Albania

Albania is a small, mountainous country in Southeastern Europe, located on the Balkan Peninsula with a coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Its capital is Tirana, and the official language is Albanian. Known for its dramatic landscapes, crystal-clear beaches, ancient ruins, and Ottoman and communist-era architecture, Albania is a hidden gem that has grown in popularity among travelers. The country has a rich cultural heritage influenced by Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations. Despite being one of Europe’s lesser-known destinations, Albania boasts UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Berat and Gjirokastër, and natural wonders such as the Blue Eye spring and the Albanian Alps. It is also famous for its hospitality, unique cuisine, and traditional values, with a strong sense of national pride and identity.

Albania Facts

Places to Visit

Travel Guide

Albania Facts

Tourist Advice

Currency: The local currency is Albanian Lek (ALL) – cash is king, especially in smaller towns.
Transport: Public transport is limited—renting a car is the easiest way to explore (drive carefully, roads can be rough).
Entry: Many nationalities (EU, UK, US, etc.) can enter visa-free for short stays—check entry rules before traveling.
Safety: Albania is generally safe for tourists, with low levels of violent crime—take standard precautions.
Weather: Best time to visit is May–September for beach trips; spring and autumn for cooler, scenic travel inland.
Water: Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking—stick to bottled water.

Cultural Facts

Language: Albanian is the official language; English is spoken in tourist areas, but less so in remote villages.
Café Culture: Albanians love their coffee—Tirana has one of the highest café densities in Europe
Tipping: Not mandatory, but appreciated—round up or leave 5–10% in restaurants.

Albania Cuisine

Byrek (Burek) – Flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach, meat, or pumpkin; a popular street food or snack.
Tavë Kosi – Albania’s national dish: baked lamb or chicken with rice in a yogurt and egg sauce.
Fërgesë – A rich dish made with peppers, tomatoes, cottage cheese, and sometimes meat, usually served hot in a clay dish.
Qofte – Grilled or fried meatballs, often served with bread, salad, and tzatziki-like yogurt sauce
Trilece – A creamy sponge cake soaked in three types of milk; a very popular dessert
Speca të Mbushura – Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice, herbs, and occasionally meat.
Petulla – Albanian-style fried dough, served sweet (with honey or jam) or savory (with cheese or yogurt).

Albania Places to visit

Saranda

Day Trips from Saranda

Ksamil

Corfu, Greece

Travel Itinerary

I would recommend using Corfu, Greece as your entry and departure point. It is only a 45 minute speed boat from Corfu Port to Saranda.

3-4 days is plenty to see everything in the city and enjoy some beach time. Saranda is small and you can see it all in a day!
However, if you want to visit Ksamil and Corfu I would plan up to a full week.

Saranda Hotel

During my stay in Saranda, I stayed in Illyrian Boutique Hotel Saranda.

It was afforabdle, clean, central, breakfast was avalible at the proerty, it had a bar and our room had a baclony!

Saranda

Facts about Saranda

Sarandë, also known as Saranda, is a coastal town in southern Albania along the Ionian Sea, just opposite the Greek island of Corfu. It is one of the country’s top tourist destinations, famous for its crystal-clear beaches, Mediterranean climate, and vibrant summer scene. The area has a rich history, once known as Onchesmos in antiquity, and is located near the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town’s name derives from the Greek “Agioi Saranda,” meaning “Forty Saints,” referencing a nearby monastery. Sarandë has a culturally diverse population, including a notable Greek minority, and offers a blend of Albanian and Greek influences, particularly in its cuisine and traditions.

Things to do and see in Saranda

Relax at the Beaches

Main Sarandë Beach Right in town, good for a quick swim.
Mirror (Pasqyra) Beach – A bit more remote and stunningly clear.
Ksamil Beaches – About 15 minutes south; white sand, turquoise water, and beach bars.

Walk the Sarandë Promenade

A lively seafront area with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Ideal for evening strolls and people-watching.

Visit the Forty Saints Monastery (Manastiri i 40 Shenjtorëve)

Ruins of the ancient monastery that gave Sarandë its name.
Offers historical insight and great views.

Explore Butrint National Park

Ancient ruins of a Greek and Roman city with an amphitheater, baths, and basilica.
UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by nature and wetlands.

Visit Lekursi Castle

Located on a hilltop with panoramic views over Sarandë and the sea.
Great spot for sunset and dining at the castle restaurant.

Day Trip to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

A stunning natural spring with deep, crystal-blue water surrounded by lush greenery.
Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

Take a Ferry to Corfu, Greece

Only about 30–40 minutes by boat.
Great for a day trip to explore a different culture and island charm.

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Ksamil

Getting There

Getting around Albania is not easy without a car. If you have not rented a car, the best way to travel from Sarandë to Ksmail is by taxi.

The journey is approx. 25 minutes and should cost around 15 euro.

There is a bus option which runs more frequently during the summer, it takes approx. 40 minutes and costs around 1.50 euro.

Ksamil

Facts about Ksamil

Ksamil is a small but stunning coastal village in southern Albania, located within the Butrint National Park and just a short drive from Sarandë. Known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Ksamil is one of the most popular summer destinations in Albania, often compared to tropical islands. The village faces several small, uninhabited islets that can be reached by boat or even by swimming, making it ideal for beach lovers and adventurers. Ksamil is also close to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Butrint and the natural spring of the Blue Eye, adding cultural and natural richness to its appeal. Despite its growing popularity, Ksamil retains a laid-back charm with locally run restaurants, fresh seafood, and a strong sense of Albanian hospitality.

Things to do in Ksamil

Ksamil, located just 20 minutes south of Sarandë, is famous for its breathtaking beaches with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, often compared to the Caribbean. Spending a day in Ksamil is a must when visiting southern Albania!

Beach Clubs

Once there, relax on one of Ksamil’s many idyllic beaches like Lori, Pema e Thatë, or the central Ksamil Beach, or rent a kayak to explore the nearby uninhabited Ksamil Islands. For a more luxurious experience, spend the day at a beach club such as Veranda By Apollonia, Poda Beach Bar, or Bianco Lounge, where you can enjoy sunbeds, cocktails, pools, and music in a stylish seaside setting. After a day of swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the vibrant beach atmosphere, head back to Sarandë in the evening, catching the sunset along the Ionian coast.

Vernda by Apollonia Beach Club