Family Trip to Albania: Everything You Need to Know to Organize a Getaway with Children
Planning a family getaway to Albania? What a wonderful idea to discover this small European country still unknown to many tourists. What to do and see to organize an itinerary suited for children? When to go? What to prepare? What about safety? Discover our practical guide to organizing a trip to Albania with children.
Planning a family getaway to Albania? What a wonderful idea to discover this small European country still unknown to many tourists. What to do and see to organize an itinerary suited for children? When to go? What to prepare? What about safety? Discover our practical guide to organizing a trip to Albania with children.
Why Choose Albania for a Family Trip?
A true hidden gem of the Balkans, Albania is a small European country still rarely visited by tourists. Yet the country offers an extraordinary range of activities, from its stunning beaches bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the north and the Ionian Sea to the south, its rugged reliefs and mountains that invite hiking and outdoor activities, its picturesque villages, its fortified cities and its rich historical heritage…
Not only is the experience guaranteed to be eye-opening, but the cost of living is also moderate. In other words, it's easy to treat yourself. Add to that the fact that the country is just 2 hours and 30 minutes by flight from Paris and, given its small size, it's easy to get around. You can explore the country without having to undertake long journeys (which is a huge advantage when traveling with children).
Finally, you cannot talk about Albania without mentioning the incredible generosity and hospitality of its people. You'll notice that Albanians absolutely adore children and will be delighted to interact with them.
As you can see, Albania is an ideal destination for a family road trip. It's the perfect place to venture off the beaten path, fill your days with activities for both children and adults, all without having to travel to the other side of the world.
What to Do and See in Albania with Children?
Wondering where to go in Albania with children? Discover the country's best family-friendly destinations and all the activities available:
Explore dynamic Tirana and Have Fun with the Family at Dajti Adventure Park
The main gateway to the country, the capital Tirana is an essential stop on any Albania trip. Once isolated during the communist era, the capital has opened up to the world and is now a dynamic and lively city. It provides an excellent introduction to the country's history and a chance to immerse yourself in local culture.
You can visit the National History Museum of Tirana to learn more about the country's history, explore Bunk Art 1 and 2, former bunkers once used as nuclear shelters and now converted into museums (note: this may frighten younger children), and discover Skënderbej Square (or Skanderbeg), considered the nerve center of the capital with its many buildings featuring diverse architectural influences.
To get out of the city and please the children, you can also head to Dajti Mountain. Located about 25 km east of Tirana, you can reach the mountain's summit (1,611 m altitude) via the Dajti Express cable car in 15 minutes. An opportunity to enjoy lovely views over the capital. Once at the top, you can go hiking or visit the Dajti adventure park, where tree-course trails (suspended bridges, zip lines...) promise wonderful family moments.
Explore Medieval Cities and Step into the Shoes of Knights
Albania is home to many picturesque villages and fortified cities that will delight history and architecture enthusiasts. For younger children, these destinations offer an opportunity to spark their imagination as they pretend to be knights of old.
Among Albania's most beautiful villages not to miss, we recommend:
Gjirokastër : nicknamed "the Stone City," it stands out for its ancient Ottoman-style houses called "kullas" (some from the period are open to the public) and its medieval fortress perched on the slopes of the Gjerë Mountains ;
Krujë : considered one of Europe's oldest medieval cities, this small town is known for its ancient houses and its castlewhich was the stage for Skanderbeg's rebellion, the national hero famous for his resistance against the Ottoman Empire during the 15th century ;
Berat : also called the "City of a Thousand Windows," Berat is one of the country's oldest cities. It features a medieval castle built into a mountainside in the 13th century and the Mosque of the Sultan of Berat, one of the oldest Muslim buildings in all of Albania.
Enjoy the Country's Most Beautiful Beaches on the Albanian Riviera
Looking to relax, splash around in the water, indulge in some lounging on the beach, or try some water sports with the family? Head to the Albanian Riviera !
This coastal area is renowned for hosting the country's most beautiful beaches, whether small hidden coves with turquoise waters, fully-equipped resort towns, sandy beaches or pebble shores... there's something for everyone, but one thing is certain: you'll always be amazed by the turquoise color of the water!
