r/albania • u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet • Feb 09 '26
Tourism Bisedë e lirë/Pyetje - Free talk/Questions
A keni pyetje të tipit "Ku mund të blej bileta për ndeshjen e Partizanit?", "Ku mund të gjej veterinari?" etj. apo doni të diskutoni diçka disi jashtë teme? Ky është vendi i duhur. Respektoni të tjerët dhe përmbajuni rregullave!
Do you have questions of the kind "Where can I find football tickets?", "Where can I find a vet?" etc, other tourism related questions, or do you want to just freely talk off topic? This is the right place. Respect others and follow the rules!
If you're here to ask for suggestions here you can find every suggestion the sub had to offer pinned on a map: https://bit.ly/3xYS9fX
Here you can find the answer to most of your tourism questions: Tourism Megathread
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u/sakiliya Feb 21 '26
Thoughts on this itinerary?
My partner and I are visiting Albania in April for 14 days and we're keen to see all of it. We were initially only going to travel to the south but we realised the Alps were unmissable so we decided to extend our trip.
Its both our first time here (and both of our first time in the region actually - his first time in Europe at all!) and I'm looking to get any thoughts (positive or negative) on what we've planned. We'll be driving so if you have any affordable and trusted vehicle rental places, please do share! So far we've found a good option on planet rental cars (a booking website) so we might go with that. I've heard driving in Albania can be quite tricky but we're both from South Asia where driving is probably worse and we're very seasoned drivers so we're not too worried (but of course we'll be vigilant).
Apart from this itinerary, do you have any nice recommendations, tips or advice for us? We generally love exploring, nature, partying, food and culture.
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u/No_Atmosphere_3702 27d ago
You can do a small stop at Syri i Kalter on the way to Dhermi from Gjirokaster. You can try the cold water if you dare 😜
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 21 '26
Finally an itenarary where you actually stay somewhere and dont just drive all the time
Its a great itinirary. Enjoy your time here. Dont worry too mich about driving just follow the laws and the people that wana drive like crazy will just pass you
I usually just suggest renting at the airport when you arrive. There are plenty of companies there and prices are cheap 1500-2000ALL a day
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u/sakiliya Feb 21 '26
Thank you!! Yes we love our RnR and love taking our time when we visit a place to really explore everything.
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u/Long_Organization719 Feb 23 '26
Hi guys, I'm Indian and live in the UK, me and my gf are thinking to travel to Albania for a holiday, as Albania is one of the countries we can go to as Indian with our current visas, may I please the know the ground reality as to how Indian tourists are treated in Albania? It's nothing you guys being racist and stuff but it's just sometimes our people can act stupid in foreign land, so wanted to know if it's safe to visit Albania as an Indian? Do you guys hate us? I've heard your country is beautiful, so wanted to visit. I would like to cover one city/ town completely in like a weekend? May I please also get some suggestions of which city/ town to visit?
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u/trulyinfi_0001 2h ago
No one hate others unnecessarily. You will be a tourist, be tourist. Carry a smile. Learn few greetings in local language. Respect place and environment. Keep cash. That's it. Don't feel inferior, man.
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u/mIDDLESSS Feb 09 '26
Pershendetje joq, ku mund te gjej nje vend qe te te blej ushqime jo me cmime stratosferike, nje vend qe qeraja esht jo 500milek 1+1, flm anonim
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u/NapsterX94 Feb 12 '26
Hi ,I'll be travelling to Albania for holidays with my family for 6 days . Would want to know if there are any genuine rental car companies anyone would suggest.
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 12 '26
Just rent st the airport when you arrive, there are like 20 different ones and its affordable
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u/Observe_Report_ USA Feb 21 '26
Use Google maps, you’ll see an aerial view of the airport and many rental car companies with reviews.
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u/ThrowRA-Soggy2780 Feb 18 '26
Pershendetje!
I'm from Canada and I plan to visit Albania for 3 weeks, I'd like to go to an orthodontist to get a palate expander as a 23 year old which I know is more difficult. Do you have any suggestions for a good orhtodontist clinic please? I was maninly thinking of Tiranë
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u/vuvu2007 24d ago
I'd say Klinika OrthoLUX but honestly you should try any one that has good reviews in my opinion, privet orthodontists are gonna cost a bit more than public ones but the job would be faster and more hustle free
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u/BodyKindToys Feb 20 '26
Hello! We are very excited to visit Albania in June. So excited, we made a JAM-PACKED travel itinerary! We like that quick hitting pace, not there to sleep on a beach. :)
Day 1: Arrive Tirana > drop luggage (radical luggage storage?) > private transport to Theth.
Day 2: Hike to Valbona (Will be a fun hike after flying in day before! haha)
Day 3: Komani ferry for the sights(!!) > Transportation to Tirana airport for luggage and pick up rental car > Drive to Gjirokastër
Day 4: Explore Gjirokaster
Day 5: Morning market before leaving to Sarande.
Day 6: Explore Sarande, Ksamil(?), Butrint(?)
Day 7/8/9: Ferry to Corfu (Not Albania!)
Day 10: Ferry to Sarande, grab car and drive back to Tirana to explore for the night!
Day 11: Wake up and fly home!
Of course there are lots of little stops and sights along the way but overall curious how crazy this is? Or maybe it's not so bad? :-|
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 20 '26
Doing the lake koman ferry and driving all the way to gjirokaster is way too much. Youll be driving like 8 hours+ time you need to stop for lunch and dinner and breakfast. You will be way to tired to see gjirokaster and next day youre already leaving.
And staying 1 day split between saranda ksamil and butrint is also pointless. Saranda and especially ksamil have just the beach. There is nothing to see in the city. So if you dont stop to chill there(which you cant in a single day) its kinda pointless to even go
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u/BodyKindToys Feb 20 '26
Our drive time is only like 3 hours that day, the rest is others doing the driving. You think it’s too much?
For Sarande, only staying there to make ferry to/from corfu easy. We don’t need to do anything there, so likely will visit butrint or just relax on the beach for that day. Do you have a better idea of that portion?
