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[edit] Get around

[edit] By bus


Most people in Albania travel by private minibuses (called the "furgons"), which depart quite frequently to destinations around Albania. These furgons have no timetable (they depart when they are full). Also ask around for the directions and to where you can get these minibuses.

From Tirana, many furgons a day depart to Shkoder, Durres and Berat. Furgons departing to the south like Gjirokaster or Saranda tend to depart fairly early in the morning. These furgons are fairly comfortable and are a quite fast way to travel.

Buses are more comfortable and cheaper, but they are less frequent.

[edit] By train


Limited services operate between Tirana and Shkodra, Fier, Ballsh, Vlorë and Pogradec. The train route from Lezhe to Shkodra has scenic beauty. The Tirana-Durres trains (and vice versa) depart up to 8 times a day. As of 2006, the trains in Albania are still in extremely poor condition - despite the route from Tirana to Vlore looking convenient on a map, the more wealthy Albanians never use trains and if not travelling in their own cars, use the many mini-buses.

A train ride is a must-see, as there are few such enjoyments in Europe these days. Tickets are very cheap and the journeys are very long, but the views and the atmosphere are usually priceless. On most stations you'll find people selling sunflower seeds, fruits, chewing gum and many other different things - very unusual in Europe.


[edit] By car


The roads between the important destinations have been recently repaved and fixed, and offer all the security measures one would expect on a highway. There are no fees for using the highways.

In the cities, and especially Tirana, many roads are being upgraded and fixed. Because of that, traveling by car inside the city will be slow. Be aware that especially Tirana suffers from great traffic congestion during mornings and midday.

A very nice ride is the Vlorë-Saranda mountain road. It is a typical Mediterranean road and offers an amazing view of the sea from the mountains.

[edit] By bicycle


The potholes, driving standards and lack of places to stay in many villages and towns make Albania a challenging cycling destination, but a rewarding one. Often, asking around to see if you can stay in somebody's home / camp in their garden is the only option. Food and water are easily available in the frequent roadside cafes and bars.

It is OK to camp in all not strictly private places, and even if the places are private there should be no problems with your stay, ask if you doubt.

Be aware that it's very hard to get parts or repairs of modern bicycles.

[edit] By thumb


Hitchhiking is not very common in Albania, however many people will pick you up if they are able. Cheap transport however, means that hitchhiking should usually be an emergency option only.

[edit][add listing] See


There are many things to do in Albania. Because of its size, traveling around it is not difficult, allowing tourists to see many beautiful parts of the country.

  • The coastline is always a place to go, with its clear turquoise seas, and its many islands cast upon it, like in Saranda, a southern city in Albania.



Beautiful and quiet beach at Ksamili



  • Dajti mountain, a popular sight in Tirana allows you to get a whole green view of the capital.

  • A walk around southern cities like Butrint, a UNESCA world heritage sight, is always ideal and memorable. Butrint is home to many ancient ruins.

  • Castles are in many cities in Albania. Their beauty reminds anyone of the ancient times of Albania, and the world. There is Petrela Castle in Shkoder, and Skanerbeg Castle in Kruje, (named after the national hero and now a popular museum holding his belongings).

[edit] Talk


Albanian is the official language. Other useful languages include Italian, which is often viewed as the de facto second language due to strong historical ties with Italy. English is understandable in Tirana, the capital the most and to a lesser extent outside frequented tourist cities.

[edit][add listing] Buy


The national currency is the lek (ALL). There are 121.70 lek to the euro (30 July 2008).

Notice that some Albanians write prices with an extra zero; they are not trying to charge you 10 times the going rate, merely using the old currency.

Hundreds of new ATMs have been installed in most major cities. Use the MasterCard ATM Locator or Visa ATM Locator to find them. The ATMs accept most international VISA and Mastercard Credit/Debit cards.

Many rural convenience stores will not accept any other method of payment other than cash (currently in Albanian lek). However supermarkets, the better bookstores and the better boutique stores will accept Credit or Debit Cards. The most widely accepted cards are VISA, Mastercard, and Diner's Club.

Suvenirs: Kognak Skanderbeu, raki, alabasterbunker,

[edit][add listing] Eat


Restaurants are very easy to find. Albania, like the Balkans in general, has a primarily Turkish influence in its cuisine. This influence stems from over 400 years of Ottoman rule in the region. Recent influences after the fall of communism in the early 1990's have been from Italy and Western Europe in general. Most of what is available in neighboring countries such as Greece and Italy will be available in Albania, particularly in the larger cities.

Albania's food is very tasty and satisfying. Many people grow fruits and vegetables around their houses, most popularly all kinds of grapes, (red, black, green), that are used to make raki.

Albania is a very mountainous country, and these mountains have scattered little beautiful olive trees that influence Albanian cuisine. Salads are usually made with fresh tomato and onion. Most Albanian people make their own bread, and going out for meals is not common. Since all fruits and vegetables are grown naturally, everything you buy and pick are pesticide free, and are sweeter.

Some sort of hearty stew is commonly included in Albanian dinners. These stews are easy to make, and flexible with ingredients. They include potatoes, onion, rice, etc.



  • Byrek - a type of savory pie is also common, and is made in different ways. One way is with spinach and feta cheese. Another is with ground meat and onion. Baklava is a popular desert and is always made as a desert during New Year's Eve. If going to Albania, expect lamb to be the main meat in many places. Lamb there is naturally fed, and does not have any odor like it does in North America. Two byreks and an ayran is a very common breakfast, so try it to understand why.

  • Cheese - lots of different types but mostly feta cheese. In village shops be prepared that you'll get the cheese in less hygienic way then in supermarkets but it's worth to try as it's usually delicious and in very good price (try those higher priced first).
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