Albania eSIM

Albania is Europe's best-kept secret — stunning nature, ancient ruins, unspoilt beaches and friendly people without mass tourism. The Albanian Riviera between Sarandë and Himara has crystal-clear water and is still relatively undiscovered. Summer brings increasing numbers of tourists though.

The Albanian highlands (Theth, Valbona) are some of the most dramatic hiking terrain in Europe. The multi-day trail between Theth and Valbona through the Albanian Alps is extraordinarily beautiful. Good hiking boots, offline maps and guesthouse reservations are essential.

Gjirokastra and Berat are two UNESCO World Heritage cities with extraordinarily well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Berat is called the 'city of a thousand windows'. Both are reachable by bus from Tirana and ideal for day trips or overnight stays.

Albanian cuisine is Mediterranean with Ottoman influences. Try tavë kosi (baked lamb with yoghurt and rice, the national dish), byrek (filo pastry with cheese or spinach), fresh fish on the coast and gjellë (slow-cooked stews). Albanian wine and rakia are excellent and affordable.

Tirana is livelier than expected — colourful buildings (a former mayor had the concrete blocks painted bright colours), good cafes and a growing nightlife and restaurant scene. The Blloku area was forbidden to ordinary citizens during communism and is now the trendiest neighbourhood. The Bunk'Art museum about Albanian communism is moving.