Albania · Mistakes to avoid
5 mistakes families make in Albania
The five most common mistakes families make in Albania are reaching the beach after ten in the morning, not booking sunbeds in peak season, relying on public transport, underestimating drive times on winding coastal roads and basing in Sarandë instead of Ksamil. All five are easy to avoid with a rental car, an early start and a base close to the beaches.
The mistakes, and what to do instead
- 1
Arriving after 10am at the beach
The turquoise water and small islets of Ksamil in the south are the most popular beach area in Albania, and in July and August the best spots fill up early. If you turn up at midday you will find crowded sand and a long search for space. Instead, aim to be on the beach by nine, claim a spot, and use the late afternoon for a second swim. The morning sea is calmer and clearer, and children get the shallows to themselves. Take your own water and snacks.
- 2
Not pre-booking sunbeds
At many Albanian beaches the sunbeds and umbrellas sit in rows run by beach bars, and in peak season the front rows can be taken by the time you arrive. Asking the day before, or booking through your accommodation, saves a lot of stress, especially with small children who need shade. Prices vary by beach and season, so ask before you sit down. If you prefer free space, bring your own umbrella and mat and arrive early. Some quieter beaches have no sunbeds at all.
- 3
Relying on public transport
Albania has buses and shared minivans called furgons, but timetables are loose, routes are hard to read and services dwindle in the afternoon. With children, luggage and heat, that is difficult. A rental car makes the trip far easier, giving you control over beach days, castle visits and meals. Roads between main towns are much improved, though driving styles can be assertive and rural roads are rougher. Book the car early in summer, check the insurance, and choose a smaller car for narrow village roads.
- 4
Underestimating drive times
Albania's coastal and mountain roads are winding, and journeys take longer than the map suggests. The road over the Llogara Pass between Vlorë and the south, for example, climbs and twists for long stretches. Add a generous buffer to any estimate, up to half again, and plan only one big drive a day. Leave time for stops, as the views are worth it and children need breaks. Avoid driving after dark outside towns, because lighting and road markings can be limited and animals sometimes wander onto the road.
- 5
Basing in Sarandë
Sarandë is the main town of the south coast, with a lively seafront promenade, plenty of restaurants and ferries to Corfu. It is a good place for an evening stroll but its beaches are small and busy. Ksamil, about twenty minutes south, is quieter and closer to the best sand and clear water, and accommodation there often costs less. Many families stay in Ksamil and visit Sarandë for a meal. The ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a short drive away and make an easy half-day.
Plan it
- Best time
- June and September are the best balance of warm sea, open businesses and manageable crowds. July and August are hottest and busiest, with higher prices. Spring and autumn are good for cities and mountains but cooler for swimming.
- How long
- Seven to ten days works for the southern coast and a stop in Gjirokastër or Berat. A week suits a single beach base.
- Getting around
- Rent a car for the south coast. Buses and furgons connect larger towns but not the smaller beaches. Taxis are available in towns, and Tirana's airport is the main arrival point.
Good to know
- Carry some cash in the local currency. Smaller restaurants and beach bars may not accept cards.
- Ask accommodation to confirm parking, as it can be tight in town centres in summer.
- Drink bottled water, and apply sunscreen often. The midday sun is strong on the southern coast.
Frequently asked
Is Albania good for families? +
Yes. The southern coast has warm, shallow water, simple food and friendly hosts. The main issues are crowded beaches in midsummer and long drives on winding roads, so go early and plan short distances.
Do you need a car in Albania? +
For the south coast and the countryside, yes. Public transport exists but is irregular, and children make delays harder to manage. A rental car gives control over beach and sightseeing days.
Is Ksamil better than Sarandë for a beach holiday? +
For beaches, yes. Ksamil is calmer and nearer to clear water and small islets. Sarandë has more restaurants and a livelier promenade, and many families base in Ksamil and visit Sarandë for dinner.
When is the best time to visit Albania? +
June and September give warm seas and fewer crowds than July and August. For sightseeing and hiking, spring and autumn are comfortable, though the sea is cooler.