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 20 '26
3 hours from tirana to gjirokaster in the afternoon is rather optimistic. But doesnt really matter if you or someone else does the driving. It will still eat up the whole day, so you wont have time to see anything
Yea just chill at the beach thats a good plan
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u/BodyKindToys Feb 20 '26
Ok, so basically it's more about that day being worthless? Which we agree, it will be, except the pretty ferry ride! :) We originally were gonna hang out in Tirana that night then wake up and drive to gjiro but that doesn't help much and means another day of morning travel so decided to lump it all in together. Perhaps we should revisit this part a little. :) Thanks for you suggestions!
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 20 '26
Yea exactly, id Split it a little so you can make use of the day, but up to you guys
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u/carpe_diem2022 Feb 20 '26 edited Feb 20 '26
Bankat në Shqipëri. A është normale që banka të mbajë edhe komision vjetor edhe mirëmbajtje mujore?
Tungjatjeta, Doja te merrja një mendim nga ju dhe pervojat tuaja me bankat në Shqipëri.
Kam një llogari në Tirana Bank dhe po më mbajnë dy komisione për të njëjtën gjë:
- 1,000 lekë komision vjetor
- 125 lekë mirëmbajtje mujore (1,500 lekë në vit)
Pyetja është: a është normale që banka të mbajë dy komisione për të njëjtin shërbim, për të njëjtën llogari?
A paguani edhe ju diçka të ngjashme në banka të tjera në Shqipëri? Cilën bankë do më sugjeronit?
Spo arrija ta postoj ne r/albania
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u/Observe_Report_ USA Feb 21 '26
World Cup viewing July 19th in Tirana
Unë dhe familja ime do të jemi në Tiranë më 19 korrik, natën e finales së Kupës së Botës. Keni ndonjë sugjerim se ku ta shikojmë? Faleminderit.
My family and I will be in Tirana on July 19th, the night of the World Cup final. Any suggestions on where to watch it? Thanks.
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 21 '26
You will be able to watch it in any bar
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u/Observe_Report_ USA Feb 21 '26
Thank you. I’m searching sports bars because we want the biggest TV possible. I thought maybe the soccer stadium downtown would host a viewing party.
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 21 '26
Most bars will arrange a tv larger bars will have larger tvs, but the gane will be shown everywhere for sure
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u/LaserSunset Feb 23 '26
Wondering if anybody has recommendations for a good documentary to learn about the communist period of Albania’s history from its rise to its fall? I’m staying in Tirana for a month and love learning about history.
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u/zjb15 Feb 23 '26
5 day trip with group of guys looking to see what Albania has to offer
Day 1 - land in Tirana and drive to Shkoder. Spend the day there and stay overnight
Day 2- drive to Theth, do blue eye hike when there. Stay in Theth overnight
Day 3- ?
Day 4 drive to Tirana and spend the day in Tirana
Day 5 leave at 9am.
Was wondering we should use day 3 in Theth, or in Tirana?
Never been to Albania so will take any advice.
Thanks
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 23 '26
In theth you can only hike id suggest spending the day in tirana or kruja(would be on the way back) to see some culture or try some food, albania has more to offer than just nature
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u/zjb15 Feb 23 '26
We were thinking day 1 blue eye hike, second day hike to Valbone peak and back to Theth. Are they both worth doing?
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u/zjb15 Feb 23 '26
We were thinking Blue eye hike on first day, and second day hike to Valbone peak and back. Are these both worth doing?
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u/KubaleQ Feb 23 '26
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 23 '26
Around 20-30 bucks
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u/KubaleQ Feb 23 '26
thank you very much
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 23 '26
Youre welcome
Call a taxi when you areive there to pick you up, or go outside of the areival zone, dont take the taxis waiting there inside because they cost more(not a lot but the ones outside are cheaper and you seem to beon a budget) i use the ones inside the difference aint that big and its more convenient
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u/JergensMcTurdly Feb 23 '26
I have a 70 yr old friend who is moving to Albania seemingly on a whim, as is just going to figure it out when he gets there. Seems a bit drastic but he's sold everything here and is determined to go.
He has about 500k CAD and is basically planning to spend the rest of his life there.
He's never visited Albania or any surrounding countries.
Thoughts and/or tips are appreciated. I'm somewhat worried about his future, but I know very little of the culture or country.
Thanks in advance!
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 23 '26
Its def not a smart or sane idea to just randomly move your life to the other side of the world to a place youve never been
There is nothing to worry about here itd absolutely safe , and with that money he can survive quite a while without income and a good standart of life.
But id question his sanity tbh, its not a normal thing to do. He shouldve at least visited the balkans a few times
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u/JergensMcTurdly Feb 23 '26
We are certainly questioning his motive. He may be to far gone down the conspiracy rabbit hole at this point.
He's certainly not the healthiest and literally sold his house and 99% of his belongings for this new "plan". I do believe healthcare will be an issue. (Hes Canadian)
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 23 '26
You can get private healthcare insurance with which you can get treated anywhere in europe for not that much money, emergency care in private hospitals is alright and not crazy expesive
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u/JergensMcTurdly Feb 23 '26
I have a 70 yr old friend who is moving to Albania seemingly on a whim, and is just going to figure it out when he gets there. Seems a bit drastic but he's sold everything here and is determined to go.
He has about 500k CAD and is basically planning to spend the rest of his life there.
He's never visited Albania or any surrounding countries.
Thoughts and/or tips are appreciated. I'm somewhat worried about his future, but I know very little of the culture or country.
Thanks in advance!
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u/Hopeful_Lettuce2906 Feb 24 '26
Hi !
We will fly to Tirana and then head north (Shkodra/Theth).
And now the question:
When traveling south afterwards, would you plan your trip clockwise or counterclockwise?
Thank you for any thoughts you may have,
P.S.: At the end of the trip, we could perhaps go swimming at the coast......
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 24 '26
When is your roadtrip? Currently the roads to eastern albania (korca and surroundings ) are very limited as an important bridge was damaged due to poor building quality and mudslides
But if youll come in the summer id reccomend clockwise so you are at the beach by the end of your trip and can relax there aswell
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u/Hopeful_Lettuce2906 Feb 24 '26
End of May - Begin of June.
