Albania is that small country you sometimes think: “Wait… does that still exist?” But did you know Albania is packed with interesting culture, customs and typical things you really don’t want to miss? Below you’ll find an overview of 9 things and habits you genuinely need to know about Albania before you travel there!
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1. The country has an incredibly rich history
Let’s start with history. Albania has a past as turbulent as a strawberry smoothie in a blender. The country was occupied by the Romans and later by the Ottomans. In the 20th century, Albania was ruled by a communist government that pushed the country into a corner and made a proper mess of things.
The books of Albania’s most famous writer, Ismail Kadare, are often set in a historical context. That makes them a real recommendation if you want to dive into Albanian culture. Many novels have been translated into Dutch. I personally read the short story collection The Celebration Commission and All the Other Stories of Yesteryear. It includes many stories about the domination of the Balkan peoples—especially Albanians—throughout history.
2. The best thing about Albania might just be the food
Albanian cuisine is as delicious as a pizza from Naples. Definitely try Tavë Kosi, a dish of roasted lamb and rice with a thick layer of yogurt on top. If you’re more in the mood for something doughy, go for Burek, a roll filled with cheese, meat or vegetables.
An extra custom to know: Albanians are famous for their hospitality. It’s common to welcome guests with food, drinks and coffee. Refusing can be considered impolite.
3. Albanians are proud of their folklore and music
Albania’s culture is fantastic too. Albanians are proud of their folklore and music. And that music is no joke! It’s not unusual to see or hear traditional folk dances in the streets of Tirana. Maybe you can even join in—if you’ve got a bit of rhythm.
4. Albania still has blood feuds
And we haven’t even talked about customs yet. One unusual Albanian tradition is the blood feud. This is an old custom where families feel obliged to avenge a murdered relative. Although it’s illegal today, it still occurs in remote parts of the country. So if you get into an argument with an Albanian family… be careful.
And definitely don’t mess with an older family member… Family is hugely important in Albanian culture. Elders are respected, and young people often help their parents and grandparents.
5. The land of hundreds of thousands of bunkers
Another interesting fact about Albania: the country is known for its bunkers. During the communist regime, the leader at the time, Enver Hoxha, had around 700,000 bunkers built to defend the country against an invasion. Even today you’ll still find plenty of bunkers around the country—some have been turned into cafés or shops. So if you ever need shelter from the rain, just head to a bunker café.
Photo by Dirk Pohlers
6. The country has its own Flag Day!
On 28 November, Albania celebrates its independence from the Ottoman Empire. On this day, you’ll see red flags with the black double-headed eagle symbol hanging everywhere. It’s a festive day celebrating Albanian pride and identity. So if you happen to be in Albania on 28 November, you’ll definitely be swept up in the celebrations!
7. The only country in the world with three official languages
It’s the only country in the world with three official languages. Besides Albanian, Macedonian and Greek are also recognised languages in the country. This is due to the presence of ethnic minorities in certain parts of Albania. So if you’re a language wizard and you speak these languages, you can really go all out in Albania!
That said, Albanians also have a habit of using lots of sayings and body language in communication. Nodding your head can mean yes or no, and eye contact is very important.
8. The national mountain “car” is the donkey
The country has a long tradition of using donkeys as transport, especially in the mountains and rural areas. That’s because donkeys are much better at walking steep, rocky paths than cars or other vehicles. So if you’re hiking in Albania’s mountains, there’s a good chance you’ll run into a few donkeys busy carrying goods!
9. The land of hospitality
And finally: if you travel to Albania, you’ll notice Albanian people are incredibly hospitable. It’s not unusual for people to invite you spontaneously for a coffee or a meal. Also, don’t expect people to be on time for appointments—time is relative for Albanians. So if you want the real Albanian experience, you might as well leave your watch in your suitcase.
And oh yeah—did you agree to meet somewhere? Appointments aren’t always strictly on time in Albania. It’s common to show up 15–30 minutes later than the agreed time.
Albanian customs in a handy table
| Topic | Custom |
|---|---|
| Hospitality | Welcoming guests with food, drinks and coffee. |
| Sayings and body language | Using lots of sayings and body language in communication. |
| Time | Appointments not always strictly on time. |
| Family | Family is very important. |
| Food | Mediterranean with influences from Turkey, Greece and Italy. |
| Music and dance | Important parts of the culture. |
| Religion | Most Albanians are Muslim or Eastern Orthodox Christian. |
| Customary law | Kanun in northern Albania. |
| Blood feuds | Used to be practiced, now illegal. |
| Besa | Given word, sacred promise. |
| Holidays | Easter, Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, Independence Day. |
| Language | Indo-European language with two dialects. |
| Clothing | Modern; in traditional areas sometimes traditional clothing. |
| Naming | Patronymics; surname derived from the father. |
| Marriage | Arranged or love marriage. |
In short, Albania is a fantastic country you should absolutely visit at least once—with interesting customs and culture. From the food to the traditions and the stunning nature, Albania has so much to offer. And who knows—you might come back with a new Albanian dance move or a friend for life.
