Vacation inAlbania
- Tirana
- capital
- Albanian
- official language
Vacation in Albania, special vacation offers from Join UP!
We offer wide range of tours to Albania for the best prices from the tour operator Join UP!
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- •Albania
Do Latvian citizens need a visa to enter Albania and what documents must be shown?
No visa is required. Latvian passport or national ID card lets you stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. At the border officials may ask for proof of onward ticket and funds, but checks are infrequent. Passport/ID must be valid three months past departure.
How long can you stay in Albania without extra permits or extended visas?
Visa-free stay is limited to 90 days per 180. If you plan a longer project, apply for a Type D residence permit in Tirana before day 90; bring bank statement, lease contract, health insurance and two photos. Extensions issued on-site cost about €60.
Which season offers the most pleasant climate for coastal travel in Albania?
Late May–mid-June and early September–mid-October bring 26–30 °C days, 23 °C sea, small crowds and room rates 20 % below July–August. UV levels are high but heat is bearable, ideal for beach-hopping along the Albanian Riviera.
How do weather conditions differ between the coast and mountain regions?
The Adriatic/Ionian coast has Mediterranean sun: winters 8–14 °C, summers 30–34 °C. In the Accursed Mountains temperatures are 5–8 °C cooler in summer and heavy snow falls Dec–Mar. Pack a fleece if you plan to drive from Sarandë up to Valbona.
Is it convenient to use public transport in Albania, or is car rental better?
Inter-city furgon minibuses are cheap (€6 Tirana–Sarandë) but leave only when full and skip timetables. Renting a car (€35/day, EU licence) gives freedom to reach beaches and mountain villages. Roads are fine on the coast; mountain lanes narrow—drive in daylight.
What accommodation types exist in Albania and what are the price levels?
Coastline offers everything from €12 hostel dorms to €200 boutique villas. A typical family guesthouse double costs €35 with breakfast; 3-star hotel in Vlora €55 peak; luxury Llogara resort €140. Most accept card, but always carry some cash for smaller inns.
What essential Albanian cultural customs should tourists respect?
Hospitality is central: accept coffee or raki offered by hosts. Nod = “no”, shake = “yes” — clarify verbally. Cover shoulders in churches and mosques; remove shoes when invited indoors. Tipping 5–10 % is welcome.
Is Albania considered safe and are there any special precautions?
Violent crime is rare; main risk is pick-pocketing on packed buses. Use licensed taxis (yellow sign), stash cash deep in pockets, avoid mountain driving after dark and carry travel insurance covering hiking. Dial 112 for English-speaking police help.
Which historic towns in Albania are must-see for cultural heritage?
UNESCO Berat “city of a thousand windows,” stone-roofted Gjirokastër, hilltop Kruja Castle and Rozafa Fortress by Lake Shkodër all showcase Ottoman or medieval heritage and are reachable on day-trips from Tirana or coastal resorts.
Is Albania’s coast suitable for water sports such as diving?
Yes. Sarandë and Ksamil rent SUPs and kayaks; Dhërmi offers kitesurf lessons when afternoon thermals rise. Dive centres at Karaburun Peninsula explore wrecks and caves (20–25 m visibility June–Oct). Prices undercut Greece: two-tank dive €70 including gear.