For a long time, Albania was considered a closed country. The situation has changed over the past decade. Albania's seaside resorts attract tourists from Russia and Europe with picturesque landscapes, acceptable living conditions, and low prices. These are not only beaches, but also thermal springs, mineral waters for treatment, health improvement. Tourism in Albania is gaining momentum. Resorts have something to offer vacationers with different needs, financial capabilities.
Holidays in Albania - where is better
Due to the convenient geographical location, 300 days a year in the resorts of Albania there is warm weather. The air temperature in summer rises to +30 degrees and above, in winter it drops to +10 degrees. In the holiday season, the heat is practically not felt, the sea breeze saves near the coast.
The state is washed by the Ionian and Adriatic seas, resorts on both shores hospitably meet tourists and offer comfortable conditions for rest, pleasant memories of the vacation. It remains to decide where to go?
Adriatic
Resorts in Albania on the Adriatic Sea are more suitable for a vacation with children. The main type of recreation is the sea and the beach. The snow-white coast with sand and gentle entry into the azure waters, secluded bays will not leave anyone indifferent. Such resort towns as Shengjin with chic restaurants and comfortable hotels, Durres with green parks and white sandy coast are worthy of special attention.
We definitely recommend visiting Vlore Bay... Its shores are covered with comfortable beaches. Connoisseurs of ecological tourism and "savages" gather in the lagoons. Those wishing to get closer to nature are advised to go to the fishing Shengjin village... Its visitors not only fish, but also go to museums, to ancient monuments, first of all to examples of the fortress architecture of the medieval period.
Beach areas are strewn with catering establishments, entertainment infrastructure. Brilliant pine forests grow nearby. The choice of hotels will satisfy any discerning vacationer, both in terms of price and conditions. We definitely recommend visiting Durreslocated near the capital of the state. But it is useful to remember about a large port, which is liked by only a part of tourists.
Ionian sea
While in the resorts of Albania on the Ionian Sea, the tourist infrastructure is more developed, and an active life is in full swing. People come here for new impressions and positive emotions. In addition to pebble beaches, clear waters, cozy hotels and boarding houses, tourists are offered fascinating diving or mountaineering activities, educational excursions, and sleepless nights. Pay attention to the resorts of Himara, Vlora, and Ksamil. From here, Greece is just a stone's throw away, and local attractions bring closer the history and culture of the Middle Ages.
For those who value tranquility and measured pastime, we recommend going to Saranda... The coastline of the city allows you to enjoy distant views of Corfu, blurring in the haze of the sea. We also advise you to visit Dhermifamous for its olives and citrus fruits. The Dhermi authorities have taken care of the active expansion and strengthening of the infrastructure.
Coast of the city of Ksamil
When to go to rest
Vacation at the sea in Albania is appropriate during the beach season. Go on a trip from April to October, because during this period there is a visa-free regime when entering the state. Albania is especially attractive for tourists from June to September, when the tourist season is in full swing. In addition to relaxing at sea during this period, you can go to the Albanian Alps, spend an unforgettable vacation.
Prices in the summer "bite". If you are more interested in excursions and local attractions, it is better to go to Albania in the spring or already in the fall. The weather outside is excellent with a moderate amount of precipitation, but the local places delight with beauty, history, and unique nature. In winter, there is not much to do at the resort, although the air temperature does not drop below +5 degrees. Decide what you expect from your trip to Albania and make your choice of a resort.
IN January days the air temperature can drop to -15 degrees. Records of negative temperatures were recorded in the mountains. But the cold season, starting in December, to february is already ending. WITH mid-March summer time begins. Tour operators offer organized tours from May 1st to October 31st. Earlier and later than these dates, the sea is cold, you should not go.
Tour prices
Albania is open for tourists all year round, but the flow of tourists grows rapidly during the summer. Tours are attractive by their availability, so they are sold out like "hot cakes". The cost of the voucher includes flight, group transfer and medical insurance, starts at 25,000 rubles per person for 7 days and 6 nights.
