Europe's last undiscovered gem — a Mediterranean country of Ottoman old towns, communist-era bunker fields, pristine Riviera beaches, and mountains that close off the country from the world.
- Capital
- Tirana
- Population
- 2,363,314
- Area
- 28,748 km²
- Languages
- Albanian
- Currency
- Albanian Lek (ALL)
- GDP
- $28,372M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
Tavë kosi
Annual visitors
2,658,000 (2020)
Safety
Low (1.39/100k)
Avg temp
12.4°C
Religion
Islam
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 129 · Ambulance 127 · Fire 128
Travel guide
"AL" redirects here. For the Brazilian state with the same postal abbreviation, see Alagoas; for the U.S. state, see Alabama. Albania (Albanian: Shqipëria) is a country in the Balkan region of Europe with unspoiled beaches, mountainous landscapes, traditional cuisine, archaeological artefacts, unique traditions, low prices and the wild atmosphere of the countryside. It is one of the sunniest countries in Europe. The country has an extensive archaeological heritage; it was part of Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire until its first declaration of independence in 1912, becoming a kingdom and then a communist dictatorship before becoming a democratic republic. Albania is one of just a few Muslim majority nations in Europe.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Albania
Best time to visit
Albanian Riviera is best June–September. Berat and Gjirokaster are pleasant April–October. Tirana is year-round. July–August on the coast is busy with Kosovars and diaspora. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking in the Accursed Mountains.
Visa
Most nationalities including US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia enter Albania visa-free for 90 days. Albania is very welcoming to tourists.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (5)
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Major cities
Tirana
Albania's vibrant, colorful capital with communist-era bunkers turned into bars, excellent food, and Mount Dajti cable car.
Berat
The City of a Thousand Windows — a UNESCO World Heritage Ottoman town clinging to a hillside above the Osum River.
Gjirokaster
A UNESCO-listed stone city of Ottoman mansions, the birthplace of Enver Hoxha and author Ismail Kadare.
Saranda
Albania's Riviera resort town opposite Corfu, gateway to the ancient ruins of Butrint and blue-water beaches.