3 days in Albania: The Final Lengthy Weekender

An extended weekend in Albania!? Sure please!

Should you’ve by no means thought-about Albania as a weekend break vacation spot then you have to suppose once more.

I do know, it stunned me too and I’ll admit that my boyfriend took some convincing to affix me for this journey, nevertheless it turned out to be our favorite weekend break vacation spot. Sure, that’s a daring assertion for 2 individuals who take A LOT of weekend breaks however Albania was unbelievable.

This was our precise itinerary for these of you who need to leap straight into the main points. We have been away for 3 nights in July, so it’s undoubtedly doable for a protracted weekend. In fact, you would simply add on further days and keep for much longer too!

I’ve gone into extra element beneath, answered a few of your FAQs and detailed all the prices too…

Easy methods to get to Albania from the UK

For this weekend break to Albania I needed to spend our time within the well-liked seaside resorts of Sarande and Ksamil.

When travelling to those areas of Albania you’ve obtained two most important selections:

1. Fly direct to Tirana in Albania then it’s a 4-5 hour drive to Sarande, Albania
2. Fly to Corfu and take a 30 minute ferry to Saranda, Albania

We opted to fly to Corfu and take a ferry as a result of:

• Flights have been cheaper
• There have been extra flights to select from so we may very well be extra versatile
• I’d desire a 30 minute ferry over a 4 hour drive
• We obtained a bonus night in Corfu Previous City which I hadn’t deliberate however beloved

I’ll admit that this all felt a bit sophisticated and off-putting, particularly for a weekend break. However I can affirm that the flight to Corfu + ferry possibility was very easy and truly fairly pleasant. It felt like my backpacking journeys to Asia in my 20s and it was actually enjoyable and thrilling.

We took a late flight from Manchester to Corfu. We arrived at 23.20 and spent the night time at Corfu Artwork Port Studios which was a 5 minute stroll to the ferry port, so we have been there and prepared for an early ferry within the morning.

Journey Hack Tip: The ferries depart from the far left whenever you arrive on the ferry port. Stroll all the best way to the left and passport management is in an orange constructing.

I booked our ferry tickets by way of Omio which is very easy and you may preserve your tickets within the Omio app. I booked particular instances however I don’t actually suppose it issues an excessive amount of. Nobody truly checked our tickets and for each journeys we ended up on ferries at utterly completely different instances to our tickets.

On the outbound journey we arrived early, however then needed to queue for almost an hour to get by means of passport management. I don’t know why there was such an unusually lengthy delay however I’ve been instructed folks usually get by means of shortly.

On the return journey we have been anxious it could take ages once more, however we obtained straight by means of in 2 minutes and jumped on a ferry 90 minutes sooner than the one we have been scheduled for.

Arriving into Sarande is simple since you’re proper within the thick of it whenever you arrive. Taxi drivers, lodge house owners and boat corporations come to satisfy the ferry so for those who want a taxi you’ll get one immediately. However it could really feel a bit pushy and salesy, so get out of the preliminary crowd shortly for those who don’t want a taxi.

Sarande or Ksamil?

The 2 hottest areas are Sarande and Ksmail (pronounced with a silent Okay).

We divided our time equally between the 2, largely as a result of I needed to remain at Misplaced Seaside Lodge which is in Sarande.

I most popular Ksamil to Sarande. Sarande is busier, extra fashionable and constructed up whereas Ksamil has a extra laid-back, relaxed vibe.

I actually loved the itinerary we did and, as a primary time customer, it was excellent however subsequent time I’d in all probability go straight to Ksamil.

Did Albania really feel secure?

A lot of the suggestions I’ve had on Instagram is from folks questioning if it’s secure in Albania.

I can completely, 100%, confidently say I felt secure the entire time I used to be in Albania.

As a girl in her late 30s travelling with a person, I felt completely snug.

I might undoubtedly come again with my girlfriends and my kids and I’d even contemplate travelling solo to Albania.

The native folks have been all pretty. They have been so pleasant, welcoming and sort with out being OTT. There have been some sullen and grumpy youthful folks working in motels and eating places – however I believe you get that all over the place and it undoubtedly didn’t make me really feel unsafe or unwelcome.

Nobody felt overly pushy or salesy. Restaurant house owners do attempt to encourage you into their eating places, however they’re fairly chill they usually’ll go away you be.

What about Albanian gangsters?

OK, I needed to tackle this as a result of everybody has been asking! I simply need to spotlight once more that I felt actually, actually secure in Albania. If there are any Albanian gangsters it looks like they’re all within the UK they usually’re actually not hanging round middle-aged {couples} at a seashore resort!

I noticed no proof of gangsters and even any dodgy trying or intimidating individuals who made me nervous or uncomfortable. There was nobody on the road promoting medicine (such as you get throughout Spain) and I’d largely say that folks ignored us. I didn’t really feel like I wanted to carry my bag shut or be on my guard.

