There are still places in Europe waiting for an opportunity to be discovered. And so it is with Albania; with a slightly smaller area than that of Catalonia or Galicia, the Republic of Albania remains one of Europe's least-known countries.
Since the end of a long dictatorship in 1991, Albania has begun opening up to the world, gradually revealing its hidden treasures. Today, we share images of a country with a distinctive, authentic character: unspoilt beaches with crystal-clear waters, mountains, historic cities and villages that preserve their traditions.
As relatively few people have visited the country, it is natural to have questions when planning a trip to Albania. We have been organising trips to Albania for more than 10 years and can tell you everything you need to know.
We offer three unforgettable experiences:
- A tour of Albania and Montenegro, where you will discover hidden beaches, historic cities and picture-postcard landscapes.
- A route cultural and active for those who wish to discover its fascinating history and culture
- A journey from trekking through the Dinaric Alps, ideal for those seeking adventure among imposing mountains and traditional villages.
What is the best time to travel to Albania?
The best time to travel to Albania is between May and October.
During these months, temperatures are around 25 °C, ideal for enjoying both its beaches and its mountainous landscapes.
It all depends on what you have in mind: summer is ideal for relaxing on the coast, while spring and early autumn are perfect for hiking or exploring historic cities without so much heat.
Traveling to Albania in January and February
In January and February, temperatures are low. Daylight hours gradually increase, but are still limited (it gets dark around 16–17 h). It is possible to travel to Albania during these months, keeping an eye on the weather and adapting our route. It can be a good time to visit, particularly for cultural trips, as the weather will not prevent us from exploring museums and monuments or strolling through the streets. The lower number of visitors also means more affordable prices.
Travelling to Albania in March and April
Rain is frequent in March and April. However, the arrival of spring brings beautiful landscapes that more than make up for it. This is a good time for cultural trips and, although snow still makes the northern mountains difficult to access, hiking is possible in the centre and south of the country.
Travelling to Albania in May and June
The months of May and June are perfect months to travel to Albania. The spring rains begin to ease, the scenery remains spectacular, temperatures are not too high and tourists are still few. The weather allows us to enjoy any activities we choose. Although we need warm clothes, it is already possible to explore the mountainous north.
Travelling to Albania in July and August
July and August are hot throughout the country and see the greatest influx of tourists. However, this is also the time to make the most of a trip to Albania, as we can enjoy all kinds of activities. If we want to cool off, we can always take a dip at one of the wonderful beaches of the Albanian Riviera, or explore the spectacular Dinaric Alps, where the weather is much cooler.
Travelling to Albania in September
Although the month of September is still hot, in theory the temperatures should be milder than in the previous months, and there is less tourism than in peak season, so it is a very good time to visit the country. If you want to explore the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, September is ideal: you will share the beaches with far fewer tourists than in July and August, and find better prices.
Travelling to Albania in October
In October temperatures are very reasonable, there is little tourism, Dinaric Alps are usually still passable, and with luck you may still be able to swim at the beaches of the Albanian Riviera. Autumn also begins to arrive, and the changing colours of the trees create wonderful landscapes.
Travel to Albania in November and December
Although temperatures have been pleasant in recent years, November and December bring cold weather and considerably shorter daylight hours. By taking these factors into account and adapting our visits, we can still enjoy rewarding trips to Albania during these months. However, we should rule out the northern mountains and the beaches of the Albanian Riviera.
Average temperatures
| Month | Tirana (°C) | V. Theth (°C) | Kosovo (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.2 | -2.0 | 1.0 |
| February | 6.5 | -1.0 | 2.0 |
| March | 9.6 | 2.0 | 6.0 |
| April | 13.3 | 6.0 | 10.0 |
| May | 17.5 | 10.0 | 14.0 |
| June | 21.8 | 14.0 | 18.0 |
| July | 24.4 | 17.0 | 21.0 |
| August | 24.7 | 17.0 | 21.0 |
| September | 20.2 | 13.0 | 17.0 |
| October | 15.9 | 8.0 | 11.0 |
| November | 11.5 | 3.0 | 6.0 |
| December | 6.7 | -1.0 | 2.0 |
Beaches in Albania
Albania has a beautiful Ionian coastline, known as the Albanian Riviera, making it one of the Mediterranean's most attractive destinations. The Albanian Riviera offers traditional Mediterranean villages, ancient castles, churches and monasteries, secluded turquoise beaches, bays, mountain passes, seaside canyons, coves, rivers, marine wildlife, caves and groves of orange, mandarin, lemon and olive trees.
The best time to visit the Albanian Riviera
The best time to travel to the Albanian Riviera is between June and October, when warm temperatures allow us to make the most of its beaches. However, our favourite months are June and September (even October if the weather allows), when the beaches are much less crowded than in the height of summer.
How do you travel between the beaches of the Albanian Riviera?
If you want to move freely between the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, private transport is best, such as a hire car or driver. This article explains everything you need to know about travelling to Albania.
The Albanian Riviera: deserted beaches?
Despite what we can imagine, we will not find deserted beaches in Albania. Although the beaches of the Albanian Riviera are still little known to us, many tourists from northern Greece, the Republic of North Macedonia and Serbia, as well as Albanians themselves, know them well and fill most of them in summer.
That is why before considering travelling to the beaches of Albania We must take two things into account; the first is that we will not be alone, and the second is that we must expect to find Mediterranean beaches similar to those we can find in our country.
Best beaches on the Albanian Riviera
One of the most beautiful beaches is the beach of Palasë, with its mix of white sand and gravel and crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and diving, is the first beach on the Albanian Riviera when travelling from north to south. It is a busy beach with all kinds of facilities nearby.
