’re looking for some real Albanian comfort food, you can’t go past tavë kosi, the heartwarming national dish. It’s made with tender chunks of lamb stirred with rice, garlic and oregano, and covered with a mixture of yoghurt and egg. With a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg, it’s then baked until it forms a golden, creamy crust - and it’s utterly delicious.

Fried Kaçkavall

This beloved cheese is found all over the southern Balkans and Albania, it’s often served in traditional restaurants as an entrée. It’s a yellow salty cheese made with sheep’s or cow’s milk, and you can also eat it in all sorts of dishes like baked kaçkavall or kaçkavall salad. We say fried kaçkavall is the best of them all and you can’t miss it on your Albania trip.

Best food in Albania

If you’re dreaming of discovering the best of Albania, you can’t miss out on the delicious Albanian cuisine, from hearty baked lamb and rice to fried cheese and flaky pastries.

What to pack for Albania

Layered clothing

Whether you travel Albania in the hot summer, the chilly winter or somewhere in between, you’ll need to bring versatile clothing for any weather.

Sun protection

The Albanian sun is powerful at any time of year, especially higher in the mountains. Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen for your Albania vacations.

Insect repellent

The Balkan Peninsula is known for its mosquitoes and Albania is no different. Bring along some strong insect repellent and bite cream to soothe any itchy bites.

Albanian phrasebook

It’s always a good idea to learn a few phrases of the local language. You’ll have a better chance at connecting with the friendly Albanians and they’ll certainly appreciate your efforts.

Comfortable shoes

Whether you’re wandering the winding streets of Tirana or beyond, you’ll need a comfortable pair of walking shoes when you discover Albania.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

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Total Trip: what I spent over a (very) affordable long weekend in Tirana, Albania

Aug 23, 2023 • 7 min read

Tirana's vibrant Skanderbeg Square © Shutterstock

I’m a travel and food writer based in London. Long intrigued by all I had heard about up-and-coming Albania , my partner Dan and I booked a four-day weekend in the capital, Tirana .

Though I hadn’t done much research on the city, I was aware that the country as a whole was much cheaper than the UK, so we were looking forward to indulging ourselves with meals out, some bar hopping and a little culture without feeling like we’d have to remortgage our (tiny) flat. 

We saw decent hotels starting at around $45 – but we chose to splash out a little more on somewhere independent that had a bit more personality.

Pre-trip spending

Accommodation : It cost about $270 for three nights at the charming Areela Boutique Hotel , located in a quiet, leafy, residential neighborhood and just a 15-minutes walk from the central Skanderbeg Square. Stylish rooms had vibrantly colored walls hung with Vogue -style photographic portraits of actors and singers (ours featured Boy George). The room rate included a “traditional Albanian breakfast” of eggs, sausage, sliced tomato and cucumber, which was served in a small but stylish, plant-filled space next to the reception area on the ground floor.

Total: $270  

On the ground

Airport transfer: We landed at around 1:30pm and came out of the baggage hall…just in time to miss the bus into the center of town. So we hopped into a metered taxi ( $28 ).

Aperitivo: After spending the afternoon exploring the center, we headed back to the hip Blloku district for drinks and dinner. First up, an aperitivo at the Colonial Cocktail Academy , whose outdoor terrace, draped with foliage and the odd Buddha head, had a laid-back Southeast Asian-y vibe. We had two rounds of drinks each, our bill (with a small tip) came to $28 .

Dinner: The first restaurant had a queue; we ended up at Mystic 2 , with a menu of Mediterranean cuisine. A hearty slab of baked local cheese, a Greek salad, spaghetti carbonara, grilled octopus and a couple of beers and glasses of wine (again, plus a small tip) came to $28 .

Drinks: After a nightcap at the buzzy outdoor courtyard of Radio Bar , (two beers and two margaritas cost $24 ), a metered taxi back to the hotel cost us $5 .

Total: $112

Street art tour: After our Albanian brekkie we set off on a more leisurely stroll to take in Tirana’s sights; the center is highly walkable. I’m mad about street art, and we found plenty of murals adorning tall buildings on the streets leading down to Skanderbeg Square . We admired the exterior of the impressive Namazgah Mosque and the nearby modern, abstract Orthodox Resurrection Cathedral, then explored what remains of Tirana Castle , a medieval fortress that now houses a selection of restaurants and artisan stalls. On our way back to the square, we peered around the intriguing Reja (or Cloud ), a contemporary art installation in front of the National Gallery of Arts . I love the mix of design and architecture in the city.

Museum: To escape the heat of the afternoon, we visited a museum called Bunk’Art 2 , housed in one of the over 750,000 bunkers Albania’s former Communist ruler Enver Hoxha had constructed during his regime (from 1941 to 1985). We bought a combined ticket for this the original Bunk’Art  (on the outskirts of the city) for $10.50 each . Inside, the corridors were cool but slightly creepy, with exhibits about things like Hoxha’s secret police and his safe room.

Lunch: Still full from breakfast, we paused for a coffee at CaféBotánica , an elegant dining spot with a large, pleasantly shaded outdoor terrace next to the starkly beautiful, modernist Palace of Culture . Two lattes came to $4.25 . 

Drinks: Dan had done some research on the perfect place for a sundowner: a bar called Piano Bar Observator , on the 13th floor of an office tower. It offered a panoramic view of the city with mountains looming behind; we toasted the sunset with a couple of beers (Dan) and Bellinis (me) totaling $20 .

