Albania

Albania Travel Guide — your assistant in traveling to Albania.

Albania is located on the world map in the southwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula.

The name with the root alba (white) was given by foreigners. The Albanians themselves call themselves shqiptare, and the country Shqipёria — (Country of Eagles).

Interesting to know: in Albanian, “shqipe” and “shqiponjё” mean “eagle”.

There are many assumptions about the semantics of the word “albania”. However, in any case, the name is associated with the word “white” or “alba”.

Albania: politics

Form of government

Albania is a parliamentary republic by form of government.

The parliament elects the president and forms the government with the prime minister.

According to the Constitution, Albania is a multi-party and secular country.

Religious organizations

There are six major religions in the country, four of which are legally recognized as main religions.

The Constitution of Albania establishes the principle of non-interference in the activities of religious organizations and the protection of believers’ rights.

Official holidays also include religious ones, such as Catholic Easter, Orthodox Easter, Greater Bajram (End of Ramadan), Lesser Bajram (Varied).

The date changes every year according to religious rules.

Albania stands out among other countries on the world map for its religious tolerance.

Development strategy

Albania is moving along a democratic path of development and is actively building its statehood.

Today, significant transformations are taking place in society and government structures. The country’s legal system is being rebuilt in the financial sphere and taxes.

Modern infrastructure is being developed. Airports, yacht ports, roads, tunnels, bridges, etc. are being built. The democratic approach of the country’s leadership allows attracting large investors.

The vector of development is aimed at integration into Europe.

All political obstacles have been removed from the road and the “barrier has been raised”. Today country is moving powerfully towards EU membership.

The strategic goal of the country is the development of tourism.

The tactics are to attract investment from abroad and create infrastructure for tourists.

Key factors

Four key factors determine the strategy:

• warm and mild Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine in the season;
• proximity to Europe and accessibility for European tourists;
• long coastline with numerous beaches, both pebbly and sandy;
• unspoiled natural environment (mountains, sea, rivers, lakes).

The geographically advantageous location for tourism determines the country’s development vector.

In the “About the Country” section, you will learn more about Albania’s culture, holidays, language, currency, and customs.

Ideal picture for Albania: EU membership

Albania is located on the world map among European countries.

And any European tourist can visit Albania by plane or by car.

The country attracts numerous travelers from rich countries.

The growth of tourism increases the income of both the state and citizens.

Albania on the Balkans map: neighboring countries

The country borders five neighbors and has four land borders and one maritime border.

Neighboring countries:

• Montenegro (north);
• Kosovo (northeast);
• North Macedonia (east);
• Greece (south);
• Italy (west).

The maritime border with Italy runs through two seas: the Ionian and the Adriatic. There is no land border with Italy.

The total length of land borders is 691 km, including:

• Montenegro: 186 km;
• Kosovo: 112 km;
• North Macedonia: 181 km;
• Greece: 212 km.

The coastline is about 362 km long, based on geological surveys from 1984.

Geographical location

Population

According to the 2011 census, the country had a population of 2,856,500 people.

As of January 1, 2024, the estimated population is 2,886,026 people.

Language

Albanians speak the Albanian language, which has been the standard language for the entire country since 1972.

It is called “literary Albanian” or in Albanian “gjuha letrare shqipё”.

NATO and EU status

Albania and all neighboring Balkan countries are members of the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO). Albania has been a NATO member since 2009.

Since 2014, it has held official candidate status for EU membership.

Territory

The total area is about 28,748 sq. km, including land of 27,398 sq. km. km, the rest is sea 1,350 sq. km.

About 70 percent of the country’s territory is covered by mountains.

The average height of the mountains is 700 meters. The highest mountain Korab (Majia e Korabit) is located in the east of the country and reaches a height of 2764 meters.

Climate

The climate varies greatly depending on the location.

In the south, it is subtropical and near Saranda, good citrus harvests are collected. Apple trees grow everywhere. And apples are sold at low prices.

Olives are everywhere, both on mountain slopes and on plains. You can buy olive oil everywhere. Growing olives and making olive oil is a traditional occupation for the local population.

In the north and in the mountains, the climate is more continental. The average air temperature in winter is lower. Vegetation in the mountains is different and the species diversity depends on the altitude above sea level.

Along the coast the climate is mild and moderate. It often rains in winter. Summer, unlike winter, is hot, sunny and dry with a clear, clean sky. The air is saturated with water ions with sea salts.

Nature of Albania: rivers, lakes, seas

The country has several large lakes:

• Shkodra – the largest lake in the Balkans, located on the border with Montenegro. Its area is about 400 sq. km, with roughly 1/3 in Albania and 2/3 in Montenegro.
• Ohrid – a lake with relic fish species, located on the border with North Macedonia. Its area is about 260 sq. km, with approximately half in Albania and half in North Macedonia.

