“Generation Voyage”: In search of the authentic Albania, from traditional flavors to Tirana souvenirs

From traditional flavors to artisanal crafts and objects that recall the country’s history, Albania offers souvenirs that go well beyond typical tourist keepsakes.

The French outlet “Generation Voyage” rounds up some of the authentic products visitors can take home from Tirana and Kruja.

Tirana airport shops mostly stock “Skënderbeu” cognac, usually in a golden box, along with magnets bearing the image of the national hero, Skanderbeg.

These are easy-to-find products, but they do not necessarily represent what Albanians themselves choose to give one another as gifts.

For those seeking more authentic souvenirs from Tirana, the city offers plenty of options for taking home products directly tied to Albania’s tradition and history — from artisanal raki and kilims to gliko (fruit preserve) and objects linked to the communist era.

Two of the main shopping addresses are the New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri) in central Tirana and the Kruja bazaar, about 45 minutes by car from the capital.

Traditional raki

“Skënderbeu” cognac has been produced since 1967.

It is an industrial product, widely available on the market, including in airport duty-free shops.

Although cognac is drunk and also given as a gift, when Albanians welcome guests into their homes, the traditional drink they usually serve is raki.

Raki is a traditional drink of Albanian households and of other Balkan countries.

It is produced artisanally in copper stills and made from different fruits depending on the region — grapes, plums, blackberries and figs.

The alcohol content usually ranges from 40 to 50 percent.

At the New Bazaar, small producers can sell their own raki directly from their stalls.

That makes the bazaar one of the places to look for a more traditional Albanian product, rather than shops aimed mainly at tourists.

It is a good idea to taste the raki before buying, as quality can vary considerably from one producer to another.

The character and taste of raki can also differ greatly.

According to the article, prices range from about 5 to 15 euros per liter, depending on quality and packaging.

Mountain tea, one of Albania’s traditional drinks

Mountain tea is not a product created specifically for tourists.

It is one of the traditional products consumed in Albania, made from the plant Sideritis scardica.

The plant grows in the country’s mountainous areas, and the tea has a characteristic herbal taste with light aromatic notes.

The article also mentions the plant’s traditional use and its properties, studied since ancient times.

For a visitor, mountain tea is also a practical souvenir: it is light, takes up little space and travels easily in luggage.

It is found not only in tourist shops but also in grocery stores, markets and ordinary supermarkets.

According to the article, a 50- to 100-gram pack costs around 1 to 3 euros.

That makes mountain tea one of the simplest and most affordable souvenirs to bring home from Albania.

Gliko and honey, traditional flavors to take home

Gliko is a traditional specialty of Albanian cuisine and of the Balkan countries’ tradition.

It is made with fruit preserved in a thick syrup and is usually served by the spoonful.

One of the most traditional versions is gliko made with green walnuts, but figs, cherries and quinces are also used.

Përmet’s gliko is known for its long tradition and can also be found in Tirana, with no need to travel to Përmet.

Another suggested souvenir is Albanian mountain honey.

It is often produced by beekeepers and small producers and can also be found at the New Bazaar.

Both gliko and honey travel easily, provided the jars are packed well to avoid damage or leaking during the trip.

According to the article, a jar of honey costs around 5 to 10 euros, while artisanal gliko may cost somewhat more.

Kilims, for those with room in their luggage

The kilim is a flat, handwoven textile with no pile.

It is characterized by geometric motifs, which traditionally may be linked to different symbols, such as protection, fertility or regional belonging.

Compared with a traditional knotted carpet, the kilim is lighter and more practical to transport, since it can be folded and placed in a large bag.

In a handmade kilim, the weave should be dense and even on both sides.

A simple way to check the workmanship is to turn the kilim over and look at the back before buying.

Tirana has several shops offering artisanal products, while the Kruja bazaar, about 45 minutes away by car, offers a wider selection.

At the bazaar you can also find artisans working on site.

According to the article, prices start at around 30 euros for a small kilim and can reach several hundred euros for a large, old piece.

Embroidery and textiles, practical and traditional souvenirs

Albanian embroidery is part of the folk-costume tradition and was historically used on various traditional garments.

Today, traditional embroidery motifs are also found on everyday products such as tablecloths, cushions, scarves and handkerchiefs.

The motifs can be floral or geometric, depending on regional origin.

To tell a handmade piece apart, you can check the back of the fabric.

Slight irregularities in the stitching can indicate handwork, while machine-made embroidery tends to be more uniform.

According to the article, hand-embroidered scarves cost around 40 to 80 euros.

Simpler cotton products, such as tablecloths and small cushions, cost around 15 to 30 euros.

It is recommended to buy in shops that clearly state the product’s origin and how it was made.

Communist-era objects, another kind of souvenir

Tirana also offers souvenirs linked to Albania’s communist-era history, including busts of Enver Hoxha and period posters.

Albania was ruled by Enver Hoxha’s communist regime for more than four decades, until his death in April 1985.

He was succeeded by Ramiz Alia, who led the country until the fall of the communist system in 1991.

The communist period remains a topic that stirs differing views in Albanian society.

For tourists seeking objects linked to this period, the Bunk’Art 1 and Bunk’Art 2 shops offer various items.

Bunk’Art 1 is housed in a large underground bunker in the Sauk area, while Bunk’Art 2 is in central Tirana, near the Interior Ministry.

The two centers carry different products, so visitors can choose according to their itinerary in Tirana.

For those seeking old objects, medals, badges, old banknotes and communist-era documents can also be found in the areas around the New Bazaar.

Among the most sought-after souvenirs are miniature models of the concrete bunkers, a characteristic symbol of Albania’s communist era.

According to the article, at the end of the communist regime Albania had around 750,000 bunkers.

The miniature models usually cost a few euros and are easy to transport.

Ceramics, for those who know what to look for

Handmade Albanian ceramics are another souvenir option, although the article notes that the quality of products found in Tirana can vary.

According to the article, the best pieces come from Berat and Gjirokastra.

In Tirana, shoppers can focus on the New Bazaar and the artisanal shops in the city center.

Handmade ceramics may show small irregularities in the decoration and glaze.

These characteristics can be signs of the artisanal production process.

On the market you can find painted cups, decorative plates with the double-headed eagle or with motifs inspired by the Ottoman period, as well as vases.

According to the article, prices range from around 8 to 30 euros, depending on the size and workmanship.

Where to shop in Tirana without wasting time

The New Bazaar, Tirana’s renovated covered central market, is presented as a good starting point for those looking to buy souvenirs in the capital.

In this area you will find food stalls, small artisanal shops and producers selling their products directly.

Among the products on offer are raki, honey, mountain tea, gliko and spices.

The bazaar is lively all day, while the morning hours are considered best for meeting producers, tasting products and then making purchases.

The Blloku area also offers local shops where you can find canvas bags, notebooks and posters by Albanian graphic designers.

The article describes these shops as places frequented by local customers too, not just tourists, with relatively reasonable prices.

For those with half a day to spare, another option is the trip to Kruja, about 45 minutes from Tirana.

Kruja’s historic bazaar offers a wide selection of kilims, embroidery and ceramics, although shoppers are advised to check the origin of products carefully.

For those seeking traditional souvenirs during a short trip from Tirana, Kruja is presented as one of the destinations worth including in the itinerary.

From the New Bazaar’s artisanal raki to Kruja’s kilims and Bunk’Art’s miniature bunker models, Tirana offers a range of souvenirs tied to Albania’s traditions, culture and history.