Things To Do
in Albania

Albania is a small, rural municipality in northern Colombia known for warm weather, agricultural landscapes and a laid-back, community-oriented pace of life. The town reflects a mix of mestizo and indigenous influences, with local markets, traditional crafts and seasonal festivities. Visitors find easy access to surrounding rivers, low hills and, in the broader region, Caribbean coastal and mountain destinations for day trips.

Albania is off the main tourist trail, offering an authentic glimpse of Colombian provincial life and friendly local hospitality.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of the historic center of Albania, where the colonial architecture transports you back in time. Stop by a local café for a traditional breakfast of arepas and fresh fruit juice while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Visit the impressive Cathedral of St. Thomas, a stunning example of the region's religious architecture.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, explore the various artisanal shops and galleries that showcase the rich culture of Albania, Colombia. Don't miss the chance to visit the local market, where you can sample fresh produce and homemade goods, immersing yourself in the daily life of the residents. End your afternoon with a visit to the museum that details the history of the town and its significance in the region.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant to enjoy authentic Colombian cuisine, perhaps trying bandeja paisa or sancocho. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the main square, where you can listen to live music and mingle with friendly locals. Conclude your evening with a drink at a nearby bar, sampling local cocktails made with aguardiente.

day 2
Beach and Water Sports
morning
:

Kick off your morning with a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of the nearby beaches that Albania has to offer. Rent some snorkeling gear and explore the vibrant underwater world, filled with colorful fish and coral reefs. After your swim, relax on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the gentle ocean breeze.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, try your hand at thrilling water sports such as jet skiing or paddleboarding. Join a guided excursion to discover hidden coves and pristine beaches that are only accessible by boat. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

evening
:

As evening falls, enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant, where you can savor freshly caught fish and local delicacies. Witness the captivating sunset over the ocean, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Afterwards, stroll along the beach, listening to the sound of waves and mingling with fellow travelers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-7
Coffee at a café$1.50-3
🚕Short taxi or moto-taxi ride$1-4
🚌Local bus ride$0.50-1
🏨Basic guesthouse / small hotel (per night)$20-40

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience with strong local character
  • Low cost of travel and inexpensive local food
  • Close access to rural landscapes, rivers and nearby coastal/mountain day trips
  • Friendly, community-oriented atmosphere
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and few formal accommodations
  • Public transport and road access can be slow or affected by seasonal rains
  • Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers—English is uncommon
  • Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with larger nearby cities
  • "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Disculpe / Con permiso" - Excuse me / Pardon me
  • "No hablo mucho español" - I don't speak much Spanish
  • "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Albania

Visit one of these nice places.

Central plaza and church

Classic scenes of town life with colorful storefronts, open-air markets and a church façade—best for street and architecture shots around golden hour.

Riverside and agricultural landscapes

Early-morning mist over fields and rivers provides atmospheric landscape photography and opportunities to capture local farming activity.

Local artisan workshops and markets

Close-up shots of weaving, beadwork and crafts at small stalls show texture and color; always ask permission before photographing people and their work.

Sunset from nearby hills

A short hike up surrounding low hills yields panoramic views of the town, farmland and dramatic sunsets—good for wide-angle landscape photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Albania

The local cuisine blends Caribbean and interior Colombian traditions: expect arepas, rice and beans, fresh fruit, fried snacks and simple but flavorful stews and seafood when available. Meals are hearty and based on locally grown staples like maize, plantain and rice; markets offer fresh tropical fruit and low-cost street snacks.

Albania Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Arepa (regional style)

Corn cakes often grilled or fried and filled with cheese or eggs; available at breakfast stalls and small fondas around the plaza.

Must-Try!

Sancocho

A comforting, hearty soup made with local tubers, corn and meat (chicken or beef); commonly served on weekends or for family gatherings and found in neighborhood eateries.

Fried fish with coconut rice

If you take a trip toward the Caribbean coast, you'll find fresh fried fish served with coconut rice and patacones (fried plantain); popular at seaside restaurants and food stands.

Empanadas and street fritters

Handheld fried snacks filled with potato, meat or cheese—easy to find at market stalls and perfect for a quick bite.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Plaza de Mercado (central market)

The town market is the best place for fresh fruit, vegetables, local cheeses and street snacks like empanadas, tamales and arepas; early mornings are busiest.

Street food stalls by the main plaza

Evenings bring small carts and stalls selling fried snacks, fresh fruit cups and juices—great for tasting local flavors and watching community life.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area has a tropical climate: hot during the day, warm at night and fairly humid year-round. Temperatures generally range from the mid-20s to low-30s °C (mid-70s to high-80s °F). Rain falls mainly during the two rainy seasons, which can make rural roads muddy and river levels rise; dry months are typically sunnier and more suited for travel.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A friendly handshake or one cheek kiss is common when meeting people; always greet shopkeepers and neighbors on entering a space with 'buenos días/tardes'.

Respect for elders and community

Show deference to elders and community leaders; ask permission before entering private property or photographing people, particularly in indigenous communities.

Dress and behavior

Dress modestly for church and official settings; public displays of anger or loud confrontations are frowned upon. Politeness and a calm demeanor go a long way.