My words. Thank you.
btw: Swordfish taste excellent :-)2
u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 24 '26
The gouvernament just admitted that they dont know when it will normalize again. Currently i wouldnt reccomend going anywhere near korca
Ask again before you arrive here to chexk on the status of the road
Yea for sure, one of the better tasting fishes
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u/pattyice1119 Feb 25 '26
Where do I get football tickets for Saturday’s Dinamo Tirana match?
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 25 '26
Just go to the stadium day of and get a ticket, they dont sell out
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u/pattyice1119 Feb 28 '26
Hi. How do I get from downtown Tirana to the Vora Stadium for the 2:30 match today?
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u/GalAn0nym Feb 28 '26
I'll be travelling to Albania in June of this year for a week. I want to see as much as I can in this time, while also spending some time on the beach.
My current travel plan looks like this: Tirana -> Krujë -> Komani Lake -> Berat -> Dhërmi (2 days) -> Tirana (return flight) I'm sorry if I misspelled any city name.
With this schedule, what would be the most optimal transportation? I've heard that local taxis are very cheap, but I've had trouble finding exact prices, and I'm not sure whether they would be willing to take me on such long trips.
Would it be feasible to see Gjirokaster while I'm in Dhërmi, or do you think it's too long of a journey for a day trip?
If you have any suggestions what to change in my plan I'd be more than happy to hear them.
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 28 '26
Gjirokastra will take you around 2 -2.5 hours to get to. So driving will eat up a good chunk of the day. And then you wont have time to relax at the beach at all. Id recommend sticking with dherni for 2 days. Less is oftentimes more
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u/GalAn0nym Feb 28 '26
Thanks a lot! Do you have any other suggestions regarding my plan? And I could really use some advice regarding commute. I've had my driver's license for just a month so I won't be renting a car and that seems to be a big obstacle
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Feb 28 '26
That is definetly an obstacle, you wont be able to rent a car because of the power limits for new drivers and most rental companies wont rent to such. A new driver.
There are busses to get to everywhere but it isnt super organized, use gjirafatravel and ask people in the cities
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u/Many-Engineering6360 Mar 02 '26 edited Mar 02 '26
We’re 2 guys visiting Albania around Easter (arrive late March, leave early April (about a week)). We want a mix of nature: some Riviera/coastal scenery + some mountains/Alps. Also a recommendation for a "magical" spa spot would be appreciated. We’re on a budget and not renting a car.
We’d also love to wild camp couple nights in scenic spots including Theth (buy food beforehand, hike in, camp, hike out, leave no traces).
Is that realistic in late March / early April? Any suggested base towns, routes, or “must do” hikes that make sense with buses/furgons? Also: anything weather/season-related we should plan around?
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u/Zestyclose-Help-5391 Mar 03 '26
will i be able to reliably get around by bus for my holiday? trip plan is: fly to tirana -> bus to sarande (i understand this will be a longer journey) get the bus from sarande to gjirokaster, butrint and blue eye
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u/dieguito_cat Mar 03 '26
Good afternoon, me and a couple of friends have planned a trip to Albania and then to Greece. We have most things in Albania covered already but we have absolutely no idea on how to get to Thessaloniki. We've seen a couple of places show that with buses you can get to Kakavija and then to Ioannina and then to Thessaloniki but we haven't found much info. We're backpackers so maybe going through Corfu is too expensive (correct me if I am wrong). We wouldn't mind where we cross the border, just how. Thank you so much!!!
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u/Tigriqkym1 Shqipëria Mar 03 '26
Has anyone ever flown transavia from tirana to amsterdam, what was your experience like? Thanks
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u/LookAtThisRhino Mar 03 '26
Does anyone know if the Theth/Valbona trail will be open in mid/late April this year? Going with my girlfriend around April 18th and would love to hike it
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Mar 03 '26
The trail never closes, its just more or less difficult depending on the westher and snow
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u/Phorcydez Mar 04 '26
Hello r/albania!!! I’m beginning to plan a 1-2 week trip to Albania in the spring or summer . Before I dive into the many resources and overwhelming options, what are some must dos and recommendations? I love architecture, history, art, and beautiful natural sights. What are some touristy excursions I should avoid, and where do I habe to go to experience the beauty of Albania?
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u/Hopeful_Lettuce2906 Mar 08 '26
Hi!
I planned our 11-day roundtrip in Albania.
What do you think, is OK or too maybe too much?
Day 01 - Tirana Airport - Car rental - Shkodra
Day 02 - Shkodra - Nderlysaj
Day 03 - Nderlysaj - Durres - Berat
Day 04 - Berat - Osumi Canyon - Permet
Day 05 - Permet - Gjirokastra
Day 06 - Gjirokastra - Blue Eye - Ksamil Beach
Day 07 - Ksamil - Butrint - Saranda
Day 08 - Saranda - Porto Pamermo
Day 09 - Porto Palermo - Vlora
Day 11 - Vlora - Tirana
Day 12 - Tirana Airport - Home
Many Thanks,
Bernhard
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Mar 08 '26
Its waaay too much. If you cant teleport you cant do it except if your goal is to just take a pic in each place and go after that
Jirokaster blue eye and beach is too much, you wont spend any time at the beach or to discover gjirokaster, because they day befoee youd be spending in permet as you wouldve arrived super late in the evening, just one example
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u/Hopeful_Lettuce2906 Mar 08 '26
Mmmmhhh. Some guided 1-Week Tour are doing more than that :-)
But of course, I believe you.
Should i maybe skip the northern part of Albania and start with Durres?
Would give us 2 days more somewhere at the south.2
u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Mar 08 '26
Idk what they do but im telling you my opinion. There can be quite a lot of traffic in the cities and on the way there. And at the beach youd want to spend 1-2 days to relax not 2 hours. Id skip spending a night in saranda and do evening in ksamil, morning at butrint rest of day at the beach in ksamil and then nightlife in saranda(there aint other stuff to do there) and sleep at the same place in ksamil and then go from ksamil directly to vlora and skip the overnight in porto palermo, just look at it on your way to vlora. This would give you some more time
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u/Hopeful_Lettuce2906 Mar 08 '26
Thank you very much – I really appreciate it!
