A beautiful alternative, indeed beautiful, a jewel set between Greece and Montenegro, just across an arm of the sea, “our” Adriatic. Albania is still a little-known destination, very close to Italy but at the same time “distant” from the usual holiday customs. A destination that proves to be a real discovery capable of surprising travelers with incredible beauty and very competitive prices.
Beaches and crystal clear sea, cultural cities and archaeological sites, hinterland rich in traditions and delicacies of good food, parks and wilderness. The country is a continual revelation, an authentic reality firmly rooted in its roots, a destination that is also increasingly in demand among campers who choose it as a destination for their en plein air vacations.
Camping in Albania
Albania is an increasingly popular destination for campers throughout Europe, especially campers, but in the summertime there is no shortage of those who like to stay in tents. Also on the rise are Italians who wish to discover an alternative destination not too far from home, but most importantly, a cheap open-air vacation: On average, for an overnight stay in an Albanian campsite you pay from the 17 to 20 Euro per night, price that might increase slightly in the high season but still very competitive compared to other destinations.
The camping industry in Albania is undoubtedly growing, but it should be specified that there are still significant differences from facility to facility, some even illegal. It is not uncommon to find “makeshift” solutions where people choose to turn their backyard into a “camping area,” or even propose private driveways to offer “similar locations” without any kind of services.
For those who choose to camp in Albania, the advice is to rely on competent and up to standard facilities with good services, mid-level but very well maintained in terms of cleanliness and safety. As of 2024, some campsites have been included in the famous ACSI Camping Guides. All ACSI-monitored facilities have spacious pitches with electricity and often a water point.
Although Albanian campgrounds have not yet reached high standards of luxury, solutions can often be found in lovely locations, within easy reach of rivers, lakes or the sea. Therefore, most campsites also have a beach and the possibility of swimming in natural waters.
What to see in Albania
Albania has all the makings of the best options for a traveling vacation: sea, cities and lots of greenery. The country has many national parks, most of which offer free admission. The bustling capital city of Tirana is also worth a stop. Here you can make a stop at Bunk’Art2, a museum of the history of communist Albania; the House of Leaves, dedicated to the activities of the secret police and espionage during the dictatorship; and the National Gallery of Art , which contains works by Albanian painters from the late 19th century to the 2000s. There are also many interesting and fun suggestions in town, including bars and excellent restaurants of local and international cuisine.
If you want to combine a beach vacation and culture, explore the southern part of the country. The center of Vlora is the ideal starting point for exploring Albania’s southern coast along which you will find the beautiful beaches of Dhërmi , Gjipë, Jalë, Himara, Qeparo, Borsh, Lukova e Pulebardha , popular with families with young children because of the shallow and very clean waters. In Vlora also pin a visit to the Zvernec Monastery, and a walk around the beautiful surrounding lagoon. In the south of the country, also worth seeing are Kanina Castle, Karaburun Peninsula Marine National Parkand Sazan Island.
Northern Albania, on the other hand, is a paradise for trekkers. Shkodra is the center from which to explore the northern area, where enchanting landscapes of unspoiled wilderness follow one another. Also reach the town of Koman where you can embark on a ferry boat excursion navigating the waters of the Drin River, which flows slowly through the mountains and provides sensational scenery. For lake lovers, beautiful the one in Prespa and Ohrid, place to be to relax and forget the chaos.
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