Albania General

Albania is a country situated in the southern part of Europe on the Adriatic Sea and Ionean Sea. Albania borders with Greece, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro.
The economy is based mainly on agriculture and mining, chiefly chromite.
The local time zone is GMT+2
The capital of Albania is Tirana.
Public holidays are New Year (januari 1+2), Labour Day (May 1), Independance Day (November 28), Liberation Day (November 29), Christmas Day (December 25).
Travel advise: avoid the northeast region because a lot of unexploded ordnance is scattered in this region.

Topography

Albania is mountainous, with coastal plains which support half of the population. Some of it is poorly drained. It consists mainly of mountains often covered with scrub forest. The only river on which boats can navigate is the Bune. The mountains are often inaccessable. The inland contains many beautiful lakes and at the Adriatic coast one can find many sandy beaches.

Climate

The climate is mild temperate with wet, cool and cloudy winters and hot, dry summers. The inland is somewhat wetter and cooler.
The period from june to september is characterised by hot and sunny days, while from october to may the days are cool and wet.
Industrial and tourist areas

Population, languages and religion

The population of about 3.500.000 Albanians live in an area of about 29.000 square kilometers and languages spoken are: Albanian and Greek.
The main religions in Albania are Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Islam.

Capital and main cities

The capital of Albania is Tirana and its major port is Durresi. Important cities are: Berati, Durresi, Girokastra, Korca, Kruja, Lezha, Shkodra, Saranda, Pogradeci, and Vlora.
Tirana
One of the interesting historical buildings in Tirana is the "Kalaja" - the fortress - which controlled the traffic on 2 main roads; one from north to south and another from east to west.

Customs, travel documents and goods transfer

A valid passport is required for persons older then 16 year. Identity cards are not accepted.
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, H

ungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA.
A reasonable amount of tobacco, beverages and perfumes for personal use can be taken in Albania without custom duties. Forbidden items are: firearms, ammunition, narcotics, drugs and goods jeopardizing public order and social security. Special export permits are required for precious metals, ancient coins, antiques, books and works of art which are considered to be part of the national culture and heritage.

Health care and hygiene

Health care does not meet the West-European standards and it is advised to take a supply of medicines with you when you plan to stay longer.

Currency, mains and Internet

The national currency is the Lek. Banknotes are in denominations of LEK 5000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of LEK 50, 20, 10 and 5. It is strongly advised to do currency exchange only in banks because they offer the best exchange rates.
Credit cards are only accepted by some banks and a few major hotels.

Public transportation

The main international airport - Mother Tereza - ls located about 25 kilometers northwest of Tirana. Taxis and car rentals are available at the airport.
The main seaport is in Durresi, it provides links with the ports of Ankona, Bari, Brindisi and Trieste. Another harbour is at Vlore with links to Bari and Brindisi.

Private transportation

Roads are often in bad condition, specially in the northeastern part of the country.

Hotels and hostels

Holiday parks

Restaurants

Attractions, museums, theaters, cabarets, casinos, festivals, events

Folklore

Family holidays

Specials for seniors

Health and wellness

Information for disabled

Adventure sports

Water sports

Winter sports

Practical Information and telephone numbers

Tourist Information

Must see

Don't Do