Ultimate ALBANIA BACKPACKER GUIDE: Travel Tips, Itineraries, Activities +

Albania is what I like to call a “backpacker’s paradise.” Backpacking Albania offers travellers everything from stunning nature and delicious food to pristine wilderness and ancient cities – all on an affordable backpacker budget.

Albania is new to the tourism world and it’s gaining popularity fast as a backpacking destination – it’s essentially the next Croatia. Albania offers backpackers the beaches of Greece, the mountains you’d see in the alps, and the food you’d find in Italy. Did you know 75% of Albania is covered in mountains?

My backpackers guide to Albania encompasses everything from where to stay, what to do, when to visit, transportation, and more. If you’re planning to backpack Albania, this guide will tell you everything you need to know before you go.

Skip ahead:

Basic Albania Backpacking Info
Albania Backpacker Itineraries
Safety in Albania
How to Dress/Pack for Albania
How to get to Albania & Visas
Transportation in Albania
Best Time of Year to Backpack Albania
Typical Costs of Backpacking Albania
Where to Stay in Albania
Best Backpacking Locations in Albania
Cheap Albania Activities for Backpackers

guide to backpacking albania

ALBANIA

BALKANS

EUROPE

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~ Taylor ♡

Albania Google Map – 200+ pins

Don’t feel like scrolling through blog posts trying to find things to do in Albania?

My Albania map is for you.

Get my 200+ recommendations for hiking trails, beaches, activities, and must-see spots all in one place.

One click and everything is saved to your Google Maps app – a digital tour guide that fits in your pocket.

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Quick Albania Travel Guide:

**Find my recommended Albania itineraries linked in the section below**

Travel Insurance: ALWAYS purchase reliable travel insurance before your trip. This insurance is trusted by backpackers and adventure sport enthusiasts around the world. You can also use my link to receive 5% off SafetyWing policies. Here’s a blog post with more trustworthy travel insurance options you can compare.

Best Time to Visit: May to September.

Best Activities: Looking for the best tours and activities around Albania? See my Viator shop for my top recommendations.

Currency: Albanian LEK (aka ALL). This is a closed currency so you’ll need to wait until you’re in Albania to withdraw/exchange money. Make sure you exchange any leftover money before you leave the country too. Credins ATMs don’t charge a service charge.

Transportation: to enter the country you’ll find 1 international airport in Tirana, 1 port in Saranda (daily ferry arrivals/departures to Corfu, Greece), and a bus line from Montenegro. Buses are very cheap here, but unreliable. Driving is chaotic and there are no trains within the country. Taxis are fairly expensive.

Phone: purchase a local SIM card from Vodafone – the plans are cheap and they include lots of data, however international minutes are typically not available. Vodafone storefronts can be found in bigger cities (Tirana, Saranda, Shkoder, etc).

Language: Albanian, however you can get by with English. Google translate is recommended for smaller cities/villages.

Safety: I found Albania to be very safe. I and my fellow travellers had no trouble with theft and I felt comfortable walking around as a solo female at night. People are generally very welcoming here, but always keep your wits about you – no matter where you travel.

Helpful Info: don’t drink the tap water or bring a purifying bottle like this one. Bring an international travel adapter, and notify your bank before travelling.

Purchase my Albania map which is downloadable to google maps on your phone. It has 200+ pinned locations around the country – all available at your fingertips.

Packing Guide: here’s my ultimate packing guide/travel essentials.

Albania is one of the last “undiscovered” countries in Europe. Plan your trip while prices & tourism levels are low!

Helpful Albania Blog Posts

Albania Itineraries: 1 week south | 1 week north | 2 weeks whole country | 1 month for backpackers

tips for backpacking albania

Basic Albania Backpacking Info

I’m going to direct you to my quick Albania travel guide above which outlines the Albania backpacking basics.

a guide to backpacking albania — Valbona Valley National Park

I’ll expand the guide points more in this Albania backpacker guide, however I’ll also direct you to this post for all my Albania pre-travel tips. This post is full of random tidbits I wish I’d known about before backpacking Albania.

You can click here to find every post and itinerary I’ve written for Albania.

