September 2024
In September 2024, we spent 10 days exploring the mountains and coastline of Albania. Discover our favourite spots, practical travel tips, and hidden gems of this not-yet-as-famous travel destination.
Introduction to Albania
Albania is located in Southeast Europe along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, bordered by Greece to the south and Montenegro and Kosovo to the north. The country features diverse landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and a coastline known for its beautiful beaches. With a population of approximately 2.8 million people, Albania is home to various ethnic groups, including Albanians, Greeks, Macedonians, Serbs, Roma, and others. The nation has a rich cultural heritage shaped by historical influences from Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. A fascinating aspect of Albania’s culture is the coexistence of churches and mosques; in many cities and villages, you can find both located just a few meters apart, highlighting the country’s tradition of religious tolerance and cultural diversity.
Top Locations
Tirana
Tirana is the capital of Albania. Due to time restrictions and our personal preference of spending more time in nature, we didn’t spend time here on our first trip. However, if you arrive by plane, you’ll most likely land in Tirana, and we would suggest spending at least one day here. The city offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern life.
Shkodra
Shkodra is one of Albania’s oldest cities and is often considered the gateway to the northern part of the country. Nestled between the scenic shores of Lake Shkodra and the backdrop of the Albanian Alps, it has much to offer. During our stay, we enjoyed the gorgeous lake, which served as a perfect base for day trips and the starting point for our 3-day journey to the mountains.
In addition to its natural beauty, Shkodra was a culinary paradise for us, featuring multiple restaurants with delicious vegan options.
Where we stayed: Hotel Rustico, offering a pool and gorgeous views over the lake
Where we ate: Arti’Zanave, Puri, Pasta te Zenga, Pasta te Zenga, M’kanda -> click here for a more detailed reviews of Shkodra’s vegan scene.
View from our accommodation in Shokdra, offering stunning sunset views on the mountains and lake.
One of the many visitor of Lake Shokdra
Ulza Lake
Lake Ulza is located about 40 kilometers northeast of Tirana, adjacent to the town of Ulza (UlzĂ«). This artificial lake serves as a large reservoir on the Mat River, supporting Albania’s first hydroelectric dam, which was inaugurated in 1957. During our visit, we were particularly impressed by the gorgeous mountain background that reflected on the surface.
On the way to the lake, you’ll drive on winding roads surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque views on the river, along with the occasional goat encounter.
A particular cool stop was the Shkopet Bridge. Although it gives the impression of not being very well maintained, it is stable and safe to cross 🙂 It is a thrilling experience and offers beautiful views. If you’re in the area, definitely take a moment to stop – it’s a fun detour! Just keep in mind that it’s not necessary to go too far out of your way for this one, but it’s well worth a visit if you’re nearby.
Valbona-Theth Valley
If you’re a fan of nature, hiking, and adventure, we highly recommend the popular Valbona to Theth hike. This incredible journey spans three days and features scenic bus rides through the mountains, as well as a ferry ride across Lake Komani. For more information about the region and the hike, check out the details here.
Blue Eye Theth (Syri i Kalter)
One of the top attractions near Theth is visiting the Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter), a stunning natural spring famous for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters in the heart of the Albanian Alps. To reach the site, you can choose between a hike from Theth (approximately 17 kilometers), or a shorter drive to the nearby village of Ndërlysaj, followed by a short hike to the spring. You can either drive yourself, take organized transport, or arrange a taxi for yourself or to share with others.
During our visit to Theth, we noticed a van parked on the main street with a sign reading “Blue Eye.” We approached the driver to check for available space, and he informed us that he could take us there for 500 ALL per person (around 5 EUR). Normally, spontaneity works out really well in Albania. Alternatively, you can ask your accommodation to arrange a taxi, and they’ll likely have someone ready to drive you to the Blue Eye within the hour.
The Blue Eye in Theth is definitely worth a visit! The hike is short, fun, and not too challenging. However, please note that if you go during high season, you are likely to share the place with many others, while visiting in low season will give you a more tranquil experience.
