Where is Albania Located?

The country of Albania lies in the southeast of Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea to the west and The Ionian to the south, thus having the amazing beaches that it has. 

Albania has a long history filled with struggles for independence and survival against invaders such as the Roman Empire, the Ottomans, and the Austro-Hungarians. After 500 years of Ottoman rule, Albania finally declared its independence in 1912. 

The period since independence has produced a vibrant cultural life and progress in terms of the economy and human rights. Albania’s valuable cultural heritage and tradition of hospitality make it one of the most unique and popular destinations in the Mediterranean region. 

Why Should You Visit Albania?

Although we don’t think you’ll need a lot of convincing, here are some reasons why you should spend your next holiday in Albania:

• It’s home to some of the best beaches on the Mediterranean coast. Stretching from Vlora to Saranda, the Albanian Riviera offers amazing beaches and an unforgettable summer vacation. The beaches are breathtaking, and the waters are crystal clear, always inviting you for a refreshing swim. 

• It’s filled with history everywhere you go. Albania is home to numerous cities with a very rich history, such as Gjirokaster and Berat, which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can visit some of the most beautiful Ottoman-era houses, National Museums, or ancient remains of Roman and Greek cities. 

• The food is like no other. In every city of Albania, you’ll find a mix of restaurants serving international cuisine and traditional Albanian food. Try mouthwatering dishes such as byrek, fergese, tave kosi, or baklava. We must also mention that Albanians use fresh products to prepare their meals to ensure the most healthy and delicious experience possible for their visitors.

• It’s a nature lover’s paradise. Nature in Albania is simply magical. From the Albanian Alps to the idyllic villages, it’s everything you can dream of. Hiking in Albania has become a popular activity, with adventurous hikers coming from all over the world to see these wonders for themselves.

How to Get to Albania?

Albania can be easily reached by plane, bus, car, or ferry.

Peak Season in Albania

With an amazing coastline filled with breathtaking beaches, It’s only logical that Albania in July and August is at its peak. 

High temperatures, big crowds, and beautiful beaches—that’s Albania. The beaches are most crowded at this time of year with foreign tourists coming to get a taste of that European summer. Along with the season, the prices are also at their peak due to the massive influx of tourists.

Best Time To Visit Albania For Beaches

If you’re up for a holiday full of lazy days at the beach and relaxation under the sun, the months of April to September are perfect for you. The peak season has ideal Albanian weather, with guaranteed sunny days and no rain during this time. 

April through June is also a fantastic time to enjoy the beaches of the Albanian Riviera. The weather is just right, and there might be a few light showers, but the sun will still be shining and the sea will be perfect to swim in. 

Some of the best beaches in Albania are Ksamil Beach and Drymades Beach, which have played a huge part in the evolution of tourism in Albania. They are buzzing during the summer, so be sure to get there early if you want a good spot during peak season. 

Best Time to Visit Albania for Festivals

For every party lover, May to July is your time to come. There are countless festivals organized in Albania, most of them taking place on the beautiful coast. 

Some of the most popular festivals are Kala in Dhermi, Sunnyhill Festival in Tirana, UNUM Festival, and many more. They’re mostly held in June or July and welcome tourists to have some of the best moments of their summer. 

Also, if you’re staying in Tirana, there are events held almost every day in the main Skanderbeg square to celebrate all kinds of cultures and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Albania for Hiking

You’d be surprised to know that about 70% of Albania is mountainous terrain, so it’s actually the perfect place for hikers. The landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, leaving you to enjoy incredible views of towns, rivers, lakes, and the sea. 

If you want to challenge yourself and hike mountains with a high elevation, it’s best to visit starting in May and forward, as they will be covered in snow if you visit earlier. 

One of the most popular trails is the Valbona to Theth trail, which gets pretty crowded in the summer. It’s around 30 kilometers long and is considered a difficult hike.

Best Time to Visit Albania for Cities

The cities of Albania welcome visitors at any time of year, but keep in mind that Albania can get scorching hot in the summer, especially the capital, Tirana. This may make strolling around the city a tad uncomfortable. 

Albania is home to many cities holding amazing value, such as Tirana, Gjirokaster, and Berat.

The best time to visit cities in Albania would be either during the winter or the spring. Many cities put up beautiful lights and decorations during the winter holidays, giving you an amazing and unforgettable atmosphere. 

During spring, on the other hand, you’ll get to witness the beauty of nature come to life, with colorful flowers and blooming greenery all around. It’s just the perfect time to wander around and immerse yourself in Albania’s culture and traditions. 

Don’t Forget!

Albania is a beautiful country located on the Balkan Peninsula in south-eastern Europe. It’s a must-visit for any traveler looking for their next adventure due to its amazing nature, local hospitality, delicious food, and cultural value. 

• You can reach Albania by plane, bus, or car, depending on your budget or preferences. 

• The peak season in Albania is around the months of July and August.

• The best time to visit Albania for its unique beaches is anytime between the months of April and September.

