Camping in undiscovered Albania: stunning and authentic
There is a country on the Balkans that definitely belongs on the list of the most beautiful camping destinations in Europe when it comes to natural beauty: Albania! And it is not only the countryside that is stunningly beautiful. Albania has a rich history and offers a wealth of culture. Moreover, it is a very affordable holiday destination. That is why increasing numbers of campers have set their sights on this small country by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas in recent years.
A gem by the Adriatic Sea
Albania treats you to a breathtaking landscape. From the high mountains of the Albanian Alps to the coastline with its sandy beaches. And the most beautiful of all? You don't need a stamp in your passport to visit this natural beauty!
Camping allows you to stay amid the countryside, far away from the crowds you often encounter in the most popular camping countries. In Albania, you can book a campsite among the pine forests, on the banks of a lake or surrounded by the mountains. The hospitality of the Albanian population ensures that you will immediately feel welcome.
National parks and lakes
Despite its modest size, you will find many expansive nature parks in Albania. Bird watchers can go to Divjakë-Karavasta, where you will see 230 species. In contrast, Theth National Park is the right address if you want to see lynxes, bears and wolves.
Albania's highest mountain, the Tomorr, with its views for kilometres, is more than worth visiting. Furthermore, Albania is a country of lakes, such as Lake Skadar and the historic Lake Ohrid. The north of Albania even offers a fjord-like experience by the Drin River reservoir.
Back in time
In Albania, it sometimes feels like you have travelled back in time. Mass tourism has not yet discovered the country, which makes it a quiet camping destination in general. However, the camping sector is on the rise and the number of campsites is steadily growing.
The amenities are often not very extensive. For example, swimming pools at campsites are still rare. There are often small playgrounds for children. And although they are simple and often unconventionally laid out, the toilet and washing facilities are generally fine.
That the country is becoming increasingly popular is particularly notable in the well-known cities on the coast such as in Vlorë and Durrës. New hotels are added there every year and the beaches are popular in the summer. However, further inland, the country is still unspoilt, providing plenty of opportunities to experience authentic Albania without the influence of mass tourism.
A lively capital city
Tirana, Albania's capital, is constantly changing and developing rapidly. The heart of the city is Skanderbeg Square. On this square, you will find a statue of General Skanderberg - Albania's national hero - and the National Historical Museum.
For a view of the city, you can take the cable car to the top of Mount Dajt (1,631 metres), where you will find many walking routes. You will find Bunk’Art 1 and 2 in the city itself. These museums are housed in a former bunker complex and nuclear fallout shelter and refer to the city's turbulent history.
And of course, you will find all kinds of restaurants, lounge bars and trendy shops in Tirana, making it a great option for a day out from the campsite.
Romans and Ottomans
The region that is today called Albania has a stunning landscape and pleasant climate. That is an opinion that was shared by the Romans and later the Ottomans. At many places you will find ancient architecture that bears witness to the presence of these historical cultures. For example, archaeological cemeteries, amphitheatres, bazaars and palaces with Eastern influences.
In particular, the cities of Berat and Gjirokastër, both on the UNESCO World Heritage List, are known for their history. The skyline of Berat, with its maze of little streets, is dominated by a citadel with eight churches.
The city of Gjirokastër is considered to be the oldest and most attractive city in the country and is known for its narrow streets filled with Ottoman architecture. In short, Albania is also a great destination for campers wanting to discover lots of culture in particular.
The flavours of Albania
When you go out to eat in Albania, you will find a cuisine that is as varied as the country itself. It is a mix of Mediterranean, Ottoman and Balkan flavours, focused on the use of fresh ingredients, herbs and spices.
Typical dishes include tavë kosi (a lamb dish with yoghurt), fërgesë (a stew with bell peppers, tomatoes and cheese) and byrek (a puff pastry pie with various fillings).
A pleasant climate
With its Mediterranean climate on the coast and continental climate inland, Albania offers pleasant temperatures all year round. Particularly along the coast, the summers are warm and the winters mild, but it gets colder inland. The average temperatures throughout the year are as follows:
- January: 10 degrees
- February: 13 degrees
- March: 16 degrees
- April: 19 degrees
- May: 23 degrees
- June: 28 degrees
- High season: 28 to 31 degrees
- September: 27 degrees
- October: 20 degrees
- November: 17 degrees
- December: 12 degrees
On offer in Albania
A camping holiday in Albania is all about peace, natural beauty and an authentic cultural experience. You can experience the beauty of this country at its best from the campsite. Get ready for a holiday off the beaten track at a yet undiscovered destination. Unspoilt nature, national parks, lakes and places only accessible by boat, Albania has it all.