The final prices for a seaside vacation in 2021 in Albania depend on the choice of the resort, transport, and the number of tourists. A vacation abroad on the "All Inclusive" system will cost a tourist from 36,000 rubles and more. For example, if two adults stay at the Horizont Hotel 4 * (Durres) for 5 nights, the cost of living will cost 41,200 rubles. This is not a price limit.
Pay attention to the availability of health insurance. It is expensive and expensive for a foreigner to get medical treatment in Albania. When traveling on your own, we recommend using Tripinsurance. Tours to Albania can be selected through the Travelata service.
Resort prices
What money is better to come with? We recommend stocking up on dollars and euros, the former are more profitable for the exchange. Both currencies are well accepted. We do not recommend going with rubles.
Upon arrival, you can stay at a hotel, hostel or camping. Prices for holidays in Albania depend on the choice of the tourist. For example, in a 2-3-star hotel, you can spend the night for two for 20-30 euros, while in five-star hotels, the price for accommodation starts at 70 euros per day per person.
If tourists consider exclusively a beach holiday in Albania in a private car and closer to nature, several official campgrounds are located along the coast. Prices start at 10 euros per day and increase depending on living conditions. Six campsites can be found on the picturesque beaches of Livadi and Porto Palermo.
Another option for recreation on the coast of Albania is the private sector. You can stay in a guesthouse, where the cost of living in a separate room with all the amenities starts at 15 euros per day. These are the private apartments of the tenants, which they rent out in the summer in order to earn some extra money.
In addition to paying for housing, you will have to spend money on food, transport and entertainment. You can safely call a budget vacation by the sea in Albania, prices are affordable for middle-level representatives, no higher than at the famous resorts of Crimea. For example, for a bus trip from Tirana to Durres you will have to pay 1 euro, and for a set lunch - from 3 to 5 euros. Active recreation and entertainment are also available for all visitors and guests of Albania. True, you will have to overpay for the flight. Airplane prices in summer reach 15,000 rubles one way.
We have given all the prices for holidays in Albania that tourists need below:
- Flight prices:
From Tirana airport to the hotel, we recommend booking a transfer with KiwiTaxi. This makes it much easier to get to the hotel with tired children or large luggage.
The cost of food in cafes and restaurants:
- Meals in an ordinary cafe on the main street will cost 8 € for two
- Meals for 2 people in a middle-class restaurant with a three-course order - 25 €
- Complex lunch in fast food - 4 €
- Homemade beer (draft 0.5 l) - 1 - 2 €
- Imported beer (bottle 0.33 l) - 1.2 - 3 €
- Fresh coffee in a coffee shop - 0.7 - 1.5 €
- Water (0.33 l bottle) - 0.5 €
Important: Tipping in Albania is mandatory, their rate is 10%.
