Europe · Southeast Europe

Albania

Republic of Albania

Flag of Albania
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+01:00
🏛️ Capital
Tirana
👥 Population
2,363,314
📐 Area
28,748 km²
💱 Currency
Albanian lek (L)
🗣️ Languages
Albanian
📞 Calling Code
+355
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+01:00
🌐 Region
Europe / Southeast Europe

About Albania

Albania is one of Europe's best-kept secrets, a country of dramatic contrasts where rugged mountain ranges tumble down to a shimmering Adriatic and Ionian coastline. Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, this small but captivating nation offers you a travel experience that feels genuinely undiscovered, with pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and UNESCO-listed historic towns waiting to be explored at your own pace. Despite its turbulent past, Albania has emerged as one of the region's most welcoming destinations, surprising visitors at every turn.

As you travel through Albania, you'll encounter a landscape that shifts dramatically — from the snow-capped peaks of the Albanian Alps in the north to the turquoise coves of the Riviera in the south. Tirana, the capital, pulses with a youthful energy, its colourful buildings and vibrant café culture reflecting a nation confidently looking forward. Ancient cities like Gjirokastra and Berat, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, preserve a living architectural legacy that rivals anything you'd find in more heavily touristed corners of Europe.

What truly sets Albania apart is the warmth of its people and the concept of Besa — an unbreakable code of honour and hospitality. You'll find that travellers are treated as honoured guests rather than tourist fodder. Prices remain refreshingly reasonable, crowds are manageable even in summer, and authentic experiences are everywhere. Whether you're hiking through Valbona National Park, swimming at Ksamil's crystal waters, or sipping raki with locals at a mountain guesthouse, Albania rewards the curious traveller with unforgettable moments that money simply cannot manufacture elsewhere.

History & Background

Albania's history stretches back thousands of years to the ancient Illyrians, fierce warriors who inhabited the western Balkans long before Rome cast its shadow over the region. The Romans eventually conquered Illyria in 168 BC, leaving roads, amphitheatres, and towns that you can still visit today. After Rome's fall, Albania passed through Byzantine, Bulgarian, and Serbian rule before the Albanian nobleman Gjergj Kastrioti — known as Skanderbeg — united the Albanian lords and led a legendary resistance against the Ottoman Empire for over two decades in the 15th century. Skanderbeg remains the national hero, his double-headed eagle emblem now the centrepiece of the Albanian flag.

Following Skanderbeg's death in 1468, the Ottomans consolidated control for nearly five centuries, profoundly shaping Albanian religion, architecture, and culture. Independence was declared on 28 November 1912, a date still celebrated as Flag Day. The 20th century brought immense upheaval — occupation in both World Wars and, most strikingly, nearly five decades of one of the world's most isolated communist regimes under Enver Hoxha. The regime's collapse in 1991 opened Albania to the world, and the country has since made remarkable strides toward democracy and economic development.

Culture & People

Albanian culture is shaped by a rich tapestry of Illyrian, Ottoman, Byzantine, and Mediterranean influences, producing a society that is fiercely proud of its unique identity. The concept of Besa — a traditional code of conduct emphasising honour, loyalty, and hospitality — remains a cornerstone of Albanian life. This deeply ingrained value means that guests are treated with extraordinary generosity, and promises made are kept without question. Albanians are proud of their cultural distinctiveness and the fact that their language, one of Europe's oldest, belongs to its own branch of the Indo-European family.

Traditional music, colourful folk costumes, and vibrant festivals bring Albanian culture to life throughout the year. The iso-polyphony of southern Albania is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Family ties remain strong, and communal celebrations around weddings, religious holidays, and seasonal festivals are marked with music, dance, and abundant food. Albania is predominantly Muslim, yet the country has a long tradition of religious coexistence, with Catholics and Orthodox Christians living harmoniously alongside their Muslim neighbours, a source of immense national pride.

Food & Cuisine

Albanian cuisine is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean freshness and Balkan heartiness, drawing on centuries of Ottoman influence while celebrating local ingredients. Grilled meats — lamb, veal, and chicken — are central to the Albanian table, often served with fresh salads of tomato, cucumber, and white cheese. Tave kosi, a baked lamb and yoghurt casserole, is considered the national dish and is a must-try wherever you find it. Byrek, a flaky filo pastry stuffed with spinach, cheese, or meat, makes for a perfect street-food breakfast alongside strong Albanian coffee.

Seafood along the coast is exceptional and extraordinarily fresh — grilled sea bass, octopus salads, and mussels from Butrint's lagoon are highlights. The Albanian Riviera's restaurants serve fish pulled from the Ionian Sea that very morning. Inland, you'll encounter hearty mountain fare like fergese (peppers and cottage cheese), slow-cooked lamb, and cornbread. Raki, the fiery grape brandy, is the national drink, offered to guests as a symbol of welcome. Albanian wine, particularly from the Berat region, has been improving rapidly and deserves more international attention.