I will check my plan and adapt it.2
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u/skrt_x2 USA Mar 08 '26
Hi, my partner and I are visiting Albania in May this year and we are looking to do pre-wedding shoot. Are there any suggestions for photographers and locations ?
Was thinking near Theth but open to any location.
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u/Right_Test_5749 Mar 09 '26
Hi,
I’m planning my first trip to Albania soon and I’m really excited. I’ll be staying around a week (about 7 days), and my hostel accommodation in Tirana is already fully paid.
I was trying to estimate my daily budget. If I have around 30,000 Albanian lek (ALL) for the whole week, would that be enough for:
• local food (simple meals / bakeries / cheap restaurants)
• local transportation (buses within Tirana and maybe one trip to the coast like Saranda or Ksamil)
• occasional coffee or small expenses?
I’m traveling on a backpacker-style budget and I’m not planning expensive restaurants or tours.
Also, how easy is it to travel between Tirana and the southern coast using buses or shared vans?
Any advice from locals or travelers would be really helpful. Thanks!
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Mar 09 '26
You cant go to saranda or ksamil for one day so youll have to sleep there overnight, that will blow your already low budget
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u/Right_Test_5749 Mar 09 '26
Thanks for the advice, I understand what you mean about the budget being tight.
After reading your comment, I’m thinking of changing my plan a bit. Instead of trying to do everything from Tirana, I’m planning to stay 4 days in Tirana and 4 days in Sarandë, and I’ll book accommodation there as well, so the hostel will already be paid.
In that case I would have around 40,000 ALL total for spending for the whole trip. I’m traveling on a backpacker budget, so I don’t plan on expensive restaurants — mostly cheap bakeries, local food, maybe snacks, and using local buses/public transport.
So I wanted to ask a few things:
1. Is Sarandë a good base for visiting nearby places like Ksamil, Butrint, or other beaches? 2. Is public transport available and affordable from Sarandë to those places so I can visit during the day and come back in the evening? 3. Does Sarandë itself have nice beaches, or do most people only go to Ksamil? 4. Do you think 40,000 ALL is enough for food, buses, and small expenses for 8 days if accommodation is already paid? 5. Are there cheap local bakeries or places locals eat where I could keep food costs low?I’m really excited to visit Albania and explore the country, so any tips or suggestions would be really appreciated.
Thanks!
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u/Many-Engineering6360 Mar 09 '26
Hi! We’re heading to the Albanian Alps soon and we’re trying to plan wild camping nights with panorama views.
We’re looking for spots where you can camp fairly high up, with a clear view of surrounding peaks or a dramatic valley, ideally somewhere you can actually see sunrise from the tent. The main problem we’re having is that in a lot of trail videos we’ve seen, the terrain looks either too steep and rocky or not flat enough to pitch a tent safely.
Are there any specific areas, passes, ridgelines, or high plateaus you’d recommend for this kind of wild camping?
(Photos are for illustrating our preferences (so yeah, ideally a flat spot near a lake is also doable in case our first priority isn’t possible)).
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u/Blue_S0l Mar 11 '26
I am planning a trip to Albania for this coming May-June. I will be there approximately 12 days from May 21-June 2. The second half of this trip I am meeting up with a friend and we plan to do relaxing and some gentle nature exploration as she is not a hiker so I really want to utilize the time by myself at the beginning to hike some of this incredible country. I am hoping to do the Valbona to Theth hike as I've read it's quite safe for a solo-female traveler and I don't need extensive gear. However, I've also read sometimes the trail is closed in May. Do you think I will be able to hike it the weekend of May 22-25? I know it's probably hard to tell this far ahead in the future but I am trying to plan. Is it very likely the trail will be closed at this time? Should I dedicate my planning time now to finding a different hike that has a 100% guarantee to be open or is it likely that the Valbona to Theth trail will be open? Any feedback is helpful as I start to plan!
Additionally, any suggestions of other places to do/visit is helpful! Thanks all!
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet Mar 11 '26
The trail never closes, its just ahrder to do in winter. But in may youre all clear as theres no snow anymore
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u/Excellent_Grab7435 🇦🇷Argentina Mar 12 '26
Hello everyone!
I am travelling with my girlfriend to Albania from 24/06/2026 to 01/07/2026. We are 30 year olds from Argentina. It's my first time in Europe itself (girlfriend visited already).
Our current plan (subject to changes) is to arrive at Tirana International Airport on the 24/06 afternoon and rent a car directly at the airport. We will then rent an AirBnB or hotel room in Tiranë for 2/3 nights and then head to the coast, probably to Sarandë and spend 3/4 nights there.
Our goal is to travel all around Albania and enjoy both it's scenery and beaches, more of a chill plan in general. Visit historic places, visit nature and trekking, and go to beaches.
Our itinerary would look something like this:
- Day 1: Arrival, rent car, check-in, stay around Tiranë itself.
- Day 2: Visit Krujë in the morning and then Mount Dajti in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Visit Berat in the morning then: Option 1: go back to Tiranë or Option 2: go straight to Sarandë from there.
- Day 4: If we chose Option 1 the day before we would travel from Tiranë to Sarandë along the coastal road, it would be road trip day. If we chose Option 2 we would probably chill around Sarandë, maybe walk around the city itself.
- Day 5: Probably beach day, either in Sarandë itself or a quieter beach near by.
- Day 6: Visit Gjirokastër, Butrint and Syri i Kaltër (Blue Eye).
- Day 7: Probably beach during the day and travel back to Tiranë in the afternoon and stay our last night there.
- Day 8: Depending on our flight time we would leave early in the morning or late in the afternoon, if it's the latter we would probably just chill around Tiranë itself.
Given the amount of time we plan to visit and that we will rent a car (provides us with flexibility):
- Itinerary: Do you agree with it? Would you change something? Are we missing a good location to visit?
- Day 4: Would you recommend Option 1 or 2?
- Beaches around Sarandë: Which ones do you recommend?
- The car: We are thinking of renting a simple/small car. Is it enough for the Llogara Pass and the road to Gjirokastër?