In the southern part of the country, the exceptionally pure Vjosa River flows. Its source is in Greece (called Aoos in Greek), then it runs through southern Albania, bypasses the city of Vlora, and flows into the sea. Its length is 272 km: 80 km in Greece and 172 km in Albania.

The country was in isolation for a long time under communist rule, so nature along the river has remained in pristine condition.

Albania occupies a special position on the map of the Balkans – it is washed by two seas.:

• The Ionian Sea in the south.
• The Adriatic Sea in the north.

Administrative division

The country’s territory is divided into 12 districts.

Each district is divided into municipalities.

In each municipality there are cities and towns.

Interesting to know! District, municipality and city are territories with different populations. However, the name can be the same. For example, in Vlora district, there is Vlora municipality and Vlora city.

You may find it surprising, but Saranda and Ksamil, for instance, are also part of Vlora District.

UNESCO Sites in Albania

UNESCO has included four sites in Albania as part of the world cultural heritage:

• The city of Butrint;
• Berat and Gjirokastra;
• Lake Ohrid;
• Beech forests across the territory.

Interactive map of Albania’s territory:

When is the best time to visit Albania

Any time of year. There are places in the country that can be visited in winter.

If your goal is to swim in the sea and sunbathe, then come in the pre-season.

During this period, prices are low and the sun is comfortable for tanning.

Swimming season

Along the coast, the season begins in May and ends by the end of October.

• May and October are the “pre-season” for those who want soft sun and low prices. The average air temperature in these months is 20-25 degrees.
• June and September are the “cream of the crop” of the velvet season. During these months, it is comfortable to sunbathe throughout the day. The average temperature is 25-30 degrees.
• In July and August, the sun is scorching and you can only sunbathe in the morning or evening. In the scorching sun from 13:00 to 15:00, you will have to hide in an apartment with air conditioning or in a nearby bar. The temperature is on average about 30-35 degrees or higher.

The swimming season opens in April and closes in October. At this time, the sun is very gentle and it is impossible to get sunburned. The air temperature is about 20-25 degrees.

There are about 300 sunny days a year in Albania.

And the swimming season lasts 5 months from May to September inclusive.

The beaches in Albania are varied. There are pebbly, sandy-pebbly, sandy with coarse sand, sandy with soft sand.

Below is a photo of Amar Beach on the Albanian Riviera with soft sand along the edge of the sea.

Cities and attractions

If your goal is to see the country and travel, come at any time of the year.

The history of Albanian cities is connected with the heroic struggle of the Albanian people for liberation.

For example, in the city of Kruja you can visit the fortress and the museum of the national hero Skenderbeg.

And in Vlora you can visit the Museum of Independence.

Finally, it is worth visiting the ancient city of Butrint.

It was a meeting place of different eras — from the Hellenic and Roman to the Byzantine and Ottoman.

For information! Butrint is the most visited cultural site of the Republic of Albania.

Of course, you should definitely visit the capital Tirana.

Visit the secret bunker of “comrade Enver Hoxha” BUNK`ART 1 and ride the Dajti cable car.

In conclusion, you can visit ancient Berat, nicknamed “the city of a thousand windows”.

Mountain one-day routes

Active travelers may be interested in weekend routes along mountain trails. The main feature is a one-day route (actual time on the trail is 3-4 hours).

For example, near Vlora, there is the “Vlora Observation Trail.” From it, you can take panoramic photos/videos of the bay and the city of Vlora.

Above Kruja, there is the tourist “Mountain Trail to Sarisalltik” to the holy site (Bektashi tekke Sarisalltik).

For lovers of wild nature, there is the “Route from Gjipe Beach to Jale Beach” along the coast.

In Berat, you can climb the mountain slope to the fortress at the top. The route and coordinates of the trail entrance are described in detail in the article.

Thus, for hiking enthusiasts, there is always a “trail” for an exciting weekend journey.

Tips for future travelers

The peak tourist season begins in July and reaches its peak in August.

At this time there are more tourists and prices are higher than usual.

Summary

Albania occupies a favorable position on the world map along two seas.

And the democratic path creates stability, trust and attracts large investors.

Modern infrastructure is developing rapidly, large-scale construction is underway throughout the country.

At the same time, Albania’s strategic goal is tourism.

Thus, a tourist is the most welcome guest in Albania.

The Albania travel guide will help you better understand the people and their traditions.

As the author of a blog about Albania, I will provide you with original photos and videos.

Shorts

Filming date: April 29, 2024. Beaches near Dhermi – kids riding the waves.

📽️ Watch more videos about life in Albania on my YouTube channel Life in Albania.
👍 Like and subscribe so you don’t miss new releases!