Things To Do
in Albania

Savory layered pastry filled with spinach and feta, meat, or other fillings; available at bakeries and street stalls across Albania.

Must-Try!

Baked lamb or chicken with rice and yogurt—Albania’s signature comfort dish, common in family-run restaurants.

A creamy mix of peppers, tomatoes and cottage cheese or ricotta, often with small pieces of meat; typical of Tirana and central Albania.

Seasoned meatballs or skewers grilled over coals; found at grill restaurants and street vendors.

Handshakes are common in formal settings; friends may exchange cheek kisses. Use formal forms (titles) with older people and in business contexts until invited to be informal.

Dress conservatively when visiting mosques or churches—cover shoulders and avoid shorts. Remove shoes if asked and be respectful during services.

Albanians are famously hospitable—accepting an offer of tea or food is polite. If invited to a home, bringing a small gift (sweets, wine) is appreciated.

Avoid making assumptions about religion or politics; be cautious discussing recent history, territorial issues or the former communist era without sensitivity.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: round up small bills for cafes and taxis, add 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, and tip guides or drivers a modest amount. In smaller towns, cash tips are often preferred.

The Albanian lek (ALL) is the local currency; euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas. Cards are widely accepted in cities and larger businesses but carry cash for rural areas, markets and smaller establishments. ATMs are common in towns; notify your bank before travel.

Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers and fewer crowds—excellent for hiking, sightseeing and early-season coastal visits; some mountain roads may still have snow early on.

Hot and dry on the coast with busy beaches and lively nightlife; inland and high-altitude areas stay cooler—book accommodations in advance for coastal hotspots.

Warm early autumn with pleasant sea temperatures and colorful foliage in the interior—great for wine tasting, hiking and photography with softer light.

Mild on the low-lying coast but cold and snowy in the mountains; ski and winter hiking options exist in the north, while many coastal businesses operate reduced hours.

Majority population across the country, diverse in regional traditions, dialects and historical influences.

Concentrated in parts of the southern coastal region; maintains cultural and linguistic traditions.

Smaller communities present in various regions, contributing to Albania's cultural mosaic.

A mix of Muslims (Sunni and Bektashi), Orthodox Christians and Catholics—religious practice ranges from secular to devout, and interfaith coexistence is common.

The most popular sport nationwide with active domestic leagues and passionate local support for clubs and the national team.

Growing in popularity, especially among youth in urban areas with competitive local clubs and school programs.

Albania has a history of producing successful weightlifters and wrestlers; these sports enjoy strong local interest and training programs.

Hiking, climbing and adventure sports are popular in mountainous regions—local guides and clubs support trekking and alpine activities.

Vegetarian options are increasingly available in cities: try byrek with spinach/cheese, fërgesë without meat, grilled vegetables, salads and cheeses. Inform restaurants that you don’t eat meat—many dishes can be adapted.

Vegan choices are more limited outside major towns but possible: markets provide fresh produce, beans and vegetable stews; ask about butter/cheese in traditional dishes.

Many restaurants serve pork-free dishes and the population is predominantly Muslim, but explicit halal certification is not common; seafood and vegetarian options are widely available.

Naturally gluten-free options include grilled meats, fish, salads and dairy dishes—bakeries and pastries are heavy on wheat, so ask before ordering.