Is Traveling to Albania Worth It? An American Couple’s Honest Review After a 6-Week Trip

Is visiting Albania worth it? If you’ve been on European travel Tiktok and Instagram feeds for any amount of time, you've probably seen the stunning photos of pristine beaches, dramatic mountain landscapes, and charming villages in Albania. Travel influencers and media networks like Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler are whispering about it being the "next big thing," a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. And while we can see the allure, after spending weeks exploring various corners of this Balkan nation, we’re here to offer a dose of reality, especially for our fellow Americans: Albania is not worth the trip yet.

Let us be clear: this isn't a knock on Albania itself. The country has immense potential, and I genuinely appreciate the kindness of its people. For British travelers, Albania makes perfect sense for a beachy getaway. It's a short, relatively inexpensive flight to a beautiful coastal destination. But for Americans, the calculus is entirely different. We're talking about a long and costly journey, and in our opinion, the current state of Albania's infrastructure and tourism offerings simply doesn't justify the investment (time and money) for most American travelers.

The siren song of "undiscovered" and "authentic" is powerful, and we get it. We're all searching for those unique experiences. But sometimes, "undiscovered" translates to "underdeveloped," and that's precisely the challenge with Albanian tourism right now. While the natural beauty across the country is undeniable, the infrastructure often lags significantly behind other popular Mediterranean destinations.

Logistics and Transportation

Getting to Albania from the US is a trek. No matter where you’re coming from, expect one to multiple layovers and a hefty price tag for flights. Once you arrive, navigating the country can be an adventure in itself. Public transportation, while improving, isn't reliable or convenient. In many cases, it’s fully unavailable, especially if you're trying to explore beyond the main cities. Renting a car is the best option, but be prepared for challenging road conditions in some areas. Potholes, unpaved roads, and a distinct lack of signage can make driving a stressful experience. 

Accommodations in Albania

While there are certainly charming guesthouses and some emerging hotels, the overall selection and quality don't yet compare to what you'd find in neighboring countries like Greece, Italy, or Croatia. Finding English-speaking staff can also be a challenge, even in the main tourist hubs like Vlöre, Ksamil, and Tirana, which can make navigating daily activities, booking tours and taxis, or even ordering food a bit more complicated.

Adventure Vs Aspirations

Now, you might be thinking, "But isn't that part of the adventure?" And yes, for some travelers, the challenges and unexpected detours are precisely what make a trip memorable. But for the average American traveler, who has limited vacation time and a budget to consider, these hurdles can quickly become frustrating rather than charming. 

Think about it: you're investing significant time and money to fly across the Atlantic. You want a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. You want to be able to easily get from point A to point B, find comfortable accommodation, have great food, and experience the local culture without constant logistical headaches. 

Have you ever heard anyone rave about Albanian food? Probably not. It’s not bad, but compared to the Italian and Greek cuisine nearby, Alabnai’s cuisine doesn’t hold a candle to other coastal foods. In its current state, Albania struggles to consistently deliver on these basic expectations for many travelers.

When we visited, we were self-employed and had plenty of time to visit. We had just finished exploring Greece and Italy and were on our way to England. On several of our beach days while visiting, we mentioned how grateful we were that this wasn’t our one and only trip of the year. Now that we’re back to working corporate jobs with limited PTO, we can confidently say we would not recommend using one week of paid time off to road trip through Albania - and we certainly don’t feel the need to return for another 10 years or until tourism infrastructure sees a major improvement in the country. 

Santorini, Greece - sometimes popular places are popular for a reason!

Do This, Not That (For Now)

You could spend the same amount of money, or even less, and have a far more seamless and enjoyable experience in other Mediterranean countries. Greece offers ancient ruins, stunning islands, and delicious food. Italy boasts world-class art, history, and cuisine. Croatia provides breathtaking coastlines, charming towns, and a well-developed tourism infrastructure. All of these destinations are easily accessible from the US, offer a wide range of accommodation options, and cater to English-speaking tourists.

We’re not saying don’t put Albania on your radar. Keep an eye on its development and consider it within the next ten years. In a few years, as the infrastructure improves and the tourism industry matures, it might very well become a fantastic destination for Americans. But right now, the hype outweighs the reality for most US travelers.

Our advice? If you're dreaming of a Mediterranean getaway, explore other, more established destinations first. Let Albania continue to develop and mature. When the time is right, it will be ready to welcome American travelers with open arms and a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Until then, save your time, money, and frustration, and explore the many other incredible destinations that Europe has to offer.