Travel Guide

Travel Essentials: Albania

Before finalising your next big adventure devote some time to pre-planning to ensure you are as best prepared as possible. Included here you'll find useful 'Essential Info' with links through to the experts in Travel Health Advice, Visa Regulations, Government Travel Advice, Books and Maps.

To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.

Climate	Albania's climate is quite diverse. The lowlands and plains are characterised by a typical Mediterranean climate whilst the mountainous interior is typically continental with a little Mediterranean influence. The north and south of the country do, however, differ widely - with drier summers in the south and much greater summer and winter temperatures in the north. In the south and central plains the summer is normally very sunny and hot with temperatures frequently reaching 40°C or higher. The warm Sirocco wind in autumn brings a muggy/sticky period. Mid-October sees the start of the rainy season (which peaks in November) and snow starts to fall high in the mountains. Rain showers are typically short and sharp. Winter in the mountains is cold with remote villages often cut off with heavy snowfall.
Seasonality	Spring and late summer/autumn tend to be some of the best periods for cultural travelling in Albania, avoiding the peak holiday months of July and August when Albanians from all around the region (Kosovo, Macedonia and Albania) travel to Albania's Adriatic coastline for sun and beach holidays.
National Holidays
02 Jan 2008	New Year's Holiday
14 Mar 2008	Summer Day
22 Mar 2008	Nevruz Day
24 Mar 2008	Easter Monday
28 Apr 2008	Orthodox Easter Monday
01 May 2008	Labour Day
30 Sep 2008	Lesser Bairam (End of Ramadan)
19 Oct 2008	Mother Theresa Day
20 Oct 2008	Morther Theresa Day (day in lieu)
28 Nov 2008	Independence Day
29 Nov 2008	Liberation Day
01 Dec 2008	Liberation Day (day in Lieu)
08 Dec 2008	Greater Barjam (Feast of Sacrifice)- Muslim
25 Dec 2008	Christmas Day
01 Jan 2009	New Year
National Events
MFAFT! Music Festival	Occurs: July The MFAFT! Music Festival takes place on the Albanian Riviera at Himara.
Gjirokastra Folk Festival	Occurs: Every four years A wonderful cultural event - the Gjirokastra Folk Festival - takes place every 4 years when dancers and singers gather, wearing traditional costume, to celebrate Albanian folk music.