Please note that there are two Blue Eyes in Albania: One in Theth and one in Sarandë.
Sarandë
SarandĂ« is a picturesque coastal town along Albania’s beautiful Ionian Sea, offering everything you could desire from a beach destination. With its crystal-clear waters, charming promenade, opportunities for boat tours, and lush green hills, SarandĂ« has a perfect balance between relaxation and exploration.
Where we stayed: Sunset Shoreline Saranda, offering a pool and gorgeous views. While this type of accommodation isn’t usually our preference, we truly enjoyed our stay here. The hotel is family-owned with a warm atmosphere, and their passion for the place truly comes through. Breakfast is included and offers a variety of vegan options, including jam, cereal, fresh fruits, and plant-based milk.
Where we ate: Tako Taco Pub, Pastiçeri Dolce -> click here for a more detailed reviews of SarandĂ«’s vegan scene.
Blue Eye Saranda
Blue Eye Saranda is a natural spring located about 25 kilometers from the town of Saranda. It’s famous for its mesmerizing turquoise waters, which emerge from a deep underwater cave. The water bubbling up from the cave is a striking deep blue, while the surrounding waters have a lighter blue colour. This beautiful contrast creates the illusion of a human eye, which is how the spring got its name!
The area around Blue Eye Saranda has become quite touristic, with a shop right next to the scene, but don’t let that discourage you. The Blue Eye is truly fascinating! Even with many people buzzing around, try to carve out a moment for yourself to gaze into the depths of the spring. The mesmerizing colours and tranquil atmosphere release a unique energy that feels almost hypnotic.
Entrance fee: 50 LEK (in September 2024) + parking fee (between 200-800LEK depending on the duration).
Please note that there are two Blue Eyes in Albania: One in Sarandë and one in Theth.
Berat
Also known as the city of 1000 windows, Berat is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Take some time to stroll through the charming cobblestone streets, admire the architecture and the views.
Where we ate: Zonja Gjene
Practical info
Currency
Albania’s official currency is the Albanian lek (ALL). While euros may be accepted in some tourist areas, it’s best to always have cash in the local currency, especially in smaller towns or rural regions where card payments are less common. ATMs are readily accessible in larger cities and tourist spots, but it’s always wise to carry some cash with you. This is particularly important for accommodations in mountain regions, where card payment options are often unavailable.
Car rental
Renting a car in Albania is one of the easiest ways to discover the country. Car rental agencies are conveniently located at major airports and cities. It’s wise to book in advance, especially during peak seasons. Depending on your driving experience so far, the roads might take a while getting used to. In rural areas, the streets can be narrow and winding. In the city, we found driving to be quite hectic and even stressful during our first few days. Local drivers often tend to be reckless and in a hurry, so be prepared for honking, frequent overtaking, and fast-moving cars on the road. As a general rule, it’s helpful to focus on your own driving and not let the behaviour of other drivers stress you out. If you adhere to the speed limit and have a reliable GPS system, you’ll navigate the roads just fine. We booked our car through Europcar.
Sim Card
Purchasing a local SIM card in Albania is easy and affordable. Vodafone is one of the country’s leading providers and offers good network coverage throughout the country. At Tirana International Airport, you’ll find a Vodafone kiosk conveniently located just after you exit customs. For example, you can get 100 gigabytes of data for 30 euros (September 2024). The staff there are helpful and can assist you with inserting your new SIM card.
In addition to physical SIM cards, eSIM options are also available. An eSIM allows you to activate a cellular plan without the need for a physical SIM card, providing a seamless way to get online without worrying about changing cards. You can find eSIM options for Albania under maya.net.
Best Time to visit
The best time to visit Albania is from May to September, when the weather is warm and perfect for both mountain hikes and beach trips. July and August are peak tourist months, especially along the coast, so visiting in May, June, or September offers a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Have questions, comments, or advice to share? We’d love to hear from you – drop a message in the comments below!