Travel Tips
about Albania
About
Albania
authentic in every sense
Did you know that one of Europe´s last wild rivers flows through Albania? Wild means without any dams and man-made constructions. This is only a small example of how wild, untouched and ready to explore Albania is. Come and visit this beauty in Europes Balkan region.
Albania’s boisterous capital Tirana, the stunning mountain scenery, crumbling castles and dreamy beaches rival any in the Mediterranean and continue to enchant. The country´s landscapes range from rugged snow-capped mountains in the Albanian Alps, the Korab, Skanderberg, Pindus and Ceraunian Mountains, to fertile lowland plains extending from the coast. Albania shares its land borders with Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south.
the Capital
Tirana is the capital and largest city in the country, followed by Durres, Vlore and Shkoder. To visit Tirana from the airport, you could use one of the buses leaving in front of the International Airport.
VISA
As an European, Swiss, British, Norwegian and Islandic citizen you are allowed to enter Albania Visa-free for a period of 90-days. Check out the Visa requirements in detail: Entry and Visa Requirements for Tourists Visiting Albania
LANGUAGE
Theories abound about where Albanian came from and how it developed over time, but there is, as yet, no definitive answer. In touristic areas English is well-known, for the more abandoned places you might learn some basic Albanian phrases.
CURRENCY
The Albanian LEK is the official currency of Albania. To exchange Euro´s directly in Albania is a common way and worth to mention, as the local exchange companies use the official exchange rate and do not charge an extra fee.
CUISINE
With its excellent growth conditions for a wide array of herbs, fruits, and vegetables, you could expect to experience a rich and diverse cuisine. You could find a huge variety of seafood, meat, local cheese, vegetables, soups and pastries in the local restaurants.
BEVERAGE
Albanian wine is also common throughout the country, and has been cultivated for thousands of years. Coffee is an integral part of the Albanian lifestyle. The country has more coffee houses per capita than any other country in the world. Tea is also enjoyed both at home or outside at cafés, bars, or restaurants.
More detailed information about Albania:
Albania travel – Lonely Planet
Transport &
Lodging
How to get to Albania?
There are different possibilities of traveling to Albania, depending on time and purpose. By Plane is probably the fastest. To explore the more abandoned places renting a car could give you some extra independence. Travelling to Albania by car is the other option, to shorten the driving time, you could check the car ferries leaving from Italy.
AIRPLANE
The biggest and most known Airport is directly located north of Tirana. From the airport its an easy drive of 40min to reach the kitesurf beach. In general taking the plane is probably the fastest and the most economic way of travelling to Albania. Check out some fares of Ryanair, WIZZ, Edelweiss, SWISS, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, BritishAirlines, Easy Yet, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, TUI fly and many more.
BY FERRY
If you want to travel with your own car, you might consider the ferries operating between Italy and Durres. The car ferries (NetFerry, Direct Ferries) leave from BARI, BRINDISI and ANCONA. After arriving at the port of Durres its an easy 30min drive to reach the kitesurf beach.
BY CAR / VAN
If you want to travel to Albania by car you could potentially stop-by some other top-holiday destinations in the Balkan region, such as Montenegro, Croatia or Bosnia Herzegovina.
TIP: You are planning a roadtrip to Albania? You wonder if there are other top Kitesurf destinations in Montenegro, Croatia or Greece? Check out the Maps and the superb kiteblog of einfachkiten.de to get more detailed information.
How to get around?
We offer airport transfers to Durres and its surroundings. Also consider using on of the alternatives offered below as they are usually more economic and definitely as good as our privat transport. Get in touch to get an individual offer.
RENTAL CARS
Rental cars are fairly cheep and can be rented directly at the airport in Tirana. Check out the fares which can be as low as €20,- / day. It is possible to get a good deal spontaneously at the airport. For added security, you can also book in advance with all the well-known rental companies. Some local rental companies are in general cheaper, less complicated and definitely as trustworthy as the well-known, worldwide operating ones.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Public transport is usually in expansive, especially if you are only visiting one destination. As an example; the buses leaving to Durres cost around 400-600 LEK which is around €4 – €6 one way. It´s not the most luxurious way of traveling but the most economic for sure. Buses and furgons (minibuses) offer public transport around the town and neighbouring villages.
CABS / TAXIS
Taxis are another alternative. In comparison to central Europe, taxis are still “affordable”. You might check some fares on the local companies.
More details:
Where to stay?
We offer 1 week Kitecamps in Albania, including a nice place to stay, lots of fun and like minded people to share your kitesurf addiction. Other than that you have plenty of different options like hotels, apartments, houses or hostels.
Durres is the biggest and closest city to the kite-spot and offers a huge variety of accommodations, restaurants and bars, for every taste and every budget. Less crowded areas are located outside the city centre, e.g. the Lalez Beach further north, the small town Sukth or directly Rinia. To find some interesting deals, check via booking.com or airbnb. The only hotel directly at the beach is the so called st.Tropez hotel.
