How Much Does a Trip to Albania Cost – Budget for 7, 10 and 14 Days

Albania is one of the most affordable Mediterranean destinations, but "cheap" no longer means "almost free." The average daily budget in 2026 ranges from €35 to €90 depending on travel style, and a week-long trip for two realistically costs €900–1,600 excluding flights. Here's a detailed cost breakdown by category to help you plan a trip that matches your wallet.

Key takeaways:

• Currency – Albanian lek (ALL), though euros are widely accepted. Exchange rate as of February 2026: 1 € ≈ 100 ALL.
• Cash is king – Albania runs on cash. Many hotels, restaurants, and transport accept only cash, even when booked online.
• ATM fees are steep – flat fee of €5–8 per withdrawal regardless of amount. Withdraw the maximum each time.
• Prices are rising – tourist zones have increased by 12–20% over the past year, particularly along the Riviera.
• Season matters enormously – July-August accommodation on the coast costs double compared to May-June or September.
• Main airport – Tirana International Airport. The new Vlora airport has opened but offers limited routes.
• Still 30–50% cheaper than Greece and Croatia for comparable beaches and cuisine.

Flight prices to Tirana vary widely depending on your departure point. Budget carriers like Wizz Air and Ryanair connect Tirana to most major European cities from €20–60 one way. From North America, expect €400–700 round trip via connections in Istanbul, Rome, or Athens.

Check visa requirements for your nationality before booking – many passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days, but some nationalities require an e-visa (approximately €60).

Accommodation is the biggest variable in your budget. Prices range from €10–15 for a hostel bed to €150+ for a decent hotel room on the Riviera during peak season.

(Updated: February 2026)

A few things rarely mentioned. Ksamil Beach and Sarandë experience disproportionate price spikes in summer – these are the most hyped coastal spots. Mountain guesthouses in Berat and Gjirokastër often include homemade breakfast and dinner, saving significantly on food. And while you can book through platforms, expect to pay cash on arrival.

Food in Albania offers outstanding value. Mediterranean cuisine, fresh seafood, and local wine come at prices that seem unreal compared to neighboring Greece.

(Updated: February 2026)

The golden rule: walk one block away from the waterfront or main square and prices drop 30–40%. In Tirana, the "Blloku" district (former party elite compound) is full of local-priced cafés. In coastal towns, look for restaurants where Albanians are eating – portions tend to be larger and quality higher than at "tourist" establishments.

Public transport in Albania exists but is an adventure in itself. There's no unified system, schedules are approximate, and bus stations sometimes consist of a parking lot by a crossroad.

(Updated: February 2026)

Renting a car via Localrent is the best option for the Riviera and mountain routes. Albanian roads have improved significantly – main highways are in good condition. However, mountain switchbacks (particularly the Llogara Pass near Himarë) require confidence behind the wheel. Local driving style is aggressive, with overtaking on blind corners being common.

Entry fees at most historical sites range from €3–8 – considerably cheaper than Greece or Italy for sites of comparable significance.

Per person, based on double occupancy (accommodation cost split between two).

Hostels and guesthouses, street food and markets, buses, free beaches and sights.

3-star hotels, restaurants, mix of buses and taxis, key excursions.

4–5 star hotels, seafood restaurants, car rental, private tours.

(Updated: February 2026)

Albania is not part of the EU roaming zone, making data connectivity a separate budget item. Two options: buy a local SIM card or activate an eSIM before departure.

Local SIM cards (Vodafone, One, ALBtelecom) cost €5–10 for 5–15 GB. eSIM offers instant connectivity from the moment you land.

If you're traveling through neighboring countries (Montenegro, Greece), consider regional Best Europe packages from Esim4travel – {5 GB for $8.93[AFF_ESIM4TRAVEL\|https://esim4travel.pxf.io/E0bWvn]} covering 35 countries for 30 days.

For a 7-day trip, 5 GB is sufficient for navigation, messaging, and photos. For 14 days, go with 10 GB or unlimited if you plan heavy video calls.

Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage is recommended for any trip abroad. Policies via EKTA start at $7 for 7 days (basic START tier) up to $42 (extended MAX+). For active holidays (trekking, diving), the GOLD tier covering extreme sports costs $37 per week.

Travel in shoulder season (May-June, September-October) – save 30–40% on accommodation with perfect weather. Eat börek for breakfast – a filling meal for under €1. Withdraw large amounts at ATMs – the flat fee is the same whether you take €20 or €200. Use taxi apps (Speed Taxi, Lux Taxi) instead of hailing rides – prices differ by 2–3x. Book mountain guesthouses – they often include homemade meals. Shop at local markets – fruit, vegetables, and cheese cost 2–3x less than in tourist restaurants. Get an apartment with a kitchen for trips over 10 days – savings on breakfast and snacks add up quickly.

1. How much cash should I bring to Albania?

At least €200–300 per person in cash euros for the first few days. Albania runs on a cash economy – many hotels, restaurants, and transport services accept only cash. Exchange currency at exchange offices in Tirana rather than at the airport, where rates are 3–5% worse.

2. Is Albania still a cheap destination?

By European standards, yes. A daily backpacker budget runs €25–45, comparable to Bulgaria and cheaper than Croatia, Greece, or Montenegro. However, coastal tourist zones (especially Ksamil Beach and Sarandë) have seen 15–20% price increases in recent years. True savings are found in mountain towns and non-tourist areas.

3. Should I bring euros or dollars?

Euros. They're accepted almost everywhere alongside leks, and the exchange rate is better than for dollars. Leks are only needed for small purchases – street food, bus tickets, markets.

4. Should I rent a car or rely on buses?

If your route covers only Tirana, Berat, and Sarandë, buses work fine. But for the Riviera (Himarë, Gjipe Beach, Jale Beach) and mountain areas (Shkodër), a rental car saves time and unlocks places inaccessible by bus. Rates via Localrent start at €25/day in low season.

5. What's the biggest hidden cost in Albania?

ATM fees. At €5–8 per withdrawal, frequent small withdrawals can cost you €50+ over a two-week trip. The solution: withdraw the maximum amount each time and keep your cash secure. Sunbed and umbrella rental at popular beaches (Ksamil) is another surprise – up to €35 per pair per day at premium spots.

Albania in 2026 remains one of Europe's best destinations for value. Budget travelers can spend a week for €215–335, mid-range travelers for €415–660, and comfort seekers for €900–1,400. The biggest savings come from accommodation (choose guesthouses and book ahead) and food (eat where locals eat). Most important tip: bring enough cash and don't rely on bank cards.

Sources:

• Albania e-visa portal – official visa applications
• INSTAT Albania – price statistics
• Albanian Ministry of Tourism – official information
• Tirana International Airport – flight information
• Vlora International Airport – new airport details