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Taylor ♡

Albania Backpacker itineraries

If you’re backpacking Albania, here are my itineraries to get you started:

Complete guides: 1 week south | 1 week north | 2 week whole country | 1 Month Albania backpacker itinerary

Ancient cities: 2 days in Berat | 2 Days in Gjirokaster

Beach towns: 2 days in Saranda | 2 days in Vlora | 3 days in Himara

Shkoder & the Alps: 6 day Shkoder/Alps itinerary | Hiker’s guide to the Albanian Alps | Shala River

Adventure destinations: 2 days in Permet | 2 days in Theth | 2 days in Valbona

Where to stay: Best hostels in Albania | Luxury hotels in Albania

More: 30+ best things to do in Albania | 17 best places in Albania | 2 days in Tirana

For hiking guides & more Albania posts, you can

CLICK HERE

itineraries for backpacking albania

Popular Albania Tours

From Berat: 4×4 tour: Mount Tomorr & Sotira Waterfall | Bogove Waterfall & Osumi Canyon | Osumi Canyon Rafting

From Gjirokaster: Vjosa River Rafting

From Permet: Benja Hot Springs & Lengarica Canyon | Horseback Riding

From Tirana: Gamti Mountain & Bovilla Lake Hiking Tour | Bike Tour | Traditional Cooking Class | Zipline

From Tirana or Shkoder: Day trip to the Blue Eye & Grunas Waterfall | Shala River Day Trip

From Vlora: Boat tour to Haxhi Ali Cave & Sazan Island – Karaburun | Snorkelling

From Saranda/Ksamil: Paddle boarding the Islands | Butrint, Ksamil, Blue Eye, Lekuresi Castle – 1 Day | Day Trip to Gjirokaster | Catamaran to Korez & Kokomo Beach

UNIQUE: Multi-day hiking tour: Peaks of the Balkans

You can find more Albania tours I recommend here

MORE UNIQUE ALBANIA TOURS

Safety in Albania

I’m going to start this Albania backpacker’s guide with safety in mind as many people view Albania as an unsafe travel destination full of violent crime and mafia activity. This couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Albania is a safe country to backpack for both males and females. I backpacked Albania for 1.5 months as a solo female and has no issues. I walked alone at night, hitchhiked alone, dressed in whatever I wanted, and always engaged with the locals.

Albanians are some of the most welcoming and generous people I’ve met. I’ve had nothing but wonderful experiences with the locals who are VERY proud of their country. This alone makes backpacking Albania a very special experience – the country hasn’t been consumed by mass tourism and the experience is still “local.”

Common sense must always be applied in terms of not leaving your drink unattended, avoid walking alone intoxicated, always keep your valuables close, etc. However generally I was never “on edge” or worried about being pickpocketed or scammed here.

The biggest safety concern in the Albania comes from reckless driving – Albania has the highest road fatality rates per capita in all of Europe. I experienced this driving chaos when I hitchhiked with the locals. Be aware when you’re driving or by major roads.

ps – if you find yourself hiking near the Kosovo border avoid wandering off-trail as landmines still exist.

Albania backpacking guide

How to Dress/Pack for Albania

Depending on when you backpack Albania, what you pack may vary slightly. Typically visitors flock to the mountains and beaches here during summer which is a HOT time of year. Light, flowy clothes are best. Leave the denim and hoodies at home.

Here’s my go-to packing guide/travel essentials

The locals dress more conservatively, however tourists can wear whatever they want. There’s no specific dress code to follow unless you’re visiting a mosque – in this case wear closed toe shoes and cover your shoulders/legs. The locals may stare the more revealing your clothing is, however they’ll stare regardless, it’s part of the culture.

I often wore long skirts, lightweight pants, and thin cardigans I could tie up around my waist when I backpacked Albania. This was solely for sun protection as I’m not a fan of sunscreen. Keeping my sweaty skin off chair surfaces and whatnot was also nice.

Make sure you pack at least 2 bathing suits, a travel towel, a couple dresses or skirts, comfortable shorts and tanks/tees. I brought trail runners and Crocs for shoes, but sandals would work too. I won’t list recommended quantities of these things as depending on the activities you’re doing packing will be different. However what I will say is less is more. Laundry isn’t too hard to do in Albania and carrying around a massive, heavy backpack in the scorching heat is not ideal. Especially if you’re travelling Albania for a month+.

If you’re visiting Albania during spring/fall or are hiking in the mountainous northern areas, a pair of hiking pants and a light sweater could be useful. When I hiked the alps in summer it reached 35C at altitude though so this was not necessary for me.

I also recommend packing all your skincare products and toiletries before you arrive as you may not be able to find the brands you typically use. I’m an all-natural product maker and user. I found only one shop in Tirana that sold high quality skincare oils and definitely would not have used the local products otherwise.

What to pack for backpacking Albania

How to get to Albania & Visas

There are 3 popular entry points into Albania: the Tirana International Airport, the ferry from Corfu, Greece, and the bus from Montenegro.

One of the appealing aspects for travellers backpacking Albania is how long you can stay. Once you cross the border into Albania most nationalities can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. If you’re from the USA you can stay up to 1 year in Albania.

