10 Reasons Why I Love Albania (and love living there!)

2. Honesty

Albanians are extremely honest and very direct!

Honesty is something I strongly value, and Albanians have a powerful sense of straightforwardness I have never experienced anywhere else.

If there is a problem, they will tell you. If you have a pimple on your face, you will be told.

Don’t take anything personally (it’s one of my top tips for travelling to Albania). It’s really refreshing to be told the truth, something I feel in western society has been lost a little.

3. The Beaches

If you have been following my Instagram feed for a while you know I snap beach pictures quite often (maybe too often) but that’s because the Albania beaches are all so god damn beautiful!

Ksamil is by far my favourite beach in Albania, and a great base if you’re browsing the best hotels in Albania. I love the beach so much I currently live right on one!

If you want to experience the best of Albania, go to the beach (or the mountains, for some of the best hikes in Albania)! You will find some of the best beaches in Europe in Albania, so check my guide to Albania weather to time your trip.

My recommendation is to hire a car in Albania or scooter and explore the coastal route from Ksamil to the North. You will find many beaches with hardly any tourists on them, and some great Albania campsites along the way.

Heading to the beach? My full Albania packing list covers what to bring.

4. Simplicity

Another reason I love Albania is the simplicity of everyday life here, which shapes so many of the unique things to do in Albania.

A common phrase is ‘Albania is 20 years behind everyone else in the world’ and in a sense, it definitely is but also, it just hasn’t developed into mass commercialism which I love.

I go to the bakery for my bread, the butcher for my meat and the small (I mean SMALL) scale supermarket for the rest.

Yes, it may be convenient in the western world to go to a one-stop shop but Albania is not like that and it is really like stepping back in time a little, especially when you explore the castles in Albania and the old towns that are now UNESCO sites.

But if you want to experience the best of Albania, you just have to learn to go with the flow (especially with the Albania bus timetables)!

5. Character

Oh, the character of Albania and Albanians. I have laughed more in the last few months than I have ever before in my life.

If there is one thing that Albania doesn’t lack its character. Albanians are always having a laugh and even if it doesn’t really make sense to you, just go with it.

Let your guard down and take in all that Albania has to offer, whether you’re backpacking around Albania or on a family holiday!

6. The Food

I am a huge fan of Mediterranean food. I love the freshness and homemade feel of traditional Albanian food.

The fruit and vegetables taste like they should without nasty chemicals that we see in other countries.

Although there isn’t a large variety of food from other cultures in Albania (I crave a good burger from time to time), Albania’s food is simplistic and very delicious.

So if you’re wondering why go to Albania for a holiday, the food should definitely be at the top of your list when planning one week in Albania!

7. Everything can be fixed with Raki

Raki is the local alcohol which is produced by fermented grapes. A lot of the Albanian families make their own.

It’s strong, really strong and should be drunk by sipping and not like a shot (guilty).

Not only is raki the official Albanian drink it also apparently heals sore throats and colds but also, they use it to sterilize wounds!

Obviously, it’s a versatile wonderful thing to have on hand (and a bottle makes one of the best Albanian souvenirs to take home)!

8. Albanian Beliefs

I am a little superstitious myself. I always touch wood, never walk under ladders and don’t open umbrellas inside, but Albanians are very passionate about their beliefs also.

Some of which include if a liquid is spilt you must pour water over the spill otherwise you will face bad luck.

Another one is you will find stuffed animals and doll outside the houses. This is to ward off any bad spirits.

If you do not fore fill a pregnant woman’s cravings the baby will be born with a birthmark.

These are just some of the beliefs that some Albanians have, and a local guide on one of the Albania tours I recommend can tell you plenty more. I find it extremely fascinating and it’s just another reason why I love Albania!

9. Koha e pushimit (Rest time)

Just like Spain, Albania also has a siesta-like time in the day. From around 1 pm until 5 or 6 you will see most of the shops in cities across Albania start to shut for the afternoon while the locals go for a coffee and/or a nap.

I don’t know about you, but napping is one of the most important parts of my day!

The shops usually open again at about 5 or 6 and stay open until 9 pm usually, and summer nights run much later, especially during the summer music festivals in Albania.

10. The Flag

Albania’s flag is super badass. With a red background and a black double-headed eagle, what more could you ask for in a flag?

Their flag represents strength and bravery, and you’ll see it flying over castles that rank among the most incredible castles in Europe.

If you’re planning a trip to Albania, make sure you read my Albania travel guide, my complete Saranda guide along with my take on what it’s like living in Albania.

These are just some of the many reasons that I love Albania and why travel to Albania. Let me know some of the reasons you love Albania in the comments!