Albania: The Destination to Watch for 2027 (and How to Stay Connected)

Albania is one of the most talked-about destinations for 2027. In September 2026, Euronews reported that the Advantage Travel Partnership, a UK consortium of independent travel agents, had tipped Albania as a destination to watch for 2027, with its beaches and value for money among the reasons. It combines a sunny Riviera, UNESCO-listed towns, ancient ruins and dramatic mountains. One thing UK visitors should know before they go: Albania is not in the EU, so your UK plan's European roaming may not cover it.

Why Albania is on the 2027 list

Albania offers much of what people love about the Mediterranean, often with fewer crowds and lower day-to-day costs than better-known neighbours. Flight options from the UK to Tirana have grown in recent years, and the south of the country is a short ferry ride from Corfu.

It is also a destination that rewards a road trip. In one or two weeks you can combine beach days with historic towns and mountain hiking, which suits couples, families and active travellers alike.

The highlights

The Albanian Riviera: Ksamil, Himara and Dhermi

The coastline south of Vlora is the main draw for summer visitors. Ksamil, near the Greek border, has small islands and clear turquoise water and gets busy in July and August. Himara is a relaxed town with good beaches and a castle above it. Dhermi is known for its long beach and the mountain road that drops down to it via the Llogara Pass.

Tirana

The capital is colourful, lively and easy to explore on foot. Skanderbeg Square, the Blloku district's cafes and the Bunk'Art museums, housed in former Cold War bunkers, give a good introduction to the country's recent history. The Dajti cable car offers views over the city.

Berat and Gjirokaster

These two Ottoman-era towns are listed together by UNESCO. Berat is called the "city of a thousand windows" for its white houses stacked on the hillside. Gjirokaster, in the south, has stone-roofed houses and a large hilltop castle. Both are worth an overnight stay.

Butrint

Butrint National Park, near Ksamil, holds ruins from Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian times in a lagoon setting. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an easy half-day trip from the Riviera.

The Accursed Mountains: Theth and Valbona

In the far north, the Albanian Alps (also called the Accursed Mountains) offer some of the best hiking in the Balkans. The classic route links the villages of Theth and Valbona over a mountain pass, usually done in summer and early autumn. Guesthouses are simple and welcoming. Mobile coverage in the high valleys can be limited, so plan offline.

Practical tips for UK visitors

Entry requirements

UK citizens can currently visit Albania without a visa. GOV.UK says British visitors can stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for tourism or business. Entry rules can change, so check the GOV.UK travel advice for Albania before you book and again before you travel.

Money

• The currency is the Albanian lek. Euros are accepted in some tourist areas, but prices and change are often better in lek.
• Cards are widely accepted in Tirana and larger hotels, but cash is still important for small guesthouses, beach loungers, local buses and rural restaurants.
• Cash machines are common in towns. Carry enough cash before heading into the mountains.

Getting around

Renting a car gives the most freedom, especially for the Riviera and mountain roads. Furgons (shared minibuses) and buses connect the main towns cheaply but run to flexible timetables. Maps and ride information on your phone make both much easier.

Day trips from Corfu

Ferries run from Corfu Town to Saranda, a short crossing that makes a day trip to Butrint or Ksamil possible. If you are holidaying in Corfu, remember that once you cross, you are outside the EU: roaming inclusions that worked in Greece may not apply in Albania.

Staying connected in Albania

Because Albania is not an EU country, the European roaming inclusions on many UK mobile plans usually do not apply there. Some networks charge a daily fee or pay-as-you-go rates, and others treat Albania as part of a worldwide zone. Check your own network's terms before you rely on your UK SIM.

A travel eSIM gives you local data from arrival, without swapping SIM cards. You can find local plans on our Albania eSIM page. If you are combining Albania with Greece, Montenegro or other Balkan countries, compare a multi-country option on our regional and global eSIM page, and check that Albania is on the plan's coverage list, as not every Europe plan includes non-EU countries.

Before you buy, confirm your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked using our device compatibility checker. Keep your UK number for calls and texts, and switch off data roaming on that line so the eSIM handles all mobile data.

Coverage tips

• Coverage is generally good in Tirana, the larger towns and along the main coast road.
• Remote mountain areas such as the Theth and Valbona valleys can have weak or no signal.
• Download offline maps and save accommodation details before heading off the main routes.

Frequently asked questions

Is Albania in the EU?

No. Albania is an EU candidate country but not a member, so EU roaming rules and most UK plans' European inclusions usually do not apply.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Albania?

Not currently for short visits. GOV.UK says British visitors can stay up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Check GOV.UK before you travel, as rules can change.

What currency does Albania use?

The Albanian lek. Carry some cash, particularly outside Tirana and in rural areas.

Can I visit Albania from Corfu for a day?

Yes. Ferries link Corfu Town and Saranda. Bring your passport and remember that your EU roaming inclusions may stop at the border.

When is the best time to visit Albania?

Late spring and early autumn are warm with fewer crowds. July and August are best for guaranteed beach weather but are the busiest months. Mountain hiking is best from June to September.