Things to do
Albaniens midland
Hiking and wandering around in Albania is truly magnificent. Get in touch with local culture and experience the endless nature and beauty Albania has to offer.
To keep the pristine landscape Albania has to offer, 15 areas are currently under protection. The National Parks are located all over Albania, perfect to find peace, silence, adrenaline, breathtaking nature, loneliness, pristine cultural places and unforgettable local encounters.
More information:
The Accursed Mountains – The Majestic Albanian Alps
The Best Hiking & Trekking Trails in Albania
15 Incredible Hikes in Albania
Theth & Valbona Nationalparks
The Albanian Alps National Park is a huge, protected area in the North of Albania. Pristine untouched nature, breathtaking mountains and crystal clear lakes and rivers, Theth and Valbona National Park are for sure a perfect destination to visit.
Thethi-Guide.com
IntoAlbania.com
Vjosa Wild River Nationalpark
Europe’s first wild river National Park is truly magnificent. This stunning wild river with its huge river bed gives you a true feeling about the power of nature. Hike, bike, raft, drive or just wander around to experience this true beauty of Nature.
VjosaNationalPark.al
IntoAlbania.com
Karaburun – Sazan National Marine Park
The Karaburun Peninsula is the first and only Marine National Park in Albania. The beaches are truly stunning and absolutely worth visiting. To preserve the Nature and its surrounding the Peninsula is mainly accessible by boat tours.
IntoAlbania.com
Komani Lake
Komani Lake is an elongated lake in the north of Tirana. The ferry, which connects small abandoned settlements, hostels and hotels, is considered as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in Europe. Somehow comparable with the Norwegian fjords.
KomaniLakeFerry.com
the coast
Along the brilliant Adriatic and Ionian seas, Albania still offers undiscovered coastal gems. Whether you seek dramatic landscapes, cultural approaches, beachfront relaxation or adrenaline boosting watersports, Albania delivers an unforgettable coastal journey.
Albania´s coastline unfolds across two seas, the Adriatic in the North and the Ionian sea in the South. The northern Adriatic coast is a sanctuary for those seeking long, wide sand beaches. In contrast, the southern Ionian coast offers deep blue seas, dramatic cliffs and rugged landscapes. Thus is the coastal section in the north ideal for kitesurfing and offers many possibilities to explore and enjoy. The south instead has a rugged coastline, less possibilities for wind sports but good opportunities for snorkeling, diving, sunbathing and enjoying the picturesque beaches with crystal clear water.
Check out:
Discover Albania’s Spectacular 362-Kilometer Coastline
Cape of Rodon
The Cape of Rodon and its surrounding beaches are an absolut must-visit. It is a small peninsula located north of Durres. Castles, churches and a dramatic sandstone cliff invites to explore and enjoy.
IntoAlbania.com
Portez Beach & Bay of Lalez
West of Rinia you will find a small peninsula with a beach called Portez beach. A bit further east the Lalez bay offers huge wide sandy beaches with shallow water. For example the area around Rrushkull beach is pretty deserted and calm.
Beaches around Durres
A wide, sandy, lively beach is directly located at the city of Durres. The Curilla and Kallm Beach in the north and the Beach of Golem, in the south are usually less crowded. Cape of Lagji and the General’s Beach are situated in a more rugged coastal landscape.
IntoAlbania.com
Other Activities
Further up north the deserted beaches of Rana e Hedhun are worth visiting. Far south you will find the Divijaka Lagoon and the stunning beaches close to Vlora. In the very far south of Albania you will find the stunning beaches of Dhermi, Saranda and Ksamil.
cities & culture
UNESCO world Heritages, natural wonders and a lot to discover. The hidden pearl, the unknown, the unexpected, expose yourself to the surprising culture Albania has to offer.
If churches, castles, bunkers, old towns, historical monuments or contemporary witnesses, you will find a lot to discover. Over time and countless, historical overlaps, an incredibly interesting country has formed. More precisely, this small Balkan region has one of the oldest settlement histories in Europe.
More information:
Exploring the Rich Cultural Customs of the Albanian People
The Best Historic Sites in Albania
20 Must-Visit Attractions In Albania
Durres
The ancient city of Durres is at once a relaxed beach town and a historical center, home to the largest amphitheater and the country’s largest Archaeological Museum. Alongside its history, Durres also provides an active beach and city life, with loads of restaurants, bars and cafés.
Cultural Activities
Ever been to a wine tasting? If you are into craftmanship, consider visiting a local winery. For those being interested in museums and the history Albania has to offer, check out the Archaeological museum in Durres or the BunkArt museum in Tirana.
Kruja
The city’s famous bazaar serves as a bridge between this glorious past and the present, offering a rich array of traditional products made from local artisans. Home to one of the spiritual centers of the country, that of Sarisalltik, Kruja is a crucial destination for every local and visitor!
TourisminAlbania.com
Historical Towns
In Albania there are plenty small, incredible towns to explore and travel to. To only mention a few: Berat, Gjirokastra, Shkodra, Kukes, Butrint, the Region Ohrid and many more.
Kite Era Albania 