Corona Virus in Albania

Albania was confronted with the corona virus relatively late. The first confirmed cases in March raised negative expectations for this year’s tourism development. Some tens of thousands of Swiss and another four million tourists visited Albania last year. Many of them came from Kosovo. The Albanian travel industry was hit hard by this positive trend this year. Despite many loyal visitors from neighboring countries, the travel year 2020 was very difficult. Not only travel companies and hotels were directly burdened, but also many suppliers such as regional farmers and service providers.

This report from us at THROUGH ALBANIA complements our previous report on travel safety in Albania. The Corona Virus in Albania and the effects will be with us until at least the end of 2021. Since August 20, returnees from Albania have been in a ten-day quarantine in Switzerland. It is important to us to give our guests a direct insight into the Corona Virus situation in Albania. Please note that the information provided by the respective state representatives is constantly being adapted and our information is only to be viewed as a supplement. A current WHO overview of the current situation can be found here.

 

Current situation – Corona Virus in Albania

The current case numbers in Albania are at a high level. For about 2 months, the new infections have been in the range of 120 to 160 new infections per day. Many patients in Albania have recovered, but the new infections are only slowly leveling off. However, this is only a snapshot and is subject to change at any time. Travel is basically possible, but must always be coordinated individually. So far, the Albanian government has not required any proof of entry – nor is there a quarantine for foreign tourists. There is no public mask requirement.
Medical catering is below Western European standards and, despite the positive management of the pandemic, is not designed for a high number of foreign patients. This is especially true for high risk patients. For those, trips abroad and thus also Albania are not recommended.

Today the Corona Virus in Albania is contained through extensive hygiene concepts. The Albanian government is in constant contact with all regions of the country and has played an active role in containment.

 

Significance for the travel destination Albania

The Corona Virus in Albania has far-reaching consequences. The result is not just a sharp slump in the economy for 2020, but a long-term recovery. Albania has been able to build up ever more qualitative and sustainable tourism in recent years. Due to the Corona Virus in Albania, The Corona Virus in Albania has a strong impact on everyday life and society. Many companies have not found their way back as usual after a total curfew.
We recommend planning individual group trips for this year. Self-guided or with a guide! This makes it possible to have a low risk through sole contact with a guide and still travel the country. We only advise against hiking trips on your own.

The whole development, mainly in Europe, raises hopes for tourist opportunities in the coming winter and next year!

 

We look forward to your questions and feedback!

THROUGH-ALBANIA

Albania beaches – what magical places await you in 2021!

Albania beaches - what magical places await you in 2021! 1

Albania beaches vacation according to your wishes!

From Northern Albanias sandy beaches to the popular Ksamil Islands in the south of the country, Albania’s beaches offer something for everyone!

A total of over 350km long coastline full of beaches in Albania is waiting for you! Fine sandy beaches can be found on the Adriatic strip in Durres, Shengjin and Velipoja. The further south you drive, the more pebble beaches you will encounter. Albania’s beaches are visited very differently and there are often regional differences. So far, there are hardly any visitors in some places and you can expect a lot of abandonment.
The following destinations on the Albanian Riviera are already established travel destinations and offer something for every type of travel!

 

Himaras beach as a beach resort for families

Located in the middle between Vlora and Saranda, the small town of Himara with 6000 inhabitants is a popular holiday destination. Pebble beach with clear water, family atmosphere and countless accommodation options make this place. The price level also corresponds to the Albanian average and there are various activities around Himara. Due to the Greek minority in town, you will find a culinary mix of tsasiski, gyros and Albanian raki. In the restaurants and traditional taverns you will find a selection of excellent seafood and other specialties. Here our recommendation on site.

Due to the pleasant size, a variety of catering and accommodation options and the attractive price level, a good choice for families!

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Himara Beach – Albanias Beaches – Small town flair that awakens in summer

Thanks to the central location, visits to many surrounding bays and beaches are possible.

