Albania Welcomes Tourists: Planning Your Trip
It turns out that Albania is quietly nestled between Montenegro and Greece, waiting for tourists from Russia. There are no direct flights there yet, so you'll have to fly with a layover. But on the other hand, there's no quarantine for foreign tourists upon arrival! We'll tell you how to spend time in Albania and why it's great there any time of year.
Visa
When traveling from April to November, no visa is required; for other months, a valid Schengen, British, or American visa will suffice. In 2021, the visa-free regime was extended until the end of the year.
From the Airport to the City
The country is still developing for tourists, so there aren't many ways to get from the airport to Tirana (the capital): bus, taxi, or rental car. How you travel depends on your arrival time.
The Rinas Express bus runs daily from 8 AM to 7 PM, then at 9 PM, and the last trip to the city is at 11 PM. The journey takes only half an hour, costing approximately 2.5 euros one way. If you arrive later, or between the 9 PM and 11 PM trips, your options are a taxi or a rented car. A car can be rented for $20-35 per day.
If you plan to go not to Tirana but to other cities in Albania, it's not a problem – there are express services to Durrës and Vlorë, as well as to other cities, but the journey will take more than an hour.
Tirana is not a coastal city; if you want to be by the water, head to major resorts like Durrës, Vlorë, and Sarandë – they are located directly on the coast.
Winter Weather
The situation here is similar to Tunisia. The exhausting heat won't hinder your exploration of sights and nature. Winter weather in Albania can be +13-15 degrees Celsius; in the mountains, of course, it's colder – it can even be below zero.
If you decide to visit the country in winter, bring comfortable clothes, and warm ones if you're heading to the mountains. But that doesn't mean you'll definitely have to leave your swimsuit at home. If your hotel has a pool, then swimming is on!
What to See
The country is multifaceted and knows how to surprise, so we don't recommend staying in one city. Travel extensively throughout the country; the places there are truly great.
Tirana
A colorful capital with an amazing history. Bunkers at every turn interestingly coexist with colorful buildings, expensive cars, clean streets, and stunning nature.
Tirana has 11 districts, but the most interesting part is, of course, the center. There aren't many attractions, as all the money used to go into building those very bunkers. But that's even better; you can see everything in just one day and then head to the mountains or the sea.
In the very center, on Skanderbeg Square, you'll immediately notice an old mosque – it's the Et'hem Bey Mosque. It heroically withstood the war and still welcomes tourists today. You need to take off your shoes before entering, so wear socks without holes. Next to the mosque is a tower with an observation deck. It's 35 meters high and costs about $1.
The mosque isn't the only thing that draws attention in the square; look around, and you'll immediately notice many historical monuments. Also located in the square is the National Museum with a vibrant fresco on its facade. Admission costs 200 ALL, and the museum is closed on Mondays.
Yes, Albania has its own currency – the Albanian Lek. As of December 1, 2020, 100 Lek = almost 73 rubles.
In the center, your attention will surely be drawn to a certain pyramid made of concrete and glass. This is the Pyramid of Enver Hoxha. The unusual thing about the building is that it's abandoned. Yes, Albanians never figured out what to use it for. But it's definitely worth seeing such architecture – it evokes mixed feelings.
Not far from the square, you'll find the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral. This massive modern building in the Byzantine architectural style immediately catches the eye.
Alternatively, you can also visit Enver Hoxha's Bunker, and next to it, there's a cable car. Also, throughout the city, there are iron figures hugging trees. This is a peculiar act of saving falling trees.
Durrës
This is already one of Albania's main resorts. Besides sea entertainment and the sea itself, the city also has many interesting places. For example, the Venetian Tower, the Archaeological Museum, remnants of fortress walls and colonnades, the main mosque, King Ahmet I Zogu's villa, and, of course, the promenade itself.
Lake Komani and Valbona Valley
An unforgettable boat trip awaits you on Lake Komani. For a second, you might even lose yourself in space because the landscapes strongly resemble Norwegian fjords. To be clear, it's not quite a lake in the usual sense; it's more like a river flowing through a canyon.
However, this place is not very suitable for a self-guided trip; you need to take a tour. Tours are inexpensive, starting from 29 euros; you can find a suitable one here.
Dajti National Park
This mountainous and beautiful park is located near Tirana. It also features a ski resort, eco-trails, and views so stunning your eyes will thank you. To ascend the mountain, use the Dajti Express cable car; it climbs about 800 meters, taking about 15 minutes, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
You can reach the park by city buses on the Qender (Center) – Porcelan or Kombinat – Kinostudio routes; the fare will be approximately 40 Lek.
If you give Albania a chance, the country will greatly surprise you. Especially now, when familiar destinations are currently unavailable to tourists. Have a good trip!
