Albania might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a summer trip and that is exactly what makes it so special. Instead of crowded resorts and overhyped beach towns, you will find quiet bays, mountain villages and a cultural mix you will not see anywhere else in Europe.
With crystal clear seas, ancient cities, dramatic landscapes and a warm local vibe, Albania is a destination full of surprises. It offers the kind of variety, beauty and authenticity that travelers crave without the high prices or the tourist crowds.
What you'll find in this article:
Tips for traveling Albania on a budget
Where to find the most beautiful beaches and landscapes
Must see cultural and natural highlights
What to eat and where to find it
How to stay online while traveling through Albania
Is Albania a Budget Friendly Destination?
Yes, and surprisingly so. In Albania you can enjoy a full lunch for under ten dollars, stay in a comfortable guesthouse from thirty dollars a night and travel between towns for just a few coins. A ride from the capital to a historic town might cost as little as three dollars. No timetables, but always an experience.
Compared to nearby countries like Greece or Croatia, prices in Albania are far more accessible. Flights from many international airports are also becoming more frequent and affordable as Albania gains attention.
Beaches on the Albanian Riviera
The Albanian Riviera is dotted with long sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and turquoise water. The Ionian Sea gives this region a Mediterranean feel but without the crowds or the inflated prices.
Beach towns like Ksamil and Saranda offer lively promenades, fresh seafood, beach bars and unforgettable sunsets. Into water sports? Try kayaking along the rocky shore, paddle boarding at sunset or joining a snorkel tour to quieter coves. If you are looking for something more relaxed, head to hidden beaches like Gjipe or Lukova where you can unwind in peace.
Affordable and Unique Places to Stay
Albania’s accommodation scene is full of surprises. Because the country is still relatively undiscovered, you will find all kinds of places to stay that are both unique and affordable.
In Gjirokaster, a hilltop city filled with Ottoman history, the Stone City Hostel offers a fresh and friendly stay with a large terrace and views across the old town. Rooms go for less than twenty dollars a night.
In Valbone, a small village tucked in the Albanian Alps, you can sleep in wooden cabins or family guesthouses like Guesthouse Rruga e Gjelber. Wake up to mountain views and enjoy homemade meals around a shared table.
Prefer the coast? Small hotels in Saranda like B and B Livia offer sea views, balconies and fresh breakfast for a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere on the Mediterranean.
And in Berat, you can stay in a traditional Ottoman home such as Hotel Muzaka. Think carved wooden ceilings, river views and walking distance to the historic old town.
Local Food with a Mediterranean Twist
Albanian cuisine is hearty, fresh and full of variety. Think grilled lamb in the mountains, seafood by the coast and rustic stews made with local vegetables and herbs. The food is influenced by Italian, Greek and Balkan traditions.
Try tavë kosi, a baked lamb and yogurt dish, or byrek, a savory pastry often filled with spinach or cheese. In the north you will find freshwater trout from Lake Koman and in the south plenty of grilled seafood.
Eating out is refreshingly affordable. A full meal with salad, bread, a main dish and a drink will rarely cost more than fifteen dollars. And the best meals are often found in family run restaurants in small towns or villages.
What to Do in Albania: Culture, Nature and Adventure
Albania is packed with variety. From vibrant cities to quiet villages, from sunny beaches to snowy peaks, you will find something different around every corner.
In the capital Tirana you will find colorful buildings, creative street art and a mix of history and nightlife. For a completely different vibe, head to Theth or Valbone in the north, where stone houses and mountain trails offer total escape.
Historic Cities and UNESCO Sites
Culture lovers will feel at home in cities like Berat and Gjirokaster. Berat is known as the city of a thousand windows with its white Ottoman houses and historic churches. Gjirokaster’s cobbled streets and fortress views make it one of the most atmospheric places in the country.
Butrint National Park is another highlight. Here you can walk among Roman ruins in a setting that feels more like a nature reserve than a museum. Other stops include the seaside ruins of Durres and the historic castle of Kruje, which comes with a traditional bazaar.
Nature, Mountains and Outdoor Experiences
Albania’s nature is wild, varied and easy to explore. Hike through the Albanian Alps, take a boat trip on the fjord like Koman Lake or cool off at the Blue Eye spring with its impossibly clear water.
Adventure lovers can go kayaking, biking or even diving. The best part? You will often have these experiences to yourself, without tour groups or waiting lines.
Albania as a destination for your next tour
A tour of Albania is an ideal way to experience the diversity of the country. Start in the south, travel along the Adriatic Sea, stay in charming hotels, and end your trip in the mountains of the north. The country is surprisingly versatile and suitable for everyone: from beach lovers to hikers and history buffs.
When to Visit Albania
The best time to visit Albania is between May and October. Spring brings green hills and quiet roads, summer offers sun and beach days and fall is ideal for hiking or exploring ancient cities.
Even in peak summer months, the beaches are far less crowded than other Mediterranean spots. And if you visit in shoulder season, you will find great weather and even better prices.
Festivals and Local Culture
Albania loves to celebrate. From village festivals with food and dancing to open air concerts in Tirana, there is always something going on.
If you are lucky you might stumble upon a local event that gives you a real taste of Albanian hospitality.
Useful Tips for Your Trip
Money and payment: In cities and tourist areas, you can simply use your debit card or ATM. In villages, cash is useful. The Albanian Lek is the local currency, and ATMs are widely available.
Transport and routes: Furgons, small minibuses, can take you cheaply to almost any city or region. For those who want more freedom, a rental car is ideal, especially in the mountains or along the coast.
Language and safety: In tourist areas, you can get by with English. Albania is safe and hospitable. Travellers often feel immediately welcome.
Internet and accessibility: Wi-Fi is not stable everywhere, especially outside the cities. With Firsty, you can stay online in the mountains, at the seaside or on the road, without worrying about roaming costs.
How to Stay Online in Albania with Firsty
Albania is not part of the European Union which means many travelers do not have mobile data by default. Roaming charges can be steep and buying a local SIM card is not always easy when you are on the move.
That is where Firsty comes in. With Firsty you can get online in just a few taps using eSIM. No physical card, no stores, no hidden costs.
Whether you are navigating mountain roads or looking up your next guesthouse, you stay connected wherever you are.
Why Firsty is perfect for your Albania trip:
Get online instantly on arrival
Works in cities, beaches and remote mountain areas
Pay only for what you use, switch plans easily or add days
No roaming surprises or SIM swaps
Great for cross border trips to Montenegro or Greece
Stay in control of your connection while exploring freely. Firsty keeps it simple.
Why Albania Should Be on Your Travel List
Empty beaches without the crowds
Affordable places to stay and eat
Fascinating cities and ancient history
Wild mountains and hidden valleys
Warm people and lively festivals
Whether you are after a quiet escape or an adventure packed trip, Albania gives you space, culture and value. And with Firsty, you can do it all while staying connected.
Pack your bag, grab your eSIM and discover why Albania might just be the best kept secret in Europe.