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Departure from Himara – boat trip to surrounding bays – Albanias beaches

 

Dhermi beach and Drymadhes in southern Albania 

Dhermi and Drymades beach are often called for the same mile-long beach. However, these two sections of beach are separated by smaller rocky outcrops. The two Albanian beaches are of different lengths and offer different advantages to travelers. Drymadhes beach is further north and belongs to the village of Palase, while the neighboring seaside resort of Dhermi is to the south. However, both resorts offer the same crystal clear water and a fantastic backdrop! Surrounded by greenery and the Llogara Pass a dream! Albanias beaches like this coastline are hard to find in Europe!

Drymadhes beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania. Despite a high number of visitors, there is still the possibility to find a free beach section and to spend the day.

If you want to rent your loungers and a parasol, you can explore the many providers. The prices vary very strongly in some cases, we recommend that you inquire beforehand. However, these are often included in hotel bookings.
The range of services on Drymadhes beach is good but not as pronounced as in Dhermi. Beach vendors are constantly offering fresh fruit! There is a relatively limited number of accommodation options in the medium to high price range.
The Dhermi stand, on the other hand, is particularly popular with younger visitors. Due to the wide range of nightlife, this Albanian beach is not a first choice for families and quieter days.

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Drymadhes (below) and Dhermi Beach (above) – Albanias beaches

 

Day trip to Gjipe Beach

The Gjipe beach is one of the most beautiful bays in Albania. Due to its very wild surroundings, surrounded by a huge gorge, there are no hotels and restaurants. What a feeling! 

Nevertheless, catering is provided on site and camping facilities are provided. From Dhermi, it is about a ten-minute drive to the exit to Gjipe Beach. The last stretch is only possible with a 20 minute walk. For adventurers with a 4×4 there is the possibility to drive to the beach. To leave the bay as natural as possible, this option is not a first choice.

Gjipe beach albaniaGjipe Bay on the Ionian coast – Albanias beaches with unobstructable scenery

 

Beach holiday in Saranda

Saranda, the largest city in the very south of the country, offers a public beach and a myriad of hotels and apartments. However, this is also the disadvantage of this seaside resort. Due to the big construction boom in recent years and the cruise ships, the number of visitors has increased very sharply. Nevertheless, Saranda has become a popular destination for a reason.

A variety of Albanias beaches in the deep south are nearby. An ideal starting point for all beaches in the region for night owls and active travelers! The journey to Saranda can also be designed according to your taste. Also read our articles on family vacation in Albania.

saranda albaniaSaranda City – Albanias beaches in the south

 

Albania beaches – what do i have to consider?

If you are looking for your beach in Albania you will definitely find it! Your own preferences are important for your planning. Sandy beach or rather pebble beach in Albania? Diverse activities at sea or coastal walks are also highly recommended! Transform your next beach vacation into an active trip. 

These were a few small inputs on the subject of beaches in Albania, visit our blog regularly for more information!

 

We look forward to your questions and feedback!

THROUGH-ALBANIA

Your first authentic family vacation in Albania

Your first authentic family vacation in Albania 2

Parents love well-planned vacation destinations. It is not surprising either. The annual vacation stands for a relaxing time! Something new? How about the first family vacation in Albania? Albania offers many opportunities and there is a lot to discover! Guided tours or individual explorations in an unknown region. Vacation packages for families are still new territory in Albania. Many travel packages are not particularly family-friendly. We show how you can plan your arrival stress-free and what you need to consider during a family vacation in Albania. First-hand travel tips!

 

But who is a family vacation in Albania for?

Traveling in Albania with children always requires careful planning. What wants to be discovered? Where does the journey start and end? What on-site activities are family-friendly and what type of accommodations are suitable? The positive news that family vacation in Albania are wonderful and varied! A small drop of bitterness are sometimes longer distances.

A pinch of patience is the most important thing for a relaxing and unique family holiday in Albania!

With good planning and an experienced contact person, the two most important building blocks have been laid. A travel guide is recommended depending on the activity and travel region. A professional guide should be organized, especially for long-day tours in areas with little signage or water activities.