Stretching 130 km, the Albanian Riviera extends from the city of Vlorë (Vlora) to Saranda (Sarandë). Just the road between the two cities is worth the detour for the stunning views alone.
Among the must-see destinations on the Albanian Riviera, we recommend:
Discover our article on Albania's most beautiful beaches.
Go Whitewater Rafting in the Osum Canyon Gorges
Is your family sporty and you want to get an adrenaline rush with your children? Why not plan a rafting session in the Osum canyon gorges.
Often nicknamed the "Colorado of the Balkans" or "Grand Canyon of Colorado of Albania," the Osum canyon is truly a masterpiece of nature. Formed 2 to 3 million years ago due to the continuous erosion of limestone rock by the Osum River, it's characterized by walls of vertiginous height between which flows the river in emerald green color.
Whitewater rafting is possible on this river. It offers moderate rapids (starting at Class II), which suits all levels, even for children. The minimum age requirement is 5 years old for the easiest routes.
Note that it's also possible to canoe or kayak, swim in the canyon, and numerous hiking trails allow you to discover the canyon's caves and waterfalls.
Swim in the Natural Thermal Pools of Benja (or Benjë)
Looking for a moment of relaxation in the heart of Albanian nature? Then we recommend visiting the thermal springs of Benja (also called Benjë springs). Located in southern Albania, near the city of Përmet, the Benja thermal springs consist of several pools spread along the riverbanks.
Accessible free of charge by crossing a sublime 17th-century Ottoman bridge (known as the "Benja Bridge" or "Katiut Bridge"), the pools are popular with both locals and tourists alike. Recognized for its therapeutic benefits, the spring water hovers around 28°C. Beyond the relaxation moments, the site is impressive with its enchanting setting!
Remember:
As with all immersion in sulfur-rich water, it's advisable not to stay submerged for more than about ten minutes. Additionally, thermal springs are discouraged for people with heart problems.
Take a Boat Excursion on Lake Shkodra (Skadar) or in Karavasta Lagoon to Birdwatch
Nothing better than encountering local wildlife to delight the whole family. Lucky for you, Albania is home to some of Europe's most important bird reserves! Among the two emblematic destinations for birdwatching in their natural habitat, you'll find Lake Shkodra and Karavasta Lagoon.
Shared between Montenegro and Albania, Lake Shkodra (also called Lake Shkodër or Lake Skadar) is one of the largest lakes in Eastern Europe and one of Albania's most beautiful lakes. More importantly, it's home to over 270 bird species including yellow herons, Dalmatian pelicans, cormorants, white egrets, spoonbills... To birdwatch, you have several options: a safari cruise on a boat (traditional wooden boat), a canoe-kayak outing, or paddleboarding.
Beyond Lake Shkodra, you can also plan a boat excursion to Karavasta Lagoon. Located in the heart of the Divjaka-Karavasta National Park, it's Albania's largest lagoon. Forming stunning aquatic landscapes, it's an important hub for migratory and wintering bird species and is considered the country's primary nesting and breeding site for the curly-haired pelican. You'll also find pink flamingos and numerous varieties of mammals, reptiles, mollusks, amphibians and insects. One thing is certain: the lagoon ranks among Albania's most beautiful landscapes.
Play Explorer at the Archaeological Site of Butrint
The archaeological site of Butrint will enchant the whole family with its remarkable ruins. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's located in the southern part of the country, about 20 km from Saranda.
The city was founded by the Chaonians, a Greek tribe from Epirus, in the middle of the 7th century, before successively becoming the seat of a Greek colony, a Roman city, part of the Byzantine Empire, and under Venetian occupation. The city was eventually abandoned at the end of the Middle Ages due to the presence of marshes.
Today, you'll find remains from each period including fortifications, a Greek theater, a Venetian tower, a Byzantine basilica, Roman ruins... No doubt, both children and adults will be delighted to play explorers among the ruins.
Good to know:
Beyond the archaeological remains, the Butrint National Park is also known for its beautiful saltwater lagoon, which is listed as a Ramsar site, and for its enchanting landscapes made up of plains, mountains and reed beds. At the mouth of the Vivari channel, you'll also find Ali Pacha's castle.