Is Albania touristy?

Sure, Albania could be very touristy. They’d 11.7 million vacationer visits in 2024.

I do know it’s an uncommon vacation spot for British folks however folks from Jap Europe have been approaching vacation to Albania for years.

Tourism is Albania is growing massively with a 15.2% improve year-on-year, so it’s undoubtedly a type of locations you’ll need to go to whereas it nonetheless seems like a little bit of a hidden gem for us Brits!

Is Albania low cost?

You can undoubtedly do Albania on a budget and it’s a lot cheaper than western Europe. However, truly, this weekend break wasn’t low cost in any respect – largely as a result of it’s a pretty low cost nation so I opted for fancier motels than I’d usually e-book as a result of they have been low cost.

We stayed in pretty costly motels, spent some huge cash on taxis and largely ate and drank in very touristy areas, choosing issues like sushi and cocktails as a result of they have been a bit cheaper than at dwelling! So it didn’t really feel less expensive than occurring vacation to Spain.

However for those who needed to do it low cost…you would!

For instance, a beer in a 5* lodge is £5. A beer at a touristy seashore bar was £3. I’m pretty certain for those who went to an area bar then I’d get a beer for £1.50!

We additionally visited throughout the peak summer season season. I’ve appeared on the costs of the motels we stayed at and it could be less expensive to go to in October in comparison with July.

How a lot did your journey price?

Flights – £211.84 (£105.92pp)

• Flights from Manchester to Corfu with Ryanair – £86.78
• Flights from Corfu to Manchester with easyJet – £125.06

Transport in Corfu and Albania – £203.01 (£101.50pp)

• Taxi from airport to the port – £17.25
• Return ferries from Corfu to Sarande for two folks – £112.40
• Taxi from Sarande to Ksamil – £17.27
• Taxi from Ksamil to Sarande – £21.58
• Taxi from Corfu Port to Corfu Previous City – £21.58
• Taxi from Corfu Previous City to the airport – £12.95

Lodging – £432.08 (£216.04pp)

Foods and drinks 

• Gyros and beer on first night time – £12.09
• Breakfast in Sarande – £19
• Lunch and drinks throughout boat journey at abandoned seashore – £5 per beer, £6 for a facet of chips or salad, £12 for a meal.
• Dinner and drinks at Misplaced Seaside £77 (together with starters, cocktails and a 42 piece sushi platter)
• Lunch time sushi, cocktails and a number of beers at Misplaced Seaside – £65
• 2 x bottles of beer at Misplaced Seaside – £9
• 2 x beers in Ksamil – £6
• Snacks on the seashore in Ksamil – £0.30
• Dinner in Corfu Previous City – £39.00

Actions – £73.08 (£36.54pp)

6-hour boat journey  – £73.08

Different

• Snacks at grocery store (massive water, cans of coke and a pair of x Magnum ice lotions) – £6
• 2 x solar loungers + umbrella at Final Bay Seashore Membership in Ksamil – £8.63 (the seashore bar was closed for renovations however the loungers have been nonetheless obtainable to rent. The value will go as much as a £15 for two loungers and an umbrella when the renovations are full. We beloved it right here as a result of the loungers have been massive, squishy bean baggage)

Do you pay with money or card in Albania?

You’ll want some money in Albania for taxis and smaller bars.

This was the primary vacation spot I visited for years the place we needed to pay for some issues in money.

• For motels, eating places and supermarkets we paid on card (we each use Monzo when travelling).
• For taxis (in each Corfu and Albania) and smaller bars and eating places they needed money.
• In Albania you’ll be able to pay in both Albanian Lek or Euros. We paid in Albanian Lek. 100 Lek is about 10 Euro so it’s a simple conversion and everybody appeared pleased with both foreign money.
• There are money machines all over the place however there’s an £8 charge for each withdrawal

Would you’re taking your kids?

Sure, I’d 100% take my kids and I wouldn’t really feel involved about their security. I believe older kids particularly would like it. I’d purchase some inflatables on the primary day and I’m pretty certain they’d spend a whole week within the sea! I’d undoubtedly get a pleasant lodge with a giant swimming pool. It was about 36 levels C in early July so throughout that scorching a part of the day I believe we’d simply need to loosen up on the lodge and keep out of the solar for a couple of hours.

It’s in all probability additionally value mentioning that every one the motels had nice WiFi so youngsters gained’t should be away from their valuable gadgets!

When it comes to household pleasant actions, I’d e-book these:

Should you have been doing an extended 2-week vacation, I’d in all probability do a conventional all-inclusive lodge in Corfu after which go over to Albania for the second week.

What was the meals like?

The meals was nice. Each restaurant largely offered seafood and it was all actually good (no iffy tummies throughout this journey!)

