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: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.115321
AAVE 0.000067
ADA 0.045244
AED 0.044773
AFN 0.787709
AKT 0.015931
ALGO 0.094929
AMD 4.410608
AMP 19.013073
ANG 0.021923
AOA 11.167588
APE 0.076094
APT 0.014849
AR 0.002704
ARB 0.059802
ARS 18.530156
ATOM 0.006696
ATS 0.149586
AUD 0.017495
AVAX 0.001074
AWG 0.021823
AXS 0.009309
AZM 103.629348
AZN 0.020726
BAKE 47.498177
BAM 0.021262
BAT 0.115578
BBD 0.024383
BCH 0.000039
BDT 1.498704
BEF 0.438529
BGN 0.021262
BHD 0.004584
BIF 36.628471
BMD 0.012192
BNB 0.000016
BND 0.015599
BOB 0.146248
BRL 0.060942
BSD 0.012192
BSV 0.000611
BSW 29.627167
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.174489
BTG 0.018480
BTN 1.175483
BTT 32,793.303013
BUSD 0.012189
BWP 0.167795
BYN 0.037193
BYR 238.986878
BZD 0.024518
CAD 0.017396
CAKE 0.004985
CDF 28.174554
CELO 0.117227
CFX 0.222185
CHF 0.010140
CHZ 0.728827
CLP 11.862705
CNH 0.081720
CNY 0.081746
COMP 0.000497
COP 38.996277
CRC 5.578680
CRO 0.179531
CRV 0.033071
CSPR 4.779479
CUC 0.012193
CUP 0.292033
CVE 1.198729
CVX 0.005508
CYP 0.006362
CZK 0.265944
DAI 0.012196
DASH 0.000215
DCR 0.000661
DEM 0.021262
DFI 13.339371
DJF 2.168883
DKK 0.081249
DOGE 0.128578
DOP 0.730651
DOT 0.009854
DYDX 0.083442
DZD 1.638863
EEK 0.170092
EGLD 0.002728
EGP 0.639178
ENJ 0.368270
EOS 0.119969
ERN 0.182873
ESP 1.808758
ETB 1.983096
ETC 0.001374
ETH 0.000005
EUR 0.010871
EURC 0.010869
FEI 0.012197
FIL 0.010213
FIM 0.064635
FJD 0.027432
FKP 0.009226
FLOW 0.385325
FLR 1.691363
FRAX 0.012315
FRF 0.071308
FTT 0.047195
GALA 5.031923
GBP 0.009226
GEL 0.031643
GGP 0.009226
GHC 1,433.315201
GHS 0.143332
GIP 0.009226
GMD 0.902307
GMX 0.001389
GNF 107.189908
GNO 0.000100
GRD 3.704244
GRT 0.418704
GT 0.001089
GTQ 0.093039
GUSD 0.012217
GYD 2.544973
HBAR 0.121106
HKD 0.095672
HNL 0.326901
HNT 0.023495
HOT 26.621384
HRK 0.081906
HT 0.334255
HTG 1.593090
HUF 3.993442
ICP 0.003497
IDR 218.414028
IEP 0.008561
ILS 0.037284
IMP 0.009226
IMX 0.066489
INJ 0.001608
INR 1.175483
IQD 15.938445
IRR 21,926.771653
ISK 1.488561
ITL 21.048914
JEP 0.009226
JMD 1.929254
JOD 0.008644
JPY 1.927619
KAS 0.284178
KAVA 0.175859
KCS 0.001606
KDA 1.248725
KES 1.582568
KGS 1.066254
KHR 49.389118
KLAY 0.292725
KMF 5.348111
KNC 0.085114
KPW 10.973891
KRW 16.366678
KSM 0.002380
KWD 0.003768
KYD 0.010135
KZT 5.550542
LAK 273.562253
LBP 1,099.463197
LDO 0.026614
LEO 0.001371
LINK 0.000881