Dinner: We made our way to the lively Pazari i Ri, featuring a series of bars and restaurants clustered near a big open-air market that by day sells all manner of fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, honey and more. Spoiled for choice, we took an outdoor table at what appeared to be a family-run taverna called Tradita Te Meri, drawn by its array of local, traditional dishes. We sampled fasule (butterbean stew) and pastico (baked pasta) and with some grilled chicken, two beers and a half-liter of local wine: $18 in total.

Museum: We took the bus (tickets $.45 each ) to the original Bunk’Art, using the combined ticket purchased the prior day. This one was bigger than its centrally located sibling, with five underground floors and unsettling areas like (unused) radiation treatment rooms.

Lunch: Not far is the Dajti Express cable-car station that takes you up to the top of Mt Djatji for $30 . The 15-minute journey resulted in phenomenal views that stretched across forests and lakes toward the city. We had lunch at the enjoyably wooden-clad, chalet-style Ballkoni Dajtit resturant (at 1100m / 3600ft above sea level), tucking into tove kosi Elbasani , a delicious stew of lamb cooked in yogurt, and ragu me jufka , noodles mixed with beef. With another portion of tasty fasule , a couple of beers and a glass of wine, our bill came to to $36 .

Drinks: We headed back to our new favorite neighborhood, Blloku and had a pre-dinner drink at a friendly bar on a leafy street corner called Tribeca, where a couple of beers and a glass of wine came to $12 .

Dinner: We’ve managed to bag a table at the restaurant that was full on our first evening, Piceri Era . From the good list of local dishes, we tried petulla të fshira , a stack of layered thin pancakes cooked with garlic, feta cheese and butter (amazing!), and patëllxhan i mbushur , eggplant stuffed with tomato and peppers. We shared a very nice bottle of local red wine; the bill came to $36 . A taxi back to the hotel ran to  $5.30 .

Total: $120

Visit to the mosque: We start the day visiting the small Et’hem Bey Mosque, with delicately hand-painted walls and ceilings dating from the early 19th century (free entry).  

Coffees: Afterward, we walked half an hour south to Tirana’s Grand Park, a 715-acre green space with a man-made lake. Its trees provided welcome relief from the hot summer sun, and we stopped for a couple of iced coffees and espressos at one of the lakeside cafes ( $8.50 ).

Lunch: We headed back to Pazari I Ri for lunch at Oda Garden, a cute restaurant set around a shaded outdoor courtyard dotted with small trees. It was packed and they were short-staffed, but since we were in no rush, we enjoyed our drinks – a carafe of wine and three beers – before sharing  fergese , warm cottage cheese mixed with peppers and olive oil, and mish qingji ne sac , stove-baked lamb with potatoes. With a tip, lunch came to to $40 .

Museum:  We took in a last dose of Albanian culture at the National History Museum , an imposing building on Skanderbeg Square with a mosaic in Socialist Realist style charting important milestones of the country's history on its facade (two tickets: $10.50 ). We wandered around remnants of the country’s past, from Roman statues to Byzantine icons and Stalinist busts.

Dinner and cocktails: A friend had recommended Salt in Blloku (where else?), an upmarket and evidently popular restaurant with an extensive menu covering everything from ceviche to sushi. We splashed out here, ordering a couple of cocktails, a bottle of Minuty rosé wine, spicy edamame, two plates of sushi, a pasta with duck ragù, grilled corn and creamed spinach. This feast set us back $133 : a delicious and totally worthwhile finale to our trip.

Total: $192

The final tally: $762 for two (or 761,73 in Albanian lek)

Cost vs value.

I’d say Albania offers great value for money, and we were firmly within our budget. For someone so passionate about food, I found eating out the biggest bargain. I found Albanian cuisine to be delicious and tasty, and enjoyed trying new things. 

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7 Tips to Maximize Your Dental Tourism Experience in Albania

Introduction.

A lbania, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Balkans, has emerged as a beacon for dental tourism, attracting visitors from around the globe with its blend of professional dental services, affordable care, and breathtaking landscapes. The concept of Turismo dentale in Albania is not just about receiving dental care; it's an opportunity to experience a rich cultural tapestry while enhancing one's oral health. The allure of Impianti dentali in Albania and the expertise of a Dentista in Albania have positioned the country as a preferred destination for those seeking high-quality dental procedures at a fraction of the cost found in their home countries.

The importance of thorough preparation and research cannot be overstated when planning a dental tourism trip to Albania. It ensures that you not only maximize the benefits of your dental procedures but also enjoy a seamless and enriching travel experience. From understanding the scope of dental services available to familiarizing yourself with the nuances of Albanian culture and locales, each step taken in preparation is a stride towards a successful and fulfilling dental tourism journey.

1. Research the Best Dental Clinics in Albania

How to find reputable dental clinics.

The foundation of a successful dental tourism experience in Albania starts with finding a reputable clinic. Online reviews and testimonials offer a window into the experiences of past patients, providing insights into the quality of care and customer service. Websites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews serve as platforms where individuals share their honest feedback, helping you gauge the reliability and reputation of a clinic.

Accreditation and certifications are equally critical. They are the hallmarks of excellence and compliance with international dental standards . Look for clinics accredited by recognized dental associations or those holding ISO certifications. This information is typically showcased on the clinic’s official website, signaling their commitment to quality and safety.

What to Look for in a Dental Clinic?