The cost of groceries in stores:
- Milk (1 liter) - 0.8 - 1.4 €
- White bread - 0.4 - 0.8 €
- Rice (1 kg) - 0.6 - 1.4 €
- Eggs (10 pieces) - 1 - 2.4 €
- Local cheese (1 kg) - 3 - 7 €
- Chicken fillet (1 kg) - 2 - 6 €
- Loose beef (1 kg) - 5 - 11 €
- Apples (1 kg) - 0.4 - 1.3 €
- Bananas (1 kg) - 0.9 - 2 €
- Oranges (1 kg) - 0.6 - 1.9 €
- Tomatoes (1 kg) - 0.4 - 1.3 €
- Potatoes (1 kg) - 0.3 -1 €
- Onions (1 kg) - 0.3 - 1 €
- Water (1.5 liter bottle) - 0.4 - 0.8 €
- Bottle of wine (medium quality) - 3.50 - 10 €
- Homemade beer (bottle 0.5 l) - 0.5 - 1 €
- Imported beer (bottle 0.33 l) - 0.6 - 2 €
Fare
- One way ticket (local public transport) - 0.2 - 0.3 €
- Taxi (city rate) - 1.6 - 3 €
- Taxi 1 km (per kilometer) - 1.2 - 3 €
- Gasoline (1 liter) - 1.25 - 1.5 €
Clothes and footwear
- pair of jeans (Levis) - 16 - 80 €
- summer dress (Zara, H&M) - 15 - 48 €
- pair of Nike sneakers (in the brand store) - 32 -112 €
- a pair of men's leather shoes - 40 - 130 €
Renting a home from the owner with self-booking:
- Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center - 161 - 400 €
- Apartment (1 bedroom) in a residential area - 96 - 282 €
- Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the center - 255 - 806 €
- Apartment (3 bedrooms) in a residential area - 161 - 483 €
A trip to At grandmas (Shkoder city) will cost 3800 rubles for 7 days. You can rent accommodation in Saranda (at Dolphin Hostel) for 3940 rubles. Holidays in Albania by the sea at the Sopoti hotel (in the city of Gjirokastra) will cost 4560 rubles. Zig Zag Hostel offers visitors to Tirana a weekly accommodation in a comprehensive program for 4870 rubles. If you do not limit yourself to checking into a hotel, but also order tickets and a transfer, you can live for 3 tourists for 10 days in Albania for 1000 - 1200 dollars.
Tirana is the cultural center of the country
What to do and what to see?
Before finding the answer to this question, decide where is the best place to relax in Albania? Active recreation is offered by the Ionian Sea and the developed tourist infrastructure on its coast. Family, with small children - Adriatic. If you choose a resort from Vlora to Ksamil, in addition to relaxing on a clean beach with white sand, you can visit the Greek island of Corfu, picturesque Apulia (an Italian region for tourists).
Tourists are often interested in what sea is in Albania. It turns out that when ordering a tour, you can independently choose whether to go on vacation to the Ionian or Adriatic Sea. In the first case, go diving, go to discos and restaurants, enjoy a variety of places for recreation and enjoy affordable prices. In the second, visit the white sand beaches of Albania and create comfortable conditions for a vacation with small children. Clean sea, sandy and pebbly coast, gentle sun - what else do young parents need.
If the long-awaited holiday season in Albania is yet to be spent, then we advise you to enter the local attractions in the guidebook:
- At the resorts of Shkoder, Berat, Kruj, attention is drawn to medieval fortresses with deep moats and unique stories, legends of that difficult time.
- In the capital Tirana, you can see Mount Daiti, the city museum and the ancient pyramids.
- Skadar Lake (Shkoder) and Lake Coman, picturesque landscapes of the Albanian Alps do not bypass.
- In Tirana, on Jeanne D'Arc Square, the Cathedral of St. Paul, made in the style of postmodernism, deserves attention.
- In the north of the country, the unique Valbona Valley is comfortably located, and the national park covers about 80 square kilometers.
- History lovers will be interested in visiting the ancient city of Berat, the construction of which began during the Ottoman Empire.
- A UNESCO heritage site is the Butrint Museum Reserve, on the territory of which several sites have survived. Among them - a baptistery, a cathedral, a gate, an amphitheater from the time of Ancient Greece.
- Not far from Saranda there is the Syri I Kalter Karst spring with clear water and powerful streams. The water temperature is 14 degrees.
- The historic center of Gjirokastra. Another medieval building with a unique history and architecture.
It is advisable to find out in advance not only what hotels in Albania on the sea all inclusive offer, but also what you can see in this hospitable country. There are enough local attractions in every city, and if you wish, you can even travel around the country. For example, the picturesque Lalzit Bay in the very center of Albania and the ancient Apollonia in the west of the Fieri resort. The list of local beauties does not end there.
