I loved Albania. Out of the 119 countries that I have travelled to solo, it was the kind of country that made me feel like a rustic backpacker again. I spent two weeks travelling around the country staying in various areas on my way to Macedonia and share my favourite places including those that have also been recommended by our solo female community.
If you’re looking for the best area to stay in Albania, this guide will help. I’ve listed all the areas in alphabetical order. (You don’t need to be solo travelling to stay at these places either).
Berat
History solo
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Berat is famous for its “City of a Thousand Windows” and its unique hillside architecture. Berat’s charm lies in its history of Ottoman houses, Byzantine churches, and Islamic mosques.
You can either stay in the Mangalem or Gorica quarters for that postcard-perfect experience or in a traditional house in the historic centre. Here are my recommendations for accommodations in Berat (or check all accommodation here)
$ – Guesthouse & Hostel Lorenc is a sociable hostel with a large terrace, clean spacious rooms and great views. It’s walking distance to UNESCO district and you can either stay in a shared dorm room or a private room. * Check prices & availability: Guesthouse & Hostel Lorenc
$$ – Olive B&B is in a great location both near the river and the Old Town and walking distance to the castle. You’ll be welcomed with warm hospitality as the hosts are lovely and provide a delicious breakfast with ingredients from their own garden. * Check prices & availability: Olive B&B
Gjirokaster
Cultural solo
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gjirokastër is a beautiful Ottoman-era town known for its well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets. The old stone houses, with their distinctive slate roofs and wooden balconies, seem frozen in time, offering a glimpse into Albania’s rich past.
Staying in one of the traditional family-run guesthouses that are full of character is definitely an authentic experience. You’ll often be welcomed with homemade raki or fresh pastries, making you feel more like a friend than a guest.
$ – Santa Room-Old Bazaar Center – This guest house is in the heart of the Old Bazaar. The Wifi is great and the rooms are clean and welcoming. They can also arrange to pick you up from the bus station. Because of its location you may need ear plugs if you are a light sleep. * Check prices & availability: Santa Room-Old Bazaar Center
$$ – Argjiro Traditional – This 4-star hotel is a renovated Ottoman house located above a pub so it’s easy to get food or drink without having to go too far. The staff are really helpful and you can choose to have breakfast too. Even though it’s in a quiet street in the Old Bazaar, you may hear music at night so I recommend taking ear plugs with you. * Check prices & availability: Argjiro Traditional
Ksamil
Beach solo
A small village near Saranda, Ksamil is known for its picturesque islands and white sandy beaches. The turquoise waters make it a lovely spot for swimming, snorkelling, or just sunbathing by the sea. In Ksamil you’ll find hotels and resorts, from budget stays to more upscale options making it an ideal place to stay and relax after visiting one of the cities.
If you do come during July and August, it gets packed with both locals and tourists, so if you’re after a quieter escape, visit during May, June, or September for less crowds.
$ – Lake View Rooms Ksamil – If you’re looking for a lake view, these rooms are just perfect. There’s a restaurant and shop nearby and it’s a short 10 minute walk to the beach and the main road. The staff go above and beyond especially if you are here alone. * Check prices & availability: Lake View Rooms Ksamil
$$ – Melina’s Seaside Retreat – To be closer to the beach, this 3-star accommodation is just steps away from Ksamil Beach and a short walk to Bora-Bora Beach. There’s a beautiful garden and terrace and you can choose a room with a balcony facing the sea! * Check prices & availability: Melina’s Seaside Retreat
Saranda (also written as Sarande)
Party solo
Located on the southern coast of Albania, Saranda is one of the best party cities in Albania. This popular tourist destination is known for its stunning beaches and proximity to the ancient city of Butrint. There are numerous hotels and resorts along the coastline, offering fab views of the Ionian Sea.
There are a couple of hostels here which are great for meeting other solo travellers if you’re in party mode. I loved this destination and spent a few evenings sampling the nightlife with other travellers and locals! Plus, you can catch the ferry from here to Corfu for the day too.