Beyond credentials, the choice of a dental clinic should be influenced by its adoption of modern technology and facilities. State-of-the-art equipment and the latest dental techniques contribute significantly to the precision and effectiveness of treatments, ensuring you receive the best possible care.

The presence of English-speaking staff is another essential factor. It guarantees clear communication, allowing you to express your concerns and preferences without language barriers. This can greatly enhance your comfort and confidence throughout your dental treatment journey.

PRO TIP: Leverage specialized dental tourism platforms for in-depth research and comparison. These platforms provide comprehensive profiles of dental clinics, including detailed services offered, pricing, and direct patient reviews. They are invaluable resources for making an informed decision, ensuring you select a clinic that best matches your needs and expectations.

2. Understand the Cost Benefits

Comparing costs with your home country.

One of the most compelling reasons to consider Turismo dentale in Albania is the significant cost savings on dental procedures compared to those in your home country, particularly if you're from the United States or Western European countries. For instance, dental implants, a highly sought-after procedure, can cost up to 50-70% less in Albania without compromising on quality or safety. Similarly, cosmetic dentistry services such as veneers, teeth whitening, and orthodontic treatments are offered at much more affordable rates.

Example Price Comparison for Common Procedures

• Dental Implants: In the USA, the average cost of a single dental implant can range from $3,000 to $5,000. In contrast, in Albania, the cost can be as low as $800 to $1,200.
• Teeth Whitening: A professional in-office teeth whitening session in the USA might cost around $500 to $1,000, whereas in Albania, it could be around $150 to $300.
• Veneers: Per tooth, veneers can cost between $925 and $2,500 in the USA but only $200 to $400 in Albania.

Additional Costs to Consider

While the savings on dental procedures are significant, it's important to account for additional expenses such as accommodation, travel, and insurance. These can affect the overall cost of your dental tourism trip, although they are generally manageable and can still result in considerable overall savings.

• Accommodation: Depending on your preferences, the cost can vary. Staying in a budget hotel or Airbnb can significantly lower your expenses compared to luxury accommodations.
• Travel: Flight costs can fluctuate based on the season, so it's wise to book in advance and look for deals.
• Insurance: Some travel insurance policies cover medical and dental emergencies abroad, which is worth considering for added peace of mind.

3. Consider the Treatment Time and Travel Plans

Scheduling your dental appointments.

When embarking on a dental tourism journey to Albania, it's imperative to meticulously plan your dental appointments in harmony with your travel plans. Early communication with your chosen dental clinic is key to ensuring that your treatment schedule aligns with your arrival and departure dates. Many reputable clinics are accustomed to accommodating international patients and can offer flexible scheduling to fit within your travel itinerary. This coordination is essential not only for the initial treatment but also for any necessary preparatory or follow-up appointments.

Recovery Time and Follow-Up Visits

Understanding the recovery time associated with your dental procedures is crucial for a stress-free experience. Some treatments may require you to rest for a few days post-procedure, while others might have minimal downtime, allowing you to explore Albania sooner. Discussing recovery expectations with your dentist beforehand will help in planning any leisure activities or sightseeing around your treatment.

Additionally, consider the possibility of needing follow-up visits or extended stays, especially for complex procedures that require multiple stages or adjustments. Planning for this contingency will ensure that your dental tourism experience is not only enjoyable but also aligned with your treatment goals, without the need for rushed or last-minute travel arrangements.

PRO TIP: Many dental clinics in Albania offer comprehensive packages that include accommodation and transport arrangements. Taking advantage of these packages can simplify planning and often provide cost savings, making your dental tourism experience smoother and more enjoyable.

4. Look into Travel and Accommodation Options

Where to stay in albania for dental work.

Choosing the right place to stay during your dental treatment in Albania can significantly impact your overall experience. It's advisable to opt for accommodations in tourist-friendly areas that are not only close to your chosen dental clinic but also offer easy access to local attractions, restaurants, and amenities. Cities like Tirana, Durres, and Saranda are popular among tourists for their vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and convenience. Many hotels and Airbnb options in these cities cater to international visitors, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free stay.

Getting Around Albania

Navigating Albania is relatively straightforward, with various options available for tourists. Public transportation, including buses and taxis, is readily accessible in major cities and offers an affordable way to explore. However, for greater flexibility and the ability to discover more remote areas, renting a car might be a preferable option. Albania’s major roads are in good condition, and car rentals can provide an opportunity to venture beyond the city limits at your own pace.

5. Be Aware of the Language Barrier

Communicating with your dentist and clinic staff.

While Albania boasts a wide array of dental professionals fluent in English, especially in clinics catering to international patients, it's important to confirm language capabilities before booking your appointment. Clear communication is essential for discussing treatment plans, expectations, and any concerns you might have. Don’t hesitate to inquire about the availability of English-speaking staff when you contact the clinic.

PRO TIP: Enhancing your travel experience in Albania can be as simple as learning some basic Albanian phrases. This effort not only facilitates smoother interactions in daily situations but also shows respect for the local culture, often leading to warmer receptions and enriched experiences. Phrases like "Faleminderit" (Thank you) and "Përshëndetje" (Hello) can go a long way in building rapport with the locals, including your dental care providers.

6. Explore the Legal and Insurance Aspects

Understanding albanian medical laws and regulations.

When planning for dental work in Albania, familiarizing yourself with the country's medical laws and regulations is crucial. This knowledge will help you navigate the healthcare system more effectively and ensure that your dental treatments are performed in compliance with local standards. It's advisable to consult with your chosen dental clinic about these regulations or visit official Albanian health department websites for the most accurate and updated information.

