Albania - Anita Hendrieka

Albania General Guides

My 2026 Albania Transport Guide After 8+ Years Living Here

Trying to figure out public transport in Albania online? Good luck. I’ve lived in Albania for 8+ years and have travelled around the country just…
1 Week in Albania: My Tried-and-Tested Itinerary

If you’ve only got one week in Albania, you’ll want to make every day count—and trust me, it’s totally doable. This country may be small,…
My Albania Travel Guide 2026: What I’ve Learned After 8+ Years Here

So, you’re planning your first trip to Albania—amazing choice! But let me guess: you’ve probably already realized how hard it is to find up-to-date info,…
11 Albania Tours & Excursions I’d Actually Recommend

When anybody asks me about the best things to do in Albania, I always love to point to unique experiences and interesting Albania tours. From…
13 Best Albania Campsites I’d Recommend

Albania is a beautiful country with much natural beauty and an interesting culture to explore. And what better way to do so than by staying…
8 Best Luxury Hotels in Albania: Where I’d Stay Again & Again

👉 Want to jump straight to my top picks? My favourite two luxury hotels in Albania are La Brisa Boutique Hotel and Green Coast Resort…
11 Best Hotels in Albania: Where I’d Personally Stay

Finding the best accommodation for your trip can be exhausting and sometimes a headache. Not only is it unsafe to stay at an unknown place…
5 Albania UNESCO Sites Worth Visiting: My Honest Take

The Balkan region is not unknown to the ones fond of travelling or those backpacking across Europe. The natural beauty of this majestic region and…
14 Incredible Castles in Albania I Think Are Worth Visiting

Albania isn’t short of exquisite historical and cultural monuments. There are a plethora of attractive sites in Albania – castles being one of those! Its…
What to Pack for Albania: My Tried-and-Tested Packing List

Albania is a beautiful country situated in the Balkans, with a vast history submerged in religious, cultural, and ethnic traditions. Ever since I started blogging…
18 Best Albanian Souvenirs to Buy: What I’d Actually Bring Home

Albania offers a vibrant culture with scenic beauty unlike others in the entire Balkans. That’s exactly why I have made it my home since 2017!…
5 Best Hikes in Albania I’d Recommend + My Hiking Tips

Albania is a country in southeastern Europe, and it has become one of the most popular travel destinations for hikers because of its untouched scenery…
10 Incredible Cities in Albania I Think Are Worth Visiting

There are so many great cities in Albania that many have never heard of. I’ve lived in Albania since 2017 so I’ve visited nearly every…
Albania Bus Timetables 2026 for Popular Routes

Travelling around by bus in Albania can be a little tricky. Trust me I know as I’ve lived in Albania since 2017 so I’ve had…
Traditional Albanian Food: 39 Dishes I’ve Tried + What I Recommend

When travelling to Albania I can almost guarantee that you will be surprised about traditional Albanian food. Albania is not known for its food necessarily,…
How to Hire a Car in Albania: My Experience + Essential Tips

One of the most common questions that I get asked – more than “can I hire a driver in Albania?” or “is driving in Albania…
12 Best Summer Music Festivals in Albania 2026: My Picks

Albania is fast becoming a festival haven, even for big music festivals. There is a wide range of events and festivals in Albania every year…
Backpacking Albania: The Best Hostels I’ve Stayed In

Albania is a great backpacking country because there are so many adventures to be had that are incredibly affordable to the average traveller. Add in…
Important Albania Travel Tips I’ve Learned After 8+ Years Here

There’s no doubt that Albania is a hidden gem in Europe, many people don’t even know it exists! Over 8 years of living in Albania,…
Albania Weather: When I Think Is the Best Time to Visit

Positioned in south-east Europe lies one country which deserves more attention to travellers coming to Europe. That country is Albania. For Albania, tourism is growing steadily…
17 Best Albania Beaches I Recommend After 8+ Years Here

To be completely honest, Albania beaches have some of the most beautiful beaches that I had ever seen in Europe. You know those stunning beaches…
35 Unique Things to Do in Albania I’ve Actually Experienced 2026

I have been in love with Albania since 2017! It’s a destination that challenges your perceptions and stereotypes and allows you to relax in absolute…
24 Best Places to Visit in Albania in 2026: My Picks After 8+ Years Here

Some of the main questions for anyone travelling to Albania is “What are the best places in Albania?”, “What are the best holiday destinations in…
27+ Interesting Facts About Albania I’ve Learned From Living Here

If you’re looking for all the best fun facts about Albania, you’ve come to the right place! Living in Albania has afforded me insight into…
Is Albania Safe? My Experience After Living Here for 8+ Years

Is Albania safe? This is the top question I get asked again and again now that I live in Albania. Is Albania a safe country?…
10 Reasons Why I Love Albania (and love living there!)

