Albania An undiscovered jewel of the Mediterranean
Once one of the most isolated countries in Europe, the land of the eagle – the powerful bird of prey adorns the Albanian flag – has shrugged off its troubled past. Today Albania offers Ottoman-era towns, an idyllic coastline, excellent cuisine and locals who will greet you with a headshake (Albanians shake their heads when they mean ‘yes’ and nod when they mean ‘no’). And now is a great time to go: the country sits on the cusp of discovery.
Where it is
Southern Europe
When to go
April to October
Why go there
Unspoilt sands
Rugged peaks
Undiscovered country
What to see
The Riviera
Tirana
The Albanian Alps
Beach bliss
Definitely not as busy as elsewhere in the Med, the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Albanian Riviera are perfect for a relaxing few days by the sea.
Hike the Albanian Alps
Don’t be deterred by the Alps’ other name – the Accursed Mountains. This remote area is home to some of the country’s most majestic scenery and best hiking.
Chasing waterfalls
Osumi Canyon, a 26-km river gorge often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Albania, is dotted with waterfalls. It’s also great for adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting.
Time out in Tirana
Albania’s capital is the usual starting point but it’s also a city worth stopping in thanks to its funky cafes and communist-era bunkers-turned-museums.
Travel in Albania
Albania may be small but travelling can still be challenging. There are no official timetables for the buses (called furgons), while driving yourself means coping with people and animals alike crossing the road at will. So allow Cosa to arrange a chauffeur-driven car for you. Wherever you go, join in the evening xhiro, when locals stretch their legs and catch up with neighbours. But don’t expect to understand them easily: Albanian (shqip) has no similarity with any other language.
Albania facts
Most likely you’ll arrive at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza, named in honour of the nun, Mother Teresa – the only Albanian to win a Nobel Prize. Yet while Mother Teresa was one of the most famous Catholics, Albania became the world’s first atheist state in 1976. Under dictator Enver Hoxha, churches and mosques were either destroyed or turned into dance halls. After being an Ottoman province, an independent monarchy, an Italian colony and a communist state, Albania finally became a democratic republic in 1991.
Time zone
UTC +1
Flight time
2 hours from Switzerland
Local currency
Albanian yek
Dialling code
+355