Insurance Coverage for Overseas Dental Work

Many travelers may not realize that their health or dental insurance might offer coverage for dental work performed abroad. Before departing, it's important to contact your insurance provider to inquire about international coverage , including what procedures are covered, the extent of the coverage, and how to file a claim for overseas medical expenses. Understanding your insurance benefits can significantly affect your budgeting and planning for dental tourism in Albania.

7. Make Time to Enjoy Albania

Combining dental care with tourism.

Albania is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a plethora of experiences for tourists. Amid your dental treatment schedule, take the opportunity to explore Albania’s stunning landscapes, from the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera to the ancient ruins scattered across the country. Cities like Berat and Gjirokastër offer a glimpse into the nation’s Ottoman past, while the Albanian Alps provide breathtaking vistas for nature lovers.

Experiencing Albanian Culture and Cuisine

Albanian cuisine is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage, offering a variety of flavors that reflect its Mediterranean, Italian, and Ottoman influences. Do not miss the chance to indulge in traditional dishes such as Byrek (a savory pie), Tavë Kosi (baked lamb with yogurt), and Fërgesë (a tasty vegetable and cheese dish), which provide a delightful culinary experience. Engaging with the local culture through its food and participating in cultural events or festivals can enrich your dental tourism journey, making it an unforgettable experience.

As we wrap up our comprehensive guide on maximizing your dental tourism experience in Albania, it’s clear that this beautiful country offers much more than just affordable dental care. From the outset, we’ve explored essential tips ranging from conducting thorough research on dental clinics, understanding the significant cost benefits, aligning treatment with travel plans, navigating accommodation and transportation, to overcoming language barriers and ensuring legal and insurance matters are in order. Each of these steps is pivotal in ensuring that your journey to Albania for dental purposes is as smooth and beneficial as possible.

Albania’s allure doesn’t just lie in its ability to offer high-quality dental services at a fraction of the cost found elsewhere but also in its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. As you embark on this unique journey, remember to immerse yourself in the local culture, cuisine, and the stunning natural beauty that Albania has to offer. The experience of combining dental care with tourism in this vibrant country not only promises a healthier smile but also memories that will last a lifetime.

We encourage you to embrace both the practical aspects of planning your dental trip and the adventure that awaits in exploring Albania. With the right preparation and an open heart, your dental tourism experience can be one of the most rewarding journeys of your life.

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

The Best Travel Medical Insurance of 2024

Allianz Travel Insurance »

Seven Corners »

GeoBlue »

WorldTrips »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans.

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners

Buying travel insurance is a smart move for any type of trip, but you may not need a policy that covers everything under the sun. If you don't need coverage for trip cancellations or delays because you're relying on your travel credit card to offer these protections, for example, you may find you only need emergency medical coverage that works away from home.

Still, travel medical coverage varies widely based on included benefits, policy limits and more. If you're comparing travel insurance plans and hoping to find the best option for unexpected medical expenses, read on to learn which policies we recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

The term travel insurance usually describes a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes coverage for medical expenses as well as trip cancellations and interruptions, trip delays, lost baggage, and more. Meanwhile, travel medical insurance is coverage that focuses on paying for emergency medical expenses and other related care.

Travelers need international health insurance if they're visiting a place where their own health coverage will not apply. This typically includes all international trips away from home since U.S. health plans limit coverage to care required in the United States.

Note that if you don't have travel health insurance and you become sick or injured abroad, you'll be responsible for paying back any health care costs you incur.

Many travel insurance policies cover emergency medical expenses you incur during a covered trip. However, the included benefits of each policy can vary widely, and so can the policy limits that apply.

If you're looking for a travel insurance policy that offers sufficient protection for unexpected medical expenses, you'll typically want to choose a plan with at least $100,000 in coverage for emergency medical care and at least that much in protection for emergency medical evacuation and transportation.

However, higher limits can provide even more protection from overseas medical bills, which can become pricey depending on the type of care you need. As just one example, Allianz says the average cost of emergency medical evacuation can easily reach up to $200,000 or more depending on where you’re traveling.

Your U.S. health insurance policy almost never covers medical expenses incurred abroad. The same is true for most people on Medicare and especially Medicaid. If you want to ensure you have travel medical coverage that applies overseas, you should purchase a travel insurance plan with adequate limits for every trip. Read the U.S. News article on this topic for more information.

The cost of travel medical insurance can vary depending on the age of the travelers, the type of coverage purchased, the length of the trip and other factors. You can use a comparison site like TravelInsurance.com to explore different travel medical insurance plans and their cost.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
• Seven Corners: Best for Families
• GeoBlue: Best for Expats
• WorldTrips: Best Cost

Coverage for preexisting conditions is available as an add-on

Easy to purchase as needed for individual trips

Relatively low limits for medical expenses

No coverage for trip cancellations or trip interruption

• Up to $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
• Up to $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage loss and damage
• Up to $600 in baggage delay insurance
• Up to $1,000 for travel delays
• Up to $10,000 in travel accident insurance
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• Concierge services

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Purchase comprehensive medical coverage worth up to $5 million