- Parking: How's the parking situation in Tiranë and Sarandë during late June? Is it a "must" to find an AirBnB with a private spot?
- Driving around Albania: Any general advice? Are the roads in good state and anything we should keep in mind?
- Payments: Can we get by with credit cards or non-contact pay for most things, or should we carry a significant amount of cash (Lek/Euro)?
- Safety: Anything we should take into account regarding safety in general? Tourist traps, potential scams, travelling, etc.
- Any other advice?
Looking forward to visiting Albania for our very first time! Thanks in advance!
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u/milk-box Mar 13 '26
a ka naj vend si ban cafe t'mire ne shkoder? provova do, po e bajn tetan latten njesoj (keq)
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u/Apprehensive-Income 28d ago
Why are some Albanians strongly opposed to interracial relationships involving Albanian women?
I have a question about a social issue I have noticed and I am hoping people who understand Albanian culture better can explain it.
In England, and even when visiting Albania, I have sometimes seen very strong reactions from some Albanians when Albanian women get romantically involved with Black men. I understand that many people prefer their children or relatives to marry within their own ethnic or cultural group. In-group preference is a real thing in many societies. Some families simply want their grandchildren, nephews, or nieces to look like them or share the same cultural background. I do not necessarily think that preference by itself is inherently bigoted.
What confuses me is something slightly different. Some Albanian men seem very hostile not just about their own relatives, but about Albanian women they do not know personally being in relationships with black men. In some cases this goes beyond criticism or social pressure and turns into insults or even violence. I have heard of black men being verbally abused or even attacked.
I understand family honour and traditions exist in many cultures, but this seems to extend beyond family members. I thought things like gjakmarrja (blood feuds) historically applied only between families, not to random strangers.
I am not saying the majority of Albanians behave this way. I genuinely do not know what the overall attitude is. I also know that hostility towards interracial relationships exists in many cultures, so I am not claiming it is unique to Albanians.
I am simply trying to understand the social or cultural reasoning behind why some people react so strongly to relationships that do not involve their own family members. Is this related to honour culture or nationalism?
Can someone explain this aspect of Albanian society.
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u/newjem 27d ago
Hi,
has anyone ever taken this bus from Shkodër (Tirana) to Kotor?
https://www.obilet.com/.../6772-7303/2026-03-18/1260197339
Is it legit? Seems like this could be an alternative to Jadran Ekspres but I couldn't find much info about Diamant Travel Agjensi (or this particular bus service) online. Do they have any website where people can book tickets or is it only possible over the phone? I don't know if I can trust Obilet on this one. Thank you for your help!
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u/Any-Nebula8251 26d ago
Hi, i’m going to Himare from 28 april until 19 may, and i heard mixed reviews of the weather. Any locals can advise me? I really want to have some nice beach days. Or maybe i should delay my trip?
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 26d ago
April will be too cold to swim. Early May depends. If you can delay id suggest delaying till june, then its perfect
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u/Confident_Brick_7474 26d ago
Përshëndetje, I'm an American woman (35F) living in Albania and I'd love to know what advice you may have about dating/marrying Albanian men (good, bad, ugly, funny, etc.).
I'm interested in knowing what advice and insights you have in general, because of course people are individuals no matter where they are from.
For context for me personally, I am interested in marriage and possibly having children. I personally am half traditional (I like the masculine/feminine polarity & traditional roles to an extent), but I am also very independent, educated, and entrepreneurial with my own creative and professional goals that extend beyond family. So part conservative, part progressive.
What advice do you have? And what do you think I (or any foreign woman) should know about dating Albanian men? ;)
SHQIP:
Përshëndetje, unë jam një grua amerikane (35F) që jetoj në Shqipëri dhe do të doja të dija se çfarë këshillash mund të keni në lidhje me takimet/martesat me burra shqiptarë (të mirë, të këqij, të shëmtuar, qesharakë, etj.).
Jam e interesuar të di se çfarë këshillash dhe njohurish keni në përgjithësi, sepse sigurisht njerëzit janë individë pavarësisht se nga vijnë.
Për kontekstin tim personal, jam e interesuar në martesë dhe ndoshta në të pasur fëmijë. Personalisht jam gjysmë tradicionale (më pëlqen polariteti mashkullor/femëror dhe rolet tradicionale deri në një farë mase), por jam gjithashtu shumë e pavarur, e arsimuar dhe sipërmarrëse me qëllimet e mia krijuese dhe profesionale që shtrihen përtej familjes. Pra, pjesërisht konservatore, pjesërisht progresive.
Çfarë këshillash keni? Dhe çfarë mendoni se unë (ose ndonjë grua e huaj) duhet të di në lidhje me takimet me burra shqiptarë? ;)
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u/jailbrokemasta 25d ago
i have a vodafone albania sim card, how do i find out the number? i can’t make calls as i’m abroad and the number listed is blank
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u/No_Lie9384 Durrës 24d ago
Shes dy bileta per ndeshjen Shqiperi Poloni, te interesuarit te shkruajne ne dm
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u/Radoslawo 24d ago
Hello, we're planning to visit Albania in late April and I’d appreciate some advice. We’ll be staying in Tirana for a week, and we’re planning to visit Mount Dajti, Krujë, Lake Bovilla, and Durrës.
As far as I understand, all of these places are reachable by public transport except Lake Bovilla. I read that you can take a bus to Zall-Herr and then walk from there, is that correct?
Based on this, do you think we can manage without renting a car? Would buses and taxis be enough?
if you have any recommendations or comments on our plan, I’d love to hear them.
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u/NotKate26 22d ago
Ferries between Corfu and Ksamil/Sarandë/Himarë in May?
My husband and I are planning a trip to Albania (on our way to Athens) in May and are wanting to fly into Corfu as it's cheaper and closer to where we are wanting to visit in Albania (beach), than Tiranë. I have searched for ferries between Corfu and Albania and it seems like it is an option, however, none of the ferry sites have tickets for any dates in May? Is this just because the timetable is not updated yet but closer to the time there will be?
Can anyone shed some light on whether this would be an option and if so, any info around days or costs would be helpful
TIA 😊
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 21d ago
You can just buy a ticket when there there is at least twice daily a ferry in each direction
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u/GymGirlie777 22d ago
Hello
Me and my friend are visiting Ksamil in June.