Albania has been my home for the last few months and I often get asked: Why Albania? What makes you love Albania so much out…
9 Reasons I Think You Should Visit Albania

Between Montenegro and Greece lies a hidden paradise that, more often than not, people miss or don’t even know where it is on a map:…

Saranda

How to Get from Tirana to Saranda (I’ve Done It 50+ Times as a Local)

So you’ve landed in Tirana and now you’re staring at the map thinking… how the heck do I get to Saranda? Don’t worry, I’ve been…
How I Get from Saranda to Ksamil (Without Getting Ripped Off)

Planning a quick day trip from Saranda to Ksamil? You’ve got options—and yes, one is super budget-friendly. Since I’ve been living in Saranda since 2017,…
Saranda or Ksamil: Which Is Better? My Honest Take After Living Here 2026

Can’t decide between Saranda or Ksamil for your Albania getaway? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get, and honestly, I…
My Honest Review of a Boat Tour in Saranda: Is It Worth It?

If you’re visiting Saranda for the first time, chances are you’ve already heard whispers about the boat tours to Krorez and Kakome beach, and trust…
Car Rental in Saranda: What I’ve Learned From Renting & Driving Here

If you’re heading to the beautiful seaside city of Saranda and you’re either looking for some info on how to hire a car in Saranda…
13 Best Beaches in Saranda, Albania (Tried and Tested After 7+ Years Living Here)

If you’re visiting Saranda this summer, then you need to bookmark this post immediately. Saranda has been my home for over 7 years now and…
16 Best Saranda Tours & Day Trips I’d Actually Recommend

Whilst Sarande in Albania is well known for its gorgeous beaches, there is so much more to this beautiful destination that can often gets overlooked….
Athens to Saranda: How I Travel Between Greece and Albania 2026

When I travel overseas from Saranda, I almost always fly out of Athens because they have incredibly cheap flights to Asia and elsewhere in Europe. …
Corfu to Saranda Ferry: My Honest Tips After 8+ Years and 20+ Crossings (2026)

I’ve taken the Corfu to Saranda ferry more times than I can count at this point, somewhere past twenty crossings in the 8+ years I’ve…
Visiting the Blue Eye Albania (Syri i Kalter): My Honest Tips + What to Expect

If you are visiting Saranda, then you should take a couple of hours and discover the Blue Eye – or, in Albanian, Syri i Kaltër….
20 Best Hotels in Saranda: Where I’d Stay After Living Here 8+ Years

Trying to figure out where to stay in Saranda? I totally get it. There are so many amazing places to choose from. Ocean view hotels,…
Visiting Butrint, Albania: My Guide to Albania’s Famous UNESCO Site

Butrint National Park is an important UNESCO site in Albania which is also incredibly popular. It’s one of the biggest and best places to see…
Ali Pasha Castle, Butrint: My Guide After Visiting This Hidden Gem

When you think of Albania, castles are not usually the first thing to spring to mind. But Albania does indeed have castles, and Ali Pasha…
26 Best Things to do in Saranda, Albania

Saranda is the most beautiful city to visit in Albania, no questions asked. There are many amazing things to do in Saranda (also called Sarande…
How I Find an Apartment to Rent in Saranda, Albania

I get so many emails from people asking how to find an apartment to rent in Saranda (mostly 3-6 months) so I decided to write…
Saranda Restaurants: The Best Places to Eat in Saranda, Albania

It’s always tricky when coming to a new city and looking for a restaurant with great food. Luckily, there are many great Saranda restaurants. As…
My Saranda Travel Guide 2026: Tips From 8+ Years Living Here

Located in the southern part of the Albanian Riviera lies the coastal city of Saranda (Sarandë in Albania). During the summer months, Saranda in Albania…

Ksamil

How I Get from Saranda to Ksamil (Without Getting Ripped Off)

Planning a quick day trip from Saranda to Ksamil? You’ve got options—and yes, one is super budget-friendly. Since I’ve been living in Saranda since 2017,…
Saranda or Ksamil: Which Is Better? My Honest Take After Living Here 2026

Can’t decide between Saranda or Ksamil for your Albania getaway? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get, and honestly, I…
17 Best Ksamil Beaches I’ve Visited + My Personal Favourites 2026

Ksamil is a coastal town in Southern Albania, roughly 12 kilometres south of Saranda, known for its incredibly gorgeous beaches. The Ksamil beaches feature numerous…
10 Best Hotels in Ksamil: Where I’d Stay in 2026