• For all the festival lovers, it’s best to visit during the months of May to July.

• Hiking in Albania is a pretty popular activity during May and then on. 

• Sightseeing is also a nice activity for tourists and can be enjoyed if you visit in the winter or the spring.



Visit Albania with Kalemi

#1. Tirana Walking Tour

If you want to know more about Albania, of course you’ll have to start with its capital, Tirana. In this Tirana Walking Tour, you’ll get to visit every highlight of the city, learning more about the country’s culture and traditions.

You’ll start your tour at Skanderbeg Square, where you’ll visit Ethem Bey Mosque. After about 10 minutes of exploring, you’ll get to the Clock Tower, right next by. If you want you can climb up the stairs and see the whole city in front of you.

 Next you’ll head to the New Bazaar, where you’ll see countless cafes, restaurants, and antique shops, where you can buy cute souvenirs to remember your trip by. From there you’ll walk to the Castle of Tirana, a very popular public space in the capital. It’s home to authentic restaurants, as well as cafes and small shops.

Your next stop is Blloku, where you’ll find the most exclusive bars, clubs, restaurants, and hangout places, where the music and fun never end. On your way to Blloku you’ll also pass by the Pyramid, a very unique structure built in 1988 for the former dictator of Albania.

The next and final stop is the National History Museum, where you can learn all about the country’s history, from the times of antiquity to the present. Admission isn’t included in the price, with a ticket costing about $5 per adult.

#2. Multi Day UNESCO Tour in Albania

During this multi-day tour you’ll get to visit three UNESCO sites, in the cities of Berat, Gjirokastra, and Butrint. On the first day you’ll drive towards Gjirokastra, to firstly visit Zekate House, known for its typical 19th century architecture.

You’ll then visit the Castle of Gjirokastra, the second largest castle in the country. It’s located on top a hill, overlooking the city. Next is the famous Gjirokastra Bazaar, dating back to the 17th century, with its narrow cobblestone streets and authentic shops.

On the next day you’ll head to the Blue Eye, among the most beautiful natural phenomena in Albania, also a UNESCO site. After this, Butrint National Park is up next. It’s one of the most significant archaeological sites in Albania, with its ancient amphitheater, and ruins of medieval civilizations.

Berat, also known as “The City of a Thousand Windows”, is up next. The city is part of UNESCO, thanks to its reemarkable Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques, built within the famous Berat Castle.

After visiting the castle, you’ll also check out the neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, providing amazing views of the city. You’ll then head back to Tirana, where you’ll visit the National Iconographic Museum Onufri.

#3. Full-Day Tour Durres and Kruja: A Historical Getaway from Tirana

If you’re a history lover, this tour is perfect for you. Your adventure will start in Kruja Castle, perched above the city, providing stunning views. It’s known to be the place where National hero Skanderbeg fought off the Ottoman forces, giving Albania its freedom.

Inside the castle you’ll visit the Skanderbeg Museum, containing documents, objects, and artefacts, showcasing Skanderbeg’s history throughout the years. After exploring the museum for a bit, you’ll get to the Old Bazaar, full of small souvenir shops and authentic stores, staying true to the old traditions.

Then you’ll head to the coastal city of Durres, where firstly you’ll visit the Durres Amphitheater, the largest ever built in the Balkans. After around 45 minutes of exploring the amphitheater, you’ll visit the Venetian Tower, also known as the Durres Castle.

It’s a 9-meter tall structure, and is a Byzantine-style tower. Inside you’ll find a small museum, while on the terrace there’s a restaurant, where you can have a drink and enjoy the views.

#4. Full-Day Tour from Tirana to Gjirokaster, Blue Eye and Saranda

In this tour of south Albania you’ll get one of the best medieval experiences, getting a glimpse of the local life and traditions of Gjirokastra and Saranda. You’ll start your tour in Tirana, where you’ll meet with your guide and then head to Saranda.

The drive there is absolutely stunning, with the highway overlooking the whole Albanian Riviera. After stopping in Saranda for a bit, you’ll visit the wonderful Blue Eye, a fresh water source surrounded by lush greenery.

Then you’ll head to Gjirokastra, also known as “The Stone City”. It’s among the best-preserved medieval cities, thus being part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Some places you’ll visit are Zekate House, the Old Bazaar, as well as nighborhoods around the city.

#5. Berat Full-Day Tour

This full-day tour starts in Tirana, at 9:00 am, where you’ll meet with your friendly guide and head straight to Berat. You’ll firstly visit the Onufri Museum, inside the Cathedral of Saint Mary Assumption, and admire the icons of the mysterious painter.

Your next stop will be Berat Castle, among the most popular and significant castles in Albania. It’s characterized by its small Byzantine churches and amazing views of the city. After exploring the castle for about two hours, you’ll head to the Gorica Bridge.

This bridge connects the old quarters of Mangalem and Gorica, known for their medieval architecture and rare house shapes.

FAQ About Best Time To Visit Albania