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Tirana
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Tirana – a brief overview
Nestled beneath craggy mountains, Tirana is Albania’s booming capital, a city that is just starting to realise its potential. It blossomed when Albania broke free from its communist ties in the 1990s, repainting buildings in vibrant colours to symbolise its revitalised optimism. Its streets had a makeover too, with pedestrianised boulevards, open-air cafés, chic boutiques and hip nightclubs.
Not that it buried its past; you can still discover some impressive historic monuments, reflecting the blend of European and Ottoman influences that have left their mark on Tirana. Most of all though, Tirana today is a fun place to visit, with a lively entertainment scene and a dynamic cultural agenda.
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Top 10 sights in Tirana
© Dave Long / Getty Images
Skanderbeg Square
Sheshi Skënderbej
1001 Tirana
Albania
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1001 Tirana
Albania
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The strategic heart of the city and popular meeting place, this imposing square is named after 15th-century national hero George Skanderbeg, whose mounted statue stands in the middle. Flanking the square are the city’s main museums, galleries, mosque and clocktower.
National History Museum
Sheshi Skënderbej
Tirana
Albania
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Tirana
Albania
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Opening times:
Tue-Sat 1000-1700
Sun 1000-1400
Highlights of this, the biggest museum in Albania, include the huge sword of swashbuckling hero Skanderbeg, and 16th-century icons painted by Onufri, one of the country’s best-known artists. Its main collection spans the region’s history, from prehistoric times up to the communist era.
Et’hem Bey Mosque
Sheshi Skënderbej
Tirana
Albania
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Tirana
Albania
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Opening times:
Daily 0800-1100
This lovely little mosque overlooking Skanderbeg Square is the oldest survivor of eight mosques built in the city at the end of the 18th century. Check out the impressively painted interior dome and frescoes covering the walls and portico.
National Gallery of Arts
Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit
1001 Tirana
Albania
Tel: +355 4 222 6033
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1001 Tirana
Albania
Tel: +355 4 222 6033
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Opening times:
Wed-Sun 1000-1800
This small but well laid-out museum is devoted mostly to Albanian art from the 19th century to the present. Its permanent collection covers themes such as daily life and political commentary; in particular look out for stunning works in the style of Albanian socialist realism.
Fortress of Justinian
Rruga Murat Toptani
Tirana
Albania
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Tirana
Albania
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Dating from some 800 years ago, Byzantine times, this castle formed the original heart of Tirana. Little remains above ground today except for 6m-high walls, now partly built over by a cinema and nightclub.
Congress Building
Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit
Tirana
Albania
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Tirana
Albania
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Another symbol of the former dictatorship, this austere building was designed by Hoxha’s daughter and son-in-law. Part of the exclusive Blloku quarter, former enclave of Communist Party leaders, it is now open to the public and hosts an important national song contest.
Archaeological Museum
Sheshi Nënë Tereza
Tirana
Albania
Tel: +355 4 222 6541
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Tirana
Albania
Tel: +355 4 222 6541
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Opening times:
Mon-Fri 1030-1430
This large collection, spanning prehistoric times up to the Middle Ages, is impressive (and free). It includes Roman statues and mosaics, jewellery and weaponry.
Martyrs Cemetery
Rruga Dr Shefqet Ndroqi
Tirana
Albania
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Tirana
Albania
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This atmospheric site contains the graves of 900 victims of WWII, and an enormous statue of ‘Mother Albania’. It also has stunning views of the city below and surrounding mountains.
Academy of Arts
Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit
Tirana
Albania
Tel: +355 4 222 5488
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Tirana
Albania
Tel: +355 4 222 5488
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Opening times:
Various
Part of the University of Albania, this is the country’s leading performing arts institution, hosting a year-round programme of classical concerts and other shows, with a modern indoor theatre and amphitheatre.
Pyramid
Rruga Papa Gjon Pali II
Tirana
Albania
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Tirana
Albania
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This infamously ugly but iconic building was built as the mausoleum to the former dictator Enver Hoxha Museum. Now graffiti-scrawled and crumbling, its future remains uncertain.
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Country information
Country overview
Friendly, tolerant people, fascinating Ottoman cities teeming with history, magnificent mountain scenery and charming villages: Albania is a varied destination offering many pleasures.
Geography
Albania is bordered by Montenegro and Kosovo to the north, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the southeast. Italy lies across the Mediterranean to the west; at its narrowest point, close to where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet, Italy and Albania are only 75km (47 miles) apart. Albania’s highest point is the summit of Mt Jezerca (2,693m/8,835ft), in the Dinaric Alps in the far north.
The largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Shkodra, straddles the border between Albania and Montenegro; in the southwest, Lake Ohrid is shared with Macedonia and the Prespa Lakes between Albania, Macedonia and Greece.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 3011405
Population Density (per sq km): 105
Capital: Tirana.
Language
The official language is Albanian. Greek is widely spoken in the south of the country, and some state schools there use Greek as the medium of education. Many Albanians speak Italian; some also know French or English.
Currency
Lek (ALL; symbol Lek). Notes are in denominations of Lek5,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are in denominations of Lek100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
General business opening hours
Civil servants work Mon-Fri 0830-1300 and then 1430-1800 (finishing earlier on Fridays). Private companies tend to keep more traditionally Albanian hours, from 0800 or 0830 to 1500. Offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Public holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2016 – December 2017 period.
Note
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations.
During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Lesser Bairam (End of Ramadan), Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Lesser Bairam itself. Lesser Bairam and Greater Bairam (Feast of Sacrifice) may last up to several days, depending on the region.
2016
New Year’s Day: 01. January 2016
Spring Holiday: 14. March 2016
Nowruz (Persian New Year): 22. March 2016
Good Friday: 25. March 2016
Easter Monday: 28. March 2016
Orthodox Easter Sunday: 01. May 2016
Labour Day: 01. May 2016
End of Ramadan: 07. July 2016
Feast of Sacrifice: 13. September 2016
Beatification of Mother Teresa: 19. October 2016
Independence Day: 28. November 2016
Liberation (at the end of World War II): 29. November 2016
Christmas Day: 25. December 2016
2017
New Year’s Day: 01. January 2017
Spring Holiday: 14. March 2017
Nowruz (Persian New Year): 22. March 2017
Good Friday: 14. April 2017
Orthodox Easter Sunday: 16. April 2017
Easter Monday: 17. April 2017
Labour Day: 01. May 2017
End of Ramadan: 26. June 2017
Feast of Sacrifice: 02. September 2017
Beatification of Mother Teresa: 19. October 2017
Independence Day: 28. November 2017
Liberation (at the end of World War II): 29. November 2017
Youth Day: 8. December 2017
Christmas Day: 25. December 2017
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Nightlife in Tirana
Tirana has a flourishing cultural scene, with a wide choice, from trendy bars to arty cafés to heaving nightclubs to highbrow classical recitals.
As with its hotels and restaurants, Blloku is the most popular place to go.
E7E
Jul Variboba 2
Tirana
Albania
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Tirana
Albania
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Choose from live music or poetry, or just snuggle up with a cappuccino on the couch in this cosy arts café.
Checkpoint Charlie
Brigada Tete
Ish Blloku
Tirana 1000
Albania
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Ish Blloku
Tirana 1000
Albania
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Join the nightly party scene in this lively pub in the heart of Blloku.
Public House
Rruga Ibrahim Rrugova
1515 Tirana
Albania
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1515 Tirana
Albania
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From poetry to nightly live rock music, this friendly bar offers a popular eclectic mix.
Love Street Bar
Rruga Abdyl Frashëri Pall. 3/3
Tirana
Albania
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Tirana
Albania
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Tirana’s arty set are drawn to this colourful cocktail bar like moths to a candle.
Lollipop
Rruga Pjetër Bogdani 32
1001 Tirana
Albania
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1001 Tirana
Albania
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This hot dance club plays loud hip hop and house music and attracts big-name international DJs.
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Restaurants in Tirana
Blloku, south of the Lana River, is Tirana’s trendy hub, with the best restaurants, shops and nightlife.
The Taiwan Complex also has many places to eat, as well as casinos and 10-pin bowling.
Padam
Rruga Papa Gjon Pali II
1001 Tirana
Albania
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1001 Tirana
Albania
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Price: Expensive
For a special night out, this elegant restaurant has some of the city’s best French-Italian cuisine.
Green House
Rruga Jul Variboba 6
Tirana
Albania
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Tirana
Albania
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Price: Expensive
Tirana’s trendy young crowd flock here for gourmet Mediterranean cuisine.
Era Restaurant Pizzeria
Rruga Papa Gjon Pali II, Vila 11
Tirana
Albania
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Tirana
Albania
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Price: Moderate
Dine on delicious Italian and Albanian cuisine in this airy restaurant with outdoor tables.
Serendiville
Rruga Liman Kaba 30
Tirana
Albania
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Tirana
Albania
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Price: Moderate
This Tex-Mex restaurant serves up great food, plus cocktails and even live Mariachi music.
The Tea Room
Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta
Tirana
Albania
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Tirana
Albania
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Price: Cheap
From cheesecake to tapas, a glass of Chianti or a cup of tea, this café covers all the bases.