On the one hand, a travel guide knows the region like the back of his hand, on the other hand he always offers help with questions or spontaneous rescheduling. A family vacation in Albania is mainly suitable for active travelers. Exploring new things is easy in Albania!

family vacation in albaniaAlbania is often good for surprises – a special highlight when watching: parachute gliding on the coast

 

Self-guided – our travel tip for family vacation in Albania

Our organized self-guided trips are particularly suitable for families! Rental car, hotel and leisure activities individually tailored to your wishes! All reservations and travel plans are made by us. Our guests stroll and explore the country carefree! If you are interested, we look forward to your contact form.

Basic Packing list for Albania trips

  • Sunscreen for summer and winter hikes/ beach vacation
  • Classic first aid kit
  • Reserve medication for chronic complaints
  • ID copies and insurance cards
  • Children’s equipment

Here you will find a helpful article about suitable sunscreen for children (only German). Extensive sun protection (sun hat and long clothing) is very important, especially for children! 

 

family vacation in albaniaOrganized city tour in colorful Tirana – family vacation in Albania

 

Travel tips for Albania holidays

The journey to Albania can be organized very differently. We recommend different routes depending on the destination. For beach holidays in southern Albania near Saranda and further south, such as the small seaside resort of Ksamil, we recommend approaching the island of Corfu. From there, there are various ferries to the port city of Saranda.

There are different options depending on the arrival time. When the weather is nice and the visibility is clear, the mainland is within sight! For Saranda vacationers: This is a readable and detailed article about Saranda! For all other travel destinations in Albania, however, this is neither the fastest route nor the most convenient solution.

Seaside resorts such as Himara, Dhermi and Borsh around the city of Vlora can be reached from Tirana in around three hours. We recommend arriving here via Tirana Airport. Many travelers also enter Montenegro, Kosovo or Macedonia by land. This is particularly useful for longer trips to the Balkans. The coastal road offers countless catering and stopping options.

Often, however, the holiday is not limited to the holiday destinations by the sea. All places in the interior can be easily reached via Tirana. Depending on the city, the travel times differ. Due to the central location of the capital, it is also the hub of the country. Due to the heavy traffic in the city center and conurbation, it is imperative to avoid entering the city center. A supposedly small trip into the city turns out to be a time trap here. Traffic congestion is practically all year round in Tirana!

Depending on the season and weather, the travel times look as follows:

  • Tirana – Durres approx. 1 hour
  • Tirana – Shkodra approx. 3 hours
  • Tirana – Gjirokastra approx. 4 hours
  • Tirana – Berat approx. 2 hours
  • Tirana – Vlora approx. 2.5 hours

 

Ferry connection to Albania

Another way to travel to Albania is by ferry to the port cities of Saranda, Vlora and Durres. Depending on the place of departure (mostly port cities in Italy), you are between 5 and 12 hours at sea. Registrations and passport controls are not included. This is usually only worthwhile if you want to extend your Italian vacation.

Conversely, entry by land and onward travel to Italy as a reverse option is a popular route. Make yourself comfortable in the mountain huts of Northern Albania and travel south. After the city break in Tirana, a few days on the beach of your choice are a welcome change. This way, many attractions can be explored in one route and a long return trip avoided.

Especially with small children, an arrival by plane is preferable.

The arrival via Italy with the crossing of the Adriatic Sea is more of an option for adventurers and patients. The journey by ferry is rarely financially worthwhile.

Familienurlaub in albanienCrossing the Llogara Pass in southern Albania – a panorama for «young and old» – family vacation in Albania

 

Family friendly places in Albania

Albania is a very child-friendly travel destination. Families are in good hands at all holiday locations! However, it is worthwhile to be close to nature. Combined with visits such as in Tirana, Berat or Gjirokastra, this results in an ideal travel mix for families!

We particularly recommend families to plan at least one overnight stay for each city. Better two! So children can adapt to the new ambience and the journey becomes more relaxed. Children are welcome in restaurants or museums. There are often discounts too. Restaurants are happy to cater to the needs of the little ones. 

The choice of accommodation should be made according to personal preferences. The standard of the hotels corresponds approximately to other countries in the Mediterranean area. When choosing accommodation, it is also important to ask for a parking space. Unfortunately, this is not always available. This then leads to unexpected additional costs.