Practical Tips for a Family Trip to Albania
Discover all our advice before traveling to Albania for a trip with children.
What's the Best Time to Visit Albania with Family?
Albania features a Mediterranean climate on its coastline and a continental climate in mountainous regions. Generally speaking, across the country, summers are relatively hot and dry with temperatures reaching around 30°C, and winters are mild and rainy with average temperatures around 10°C.
The best times to visit Albania are during the shoulder seasons, namely May/June and September/October. This is ideal for enjoying sunny days, avoiding crowds, and taking advantage of better rates. In summer, you'll be able to swim more easily, but the heat can sometimes be overwhelming, especially with children. Plus, it's the peak tourist season, which means you'll need to book in advance to avoid high prices.
How to Get Around Albania?
The simplest way to get around Albania with children is to rent a car.
It's the best way to travel at your own pace while having access to tourist attractions and the most remote parts of the country. Remember, since the country is small, distances are relatively short.
However, driving in Albania requires extreme caution due to dangerous driving habits of some motorists. For this reason, it's advisable to maintain distance from other vehicles, avoid driving at night, and not take mountain roads in bad weather.
For travelers who want to explore the country in perfect autonomy without having to organize their trip, the best option is to go on a self-drive trip in Albania. You'll have nothing to do except pick up the car on arrival and follow an itinerary created according to your wishes and budget. Feel free to contact us if you're interested.
If renting a car doesn't appeal to you, you can always opt for travel by train and bus. But keep in mind they're sometimes run-down and not always on schedule. To avoid setbacks, it's better to use an operator who can organize all your excursions for you. Again, feel free to contact us.
Also discover the different ways to get to Albania.
What to Eat in Albania with Children?
If there's one place where your children won't go hungry, it's Albania! That's because Albanian cuisine is incredibly rich and varied! Influenced by Italian, Turkish, and Greek cuisines, Albanian gastronomy consists of specialties based on meat, fish, vegetables, starches, and cheese. Soups and pies also have a prominent place in the cuisine. No doubt your children will find something they like.
Discover all of Albania's signature culinary specialties.
Remember:
Baby products like jarred food or formula are readily available in cities throughout the country. Generally speaking, children are always welcomed as royalty in restaurants.
What to Pack When Traveling to Albania with Children?
Beyond your family's personal belongings, remember to bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and a small spray bottle for summer trips.
Generally speaking, we recommend packing beach shoes (for pebble beaches), a complete first-aid kit (to be reviewed with your family doctor before departure), and a hiking carrier for families who hike with small children. Note that given the many paved city streets and natural trails, a stroller is unnecessary.
Also remember to bring backup batteries to recharge all your devices, as power cuts are fairly frequent in Albania. Also plan for water refills and avoid drinking tap water locally.
Finally, we strongly advise purchasing travel insurance before departure. Indeed, health services aren't always reputable in Albania. You should therefore get insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation if necessary.
How to Dress in Albania?
Albania is a predominantly Muslim country. While it's important to respect local customs, particularly in places of worship (where you should cover your shoulders and knees), know that locals are very tolerant of tourists.
Is it Safe to Bring Children to Albania?
While it's legitimate to ask this question, especially when traveling with children, know that Albania is not a dangerous country. Although it still suffers from a poor reputation due to its past (the country experienced 46 years of dictatorship), it has been stable for several years.
Most visitors will tell you that Albania is a safe and welcoming country where you can travel without worry. Of course, as everywhere else, it's important to take some precautions and use common sense to avoid unnecessary risk:
Don't walk around with large sums of money or valuable items ;
Use hidden travel pouches worn under your pants and avoid small, lightweight bags that can be easily snatched ;
Make photocopies of your identity documents before departure ;
Choose secure, enclosed parking lots for overnight parking if you rent a car ;
Note emergency numbers before you go. You'll find them on the French Embassy in Albania website.
Need help organizing your family trip to Albania? Whether it's planning your itinerary, booking a vehicle or accommodation, or arranging excursions, we'll be happy to help!
In the meantime, get inspired by our family road trip circuit in Albania.
