Tours of Albania cover the capital, Tirana; Shkodër, home to Rozafa Castle; and Berat, which preserves its Ottoman architecture. This page lists itineraries that include Albania; most are 3–7-night routes combined with Kosovo and North Macedonia.
Tirana
The heart of the capital, Tirana, is Skanderbeg Square. Et’hem Bey Mosque, on the edge of the square, dates back to the Ottoman era and is known for its interior decorations. Colorful facades, the old castle district and Bunk’Art, a Cold War bunker converted into a museum, tell the story of the city’s recent past.
Shkoder, Berat and the Coast
Shkodër is in northern Albania, on the shore of Lake Shkodër; Rozafa Castle on the hill is the city’s landmark. Berat is known as the “city of a thousand windows” and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its Ottoman houses and castle. Durrës on the Adriatic coast is known for its ancient amphitheatre.
What Routes Are Available?
Albania is combined in most itineraries with Kosovo (Pristina, Prizren) and North Macedonia (Skopje, Ohrid); this three-country route is the most common short Balkan tour, as it can be completed in 3–4 nights. Longer programs connect it with the coast of Montenegro. Some tours fly directly to Tirana.
Price and Duration
Itineraries covering Albania range from 2 to 7 nights; 3- and 7-night options are the most common. Prices per person start in the €490 range.
Visa and Currency
Turkish citizens can enter Albania visa-free for up to 90 days with an ordinary passport. The local currency is the Albanian lek; euros are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Albanian Riviera
The coast of the Ionian Sea in the south of the country is known as the Albanian Riviera. Saranda, Ksamil, and Himara stand out for their clear coves and sandy beaches; the ancient city of Butrint near Saranda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The small islands off Ksamil can be reached by swimming or by boat. In summer itineraries, this coast is added to the program as a seaside break after visits to Tirana and Berat.
Gjirokastër and Ottoman Heritage
Gjirokastër in the south, with its Ottoman houses with stone roofs and its hilltop castle, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Berat. Kruja, meanwhile, is a stop near Tirana, with a castle that served as Skanderbeg’s center of resistance and an Ottoman-era bazaar. Mosques, bridges and many words of Turkish origin dating from the Ottoman period will feel familiar to Turkish visitors.
When to Go?
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for city tours. The seaside season runs from June to September, with July and August being the busiest months. Coastal areas are mild in winter, while the mountainous regions in the north are snowy.
Transport and Practical Information
Tirana International Airport is about half an hour northwest of the capital. Rail services within the country are limited; intercity travel is by bus. Roads on mountainous routes are winding, and journey times can be long relative to the distance. Card payments are common in major cities, while carrying cash in lek or euros is useful in smaller places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Albania?
No; stays of up to 90 days are visa-free.
How many days is the Albania tour?
Short itineraries combining Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia last 3–4 nights, while longer Balkan tours last 6–7 nights.
Are there direct flights to Tirana?
Yes; itineraries with direct flights from Istanbul to Tirana are available.
Can you use euros in Albania?
In most tourist areas, yes; the local currency is the Albanian lek, which is more convenient for small purchases.