Europe
Albania
Overview
Albania, a hidden gem in the Balkans, offers a unique blend of natural wonders and rich history. Explore the stunning Albanian Riviera, with its crystal-clear waters and secluded coves. Wander through charming Ottoman-era towns like Gjirokastër and Berat, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Hike the rugged Albanian Alps, known as the 'Accursed Mountains,' for breathtaking views. Tirana, the vibrant capital, surprises with its colorful buildings and buzzing café culture. Don't miss the ancient ruins of Butrint, a testament to Albania's diverse past. With warm hospitality and affordable prices, Albania promises an unforgettable adventure off the beaten path.
Best time to visit. Visit Albania from May to September for ideal weather. Summer (June-August) is perfect for beach holidays, while spring and early fall offer comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and hiking, with fewer crowds and lower prices.
Cities
We don't have any cities for Albania yet. Use the link below to request a city guide.
Country stats
Month | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
January | 52°F - 39°F | 49°F - 35°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 5:00 pm | 13 days 5.5 in | 2 days 0.6 in | 7 mph |
February | 55°F - 41°F | 52°F - 37°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 5:35 pm | 11 days 4.9 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 7 mph |
March | 61°F - 45°F | 59°F - 42°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:00 am | 6:10 pm | 11 days 4.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
April | 68°F - 52°F | 67°F - 50°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:15 am | 6:45 pm | 11 days 3.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
May | 75°F - 59°F | 75°F - 58°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:45 am | 7:20 pm | 9 days 3.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
June | 82°F - 66°F | 84°F - 66°F | Sunny | 4:30 am | 7:45 pm | 6 days 2.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
July | 88°F - 70°F | 91°F - 70°F | Sunny | 4:45 am | 7:40 pm | 4 days 1.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
August | 88°F - 70°F | 91°F - 70°F | Sunny | 5:15 am | 7:10 pm | 4 days 1.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
September | 81°F - 64°F | 82°F - 63°F | Sunny | 5:45 am | 6:20 pm | 7 days 2.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
October | 72°F - 57°F | 71°F - 55°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:15 am | 5:30 pm | 9 days 3.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 4 mph |
November | 63°F - 50°F | 61°F - 47°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 4:50 pm | 12 days 5.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
December | 55°F - 43°F | 52°F - 39°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:10 am | 4:35 pm | 14 days 6.3 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 7 mph |
Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
New Year's Day | January 1 | Nationwide celebration marking the start of the new year with fireworks and festivities | Avoid travel, most places closed | ||
Summer Day | March 14 | Ancient pagan festival celebrating the end of winter and arrival of spring with outdoor events | Festive atmosphere, some closures | ||
Nevruz | March 22 | Spring festival celebrated by Albanian Bektashi community with outdoor gatherings and picnics | Minimal impact, interesting cultural events | ||
Catholic Easter | Varies (March/April) | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' resurrection, observed mainly by Catholic minority | Limited impact, some religious events | ||
Orthodox Easter | Varies (April/May) | Major Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' resurrection, observed by Orthodox majority | Some closures, religious celebrations | ||
May Day | May 1 | International Workers' Day celebrated with parades and events honoring labor rights | Some closures, festive atmosphere | ||
Mother Teresa Day | October 19 | Commemorates the beatification of Mother Teresa, an ethnic Albanian born in North Macedonia | Minimal impact, some cultural events | ||
Independence Day | November 28 | Celebrates Albania's declaration of independence from Ottoman Empire in 1912 | Major holiday, expect closures | ||
Liberation Day | November 29 | Marks the liberation of Albania from Nazi occupation in 1944 during World War II | Some closures, patriotic celebrations | ||
Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' birth, observed by Catholic and Orthodox minorities | Some closures, festive atmosphere |
1 | Greet locals with 'Përshëndetje' (hello) or 'Mirëdita' (good day). Albanians appreciate when visitors make an effort to use basic phrases in their language. |
2 | Tipping is not mandatory but is becoming more common in Albania. In restaurants, round up the bill or leave 10% for good service. |
3 | Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees, and women should cover their heads in mosques. |
4 | Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, especially in rural areas. Keep physical contact to a minimum in public spaces. |
5 | Be prepared for Albanian hospitality. It's common for locals to offer food, drinks, or even invite you to their homes. Politely accept if comfortable. |
6 | Avoid discussing politics, especially related to Kosovo or communism. These topics can be sensitive and may lead to uncomfortable situations. |
7 | Respect local customs during Ramadan if visiting during this time. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. |
8 | Learn to navigate the head nod system. In Albania, nodding up and down means 'no', while shaking side to side means 'yes' - opposite to Western norms. |

Time is precious. Get the most out of every moment traveling.
Not another booking platform.
© 2024 Porter Software, LLC