I liked Albania. Out of the 119 nations that I’ve travelled to solo, it was the form of nation that made me really feel like a country backpacker once more. I spent two weeks travelling across the nation staying in varied areas on my method to Macedonia and share my favorite locations together with those who have additionally been beneficial by our solo feminine group.
Should you’re searching for the most effective space to remain in Albania, this information will assist. I’ve listed all of the areas in alphabetical order. (You do not should be solo travelling to remain at these locations both).
Berat
Historical past solo
A UNESCO World Heritage Web site, Berat is known for its “Metropolis of a Thousand Home windows” and its distinctive hillside structure. Berat’s allure lies in its historical past of Ottoman homes, Byzantine church buildings, and Islamic mosques.
You’ll be able to both keep within the Mangalem or Gorica quarters for that postcard-perfect expertise or in a standard home within the historic centre. Listed below are my suggestions for lodging in Berat (or examine all lodging right here)
$ – Guesthouse & Hostel Lorenc is a sociable hostel with a big terrace, clear spacious rooms and nice views. It’s strolling distance to UNESCO district and you may both keep in a shared dorm room or a non-public room. * Examine costs & availability: Guesthouse & Hostel Lorenc
$$ – Olive B&B is in an excellent location each close to the river and the Outdated City and strolling distance to the fortress. You’ll be welcomed with heat hospitality because the hosts are beautiful and supply a scrumptious breakfast with components from their very own backyard. * Examine costs & availability: Olive B&B
Gjirokaster
Cultural solo
One other UNESCO World Heritage Web site, Gjirokastër is a lovely Ottoman-era city identified for its well-preserved structure and cobblestone streets. The previous stone homes, with their distinctive slate roofs and picket balconies, appear frozen in time, providing a glimpse into Albania’s wealthy previous.
Staying in one of many conventional family-run guesthouses which can be stuffed with character is unquestionably an genuine expertise. You’ll usually be welcomed with do-it-yourself raki or recent pastries, making you are feeling extra like a pal than a visitor.
$ – Santa Room-Outdated Bazaar Heart – This visitor home is within the coronary heart of the Outdated Bazaar. The Wifi is nice and the rooms are clear and welcoming. They’ll additionally prepare to choose you up from the bus station. Due to its location you might want ear plugs if you’re a lightweight sleep. * Examine costs & availability: Santa Room-Outdated Bazaar Heart
$$ – Argjiro Conventional – This 4-star resort is a renovated Ottoman home positioned above a pub so it is simple to get meals or drink with out having to go too far. The workers are actually useful and you may select to have breakfast too. Although it is in a quiet road within the Outdated Bazaar, you might hear music at night time so I like to recommend taking ear plugs with you. * Examine costs & availability: Argjiro Conventional
Ksamil
Seashore solo
A small village close to Saranda, Ksamil is thought for its picturesque islands and white sandy seashores. The turquoise waters make it a beautiful spot for swimming, snorkelling, or simply sunbathing by the ocean. In Ksamil you will discover inns and resorts, from finances stays to extra upscale choices making it a great place to remain and calm down after visiting one of many cities.
Should you do come throughout July and August, it will get filled with each locals and vacationers, so when you’re after a quieter escape, go to throughout Could, June, or September for much less crowds.
$ – Lake View Rooms Ksamil – Should you’re searching for a lake view, these rooms are simply good. There is a restaurant and store close by and it is a brief 10 minute stroll to the seaside and the principle highway. The workers go above and past particularly if you’re right here alone. * Examine costs & availability: Lake View Rooms Ksamil
$$ – Melina’s Seaside Retreat – To be nearer to the seaside, this 3-star lodging is simply steps away from Ksamil Seashore and a brief stroll to Bora-Bora Seashore. There’s a lovely backyard and terrace and you may select a room with a balcony going through the ocean! * Examine costs & availability: Melina’s Seaside Retreat
Saranda (additionally written as Sarande)
Occasion solo
Positioned on the southern coast of Albania, Saranda is likely one of the greatest get together cities in Albania. This standard vacationer vacation spot is thought for its gorgeous seashores and proximity to the traditional metropolis of Butrint. There are quite a few inns and resorts alongside the shoreline, providing fab views of the Ionian Sea.
There are a few hostels right here that are nice for assembly different solo travellers when you’re in get together mode. I liked this vacation spot and spent just a few evenings sampling the nightlife with different travellers and locals! Plus, you possibly can catch the ferry from right here to Corfu for the day too.
