The ultimate solo travel guide to Albania: Everything you need to know
Albania still feels like a secret for solo travellers, but when it’s serving up beauty, culture and nature with a side of colourful city living and glorious beach chill, it can’t stay that way for long.
From the lively capital, Tirana, with its painted buildings, hipster districts and museums, to the dramatic mountains, lush forests and thermal springs of the national parks, there’s a scene for every wanderluster in this small Mediterranean country.
Beach-lovers have an embarrassment of options on the stunning Albanian Riviera; whether lazing on the sand with olives and raki, or cruising hidden treasures on a private boat tour. And there’s plenty for those who want to burn off some energy, too – with climbing, hiking and water sports in the mix, as well as more offbeat fun, like diving for mussels in sparkling lagoons.
Want more reasons to enjoy solo travel in Albania? The country is veritably loaded with history, not least the thousands of Cold War-era bunkers dotting the landscape, Unesco-protected ancient ruins and preserved Ottoman architecture.
Below, we’ve pulled together all you need to know about a group solo trip to Albania, from hotels to must-visits and even what to pack – so grab yourself a glass of the famed Skënderbeu cognac and settle in. Learn more about group solo travel with Flash Pack.
Albania travel facts
Bordered by Greece, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, Albania boasts four Unesco World Heritage Sites, among them Butrint National Park – a “very rare combination of archaeology and nature”, with centuries-old ruins telling the story of the abandoned city’s many occupants. Indeed, Albania’s cities and towns are full of historical significance: Berat and Gjirokastra are lauded for Ottoman architecture; Albanian independence was declared in coastal Vlorë in 1912; Durrës hosts a huge Roman amphitheatre and the beautiful 4th-century “Beauty of Durrës” mosaic. The Albanian Riviera has made its mark, too, with the bluest water in the world found at Pasqyra Beach in the south.
Is Albania good for solo travel?
A Mediterranean gem that won’t stay hidden for long, Albania is a solo travel destination full of highlights, from idyllic beaches and outstanding scenery to ancient Roman amphitheatres and Cold War bunkers. Take a hike through the lush mountainous national parks, explore the history and colour of vivid capital Tirana and savour cocktails on the serene sands of the Albanian Riviera. Albania is also perfectly situated for extended trips into neighbouring countries, like Montenegro. Exploring with Flash Pack and a small, select group of fellow travellers means experiencing the best of the Balkans hassle-free, with expert local knowledge, fun company and accommodation all sewn up.
Best places to visit in Albania
What are the must-sees on a group solo trip to Albania? Our Flash Pack escapes are curated Balkans brilliance: think journeying along the coastal Llogara Pass with mountain-top views of the sparkling Ionian Sea, or diving for mussels in a Butrint lagoon. You’ll visit the mesmerising Blue Eye spring and hike the pristine Albanian Alps in Theth National Park, explore colourful bazaars in hilltop Krujë – birthplace of national hero Skanderberg – and admire Ksamil’s best beaches by private boat. Discover the stories and allure of Albanian cities including Tirana, Durres, Berat and Vlorë, and top it off with a dip in the world’s bluest water at Pasqyra Beach.
Where to stay as a solo traveller in Albania
Solo travellers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to hotels in Albania. Options include modern, air-conditioned accommodation in Ksamil – ideal after a day exploring Butrint ruins or lazing on Bora Bora beach – as well as eco-friendly stays, such as a traditional stone guesthouse in Theth, with artisanal furniture and home-made feasts.
You’ll find boutique hotels in Vlorë, great for both beaches and historic sites, while in Tirana you can bed down in characterful rooms close to the capital’s cultural highlights. Flash Pack’s group solo trips offer room shares to skip pricey solo supplements – often in beautiful, local and original hotels (though paying extra for a private room is also fine if you prefer to).
How to get to Albania
There are direct flights into Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) from Europe – from the UK it takes approximately three hours – while travelling from further afield involves European layovers. To add more countries and some sea time to your itinerary, take a ferry from Corfu to Saranda in the south, or check out the sailings from Italy to Durrës, near the capital Tirana. Overland, there are buses from neighbouring countries Kosovo, Montenegro, Greece and Macedonia. You do not normally need a visa coming from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada, but ensure there’s at least three months’ validity on your passport.
