3 reasons to visit Albania

I just recently visited this underrated country of the Balkan region in Europe, and I already know I will be back for more. Albania truly amazed me and exceeded my expectations: from the beauty of its countryside to the culinary scene of Tirana, Albania has a lot to offer, making it a rightful destination on everyone’s bucket list. I know that the beaches of Albania have been gaining some attention, thanks to the ‘European Maldives’ title, but the country as a whole is still very underrated. So, in today’s blog post I would like to bring your attention to this diverse country, so that you get to visit it before it gets too popular. (Mark my words, it will be.)

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Now, more about Albania. As always, I paired my points with some of my recommendations/ top tips. 

It is a must for those who love the outdoors

I already mentioned the beaches, but there’s more to it. There are lots of places across the country to explore, it’s perfect for those who love hiking too! The weather is amazing even in October (that’s when I visited), not too hot for a hike. Of course, you are best to explore the beaches and seaside in the summer months, or May/September so that you can still enjoy a nice swim. I feel like during my visit I was only getting a taste of how diverse and beautiful this country’s nature reserves are, but I am already convinced that it is an underrated paradise for those who love spending time outdoors. 

It is budget-travel friendly  

I hate to say this about Europe, but since the 2019 pandemic prices have gone up so much in most countries, that it makes me want to spend my money elsewhere. My opinion might be unpopular, but: in most countries in Europe these days, the value you get for your money isn’t really worth it anymore. France, Greece, Italy, Spain or Portugal (but even more central ones like Czechia or Hungary) have all raised their prices so much, it is very little you get for your dollar. (If these countries are your dream destination, I would recommend visiting them off-season for sure.) But I guess this is good news for the more underrated countries, like Albania. I knew it was going to be much cheaper than anywhere else I’ve been to in Europe, but I was truly surprised by how affordable it was. A daily £10-15 budget goes really far here. If you want some takeaway bakery products for breakfast, you can easily get something for under a £/$/€. But even if you dine somewhere, you will not end up with a huge bill. If fine dining seems out of reach in other countries, Albania will be the place to go, as even the fancier/high-end restaurants are more affordable. You will be looking at spending £25-30 for a really nice meal with dessert and drink at most of these restaurants. If you want a laid-back city break, with lots of nice restaurant options, book a flight to Tirana!  It is a foodie city, perfect for those who also don’t want to break the bank.  

The food scene is incredible

Building on my previous point, I was very impressed by the food options that I came across in the country. Of course, you have to try the local cuisine, which I really enjoyed. I would say in terms of flavours it’s very similar to Greek or Turkish food. But even beyond that, international dishes are just as well done. One of my friends joined me for this trip, and she has some dietary restrictions which makes it trickier for her to dine out. Everywhere we went the chefs were flexible and accommodating to her dietary needs, making it a great food experience. As I mentioned above even there are lots of budget-friendly options like bakery products and quick bites that are all delicious and a must-try when visiting, even just for the food experience. Overall, I think whatever your preferences may be, Albania will not leave you hungry, I can promise you that! 

Well, I hope this little list of reasons to visit Albania convinced you to add it to your bucket list. It is a country that left me very impressed, and I hope you will feel the same way too when you visit.