Most European countries are in the Schengen Zone which only allow you to visit the whole zone for 90 days within a 180 day period. The freedom to stay in Albania for 90 days without affecting your Schengen days makes Albania a popular destination for long haul backpackers as it greatly extends their time in Europe.

how long can I backpack albania

Albania Google Map – 200+ pins

Don’t feel like scrolling through blog posts trying to find things to do in Albania?

My Albania map is for you.

Get my 200+ recommendations for hiking trails, beaches, activities, and must-see spots all in one place.

One click and everything is saved to your Google Maps app – a digital tour guide that fits in your pocket.

DOWNLOAD MAP

see what other travellers are saying about my map

Transportation in Albania

Once you arrive for your Albania backpacking trip, it’s best to take advantage of the local transit system. The bus is the cheapest method of transportation in Albania – less than 1€ for intracity routes and 6€ to 12€ for regional routes. The regional routes are typically operated via mini bus (furgon).

Be aware that the bus system Albania is a bit chaotic compared to what you may be used to if you’re visiting from North America or other parts of Europe. Schedules are just staring to appear online/on Google maps (as of 2024), but I would highly recommend speaking to the locals to gain insight on pickup locations and schedule info. Buses are frequently late and sometimes don’t show up fyi. Never rely on the last bus of the day if you have somewhere important to be.

There are no bus transit hubs for regional buses, but rather large parking lots with destination signs in the windows or weird pickups on the side of the road with minimal signage. It can be confusing, I won’t lie. Albania bus drivers also don’t typically speak English, however the locals are always happy to help.

There are taxis, however they can be pricey in comparison to the bus. There’s no passenger train in Albania.

Hitchhiking is common in Albania and you’ll be picked up quickly. I personally hitchhiked alone as a female multiple times and had no issues.

does Albania have a bus system for backpackers

Best Time of Year to Backpack Albania

Albania has a Mediterranean climate which means hot summers and long shoulder seasons. I personally think the best time to backpack Albania is June and September. During these months temperatures are cooler, “crowds” are minimal, and shoulder-season prices are in effect (for September).

The wettest months of the year are during winter (November-March) which means you don’t necessarily have to worry about a “wet season” whilst planning your backpacking trip to Albania in spring, summer, or fall.

Albania in the spring (March-May) is typically around the cooler end of the spectrum (10 degrees), but gradually warms up to 20 degrees the closer you get to summer. I’d say May is one of the best months for hiking in Albania as the snow in the mountains will be mostly gone by the end of the month and the summer heat will have not set in.

June is a great month for backpacking in Albania as it offers the perfect mix of spring and summer. This time of year is ideal for all activities in Albania.

During peak summer (July-August), Albania’s daily temperature is 30 degrees+ with hot periods reaching 35 degrees+. Summer is a great time to backpack Albania if you’re planning to beach lounge and take things slow, but I found it too hot to hike comfortably – even in the mountains.

Like June, backpacking Albania in autumn (September to October) is a great choice as coastal temperatures can still reach 25 degrees during the day (colder in the mountains). These temperatures will gradually cool as autumn progresses.

Winter is not a popular time to visit Albania. Many tourism operations and guesthouses close for the season, however the establishments that remain open will charge much lower rates than during high season. Temperatures can dip below zero and the alps experience significant snowfall.

Keep in mind the northern mountainous areas of the country typically experience cooler temperatures and slightly more rainfall during the shoulder seasons than the coastal areas.

best time of year to backpack albania

Typical Costs of Backpacking Albania

Typically travellers opt to backpack Albania for the variety of activities and landscapes the country offers in addition to the cheap prices that exist here. Albania is new to the tourism world meaning prices are significantly lower for food, accommodations, and excursions than other European countries like Italy or France.

In saying this, Albania is growing fast as a travel destination and these prices won’t last forever. Albania is essentially the next Croatia.

things to know before backpacking albania — Blue Eye of Theth

The local currency (Albanian LEK) is closed meaning you must wait until you’re in Albania to withdraw/exchange money. Make sure you exchange any remaining cash before you leave the country too.

The suggested budgets below are from 2024 and are expected to rise year after year. I recommend you plan your Albania backpacking trip sooner than later to take advantage of these prices while they last.

Backpacker Budget

2,700-4,500 ALL (€27-€55)

Hostel dorms, cooking your meals, limiting alcohol, using public transportation, sticking to free and cheap activities like hiking and free tours. If you plan on drinking a lot add another 500-1,000 ALL to your daily budget.

Mid-Range Budget

5,900-11,860 ALL (€60-€120)

Private hostel rooms or private Airbnbs. Eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks at the bar, see more museums and castles, do a day trip or two, and take the occasional taxi to get around.

