Is Albania Safe to Visit in 2023? And What to Avoid

Is Albania Safe to Visit?

As two female travellers, we have been visiting Albania for a few years now. We have been to the rugged, desolate mountains and the dramatic coastlines, the lively cities and towns and the peaceful countryside. We are almost always asked by friends, family, fellow travellers, “Is Albania safe?”

To be honest, this was our first thought before our initial visit as well. Albania gets a tough time in the media. There are many references to organised crimes networks, drugs, kidnapping, people smuggling, etc. Famously, the “Taken” movies feature an Albanian gang as the main baddies in the series. This lead to the Albanian Tourists Board embodying it in their campaign slogan, “Be ‘Taken’ by Albania” … brilliant!

Albania is an up and coming tourist destination. More and more people are becoming curious about this mysterious little country on the outskirts of Europe. But is Albania safe to visit? We take a look at some of the preconceptions people have about visiting this part of the world and what you might need to avoid when visiting Albania.

So, is it Safe to Visit Albania?

Yes, absolutely! Albanians a kind and welcoming people. They will often go out of their way to help someone, especially a tourist. Many people are curious about where you come from and why you are visiting their country. Tourism is rising in Albania, but it is still unlikely you will bump into many foreigners outside the main hotspots.

Of course, with any location, there are a few things to be aware of. But more on that later…

Is Albania Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Again, yes. Both of us have travelled around the country alone and have always felt safe in Albania. This includes using public transport, exploring big cities and discovering tiny hamlets in the hills. Speaking with other female travellers, they have also said that they have felt safe in Albania.

Is Albania Safe for LGBT Travellers?

This one is trickier for us to answer as neither of us have first hand experience in this situation. However, from chatting with other people we found out that there are several gay-friendly bars in Tirana that make for a great night out. Homosexuality has been decriminalised. However, society in general is a little more traditional than many western countries. Saying that, we haven’t spoken directly to anyone who has experienced any issues.

Reasons to Visit Albania

Now that we know what a safe and welcoming country Albania is, here are just a few reasons why you should visit.

Beautiful Beaches

Albania has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, if not the world! Albanian beaches are safe, clean and way less crowded than many other resorts in Europe. Ksamil is a summer hotspot for Albanians and other tourists from the Balkans and Italy.

Spectacular Alps

The Albanian Alps, or the Accursed Mountains, are absolutely breath-taking. The Valbone valley is an incredible place to hike. There are spectacular views, friendly horses, quaint guest houses and very few other hikers.

Ancient sites

Albania is full of ancient history. Apollonia and Butrint National Park and two ancient sites that are really worth visiting! Apollonia is a reminder of the ancient Greeks in Albania. It began life in 600 BC as a Greek trade colony before the Romans developed it into a thriving city around 200 BC. Today you can still visit the ruins of the ancient city.

Butrint is located in the south, near the city of Saranda. Some of the highlights include roman baths, an amphitheatre, an acropolis dating back to the 8th Century BC and, our favourite, the relatively complete basilica from the 6th century.

Lots of Culture

Albania is full of culture and history! If you’re in Tirana, don’t miss Bunk’art. Bunk’Art is a large military bunker designed for Political and Military bigwigs of the time. It sits quietly on the outskirts of Tirana. Recently, it has been converted into an exciting exhibition detailing the modern history of Albania. In 2014 this former atomic bunker reopened as a museum containing authentic objects, reconstructed rooms and tonnes for fascinating information.

Make sure you experience the amazing coffee culture and delicious food. Prices are still pretty low in Albania so you can live really well for a week or so!

Hardly Any Crowds

Albania is still not a busy destination for tourists. However, it is constantly increasing in popularity. For now, you can still visit tourist sites without the usual crowds, costs and scams throughout the year.

What to Avoid When Visiting Albania

As with almost everywhere you visit around the world, there are precautions to be taken. These events are very unlikely so do not let it put you off, but it’s always a good idea to be well prepared when travelling to an unfamiliar land. Here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind.

Political Rallies

It’s advisable to avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place and follow the instructions of local authorities. It is also wise to monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.

Caution Hiking near Kosovo Border Landmines

Always pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landmines and stay on paved roads. Make sure you avoid open fields, road shoulders and unmarked trails and report anything suspicious to local authorities.

You can check out our advice for hiking in the Balkans HERE

Taxi scams

We were approached a few times while waiting on a furgon (minibus). The taxi driver asked where we were going and advised that there are no more buses to our destination. But, guess what, he can take us for a small fee! A few minutes later, of course, the bus showed up. If you do decide to take a cab, always negotiate the price before you get in the car.

Driving in Albania

The most dangerous thing about Albania is the driving. If you are brave enough to hire a car you must take out full insurance and avoid busy areas. The roads in rural areas are sometimes no more than dirt tracks so plan your route carefully.

Organised crime networks

This is the most talked about safety risk in Albania. However, as a tourist you are very unlikely to be caught up is this activity and will therefore be perfectly safe.

The Albanian Language

Just one last thing to consider… Many Albanians in the cities speak a little English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Albanian. It is certainly not an easy language for English speakers but any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:

Hello Tungjatjeta (toon-jah-TYEH-tah)

Please Ju lutem (yoo LOO-tehm)

Thank you Faleminderit (fah-lehm-meen-DEH-reet)

Yes Po (poh)

No Jo (yoh)

Goodbye Mirupafshim (meer-oo-PAHF-sheem)

Is Albania Safe to Visit?

Yes, Albania is a safe country to visit. The people are warm and hospitable, even to foreigners, and will go out of their way to help you. This might seem suspicious to outsiders but don’t be put off, it is how things are done here. We always enjoy visiting and have never felt threatened (if not occasionally mildly irritated – you know who you are taxi drivers!). Keep the usual precautions in mind and you will meet incredible people, see spectacular sights and have a wonderful experience in Albania.

More information

• Albania Tourist Board click HERE
• Tirana Tourist Board click HERE

Where to go next

Ready for a trip to Albania? Why not check out our Practical Tips before you head off?

Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.

Have you visited Albania or anywhere else in the Balkans? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!

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Is Albania Safe to Visit?