Top Attractions

  • Berat (City of a Thousand Windows) — A UNESCO World Heritage Site where Ottoman-era white houses cling to a hillside beneath a medieval castle, creating one of the Balkans' most iconic skylines.
  • Ksamil Beach — Four emerald-green islets just offshore and crystalline turquoise waters make this small southern resort one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful beaches.
  • Butrint National Park — An extraordinary archaeological site layering Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins within a stunning coastal lagoon landscape.
  • Valbona Valley National Park — Dramatic alpine scenery, traditional stone guesthouses, and the famous Valbona-Theth trail through the Albanian Alps attract serious trekkers.
  • Gjirokastra — Another UNESCO-listed Ottoman city built in grey stone, birthplace of novelist Ismail Kadare and home to a formidable castle with panoramic mountain views.
  • Tirana's Blloku District — Once reserved exclusively for communist party elites, Blloku is now the beating heart of Tirana's café, bar, and street art scene.

Practical Travel Tips

  • The Albanian lek (ALL) is the local currency; carry cash for smaller towns and rural guesthouses as card acceptance remains limited outside Tirana.
  • Driving is the most flexible way to explore Albania — roads have improved significantly, but mountain tracks can be rough, so a 4WD is advisable for remote areas.
  • Download Maps.me or use offline Google Maps before venturing into the highlands, as mobile signal can be patchy in mountainous regions.
  • Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up bills or leaving 10% in restaurants is customary and warmly received.
  • English is widely spoken by younger Albanians and in tourism-facing businesses, but a few words of Albanian will earn you genuine smiles.
  • Tap water in Tirana is generally safe, but stick to bottled water in rural areas to be cautious.
  • Book the Valbona-to-Theth hike accommodation well in advance during summer — guesthouses fill up quickly for this popular multi-day trail.

Visa Overview

Citizens of EU countries, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many other nations can enter Albania visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Albania is not yet a Schengen member, so its 90-day allowance is separate from the Schengen zone's limit. Travellers from countries not on the visa-free list must apply for a visa in advance through an Albanian embassy. It is always advisable to check the latest entry requirements with the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your home country's travel advisory before departure.

Getting Around

Albania's transport network has improved considerably but remains a work in progress. Tirana's Nënë Tereza International Airport connects to major European hubs. Within the country, furgons (shared minibuses) are the backbone of inter-city transport and are cheap and frequent between major towns. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Bolt operate in Tirana. Renting a car unlocks Albania's most scenic corners, particularly the mountain roads of the north and the coastal Riviera. The new Rruga e Kombit expressway dramatically cuts travel time between Tirana and Kosovo.

Safety Notes

Albania is generally a safe country for tourists, with violent crime against visitors being rare. Petty theft can occur in busy urban areas, so keep an eye on valuables in crowded markets and on public transport. Road safety is a greater concern — Albanian drivers can be aggressive, and mountain roads demand concentration. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Some border regions with Kosovo and North Macedonia involve rough terrain; stick to marked roads and trails. The FCO and US State Department both currently list Albania as a standard travel destination with no heightened advisories.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Albania.

