Тирана. Travel digest

Tirana ranks 74th in Europe with 59.9 points in the 2026 Safety Index published by Numbeo, the world's largest crowd-sourced database for cost of living, property prices, and quality of life statistics, placing the Albanian capital at a moderate level of safety among 115 cities surveyed.

Regionally, Belgrade (62.2 points) and Sofia (61.4 points) rank slightly higher, while Tirana scores

Puka has become one of the most distinctive tourist attractions in northern Albania, establishing itself as a premier year-round travel destination.

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of a major investment near the town, describing it as a "piece of paradise."

The video features a resort-like attraction surrounded by lush greenery, tall trees, and a water surface, as reported

Before the 1990s, the Albanian authorities did not treat tourism as a genuine economic activity. Instead, it served as a showcase for the achievements of the communist state, intended to impress foreign visitors.

Throughout the communist era, the arrival of foreigners—whether for leisure or other reasons—was a rarity. According to the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), visits

Albania boasts a rich combination of scenic landscapes, historic sites and long‑standing traditions that are increasingly attracting visitors.

From the dramatic mountains in the north to the crystal‑clear waters along the southern coast, each locality offers its own story and a distinct experience for tourists, CE Report notes.

Laura Burehl, a well‑known travel

Prime Minister Edi Rama emphasized that aviation remains a top priority for the Albanian government, pointing to rapid growth in air‑travel accessibility and airport infrastructure.

He noted that the share of Albanians able to fly increased from 13 % in 2019 to 34 % today, a result of market liberalisation that introduced new airlines, reduced ticket prices and boosted flight frequencies.

According

AJet has started regular flights connecting Tirana, the capital of Albania, with Istanbul and Ankara.

The inaugural flight from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport arrived at Tirana International Airport amid a welcoming ceremony, according to the airline’s press office and reports from Anadolu Agency.

The Istanbul‑Tirana route will be served five times a week on

Albania is gaining recognition as one of the most sought‑after destinations in Europe for 2026, thanks to its genuine hospitality, crystal‑clear seas, diverse landscapes and well‑preserved historic villages.

Travelers are drawn by the combination of low costs, authentic experiences and a blend of Mediterranean coastline with lively urban centres such as Tirana, positioning the country

Lonely Planet’s latest travel guide points out that Albania can be explored throughout the year, but the most pleasant periods are spring and autumn.

The country has become a fast‑growing hotspot, offering crystal‑clear Adriatic and Ionian beaches, UNESCO‑listed historic towns and rugged mountain ranges such as the Accursed Mountains.

Peak visitor numbers occur

Albania is quickly becoming one of the most attractive tourist spots in Europe, thanks to its diverse landscapes, cultural heritage and affordable prices, according to the travel portal “Turisti per caso”.

A week‑long itinerary is sufficient to experience the country's main attractions, from historic towns to mountain scenery and pristine beaches.

Ryanair has included Tirana, the capital of Albania, in its list of the most attractive European cities to visit in 2026.

The airline highlighted the city’s colourful streets, lively cafés and impressive mountain scenery as key draws for visitors.

Architectural heritage ranging from Ottoman and Italian influences to contemporary designs, together with landmarks such

Rising costs at traditional holiday spots are prompting travellers to look for cheaper alternatives that still offer a comparable experience. Tourism specialists have identified a series of cities that can replace popular destinations while keeping the budget in check.

Puka, located in northern Albania, is gaining recognition as a versatile destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, mountaineering and sport hunting. Its natural assets make it attractive to both local and foreign tourists throughout the year.

Prime Minister Edi Rama recently shared photographs from the village of Gomsiqe, situated in the Qerret municipality of

A non‑stop service connecting Tirana and Toronto is scheduled to launch on 19 June 2026, creating the first direct air link between Albania and Canada.

The route, announced by CE Report citing the Albanian Tourist Authority, will enable up to 14 scheduled passenger flights each week in both directions.

Tirana International Airport, supported by investments from

Tirana is rapidly becoming one of the most popular spots in the Balkans for holiday travelers, attracting thousands of visitors from across the globe who choose the capital for the end‑year vacation period.

Two American tourists, Isabell Mathers and Lydia Bright, are visiting Albania for the first time. They described the country as welcoming and picturesque, and highlighted

According to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, the number of foreign visitors to Albania increased by about 7% year‑to‑date, reaching 11,137,328 between January and October 2025.

October alone recorded 908,642 arrivals, which the minister interprets as a sign that Albania is moving toward a genuine year‑round tourism offering rather than relying solely

Albanian and Italian officials met to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in tourism promotion. The meeting was led by Zana Çela, Director General of the National Tourism Agency of Albania, and Marco Alberti, the Italian Ambassador in Tirana, and was attended by representatives of the Italian Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Italian Trade Institute.

The discussion