Albania is a country in southeastern Europe, on the western side of the Balkan peninsula. It is a destination of two landscapes that sit close together: a Mediterranean coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian seas, and a mountainous interior that rises steeply behind it. Travellers may know it as the Republic of Albania, or by its local name, Shqipëria.
What a visit offers
- The coast: a Mediterranean shoreline that suits slow days by the water and walks along the sea.
- The mountains: the interior offers a quieter contrast, with high terrain for those who enjoy hiking and open country.
- History in layers: the land has been shaped by Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilisations, and their traces can be found across the country.
Planning your trip
Because Albania combines coast and mountains within a fairly compact territory, a visit can move easily between the two. Many travellers pair a stay on the Mediterranean shore with time in the interior, so that the history and the scenery are seen together. The country suits those who are curious about how successive civilisations left their marks on one place, and who want a destination that feels distinct from its neighbours.
Before you go, check current entry requirements, travel advice and local conditions for your own circumstances, as these can change.