Albanian lek (ALL) L
Updated: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.170189
AAVE 0.000138
ADA 0.064988
AED 0.044802
AFN 0.775622
AGIX 0.156362
AKT 0.019450
ALGO 0.136279
AMD 4.489001
AMP 27.350308
ANG 0.022000
AOA 11.203822
APE 0.087024
APT 0.019506
AR 0.006111
ARB 0.152521
ARS 18.208326
ATOM 0.007715
ATS 0.146831
AUD 0.017611
AVAX 0.001767
AWG 0.021837
AXS 0.012081
AZM 103.694538
AZN 0.020739
BAKE 16.235586
BAM 0.020870
BAT 0.138520
BBD 0.024399
BCH 0.000051
BDT 1.503858
BEF 0.430452
BGN 0.020870
BHD 0.004587
BIF 36.317575
BMD 0.012199
BNB 0.000021
BND 0.015768
BOB 0.084507
BRL 0.063047
BSD 0.012199
BSV 0.000826
BSW 36.449200
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.230203
BTG 0.042277
BTN 1.162292
BTT 45,998.685027
BUSD 0.012189
BWP 0.164651
BYN 0.035426
BYR 239.130536
BZD 0.024570
CAD 0.017335
CAKE 0.008424
CDF 28.146885
CELO 0.181582
CFX 0.272677
CHF 0.009814
CHZ 0.675738
CLP 11.238046
CNH 0.082850
CNY 0.082818
COMP 0.000728
COP 40.776728
CRC 5.559086
CRO 0.204098
CRV 0.057066
CSPR 6.281455
CUC 0.012201
CUP 0.323314
CVE 1.176650
CVX 0.010143
CYP 0.006245
CZK 0.258082
DAI 0.012205
DASH 0.000347
DCR 0.001099
DEM 0.020870
DFI 14.683660
DJF 2.172619
DKK 0.079762
DOGE 0.157863
DOP 0.723011
DOT 0.013985
DYDX 0.092375
DZD 1.622441
EEK 0.166959
EGLD 0.004414
EGP 0.599257
ENJ 0.421531
EOS 0.168425
ERN 0.182990
ESP 1.775442
ETB 1.951355
ETC 0.001718
ETH 0.000007
EUR 0.010671
EURC 0.010678
FEI 0.012204
FIL 0.015450
FIM 0.063445
FJD 0.027394
FKP 0.009143
FLOW 0.435314
FLR 1.755072
FRAX 0.012332
FRF 0.069995
FTT 0.051216
GALA 5.325101
GBP 0.009143
GEL 0.032042
GGP 0.009143
GHC 1,385.966407
GHS 0.138597
GIP 0.009143
GMD 0.899634
GMX 0.002059
GNF 106.958352
GNO 0.000116
GRD 3.636014
GRT 0.643001
GT 0.001799
GTQ 0.093118
GUSD 0.012215
GYD 2.553512
HBAR 0.161560
HKD 0.095680
HNL 0.326604
HNT 0.050907
HOT 33.806171
HRK 0.080398
HT 0.340490
HTG 1.596831
HUF 3.773165
ICP 0.005534
IDR 219.496931
IEP 0.008404
ILS 0.036643
IMP 0.009143
IMX 0.088297
INJ 0.002497
INR 1.162292
IQD 15.995725
IRR 16,787.329620
ISK 1.536586
ITL 20.661205
JEP 0.009143
JMD 1.932654
JOD 0.008649
JPY 1.974463
KAS 0.397693
KAVA 0.270383
KCS 0.001690
KDA 2.093073
KES 1.577265
KGS 1.067008
KHR 48.917373
KMF 5.249602
KNC 0.109442
KPW 10.980488
KRW 18.699907
KSM 0.003462
KWD 0.003785
KYD 0.010149
KZT 5.767162
LAK 275.815875
LBP 1,095.544075
LDO 0.045161
LEO 0.001303
LINK 0.001528
LKR 4.085506
LRC 0.992902
LRD 2.215696
LSL 0.198286
LTC 0.000270
LTL 0.036844
LUF 0.430452
LUNA 0.248414
LUNC 198.702266
LVL 0.007499
LYD 0.078251
MAD 0.114230
MANA 0.175321
MBX 0.485072
MDL 0.214722
MGA 51.768312
MGF 258.841562
MINA 0.257323
MKD 0.657329
MKR 0.000009
MMK 25.610439
MNT 43.724193
MOP 0.098550
MRO 4.872062
MRU 0.487206
MTL 0.004581
MUR 0.573451
MVR 0.188595
MWK 21.161451
MXN 0.213236
MXV 0.024179
MYR 0.049740
MZM 779.130416
MZN 0.779130
NAD 0.198286
NEAR 0.006123
NEO 0.006168
NEXO 0.015858
NFT 46,031.796658
NGN 16.716528
NIO 0.449069
NLG 0.023515
NOK 0.119998
NPR 1.860539
NZD 0.021442
OKB 0.000153
OMR 0.004695
ONE 9.760121
OP 0.113475
ORDI 0.003758
PAB 0.012199
PAXG 0.000003
PEN 0.041542
PEPE 4,472.631933
PGK 0.053669
PHP 0.750418
PI 0.107841
PKR 3.393981
PLN 0.045805
POL 0.165882
PTE 2.139268
PYG 74.204156
QAR 0.044406
QNT 0.000182
QTUM 0.017162
ROL 557.647732
RON 0.055765
RPL 0.006025
RSD 1.251578
RUB 0.940054
RUNE 0.029498
RVN 3.200999
RWF 17.882686
SAND 0.244508
SAR 0.045748
SBD 0.098718
SCR 0.174326
SDD 732.260691
SDG 7.322607
SEK 0.117758
SGD 0.015768
SHIB 2,786.335303
SHP 0.009143
SIT 2.557108
SKK 0.321463
SLE 0.278633
SLL 278.632755
SNX 0.053275
SOL 0.000151
SOS 6.966331
SPL 0.002033
SRD 0.459240
SRG 459.240208
SSP 57.937024
STD 263.370178
STN 0.263370
STX 0.071343
SUI 0.016329
SVC 0.106744
SYP 1.348551
SZL 0.198286
THB 0.405510
THETA 0.086961
TJS 0.113079
TMM 214.049364
TMT 0.042810
TND 0.035963
TOP 0.029380
TRL 571,118.443655
TRX 0.037148
TRY 0.571118
TTD 0.082663
TUSD 0.012225
TVD 0.017611
TWD 0.391480
TWT 0.035487
TZS 32.055145
UAH 0.543672
UGX 44.582747
UNI 0.003860
USD 0.012199
USDC 0.012203
USDD 0.012212
USDP 0.012236
USDT 0.012213
UYU 0.491013
UZS 145.999458
VAL 20.661205
VEB 786,173,703.015945
VED 7.861037
VEF 786,103.710162
VES 7.861037
VET 2.585999
VND 320.845714
VUV 1.466264
WAVES 0.045909
WEMIX 0.047121
WOO 1.030300
WST 0.033741
XAF 6.999469
XAG 0.000198
XAU 0.000003
XAUT 0.000003
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.033022
XCG 0.022000
XCH 0.007741
XDC 0.434164
XDR 0.008998
XEC 2,296.605508
XEM 28.497060
XLM 0.061107
XMR 0.000038
XOF 6.999469
XPD 0.000010
XPF 1.273344
XPT 0.000007
XRP 0.010657
XTZ 0.049028
YER 2.891168
ZAR 0.198286
ZEC 0.000027
ZIL 3.954667
ZMK 223.849815
ZMW 0.223850
ZWD 4.414948
ZWG 0.327230
ZWL 817.658671

