Travel to Albania
On the Baltic Peninsula between Greece and Montenegro, Albania is a budget-friendly destination with beaches, mountains, archaeological sites, castles, and interesting political history.
Under strict communist rule until 1991, Albania has only been open to tourism for less than 30 years, so it still feels like a hidden gem for those willing to visit.
QUICK ALBANIA FACTS
Currency: Albanian Lek is the currency of Albania and can be withdrawn from ATMs. ATMs are generally everywhere in big cities and a few in a smaller cities.
The ability to pay by card in some stores or restaurant is not always an option, so it’s better to withdraw and have a small amount of cash with you. There are also ATMs everywhere in big cities.
Power Points: Most power points in Albania are the same as European plugs (2 circular prongs). Obviously I would recommend you take a Travel Adapter if you don’t use the European plug.
Official Language: Most people speak Albanian, however, there are two distinct dialects: Tosk which is spoken in the south and Gheg which is spoken in the north.
Health: There are no major health concerns for travellers to Albania, however I would recommend that you contact your doctor a few weeks before you travel as in some cases you need to start medication a few days before your trip or get some vaccinations.
Drinking Tap Water: The tap water is generally not safe to drink in Albania. I’d suggest only drinking bottled water only.
Visa: Most countries don’t require a visa for short stays, to visit Albania.
Popular foods:
– Stobas (beef or goat stew).
– Pastechis (deep-fried pastry pockets stuffed with cheese, ham etc).
– Keshi Yena (Traditionally made in a hollowed-out, four pound wheel of cheese).
– Sopis (soups; fish soup is particularly popular).
When to go: The ideal times to visit Albania is from April to June and from September to October as you’ll avoid the sweltering coastal summer heat and the freezing mountain winters. These times are also great for sightseeing, watersports, walking, cycling, and lying on the beach.
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