If you’re looking for a destination that offers the best of both worlds, with stunning Albania beaches and historical sites, then Ksamil is ideal. With its picturesque…
Ksamil Albania: A Local’s Travel Guide 2026

Ksamil, Albania is one of the best beach destinations along the Albanian Riviera and for good reason – it’s beautiful! Sandy Ksamil beaches, crystal clear waters, fresh…

Tirana

Is Tirana Safe? My Honest Take After 8 Years Living in Albania

Wondering is Tirana safe? I’ve lived in Albania for 8 years and spent a month back in Tirana. Here’s my honest take, scams included.
How I’d Spend 3 Days in Tirana: A Real Day-by-Day Itinerary

The perfect 3 days in Tirana, planned by someone who has lived in Albania for 8 years. Day by day, with real timings.
Best Time to Visit Tirana: My Honest Season-by-Season Take

The best time to visit Tirana isn’t when most guides tell you. Here’s my season-by-season breakdown after 8 years living in Albania.
Is Tirana Worth Visiting? My Honest Verdict After 8 Years in Albania

Is Tirana worth visiting? After 8 years living in Albania, here’s my honest verdict on whether the capital earns a spot on your itinerary.
Tirana Cooking Class with Sindi: I’d Actually Recommend It (Honest Review)

I did a Tirana cooking class with Sindi, learning byrek, tave kosi and bollakume. My honest review on whether it’s worth booking.
How to Get from Tirana to Saranda (I’ve Done It 50+ Times as a Local)

So you’ve landed in Tirana and now you’re staring at the map thinking… how the heck do I get to Saranda? Don’t worry, I’ve been…
9 Best Day Tours From Tirana I’d Actually Recommend

If you only have a few days in Tirana, giving up an entire one for a day tour is a pretty big commitment. I have…
15 Best Bars in Tirana I’ve Actually Tried

You’ve arrived into the big city and now are looking for the best bars in Tirana so you can soak up the Albanian bar scene….
16 Best Restaurants in Tirana I’ve Actually Tried and LOVE

If you’re wondering where to eat in Tirana, trust me, you are in for a VERY good time. Albania’s capital has everything from simple, cheerful…
How I Get From Tirana Airport to the City: All Your Options

How to get from Tirana Airport to the city, every option I actually use myself, from the shuttle bus to my go-to taxi contact.
12 Best Day Trips From Tirana I’d Actually Recommend

Written by Eneda from Albania Did you know that Albania is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful and peaceful natural wonders? It may surprise…
Best Places to Stay in Tirana: Where I’d Actually Book

Best places to stay in Tirana, from an apartment I’d book again in a heartbeat to a couple of proper hotels, picked after years in Albania.
25 Best Things to Do in Tirana, Albania I’d Actually Recommend 2026

If you only have a few days in Tirana, you probably do not want to waste them ticking off places that looked better on Google…

Berat

12 Best Hotels in Berat: Where I’d Stay in 2026

After considering what to do in Berat during your visit, likely the first thing on your mind is where to stay in Berat. Fortunately, there…
8 Best Things to Do in Berat: My Personal Favourites

A visit to the beautiful UNESCO town of Berat in Albania is not to be missed on your adventures through the country. It is one…

Dhermi

7 Best Hotels in Dhermi: Where I’d Stay in 2026

If you’ve been following my blog for some time now, then you know how highly I speak of the Albanian Riviera. It’s because of its…

Himara

12 Best Himare Beaches I’d Actually Recommend in 2026

Southern Albania’s rocky shoreline has lovely settlements home to approximately 28,000 people. If you’re looking for somewhere in Albania that is less secluded but not…
Things to Do in Himare: My Favourite Beaches, Restaurants + Places

Along the Albanian Riveria lies a small coastal town of Himara (Himarë in Albanian). It’s one of the must-see stops as it is more relaxed…

Theth

Theth to Valbona Hike: My Experience on Albania’s Famous Hike

If you plan on visiting Albania, then you must put the Albanian Alps on your trip’s itinerary. The northern areas of Albania are filled with…
Things to Do in Theth 2026: What I’d Recommend After Visiting

Anyone who plans on visiting the Balkans or dreams of backpacking across Europe must visit Theth. A retreat into the remote Albania mountain villages in…

Permet

8 Best Things to Do in Permet: What I’d Recommend to a Friend

Permet is still a relatively undiscovered gem, but this location won’t stay secret for long. Permet has some of the most beautiful natural scenes, interesting…

