Camping in Albania

Camping in Albania: All important information at a glance

For many people, Albania is new camping territory, which perhaps has something to do with the country's bad reputation in the past. However, a lot has changed in the meantime: from wild pitches to campsites close to nature and family campsites on the Adriatic beach, the Balkan country has a lot to offer campers.

As a rule, the campsites in Albania are simply equipped and not nearly as large as in other European countries. 100 pitches is a large site by Albanian standards. The condition of the sanitary facilities varies from site to site. However, a lot of money has been invested in modernisation in recent years.

Power supply is standard, but it can happen that the electricity fails. There is a restaurant or bar on most pitches, but English is often not spoken. Interestingly, you can often get by better with Italian.

Payment is made in the local currency, the Albanian lek (ALL); euros are rarely accepted. Payment by credit card is also not widespread - so you should always carry sufficient cash with you. In the larger cities such as Tirana, you can easily obtain the local currency from the ATMs of the local banks.

Is Albania a safe country for camping?

Albania is now considered a safe country to travel to. The situation is generally calm and violent crime is rare. However, street thefts and burglaries in motorhomes have increased in recent years, especially in the summer months. The situation on the roads is not quite as safe. Many roads are in poor condition and have cracks and potholes. In addition, there are stray animals such as donkeys, goats, dogs and sheep that like to share the road.

The driving style of the Albanians themselves is also adventurous by Western European standards. You should therefore drive with particular care, especially in a motorhome. These problems are exacerbated at night, as there are often unlit vehicles on the roads. We therefore strongly advise against travelling at night in Albania.

Destinations in Albania

The small Balkan country to the north of Greece has a beautiful coastline that is over 400 kilometres long. The fine sandy beaches of the Adriatic Sea attract families and sun-seekers in particular. Water sports enthusiasts will also find a true paradise in the charming coastal towns such as Saranda, while those interested in culture are drawn to the vibrant capital Tirana with its imposing Et'hem Bey Mosque. The campsites located around the capital Tirana are ideal starting points for sightseeing tours. Rozafa Castle in the north is also worth a visit.

Saranda

Enjoy freshly caught fish and other delicacies from the Mediterranean coast at the lively harbour and on the promenade. From the campsite in Saranda, it's just a 20-minute drive to Ksamil to the south of the city, where you'll find one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. On the gently sloping shore, families can splash around with their children or build sandcastles. Active holidaymakers use the campsites near Saranda not only for swimming, but also for long hikes to the mystical mountain lake Syri I Kalter. The lake is also known as the Blue Eye of Albania due to its intense colour.

Tirana

Albania's capital is home to the country's largest museums and art collections. A stroll through the imposing Skanderbeg Square reveals one of Tirana's landmarks: the equestrian monument. Nature lovers are drawn to the fascinating Dajti National Park, which is ideal for hiking to the east of the city. A cable car takes you from the city to the nearby Fusha e Dajtit plateau. On the walk through the nature park, you can see beech trees up to 200 years old and enjoy the fantastic view of the city and the recreational area covered in heather and oak trees.

Is wild camping allowed in Albania?

Wild camping is largely tolerated in Albania. In contrast to other popular holiday regions, you will not be fined if you park your motorhome in the middle of the countryside or pitch your tent in the wilderness. Exceptions to this are nature reserves or private land.

Of course, you should still follow the usual wild camping etiquette: - Look for a site away from settlements or towns - Avoid open fires in the great outdoors - Leave the site as you found it

If you are nevertheless approached and asked to leave the site, you should remain friendly and look for another site.

How to get to Albania

There are several routes available for travelling to Albania by motorhome. The overland route leads via Austria via Italy, Croatia and Montenegro. You can also travel by ferry. The routes are: - Trieste - Durres - Ancona - Durres - Ancona - Ingomeniza (Greece)

As a German citizen, you do not need a visa to enter the country, but you must take your identity card, vehicle documents and insurance card with you. All roads and motorways in Albania are toll-free.

The 5 best campsites in Albania

Below we present 5 campsites in Albania that we particularly like. These campsites are characterised by a beautiful location, good service and excellent value for money.

Camping Pa Emer

A beautiful and quiet campsite right by the sea, open all year round. The pitches offer a marvellous view of the Adriatic coast, and an artificial island has been created near the campsite with a simple but solid restaurant. All pitches have electricity and a new water source was opened in 2018.

Camping Legjenda

Well-kept campsite south of the town centre of Shkodra. The nearby town is easily accessible by bus. The sanitary facilities on the site are in good condition and there is also a large swimming pool. English is spoken at reception.

Lake Shkodra Resort

Very well-kept and clean campsite directly on the beautiful lake of Shkodra. The site has its own beach with access to the lake, the pitches are partly covered and provide shade. There is a playground for children.

Ksamil Caravan Camping

Small site for caravan teams in the village of Ksamil, open all year round. Very informal atmosphere and lovely pitches, some of which are in the shade. The beach is about 200 metres away, restaurants and shops are also within walking distance.

Camping Kranea

This campsite is located on one of the most beautiful beaches on the south-west Albanian Riviera, close to the lively coastal town of Himare. The site is located directly on the waterfront, with a number of shops, a supermarket and restaurants nearby.

Weather and best time to go camping in Albania

Albania has a typical Mediterranean climate with humid but mild winters and dry, hot summers. In April, at the start of the camping season, it is warm enough for sightseeing and excursions with maximum temperatures of up to 16 degrees Celsius. However, as it still rains about every other day in spring, you should pack rainwear.

The climate is much drier in July and August. This is also when temperatures reach their peak of 30 degrees Celsius and above. During this time, the sun shines from the sky for 10 hours a day and makes for fantastic weather. Perfect for combining a camping trip with a beach holiday. In midsummer, the Adriatic Sea on the Albanian coast warms up to 26 degrees Celsius.