$ – Saranda Backpackers is the hostel that I stayed in Sarande. It’s Tomi is an amazing host and helps you with anything that you need. It’s in a great location, close to the beach and really easy to meet others. I even went partying with people I met at the hostel and made a travel buddy. * Check prices & availability: Saranda Backpackers
$$ – Hotel Villa Margarit is a family-run hotel in a great location close to the ferry with attentive hosts. There’s a lovely courtyard and garden and the rooms come with their own fridge and sea view. * Check prices & availability: Hotel Villa Margarit
$$ – Hotel Lindi is a 3-star hotel in a central location, close to restaurants and shops as well as the ferry terminal and bus stops. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and all the staff are friendly too! * Check prices & availability: Hotel Lindi
Shkoder
City & Sightseeing solo
Located in the north of Albania, Shkodër is a city with a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The city offers a mix of hotels and guesthouses, with some accommodations offering views of Lake Shkodër. Shkodër is rich in culture and history, especially with Rozafa Castle, the Venetian-style architecture, and its café scene.
The city offers a mix of hotels and guesthouses, with some accommodations offering views of Lake Shkodër. It does feel a bit more conservative here though so I covered up a little when I was here.
$ – Mi Casa es Tu Casa is where I stayed. It has a chilled out vibe with a bar and garden where you can meet others. Plus there’s a really good kitchen to cook your own meals. * Check prices & availability: Mi Casa es Tu Casa
Tirana
City & Sightseeing solo
As the capital city, Tirana offers a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, boutique hostels, and apartments. You can explore the city’s vibrant culture and historic sites. The Blloku area is fab for solo travellers looking for a safe and trendy neighbourhood to stay in.
$ – Tirana Backpackers is a great hostel. I stayed here and because it’s a small hostel it was really easy to meet others. There’s a lovely courtyard and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s perfect for solos. Breakfast is included too! * Check prices & availability: Tirana Backpackers
$$ – Areela Boutique Hotel is a 3-star hotel in the heart of Tirana. The hotel has a homely feel with a colourful design staff that will make you feel really welcome. * Check prices & availability: Areela Boutique Hotel
$$$ – The Rooms Serviced Apartments Tirana are less than a mile from the city centre and the main attractions. You can work out in the fitness centre, take a dip in the indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room, or treat yourself to a massage and spa treatment. * Check prices & availability: Apartments Tirana
Valbona Valley
Active solo
If you’re into nature and hiking, consider staying in the Valbona Valley National Park in the Albanian Alps. The area offers guesthouses and lodges, providing an excellent base for exploring the stunning landscapes.
You can hike from the small village of Theth over the Valbona Pass on a 17km hike and some guesthouses offer home-cooked meals and can arrange transport or guides. This area is so peaceful but the ride here can be long and bumpy. It’s definitely an adventure!
$ – Villa Gjecaj is a guesthouse and restaurants in Theth in the Albania Alps. I stayed at this homestay and found the family so welcoming. The homemade food and view of the valley is amazing too. And you can trek from here too. * Check prices & availability: Villa Gjecaj
Vuno
Cultural Solo
I loved this small hillside village. It’s off the beaten path and I really felt as though I was able to experience authentic village life here. With stone streets and olive groves, life here feels really simple with no ATMS and only two places to eat. It’s an ideal place to experience local life and if you need a beach, it’s a 45 minute walk to Gjipe Beach.
$ – Shkolla Hostel & Camping. I stayed here for 2 nights and found it to be great value. It’s easy to meet others here but it does have cold showers so expect it to be basic and back to nature. * Check prices & availability: Shkolla Hostel & Camping
Need more on Albania?
I hope that this article has given you some inspiration for the best area to stay in Albania for you. It really is a diverse country and has so many destinations depending on what you want to get out of your trip. If you need more help planning a trip to Albania, I recommend my Solo Travel to Albania guide that covers what to do in the country, how to get around and recommended tours. Happy planning!
