Albania holidays

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Albania holidays

Best hotels in Albania

Albania Holidays: Discover a hidden gem of the Balkans with holidays in Albania. Nestled along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, dive into its blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes and warm hospitality. Once one of Europe's most isolated countries, now Albania holidays also promise authentic experiences and unspoiled beauty.

Albania package holidays include your flights and hotel, with stays in Durrës, Golem and Tirana. 

Not sure where to stay? Start with the three Albania hotels our customers book the most:

A week is the most popular stay with Thomas Cook, but three- and four-night breaks are popular too.

Best Albania holidays? Go for Durrës if you want a sandy beach with a city attached, Golem for easy hotel-and-beach days, or head for vibrant Tirana, with its colourful architecture and lively cafe culture.

Whether you're exploring the Albanian Alps (also known as the Accursed Mountains) or indulging in local cuisine, you’re in for an unforgettable trip with a holiday to Albania.

Top Attractions for Albania Holidays

  1. Durres Amphitheatre: One of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the Balkans, this impressive site offers a glimpse into Albania's ancient past.
  2. Skanderbeg Square: The heart of Tirana. This vibrant square is home to the National History Museum and the Et'hem Bey Mosque, making it a great starting point to explore the city.
  3. Grand Park of Tirana: A tranquil escape within the city, this expansive park features walking paths, an artificial lake and a cluster of cafes perfect for unwinding.
  4. National Art Gallery: Dive into Albania's rich artistic heritage with a collection ranging from classical works to vibrant pieces from the socialist realism era.
  5. Golem Beach: This popular stretch of sand is ideal for relaxing by the Adriatic, with plenty of beachside restaurants and water activities to enjoy.

Hidden Gems in Albania

  1. Cape of Rodon: A peaceful retreat north of Durres, it features a serene beach, the ruins of the Rodoni Castle and breathtaking coastal views.
  2. Bunk’Art 2: A thought-provoking museum housed in a former Cold War bunker in Tirana, offering insight into Albania’s communist past through immersive exhibits.
  3. Durres Castle: Explore the medieval ruins and climb the towers for panoramic views of the bay and beyond.
  4. Tanners' Bridge: A beautifully preserved Ottoman-era stone bridge tucked away just east of the centre Tirana.
  5. Lalzi Bay: A hidden coastal gem near Golem, this pristine stretch of sand is less crowded, perfect for those seeking a peaceful day by the sea.

 

Experience Albanian Cuisine

Albanian cuisine is a delightful mix of Mediterranean influences and local traditions, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Classic dishes include byrek, a flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat and spinach, and tavë kosi, a delicious baked lamb and yogurt dish. Along the coast, grilled fish and calamari is a highlight, while inland regions favour hearty meat and vegetable stews. For dessert, try trilece, a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk. While vegetarian options like stuffed peppers are common, vegan dishes may be harder to come by outside of larger cities on holidays in Albania.

Where to go in Albania

Albania beach holidays: Durrës and Golem

Durrës and Golem both sit on Albania’s Adriatic coast, with long sandy beaches, shallow water and hotels close to the shore. 

Golem

Golem is Thomas Cook’s most-booked spot for holidays to Albania, and it’s easy to see the appeal. Hotels line the coast, with pools, restaurants and the promenade all close by. It’s particularly handy with younger children, and works well if your ideal day is mostly breakfast, beach, pool, repeat. 

Durrës

Durrës gives you a city break with a beach. Spend the morning on the sand, then head into town for the Roman amphitheatre and old city walls, stop for coffee around Epidamn Boulevard or walk along the seafront before dinner. Albania’s capital, Tirana, is around 35km away, so you can add a day there too.

Capital City Break: Tirana

For holidays to Tirana Albania, think city break rather than beach break. Start at Skanderbeg Square for the Clock Tower and Et’hem Bey Mosque, then head underground at Bunk’Art 2, a former Cold War bunker turned museum. Later, grab a coffee in Blloku and stick around for dinner, bars and nightlife. 

Tirana sits inland, but Durrës and the Adriatic coast are around 35km away if you fancy a beach day.

B&B is the go-to on Thomas Cook trips to Albania, and Tirana suits it well: have breakfast at the hotel, then head out for the day. For Albania All Inclusive holidays, you’ll find them in Durrës and Golem. 
 

Map of Albania

world_map
30 ℃ - 35 ℃

Albania enjoys a similar climate to Greece with hot, dry summers and mild winters.