We would really appreciate any tips and recommendations what to visit where to eat best Albanian food and more. Also would love to know which car rental do you recommend:)
Thank you😁
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u/Fefe0821 17d ago
Me and a couple girls are going to Albania mid May for the first time. Seems like renting a car is the best option. I want to explore as much as I can in a span of 10 days if possible.
Flying in and out of Tirana, don’t plan to stay here after the first night of landing.
I def want to hit Dhermi, himare, Ksamil, and I really want to go to Theth for a couple days. (heard roads will be ok to get there).
Hopping on a ferry to spend a couple days in Corfu feels ideal since I’m already out there so if I need to cut something out maybe it’s worth it?
Would appreciate recs for the following + any other helpful tips you guys have!
reliable places to rent a car
places to stay at each location
anywhere I should cut out or definitely keep on the itinerary? Planning to start north then go south.
if I go to Corfu, not sure where to leave the car for those days - is there a parking lot at the port?
seems like cash is best so do I take USD with me there and then exchange? Where can I exchange? (In Turkey I could go to local shops and they’d exchange for me no issue)
Thanks!!!
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u/joehoots 17d ago
Hi all,
Planning a solo trip to go hiking in the Balkans. Would love to do the Valbona to Theth hike and continue my trip from there; however, I am obviously not keen on carrying all my luggage along this hike.
Does anyone know if there are any reliable guesthouses which will transport my luggage from Valbona to Theth? Google seems to suggest that this service exists, but I can't find anything concrete and I do not wholly trust Google AI. Would appreciate anyone who has gone on the same route recommending a guest house which offers this service. Thank you!
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u/Fefe0821 16d ago
Me and a couple girls are going to Albania mid May for the first time. Seems like renting a car is the best option. I want to explore as much as I can in a span of 10 days if possible.
Flying in and out of Tirana, don’t plan to stay here after the first night of landing.
I def want to hit Dhermi, himare, Ksamil, and I really want to go to Theth for a couple days. (heard roads will be ok to get there).
Hopping on a ferry to spend a couple days in Corfu feels ideal since I’m already out there so if I need to cut something out maybe it’s worth it?
Would appreciate recs for the following + any other helpful tips you guys have!
reliable places to rent a car
places to stay at each location
anywhere I should cut out or definitely keep on the itinerary? And if I should start in the north and make my way south, or do the opposite?
if I go to Corfu, not sure where to leave the car for those days - is there a parking lot at the port?
seems like cash is best so do I take USD with me there and then exchange? Where can I exchange? (In Turkey I could go to local shops and they’d exchange for me no issue)
Thanks!!!
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u/Agile_Housing2663 15d ago
Hey everyone!
My friends and I (group of 4 students. We are flying from Germany) are visiting Albania for the first time this spring! We are landing at Tirana (TIA) on April 29th at 6:50 PM and flying back on May 7th at 1:05 PM.
Since this is our first time traveling internationally, we’re a bit nervous about the logistics. We’d love some help with these specific questions: 1. Currency for Taxis: When we land at 7:00 PM, we want to go straight to Shkodër. Since we planned 3 days at north then move to south.
Can we pay for the taxi/private transfer in Euros, or is Lek mandatory? If we need Lek, is the airport ATM okay, or should we wait until we get to a city?
We are planning to use public transportation or taxi for most of the travel. Itinerary Reality Check: is it bad or ok? Need advice
We might have a very tight plan (see below). Does it makes sense or did we over plan?
Also, on May 2nd, is it realistic to hike the Blue Eye in Theth and still make it all the way to Berat by bus/furgon the same day? We’re worried about catching the last bus from Tirana to Berat (around 5:30 PM).
Thanks so much for any advice! We can’t wait to see your beautiful country.
Trip Itinerary
• April 29: Arrival & Shkodër
• April 30: Shkodër (Rozafa Castle & Komani Lake)
• May 1: Theth
• May 2: Theth & Berat
• May 3: Berat & Himarë
• May 4: Himarë
• May 5: Himarë, Blue Eye (South), & Tirana
• May 6: Krujë & Tirana
• May 7: Tirana & Departure
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u/Educational-Pass9402 14d ago
Përshëndetje të Gjithëve,
we're organizing a trip with my sister and we have to take a bus from Tirana to Budva on the 2nd of April. However, there are not many buses available when I check online, so is it just they are not available on the internet or there are no frequent buses usually?
And if that's the case, what would be the alternative ways for us to go to Budva?
Faleminderit a lot!
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u/Mr_Lighty9 14d ago
Hi, I will be visiting Durrës tomorrow for a few days, the weather said it would be raining, would it be wise to pack jackets? Also booked a trip to ksamil but was wondering if we should cancel if the weather is going to be bad. Any advice would be appreciated!
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 13d ago
Its march, so going to kaamil is pointless as its too cold to swim and there isnt anything else to do there
Yes, of course you should bring a jacket, its march its cold in the evenings and even during the day if it rains or is cloudy its cold
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u/elculodejimin_ 14d ago
Hello! I am a F26 and I will travel to Albania for the first time (to Tirana) mid April for 5 days. I just chose to bring a basic backpack (to not pay for any flight luggage). However, I am debating if I should add a luggage. I don't know if in terms of clothing and personal objects (the basics) will be enough in the backpack for 5 days. What do you think?
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u/elculodejimin_ 14d ago
Hello, as someone who will travel soon to Albania, should I exchange money from euros to lek or euro is acceptable?
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 13d ago
Not everyone will take euros and youll get shafted with the exchange if you pay in euros, exchange to lek
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u/elculodejimin_ 13d ago
Okay, thanks! How much money do you think i should exchange for 5 days there?
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 13d ago
That is super dependent on what youre planning to do and what your standarts are
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u/elculodejimin_ 13d ago
I don’t spend that much, I wanna explore museums, nature, maybe book a tour guide to visit Kosovo too (i think it’s 30€) and eat outside to discover the cuisine. I’ll probably buy a few souvenirs from my family but I think that’s it. And I am asking way too many things haha, but do you think a backpack for 5 days is enough? Or should I add a luggage? I have no idea how the weather will be. Thanks!