Upscale Budget

12,775-27,375 ALL (€130-€325)

Stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, see all the sites you want, do plenty of day tours, and take taxis where you want.

typical costs of backpacking albania

If you’re backpacking Albania you can expect the following for average costs (as of 2024). Keep in mind these prices will rise as time progresses):

Food & drinks: Your hotel or hostel will almost always provide a delicious breakfast, for lunch you can typically find cheaper diner or grab-n-go options for less than €10, and a traditional dinner may cost you at absolute most €20. Beer is typically €1-3 and shopping locally/cooking is dirt cheap – make sure you check out the fruit markets.

Lodging: Hostels are typically €10-€15. A high price for a mid-range hotel in Albania typically costs €70, whereas luxury hotels clock in at €150+. Guesthouses are typically around the €20-€40 range.

Transportation: intracity buses cost less than €1 whereas regional buses (furgons) are around €5-€10. Taxis can be negotiated slightly, but I found within city limits they’re typically around €15-€30. Car rentals vary greatly.

Activities: there are free walking tours (tipping expected), free beach access, cheap bike/kayak rentals, low entry fees to castles and museums (only a few euros), and guided activities usually range from €30-€50.

How much does it cost to backpacker albania

Where to Stay in Albania

The long tradition of guest hospitality in Albania plus the local’s pride and admiration for their country makes lodging in Albania special. I found the locals to be kind and caring when it came to my experience in their establishments and their country in general.

There are 3 main lodging options in Albania:

Hostels: the hostel system in Albania is pretty incredible. The hostels typically range form 10-15 euros/night and almost always include a delicious breakfast buffet. They’re centrally located and you don’t typically need to book them in advance. The hostel system here makes backpacking Albania very appealing to backpackers.

See my post for the Best hostels in Albania for Backpackers

Hotels/apartments: come in abundance and at fairly cheap rates, however there is a “luxury” side to Albanian travel too. If you’re backpacking Albania in a pair you can oftentimes find a private hotel room/apartment for the same price you’d pay for 2 hostel dorm beds.

See my post for the Best Luxury Hotels in Albania

Guesthouses: are run by local families – you can typically expect guesthouse owners to go above and beyond to make your experience special. They’re very popular in more remote areas of the country and in the alps. When I backpacked Albania I had guesthouse owners surprise me with flowers, fresh fruit, and even wake up at 4am to make me breakfast before my “alpine starts” to hiking. It was a really wholesome experience.

To see average prices for these lodging options, click here to go back and see Albania’s backpacking costs.

where to stay when you’re backpacking Albania

Best Backpacking Locations in Albania

To get us started I’ll direct you to this post which outlines the 17 best places to backpack in Albania.

The south of Albania is where you’ll find the Albanian Riviera. The 476km coast of the Riviera lies along both the Adriatic and Ionian Sea which is lined with beaches; both sandy and rocky. Popular locations along the coast are: Saranda, Ksamil, Himara, and Vlora.

Further inland you’ll find a couple ancient and stone cities, a few national parks, and plenty of places to indulge in delicious local foods and adventure. The top inland cities I visited on my Albania backpacking trip were Berat, Gjirokaster, and Permet.

The north of Albania is mountainous. We’re talking mountains with peaks soaring well above 2,000m. There are national parks here, waterfalls, and epic hiking trails. If you’re a hiker or love grandeur mountain scenery, the north is for you. Shkoder is considered the “culture capital” of Albania and will mark your entry point to the alps. Once you’re there make sure you visit the Shala River, Theth National Park, and Valbona Valley National Park.

Scroll back to see my recommended itineraries for all these locations.

best places to visit on a backpacking trip to Albania

Cheap Albania Activities for Backpackers

To get you started I’ll direct you to this post which outlines 30+ best activities to do on your backpacking trip to Albania.

Albania backpacker travel tips — Ksamil, Albanian Riviera

Free Walking Tours: are offered in every city. They’re a great way to get acquainted with the local sights, especially if you’re short on time. Tips are appreciated (more like expected) on these trips – €5-€10 should do.

Castles & Museums: there are ancient castles and museums all over Albania. Most of them cost only a few euros to enter.

Beaches: are always free to use. Many beaches are lined with chairs you’re required to pay to use, however there’s always a section of beach left open for beach-goers using towels.

Hiking: there’s fantastic self-led hiking trails in Albania’s northern national parks. Here are 10+ hikes worth doing around the country.

Kayaking: Himara was my favourite place to kayak along the Riviera. This post outlines a great kayaking route along the coast.

Cycling: you can find cheap bike rentals in almost every Albanian city. Shkoder in particular has an incredible biking culture which is a wonderful budget activity to add to your Albania backpacking itinerary.

cheap activities for backpackers in albania

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