Coverage for families with up to 10 people

Low coverage amounts for trip interruption

Medical coverage options vary by age

• Up to $5 million in comprehensive medical coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency evacuation coverage
• Up to $10,000 in coverage for incidental trips to home country
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for terrorist activity
• Up to $500 in accidental dental emergency coverage
• Up to $100 per occurrence in coverage for emergency eye exams
• $50,000 in coverage for local burial or cremation
• 24/7 travel assistance
• Up to $25,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment per traveler
• Up to $500 for loss of checked baggage
• Up to $5,000 for trip interruptions
• Up to $100 per day for trip delays
• Up to $50,000 for personal liability

Qualify for international health insurance with no annual or lifetime caps

Use coverage within the U.S. with select providers

Deductible from $500 to $10,000 can apply

Doesn't come with any nonmedical travel insurance benefits

• Up to $250,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $25,000 for repatriation of mortal remains
• $50,000 in coverage for accidental death and dismemberment

High limits for medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation

Covers multiple trips over a period of up to 364 days

Deductible of $250 required for each covered trip

Copays required for medical care received in the U.S.

• Up to $1,000,000 of maximum coverage
• Up to $1,000,000 for emergency medical evacuation
• Up to $10,000 for trip interruptions
• Up to $1,000 for lost checked luggage
• Up to $100 per day for travel delays
• Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage
• Medical coverage for eligible expenses related to COVID-19
• Ability to add coverage for your spouse and/or child(ren)
• Repatriation of remains coverage up to overall limit
• Up to $5,000 for local burial or cremation 
• $10,000 to $50,000 for common carrier accidental death

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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Travel insurance

Best travel insurance companies of June 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 2:16 p.m. UTC June 7, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024 , based on our in-depth analysis of travel insurance policies. Its Atlas Journey Elevate plan gets the top score in our rating because of the extensive coverage it provides for the price. It offers best-in-class emergency medical and evacuation benefits, as well as high limits for baggage insurance.

Best travel insurance of 2024

• WorldTrips : Best travel insurance.
• Travel Insured International : Best for emergency evacuation.
• TravelSafe : Best for missed connections.
• Aegis : Cheapest travel insurance.
• Travelex : Best for families.
• AIG : Best for add-on coverage options.
• Nationwide : Best for cruise itinerary changes.

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our travel insurance experts evaluate hundreds of insurance products and analyze thousands of data points to help you find the best trip insurance for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Travel insurance quotes comparison

Best travel insurance companies, best travel insurance.

Top travel insurance plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, why it’s the best.

If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel , WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey Elevate plan gives you $250,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage. This plan is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority. It also has $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage. 

See our full WorldTrips travel insurance review .

Pros and cons

• $250,000 in primary medical coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Primary damage or loss baggage coverage of $500 per item, up to $2,500.
• 5 optional upgrades, including pet care, adventure sports and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Customer reviews

WorldTrips has a rating of 4.27 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 428 reviews of policies purchased through the travel insurance comparison site since 2008. 

Heidi’s expert take:   “WorldTrips offers primary coverage for emergency medical expense and for baggage damage or loss. This means the insurer will pay for your claim first and then seek recovery from any responsible third party, such as your health insurer, airline or homeowners insurer (if your belongings are stolen). Travel insurance with secondary medical coverage might be cheaper, but then you’d have to file claims with third parties yourself, before you could turn to your travel insurance for help.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for emergency evacuation

Travel insured international.

Top travel insurance plan

If you’re traveling to a remote area, consider Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector. It has the best travel insurance for emergency evacuation of travel insurance policies in our rating. This top travel insurance plan provides up to $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits.

• Only plan in our rating that offers $150,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person is only available for cruises and tours.

Travel Insured International has a rating of 4.39 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 3,402 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   The Worldwide Trip Protector plan provides rare non-medical evacuation benefits of up to $150,000. If you’re traveling to an area at risk of a political, security or national disaster, this emergency evacuation coverage could help get you back to safety. Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe offers good travel insurance for missed connections , with $2,500 in missed connection coverage for each person on the plan.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of our best-rated travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage option.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

TravelSafe has a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,506 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you miss out on prepaid vacation plans because you didn’t make a connecting flight, you’ll be glad for the $2,500 missed connection coverage. Some policies only provide missed connection coverage for cruises and tours, but TravelSafe Classic doesn’t impose that restriction.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Cheapest travel insurance

Go Ready Choice by Aegis has the most affordable travel insurance of the best-rated travel insurance companies in our rating. This is based on the average cost of seven international trips of varying lengths and values for travelers of different ages.

See our full Aegis travel insurance review .

• Cheapest of our best trip insurance plans.
• Pet care benefit of $500 under travel delay benefits.
• Low emergency medical and evacuation limits.
• Low missed connection benefit of $500 per person for cruises and tours only.
• Low baggage and personal items loss benefit of $500 per person.

Aegis has a rating of 4.06 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,111 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2013.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you’re looking for a  budget travel insurance policy , Go Ready Choice may fit the bill. It has comparably low coverage limits, but if you have health insurance that will cover you on your trip, its $50,000 in secondary medical coverage may be sufficient.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for families

Top-scoring plan

Travelex Insurance Services has the best travel insurance for families because you can add kids aged 17 and younger to your Travel Select plan at no additional charge.

See our full Travelex travel insurance review .

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• Robust travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Low emergency medical coverage of $50,000 per person.
• Non-medical evacuation is not included.
• Low baggage delay coverage of $200 requires a 12-hour delay.