Korca

13 Amazing Things to Do in Korca: What I’d Recommend in 2026

The unofficial cultural capital of Albania – Korca (or Korçë) – is only a three-hour drive from Tirana and a beautiful city that tourists from…

Kruja

Things to Do in Kruja, Albania: My Favourite Places in the City of Skanderbeg

Kruja city, also known as the city of Skanderbeg, a national hero for Albania, is a historic city and one that shouldn’t be missed if…

Gjirokastër

12 Best Hotels in Gjirokaster: Where I’d Stay in 2026

I have created this guide to the best hotels in Gjirokaster to make your trip planning experience to this Albania city as seamless as possible!…
18 Epic Things to Do in Gjirokaster: My Personal Favourites

Looking for the best things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania? You’ve come to the right place! The charming UNESCO town of Gjirokastra, Albania is a…

Durrës

Tirana to Durrës: How I’d Make the Trip in 2026

Getting from Tirana to Durres is easy, but nobody warns you about the traffic. Bus fares, taxi apps and my timing tips after 8+ years living in Albania.
8 Best Durres Restaurants I’d Actually Recommend (After Eating My Way Through The City)

The best durres restaurants after eating my way through the city for 5 days. My favourite traditional spot, the best pizza in Albania and what I paid.
Albania Cooking Class in Durrës: My Honest Review

I did an albania cooking class in Durres with Erti. Market shopping, three traditional dishes and unlimited wine. My honest review of whether it’s worth it.
Where I’d Stay in Durrës: My Personal Picks After 5 Days There

Wondering where to stay in Durres? Most guides say book near the beach. After 5 days there I think that’s wrong, and here’s the area I’d pick instead.
The Best Time to Visit Durrës in My Personal Opinion

The best time to visit Durres isn’t August. I went in 35C heat and regretted it. My honest month by month pick after 8+ years living in Albania.
3 Days in Durrës: My Tried and Tested Itinerary

My tried and tested 3 days in Durres itinerary after 8+ years in Albania. Roman ruins, the beach worth your time and the day trip I’d never skip.
Is Durrës Worth Visiting? My Honest Take After 8+ Years in Albania

Is Durres worth visiting? It was my most hated city in Albania until I gave it 5 days. My honest take on the ruins, the beaches and who should skip it.
17 Things to Do in Durrës I’d Actually Recommend (After 5 Days There)

17 things to do in Durres I’d actually recommend after 5 days there. The Roman ruins worth your time, the one I’d skip paying for, and my favourite spot.
Cape of Rodon, Durres: My Guide + Is It Worth Visiting?

If you’re visiting the city of Tirana, a day trip must be made to the unique Cape of Rodon. Only a one-and-a-half-hour drive from the…

Albanian Riviera

How to Get from Tirana to Saranda (I’ve Done It 50+ Times as a Local)

So you’ve landed in Tirana and now you’re staring at the map thinking… how the heck do I get to Saranda? Don’t worry, I’ve been…
How to Get to Gjipe Beach: My Experience + Essential Tips

Gjipe beach is one of the most magnificent places to visit in Southern Albania. It’s a small natural paradise that can be enjoyed by everyone,…
My 10-Day South Albania Itinerary: How I’d Explore the Riviera

This south Albania itinerary is for someone who loves to be by the beach and wants to explore the Albania Riviera and some of the…
My Albanian Riviera Guide: Favourite Places After 8+ Years Here

The Albanian Riviera is fast becoming one of the most popular spots in Europe and for a good reason – especially if you want to…

Moving to Albania

🇦🇱 GET THE MOVE TO ALBANIA MASTERCLASS: Get the real-life roadmap to start your Albania relocation, from someone who actually lived there for 8+ years. WATCH IT INSTANTLY 👉

11 lessons I learned from living in Albania

I came to Albania in 2017 and since travelling and living in Albania I have learned some hard and valuable lessons. Here are 11 lessons…
How I Find an Apartment to Rent in Saranda, Albania

I get so many emails from people asking how to find an apartment to rent in Saranda (mostly 3-6 months) so I decided to write…
Getting an Albanian Visa: What I’ve Learned From Living Here Long-Term

If you have been following me on Instagram you will know the struggle I had with getting an Albanian visa. My first thoughts were that…
Cost of Living in Albania: What I Actually Spend

Everyone is always interested in the cost of living in Albania because as a tourist it’s very affordable. This article is all about how much it…
Living in Albania: My Honest Experience After 8+ Years Here

Nearly every day I have to slap myself that I am living in Albania. This is a country that I knew nothing about at the start…