Important information for your trip in Albania
Fuel
Benzine (Euro Unleaded 95, Oktan 95, Benzinë pa plumb and Super Plus 98, Unleaded 98, Oktan 98) are readily available as is diesel (Diesel, Gazoil, Nafte). LPG is available at quite a few petrol stations. The Italian adapter (dish) is used for refuelling with LPG. Petrol stations are often open 24 hours a day. You can pay with cash everywhere but not everywhere accepts credit cards or bank passes. There are service stations where a member of staff fills up your vehicle for you.
Charging
Electric driving is poorly facilitated, you will only find a few charging points around the capital of Tirana.
Mountain roads
Most mountain roads are narrow, with many bends and some parts are steep. In winter, the mountain roads in the north and southeast can become hazardous due to snow and sleet.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure in Albania is poor compared to other European countries. There are a few good main roads, but the secondary roads are narrow and poorly maintained. Road works are common but badly signposted. Traffic rules are not always followed. Take into account slow traffic, stray cattle and difficult driving conditions, mainly in mountainous areas and after bad weather. Driving in the dark is discouraged due to the unlit roads, vehicles without lights and invisible hazards such as potholes and soft shoulders.
Ferry services
Albania can be reached from Italy via various routes. Ferries usually sail several times a week to Albania from Triëst, Ancona, Bari and Brindisi. Most ferries depart from Durrës, a harbour town near Tirana. Boats also sail from Brindisi to Vlorë and Sarandë in the south of Albania. You can also combine Albania with the Greek island of Corfu. The boat leaves from Sarandë.
Traffic regulations
Driving with dipped headlights is mandatory in poor visibility, in the dark and in tunnels. Traffic coming from the right has priority at junctions with two equivalent roads unless traffic signs indicate otherwise. Trams and trains always have priority. Drivers are only allowed to use mobile phones in hands-free mode. On mountain roads, uphill traffic has the right of way over downhill traffic. Children under 12 must be in a suitable child seat or booster seat both in the front as well as in the back. If a child is in the front seat with their back facing forwards, the airbag must be disabled.
Special regulations
First, we strongly discourage driving in the dark. Many of the roads are unlit. Only the important main roads have lighting. The streets lights also fail regularly. Furthermore, many vehicles drive without lights.
Mandatory equipment
It is mandatory to have a warning triangle, first aid kit and safety vest for the driver in the car. You are advised to have a safety vest for all passengers. In the dark or in poor visibility, it is mandatory for anyone walking on or along a road outside built-up areas to wear a safety vest. It is also mandatory to have a set of spare bulbs in the car. That does not apply to cars with xenon, neon or LED lights. You are advised to take a fire extinguisher, spare tyre and tow rope with you.
Caravan and motorhome
A car-caravan combination can be a maximum of 4 metres high, 2.5 metres wide and 16.5 metres long (a single-axle caravan itself can be a maximum of 6.5 metres long and a twin-axle caravan 8 metres long). A motorhome can be a maximum of 8 metres long. Any bicycle racks on the back are included in the length.
Cycling
A bicycle helmet is compulsory. The bike must have a bell and properly functioning brakes. It is not permitted to transport a passenger on the luggage carrier (children up to age 6 can be transported on a child seat). It is prohibited to cycle side by side, but a child under 10 years may cycle next to an adult. Two people are only allowed to cycle side by side on cycle paths.
Toll
The A1 is Albania's largest motorway. A toll is charged at the Kalimash tunnel.
Breakdown and accident
A warning triangle is mandatory in poor visibility or in the dark, also if you are not visible in time on a bend or a mountain for other reasons. Place the warning triangle at least 50 metres behind the car. There is no roadside assistance in Albania. Spare parts are very difficult to come by for many makes of car. It is therefore advisable to take some tools and spare parts with you, such as a jack, fan belts and windscreen wiper blades.
Call 112 in an emergency, with danger or if the car has broken down in a hazardous place on the road. In the event of a breakdown, call the emergency number of your breakdown assistance provider.
Camping
Keep in mind that most campsites in Albania are of lower quality than the European average. In most cases, the campsites do have electricity. Campsites are often located near hotels or Bed & Breakfasts. Camping outside official campsites is allowed. It is always recommended to check at the location whether it is permitted. Indeed, it is prohibited in national parks, on private property and in nature reserves.
Practical
Protect yourself against ticks as they can transmit diseases. Avoid contact with mammals due to the risk of rabies. You are advised to only eat fruit you have peeled yourself and properly cooked meat and fish. The euro is accepted but do keep an eye on the exchange rate.
