Travelling in Albania – A Complete Guide to a Wild Mediterranean Adventure with Non-Stop Internet via eSIM
Esimfly · 7 April 2025
Albania is one of the Balkans' biggest surprises.
A country that until recently was almost closed off to the world has become a thrilling travel destination in recent years, with blue beaches, green mountains, historic towns and exceptionally warm people.
It has kept its authenticity, stayed far from the crowds of its neighbours, and still manages to offer a modern, comfortable experience at very reasonable prices.
But to really enjoy it, you need to arrive prepared.
Albania isn't as developed as Western Europe, and in many places stable WiFi is hard to find.
So even before I arrived, I installed an eSIM for travel on my phone.
Not a physical SIM, not an expensive roaming package from home – a digital SIM that activated in seconds.
And the best part? It worked everywhere – in the mountains, in the villages and on the coast – effortlessly.
In this article you'll find everything you need to build a trip to Albania from A to Z – routes, transport, seasons, accommodation, food, culture – plus a clear recommendation to use a smart travel SIM that will upgrade your whole experience.
Arriving in Albania – the starting point of your trip
Most travellers begin in Tirana, Albania's capital. Tirana International Airport (TIA) is about a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
You can also arrive via Montenegro or Greece, especially if you're renting a car.
Right at the airport exit, the internet worked perfectly. I ordered a taxi and checked the location of my accommodation – all through the eSIM I'd installed in advance.
No removing my home SIM, no searching for a shop, no complications.
Getting around Albania – rental cars, buses and navigation tips
Rental car
The most convenient way to see Albania is by car.
The roads have improved considerably in recent years, and the scenery along the way – between coast and mountains – is breathtaking.
Parking is rarely a problem, fuel is cheap, and public transport is mostly limited to the cities.
Buses
There are bus routes between the main cities, but timetables aren't always accurate.
It's worth checking departure times in advance and arriving early.
In the villages, public transport barely exists – which makes an active internet connection through a travel SIM critical.
Navigation
Google Maps works well in most areas. Make sure your maps are up to date, as some roads change.
Thanks to my eSIM plan, I never had to download maps in advance – I simply browsed, navigated and booked from my phone.
Tirana – a capital in transformation
Tirana is a lively, colourful city that keeps surprising you.
The centre is full of restaurants, cafés, parks, museums and shopping centres.
The main square – Skanderbeg Square – is the heart of the city, radiating out into streets, nightlife areas and attractions.
Don't miss the BunkArt bunker museum, the cable car up to Mount Dajti, and the buzzing nightlife of the Blloku district.
I stayed connected there the whole time with my eSIM for travel – without it, communicating with taxi drivers and navigating between areas would have been much harder.
Berat – the town of windows and soul
Berat, also known as "the city of a thousand windows", is a genuine gem.
The town is built along a river, with white houses clinging to a mountainside, an ancient castle and stunning Ottoman architecture.
The views are magnificent, the atmosphere authentic, and the local food is simply delicious.
I wandered there for hours, taking photos, reading up on the history online and navigating around the castle – all through a virtual travel SIM that kept an excellent connection even in the narrow lanes of the old town.
Gjirokastër – history built stone by stone
The famous stone city, Gjirokastër, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built on a mountainside, it has cobbled streets, a colourful bazaar, a great castle and a striking mountain backdrop.
The city is remarkable for its architecture – stone roofs, wooden balconies and houses dating back to the 17th century.
The Albanian Riviera – the most beautiful beaches you've never heard of
The southern stretch of the country, from Vlorë down to Sarandë, is known as the "Albanian Riviera" – offering turquoise beaches, secluded bays, fishing villages and stretches of white sand.
Places you shouldn't miss:
- Dhërmi
- Himarë
- Jal
- Ksamil
- Gjipe beach – reachable only on foot
I stayed in small seaside guesthouses with sea views – and found and booked everything on the move thanks to my eSIM for travel. Simple, fast, convenient.
Sarandë – southern Albania's resort town
Sarandë sits opposite the island of Corfu and makes an excellent base for exploring the region.
From town you can take boat trips to small islands and beach tours, and visit the Blue Eye spring – a stunning turquoise water source.
At every moment of the trip – especially in areas with poor regular coverage – my eSIM let me stay in touch, check restaurants, read reviews and keep family back home updated.
Albanian food – Mediterranean, Balkan and local flavours combined
Food in Albania is a celebration: fresh, simple and full of flavour.
Popular dishes:
- Byrek – a filo pastry filled with cheese or greens
- Tavë Kosi – baked lamb with yoghurt
- Fresh fish and seafood
- Greek salad with bold olive oil
- Fresh fruit, local ice cream and Balkan sweets
I ate at small places I found along the way – and the constant connection of my travel SIM gave me access to recommendations and directions I couldn't have managed without.
Accommodation in Albania – easy, comfortable and cheap
In Albania you'll find everything: family-run hotels, hostels, wooden cabins, Airbnb apartments and even beachfront villas.
Prices are excellent and the hospitality is warm and generous.
It's worth checking location, parking and WiFi in advance – and with an active eSIM, it's easy to find the perfect option on the move.
When is the best time to travel in Albania?
- Spring (April–June): blossom, perfect weather, fewer tourists
- Summer (July–August): hot and busy, ideal for the beaches
- Autumn (September–October): calm, pleasant, perfect for touring
- Winter: mainly for snow lovers in the north
Whatever the season, it's worth checking the weather, opening hours and road conditions – all of which is only possible with a good connection through an eSIM for Albania
Why travel with eSIM Fly?
Because Albania is a wonderful destination, but not the most digital one.
Which is why it pays to arrive prepared – with a connectivity solution that connects on its own, doesn't depend on local providers and isn't expensive.
- Connects in seconds
- No SIM swapping
- Full customer support
- Affordable prices
- Works even in remote villages
An eSIM is simply freedom.
Summary – Albania is a journey. Let yourself connect
If you're looking for an unexpected, surprising, authentic and exciting destination, Albania is the answer.
But to truly experience it – without hassle, without wasting time and without worry – travel with a smart travel SIM.
Your trip starts when you're connected.
And nobody does that better than eSIM Fly.
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