Travelex has a rating of 4.43 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 2,048 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Heidi’s expert take:   “If you’re traveling with kids, a Travelex policy will cover them, too. The number of children you can add to your policy is unlimited and they’ll get travel protection at no additional cost.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for add-on coverage options

Travel Guard Preferred from AIG allows you to customize your policy with a host of available upgrades, making it the best traveler insurance for add-on options . These include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings.

There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million. This is a good option if you’re looking for foreign travel health insurance.

See our full AIG travel insurance review .

• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Heidi’s expert take: “You can add riders to your AIG travel insurance policy to maximize your coverage. Choose from these bundles: adventure sports, medical, pet, quarantine, security and wedding. You may also want to add “cancel for any reason” coverage and rental vehicle damage coverage.”  Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Best travel insurance for cruise itinerary changes

Nationwide’s Choice Cruise is good travel insurance for cruises . It has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion.

Choice Cruise also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay when you’re taking a cruise or tour. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.

See our full Nationwide travel insurance review .

• Benefits for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” upgrade available.

Nationwide has a rating of 4.02 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 570 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2018.

  Heidi’s expert take: “This plan has protections for cruisers when it comes to prepaid expenses. But its emergency medical coverage is secondary, which means you’d have to file medical claims with your health insurance first. Since U.S. health insurance won’t help you at sea, you may want to look for cruise travel insurance with primary medical coverage instead.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

Compare the best travel insurance plans

Via Compare Coverage’s website

Heidi’s expert take: “Here are my tips on how to buy travel insurance that gets you the most coverage for the lowest price: Buy early . Getting travel insurance within two weeks of making your first trip deposit may qualify you for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions, and it won’t cost you any extra.  Look for primary emergency medical coverage . If you buy a plan with secondary coverage, you’ll have to file a claim with your health insurance first, even if you know it will be denied.  Don’t overinsure . Calculate the value of only your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses that are not already covered by other insurance (like credit card travel insurance or health insurance, if your coverage extends to where you are traveling). Even if this value is $0, you can still buy travel insurance for the travel medical insurance benefits, and you’ll only be paying for the insurance you need.  Understand exclusions . If you are planning to go scuba diving, for instance, make sure this adventure activity is not excluded from a policy’s coverage. If so, you may need to pay for a rider or shop for another plan that offers the coverage you need.” Heidi Gollub, Managing Editor of Insurance, USA TODAY Blueprint

What is the best travel insurance?

The best travel insurance for international travel is sold by WorldTrips, according to our in-depth trip insurance comparison.

The best travel insurance plan for you will depend on the trip you are planning and the coverage areas that are most important to you.

• Best cruise travel insurance
• Best COVID travel insurance
• Best “cancel for any reason” travel insurance
• Best senior travel insurance

Best travel insurance for cruises

The best cruise travel insurance is Atlas Journey Preferred sold by WorldTrips . This plan offers solid travel insurance for cruises for a low rate.

Best travel insurance for COVID-19

The best COVID travel insurance is the Trip Protection Basic plan sold by Seven Corners . It is a relatively low cost travel insurance plan with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Best travel insurance for “cancel for any reason” 

The best “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance is Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Basic. Adding CFAR coverage to a RoundTrip Basic plan only increases the cost by about 40%, which is lower than other plans we analyzed. For the extra cost, you get coverage of 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, as long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Best travel insurance for seniors

The best senior travel insurance is the Gold plan sold by Tin Leg . It is an affordable travel insurance plan with travel medical primary coverage of $500,000 and a pre-existing conditions waiver if you insure the full amount of your trip within 14 days of your first trip deposit.

How much is travel insurance?

The average cost of travel insurance is 5% to 6% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs . 

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on:

• The cost of your trip.
• Your destination.
• The length of your trip. 
• The ages of travelers being insured.
• Your state of residence.
• The travel insurance policy you choose.
• The total coverage amounts in your policy.
• Any travel insurance add-ons you select. 

Here are average travel insurance rates for a 30-year-old female who is insuring a 14-day trip to Mexico.

Looking to save? Discover cheap travel insurance options.

How much travel insurance should I buy?

Travel insurance companies typically offer several plans with varying maximum limits. The higher the coverage limits, the more you’ll pay for travel insurance. 

Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends the following coverage limits for international travel: 

• Emergency medical coverage: At least $50,000. 
• Medical evacuation coverage: At least $100,000. 

If you’re going on a cruise, or to a remote location, Squaremouth recommends: 

• Emergency medical coverage: At least $100,000. 
• Medical evacuation coverage: At least $250,000.

When evaluating travel insurance plans, our team of insurance analysts considered the best medical travel insurance policies to have at least $250,000 in emergency medical coverage and at least $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage. 

When should I buy travel insurance?

The best time to buy travel insurance is within two weeks of making your first nonrefundable travel payment, whether it’s for a plane ticket, hotel stay, cruise or excursion. 

Travel insurance costs the same whether you buy it early or last minute, and buying it early has added benefits: 

• You may be able to add on “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , an upgrade that is typically only available for a limited time after you’ve started paying for your trip. 
• You may qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver, meaning your pre-existing conditions will be covered by travel insurance. This waiver is generally added to your policy automatically, provided you buy the travel insurance within a certain window after your first trip deposit.
• You will be covered over a longer period of time for unforeseen events that could cause you to cancel your trip, such as medical emergencies, inclement weather and natural disasters. 

Expert tip: You can buy travel insurance up to the day before you leave on your trip, but waiting may cost you the opportunity to qualify for a pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver or to buy a “cancel for any reason” upgrade.

