‘Notizie Nazionali’: Albania, the Mediterranean’s tourism surprise

– For years, Albania stayed off the main tourist itineraries, better known for its recent history than its coastal riches, writes Italian media outlet “Notizie Nazionali”.

Today, the country is emerging as one of the most dynamic destinations in the Mediterranean, moving within a few years from a relatively unknown destination to an established tourist country.

The growing interest is also linked to the important role of Italian tourists, who are increasingly choosing Albania as their holiday destination.

In 2025, Albania welcomed more than 12 million foreign visitors, a figure significantly higher than in previous years.

This places Albania in the same Mediterranean tourist space as established destinations such as Greece and Croatia.

According to the article, Italians make up the largest group of foreign visitors, favored by geographic proximity and numerous transport links.

What makes Albania an attractive destination?

The growing interest in Albania is linked to a combination of factors and the variety of the tourist offer the country provides.

The coastline remains one of the main attractions.

The Albanian Riviera in the south, with crystal waters along the coastline between Vlora and Saranda, offers a competitive alternative to well-known Mediterranean destinations.

At the same time, the Adriatic coast is characterized by long sandy beaches and areas more accessible to holidaymakers.

This variety combines natural areas and developed tourist spaces, adapting to different visitor profiles.

But Albania’s tourist offer goes beyond the coastline.

The country has a rich historical and cultural heritage, including Berat and Gjirokastër, UNESCO-protected cities, as well as archaeological sites bearing witness to Greek, Roman and Byzantine civilizations.

Alongside them, in the mountainous areas there are villages that have partly preserved their traditional characteristics.

In recent years, growing interest has also emerged in nature tourism.

The Albanian Alps in the north, with valleys, hiking trails, canyons and lakes, offer opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration of mountain territories.

Another element mentioned in the article is the atmosphere that accompanies traveling in Albania.

Hospitality, the intertwining of traditions with modern developments and the chance to discover areas not yet overcrowded by tourism create an experience many visitors consider special.

Linguistic and cultural closeness with Italy also plays a role.

In many areas, especially along the coast, Italian is widely understood and spoken.

This is linked to the historical relations between the two countries and the influence of Italian media, making travel easier for Italian visitors.

Durrës, the gateway from the sea

The variety of ways to travel to Albania is another factor that has influenced the growth in visitors.

More and more Italians choose to travel to Albania by ferry, taking their vehicle with them and arriving in Durrës, the country’s main port and one of the traditional maritime links with Italy.

According to the article, visitors can compare ferry alternatives from Bari to Durrës online, through specialized platforms, and choose the most suitable option for their journey.

Arriving with a personal vehicle offers the chance to move around the territory more independently.

From Durrës, Tirana is reached in a relatively short time, while the southern Riviera can be explored by following the coastal roads.

At the same time, historic cities and inland areas can be included in longer itineraries.

Using a personal vehicle creates the opportunity to combine coastline, culture and nature in the same trip, reducing dependence on local transport.

A destination on the rise

Durrës is also a tourist destination in its own right.

The city, the second largest in Albania, has a significant historical heritage, notably the Roman amphitheater, while the seaside promenade and long sandy beaches complete the tourist offer.

From Durrës, tourists can continue toward various destinations in the country, making the city a suitable starting point for both short stays and multi-day trips.

According to the article, the growth of tourism in Albania is being accompanied by investments in accommodation structures and the expansion of the country’s promotion in international markets.

These developments are linked to the aim of consolidating Albania’s position in the Mediterranean tourist market.

Meanwhile, air and sea transport links have expanded, making the country more accessible to tourists.

The tourist season has also gradually extended beyond the traditional summer months, with growing interest during the milder periods of the year, when coastal areas are less crowded and historic cities can be visited in a calmer atmosphere.

For Italian tourists, whom the article considers among the protagonists of this growth, Albania offers the chance to combine, in a destination relatively close to Italy, the coastline, history, nature and the experience of a country with still-vivid traditions.

From a destination that for years was perceived as distant, despite its geographic proximity, Albania has turned into one of the destinations drawing attention in the Mediterranean, while the growth of links and of the tourist offer is creating new opportunities for the further development of the sector.