Seashore in Saranda
Holidays in Albania with children
Hospitable Albania and vacation at sea is a good change of scenery and an opportunity to be (get closer) with your children. A comfortable entry into the water is important for a child, so keep the direction on the Adriatic coast. Pay attention to the resorts of Velipoya, Shengjin and Durres. The sea is shallow, the water warms up quickly, small holidaymakers will always find something to do on the beach.
All-inclusive hotels in Albania are the best place for families with children, this is the option most often chosen by tourists. There is a playground and a playroom on the territory, and sometimes even a professional animator works. It is also important to take into account the proximity of the resort to the coastline, the availability of children's entertainment on the beach and comfortable conditions for the whole family.
Of the sights, the younger generation will certainly be interested in the zoo and botanical garden, children's attractions on city beaches, national parks and reserves, visiting cafes and restaurants. Holidays for all tastes and ages of children will not get bored.
Albania hotels by the sea have also provided everything necessary to make children and their parents feel comfortable on vacation. In general, such a trip abroad is needed to redeem your child in sea water and to heal him with ecologically clean nature. The prices for food in Albania are affordable, so you can indulge a little resort traveler with different delicacies at least every day. Moreover, Albanian cuisine is hearty and healthy.
We do not recommend giving preference to the Ionian coast. The great depth is suitable for extreme sports, but not for a relaxing family vacation on the beach. On the Adriatic Sea, first of all, we advise you to book tours in Velepoyu and Shengjin.
If, nevertheless, the choice is made in favor of the shores of the Ionian Sea (nicknamed the Albanian Riviera), Saranda and Ksamil come up first. Durreslike Velipoya and Shengjin can offer families of vacationers equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers and other infrastructure beaches. Since the sea is shallow and warms up in a short time, from the end of May it is an attractive time for swimming.
The selection of apartments, villas, large family-type rooms for a large group of visitors is possible at every Albanian resort. We recommend booking accommodation through Booking.com, here are the most advantageous offers.
Center of Saranda
Is it worth going
There are plenty of options where it is better to have a rest on the sea in Albania. It remains to decide what kind of vacation you prefer. The country attracts with picturesque landscapes and azure waters of two seas, ecologically clean air, national parks and nature reserves. It remains only to find out how much a ticket to Albania costs in the coming season, and not deny yourself anything else.
Reviews of tourists
- The positive side of this state is the opportunity to combine leisure on beach areas with hiking in the mountains, with excursions to ancient cities and with gastronomic tours. Residents of Russia from June to October come there without a visa; Visa-free tourists have the right to stay in Albanian territory for 90 days within the grace period.
- Along with the above mentioned resorts, it is useful to visit Shkodra and Fier. Travelers will find old landmarks everywhere. Durres is famous for its amphitheater of the late antiquity period. The ruins of the Byzantine era and a tower from the times of the Venetian domination are also located there. In Berat, you can enjoy the harmonious interweaving of Christian and Muslim spaces. Vacation fees on an Albanian beach are less than in Croatia or Montenegro. At the same time, the territory is noticeably cleaner.Connoisseurs of snorkelling and amateur scuba divers go to the Albanian Riviera.
- The choice of a place on the Adriatic coast must be made to your taste. Even experienced travelers find it difficult to say where to rest. If you need the most comfortable leisure time, it is advisable to choose hotels of a five-star class. Saranda is slightly bad by a significant distance from Tirana. It will take 5 hours to drive. But the water is unusually clean.
- It is important to remember that in Albania, with all the vicissitudes of the last 100 years, a partly patriarchal way of life is still preserved. Tourists who do not take this into account can run into a scandal, even if they are relaxing on private beaches. The total cost of leisure activities on the Albanian coast is noticeably less than in neighboring countries. You can fly to Tirana through Belgrade, through Rome, and through Vienna. There is no point in looking for direct flights.
- The village of Dhermi is distinguished by a developed hotel sector. Young people from other cities of Albania like to come there. Those who wish can rent wooden "bungalows".
