Albania is one of Europe's most exciting up-and-coming destinations, with a turquoise Riviera, wild mountains, Ottoman-era towns, and prices well below most of the Mediterranean. Get ready for your Balkan trip with these 33 interesting facts about Albania.
1. Albania Is Dotted With Concrete Bunkers
During the communist dictatorship of Enver Hoxha, Albania built more than 170,000 concrete bunkers to defend against invasions that never came. Many still dot the countryside, and some have been turned into cafés, art spaces, and museums such as Bunk'Art in Tirana.
2. Its Beaches Rival the World's Best
The Albanian Riviera has clear turquoise water, pebble coves, and white-sand beaches at a fraction of the price of many Mediterranean hotspots. Ksamil, with its small offshore islands, and Dhërmi are favorites.
3. There Is No McDonald's in Albania
Albania is one of the few European countries without a McDonald's. Instead, you'll find local burger joints, bakeries, and cafés serving byrek and strong coffee.
4. The Albanian Language Is Unique
Albanian is an Indo-European language with its own branch on the family tree and no close living relatives. Learning "faleminderit" (thank you) is a great way to make friends.
5. Mother Teresa Was Ethnically Albanian
Born in Skopje, now in North Macedonia, to an Albanian family, Mother Teresa is a national hero. Tirana's international airport is named after her.
6. Nodding Can Mean "No"
Traditionally, many Albanians shake their heads to mean "yes" and nod to mean "no." Younger people in cities often use the gestures the other way round, so it's safest to say the words.
7. It Is One of Europe's Sunniest Countries
The coast enjoys long, dry summers and around 300 sunny days a year, with little rain from June to September.
8. The Lek Is Hard to Find Abroad
Albania's currency, the lek (ALL), is difficult to buy outside the country. Withdraw it from an ATM on arrival, and euros are accepted in many tourist areas.
9. Skanderbeg Is the National Hero
Gjergj Kastrioti, known as Skanderbeg, led Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. His statue stands in Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, and his double-headed eagle inspired the national flag.
10. Café Culture Is a Way of Life
Albania has one of the highest numbers of cafés per person in the world. Locals linger for hours over espresso, and a coffee is the default way to meet friends.
11. The Albanian Alps Are Wild and Beautiful
Also called the Accursed Mountains, the peaks of northern Albania offer some of the best hiking in the Balkans. The classic route links the villages of Valbona and Theth, where you can stay in family-run guesthouses.
12. You Can Go From Beach to Mountains in a Day
Albania packs a long coastline and dramatic highlands into a small country, so you can swim in the morning and hike in the afternoon.
13. Tirana Is Famous for Its Colorful Buildings
In the early 2000s, Edi Rama, then mayor of Tirana and later prime minister, had the gray communist-era buildings painted in bold colors and patterns. The project transformed the city.
14. Lake Ohrid Is One of Europe's Oldest Lakes
Shared with North Macedonia, Lake Ohrid is more than a million years old and home to species found nowhere else. It is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The quieter Albanian shore around Pogradec is great for a relaxed stay.
15. Driving Is an Adventure
Albanian traffic can feel chaotic, and mountain roads are narrow and winding. If you rent a car, drive defensively and get full insurance.
16. Albania Borders Four Countries
Albania shares borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece, making it an easy base for a Balkan trip. See our Montenegro travel guide and Greece travel guide.
17. The Riviera Is Still Affordable
Albania's coast remains good value compared with Croatia or Greece, although prices are rising as its popularity grows.
18. Tirana Has a Pyramid
The Pyramid of Tirana was built in 1988 as a museum dedicated to Enver Hoxha. After years of neglect, it reopened in 2023 as a youth technology center, and you can now climb the steps on its sides.
19. Raki Is the National Drink
This strong fruit brandy, usually made from grapes, is often homemade and offered to guests as a sign of hospitality.
20. The Flag Has a Double-Headed Eagle
Albania's red flag with a black double-headed eagle is instantly recognizable. Albanians call their country Shqipëria, often linked to the word for eagle, and call themselves "sons of the eagles."
21. Besa Is a Code of Honor
Besa, a traditional Albanian promise of honor, includes the duty to protect guests. During World War II, many Albanian families sheltered Jewish refugees, and Albania ended the war with more Jews than it had before.
22. Berat and Gjirokastër Are UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Berat, the "City of a Thousand Windows," and the stone town of Gjirokastër showcase Ottoman-era architecture, and both are still lived in today.
23. The Coast Hides Secluded Beaches
Beyond the popular spots, some beaches can be reached only by boat or on foot. Gjipe Beach, at the mouth of a canyon, is a short hike from the nearest parking area.
24. Butrint Has 2,500 Years of History
The UNESCO-listed ancient city of Butrint, near the Greek border, has Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins set in a lagoon-side national park.
25. It Is a Birdwatcher's Paradise
Lagoons such as Karavasta and Narta attract flamingos and other migratory birds, and Karavasta is home to a colony of Dalmatian pelicans, one of the largest freshwater birds in the world.
26. Summer Ferries Link the Coast
In summer, boats connect coastal towns and beaches, and ferries run from Sarandë to the Greek island of Corfu.
27. You Can Ski in Albania
Small resorts such as Dardha and Voskopojë, near Korçë, offer budget skiing with few crowds in winter.
28. Mercedes Cars Rule the Roads
Albania has a famously high number of Mercedes-Benz cars, from old diesel workhorses to new models, prized for their durability.
29. It Is Still Less Visited Than Its Neighbors
Albania receives fewer visitors than most Mediterranean countries, so many sights feel uncrowded. Tourism is growing fast, though.
30. The Food Scene Is Thriving
Try byrek (flaky pastry), tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt), fërgesë (peppers and cheese), qofte (meatballs), and fresh seafood on the coast. You'll find Turkish, Greek, and Italian influences.
31. You Can Visit Islands and Peninsulas Off Vlorë
Boat trips from Vlorë visit the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island, former military zones with cliffs, sea caves, and clear water for snorkeling.
32. Festivals Fill the Calendar
Albania hosts folk festivals, such as the National Folklore Festival in Gjirokastër, wine harvest events, film festivals, and summer concerts on the coast.
33. Albania Has Europe's First Wild River National Park
In 2023, the Vjosa River became Europe's first wild river national park, protecting one of the continent's last large free-flowing rivers.
Plan Your Trip to Albania
Albania is not part of the EU, so EU roaming deals usually do not apply. An egoViet Albania eSIM gives you affordable data from the moment you arrive, and our Albania eSIM guide compares your options. Need cash? Read where to buy Albanian lek.
FAQs: Interesting Facts About Albania
What is Albania famous for?
Albania is famous for the Albanian Riviera, communist-era bunkers, the Albanian Alps, UNESCO towns like Berat and Gjirokastër, Butrint, and its hospitality.
Is Albania cheap for tourists?
Yes. Food, accommodation, and transport are much cheaper than in most of Europe, although prices on the coast rise in summer.
What language is spoken in Albania?
Albanian. Italian and Greek are also widely understood, and many younger people speak English.
What currency does Albania use?
The Albanian lek (ALL). Euros are accepted in many tourist areas, but you will usually get a better rate paying in lek.