Located in the Balkans in southeastern Europe, Albania has emerged as a top place to visit thanks to its 475 km of coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
It’s also got a welcoming culture, mountain scenery and yes, plenty of happening cities. Over its storied history, the country has been a part of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, so you'll have plenty of options to explore ancient sites, ominous castles and modern marvels. Albania holiday packages are ready to introduce you to this wild and undiscovered land.
Start your trip in the capital of Tirana, where you can ascend to the top of Mount Dajt, visit the National History Museum and tour the Tirana Ekspres, an alternative-arts space that will blow your mind (figuratively, of course). From there, make your way to Durrës, an ancient port city that's home to a large Roman amphitheatre dating to the second century. After that, head down the coast to Dhërmi and enjoy its spacious beaches, clear waters and activities like snorkelling and boating.
If you have time, there's much more to do, including trekking through Lurë National Park, visiting Gjirokastër Castle (watch out for vampires—just kidding!) and seeing the ancient ruins of Butrint (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Check out Wotif’s Albania car hire options to get from beaches to Balkans before you can finish that delicious flia (a crepe-like pastry) you got from the roadside hut.
Albania has an abundance of ceramics, wooden artifacts, paintings, traditional clothing and various spices. The Central Market in Tirana, with its hawkers selling everything from fresh fruit to handmade jewellery, is a buzzing scene. Looking for that perfect 1950s alarm clock or bust of Vladimir Lenin? Just book Albania packages in Kruja, near the Old Bazaar. It’s one of the most famous in the country, and you can pick up antiques, carpets, Ottoman bowls and more.
When your tummy starts demanding some attention, you'll notice that Turkish and Italian cuisines have had a heavy influence on Albanian food. Hearty stews, salads, homemade bread and cheese are staples at the table. In the capital of Tirana, many great Albanian restaurants are located around Skanderbeg Square and in Shëngjin, a beach town known for its fresh seafood and delicious dining halls that line the coast.
When you're ready to hit the town, you’re in for a local treat: raki. This anise-flavoured adult beverage is found throughout the country, from the beachside bars of Sarandë to the thumping clubs of Tirana. If partying is not your scene, no worries. Albania holidays will also introduce you to its thriving cafe culture. Enjoy an evening in a quiet coffee house for a change of pace. The regional soft drinks are also top-notch, especially if your day at the beach had you breaking a sweat.
It's time to jump for joy in Albania…but first you have to plan your trip! Wotif can make that easy for you with our amazing Albania deals. Mix and match airfares and accommodation so you can see this exciting destination for yourself—and save some cash in the process.
Reviewed on 15 May 2024
Reviewed on 12 Apr. 2024
Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2024
^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on Wotif.co.nz from , as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.