Albania Tours & Vacations

While the interior of the country sweats it out, summers along Albania’s Riviera are warm, fresh and bustling. When winter arrives so does the rain, but with temperatures above freezing for most of the country, it’s still easy to get out and about. November to March can mean heavy snowfalls in the Alps, so if you’re a fan of the white stuff it’s a great time to head to the hills.

Perched along the western coast of the Balkan Peninsula, Albania borders some of Europe’s most colourful countries. Italy is within waving distance across the Strait of Otranto, Greece is to the south and Montenegro and Kosovo border to the north. This is one wild country. Most of the interior is covered with rugged mountain ranges and deep valleys. In the south, the snowy peaks give way to the sparkling waters of the Ionian Sea; Albania’s Riviera where honeymooners flock and Corfu Island is just within arm’s reach.

1. Berat

Albania's most charming medieval town is home to an amazingly well-preserved citadel. Surrounded by ancient stone walls, the citadel encloses dozens of churches and historic buildings while the white Ottoman houses clambering up the hillside to the castle have earned the town the nickname ‘City of a Thousand Windows’.

2. Gjirokastra

This 13th-century citadel is hammered into the mountain top and boasts beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture. Explore the kules and the fortress once used as a prison by the Nazis. Don’t forget to look at the views of the valley plunging below and say ‘Ohhhhh…’.

3. Kruja

Once the headquarters of Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero, Kruja Castle dates back to the 4th century, but it wasn’t until the 15th century that it really started to earn its keep. For 30 years it resisted the advances of the Turks, before finally falling to the Ottomans. Now it’s a little more peaceful and a nice spot to take in the views of olive groves, goats and the sprawling landscape.

4. Rozafa

Like all good citadels, Rozafa once rose imposingly over the region. Now in partial ruins, it’s still impressive. A stroll along its walls will transport you back to Illyrian times.

5. Pertrela

Perched on a rocky hill near Tirana, the fortress of Pertrela was part of the signalling and defence system for Kruja Castle during the 15th century. Today, it’s one of Albania's best preserved fortifications with spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

• Spring Holiday

• Nevruz Day

• International Worker's Day

• Lesser Bajram /End of Ramadan

• Greater Bajram /Feast of Sacrifice

• Mother Teresa Beatification Day

• Flag and Independence Day

• Liberation Day

• National Youth Day

Please note that the dates of Albania's public holidays may vary.