Tours to Albania

Albania is truly a year-round destination, though depending on what sort of itinerary you'd like to follow, you may find certain times of year more practical to visit than others.

Spring (March to May) is one of the finest times for walking and cycling tours, with mild temperatures and far fewer crowds than the summer peak. The Accursed Mountains and the Albanian Riviera are particularly beautiful at this time of year.

The summer season (June-August) is a perfect time for beach holidays along the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, with temperatures reaching 28-32°C. The Albanian Riviera, including the beaches at Dhermi, Himara and Sazan Island, comes into its own in the Summer, with tourist attractions and experiences in full-swing and balmy evenings staying warm far further into the night.

Autumn (September to October) is arguably the best time for more action-packed adventure tours in Albania, with cooler temperatures, quieter trails and jaw-dropping landscapes. This is generally the most popular season for walking and cycling departures.The winter season (December-February) is ideal for those wanting to escape heavy tourist crowds, as this is one of the quietest times to visit Albania. For keen skiiers, there is often heavy snowfall in the ski resorts of Valbona and Dajti, making it a rewarding time for those seeking Albania off the beaten track.

Overall, opt for the summer season to see Albania in all its excellence; but if cooler temperatures and smaller crowds are what you're looking for, choose one of the shoulder or winter seasons.

Albania enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters broadly similar to southern Italy, or the neighbouring north of Greece . Coastal areas such as Vlore and Sarande tend to be warmer year-round, while the mountainous north, including the Accursed Mountains and Dajti National Park experience cooler temperatures and more snowfall in winter.

• March to May: Mild and pleasant, with average daily temperatures ranging from 10°C in March to 24°C by late May. Ideal for walking and cycling tours.
• June to August: Hot and dry, particularly along the coast, with temperatures between 20°C and 32°C. This is the peak season for beach holidays and family travel.
• September to November: Warm yet comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15-28°C, in early autumn, falling to about 10°C by November. A great time for hiking and cycling.
• December to February: Cool to cold, ranging from 6°C to 12°C on the coast, with significant snowfall in the northern mountains. Good conditions for skiing and off-season exploration.

Albania is a welcoming and increasingly well-visited destination for solo travellers. Many solo travellers report feeling safe across the country, particularly in Tirana, Gjirokaster and along the Albanian Riviera. As with any destination, common sense applies - stay aware of your surroundings and follow pre-planned routes, particularly if venturing into more remote regions of the Albanian Alps.

Joining a small group tour to Albania is the perfect way to travel solo, with all transport and accommodation handled, and an expert tour leader on hand to ensure your experience is stress-free and well-supported.

On Explore small group tours, you’ll find that around half of our customers will be travelling solo – the exact number depends on the tour you’ve chosen, but you'll be in good company. You can enjoy a fantastic trip while meeting fellow travellers who share your interests.

Albania’s main international gateway is Tirana International Airport Nene Tereza (TIA), with direct flights available from several UK airports including London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. A second international airport at Kukes serves some routes, though all our Albania trips start in Tirana.
 

For most departures, your tour leader will meet you at arrivals on day one, where a free airport transfer is available. See the trip page's details to find out more. Albania doesn’t have a well-established network of public transport services, and tourist infrastructure is somewhat limited compared to other destinations in Europe, however, all in-country transport, including ferries across Lake Koman and the Adriatic coast, is arranged as part of your Explore group tour.
 

Prefer not to fly? Explore's partnership with International Rail opens up the option of travelling overland to Albania via Italy and the Bari–Durres ferry crossing; one of the most scenic approaches to the country.

Albanian cuisine blends Mediterranean and Balkan influences, with flavours shaped by neighbouring Greece and Italy. Popular traditional dishes include fergese tirane, a baked mix of peppers, tomatoes and cheese, and tave kosi, Albania's national dish of lamb and rice baked with yoghurt and egg.

Raki, a strong fruit spirit typically made from grapes or plums, is a staple of Albanian hospitality. Coffee culture is also deeply ingrained, with cafés found throughout the country. Wine lovers should look out for local varieties such as Kallmet and Shesh i Zi, which reflect Albania's ancient winemaking heritage.

Yes. Albania is an excellent family holiday destination, offering beaches, outdoor adventures and great value compared with many Mediterranean resorts. Families can enjoy swimming and boat trips along the coast, while older children may enjoy hiking, canyon walks and rafting excursions.

The country is generally welcoming to families, and restaurants typically offer a mix of traditional Albanian dishes alongside familiar options such as pizza and pasta, making it easy to cater for different tastes.