$ – Saranda Backpackers is the hostel that I stayed in Sarande. It’s Tomi is a tremendous host and helps you with something that you simply want. It’s in an excellent location, near the seaside and very easy to satisfy others. I even went partying with individuals I met on the hostel and made a journey buddy. * Examine costs & availability: Saranda Backpackers
$$ – Lodge Villa Margarit is a family-run resort in an excellent location near the ferry with attentive hosts. There’s a beautiful courtyard and backyard and the rooms include their very own fridge and sea view. * Examine costs & availability: Lodge Villa Margarit
$$ – Lodge Lindi is a 3-star resort in a central location, near eating places and retailers in addition to the ferry terminal and bus stops. The rooms are spacious and comfy and all of the workers are pleasant too! * Examine costs & availability: Lodge Lindi
Shkoder
Metropolis & Sightseeing solo
Positioned within the north of Albania, Shkodër is a metropolis with a wealthy historical past and vibrant cultural scene. The town presents a mixture of inns and guesthouses, with some lodging providing views of Lake Shkodër. Shkodër is wealthy in tradition and historical past, particularly with Rozafa Fort, the Venetian-style structure, and its café scene.
The town presents a mixture of inns and guesthouses, with some lodging providing views of Lake Shkodër. It does really feel a bit extra conservative right here although so I coated up a little bit after I was right here.
$ – Mi Casa es Tu Casa is the place I stayed. It has a relaxing out vibe with a bar and backyard the place you possibly can meet others. Plus there’s a very good kitchen to cook dinner your individual meals. * Examine costs & availability: Mi Casa es Tu Casa
Tirana
Metropolis & Sightseeing solo
Because the capital metropolis, Tirana presents a variety of lodging choices, together with luxurious inns, boutique hostels, and flats. You’ll be able to discover the town’s vibrant tradition and historic websites. The Blloku space is fab for solo travellers searching for a protected and classy neighbourhood to remain in.
$ – Tirana Backpackers is a superb hostel. I stayed right here and since it’s a small hostel it was very easy to satisfy others. There’s a beautiful courtyard and a welcoming ambiance. It’s good for solos. Breakfast is included too! * Examine costs & availability: Tirana Backpackers
$$ – Areela Boutique Lodge is a 3-star resort within the coronary heart of Tirana. The resort has a homely really feel with a vibrant design workers that can make you are feeling actually welcome. * Examine costs & availability: Areela Boutique Lodge
$$$ – The Rooms Serviced Residences Tirana are lower than a mile from the town centre and the principle points of interest. You’ll be able to work out within the health centre, take a dip within the indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room, or deal with your self to a therapeutic massage and spa therapy. * Examine costs & availability: Residences Tirana
Valbona Valley
Lively solo
Should you’re into nature and mountaineering, think about staying within the Valbona Valley Nationwide Park within the Albanian Alps. The world presents guesthouses and lodges, offering a superb base for exploring the gorgeous landscapes.
You’ll be able to hike from the small village of Theth over the Valbona Cross on a 17km hike and a few guesthouses supply home-cooked meals and might prepare transport or guides. This space is so peaceable however the trip right here may be lengthy and bumpy. It is undoubtedly an journey!
$ – Villa Gjecaj is a guesthouse and eating places in Theth within the Albania Alps. I stayed at this homestay and located the household so welcoming. The do-it-yourself meals and think about of the valley is wonderful too. And you’ll trek from right here too. * Examine costs & availability: Villa Gjecaj
Vuno
Cultural Solo
I liked this small hillside village. It is off the overwhelmed path and I actually felt as if I used to be capable of expertise genuine village life right here. With stone streets and olive groves, life right here feels actually easy with no ATMS and solely two locations to eat. It is a great place to expertise native life and when you want a seaside, it is a 45 minute stroll to Gjipe Seashore.
$ – Shkolla Hostel & Tenting. I stayed right here for two nights and located it to be nice worth. It’s straightforward to satisfy others right here nevertheless it does have chilly showers so count on it to be primary and again to nature. * Examine costs & availability: Shkolla Hostel & Tenting
Want extra on Albania?
I hope that this text has given you some inspiration for the most effective space to remain in Albania for you. It truly is a various nation and has so many locations relying on what you wish to get out of your journey. Should you want extra assist planning a visit to Albania, I like to recommend my Solo Journey to Albania information that covers what to do within the nation, methods to get round and beneficial excursions. Glad planning!
