Welcome to our Blog
Explore the hidden gems of South Albania through our engaging and informative blog posts. Discover the best places to visit, learn about local culture, and delve into traditional Albanian cuisine.
Places to Visit
Discover the most breathtaking destinations in the South of Albania that you can't miss during your visit.
Butrint - the ancient city / Lekursi Castle / 40 Saint Monastery /Blue Eye Spring /Synagogue and Basilica
Local Culture
Traditional Cuisine
Currency & Holiday Money
The official currency in ALBANIA is the LEK. But because of the growing of tourism it is common the use of EURO almost in every bar, restaurant and shop. Generally on every bill you can find the price in LEK and EURO. Check THE NATIONAL BANK OF ALBANIA for latest exchange rates, OR ASK BEFORE YOU CAN USE ANY OTHER CURRENCY.
Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in most major hotels, restaurants and shops, but keep some cash on hand, especially on the small local shops and in smaller towns. Express is not as common.
Shopping
Albania is a cultural haven, and you will find a wide range of arts and crafts wherever you go. Locally hand-crafted ceramics, textiles, wood carvings, and jewelry make for wonderful souvenirs. Many destinations pride themselves on specific products – for instance, at Butrinti park the local artisan are famed for hand-painted souvenirs, eggshell figures recreations of the ancient mosaics. If you are shopping for antiques, do beware of fakes and stick to reputable traders.
Is bargaining acceptable in Albania?
Bargaining is generally not accepted in Albania - in most shops there will be a fixed price for goods on sale. In the small markets and with street vendors, a bit of bargaining may be more appropriate.
Drinking Water
In the major cities, it’s generally safe to drink water from taps and also from drinking fountains. However, it is strongly recommended to stick to bottled water on most islands and in rural areas.
Tipping
Tipping customs in Albania vary widely. Service charge is not included in the bill, but tipping remains a common practice, especially in popular tourist destinations. Your tip should reflect the service so if it was excellent, 10% is an added bonus.
Climate in Sarande
Summer in Sarande. The climate in Sarande is typical of the Mediterranean climate with two seasons - a warm and dry summer, and a mild and wet winter. Summer is a long season with temperatures climbing to a pleasant degree as early as late February. March and even April can be somewhat unpredictable months with the occasional rain shower and windy conditions though at this time of year the landscapes are decorated with beautiful wild flowers. The shoulder months between May and June still offer lovely weather conditions but without the crowds.
Between September and mid-October the soft light and delicate colors are particularly suited to photography. The sea water retains the heat of the mid-summer months so swimming is definitely still on the cards.
Winter in Sarande
By late-October many parts of South Albania and specially in Sarande begin to experience more frequent cloud cover and some time rain showers. But still walm temperatures even during November. Teperatures do drop only by beginning of December. The tourist season comes to an end and prices drop.
Youth Outdoor Programs are important.
In our Youth Outdoor Program, participants learn by doing. They are challenged as individuals and become effective team members. They will do backpack tours. They will cover a certain distance each day and divide the various tasks and responsibilities among the group members, including campsite management, navigation, cooking and group leadership.
Start Your Adventure Today
Plan your next excursion with South Albania Excursions and experience the beauty and culture of the region firsthand.