Okay, here’s my blog post about my “holidays in Albania” experience, written in a casual, personal style:
So, Albania! I’d been seeing pictures of this place all over Instagram – crazy blue water, mountains, the works. It looked super cool and, more importantly, cheap. I decided, “Yep, that’s my next trip.”
First things first, I did some digging. Mostly just Googling “Albania travel tips” and “best beaches in Albania”. I didn’t go crazy with planning, just wanted a general idea of where to go and what to see.
Getting Around
I flew into Tirana, the capital. The airport was pretty small, easy to navigate. I grabbed a taxi to my hostel – I always start with a hostel, easier to meet people that way. Tirana itself was…interesting. Lots of construction, kind of chaotic, but in a fun way. I spent a couple of days there, just wandering around, checking out the markets, and eating some seriously good, cheap food.
Then, it was time to hit the coast. I’d heard the buses were the way to go, and they were right. Super affordable, and they go everywhere. I hopped on a bus down to Sarandë, which is basically the gateway to the Albanian Riviera. The bus ride itself was an experience – winding roads, amazing views…and a few near-death experiences (okay, maybe I’m exaggerating, but it was exciting!).
The Beaches
Sarandë was nice, a bit touristy, but a good base. From there, I took day trips to some of the smaller beaches. Ksamil was the one everyone raves about, and yeah, it was beautiful. Turquoise water, white sand…but crowded! I found a little spot a bit further down that was much quieter.
- Pro Tip: Get to the beaches early if you want to avoid the crowds, especially in Ksamil.
I also went to Dhërmi, which was more of a chill, backpacker vibe. The beach there was pebbly, not sandy, but the water was crystal clear. I spent a few days there just swimming, reading, and, you know, doing nothing. It was perfect.
Food and other Stuffs!
The food in Albania was a huge win. So cheap, and so good. Lots of grilled meat, fresh seafood, and amazing salads. I ate like a king for, like, $10 a day. Seriously.
I tried to learn some basic Albanian phrases – “Faleminderit” (thank you) goes a long way. People were generally super friendly, even if they didn’t speak much English. I got by with a mix of Google Translate, pointing, and smiling a lot.
Overall, Albania was amazing. Beautiful, affordable, and still a bit off the beaten path. I felt like I was getting a real, authentic travel experience, not just following the same tourist trail as everyone else. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly adventure, definitely add Albania to your list!