Where can I buy travel insurance?

You can buy a travel insurance plan:

• Online. Visit a travel insurance company’s website to buy a policy directly or use a comparison website like Squaremouth or Travelinsurance.com to see your options and compare plans. You may also be able to purchase travel insurance online through an airline, cruise, hotel, rental car company or other provider you book a ticket with.
• In person. A travel agent or insurance agent may be able to assist you in buying travel insurance.

Travel insurance trends in 2024

Americans are changing the way they travel and this includes buying travel insurance when they might have skipped it in the past. As spending on trips continues to rise , travelers have more to lose if their plans are disrupted. 

Based on travel insurance quote requests on the Squaremouth website last month, these are the main benefits travelers are looking for in a travel insurance policy.

*Source: Squaremouth.com. Travel insurance quote filter usage from April 28 to May 28, 2024.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance of 2024. For companies with more than one travel insurance plan, we shared information about the highest-scoring plan.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 30.
• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 70.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 40.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 65.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to Italy for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to France for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to the U.K. for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Best travel insurance FAQs

According to our analysis, WorldTrips has the best trip insurance. Two of its plans — Atlas Journey Explore and Atlas Journey Elevate — get 5 stars in our rating.

The best travel insurance policy for you will depend on what type of coverage you need. With so many different policies and carriers, the policy that was best for your friend’s trip to California might not be ideal for your trip to Japan. If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel, you may be willing to pay more for higher coverage levels.

A comprehensive travel insurance plan bundles several types of travel insurance coverage, each with its own limits. To ensure you have adequate financial protection for your trip, your travel insurance policy should include the following travel insurance coverages:

• Trip cancellation . With trip cancellation insurance , you’re covered if you need to call off your trip because of a reason listed in your policy, such as unexpected illness, injury or death of you, a family member or a travel companion, severe weather, jury duty and your travel supplier going out of business. 
• Travel delay. Once your trip has started, travel delay insurance reimburses you for unexpected expenses you incur after a minimum delay, such as five hours. It can cover needs like airport meals, transportation and even overnight accommodation. 
• Trip interruption. If you need to cut your trip early for a reason listed in your policy, trip interruption insurance can reimburse you for any prepaid, nonrefundable payments you’ll lose by leaving early. It can also pay for a last-minute one-way ticket home. 
• Travel medical . Emergency medical benefits are especially important if you need international health insurance for travel outside of the country. Your domestic health insurance may provide limited coverage once you leave the U.S. The best travel medical insurance pays for ambulance service, doctor visits, hospital stays, X-rays, lab work and prescription medication you may require while traveling. 
• Emergency medical evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote area, or planning excursions such as boating to an island, emergency medical evacuation coverage is a good idea. This coverage pays to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility if you are injured or sick while traveling. 
• Baggage delay. After a certain waiting period, such as six or 12 hours, this coverage will reimburse you for necessities you need to buy to tide you over while you wait for your bag to arrive. Be sure to save your receipts and look at your coverage limit, as some caps are low, like $200. 
• Baggage loss. Baggage insurance can reimburse you if your bag never arrives, or if your personal belongings are stolen during your travels. Coverage limits apply here, as well as exclusions for certain items such as electronics.  

“Typically, travelers are expected to pay their expenses out of pocket, and then file a claim for reimbursement,” said James Clark, spokesperson for Squaremouth. “However, there are medical situations in which a provider may be required to pre-authorize payment to make sure the policyholder receives the treatment they need.”

According to Clark, “Providers can pre-authorize payment for medical care and emergency evacuations. With that said, every circumstance is unique, and providers will handle each situation on a case-by-case basis.”

Travel insurance covers your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs — as well as extra money you may need to spend due to unforeseen circumstances and emergencies — both before and during your trip.

Travel insurance coverage varies by plan, but in general travel insurance covers costs associated with these problems: 

• Bankruptcy of a travel insurance company, such as your airline or tour operator. 
• Dangerous weather conditions.
• Delayed and lost luggage.
• Illness or death in your family that requires you to stay home or cut your trip short.
• Illness that needs medical attention.
• Injury requiring medical evacuation.
• Jury duty. 
• Travel delays and missed connections.
• Theft of your personal belongings while traveling.
• Unexpected job loss. 

Travel insurance policies often exclude or limit “foreseeable” losses. Typical travel insurance exclusions include:

• Accidents or injuries caused by drinking or drug use.
• Canceling your trip because you changed your mind.
• Ending your trip early because you changed your mind.
• Losses caused by intentional self harm, including suicide.
• Losses due to war, civil disorder or riots.
• Medical tourism.
• Medical treatment for pre-existing conditions.
• Mental health care.
• Natural disasters that begin before you buy travel insurance.
• Non-medical evacuation.
• Normal pregnancy. 
• Medical treatment related to high-risk activities.
• Routine medical care, such as physicals or dental care.
• Search and rescue.

Your U.S. health insurance may provide little or no coverage in foreign countries. Check with your health insurance company to see if you have any global benefits and ask how they work. If your health care does extend across the border, the benefits it provides abroad may not be the same benefits it provides domestically. 

Medicare usually won’t pay for health care outside of the United States and its territories, so older travelers planning an international trip should look into the best senior travel insurance with robust medical benefits. 

The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip and making a nonrefundable payment — in other words, as soon as you’re at risk of losing money. This way, you’ll know the total cost that you need to insure and you’ll have the longest window to take advantage of your policy’s benefits if something goes wrong.

