Albania

Access

Albania, located in the Balkan region and bordering the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, is increasingly accessible thanks to an expanding transport network. The main entry point for those arriving by plane is Tirana's Mother Teresa International Airport, located about 17 kilometres from the capital. This airport connects Albania to many European destinations and is the main hub for international travellers. Other airports of increasing importance include Kukës Airport in the north of the country, which serves a number of regional destinations.
Albania's railway network, although limited, offers connections between some major cities, such as Tirana, Durrës and Shkodër. However, the railway system remains underdeveloped by European standards and is mainly used for domestic passenger and freight transport. For travel between the country's main locations, road transport is generally preferred, thanks to the network of buses and minibuses (vans), which connect cities and villages in a comprehensive manner.
Albania's main cities are connected by a constantly improving motorway network. Modern motorways include the SH2, which connects Tirana to Durrës, and the SH4, which continues south to Vlora. The Arbër (Rruga and Arbrit) motorway, still nearing completion, will further improve connections between Tirana and North Macedonia. Despite the progress, many roads in rural areas are still in poor condition and require attention, especially for those travelling in vehicles not suited to difficult routes.
The national road network reflects the geography of the country, with roads crossing mountains and valleys offering beautiful views but requiring longer travel times. The coastal road along the Albanian Riviera is particularly scenic, linking places such as Saranda and Himara, and is appreciated for its natural beauty.
Albania is also accessible by sea from the Italian ports of Bari, Brindisi and Ancona, with ferries docking mainly at Durrës, the country's largest port. Other ports such as Vlora and Saranda serve regional routes to Greece and the Ionian islands.
The increasing modernisation of infrastructure makes the country increasingly accessible, but it is advisable to plan your trip in advance, taking into account distances and road conditions. The use of digital maps and up-to-date local information can be helpful in optimising travel and discovering the beauty of Albania's main locations.

Introduction

Albania, nestled in the heart of the Balkans and washed by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, is a land of outstanding natural and historical beauty, a place where imposing mountains meet crystal-clear beaches, and where millennia-old traditions coexist with a modern impetus towards the future. With an area of around 28,700 km² and a population of around 2.8 million, the country is a crossroads of cultures and civilisations that have shaped it over the centuries. Its capital, Tirana, is the political, cultural and economic hub, but every corner of Albania offers stories and landscapes to discover.

Description

The Albanian territory is distinguished by its extraordinary geographical variety. The Albanian Alps in the north offer breathtaking scenery with craggy peaks, deep valleys and rushing rivers such as the Drin. In the centre, the hills and fertile fields of the lowlands offer a gently undulating landscape, while in the south, the beaches of the Albanian Riviera compete in beauty with those of the neighbouring Greek islands. Here, resorts such as Saranda and Ksamil are known for their turquoise waters and white sand, while the hinterland is home to Mount Tomorr National Park, sacred to the local population and the site of traditional rituals. Among the protected areas, Butrint National Park, a UNESCO site, combines natural beauty and archaeological ruins in a unique setting.
Albania's history is rich and complex, traversed by Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Always a borderland, the country has been a cultural and political crossroads. Among the most important figures is Giorgio Castriota Scanderbeg, the national hero who led the resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. In the 20th century, Albania experienced a period of isolation under the communist regime of Enver Hoxha, leaving behind traces that are still visible in the urban landscape and collective memory. Today, Albania is a growing democracy, increasingly open to tourism and international investment.
The Albanian economy has made considerable progress in recent decades. The agricultural sector remains key, with olive, vine and citrus crops thriving thanks to the Mediterranean climate. Handicrafts, such as wool and ceramics, maintain a centuries-old tradition. Tourism is booming, attracting visitors for its authenticity and natural and cultural beauty. In addition, hydropower production represents a significant economic resource for the country.
Albanian cultural traditions are alive and well, with festivals celebrating historical and religious heritage. The Spring Festival and the Dita e Verës in March, or the pilgrimage to Mount Tomorr, are events that attract visitors and unite local communities. The UNESCO-recognised polyphonic music and folk dances reflect the cultural diversity of a country in which each region has a distinct identity.
For hiking enthusiasts, Albania offers spectacular trails, such as the Theth to Valbona trail in the Albanian Alps, which passes through unspoilt landscapes and traditional villages. History buffs can visit archaeological sites such as Butrint and Apollonia, or explore the Ottoman fortresses of Gjirokastra and Berat, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For those in search of relaxation, the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, such as Dhërmi and Himara, offer clear waters and unforgettable sunsets.
Protected natural areas, including the Llogara National Park and Lake Ohrid, are home to extraordinary biodiversity. Albania is also famous for its natural springs, such as those of Syri i Kaltër, a fascinating natural phenomenon known as 'The Blue Eye'.
Visiting Albania means immersing oneself in a land of contrasts and harmonies, where nature, history and culture intertwine to offer a unique and authentic experience. With an increasing openness to the world, the country invites you to discover its hidden riches and to be captivated by the charm of its places and people.

Information

Capital: Tirana
Area: 28,748 sq km
Minimum elevation: 0m
Maximum elevation: 2,764m - Mount Korab
Number of inhabitants: 2,204,284 (as of 30.11.13)
Official name:Republika e Shqipërisë
Inhabitant name:Albanians
Regions: list - on the map
Provinces: list - on the map
Bordering countries: Montenegro, Greece, Macedonia, Kosovo

Territory

• protected-areas - map
• lakes - map
• lakes - map
• lakes - map
• Bivouacs - map
• Shelters - map

Cultural Goods

• Places of Worship

Collections

• countries of the world - map
• European nations - map

Itineraries

• hiking - map