Interacting with indigenous communities

If visiting Wayuu or other indigenous groups, ask for permission to visit, follow local protocols, and never remove or photograph sacred items without consent.

Safety Guide

Safety

Albania is a small town where petty theft is the most common concern—keep valuables out of sight, carry only necessary cash and use hotel safes where available. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas and ask locals about safe routes. If traveling to remote rural areas, go with a local guide and let someone know your plans. Respect local laws and customs; always check current travel advisories before visiting.

Tipping in Albania

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is discretionary and generally modest—round up small bills or tip 5–10% in restaurants if service is good. For guides or drivers, a small tip is appreciated, and carrying small notes (COP) is useful.

Payment Methods

Cash (Colombian peso, COP) is preferred for markets, taxis and small purchases. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants or shops in nearby towns, but rural vendors and many small businesses are cash-only. ATMs can be scarce—withdraw in larger towns before heading to Albania.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry season (roughly December to March / July to August)

Expect hotter, sunnier days and very little rain—best time for road travel and outdoor activities, though temperatures and dust can be high. Pack sun protection, light clothing and carry water.

Rainy season (roughly April–June and September–November)

Showers become more frequent and unpaved roads can get muddy or temporarily impassable; river levels rise and some rural activities become harder. Bring a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes and plan for flexible schedules.

Nightlife Guide

Albania at Night

Nightlife in Albania is low-key and community-centred: expect small bars, informal music nights with vallenato or acoustic guitar and gatherings at the plaza. For a livelier scene—live bands, clubs and a wider variety of bars—travel to nearby larger towns or coastal cities where nightlife runs later into the night.

Hiking in Albania

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Riverside and low hill trails

Local trails along rivers and surrounding low hills are ideal for short hikes, birdwatching and photos; these are usually easy to moderate and often guided by local farmers or residents.

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (day trip option)

Though several hours by road, the Sierra Nevada foothills offer longer hiking options, cloud forest scenery and indigenous villages—great for more adventurous day trips or overnight treks.

Coastal trails (if visiting beaches)

If you travel to the nearby Caribbean coast, coastal trails and headlands provide scenic walks, marine views and opportunities to combine beach time with light hikes.

Airports

How to reach Albania by plane.

Riohacha - Almirante Padilla Airport (RCH)

The closest regional airport for La Guajira area with domestic connections; from here you typically travel by road to smaller towns—useful entry point for northern La Guajira.

Santa Marta - Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR)

Larger airport with more domestic flights and ground connections to coastal and inland destinations; a common gateway for visiting Sierra Nevada and Tayrona National Park.

Valledupar - Alfonso López Pumarejo Airport (VUP)

Regional airport serving Cesar department and surrounding inland towns; convenient if traveling from central Colombia or for accessing the Guajira hinterland.

Barranquilla - Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ)

Major airport for the Caribbean region with numerous domestic connections; often used by travelers connecting to other regional destinations by road.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is very walkable—short distances between the plaza, market and shops make walking convenient. However, attractions outside town and many rural roads are best accessed by vehicle or motorcycle; sidewalks may be uneven or absent in parts of town.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Mestizo

People of mixed European and indigenous ancestry form a large portion of the local population and shape much of daily cultural life.

Indigenous communities (e.g., Wayuu and others)

Indigenous groups in the broader region retain distinct languages, crafts and social structures—respecting traditions and seeking permission for visits is important.

Afro-Colombian communities

Across northern Colombia there are Afro-Colombian populations with strong cultural traditions that influence music, food and festivals in coastal and nearby areas.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Fútbol (soccer)

Soccer is by far the most popular sport—casual pickup games are common in fields and streets, and local teams attract enthusiastic support.

Baseball and coastal sports

In some Caribbean-influenced areas, baseball and beach sports are popular; coastal towns also host water-sports like kitesurfing and snorkeling where conditions permit.

Horseback riding and traditional rodeo events

Equestrian activities and rodeo-style events are culturally significant in rural communities and are common at local festivals.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic within the town is light and informal—motorcycles and moto-taxis are common. Expect slower travel on regional roads, some of which may be unpaved; bus services connect towns but can be infrequent. For reliable transport, hire a local driver or arrange private transfers, especially during the rainy season when roads may deteriorate.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Albania.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist but are limited in small towns; rice, beans, plantain dishes, corn-based foods and vegetable stews are the easiest choices. Ask for 'sin carne' (without meat) and specify ingredients, and consider bringing snacks or supplements if you need variety.

Vegan

Vegan meals require advance planning—many traditional dishes include cheese, dairy or meat broth. Look for fruit, plain rice, beans and fried plantains, and confirm cooking oil is plant-based.

Gluten-free

Corn-based staples like arepas are naturally gluten-free, but watch out for cross-contamination in fried foods and sauces; communicate 'sin trigo' (without wheat) and carry a translation card if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Expect basic medical clinics in town for minor issues and first aid. For serious emergencies or specialized care, travel to a larger regional hospital in a nearby city (e.g., Riohacha, Valledupar or Santa Marta depending on your exact location). Bring any necessary medications, a basic first-aid kit and comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation.

Discover Colombia

Read more in our Colombia 2025 Travel Guide.

Colombia Travel Guide