How to get around Albania
Albania’s neglected railway system is undergoing extensive modernisation, so you’ll need buses and taxis to travel between regions: the digital eTransport platform has bus schedules, and will eventually sell tickets, too. Busy furgon minibuses are an unofficial alternative and privately run, without set timetables, stops or fares (you may have to spend some time tracking down the one you want). Private transport is faster, though Albania’s tourist board advises booking a driver over car hire, as the driving culture can be challenging and accidents common. Solo group travel with Flash Pack means effortless exploration, with all private in-country transport arranged and paid for in advance.
Best time to visit Albania
Given it’s still fairly under the tourist radar, Albania’s peak season isn’t as hectic or expensive as other Med destinations, but the busiest period is summer, with visitors enjoying the coastal heat in July and August. Expect a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers averaging 30-35ºC (86-95ºF) and mild, wet winters averaging 6-12ºC (43-54ºF). There are some regional variations – for instance, the mountains have colder winters with snowfall. Autumn sees fewer visitors but still-pleasant temperatures, while some prefer January and February; much is shuttered for the winter, but in the Alps you’ll find skiing, snowshoeing and even horse-riding trails on offer.
Albania travel itineraries
Even compact trips tick the solo travel box in Albania, whether you fancy lazing on Ksamil’s glorious white-sand beaches or marvelling at the ancient architecture of Berat. With Flash Pack, you might walk the historic cities of Vlorë and Durres, explore Cold War bunkers or take a high-altitude road trip full of breathtaking sea views over the Llogara Pass.
You could try mussel-picking in Lake Butrint or hike Theth National Park’s dramatic mountain ranges. Swim the world’s bluest water at Pasqyra Beach, visit traditional crafters in Krujë and discover the extraordinary natural wonder of the Blue Eye pool: it’s all in awesome Albania. Remember, you can always shoehorn in a sojourn to Albania’s northern neighbour, Montenegro – another up-and-coming solo destination – for added inspo.
What to pack for solo travel in Albania
As well as all your usual travel essentials, such as passport, insurance and credit/debit cards, you’ll need currency in the form of the Albanian Lek, as many businesses prefer cash (you’ll find some hotels and restaurants also accept the Euro as payment). Pack an adaptor for socket types C and F, plus sun protection for summer travel or appropriate layers for autumn and winter trips. Insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes is advisable. Bring footwear comfortable for walking trails and cities, and of course, don’t forget swimwear in summer to make the most of the beautiful beaches and bays.
Solo travel advice for Albania
With historic sites, beautiful coastline, fascinating cities and delicious Mediterranean cuisine to boot, solo travel in Albania is not to be underestimated. Whether your ideal trip involves ancient ruins, Roman amphitheatres and Cold War bunkers, or you’re tempted by sunset dinners on the beach, picking your own mussels and private boat tours of the Albanian Riviera, travelling with Flash Pack means a trip big on highlights but low on fuss. With accommodation, transfers and experiences all in the hands of experts, our Balkans escapes are curated solo travel with the perks and security of a group format: sorted.
Is it safe to travel solo in Albania?
No travel can come with guarantees, but Albania is generally regarded as a safe country for tourists. However, do check out the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (for UK solo travellers), the Department of State Travel Advisories (for US solo travellers) or your country’s local government guidelines for the latest advice before travelling, and ensure you have adequate travel insurance. Once there, take sensible precautions, follow local advice and be aware of your surroundings at all times. On Flash Pack trips, you’ll have the constant support of your local Pack Leader, as well as your group of like-minded fellow solo travellers to explore with.
Ready for your next adventure? Try group solo travel to Albania with Flash Pack – designed exclusively for people in their 30s and 40s, seeking the independence of solo travel within the safety of a group.
A cool 98% of Flashpackers arrive solo to join our group adventures. So, you’ll be in good company – whether you’re a first-time solo traveller or a seasoned pro looking for like-minded new friends.
Images: Sam Walker/Flash Pack, Adobe
