Albania, kissed awake by democracy and finally freed from its Sleeping Beauty slumber, has been discovered by tourists. The land of the sons of eagles, as it’s sometimes called, sits between the Adriatic and Ionic Seas. This country is one of the most beautiful and pristine, but also one of the poorest, countries in the Balkans. Explore the authentic western edge of the Balkan peninsula between Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Greece! Albania is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations: 300 days of sun a year combined with an attractive value for money draws in more than 4 million tourists a year to this largely still undiscovered Balkan region.
Fact #1: 58 Campsites on the Western Edge of the Balkan Peninsula
Fifty percent of Albania’s territory is mountainous, with peaks reaching over 600 m tall. Spread out across the other 50 percent of the country are 58 campsites that you can discover, compare and rate on camping.info.
Fact #2: The Most Popular Campsite in Albania
Camping Lake Shkodra © Canva
Albania’s most popular campsite and winner of the 2019 camping.info award is the Camping Lake Shkodra Resort in the north of the country. Campers give it 4.78 out of 5 stars, and they particularly like the site’s great location, tranquillity, friendliness and cleanliness. The 2.5-hectare site is right on beautiful Lake Shkodra, and it has its own beach with lake access. This site has 100 pitches and is owned and operated by an Albanian-English family. Campers feel it is perfectly suited for couples and guests with dogs. From the site, it’s easy to head out on an excursion to the Shkoder city centre, about 7 km away, or to Montenegro, only around 24 km away.
Fact #3: Albania is One of the Most Affordable Countries for Camping
On average, a couple will pay €13.07 in Albania for one night on a pitch during peak season. In our European price comparison, Albania was among the most affordable countries to go camping in, along with Belarus, Moldova and North Macedonia. Low prices don’t necessarily mean poor quality, though: Tourism has only begun blooming in Albania over the past few years, which is why it’s still affordable for tourists.
Fact #4: On the Rise: “Peaks of the Balkans”
Peaks of the Balkans © Canva
Around 16,000 visitors come to this one-of-a-kind hiking path each season, drawn by this fascinating mountain landscape. The newest, transnational trekking route is 195 kilometres long and makes its way through the Prokletije Mountains. These enchanted mountains are part of the Dinaric Alps. This circular route brings you through gorgeous, green valleys and breathtakingly beautiful peaks, past waterfalls, mountain lakes and national parks. You’ll be at elevations between 600 and 2,000 m when you hike along one of Europe’s latest adventure trails. It starts and ends in Teth, and the trail connects Albania with Kosovo and Montenegro via ten sections. The trail was intended to bring the people of this formally war-torn region closer together, to encourage tourism and to create jobs for those living in the mountains, to slow rural flight.
Fact #5: Paying in Albania
Since 2014, Albania has been a candidate country for the European Union. The high rates of organised crime and the drug trade are some of the country’s biggest problems and are barriers for their admittance. Given that they are not an EU member country yet, Albania is also not currently part of the euro region. Their national currency is the Lek: EUR1 is equal to about 130 Lek, and 1 Lek is 100 Qindarka. When you visit Albania from Western Europe, everything will seem very affordable here.
Fact #6: The Albanian Riviera: The Ultimate Insider Tip
The Albanian Riviera © Canva
What could be better than pristine beaches as far as the eye can see: Head out on the search for hidden bays, tranquil beaches and small settlements that pop up in the most unexpected places. Over 360 km long, the Albanian Riviera is one of the last undeveloped sections of the European Mediterranean coastline. Getting to the bays can often be difficult, leading you via shepherds’ paths, past goats and sheep, through idyllic natural surroundings… but at the end of the journey, you’ll have the beach all to yourself.
Fact #7: The Country’s Heroine: Mother Teresa
She was known around the world for her work with the poor, homeless, sick and dying: Mother Teresa, the Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary is one of the few Nobel Prize winners from Albania. Since her canonization in 2003, she has also been the namesake of the country’s only international airport, located in the Albanian capital Tirana.
Fact #8: Be Whisked Away by the Incredible Biodiversity
Lake Bovilla © Canva
Over 3,500 species of wild plants currently make up Albania’s flora. That’s about a third of the known species across all of Europe! And that’s not all: You can also admire 91 species of endangered animals in Albania. That includes several exotic animals with intriguing names, such as the pygmy cormorant, the Mediterranean monk seal and the Dalmatian pelican. So pack a pair of binoculars and see how many species of flora and fauna you can find!
Fact #9: Why Albania Has so Many Bunkers
Forty years of dictatorship leave a mark: Under Enver Hoxhas’s rule, especially between 1972 and 1984, around 200,000 bunkers were built in communist Albania. These were designed to defend the country in the event of an invasion by foreign troops. These mushroom-shaped pillboxes characterise the Albanian landscape even to this day. The most important military bunkers have been partially repurposed and are now museums that provide a glance into the communist regime of the not-too-distant past.
Fact #10: Albania Emphasizes Hospitality
With a population of around 3 million people, fewer people live in all of Albania than in Buenos Ares or Berlin. Although that isn’t very many people, the Albanians shine because of their hospitality, helpfulness and incredible warm-heartedness. The majority of the population is Muslim, 20% are Greek Orthodox and about 10% are Catholic. A colourful mixture of religions and cultures create a space full of cordiality and friendliness. Experience the almost overwhelming feeling of being welcomed with open arms.
Albania is definitely worth a visit! If you’re ready to go on holiday, head out on a camping adventure in one of Europe’s most affordable countries for tourists. Naturally, you’ll find the right Albanian campsite for your journey on camping.info. What are you waiting for: Let’s go!