In Albania, payment is usually made for a room, regardless of the exact family size. The details are listed for relevant booking portals. If necessary, we recommend asking the hotel directly. There is often the possibility to make minor changes. Hospitality is very important and usually a suitable solution is found! We hope to have sparked interest in family vacations in Albania!

 

We look forward to your questions and feedback!

THROUGH-ALBANIA

Is Albania safe to travel? 3 unknown information

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Is Albania safe to travel? 

Many travelers ask us questions concerning the safety of travel in Albania. Despite many positive travel experiences via the travel destination of Albania, the question still often arises: Is Albania safe to travel? 

We would like to thoroughly address these questions and dispel any concerns about safety. Since questions of safety are often grounded in historical events, it is very important to put these events into context for the sake of travelers’ understanding. And due to the current world situation surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, questions of travel safety in Albania are becoming ever more prevalent. However, we would like to stress that our contribution here only deals with this in passing.

At the end of this article you will find links to travel and safety guidelines provided by a number of national representatives. There are severe travel restrictions globally, and so travel to Albania is currently not recommended.

 

Albania’s safety image

Albania’s beautiful landscapes and cultural riches have become increasingly well-known in western Europe. Did you know that Albania has a section of Adriatic coast in the north and a section of Ionian coast in the south? Saranda, Dhermi, and Ksamil are the hot spots of the Albanian Riviera in the summer months. The Albanian tourism board works constantly to improve infrastructure and safety. Despite these efforts, Albania’s image to outsiders is plagued with negative impressions.

Even today, Albania’s image is not what it should be, as the country is often thought of as a dangerous travel destination. But the opposite is actually true! Situated in the middle of the Balkans, Albania is often associated with the civil war in Yugoslavia. Actually, Albania was never a part of Yugoslavia.

This confusion is one reason for the common misgivings among travelers worldwide. The Albanian border town of Kukes played a significant humanitarian role during the Kosovo conflict. And the images circulated around the world!

 

A short excursion into hidden history 

First founded in 1912, Albania was a staunchly Communist country after World War II, up until 1991. This kingdom of nature, located in the middle of Europe, was highly isolated for a long time. During this time, many Albanians learned to speak foreign languages, primarily Italian. Old radios were the only window to the outside world. Due to its geographic proximity to Italy, the country received primarily Italian media, which often comprised the only stream of information available. In fact, along the road from Otranto, the distance across the strait from Italy to Albania is only about 70km!

Traveling (especially coming in) during this era was strictly regulated by the Communist regime and was only possible under certain conditions. Exiting the country was reserved solely for Communist party leaders.

Today, hundreds of thousands of bunkers from the era of Enver Hoxha still exist. Scattered throughout the entire country, they were intended to resist any invasion. After the Communist regime collapsed, Albania stood on its own for quite a while. Dictatorship and planned (command) economy held the country back for decades, resulting in substantial emigration to Western Europe after the fall of the regime.

is albania safe for travel?Politically motivated processes – communism in Albania 1944-1991 – is Albania safe to travel?

 

The Albanian turnaround – Lottery Uprising

After the fall of the Communist regime, a democratic system was established in Albania. But triggered by a fraudulent investment scheme, unrest broke out in Albania after several years of change. Many people lost their only possessions, and the country found itself in a state of anarchy.

The question: Is Albania safe for travel, was born at this time.

This brief phase in the spring of 1997 negatively influenced news reporting for years to come. But, largely unaffected, Albania recovered, and tourism has made considerable progress. Nevertheless, Albania’s image as a volatile country is still present in western Europe. No longer ask yourself with the question “Is Albania safe to travel?”…

Durres after unsure turn Durres around the year 2000 – building boom after the state crisis

 

Are there unsafe areas in Albania?

No. Due to its long-standing isolation and rather small-town flair, petty crime is not prevalent. In larger cities like Tirana and Durres, instances of theft can occur but are rather uncommon. We recommend simply being aware of your surroundings, as usual. But some areas in Albania are so friendly and familiar that some people leave their homes and gardens open! In retrospect, many travelers wonder where the question “is Albania safe to travel?” ever came up!