Another highlight is the Drimadhes beach, famous for its crystal-clear waters. Near the picturesque village of Dhermi, it is undoubtedly one of the country’s most beautiful beaches. With white sand and turquoise water, it has an unusual rock formation dividing it in two: one side is sandy, the other pebbly.
It is a large beach, so finding a spot on the sand is easy, even when it is busy. There are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.
Hidden between the cliffs of the Gjipe canyon, the Gjipe beach is one of the most picturesque on the Albanian Riviera. Its deep blue waters resemble a natural pool. You reach it on a half-hour walk ending with a descent down the mountainside, or by boat or kayak. It is one of our favourites, so we visit it on our summer route through Albania.
Continuing south we find the Livadh beach. A beach of coarse sand, ideal for the whole family and especially for lovers of diving.
For those who want to combine a beach day with a cultural visit, do not miss the Porto Palermo beach. A small beach just 95 metres long, it is the most romantic on the Albanian Riviera and a perfect place for diving and camping. A small peninsula in the middle of the bay has a castle steeped in history and spectacular views. It is also a stop on our summer itinerary in Albania.
We now arrive at the longest beach on the Albanian Riviera: Borsh beach. With sweeping views of the Ionian Sea, it is sheltered by mountains and surrounded by olive groves.
Another beach on the Albanian Riviera worth visiting is Lukovë Beach, a long beach, with small pebbles and a very nice view.
Some of the most sought after beaches in the entire Riviera are the beaches of Ksamil, in the far south of the country. These beaches are known for their white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters. There are several small beaches facing the islands, all offering pedal boats or kayaks for exploring the surrounding waters. The beaches are:
The little one Pulëbardhat beach. Framed by a rugged coastline, it is one of the Albanian Riviera’s best-kept secrets. Small pebbles and several coves make it one of the most beautiful.
Very close to the latter we find the Gjiri i Hartes beach, in Ksamil, also considered one of the Albanian Riviera’s most attractive towns.
Finally, the beach Pema e Thatë is a beautiful, popular beach facing Corfu, only half a mile away. Although shallow beaches are hard to find in Ksamil, this is one of the shallowest along the coast, making it popular with families with young children.
What to know before travelling to Albania
Is it safe to travel to Albania?
In general, we can say that traveling to Albania It's safe, but we need to point out a few things.
Petty crime is uncommon, so travellers feel safe on the streets of any town in Albania. Throughout the country, we see houses with open doors and people unconcerned about their belongings; theft and assault are very uncommon. Local people are extremely friendly towards visitors, and tourist scams are still absent, so you can walk along any street in Albania with total certainty. In this regard, we can say that it is safe to travel to Albania.
The roads, however, are another matter. Traffic rules are often ignored, and reckless driving is common. We therefore recommend travelling with an experienced driver who knows the roads and, above all, taking great care at the wheel.
Another consideration is healthcare. Being in Europe should not give us a false sense of security: public healthcare in Albania is very poor. Tirana, the capital, has good private hospitals, but elsewhere there are few private clinics and public services cannot be relied upon. Travel insurance providing sufficient medical cover for any problems during your stay is therefore essential.
How to travel to Albania from Spain?
The best way to travel to Albania from Spain is by plane. Several airlines currently offer direct flights to Tirana from Barcelona and Madrid. Other Spanish cities also offer connections via Germany or Italy.
Do you need a passport to travel to Albania?
Although we always recommend traveling outside the EU with a passport, to travel to Albania passport is not necessary. If you are an EU citizen, you can travel to Albania with your ID card or passport. This document must be valid for at least 3 months.
What to see in Albania?
Albania is a country rich in history and culture, with wonderful natural landscapes. This small country in southeastern Europe has much to offer travellers willing to explore it, from its impressive northern mountains and historic cities to traditional villages and the beaches of the Albanian Riviera. This diverse destination offers trips for every taste.
Its capital, Tirana, is now a city full of life and colour. Its colourful buildings, lively squares and variety of bars and restaurants make it an ideal place to immerse yourself in Albanian culture. Museums and historic sites, such as the National History Museum, the King’s Palace and the Bunk’Art museums, offer an interesting insight into the country’s history.
If you are considering a cultural trip, don’t miss towns such as Kruja, near the capital, with an interesting historic bazaar and a museum dedicated to the national hero, Skanderbeg. Other must-see towns include Berat, known as “the city of a thousand windows”, and Gjirokastra, where you can wander through the cobbled citadel, a World Heritage Site. To explore the country’s natural landscapes, don’t miss the northern mountains (Theth and Valbona). We also love the national park of Karavasta, with one of the Mediterranean's largest lagoons. Be sure to visit some of the beaches along the country's more than 450 km of coastline. In this article, we describe the best beaches of the Albanian Riviera and what to expect.
How to get around Albania?
Private transport is undoubtedly the best way to get around Albania.
As the country has limited public transport infrastructure, it is difficult to make every journey this way. Hiring a car is an option, but there are two things to bear in mind. First, we strongly recommend booking through a travel agency or an official car hire company, as many unofficial rentals offer no guarantees for the driver. Second, driving in Albania can be quite aggressive, and reckless driving is common. We therefore recommend travelling with an experienced driver. If you prefer a hire car, ask us about our self-drive trips, with all the necessary assurances and Spanish-speaking support at your destination to help everything run smoothly.
Another option is to travel in a small group or privately with a driver or driver-guide. These are our favourite options, as they let you leave transport arrangements to someone else and are quite affordable.
Travel to Albania
Albania✔️ Departure 28 MAR | 4, 25 Apr 2026
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