LKR 4.021158
LRC 1.187469
LRD 2.080470
LSL 0.202975
LTC 0.000175
LTL 0.037535
LUF 0.438529
LUNA 0.238741
LUNC 230.569069
LVL 0.007640
LYD 0.078222
MAD 0.121680
MANA 0.117893
MBX 0.412214
MDL 0.218498
MGA 53.989456
MGF 269.947280
MINA 0.090489
MKD 0.668846
MKR 0.000006
MMK 25.592132
MNT 43.830659
MOP 0.098543
MRO 4.881114
MRU 0.488111
MTL 0.004667
MUR 0.577905
MVR 0.188477
MWK 21.101444
MXN 0.220365
MXV 0.025051
MYR 0.049810
MZM 778.175606
MZN 0.778176
NAD 0.202975
NEAR 0.002333
NEO 0.004810
NEXO 0.014337
NFT 51,090.565646
NGN 16.117736
NIO 0.448199
NLG 0.023956
NOK 0.117013
NPR 1.881654
NZD 0.021781
OKB 0.000093
OMR 0.004692
ONE 0.083239
OP 0.090692
ORDI 0.002680
PAB 0.012192
PAXG 0.000003
PEN 0.041977
PEPE 2,818.957416
PGK 0.054926
PHP 0.766192
PI 0.139663
PKR 3.370959
PLN 0.047621
POL 0.111485
PTE 2.179411
PYG 71.222735
QAR 0.044377
QNT 0.000047
QTUM 0.012437
ROL 581.085227
RON 0.058109
RPL 0.006376
RSD 1.276830
RUB 1.034327
RUNE 0.015703
RVN 4.968988
RWF 17.969947
SAND 0.185398
SAR 0.045718
SBD 0.098370
SCR 0.172678
SDD 731.711500
SDG 7.317115
SEK 0.122460
SGD 0.015599
SHIB 2,082.684387
SHP 0.009226
SIT 2.605092
SKK 0.327495
SLE 0.281074
SLL 281.074178
SNX 0.048693
SOL 0.000102
SOS 6.936395
SPL 0.002032
SRD 0.459691
SRG 459.691274
SSP 69.816401
STD 268.223424
STN 0.268223
STX 0.032534
SUI 0.010215
SVC 0.106676
SYP 158.536094
SZL 0.202975
THB 0.410362
THETA 0.052650
TJS 0.112206
TMM 213.923271
TMT 0.042785
TND 0.036487
TOP 0.029363
TRL 599,525.262160
TRX 0.036280
TRY 0.599525
TTD 0.082546
TUSD 0.012201
TVD 0.017495
TWD 0.387469
TWT 0.021356
TZS 32.165955
UAH 0.549098
UGX 49.011691
UNI 0.001376
USD 0.012192
USDC 0.012195
USDD 0.012200
USDP 0.012264
USDT 0.012198
UYU 0.492490
UZS 143.410144
VAL 21.048914
VEB 1,061,545,677.356206
VED 10.615457
VEF 1,061,545.677356
VES 10.615457
VET 1.397053
VND 316.923076
VUV 1.465568
WAVES 0.040866
WEMIX 0.063661
WOO 0.890648
WST 0.033931
XAF 7.130815
XAG 0.000202
XAU 0.000003
XAUT 0.000003
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.033001
XCG 0.021923
XCH 0.007790
XDC 0.362789
XDR 0.009011
XEC 1,528.830161
XEM 19.418541
XLM 0.056490
XMR 0.000022
XOF 7.130815
XPD 0.000010
XPF 1.297238
XPT 0.000007
XRP 0.008114
XTZ 0.036489
YER 2.879609
ZAR 0.202975
ZEC 0.000009
ZIL 3.340978
ZMK 241.030648
ZMW 0.241031
ZWD 4.412111
ZWG 0.326386
ZWL 815.547732

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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.