Albania

Do South Africans need a visa for Albania?

Usually yes, but it’s easy — an e-visa via the official e-visa.al portal (around €25, allowing 90 days within any 180). Apply up to 90 days ahead, pay online, and print the emailed approval; processing can take up to about two weeks, so don’t leave it late. Important shortcut: if you hold a valid Schengen, UK or US visa (or residence), you can generally enter Albania visa-free — the cheaper, simpler route if you qualify, so check which applies to you. Use a passport valid beyond your stay. You can check requirements and apply here.

What it costs (in rand)

Albania is one of Europe’s best-value destinations — budget around R350–500 a day. The famous Albanian Riviera delivers Mediterranean beaches at a fraction of Greek or Italian prices, guesthouses and seafood are cheap, and furgon (minibus) transport costs little. Peak summer on the coast (July–August) is the priciest stretch; the rest of the year and the interior are cheaper still.

When to go

June and September are the sweet spots for the coast — warm sea, fewer crowds than the July–August peak. Spring and autumn are ideal for the cities, historic towns and hiking. Summer is hot and busy on the Riviera. The Albanian Alps (Theth, Valbona) are a summer-only hiking destination (roughly June–September).

Getting around

Travel is mostly by furgons (shared minibuses) and buses — cheap, frequent on main routes, but informal (ask locals for departure points and times). A hire car gives real freedom for the Riviera and the mountains, where public transport thins out. Tirana has cheap taxis and ride apps. Allow time; roads in the highlands are slow.

What to actually do

Drive the Albanian Riviera for beaches like Ksamil, Dhërmi and Gjipe, with Sarandë as a base. Explore the UNESCO-listed Ottoman towns of Berat (“city of a thousand windows”) and Gjirokastër, the ancient ruins of Butrint, and the buzzing, colourful capital Tirana. For adventure, hike the Albanian Alps between Theth and Valbona, one of the Balkans’ best treks. It’s a beach-and-mountains gem still well short of overtourism. Lock in a place to stay for the summer coast.

Honest take

Albania is the Balkans’ best-value find — gorgeous coast, dramatic mountains and Ottoman history at low prices. Sort the e-visa (or use your Schengen/UK/US visa to skip it), travel the coast outside the August crush, and carry a data eSIM for navigation.