 

 

3.5 hours
Fly to Tirana

Albania is best for...

Cultural heritage: From the Ottoman-era towns of Gjirokastër and Berat to the ancient ruins of Butrint, Albania holidays are steeped in history. Wander through cobbled streets, explore UNESCO-listed sites and uncover fascinating traditions.

Idyllic beaches: With its turquoise waters and soft sands, the Albanian Riviera is a hidden gem for sun-seekers. Popular spots like Dhërmi and Ksamil rival the Med's hotspots, while quieter beaches like Himara offer a more tranquil escape.

Majestic mountains: Albania's rugged landscape is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Explore the dramatic peaks of the Albanian Alps, trek through Valbona Valley, or admire the stunning views from Llogara Pass.

Fast facts for Albania

Language: The official language is Albanian. Italian is seen as the second language in the west of the country, but English is understood in most areas along the tourist trail.

Currency: The currency used is the Albanian Lek (ALL).

Local time: Albania uses central European time, one hour ahead of UK time. 

Fly to: There’s direct flights to Tirana from an increasing number of UK airports. 

Flight time from the UK: The flight time is around 3.5 hours.

Roaming: Albania is not part of the EU, so if your mobile operator offers inclusive roaming in Europe, double check whether or not it includes Albania. 

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found on the Visit Albania website. 

Visa / health: Before you travel, please check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Getting around Albania

By car: The coastal roads are normally quite modern, but can get congested in the summer. If you venture off the beaten path you may encounter stone tracks, especially if you’re heading into the mountains, so allow adequate time for your journey.

By furgon: This is an on-demand minibus service, which doesn’t run to a timetable and departs when there’s enough people on board. Furgons are a great way of getting between Tirana and Durres.

By bus: These can cost slightly more than furgons, but run to a set timetable. There’s a total of 21 bus routes from Tirana. If you’re thinking of staying in Golem note that there aren’t currently any scheduled buses.

By taxi: Taxi drivers are usually happy to take you anywhere, whether it’s to the airport or across an international border into Greece, North Macedonia or Montenegro. You may be able to negotiate a 2-hour journey for less than £20.

Events in Albania

Lake Shkodra Festival: A summer event showcasing the natural beauty of Lake Shkodra, with water sports, boat races and live music.

Korca Apple Festival: A family-friendly event in October dedicated to the harvest of apples, with themed treats, traditional music and games.

National Skanderbeg Day: Celebrated on 28 November, this event commemorates the day Albania declared independence in 1912. Colourful parades, concerts, festivities and fireworks displays are held across the country.

Albania safety and security

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Albania, please visit the FCDO website.

Albania weather

Albania holidays enjoy a similar climate to Greece with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Coastal areas, such as Golem and Durres, experience summer highs of 30 - 35°C from June to August, perfect for beach holidays. In the mountainous regions, the winters bring snow, ideal if you're seeking a skiing trip or an outdoor winter adventure.

More hotels in Albania

FAQs

FAQs

What is Albania known for as a holiday destination?

Albania is known for its dramatic Adriatic and Ionian coastline, particularly the Albanian Riviera around Ksamil and Sarandë, along with affordable prices, mountainous scenery and historic towns like Berat and Gjirokastër.

Is Albania a good value holiday destination?

Yes, Albania is generally considered excellent value compared with more established Mediterranean destinations, with lower prices for food, drink and accommodation while still offering warm summers and striking coastal scenery.

What's the best time of year to visit Albania?

The coast is warmest from June to September, with July and August being the hottest and busiest months. May and late September can be a good compromise for sightseeing without the peak-season crowds. Interestingly, our booking data shows May, September and June are more popular with Thomas Cook customers than the peak summer months, often meaning quieter beaches.

How do you get to Albania from the UK?

Direct flights to Tirana (TIA) from the UK take around three hours, with onward transfers to coastal resorts like Sarandë typically taking two to three hours by car. Luton, Stansted and Manchester are our most popular departure airports for Albania.

Is Albania good for beach holidays?

Yes, the Albanian Riviera has some striking beaches with clear turquoise water, particularly around Ksamil, and the coastline is increasingly popular with UK holidaymakers looking for a lower-cost alternative to better known Mediterranean destinations.

Can I book Albania holidays for 2026 and 2027?

Yes. Thomas Cook currently offers Albania holidays for 2026 and 2027. Change your dates in the search to compare available hotels and board options.