 

How can I travel safely in Albania? Our recommendations

In a word, we should first say that Albania is a safe travel destination. The traffic is somewhat challenging for western Europeans, and so defensive, cautious driving is advised. Unfortunately, aggressive overtaking maneuvers and impatience in traffic are commonplace. And lighting conditions outside the cities do not correspond to Western European standards. So we advise that you avoid driving at night whenever possible. Is Albania safe for travel? Yes, but unfortunately this does not apply to the transport sector! This is also a reason why we particularly recommend a guided group tour for first-time travelers.

And please be aware of the following topic of stray animals. Albania, along with a number of NGO’s, has been trying for years to relocate these stray animals away from public areas. The first substantial improvements have been observed in the cities and metropolitan areas. But this additional traffic risk persists, especially at night.

The second danger involves rabies, which has not yet been eradicated throughout the entire Balkan region, including Albania. Thus, we recommend avoiding all contact with wild animals. We also recommend that you get a medical consultation ahead of time, particularly for longer individual trips in Albania.

 

Travel and safety advisories from several national representatives

 

We at THROUGH ALBANIA constantly stay up-to-date on safety and infrastructure developments, in order to offer our guests a safe, unique travel experience. Please take note of our safety tips to ensure as safe a visit as possible.

Is Albania safe to travel? We hope to have answered this question for you.

 

We look forward to your questions and feedback!

Is Albania safe to travel? 3 unknown information 3

Trend travel destination Albania 2020

travel-destination-albania

Long undiscovered, the travel destination Albania is establishing itself as a popular tourist destination, reachable from many locations within about two hours by plane. Mountainous landscapes, cultural sites, and the Albanian Riviera, with its Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, make Albania one of the richest, most diverse travel destinations in Europe, despite its diminutive size. Its geographical location enables travelers to discover a variety of different types of surroundings within close proximity to one another. And so you can pick fresh citrus fruit in the middle of winter, while the nearby mountains are blanketed with snow!

Each season offers its own charm. Depending on the travel group and preferences, we recommend visiting several regions. Albania is roughly divided into three different zones. Northern Albania, central Albania around the capital and southern Albania. 

Especially when visiting the travel destination Albania for the first time, we recommend choosing a quieter travel time. This has several advantages. The nature in the off-season reveals all imaginable colors and the temperatures are pleasantly warm. Summer can sometimes get very warm! In spring there are lush green meadows and autumn shines in orange-red colors! In winter it means: snowshoes and hours of hiking through deserted landscapes.

Starting with the peaks of the Balkans in the Albania-Kosovo-Montenegro triangle, northern Albania has become a hiker’s paradise. The initial efforts and support of the GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation), in partnership with the local population, have borne fruit in this regard. It is the goal of THROUGH ALBANIA to promote sustainable, year-round tourism in Albania, in conjunction with regional partner businesses. Read more about us here.

The initiative to open up the pristine Theth National Park, named after the small picturesque village of Theth, to sustainable tourism has benefited the entire region; in fact, today it provides a living for many families.

While northern Albania has transformed itself into a notable hiking destination in recent years, southern Albania’s beaches and coves, with their 300 annual days of sunshine, are predestined for vacations at the shore. But the travel destination Albania offers much more than this: places like the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Berat – the City of a Thousand Windows, and Gjirokastra enchant travelers again and again. And natural spectacles like southern Albania’s «Blue Eye» draw thousands of enthusiastic visitors every year.

 

Exchange with local people

Communication and interaction with the local population is quite simple in Albania. Many residents speak foreign languages, primarily Italian and English. So it is often easy to find help when you need it.

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Urban living – travel destination Albania – capital Tirana

 

Our travel tip for the travel destination Albania

If you have questions, it can be a memorable experience to talk to the locals. You can often find a solution even without knowing the language. Incredible, but true – just try it!

In smaller towns, where tourists are rare, you may be surprised at how hospitable the local residents are. Regardless of where you are in Albania, hospitality is firmly anchored in the culture. These encounters often let us dive into new worlds where there are exciting things to experience. We are pleased that you have read our report about the travel destination Albania.

 

We look forward to your questions and feedback!

Trend travel destination Albania 2020 4