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Calendar of events
Summer Day
March 2017
Website
Venue: Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard
Thousands of people pack Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard for this traditional pagan festival marking the start of summer. Although the city of Elsaban sees the biggest celebrations, Tirana gives it a run for its money, with vivid floral displays, concerts, kids’ activities and a craft fair.
Rockstock Music Festival
June 2017
Website
Venue: Tirana University of the Arts plaza
Around 50 bands rock Tirana for three nights each June. Big-name Albanian acts old and new hit the stage, along with the odd famous name from overseas (Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice has previously headlined). Rockstar wannabes can pick up tips and instruction at special workshops.
Atlantid Beach weekends
June – August 2017
Website
Venue: Atlantid Beach, around 40km northeast of Tirana
Tirana hipsters escape the city heat on summer weekends to party at Atlantid Beach. An eco camp of handmade tents provides a place to sleep, while entertainment involves everything from yoga, canoeing and stargazing to film screenings, video installations and DJ sets. It’s run by non-proft artistic group Tirana Ekspres.
International Human Rights Film Festival Albania
September 2017
Website
Venue: Kinostudio
Recognising that human rights violations are still a reality in today’s Albania, this specialist festival aims to raise awareness of human rights issues through film. Both documentaries and fictional films portray subjects relevant to Albania such as child trafficking and health care.
Tirana International Guitar Festival
September – Oktober 2017
Website
Venue: Tirana University of the Arts
Guitar music lovers are in for a treat during this four-day festival. Internationally renowned guitar players and up-and-coming musicians gather for a terrific series of concerts, masterclasses and competitions. It’s a great chance to hear world-class guitar playing from established artists and future stars.
Independence Day
28 November 2017
Venue: Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard and throughout Tirana
Red and black flags flutter from cars, rooftops and balconies as Albanians proudly commemorate independence from Ottoman occupation on 28 November. Flag-waving Tirana residents flock to Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard to celebrate, buy local crafts and enjoy live theatrical and concert performances.
Tirana International Film Festival
November 2017
Website
Venue: Millennium Cinema (most events)
Feature-length, short and TV films are under the spotlight at Tirana’s week-long cinematic celebration, with entries coming from leading Albanian and international directors. Aside from the main competition, fans can settle down with their popcorn and enjoy retrospectives, seminars and masterclasses.
Tirana Book Fair
November 2017
Venue: Palace of Congresses
Literature lovers crowd Tirana’s popular book fair, where around 100 stalls are packed with everything from bestselling Albanian thrillers to political memoirs to top-rated international titles. Local authors are out in force too, plugging their latest novels and signing books for fans.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
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Hotels in Tirana
Tirana has no shortage of hotels, particularly at the lower, budget end of the spectrum.
Smarter, upscale hotels are catching up with rising demand, with the biggest concentration in buzzing Blloku.
Rogner Hotel
Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit
Tirana
Albania
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Tirana
Albania
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Category: Expensive
Despite being in the heart of the city, this hotel is quiet, in spacious grounds, with a tennis court and swimming pool.
Sheraton Tirana
Sheshi Italia
1001 Tirana
Albania
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1001 Tirana
Albania
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Category: Expensive
This grand modern block in manicured grounds offers classic comfort with 5-star amenities.
MonarC Hotel
Corner of Bulevardi Zhan d’Ark and Rruga George W Bush
1001 Tirana
Albania
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1001 Tirana
Albania
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Category: Moderate
This small boutique hotel is great value, with cosily furnished rooms and a Mediterranean-style restaurant.
Hotel Brilant Antik
Rruga Jeronim De Rada 79
1001 Tirana
Albania
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1001 Tirana
Albania
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Category: Moderate
This homely, family-run hotel pampers its guests with organic home-cooked food.
Nobel
Blvd. Zogu I
1002 Tirana
Albania
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1002 Tirana
Albania
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Category: Cheap
Right in the city centre, this small, family-run hotel is a great budget choice.
