What Makes It Worth It

🏛 Gjirokastër Old Bazaar

Albania is the travel story of the decade in Europe. Long overlooked and undervisited, this small Adriatic nation has opened up rapidly over the past few years and now offers one of the continent's most exciting and genuinely affordable travel experiences. The Albanian Riviera stretches south from Vlorë to the Greek border, its turquoise bays and isolated beaches rivalling anything in Croatia or Greece — at a fraction of the cost.

The country's interior is equally compelling. Gjirokastër and Berat are both UNESCO World Heritage-listed cities, their Ottoman-era architecture remarkably intact. Gjirokastër in particular, built on a hillside above the Drino Valley with its cobbled bazaar and imposing castle, is one of the most atmospheric old towns in the Balkans. Berat's distinctive Ottoman houses, stacked above the Osum River with their distinctive rows of windows, earned it the nickname 'City of a Thousand Windows'.

For outdoor adventurers, the Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Namuna) in northern Albania offer multi-day hiking through some of the most dramatic and remote landscapes in Europe. The Peaks of the Balkans trail crosses into Montenegro and Kosovo and is increasingly recognised as one of the continent's great long-distance routes.

Practically, Albania uses the lek (ALL) and is cash-heavy — ATMs are available in cities but carry some cash in rural areas. A daily budget of €40–60 covers accommodation, meals, and transport comfortably. Tirana, the capital, has a surprisingly vibrant café and restaurant scene well worth a day or two before heading south.

Our Take Based on traveller reviews, editorial research & destination data Albania is the best underrated destination in Europe and it won't stay that way much longer. The Albanian Riviera — Ksamil, Himara, the beach at Gjipe — is among the most beautiful coastline on the Mediterranean, and you won't be sharing it with tour groups. Drive a car; public transport is functional but limited. Gjirokastër is extraordinary and sees almost no international visitors. Cash is still preferred almost everywhere. The food — fresh grilled fish, burek pastries, byrek me spinaq — is simple, excellent, and cheap. Go now, before the infrastructure catches up.

Who Is This Trip For?

Budget-conscious adventurers, anyone tired of over-touristed European destinations, and independent travellers comfortable with limited infrastructure.