WHEN TO TRAVEL to Albania

Location

Climate

Albania is a destination that is attracting more and more travelers, thanks to its magnificent landscapes, rich culture and historical heritage.

The seasons in Albania: climate and temperatures

Situated between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Albania enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. However, the climate can vary from region to region, particularly due to the country's mountainous terrain.

Spring: an ideal time to visit Albania

THE spring is undoubtedly the best time to visit Albania. Temperatures are pleasant, averaging between 15 and 22°C. Days are generally sunny, although there may be a few showers. It's also during this season that nature comes back to life, offering lush green and flowery landscapes. What's more, the number of tourists is still limited, allowing you to discover the country in a more peaceful setting.

Summer: high season in Albania

L'summer is the most popular tourist season in Albania, not least because of the high temperatures and fine weather. Average temperatures are between 25 and 30°C, but can reach 40°C in some areas. This is the ideal season to enjoy the beaches and swim in the Adriatic or Ionian Seas. However, expect to see a lot of tourists during this period, which can make your stay less peaceful.

Autumn: a pleasant season for a stay in Albania

Like springfall is an excellent time to discover Albania. Temperatures remain mild, averaging between 10 and 20°C. Early autumn still offers many sunny days, while the end of the season is marked by more frequent rainfall. Nature then takes on its autumnal colors, offering magnificent landscapes. The number of tourists is also lower than in the high summer season.

Winter: a season to avoid when visiting Albania

L'winter is not the best time to visit Albania, due to the less favorable weather conditions. Temperatures can drop to 0°C, and precipitation is frequent, particularly in the form of snow in mountainous regions. However, this season offers the opportunity to discover a different face of Albania, with snow-covered landscapes and open ski resorts.

Major cultural events in Albania

Albania offers a wide range of cultural events throughout the year, enabling visitors to discover the country's rich heritage.

1. Tirana International Film Festival Held every year in September, this festival is dedicated to short films and documentaries from all over the world.
2. Spring Festival Celebrated on March 14, this festival marks the start of the new year for the Bektachis, a religious community in Albania.
3. World Music Day Albania: on June 21, Albania celebrates music with free concerts and various events in the streets of the country's cities.
4. Korça Beer Fest Korça: every August, the town of Korça hosts a major beer festival, with concerts and entertainment for all.

Public holidays in Albania

To prepare for your trip, it's important to take into account public holidays in Albania, during which some services and attractions may be closed.

• January 1: New Year
• January 2: Liberation Day
• March 7: Teachers' Day
• March 14: Spring Festival (Bektachis)
• November 28: Independence Day
• November 29: Liberation Day
• December 8: National holiday
• Orthodox Christmas (January 6-7) and Orthodox Easter (dates vary)

Visas and residence permits issued in Albania

According to data provided by the Albanian Ministry of the Interior, there has been a significant increase in applications for visas and residence permits in recent years. In fact, between 2017 and 2019, the number of visas issued increased by almost 20%. The most popular types of visa in Albania are :

• Short-stay visa (type C)This visa allows foreigners to stay in Albania for a maximum of 90 days over a six-month period. This type of visa is mainly intended for tourists, business travelers or people wishing to visit family.
• Long-stay visa (type D)which authorizes a stay of more than 90 days in Albania. This type of visa is often requested by students, workers and people wishing to settle permanently in the country. Application for this visa generally requires presentation of an employment contract, a letter of invitation or other documents proving the need for an extended stay.
• Residence permitThis document is issued to foreigners wishing to settle in Albania for more than one year. To obtain this document, specific conditions must be met, such as stable employment, housing and health insurance.

Asylum applications and naturalizations in Albania

Albania is also receiving a growing number of asylum seekers, mainly from countries in conflict or in precarious economic situations. In 2019, the main nationalities of asylum seekers were:

• Syrians
• Afghans
• Iraqis
• Pakistani
• Iranian

It should be noted that Albania is not a major host country for asylum seekers in Europe, but it does play an important role as a transit country for those seeking to reach the more prosperous nations of the European Union. As far as naturalizations are concerned, Albania welcomes a modest number of new citizens every year. Between 2017 and 2019, the total number of people granted Albanian citizenship increased by almost 50%. Among the main nationalities of those naturalized are Greeks, Italians and Turks.

International tourism figures for Albania

Albania's tourism industry is also growing rapidly, with international arrivals up 20% between 2017 and 2019. Foreign visitors are attracted by the country's natural beauty, beaches, mountains and archaeological sites, as well as its rich and diverse culture.

Main tourist markets

The main tourist markets in Albania are neighbouring countries such as :

• Kosovowhich represents approximately 25% of total arrivals
• North Macedoniawith approximately 15% of arrivals
• Greecewith nearly 10% of arrivals

However, there has also been an increase in the number of tourists from other European countries, such as theItaly, l'Germany or the France.

Tourism trends and prospects in Albania

The Albanian government has identified the tourism sector as one of the potential engines of future economic growth, and has taken several steps to encourage its development. These include investment in tourism infrastructure, promotion of Albania as a destination on international markets, and facilitation of entry procedures for foreign travelers.