Albania
- Political system: Republic
- Capital city: Tirana
- Total area: 28.748 km2
- Population: 3.5 million
- Currency: lek
In the heart of the Mediterranean, on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania is fast becoming one of the world’s most interesting getaways. Still relatively unspoiled by globalization, tourists will notice an inspiring mixture of civilizations and cultures – making this European country truly unique.
Nestled in between Greece, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro, and across the Adriatic from Italy, Albania boasts blue and turquoise seas, beautiful beaches, snow peaked mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests. As well as stunning nature, Albanians themselves are famous for their hospitality, and tourists are welcomed with heart-warming generosity.
Albanian history and culture is fascinating. Butrint, one of the world’s archeological wonders – and a UNESCO World Heritage site – in the south of Albania provides a glimpse of Mediterranean civilization from the Bronze Age through the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods – all atop a cliff overlooking Corfu. It’s not to be missed!
Home of both Mother Theresa and the great 15th Century hero Skanderbeg, Albania today offers not only beach and mountain holidays, but also a vibrant city life, a relaxing outdoor cafe culture and you will see that it’s quickly evolving in a myriad of directions.
Urban Transport
A flat fare urban bus service operates within the main cities. City buses operate in Tirana, Shkodra, Durres, Vlora, Korça, Elbasan and Berat. The fare for bus transportation is 20 Lek, about 0.20 Euro.
In Tirana the main routes of the bus services are: Unaza (the city’s ring road), Kinostudio, Kombinat, Tirana e re, Stacioni I Trenit (Railway Station), Scanderbeg Square, Profarma etc.
In Durres the main bus route is “Plepa”, which passes through the beach area.
Interurban Transport
The main form of interurban transport in Albania is by private buses.
From Tirana the main routes are:
Heading South: Tirana – Berat; Tirana – Vlora; Tirana – Gjirokastra; Tirana – Saranda. Southern bound buses depart from the Old City Airport
Heading North: Tirana – Shkodra; Tirana- Kukes; etc. Northern bound buses depart from the Railway Station.
Heading Southeast: Tirana – Pogradec; Tirana – Korça. The departure is from Tirana University at the Faculty of History and Philology.
Buses from Tirana to Durres and the Golem beach area depart from the Railway Station.
Buses from Tirana to Durres and the Golem beach area depart from the Railway Station.
Journey time and fare cost: The approximate journey time and fare cost from Tirana to other cities are as follows:
Tirana – Durres (1 hour) (100 lek) to west
Tirana – Shkodra (2h. 30 min) (300 lek) to north
Tirana – Vlora (3 hours) (300 lek) to south
Tirana – Kruja (45 min) (150 lek) to north
Tirana – Saranda (5h. 30 min) (1,000 lek) to south
Tirana – Lezha (1h. 30 min) (150 lek) to north
Tirana – Golem (1h. 10 min) (150 lek) to south
TRAVEL BY AIR
All international air arrivals enter through Mother Theresa International Airport, located 25 km northwest of Tirana.
Linkage with the city is provided through a shuttle bus service, the Tirana Rinas Express, running between Skanderbeg Square and Mother Theresa Airport. Shuttle buses depart every hour at the top of the hour, with an approximate cost of 2 euros. Taxi service available at all times, taxi fares mounting to approximately 20 euros.
“Mother Theresa” Airport
PASSPORT / VISA
All the foreigners* from the following countries enter the Republic of Albania without a visa, with the passport and by paying 10 Euros.
The foreigners that enter without a visa have the right to stay in Albania only 30 days for an entry and they may stay up to 90 days within the calendar year.
The citizens of the following countries may obtain a visa at any entry point by payment:
FYR Macedonia (10 euros; at the Embassy 5 euros), Montenegro (free of charge), Israel (30 euros).
The citizens of other countries are required to obtain visas at the missions of the Republic of Albania that cover the country of residence. These missions can also provide them with the necessary information about Albania. The Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs web site carries information in English and Albanian about visa requirements and where to apply.
Individuals traveling to Albania should contact Embassy or Consulate to verify visa requirements.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Albania, with its cultural heritage values, continues to be an attractive and open “museum” for all visitors. Situated between two major ancient civilizations, the Greek and Roman, Albania inherits a invaluable treasure of cultural heritage, which naturally belongs to the world cultural heritage. This heritage can be found anywhere, in archaeological parks, natural parks, art galleries, photographic and film archives, castles and fortresses, religious monuments and vernacular architecture, in the stone paved paths and all over the country’s museums.
Our cultural heritage is well known abroad, it is admired by visitors who want to see the masterpieces of culture and art, to understand the testimonies of prehistory, classical period and Illyrian civilization, and the material blend of Illyrian, Greek and Roman culture.
Further information: