The Most Affordable Travel Destination in Europe: Welcome to Albania

Europe is often associated with culture, history, and outdoor beauty, but it is also notoriously expensive. If you have always wanted to travel to Europe but don’t want to drop a fortune while doing it, you should consider traveling to Albania. Albania is in the western Balkans, and it has to offer everything you could want from a travel destination: beaches, mountains, cultural history, and the best people on earth – all for a fraction of the price you would pay in Western Europe.

Why Albania?

While Albania is one of the least-visited countries in Europe, it is quickly gaining popularity as a place for the undiscovered traveller looking for a unique and budget-friendly option. While millions of tourists travel to neighbouring countries like Greece, Italy and Croatia, Albania offers the same sense of discovery and the experience of finding a gem before everyone else does.

Unmatched Value for Money

The price tag is what really makes Albania different? It is very affordable across the board. Budget travellers can traverse Albania for less than €30 a day when you factor in meals, accommodation, and local transport. For example, a traditional Albanian meal (grilled lamb with a salad and home-baked bread) in a local restaurant cost under €5. A bed in a hostel dorm is as low as €8–€10 per night while private, comfortable guesthouses and Airbnb-like stays start at about €15–€25 a night.

Public transportation is also unbelievably cheap. The majority of intercity bus and Furgon (minibus) transportation connects nearly every town and city, oftentimes at a cost ranging from €2 to €7 depending on your distance travelled. Taxis are also less expensive than in most European Countries and renting a car for your-road trip is comparatively inexpensive, especially if you are sharing a cost with travelling companions.

Natural Beauty To Rival The Best

Even though Albania is a small country, it is home to an incredibly diverse landscape. In the south, you will find the Albanian Riviera, which follows the coastline of the Ionian Sea with warm turquoise waters, secluded coves, and picturesque coastal towns. Ksamil, often considered like the Maldives with its white sand and clear water, remains a hidden gem.

Further north, the rugged Albanian Alps (also known as the Accursed Mountains) are perfect for hiking, with trails that lead through deep valleys, dramatic peaks, and remote villages. The hike from Valbona to Theth is considered one of the most beautiful treks in the Balkans.

Lake Koman, a stunning fjord-like reservoir surrounded by steep cliffs, offers one of the most scenic boat rides in Europe—and it costs just a few euros.

Cultural Riches and Ancient History

Albania’s history is as rich as its landscapes. From ancient Illyrian ruins and Greek temples to Byzantine churches and Ottoman towns, history lovers will find endless places to explore.

Two of Albania’s most famous cities—Berat and Gjirokastër—are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” features white Ottoman-era houses stacked on the hillsides beneath a medieval castle. Gjirokastër, a stone city with cobbled streets and fortress views, is equally atmospheric.

Farther north step the rugged Albanian Alps (also known as the Accursed Mountains), the landscape is perfect for hiking with a host of trails winding about through deep valleys, dramatic peaks, and shrouded in remote villages. The trek from Valbona to Theth is considered one of the best hikes of the Balkans.
Lake Koman, a beautiful fjord-like reservoir encased by steep cliffs and sides, provides one of Europe’s best boat tours—and for only a few euros.
Cultural Treasures and History
Albania’s history is as extensive as its landscapes; history buffs will locate plenty of things to see or do from ancient Illyrian ruins to Greek temples to Ottoman towns to Byzantine churches.
Two of Albania’s most recognized cities—Berat and Gjirokastër—are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Berat is known as the City of a Thousand Windows, with picturesque white Ottoman houses rising along the hillside beneath castle walls from the medieval castle while Gjirokastër, a stone covered city with cobbled streets and a view of fortress walls has an equally captivating atmosphere.

However, Albania’s historical treasures are not confined to its cities. Butrint National Park, close to Kamil, is a site of archaeology dating back to the 7th Century BC. You can now walk around incredible amphitheatres, Roman baths, and early Christian basilicas in a lovely setting of trees and forest.

Hospitality and Local Culture

The people of Albania are one of the highlights of traveling in this destination. Albanians are proud of their hospitality and generosity. It is not uncommon for a traveler’s experience to include an invitation to a local home for a home-cooked meal or coffee, especially in the countryside. Their traditional adherence to the concept of besa (a promise, or honor code of hospitality) allows guests to visit friends without worrying about their personal safety as they are the guest in their friend’s home and will be treated with respect and care.

Although English is gaining popularity, mainly among younger generations, Albanians will go out of their way to provide you with directions or recommendations, even if there is a language barrier.

Cheap and Delicious Food

Albanian food has Mediterranean, Balkan, and Turkish influences, and is both delicious and cheap. Here are a few of the most common foods you may encounter:

Tavë Kosi – lamb baked in yogurt sauce

Byrek – pastries containing cheese, spinach, or meat

Fërgesë – a dish of peppers, tomatoes, and cheese

Seafood – fresh seafood is inexpensive along the coast, including fresh grilled octopus or fried calamari, which is delicious

Coffee culture is also massive in Albania. It seems every street has at least one café, and you can get a strong espresso from anywhere between €0.50- €1.

When to Go to Albania

The ideal times to go to Albania are late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October). During these months, the weather is warm, you can afford to get away from work and tourists are fewer and prices are cheaper. The months of July and August are normally very hot and tourist books up quickly especially on the coast as many Albanians and Balkans head to the beach!

Visiting during winter is fun as well. You can visit the cities or go skiing on the mountains including Dardhë or Valbona, however, skiing has not become that popular yet in Albania.

Safety and Travel Tips

Albania is one of the safest countries in Europe. Violent crime is extremely rare and travellers have reported feeling very safe including walking alone at night. Like any travel destination it is best to take common sense precautions with valuables and watch where you are going on the roads since you should come prepared that driving can be anarchistic at times!

A few other pointers:

Currency: The official currency is Albanian Lek (ALL) and the Euro is accepted in some tourist areas, but not all.

Transport: Buses and fourgons are cheap and reliable. Rent a car if you want to go off the typical beaten down tourist pathway.

Internet and Connectivity: Wi-Fi is usually free at most hotels, cafes, and even in public squares.