I was very excited ahead of visiting Albania. I don’t know how it is possible I waited so long to visit this amazing Balkan country, which lies so close to Europe, is a true wonder, still unspoilt, budget-friendly, safe, sunny, and fun. but there are quite a few adventurous things to do in Tirana, but most of them await outside of the capital city.
I landed in Tirana and had my car pre-hired for a planned road trip along the beautiful Albanian coastline in a southward direction and explored the mainland of the country on the way back. Spending two days in Tirana is worth and enough to explore the city, which is buzzing with energetic nightlife.
Top adventurous things to do in Tirana.
Every part of Albania was stunning! But in my opinion, there isn’t much to do in the capital city. I don’t want to list all the things to do in Tirana, but I’m going to tell you instead what I really liked about Tirana and what’s worth experiencing.
As usual, I travelled solo, had my car hired for the whole duration of my trip to Albania, and apart from a bit crazy drivers, I felt safer than in any European country.
Walking the streets was the nicest part of the city experience: wandering along, discovering the atmosphere of slow-paced local life, visiting small cafes, street markets full of fresh fruits and an abundance of olives, and enjoying great food in corner shops.
Top-rated tour | Tripadvisor: Walking Tour of Tirana.
Things to know before going to Albania.
I did very little planning before traveling to Albania, much less than usual. It turns out the country is much more friendly and safer than people can ever imagine. I focused on searching for practical travel advice and here are a few extremely useful things to know before going to Albania:
- eSIM card – Yesim: cheaper than SIM card onsite, extremely useful and convenient, download and activate before your departure.
- Car rental: Rentalcar.com, as usual, gave me a great experience. Check my post on the best tips on Hiring a car in Albania.
- Public transport: There are no trains in Albania. If you plan to use public transport, buses connect major cities.
- Travel Insurance. Albania is not in the EU, so make sure you have travel insurance.
Upon landing in Tirana.
Tirana Airport – it is under massive construction. It’s a bit messy but it’s easy to find car rentals, taxi pick-up, mobile services, etc.
Most of the car rental counters are located in front of the arrival terminal on the right.
All the rest of the Albanian car rentals are located on the other side of the street, along the airport – this is where Rent Motors was located, just next to Sicily by Car.
Rent Motors provided a great car (brand new Hyundai with automatic gear. I purchased full insurance of course.
Where to stay in Tirana?
I booked a dorm for my first night, first because I love dorms for the start of my trip, this is a fabulous channel of information on travel advice, fresh news and a great bunch of adventurous travelers.
DORMS: I couldn’t find a better place than Mandarine hostel in Tirana, offering a garden and free WiFi and hypoallergenic bedding. Great, clean place with an amazing front desk that waited for me till 2 am 😉
CITY APARTMENTS: Villa Apartments S&F City Center in Tiranë offers a central location with Skanderbeg Square less than 0,5 miles away, for~ $30-$40/per night.
AFFORDABLE HOTELS: $55-$65/room per night – Destiny Hotel & SPA in Tirana offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, a fitness center and a beautiful garden.
Explore the Streets on a Bike Tour.
Tirana is becoming bike-friendly, thus it is a nice idea to explore the city actively on two wheels. You can join a local biking tour or pedal through the colorful streets on your own, visit the busy Skanderbeg Square, and the serene Grand Park.
There are more than 750 000 bunkers in Albania!
Bunkers were built during the Hoxhaist government between 1960 – 1980, so it might be an interesting idea to embark on a unique tour to explore some of these fascinating structures. The Bunk’Art museum, located in a massive Cold War bunker, provides a thrilling underground experience from the communist regime times.
Visit the Petrushka Cultural Center.
For a dose of local culture and tradition, one of the best things to do in Tirana is head to the Petrushka Cultural Center, where you can participate in traditional Albanian dance or music workshops. Learn about the country’s folk traditions while enjoying an energetic environment.
The center often hosts performances, so be sure to check the schedule for an evening of traditional music and dance.
Hike the Dajti Mountain National Park.
Mt Dajti National Park is located just 25km east of Tirana.
The mountain is very accessible and many locals go there for a city break.
For adventure travelers like me, Dajti Mountain National Park is an absolute must. It’s a short cable car ride from the city center, that will elevate you to stunning spots overlooking Tirana. If you prefer to explore more actively, the park offers an extensive network of hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks.
The panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the shimmering Adriatic Sea beyond will leave you awestruck.
Here are few options for a fabulous day tour on Dajti Mountain:
Discover the Historical Ruins of Petrela Castle.
Petrela Castle is located just a short drive from Tirana. Wandering through the ancient ruins will showcase Albania’s rich history. But the place also offers some exhilarating activities.
The castle of Petrela is located on a rocky hill at the height of 400 m above sea level, so you’ll be able to do some rock climbing for spectacular views from the top.
Taste the Adventure with Culinary Experiences.
Albanian cuisine is absolutely amazing; experiencing local food is one of the best things to do in Tirana. It’s fresh, aromatic and there’s plenty of seafood. You need to try:
- tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt) – probably best in mountain area.
- byrek (savory pastry),
- fërgesë (a baked dish with peppers and cheese)
Pair your meal with local wines or raki, a traditional Albanian spirit, for a true taste of the region (definitely not for everyone..).
They also have delicious desserts, which are a mix of Arabic and Italian flavours!
Go on a day-tour from Tirana to Berat.
Berat was my favourite destination! Berat, the “City of a Thousand Steps,” is truly one of a kind.
The city is a unique example of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture, influenced by several civilizations. I would highly advise spending two days in this place, there are plenty of attractions to explore, from sightseeing to hiking the surrounding hills.
Recommended tour | Tripadvisor: Berat city UNESCO tour, the Castle & Belshi lake- From Tirana.
Things to do in Dhermi, Albania.
Once you’ve done with adventurous things to do in Tirana you can take a look at one day tours from the capital city. Dhermi was one of the most amazing places I’ve visited during my tour around Albania. It’s an amazing, very original, local town, which surprises with its incredible structure.
This original town is surrounded by the rugged mountains. And the scenery from above is going to bring you on your knees.
Most amazing day tours from Tirana!
Albania is fascinating, from rough mountains, rivers, lakes, via stunning coastline, there are endless things to do in Albania. I highly recommend considering day tours from Tirana to explore the incredible Balkan nature. Here are a few top options for day tours from Tirana | Tripadvisor:
- Shala river & Komani lake -Day trip departure from Tirana/Shkodra
- Tope-rated: North Macedonia: Ohrid & Saint Naum Day Tour from Tirana.
Hike Gamti Mountain with Bovilla lake view & canyon- From Tirana
Best time to travel to Albania.
Summertime is a great time to visit Albania, but you’ll have to be prepared for crowds! Peak season in Albania is from June to September with temperatures reaching 33-35 °C with low humidity.
I traveled in May with temperatures floating between 19-24 °C. I would say May and October are the best months to travel to Albania, with almost no crowds and very reasonable prices.
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