Albania

First time in Albania and I tried to approach it with open eyes rather than preconceptions. Sarandë was the base and a good one — central, manageable, and with strong food options including the best fërgesë I've ever had. Berat old town (City of a Thousand Windows) was the big set piece and fully ju…

I spent 16 days in Albania and based myself mainly in Tirana. The city itself exceeded expectations — the Llogara Pass was genuinely jaw-dropping and I ended up visiting twice. Food was a highlight throughout; I must have eaten fërgesë every other day and have no regrets about it whatsoever. What I…

Did Albania on a shoestring for 20 days and it was absolutely manageable. Based in cheap guesthouses near Shkodër centre and ate mostly at local spots — fërgesë from street stalls cost almost nothing and was better than anything in a tourist restaurant. Gjirokastër Citadel has an entry fee but wort…

Visited Albania in shoulder season deliberately and the decision paid off completely. Albanian Riviera without peak crowds is a totally different experience. Sarandë felt lived-in rather than touristy. Found a small place doing the best byrek I've ever tasted — something that would have been invisib…

This was my third visit to Albania and I keep finding new reasons to return. This time I explored beyond Tirana and discovered a completely different side of the country. Llogara Pass never loses its impact no matter how many times you've seen it. The food still makes me happy in ways I can't fully…

Did 20 days solo in Albania and found it extremely manageable as a solo traveller. The transport network around Gjirokastër is decent and getting to Llogara Pass independently was straightforward. Met fellow travellers easily and locals were generally happy to chat. incredibly cheap was a personal …

I went to Albania with modest expectations and left completely won over, largely thanks to time spent in Tirana. The city has a pace and character that travel guides undersell. Found a great spot for byrek on day two and went back every day after that. Butrint ruins was the big planned experience a…

Only had a long weekend — about 10 days — in Albania, based in Shkodër. More than enough to fall for the place. Did Butrint ruins on day one and spent the rest of the time just walking and eating. The tavë kosi situation here is no joke — some of the best eating I've done anywhere. stunning unspoil…

I thought I was going to Albania for beaches, food, and Gjirokastër Citadel. I got all of those things. What I didn't expect was how emotionally affecting the trip would be. The history — particularly around Tirana — hit in ways that good travel sometimes does. stunning unspoilt Riviera beaches was…

Visited Albania for 7 days. The positives are real: Llogara Pass is every bit as impressive as advertised, and the food scene around Shkodër is genuinely excellent — try fërgesë if you haven't. incredibly cheap was an unexpected bonus. That said, some roads are shocking. It's not a dealbreaker but …