We had plenty of seafood pasta in addition to sushi and salads. There are additionally plenty of pizza eating places. I’d say the meals was ‘straightforward household pleasant meals’. It was scrumptious and at all times a simple crowd pleaser.

How did you price your motels?

Corfu Artwork Port Studios – £112.23

This felt costly for what it was however we have been paying for the placement subsequent to the port. It was very nice, spacious, clear, snug with a very scorching bathe and actually chilly air-con. So it was excellent. It was down a maze of slim streets and also you’re despatched the Google coordinates to seek out it on Maps. 

It was straightforward sufficient to seek out with the coordinates however for those who’re travelling solo you may really feel a bit nervous strolling round this maze of quiet streets alone.

Another can be Europe Lodge which doesn’t look as good nevertheless it has a 24 hour reception and a taxi can pull up proper exterior.

Misplaced Seaside – £207.19 (with breakfast)

So this was the boujee, Insta-famous one I used to be enthusiastic about. And it was actually pretty however, actually, all the ladies posing for photographs was a bit off-putting. It’s very posey!

However it was additionally stunning and if that’s your vibe then you definately’ll like it.

Diol Lodge – £112.66 (with breakfast)

We beloved this lodge. It was unpretentious and pleasant, clear, spacious and the pool was pretty. The breakfast was additionally higher than at Misplaced Seaside! The situation was nice because it’s a 5-10 minute stroll to the seashore so that you’re shut sufficient for a simple stroll however not so shut you’ll hear any music at night time. I’d give this a ten/10 and would undoubtedly return.

Are the seashores actually busy and are the solar loungers costly?

Count on to pay about £10 for 2x loungers and an umbrella for the day.

Costs range relying on whether or not you’re getting a fundamental mattress, a comfier mattress or a cabana. You will get actually pretty cabanas with drapes and little nets suspended above the water.

I’d learn that the seashores have been so busy you must arrive tremendous early to get a solar lounger. And if you would like a lounger, they’re actually costly.

Fortunately, this wasn’t our expertise in any respect.

In Ksamil we arrived on the seashore at about 10.30am and there have been a whole bunch of seashore beds. It didn’t get busy till about noon and even then there have been free loungers.

You’ll be able to lie on the seashore at no cost however lots of the seashores are stoney and the sand, stone, pebbles or shells are SO HOT so I’d at all times pay for a lounger.

If you wish to go to extra of a seashore membership (like Misplaced Seaside) then sure, the loungers listed here are very costly. Should you keep on the lodge you’ll be able to spend the day on a fundamental solar lounger all day for no charge.

What’s the cope with the seashore bars?

If there’s one factor Albania does actually, rather well…it’s seashore bars! Our vacation mainly revolved round seashore bars.

The seashore bars are the place you’ll lease your solar loungers from and there’s a seashore bar for everybody. Some are actually quiet and chill. Some are household pleasant, others are noisy with music taking part in. Simply wander alongside the seashore and discover the seashore bar that fits your vibe.

Did 3 days in Albania really feel like lengthy sufficient?

It actually did! As with anyplace, it could have been good to remain longer, however for those who don’t have the posh of a full week or two then a protracted weekend is nicely value it.

I do know that this itinerary it in all probability appears like we have been loopy busy however we truly spent most of our time enjoyable on the seashore, within the pool or at a bar or restaurant.

It felt actually enjoyable but in addition thrilling and adventurous so it was an awesome combine for us.

Might you go to for a day from Corfu?

Sure, completely. Most individuals on our ferry didn’t have baggage so I’m assuming they have been largely visiting for a day.

The one factor I’d say is that the night/sundown was actually magical in Albania so if it’s doable to remain for that then I might (though I think about Corfu is analogous).

Should you’re staying at an reasonably priced lodge for every week in Corfu and don’t thoughts paying further then I’d get the ferry over to Albania and spend an evening Ksamil!

Is it greatest to take a backpack over a suitcase to Albania?

You undoubtedly don’t want a backpack however we discovered it a lot simpler for flexibility. For instance, once we obtained to Sarande I’d deliberate to go to the lodge and drop off our baggage earlier than our boat journey, however passport management took so lengthy in Corfu that we have been late and didn’t have time and took our baggage onto the boat journey with us. The boat was small so that you weren’t allowed to take your baggage however they clearly thought our backpacks have been simply our day packs.

There may be baggage storage round Sarande so it’s not a giant deal in any respect you probably have suitcases however I’d undoubtedly suggest packing mild for those who’re following an itinerary just like ours. 

We packed actually mild and simply used backpacks appropriate for the free underseat baggage with Ryanair. I used The Journey Hack Backpack.

We didn’t must stroll far with our baggage nevertheless it’s simply straightforward and, actually, we didn’t want a lot aside from swimwear and some fundamental outfits.

Is there a language barrier and do folks communicate English?

I didn’t discover any type of downside with communication. Everybody who works in hospitality and tourism speaks English so there was no language barrier in any respect.