I liked Albania. Out of the 119 nations that I’ve travelled to solo, it was the sort of nation that made me really feel like a country backpacker once more. I spent two weeks travelling across the nation staying in numerous areas on my option to Macedonia and share my favorite locations together with people who have additionally been beneficial by our solo feminine neighborhood.
When you’re in search of one of the best space to remain in Albania, this information will assist. I’ve listed all of the areas in alphabetical order. (You do not must be solo travelling to remain at these locations both).
And as an additional bonus, for those who guide any lodging via this text, I donate to organisations serving to weak kids in battle zones. Thanks for serving to. Lisa x
Berat
Historical past solo
A UNESCO World Heritage Website, 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 conventional home within the historic centre. Listed below are my suggestions for lodging in Berat (or verify 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’ll both keep in a shared dorm room or a personal room. * Test costs & availability: Guesthouse & Hostel Lorenc
$$ – Olive B&B is in a fantastic location each close to the river and the Outdated City and strolling distance to the fort. You’ll be welcomed with heat hospitality because the hosts are beautiful and supply a scrumptious breakfast with elements from their very own backyard. * Test costs & availability: Olive B&B
Gjirokaster
Cultural solo
One other UNESCO World Heritage Website, Gjirokastër is a ravishing Ottoman-era city identified for its well-preserved structure and cobblestone streets. The previous stone homes, with their distinctive slate roofs and wood balconies, appear frozen in time, providing a glimpse into Albania’s wealthy previous.
Staying in one of many conventional family-run guesthouses which are filled with character is unquestionably an genuine expertise. You’ll usually be welcomed with selfmade raki or recent pastries, making you’re feeling extra like a good friend than a visitor.
$ – Santa Room-Outdated Bazaar Middle – This visitor home is within the coronary heart of the Outdated Bazaar. The Wifi is nice and the rooms are clear and welcoming. They will additionally organize to select you up from the bus station. Due to its location you might want ear plugs if you’re a lightweight sleep. * Test costs & availability: Santa Room-Outdated Bazaar Middle
$$ – Argjiro Conventional – This 4-star lodge is a renovated Ottoman home positioned above a pub so it is easy to get meals or drink with out having to go too far. The employees are actually useful and you’ll select to have breakfast too. Although it is in a quiet road within the Outdated Bazaar, you might hear music at evening so I like to recommend taking ear plugs with you. * Test costs & availability: Argjiro Conventional
Ksamil
Seaside solo
A small village close to Saranda, Ksamil is understood for its picturesque islands and white sandy seashores. The turquoise waters make it a stunning spot for swimming, snorkelling, or simply sunbathing by the ocean. In Ksamil you will discover resorts and resorts, from funds stays to extra upscale choices making it a super place to remain and calm down after visiting one of many cities.
When you do come throughout July and August, it will get filled with each locals and vacationers, so for those who’re after a quieter escape, go to throughout Might, June, or September for much less crowds.
$ – Lake View Rooms Ksamil – When you’re in search of a lake view, these rooms are simply excellent. There is a restaurant and store close by and it is a quick 10 minute stroll to the seaside and the principle highway. The employees go above and past particularly if you’re right here alone. * Test costs & availability: Lake View Rooms Ksamil
$$ – Melina’s Seaside Retreat – To be nearer to the seaside, this 3-star lodging is simply steps away from Ksamil Seaside and a brief stroll to Bora-Bora Seaside. There’s a ravishing backyard and terrace and you’ll select a room with a balcony going through the ocean! * Test costs & availability: Melina’s Seaside Retreat
Saranda (additionally written as Sarande)
Celebration solo
Situated on the southern coast of Albania, Saranda is among the greatest social gathering cities in Albania. This common vacationer vacation spot is understood for its gorgeous seashores and proximity to the traditional metropolis of Butrint. There are quite a few resorts and resorts alongside the shoreline, providing fab views of the Ionian Sea.
