Updated: 18/09/24

If you’re thinking about a holiday in Albania in 2025, then I can highly recommend it. Having visited the country twice with my family I’m a huge fan of how much it has to offer tourists. From the laidback beaches of the south – perfect for a ‘flop and drop’ holiday, to the rugged mountains of the north – which are just calling out to be explored, there’s something for everyone. (Check out my

my recommended 10 day itinerary for south Albania and my 10 day itinerary for north Albania.)

We decided to visit Albania after researching a European holiday and seeing the prices creeping up in nearby Croatia and Montenegro. Once we started researching the country we realised it had so much to offer. And I have to say, we really fell in love with Albania and its people.

So here’s five reasons why I think a holiday in Albania in 2025 should be on your travel list:

1. Albania’s stunning scenery

As soon as I opened a guidebook on Albania I was captivated by its variety of landscapes and scenery. From the beautiful Theth National Park in the north, where you can experience hiking to the Blue Eye. To the Albania Riviera in the south, where you can enjoy a beach holiday in Ksamil, known as ‘The Maldives of Albania’.

While it is possible to use public transport to get around the country, it can be quite tricky. So we decided to hire a car in Albania to give us the freedom to explore more. The driving may be quite different to what you are used to at home, so if you are planning to do this, I would definitely recommend reading my post:

Driving in Albania: Everything you need to know

2. Albania’s history

Albania’s complex history means that it has a lot to offer history aficionados. From its Ottoman-era castles right up to the relics of the recent communist regime its inhabitants lived under.

We began our holiday in Albania with 24 hours in Berat and loved exploring this UNESCO protected town, known as the City of a Thousand Windows.

We then spent 24 hours in Gjirokastra, which has a castle and beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture.

It is also very easy to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint from Ksamil and I would definitely recommend exploring this unique place, even if you are just planning a beach holiday.

Up in the north of Albania, spending 24 hours in Kruja is a must. Its castle was the site of resistance to the Ottoman invasion of the 15th century, led by the country’s national hero Skanderbeg.

For an insight into the more recent communist history of Albania, which led to it being cut off from the rest of the world for so many years, head to the capital of Tirana. The city still bears the hallmarks of communist architecture and is a fascinating place to explore. If you’re travelling as a family, here are my

top five things to do in Tirana with kids

3. The Albania Riviera

Forget France and Italy, the Albanian Riviera is where it’s at apparently. Although these once secret beaches are no longer as off the beaten track as they used to be and are now packed during the summer months. In terms of when is the best time to travel in Albania, we took our beach holiday in Ksamil in June and didn’t find it too busy. So it’s definitely worth considering the shoulder season if you can.

4. The cost of travelling in Albania in 2025

During our holiday in Albania we were pleasantly surprised at how affordable things were. The flights themselves came in at £110 each (although expect this to be higher during peak season). A hire car for two weeks was only £90. AirBnBs and apartments hovered around the £30 a night mark, although it is definitely possible to pay a lot more depending on what kind of accommodation you are looking for.

However, if you’re looking to keep costs down for your 2025 holiday, Albania may just be the way to go.

5. The people of Albania

One of the most special things about Albania is the wonderful people who live there. Without fail, every single person we met was so kind and friendly. They also especially love children, so it is super easy to travel there with little ones. If you want to know more about family travel in Albania, make sure you read this:

Albania with kids: Everything you need to know before you go

If this post has made you consider Albania for your 2025 holiday, but you still have more questions, I cover things in lots more detail here: travelling in Albania: Everything you need to know before you go.

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