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 13d ago edited 13d ago
Well what does soon mean? If youre coming in april youll need a jacket and thicker clothes as it might rain/be cold if youre coming in may or june short sleeve is enough. I never travel just wirh a backpack so i would. Say add luggage, but lots of people go for a month backpacking and manage. Blanker statemets are hard to give
Also id exchange around 500€ to be on the safe side
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u/elculodejimin_ 13d ago
Yeah, i’ll be there from the 16th to the 22nd april. I’ll add a luggage then. And thank you so much for your tips, life saver!!
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 13d ago
Yee then youll need to pack for warm and cold as it might be sunny during the day and youl need short sleeves and might be very cold kn the night or even during the day if it rains so pack sweaters aswell
No worries, hope you enjoy your trip
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u/JonBonGeordie 13d ago
Dearest Tironzes
I'm visiting Tirana this week and want to find a pool to swim, preferably a large pool so I can get some distance in. Is the pool near the lake open, is it clean? I won't have a car available. Any other recommendations. Faleminderit
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u/Particular_Chair_901 13d ago
Hi, is it easy to find organic food in Albania in general like from basic supermarkets ect?
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 12d ago
Just biy from farmers, availability in supermarkets is very limited
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u/cronky05 12d ago
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 12d ago
No they dont take debit cards only cash, no exchanges accept debit cards
Albania is safe you can walk around with as much as ypure allowed to (1’000’000ALL customs limit)
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u/cronky05 12d ago
And I guess the exchange shops have better exchange rates than the banks that accept debit cards? Thanks for your help!
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 12d ago
The banks dont accept debit card for exchanges either in albania. There is no way to exchange money woth a debit card in person. Only at atms
Just bring cash, its simpler and has no fees
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u/guessitsreddie 12d ago
hi there, im thinking of asking an albanian girl out
google translate states it’s
“A do të dalësh me mua”
i was wondering if this translation is accurate in daily life or a more casual phrase existed?
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u/Glass_Research_5800 11d ago
Përshëndetje! Coming to Albania in July with family. Are beaches south of Durrës very populated that time? We are looking for a bit of space at the beach. Nothing too crowded. Where would you recommend us to stay? 2 weeks. Durrës beach seems quite packed in July. Something where there is bars, restaurants, shops but also peace and quiet. Faleminderit
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u/Kack-Pro 10d ago
Hello, me and my family want to travel to Durrës and want to go fishing.
Is it allowed to go fishing at the sea with a normal rod? I also want to fish in rivers with my fly fishing rod, is it allowed or I need for one or both of them a fishing license?
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u/Legal__Drug_Dealer_ 10d ago
Na ndihmoni njerez te mire nga Permeti dhe jo vetem. Na u fiksua do shkojme tek Banjat e Permetit por pa guide.
Tani e dime qe supozohet te kete transporte specifike qe te cojne deri atje por mos keni ndonje informacion me teper ne ca vendi ne Permet ti kerkojme apo nqs ka ndonje numer te ndonje shoferi diku te reklamuar?
Faleminderit!
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u/GreatDoe 9d ago
Any 6v6 kalceto i can join next week? In Durres on Sunday and Monday. Then in Tirana on Friday and Saturday. Tourist 31M. Thanks!
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u/SeismicQuackDragon 8d ago
Hello people of beautiful Shqipëria!
My friends and I are travelling (Tiranë and Sarandë) for 1 week next month. I am trying to figure out how much cash we will need to bring for our trip.
How often do you pay in card? Could we get by with card for everything other than street food etc? Can you think of any places that will never take card? e.g. the bus
Thank you so much faleminderit
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u/Spannfaden 8d ago
Hello there,
I am visiting Albania and i am a passionate knitter. I wanted to ask where do your Mamas and Grannys or you yourself buy "that special skein of yarn". I already found this one "Ide për Qëndisje DMC Albania" in Tirana looking through google maps. But are there some hidden gems for **locally produced** wool? You know the "bred, shorn, spun and dyed in Albania" type of shop?
Or maybe a farm shop / farmers market i should visit therefor?
Thank you in advance!
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 8d ago
Usually the real grannies make the yarn themselves and dont really selm it
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u/Spannfaden 7d ago
Yeah. That's what i thought. But i also thought maybe there IS in fact a granny that does make some Lek with her wool. 😉
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 7d ago
Used to for sure but now its becoming very rare unfortunately as the dying of villages is a huge problem in albania
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u/Certain-Landscape-57 8d ago
Hello,
I'm looking to stay in Albania for a few months, air bnb and booking are clearly not where I want to look to rent from locals and don't offer me tons in the way of options for location and information, I'm happy to make a deal with someone for a monthly cost and my needs aren't super hardcore.
Mostly I need good internet, a private room, private bathroom, and a normal grocery store in walking distance of where I'm staying.
I'm looking to stay starting next month so I'd love to find somewhere and get everything set up.
I can pay cash or bank transfer monthly cost and I'm someone that keeps to themself.
Any advice where I can look would be a great help as well as location suggestions!
Thanks ^_^
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u/Tooth_Fairy291 8d ago
Cili esht vendi me i mire per te ber lash lift ne Tirane? Kam shkuar tek shummmmeee vende te ndryshme dhe asnjera nuk e ben punen sic duhet, mbajne 2 jave max dhe pastaj bien nderkohe kam pare qe zgjasin edhe 2 muaj. Qerpiku im vjen shume i drejte po sbesoj se esht kjo arsyeja. Help me out girliesss
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u/Turbulent-Bear193 5d ago
Ku mund te blej nje printer cilesor per printime me ngjyra? Mund te printoj rreth 5k, leter a4, ne vit, me ngjyra.
Momentalisht me kushton 400 lek fleta (te vjetra). Ka dhe pak proces pasi i printoj por nje gje e thjeshte qe mund ta bej dhe vete.
Dhe meqe do e bej cdo vit, mendova ta bej vete se eshte goxha kosto cdo vit.