There are a few hostels right here that are nice for assembly different solo travellers for those who’re in social gathering mode. I liked this vacation spot and spent a couple of evenings sampling the nightlife with different travellers and locals! Plus, you’ll be able to catch the ferry from right here to Corfu for the day too.
$ – Saranda Backpackers is the hostel that I stayed in Sarande. It’s Tomi is a tremendous host and helps you with something that you just want. It’s in a fantastic location, near the seaside and very easy to fulfill others. I even went partying with folks I met on the hostel and made a journey buddy. * Test costs & availability: Saranda Backpackers
$$ – Lodge Villa Margarit is a family-run lodge in a fantastic location near the ferry with attentive hosts. There’s a stunning courtyard and backyard and the rooms include their very own fridge and sea view. * Test costs & availability: Lodge Villa Margarit
$$ – Lodge Lindi is a 3-star lodge in a central location, near eating places and outlets in addition to the ferry terminal and bus stops. The rooms are spacious and comfy and all of the employees are pleasant too! * Test costs & availability: Lodge Lindi
Shkoder
Metropolis & Sightseeing solo
Situated within the north of Albania, Shkodër is a metropolis with a wealthy historical past and vibrant cultural scene. Town presents a mixture of resorts and guesthouses, with some lodging providing views of Lake Shkodër. Shkodër is wealthy in tradition and historical past, particularly with Rozafa Fort, the Venetian-style structure, and its café scene.
Town presents a mixture of resorts and guesthouses, with some lodging providing views of Lake Shkodër. It does really feel a bit extra conservative right here although so I lined up a bit of after I was right here.
$ – Mi Casa es Tu Casa is the place I stayed. It has a calming out vibe with a bar and backyard the place you’ll be able to meet others. Plus there’s a very good kitchen to cook dinner your personal meals. * Test costs & availability: Mi Casa es Tu Casa
Tirana
Metropolis & Sightseeing solo
Because the capital metropolis, Tirana presents a variety of lodging choices, together with luxurious resorts, boutique hostels, and residences. You’ll be able to discover town’s vibrant tradition and historic websites. The Blloku space is fab for solo travellers in search of a protected and stylish neighbourhood to remain in.
$ – Tirana Backpackers is a superb hostel. I stayed right here and since it’s a small hostel it was very easy to fulfill others. There’s a stunning courtyard and a welcoming ambiance. It’s excellent for solos. Breakfast is included too! * Test costs & availability: Tirana Backpackers
$$ – Areela Boutique Lodge is a 3-star lodge within the coronary heart of Tirana. The lodge has a homely really feel with a vibrant design employees that can make you’re feeling actually welcome. * Test costs & availability: Areela Boutique Lodge
$$$ – The Rooms Serviced Residences Tirana are lower than a mile from town centre and the principle sights. 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. * Test costs & availability: Residences Tirana
Valbona Valley
Energetic solo
When you’re into nature and climbing, take into account staying within the Valbona Valley Nationwide Park within the Albanian Alps. The realm presents guesthouses and lodges, offering a wonderful base for exploring the gorgeous landscapes.
You’ll be able to hike from the small village of Theth over the Valbona Move on a 17km hike and a few guesthouses provide home-cooked meals and may organize transport or guides. This space is so peaceable however the experience right here will be lengthy and bumpy. It is positively 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 selfmade meals and examine of the valley is superb too. And you may trek from right here too. * Test costs & availability: Villa Gjecaj
Vuno
Cultural Solo
I liked this small hillside village. It is off the crushed path and I actually felt as if I used to be in a position to 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 super place to expertise native life and for those who want a seaside, it is a 45 minute stroll to Gjipe Seaside.
$ – Shkolla Hostel & Tenting. I stayed right here for two nights and located it to be nice worth. It’s straightforward to fulfill others right here nevertheless it does have chilly showers so anticipate it to be primary and again to nature. * Test costs & availability: Shkolla Hostel & Tenting
Want extra on Albania?
I hope that this text has given you some inspiration for one of the best 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. When 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, the right way to get round and beneficial excursions. Comfortable planning!