A Budget Friendly Guide To Backpacking Albania In 2025

Thinking about backpacking through Albania but still not convinced? You’re in the right place if you’re curious about what to expect, where to go, and how to make the most of your trip without overspending.

In this guide, I’ll share some tips, tricks, and personal experiences to consider before taking on this adventure.

Key Takeaways:

• With hostel beds starting at £10, meals as cheap as £1, and low-cost transport, Albania is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations for backpackers.
• The Valbona to Theth hike, camping in national parks, and exploring the Albanian Riviera are just a few incredible activities for nature lovers.
• UNESCO treasures like Berat and Gjirokastër allow visitors to experience Albania’s unique blend of Ottoman, Balkan, and Mediterranean influences.
• Albania’s cuisine is as affordable as flavorful, and travellers can enjoy hearty dishes like Byrek, Qofte, and Tavë Kosi without breaking the bank.

Entering Albania: visa requirements

Before starting your journey in Albania, you must check the country’s visa requirements. In case you need a visa to enter the country, you’ll have to apply for the “Visa Type C” (for tourism purposes) from this online portal. Here are the documents required:

• A visa application is available online free of cost.
• Something to prove your employment in your birth country.
• A passport-size photo with 47 mm x 36 mm dimensions.
• Provide proof of booked accommodation in the country.
• Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay and return trip.
• Provide a round-trip ticket reservation or proof of private transport.
• Last 12 months financial statement.
• Photocopy of your passport.

Backpacking Albania: Budget

I knew already that Albania was a budget-friendly country. However, it was only when I went there that I found that the country might be the cheapest in Western Europe.

It’s a budget traveller’s dream, with low food, accommodation, and transportation costs. On average, I spent around £650 per week enjoying an above-average life in Albania.

Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses that I think are appropriate for anyone on a tight budget:

• Accommodation: Hostel dorms cost £10–£20 per night, while the price ranges from £25–£50 for a private room.
• Food: Meals at local restaurants cost £5–£10. However, street food, like byrek (savoury pastries), costs as little as £1.
• Transportation: Public buses and furgons (shared minivans) are the cheapest options, costing £2–£10 for intercity travel.
• Activities: Many attractions, like hiking trails and natural landmarks, are free for tourists. However, some museums and historical site entries may cost £2–£10.

If you need in-depth guidance on finding reliable accommodation, feel free to read My Personal Guide On Where To Stay In Albania.

Backpacking Albania: Route

First of all, you will probably land in Albania’s capital city, Tirana, since this is where most travellers go. Having Tirana as a starting point makes it simpler to visit other cities in the country. While I have already covered the whole journey in a complete 14-Day Albania Itinerary guide, you can find the key points below:

Central Albania

• Tirana: The capital is a mix of colourful architecture, lively nightlife, and historical sites like Skanderbeg Square and Bunk’Art, a museum housed in a Cold War bunker. Don’t forget to take the cable ride from Dajti Ekspres to Dajti Mountain on the Dajti Ekspres for a super fun adventure.

• Berat: Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning Ottoman-era architecture and a rich cultural heritage. I especially recommend you visit the iconic Berat Castle and the beautiful Osumi Canyon.

Northern Albania

• Shkodër: This is the perfect point to enjoy the country’s Northern side since you can also access the Albanian Alps from here. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Lake Shkodër and the nearby Rozafa Castle for expansive views of the whole area.

• Valbona to Theth Hike: This iconic trek is one of the highlights of my journey in Albania. The ten-mile-long trail takes six to eight hours and starts at the magnificent mountains of Valbona Pass. In Theth, you must visit the Blue Eye Spring and the Grunas Waterfall.

Southern Albania

• Gjirokastër: Another UNESCO site, this “stone city” features cobbled streets and traditional houses that are a treat for the eye! I recommend visiting the Cold War tunnels that are now turned into museums and the castle of Gijrokastër.

• Saranda and the Riviera: Finally, you can end your trip in the south of Albania for a more relaxing vibe on pristine beaches, visit the ruins of Butrint, or enjoy the islands nearby (if you’re there during the summer season).

Accommodation Options for Backpackers

In Albania, you’ll find accommodations that suit every budget. 4-start hotels are available in almost all regions, but also hostels and guest houses are common.

• Hotels: You can find affordable hotels under £50 in cities like Theth, Valbona, and Shkodër. While they cost a bit more, these hotels provide excellent services, and some even have continental breakfast.
• Hostels: Tirana, Berat, and Saranda have excellent hostels with dormitory beds and communal spaces. This is where I met a lot of fellow travellers from different countries.
• Guesthouses: You can stay in family-run guesthouses in Theth or Gjirokastër for an authentic experience. The people are so lovely that some even offer you to stay free of cost and offer free food.
• Camping: Interestingly, camping is allowed in many areas, particularly in national parks. If you are looking to connect with nature, this is the perfect experience to have.

Related: Check out our guide on Travelling Albania by Campervan – What You Should Know.

Exploring Albanian Cuisine

The country is filled with flavours that’ll stay with you for long. The cuisine combines Mediterranean, Balkan, and Ottoman influences, which results in hearty and tasty traditional dishes. Check out the Amazing Albanian Cuisine to get an insight into Albanian cuisine.

Some traditional Albanian food:

• Byrek: Flaky pastries filled with cheese, spinach, or meat. This is a good option for vegetarians since some of the pastries also come with full vegetable fillings that are typically accompanied by yoghurt (depending on preference.)
• Tavë Kosi: A traditional dish of lamb baked with yoghurt and eggs served with rice. Its delicious tangy crust bursts all the flavours in your mouth.
• Qofte: Grilled or fried flavorful meatballs that can be served with bread, rice, or a salad. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, feel free to check out our Albanian Vegetarian Meatballs recipe.
• Fërgesë: A creamy dish made with peppers, tomatoes, and Feta cheese that is served with bread.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking of backpacking in Albania, this is your sign to do it! It’s truly a beautiful and friendly country that welcomes all tourists who’d love to experience anything from exploring, backpacking, working here, and much more.

We hope you found this guide useful, and if you have any questions regarding my experience or any suggestions, feel free to leave them below in the comments.

Reference Links

• Online portal for tourism purposes
• Bunk’Art Museum
• Byrek
• Gijrokaster UNESCO site