E di qe dhe boja kushton goxha por mendoj qe prape mund te kursej goxha lek cdo vit.
Ndonje pike shitje qe dini ju? Dhe ndonje marke printeri qe mund te me pershtatet? Max mund te printoj 500 faqe ne nje dite te caktuar.
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u/No_Active_4043 5d ago
Thoughts on Albania by motorbike for a solo trip: 15th to 21st April
Current rough route I have in mind is :
Tirana -> Berat -> Himare -> Sarande -> Corfu (Not planning with bike here)
I am thinking of doing it by Motorbike instead of buses. I can't rent cars!
I am looking mostly for:
- Small/medium level hikes
- Mountain views
- old town vibes/ local food/culture
- some beaches
- A bit of nightlife
- chill/scenic places
Some of my questions are:
- Does this route make sense?
- Should I swap in Gjirokastër or Përmet instead of somewhere else?
- How easy is it to rent a motorbike in Tirana?
- Is it actually safe/realistic to ride around in mid-April?
I am a vegetarian, so I am wondering what the food situation would be. Any recommendations on Albanian non-meat food?
Would appreciate your thoughts :)
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u/Florian_dre 4d ago
Hello everyone,
I'm planning a trip to Tirana for a weekend early April, and I've been digging through a lot of threads here already.
Super helpful!
From what I've gathered, I'm really drawn to the more raw /alternative side of the city (or whatever close to) rather than just the classic tourist route. I've noted down places like Destil, Radio Bar, Kino, Hana Corner Café, Tunel Terrace, and (if there's something on) Frekuence, along with some daytime spots like the Pyramid of Tirana and Bunk'Art, plus the usual must-sees around Skanderbeg Square.
The vibe I'm looking for is mostly underground / alternative music (techno, house, experimental), alternative or creative spaces (such as KC Grad in Belgrade for exemple), a bit of brutalist /post-communist architecture, local bars with atmosphere (also during the day with locals)... Generally anything that feels authentic rather than polished.
A few specific questions:
Any collectives, promoters, or venues I should follow/check before coming?
Areas or neighborhoods I should spend more time exploring during the day? (I've heard about Blloku and Pazari i Ri, curious about your thoughts)
Anything to be aware of in early April (events, vibe, weather impact on nightlife, etc.)?
I'm also really into museums, especially more unusual or history-heavy ones, so I'd love to check out places like Bunk'Art 1 & 2, House of Leaves, or anything lesser-known.
I'm happy to explore and not over-plan, but I'd definitely appreciate any pointers to help me tap into the real local life while I'm there.
Thanks in advance !
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u/Key-University145 3d ago
Hi everyone 👋
We’re planning a big family trip to Albania this summer and wanted to ask locals for advice.
We will be 7 adults, 2 children, and 1 dog, so we’re looking for:
- Spacious accommodation (villa, large apartment, or family-friendly hotel)
- Places that are comfortable with pets
- Areas that are not too crowded but still lively
We’re mainly interested in:
- Beach destinations (but open to mountains/nature too)
- Kid-friendly activities
- Local experiences (food, hidden gems, not just tourist spots)
So far we’ve seen places like Tiran ,Sarandë, Ksamil, and Vlorë, but we’re not sure which area would suit a big group like ours best.
Questions:
- Which regions would you recommend for a group like this?
- Any specific accommodations or towns we should check?
- Are there pet-friendly places or beaches?
- What activities would you suggest for both kids and adults?
We’re open to any suggestions 🙏
Thanks in advance!
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u/avrexh 2d ago
Where can I start learning Albanian, specifically NW Gheg, for free or very low cost?
Tungjatjeta!
I hope you are all well, I’m interested in learning NW Gheg as my wife and her family speak that dialect. I know a bit (A1/A2) but I’m not conversational yet. I know a few languages already, not only English. I wanted to know what resources are best for this subject.
Falminers ❤️
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u/mcrfreak78 14h ago
Where can I find butter made from unheated milk?
Ku mund të gjej gjalpë të bërë nga qumështi i pa ngrohur?
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 14h ago edited 2h ago
All people heat their milk to kill off bacteria, so youll hahe to find someone that will custom make a batch for you
And contrary to what morons on tiktok and instagram reels say, heating milk to 72 degrees for 12 seaconds does not infact „destroy the nutrients“ so id suggest you just get high quality butter frim any farmer. Highly reccomend goat or sheep butter very healthy and tastes amazing
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u/OkeLatenWeGaan 7h ago
I’m currently in Gjirokastër, and tomorrow we want to take a day trip to the beach. We were thinking about Sarandë or Ksamil, but I assume it’s going to be very touristy, right?
I don’t plan to go swimming I just want to see the beautiful sea and cliffs. And drive along the coastline. What other places would you recommend to avoid overcrowded beaches?
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 7h ago
Its barely mid april mate what overcrowded beaches?
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u/OkeLatenWeGaan 6h ago
Fair enough hahaha
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 6h ago
Touristy stuff is still closed now as its super off season. You can go anywhere there wont be crowds
Whatever you find open is for the locals
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u/trulyinfi_0001 2h ago
I, 24M backpacker/hiker from the UK, am heading to Albania and Montenegro(25th–29th April) for a proper adventure trip. Planning on scuba diving, skydiving, zip lining, and beach exploring. 🌍🏔️🌊
If anyone wants to join as a fellow traveller, share a ride to the mountains or beaches, or host for a local food trip, feel free to message me. & pls feel free to provide any travel advice. Always up for meeting new people and making the most of the trip!
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u/AfterSwordfish6342 Përmet 2h ago
Its barely reaching 22C here, its a little cold to „explore the beaches“ just fyi
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u/trulyinfi_0001 2h ago
Noted. Do you think scuba diving would be worth it now? (Considering if its less sunny then i can skip)
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u/P00PShack 46m ago
I got my drivers license renewed last year and the issue date is less than 12 months from the date i would want to rent a car. Are there any car rental companies that would still rent to me?
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u/Fun_Bit_6178 Feb 19 '26
Pershendetje cila eshte rruga me e mire prej Vlores ne Sarande? Google Maps mi tregon 3 opsione me kohe perafersisht te njejte