One of the best ways to capture the essence of a destination is with souvenirs, and the same is true in Albania. The best Albanian souvenirs symbolize the country’s traditions and values, such as resilience and loyalty. 

Albania is a place widely known for its rich history and cultural values. This is seen in the stunning architecture, ancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes, and incomparable hospitality. 

One of the best things to do in Albania after your trip is go hunting for souvenirs, which come in various forms, from hand-knitted items to striking postcards You can also take food and drinks with you as a symbolic piece of the country, the taste of which will forever live in your memory, making it impossible to forget the experience of visiting Albania. 

Traditional Albanian Handicrafts

Let’s start with some of the best Albanian souvenirs, the traditional clothing pieces that represent the country’s national identity:

#1. Qeleshe / Plis

The qeleshe, otherwise known as plis, are white woolen hats that used to be worn by Albanians in many Balkan regions. There are numerous models of the qeleshe, like the tall qeleshe, flat qeleshe, or round qeleshe, each worn in different regions of Albania. 

A plis requires some special care, as the wool must be as white as possible at all times. When it becomes dirty, you wash it, and when you cannot clean it anymore, you have to get a new one. 

Even though the plis is not worn as much as it used to be, it is still one of the best Albanian souvenirs. You can even catch football fans wearing plis when the National Team is playing to keep that Albanian spirit alive. 

#2. Pupas

Just like their name suggests, Pupas might just be the cutest Albanian souvenir to buy. They are hand-kitted socks made to wear inside the house during the wintertime. They are cozy and sure to keep your feet warm, no matter how cold it is. 

They are mostly made by old Albanian women trying to keep the traditions going, and they usually gift these to their grandchildren.

#3. Handmade rugs and kilims

Rugs and kilims are probably the most expensive souvenirs you can buy in Albania. In some regions, they use the word qylym, and in others, the word sexhade. However, they are all terms referring to an object covering the floor. They have their origins mostly in Ottoman rule, which isn’t surprising since it lasted 500 years. 

These traditional pieces are composed of beautiful and vibrant colors and diverse motifs, with red dominating most of them. The main material used to make these is wool, making the rugs durable but also soft.

#4. Fustanella

Fustanella is an Albanian national costume that used to be worn for special occasions such as weddings or holidays. It’s composed of a white skirt that extends to around the ankle and a black apron. 

The shirt is usually made of cotton or linen and is beautifully decorated with colorful embroidery and motifs, which vary depending on the region.

Culinary Delights

Of course, you can’t visit Albania without taking some edible souvenirs with you. Let’s have a look at some delicious treats you can get to never forget your Albanian adventure:

#1. Olive Oil

You may not know this, but the olive oil produced in Albania is one of the tastiest you can find. You can easily tell by its vibrant green color. It can easily be found in the local markets in Albania, but don’t expect any fancy glass bottles or anything—they’ll most likely sell it to you in a water bottle! 

This just goes on to show that you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, as in this case, the packaging doesn’t matter, as this is some of the best olive oil you’ll get to try.

#2. Cognac

Cognac is a unique Albanian brandy, produced by distilling the grapes not once but twice, and has a tad acidic taste. 

You must try the Skanderbeg cognac, probably the best of its kind. It has some other ingredients as well, such as flower honey, mountain plants, or caramel, giving it that special taste.

#3. Honey

For every sweet tooth, Albania has got you covered. The country has a long-standing tradition of beekeeping and honey extraction, producing some of the best honey you’ll get to try. 

Albanian honey is widely used in traditional Albanian foods, such as honey nut cakes, skewered lamb, etc.

#4. Çaj Mali (Tea)

Caj Mali is a sweet-flavored kind of tea sourced from Albania’s Mediterranean coastline. It used to be traditionally used for medicinal purposes, as it is rich in antioxidants, but nowadays it’s in every Albanian household. 

The leaves of the tea have no caffeine and are carefully harvested and extracted. You can get this unique tea from local farmers or from numerous bazaars in Albania.

Arts and Crafts

Albanians are known for their artsy and creative side, and that can be seen in the many beautiful crafts they make and sell at the markets:



#1. Homemade Ceramics

Ceramics are some of the best traditional Albanian souvenirs you can find. They are one of the most popular items, perfectly capturing the essence of the country. 

You can buy cute little vases crafted with beautiful patterns or ceramic plates or cups with various vibrant colors. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, so you’re bound to find one that suits your preferences.

#2. Paintings / Drawings

There are many popular destinations in Albania where you can buy authentic drawings or paintings from Albanian artists, each of which conveys a meaningful message. 

You can buy artwork at different studios throughout Tirana, and you can even find artists selling their works on the street. There are some truly amazing pieces waiting to be found to add a pop of color and cultural value to your home. 

#3. Jewelry

Traditional jewelry is also a significant part of Albania’s culture and art. You’ll find exquisite designs in the local markets and bazaars, from traditional motifs to modern pieces, making for some of the best Albanian souvenirs. Most of them have the eagle symbol somehow included in them to pay tribute to the Albanian flag. 

They’re just the thing to get when you’re looking for Albanian gifts to bring home from your trip. 

#4. Bunker Ashtrays

Yup, you read that right. Albania is famous for its abundance of bunkers that Enver Hoxha once ordered to be built. Nowadays, there are about 150,000 of them left, and they are one of the many symbols of the wars in Albania. 

Obviously, you can’t take one with you, but you can take a mini version of them—an ashtray in the shape of a bunker! It’s among the most unique and best Albanian souvenirs, and it's a pretty cool purchase. They are very popular, so you won’t have trouble finding one at the local markets.

Natural and Organic Products

Some other Albanian souvenirs you can take with you are natural and organic products that will contribute to your healthy lifestyle:

#1. Natural Soaps

Albanians also specialize in the production of natural and herbal soaps. They are handmade from a variety of natural ingredients and contain no chemicals or artificial fragrances. Many of them consist of local herbs, essential oils, and organic ingredients such as olive oil, lavender, honey, or apples. 

These soaps are known for their healing properties and can help with skin acne.

#2. Fruit Jam

In Albania, fruit jams are produced in rural areas using traditional methods. Albanians harvest fruits when they are ripe and use natural sugar for the best flavor you can get. 

The most common ones in Albania are pear and apple jams, and you can buy them in jars or cans in the local markets.

#3. Herbal Teas

Herbal teas are very popular in Albania, especially in traditional households among the older generations. Throughout the years, they have been used as medicine for headaches and coughs, but these days they remain popular for their unique natural flavor. 

They are often produced and sold at the local farmers markets. Some of the most popular teas include mint, sage, chamomile, and basil.

#4. Organic Vegetables

Organic vegetables in Albania are gaining more and more popularity due to the increasing customer interest in natural and organic products. Albania has a long tradition of growing fresh vegetables, and Albanians take pride in using locally and sustainably grown products. 

There are many markets in Albania selling vegetables; you just have to choose the best seller and the product!

Where to Find Albanian Souvenirs

You can find some of the best Albanian souvenirs at the markets in many cities in Albania. To mention some of the biggest ones, we have the Kruja Bazaar, which is an Albania must-see, the Korca Old Bazaar, and the Tirana New Bazaar. 

You can also purchase souvenirs online at Souvenir Albania. 

Don’t Forget!

Albania is a country full of culture and traditions, the essence of which can be perfectly captured with valuable souvenirs. 

From the traditional qeleshe to the beautiful handmade ceramics, you can find some of the best Albanian souvenirs in the local markets of Albania. Come and have an unforgettable experience in the welcoming country of the eagles.