7 Reasons for You to Holiday to Albania

My time in Albania has transformed how I think about travel in Europe. Living between Tirana and Vlore since early 2023, I’ve discovered a country that exceeds expectations, again and again. I’ll break down why I believe Albania should top your travel list, especially during the off-season months.

The Winter Secret of Albania

February in Vlore changed my perspective on Mediterranean winters. While northern Europe shivers, I found myself taking daily walks along empty beaches under bright sunshine. (If you’re in Germany, where I used to live, this experience is just a 2.5 hour flight away.) The thermometer never dipped below 10°C, even on the coldest days. Most mornings, I had the entire coastline to myself – a stark contrast to the summer months when these same beaches fill with tourists from across Europe.

The solitude of winter created opportunities for authentic connections with locals. Restaurant owners had time to share stories , and I never struggled to find a prime table for sunset dinners. This slower pace revealed Albania’s character. I enjoyed waking up each morning to the sun slowly warming up the sand.

Let’s visit 7 reasons why I’d put Albania at the top of your workcation or holiday list:

1. The Farm-Fresh Reality

My morning routine often starts at local markets, where farmers set up before dawn. The produce here tells stories of Albania’s diverse microclimates – figs in the fall from coastal groves, mountain herbs, and vegetables from inland valleys. From what I can tell, most produce travels less than 100 kilometers from farm to market. (It eventually made me want to take more than just a holiday to Albania, as I moved here to enjoy it full time.)

2. The Coffee Renaissance

Tirana’s coffee scene rivals any European capital, but with a distinct Albanian twist. My favorite spots showcase this evolution:

• Hana Corner Cafe brings coffee to a hip neighborhood setting, where traditional Albanian hospitality meets specialty pourovers.
• Frutza combines fresh-pressed juices with expertly crafted espresso drinks, creating a bright, modern space perfect for both work and relaxation
• Antigua Coffee elevates the coffee experience with a carefully curated bean selection

Each café offers comfortable seating, and that distinctly Albanian welcome that makes you feel like a regular from day one. The bonus? All 3 of those cafes offer loyalty rewards through Patoko. For example, if you buy 6 drinks at Antigua, you get your 7th free. (Nothing tastes better than a free latte.)

3. Remote Work Greatness in Tirana

As someone who balances travel with work, Albania’s digital infrastructure impressed me. Internet speeds in major cities match or exceed many other countries I’ve been to. Most cafés understand the needs of the new digital workforce, offering power outlets, quiet corners, and patient staff who don’t mind laptop workers. In Tirana, there are many co-working spaces, providing a great community if you find yourself lacking company at work.

4. Pocket-Sized Paradise

Albania’s compact size – roughly the same as Maryland – creates a unique travel opportunity. Within three hours, you can experience multiple seasons and climates. This geographical diversity packs the experiences of several countries into one accessible package.

During my winter ‘staycation‘, I could start the day with a peaceful beach walk in Vlore and potentially drive to the Bigëll Dardhë ski resort for afternoon skiing. Although I didn’t try this, it’s this proximity of sea and mountains that sets Albania apart. It’s neat to consider I could spend a morning at a chilly (10C feels warm for me, sorry) beach, then the afternoon hiking a cold mountain.

The climate variations create distinct microclimates:

Coastal Zone:

• Mediterranean weather patterns
• Winter temperatures rarely drop below 8°C
• Swimming potentially* possible year-round
• Palm trees and citrus groves

Central Valleys:

• Continental climate
• Moderate temperatures

Mountain Regions:

• Alpine conditions
• Winter temperatures reaching below 0°C
• Heavy snowfall

Northern Alps:

• Dramatic temperature swings during the day and night
• Snow-capped peaks
• Glacier-carved valleys
• Wild mountain rivers

This diversity means you can:

• Ski in the morning, swim in the afternoon (This might be a challenge in terms of driving, but I’d love to hear about it if you manage to.)
• Experience flowers and winter snow on the same day
• Pick oranges in coastal groves, then visit snow-covered mountains
• See palm trees and pine forests in a single view

The compact nature of Albania means you spend less time traveling and more time experiencing. A week here offers the climate variety of a month-long European tour.

5. Year-Round Coastal Living

My February in Vlore proved to me that Albania’s coast never really closes for the season. While northern Europe battles winter storms, I enjoyed daily beach walks under clear skies. The Ionian Sea moderates winter temperatures, creating a microclimate perfect for outdoor activities year-round.

Morning swims might require some courage in winter, but afternoon temperatures regularly reach 10-15°C. I often worked from beachfront cafés, watching locals fish or walk along the promenade. The winter sun provides enough warmth for comfortable outdoor dining, especially during the middle of the day. (I’ll admit I wasn’t brave enough to swim, but it was warm enough to walk comfortably.)

6. A Culinary Journey

Albanian food tells the story of centuries of cultural exchange. Ottoman influences appear in dishes like byrek, qofte, and tavë kosi, while Italian impacts show in the prevalence of pasta and espresso. (I’ve had some of the best pasta of my life here.) Coastal areas serve Mediterranean-style seafood, while mountain regions offer hearty meat dishes and unique dairy products.

I’ve discovered ingredients I never knew existed – mountain tea (caj mali) gathered by hand, wild pomegranates, and dozens of cheese varieties made from sheep’s and goat’s milk. (Seriously, more cheese than any country I’ve been to. If you love feta, this is the place to be.) Each region enjoys its culinary traditions while embracing modern gastronomy.

7. Gateway to Anywhere

Albania’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring southeastern Europe. While living here, I’ve taken weekend trips to Germany, Skopje, Prishtina, Sarajevo, and many other cities. The airport is about a 20 minute drive from the city, which makes it easy to snag a low cost flight. Budget airlines connect Tirana International Airport with major European cities, while improving road infrastructure makes ground travel increasingly comfortable.

Planning Your Albanian Adventure

Based on my experience, I strongly recommend visiting during the off-season (October to April) to holiday to Albania. You’ll find:

• Lower accommodation prices
• More authentic interactions (less stress/bustle)
• Comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities
• No competition for restaurant reservations or beach space
• Better photography opportunities without crowds

Transportation Tips

Download Patoko before arriving – it’s my go-to app for city transportation. The drivers are easy to see coming, and it’s easier than trying to connect with a taxi dispatcher.

Final Thoughts

Albania stands at a unique moment in its tourism development. The country offers the rare combination of undiscovered beauty, authentic experiences, and modern comforts.

My winter stay in Vlore showed me the value of off-season travel here – the opportunity to experience this remarkable country without the summer crowds. The increasing interest in Albania means this won’t last forever. Each year brings new developments and more tourists discovering this hidden gem.

My advice? Visit now, while you can still find empty beaches in February and have authentic interactions with locals eager to share their culture. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or a cost-effective European base, Albania delivers in unexpected ways. Just remember to pack your swimming gear and skiing equipment – you might need both on the same day.