It’s really the dreamiest place to have the perfect Mamma Mia -summer, minus the price tag.
I’ll be honest—Albania wasn’t at the top of my travel bucket list. Greece? Sure. Italy? Always.
So when we booked our trip to Durrs, Albania, we weren’t really sure what to expect. Honestly, we just wanted sun, sea, and to get those cinematic vacation photos—somewhere warm, affordable, and chill. And that’s exactly what we got… with a few surprises along the way.
So if you’re planning a vacation to Albania, here are some surprising facts you’ll need to know.
What We Loved
Day-to-day simplicity
Most of our days looked like this: beach > food > nap > gelato > sunset photoshoot > more food. Sometimes the best kind of romance is the kind that doesn’t need an itinerary.
The price point
Albania really is a budget traveler’s dream. We stayed in an Airbnb just a few steps from the beach for around €30/night. Dinners (with wine!) rarely cost more than €20 for both of us, and coffees were consistently under €1. Make sure to tip well!
What Surprised Us
Pricey Supermarkets
Continuing with the price theme, supermarket prices of food and day-to-day necessities (like sunscreen) in some spots were almost Finnish prices, sometimes even more.
→ Tip: Bring your daily essentials (sunscreen, toiletries, painkillers) from home. Your wallet will thank you.
Super Slow Wi-Fi
Even in newer hotels or cafés, the Wi-Fi was… let’s say, nostalgic. Uploading a photo could take forever, and streaming was hit or miss.
→ Tip: Download maps, playlists, and anything important in advance. Or just embrace the digital detox vibe.
What Wasn’t So Dreamy
Cleanliness varies
Beach promenade was super clean, other areas… not so much. Just a 10-minute walk away from the beach will send any Nordic person into a coma.
Card? What card?
Most places were cash-only, but finding an ATM was luckily very easy. ATM fees were high, so I recommend exchanging money rather than withdrawing it.
(Pro tip: always carry a bit more than you think you need.)
Additional Travel-Tips
If you’re planning on staying more than a week, do yourself a favour and rent a car! Albania has so much to offer—from beautiful beaches to vibrant cities and stunning mountains.
Travel outside of tourist season! Our vacation was in May, and even though some places weren’t open yet, we found plenty of activities and cool spots without too many restaurant promoters or crowded areas. Also, you will 100% get better and faster service when every restaurant isn’t packed to its limits.
Would I Go Again?
Yes. In a heartbeat. And I’m actually browsing flights there in another tab as I’m writing this.
Albania gave us everything we wanted. The people were amazing, Albanian culture is so interesting, food was excellent, and it’s romantic in that slow, soulful kind of way.
If you’re looking for a romantic escape with Mediterranean charm, don’t sleep on Albania! It’s really the dreamiest place to have the perfect Mamma Mia -summer minus the price tag.