You can’t wait until something goes wrong and then buy travel insurance to get reimbursed for your loss. Travel insurance only covers unexpected losses.

Travel insurance companies can decline to cover travel to certain countries. For example, you may find that some trip insurance companies don’t offer coverage to countries with a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. 

Travel insurance policies also frequently exclude certain risks that you’re more likely to encounter in Level 4 or Level 3 countries. For example, your policy may not cover losses related to declared or undeclared wars or acts of war or losses related to known or foreseeable conditions or events. 

Some credit cards , such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , offer benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement when you use your card to pay for your trip.

Ask your credit card issuer for your card’s benefits guide to see what coverage you may have. Keep in mind that it may not cover all the risks you want to protect against, such as the cost of international health care or emergency medical evacuation .

Business travel insurance makes sense if you are self-employed and paying for your own travel expenses, or if you are traveling internationally and want medical coverage abroad.

You might also consider buying travel insurance for a business trip if your company won’t cover extra expenses if your flight is delayed or you need to head home early.

Cruise travel insurance can help protect you financially if you need emergency medical care in a remote location, or if a delayed flight causes you to miss embarkation and you need to pay extra to catch up to your cruise.

Experts caution that travel insurance you buy through a cruise line may not be as comprehensive as plans you can buy directly from travel insurance companies.

Some travel insurance plans cover rental cars as an optional upgrade, for an additional cost. The 5-star rated travel insurance companies in our rating offer these optional rental car benefits:

• Travel Insured International — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000.
• WorldTrips — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000 with a $250 deductible. 

Travel insurance typically only covers a single trip, although your insured trip can have multiple destinations. 

If you’re looking to insure several trips in the same year, annual travel insurance may be a good option for you.

Travel insurance may be required, depending on the country you plan to visit. But it’s smart to consider buying a travel insurance policy for international travel, even when it is not required. A good travel insurance policy can protect you financially if you need emergency medical assistance when traveling, or if you need to cut your trip short and buy a last-minute plane ticket home because an immediate family member is ill. 

Wondering if travel insurance is worth it? What travel insurance covers

Editor’s Note: This article contains updated information from previously published stories:

• Spirit Airlines scrubs 60% of its Wednesday flights, says cancellations will drop ‘in the days to come.’
• ‘Just a parade of incompetency’: Spirit Airlines passengers with ‘nightmare’ stories want more than apology, $50 vouchers
• ‘This is not our proudest moment’: Spirit Airlines CEO says more flight cancellations expected this weekend
• Hurricane Irma: Flight cancellations top 12,500; even more expected
• Is an annual travel insurance policy right for you?
• How 2020 and COVID-19 changed travel forever – and what that means for you
• COVID-19 or delta variant have you ready to scrap your trip? Here’s how to cancel like a pro
• Sunday: Snow is over, but flight cancellations top 12,000
• After nearly 13,000 Harvey cancellations, Irma is new threat to airline flights
• What’s the difference between travel insurance and trip ‘protection’?
• How to choose the right travel insurance for your next vacation
• Travel insurance can save the day
• Angry passengers brawl after Spirit cancels flights
• What to do when travel insurance doesn’t work
• How lockdowns, quarantines and COVID-19 testing will change summer travel in 2021
• Travelers will pay and worry more on summer vacation this year. But they won’t cancel
• How to find a hotel with COVID testing and quarantine facilities wherever you travel
• Yearning to travel in 2022? First, figure out your budget – then pick a destination
• Pro tips for surviving a long flight during a pandemic: Get the right mask, bring a pillow
• Want to steer clear of contracting COVID-19 on your next vacation? Follow these guidelines
• Post-pandemic travel: Is it OK to ask another passenger’s vaccine status or request they mask up?
• These days, forgetting these important travel items could cost you thousands of dollars
• International travel hacks: When to book flights and hotels, how to deal with COVID-19 rules
• Traveling post-coronavirus: How do you book your next trip when so much remains uncertain?
• The COVID-19 guide to holiday travel – and the case for why you shouldn’t go this year
• Should you travel during the holidays? Americans struggle with their decision
• ‘There’s still pent-up demand’: What you should know about fall travel
• Planning for life after coronavirus: When will we know it’s safe to travel again?
• ‘Busiest camping season’: Travelers choose outdoor recreation close to home amid COVID-19 pandemic
• Considering a camping trip this summer? Tips to make sure your gear is good to go
• RVing for the first time? 8 tips for newbies I wish I’d known during my first trip
• Five myths about travel agents
• Should I buy travel insurance?
• Is travel insurance stacked against you?
• Five myths about travel insurance and terrorism
• These eight things could get your travel insurance claims rejected
• There’s a good chance that your credit card already gives you some kind of travel insurance coverage
• How to avoid a hotel cancellation penalty
• Change fees and travel insurance continue to rise

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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• Best overall
• Best for cruises
• Best for reputation
• Best for preexisting conditions
• Best for digital nomads
• Best low-cost
• Best for road trips
• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Our Picks for the Best Travel Insurance Companies

Best overall: nationwide travel insurance.

• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance

Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

How we rate travel insurance »

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review here.

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Cruises: AIG Travel Guard

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review here.

Best for Reputation: C&F Travel Insured

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review here. 

Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: Tin Leg Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

• Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Digital Nomads: WorldTrips Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

• Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip protection insurance

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review here.

Best for Affordability: Trawick International Travel Insurance

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance  that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review here.

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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