GENERAL INFORMATION
Currency: Lek (ALL) – €1 = approximately 100 lek (update when traveling).
Language: Albanian. Italian is well understood, especially among adults.
Time zone: Same as Italy, Germany, France, Belgium etc.
Documents: Valid ID card required for travel abroad (for EU citizens).
Phone coverage: Excellent; it’s best to buy a local SIM card (e.g., Vodafone Albania).
Climate: Mediterranean (hot and dry in summer, cool and rainy in winter).
ROAD RULES AND DRIVING
Basic Rules:
Drive on the right (like in Italy).
Speed limits:
- 40 km/h in cities
- 80 km/h outside cities
- 110 km/h on the highway
Headlights on even during the day outside cities
Zero tolerance for alcohol (0.01%)
REGIONS OF ALBANIA
Albania is divided into 12 counties, but for a tourist trip, the main areas of interest are:
Southern Albania
Albanian Riviera (Himarë, Dhërmi, Sarandë): crystal-clear beaches, stone villages, bohemian atmosphere.Gjirokastër: UNESCO city with Ottoman houses and a charming castle.
Butrint: UNESCO archaeological site near Saranda.
Central Albania
Berat: the "city of a thousand windows," another UNESCO site, with splendid Ottoman architecture.Tirana: the capital, modern and colorful, full of museums and nightlife.
Northern Albania
Shkodër: cultural city, gateway to the Albanian Alps.Theth and Valbonë: spectacular mountain treks.
Koman Lake: ferry ride through canyons and wild nature.
Most beautiful places to visit
Beaches: Ksamil, Dhërmi, Jale, Himarë, Borsh, Gjipe (accessible only on foot or by boat).
Mountains: Valbonë National Park, Theth, Llogara Pass.
Lakes and Rivers: Lake Skadar, Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), Vjosa River (one of the last wild rivers in Europe).
Historic cities: Berat, Gjirokastër, Krujë.
Customs and Traditions
Hospitality: The guest is sacred; you will often be offered coffee, raki (local liquor), and even meals.
Religion: Very high religious tolerance; Muslims, Orthodox, and Catholics coexist peacefully.
Greetings: A handshake is common, but kisses on the cheek are common among friends (like in Italy).
Clothes: Modern and varied, but more traditional in the villages (especially among older people).
Coffee culture: Numerous cafés everywhere, where it’s customary to sit and socialize.
Typical Albanian food
The cuisine is Mediterranean with Balkan and Turkish influences.
Main dishes:
Tavë kosi: lamb baked with yogurt and eggs.
Fërgesë: pepper, tomato, and cheese stew.
Byrek: savory pie filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
Qofte: spiced meatballs.
Peshk i freskët: fresh fish from the coast.
Desserts:
Bakllava (like Turkish baklava), trilece (milk cake), petulla (fritters).
Drinks:
Raki: a very strong artisanal liqueur.
Tirana and Korça Beer: the most popular.
Local Wines: Albania produces excellent reds and whites, especially in Berat and Shkodra.
Practical Tips:
Roads in major cities are good, but in the mountains or villages they can be rough.Beware of "creative" driving (sudden overtaking, poor lane observance).
Parking is often free outside city centers.
Gas stations are everywhere, often small and locally run.
Helpful tips
Bring comfortable walking shoes, even in old cities and mountainous areas.Exchange currency at local bureaus (cheaper than banks).
Bring cash: POS terminals aren’t always available in small villages.
Use the Maps.me app for hikes in the Alps or villages.
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