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Cities in Albania 190
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Ana e Malit Antigonë Bajram Curri Bajram Curri Ballsh Ballsh Belsh Berat Berat Bërdicë Bilisht Bilisht Bulqize Bulqizë Burrel Burrel Cepo Çërravë Cerrik Cërrik Corovode Çorovodë Delvine Delvinë Dimal Dishnicë Divjakë Dropull i Poshtëm Dropull i Sipërm Durres Durrës Dushk Elbasan Elbasan Erseke Ersekë Farkë Fier Fier Fierze Frakull Fratar Funar Fushë Çidhën Fushe-Arrez Fushë-Arrëz Fushe-Kruje Fushë-Krujë Fushë-Kuqe Gjirokaster Gjirokastër Gjoçaj Gorë Gosë Gramsh Gramsh Helmas Himare Himarë Horë-Vranisht Iballe Kala e Dodës Kamëz Kamze Karbunarë Kavaje Kavajë Kelcyre Këlcyrë Kelmend Kerrabe Klos Klos Konispol Konispol Koplik Korce Korçë Kozare Kraste Kruje Krujë Krume Krumë Krutje Kthellë Kucove Kuçovë Kukes Kukës Kurbnesh Kurvelesh Lac Laç Leskovik Leskovik Lezhe Lezhë Libohove Librazhd Librazhd Lopës Lunxhëri Lurë Lushnje Lushnjë Luzni Maliq Maliq Mamurras Maqellare Mbrostar Ura Memaliaj Memaliaj Milot Odrie Orikum Orikum Paskuqan Patos Patos Peqin Peqin Permet Përmet Perrenjas Peshkopi Peshkopi Pogon Pogradec Pogradec Polican Poliçan Postribë Prrenjas Puke Pukë Pult Qafë-Mali Qelëz Qendër Qendër Qendër Bulgarec Qendër Dukas Qendër Ersekë Qendër Leskovik Qendër Libohovë Qendër Piskovë Qendër Skrapar Qendër Tepelenë Qendër Vlorë Qerret Roskovec Roskovec Rrapë Rreshen Rrëshen Rrethinat Rrogozhine Rrogozhinë Rubik Sarande Sarandë Selenice Selenicë Selitë Sevaster Shalë Shengjin Shëngjin Shijak Shijak Shkoder Shkodër Shkrel Shosh Skënderbegas Tepelene Tepelenë Tirane Tiranë Ulze Ure Vajgurore Vëndreshë Vlore Vlorë Vore Vorë Xarrë Zagorie

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Albania needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Albania?
The capital of Albania is Tirana.
What currency does Albania use?
Albania uses the Albanian lek (L) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Albania?
The official language(s) of Albania include Albanian.
What is the population of Albania?
Albania has a population of approximately 2,363,314 people.
What region is Albania in?
Albania is located in Europe, specifically in the Southeast Europe subregion.
What is the international calling code for Albania?
The international dialing code for Albania is +355.
What time zones does Albania observe?
Albania observes the following time zone(s): UTC+01:00.
What is the current time in Albania?
The local time in Albania is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Albania?
Albania covers a total area of 28,748 km².
How many states or provinces does Albania have?
Albania is divided into 38 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Albania in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Albania in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Albania?
Visa requirements for citizens of Albania vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.