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Best time to visit
Today: Monday, 29.05.2017 18:00 UTC
partly cloudy
temperature
24°C
wind speed
9.375 mph7 days forecast
Wednesday
31.05.2017
27°C / 15°C
Thursday
01.06.2017
28°C / 15°C
Friday
02.06.2017
28°C / 21°C
Saturday
03.06.2017
27°C / 21°C
Sunday
04.06.2017
27°C / 21°C
Monday
05.06.2017
31°C / 21°C
Tuesday
06.06.2017
31°C / 22°C
Climate & best time to visit Albania
Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters in the lowlands. In the highlands, snow can fall from November until March; mountain towns are very cold at this time of year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute min | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21 °C | -10 °C | 11 °C | 2 °C | 67 % | 143 mm | 12 | 4.1 h |
| Feb | 23 °C | -9 °C | 13 °C | 2 °C | 66 % | 132 mm | 10 | 4.4 h |
| Mar | 27 °C | -10 °C | 15 °C | 5 °C | 65 % | 115 mm | 11 | 5.1 h |
| Apr | 31 °C | -1 °C | 20 °C | 8 °C | 64 % | 104 mm | 11 | 6.8 h |
| May | 35 °C | 3 °C | 24 °C | 12 °C | 66 % | 103 mm | 10 | 8.6 h |
| Jun | 38 °C | 7 °C | 28 °C | 15 °C | 59 % | 68 mm | 6 | 9.9 h |
| Jul | 42 °C | 8 °C | 31 °C | 17 °C | 54 % | 42 mm | 4 | 11.4 h |
| Aug | 39 °C | 8 °C | 31 °C | 17 °C | 52 % | 46 mm | 4 | 10.6 h |
| Sep | 39 °C | 3 °C | 28 °C | 15 °C | 59 % | 78 mm | 6 | 8.8 h |
| Oct | 35 °C | 0 °C | 22 °C | 11 °C | 62 % | 114 mm | 11 | 7.0 h |
| Nov | 28 °C | -5 °C | 17 °C | 7 °C | 71 % | 172 mm | 13 | 4.2 h |
| Dec | 22 °C | -8 °C | 13 °C | 4 °C | 69 % | 148 mm | 12 | 2.8 h |
| year | 42 °C | -10 °C | 21 °C | 10 °C | 63 % | 1266 mm | 110 | 7.0 h |
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Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing code: +355
Telephone
City codes: Tirana 042, Durresi 0522, Elbasani 0542, Shkodra 0222, Gjirokastra 0842, Korça 0822.
Mobile Telephone
Coverage is good, except in the most remote, mountainous areas.
Internet
Almost every sizeable town in Albania has public Internet access, usually via an Internet cafe. Some hotels, especially in Tirana, have broadband connections in the guest rooms; a few have Wi-Fi.
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Shopping in Tirana
© shutterstock
Key Areas
Retro communist badges, flags and similar memorabilia are the must-have items in Tirana, with souvenir shops along Rruga Durresit and Bulevardi Zogu. Blloku and the Taiwan Complex are the best shopping areas, though if you want traditional handicrafts, Kruja, an hour from Tirana, has a bazaar selling everything from carpets to ashtrays.
Markets
The excellent daily food market on Sheshi Avni Rustemi has stalls spreading to nearby Rruga Qemal Stafa, which also sell a wide mix of household goods, clothes and furniture.
Shopping Centres
Malls have not yet taken hold in Tirana, but there are a couple worth checking out. Tirana East Gate, south of the city centre on Rruga e Elbasanit, has a range of entertainment attractions for the family, as well as international stores. City Park, to the west of the city, on Rruga Mulliri i Vjetër, also has an ice rink and restaurants.
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Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Normal Albanian etiquette is for people to shake hands the first time they see each other every day, and then again when they part. Between friends, a kiss on both cheeks is exchanged by men as well as women.
The usual way to indicate ‘yes’ is by moving the head horizontally from side to side. ‘No’ is usually signalled by a slight raising of the eyebrows, sometimes accompanied by a gentle click of the tongue.
Albanians usually remove their shoes inside their homes or other people’s houses. If you are visiting an Albanian home, you will be offered a pair of slippers or plastic sandals to wear while you are indoors.
Smoking is widespread, and it is very unusual to find a non-smoking section in a restaurant, never mind a bar.
However, smoking is not allowed on public transport, and this ban is almost always respected. On long journeys, the bus or minibus will stop for a cigarette-break from time to time.
Homosexuality is taboo, although not illegal. Public displays of affection by gay couples are likely to be greeted with some hostility.
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Health
Food & Drink
Mains water is chlorinated and is fine for brushing teeth. However, bottled water is advised for drinking, especially outside Tirana.
Brucellosis and tuberculosis are present in Albanian dairy cattle. Unpasteurised milk and homemade cheese should be avoided; however, in cafes and restaurants the milk is always UHT, and therefore safe.
Other Risks
Rabies is rare in Albania, but medical treatment should always be sought following an animal or bat bite.
Tick-borne encephalitis is spread through the bites of infected ticks; the vaccine is usually given only to forestry workers. Hikers should check for ticks at the end of each day.
Immunisation against hepatitis B should be considered by those who will be working in healthcare or with children.
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Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.