LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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ALBANIA IN AUGUST: WHAT TO EXPECT.

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We don’t usually travel in peak summer. We tend to prefer shoulder seasons when there are fewer tourists and prices are a little lower.

So visiting Albania in August felt like breaking our own rules.

But Albania had been on our list for years, and August was the only time that worked. And once in a while, it’s nice to just enjoy a proper peak summer holiday.

Well we asked for hot – and we certainly got what we ordered. With a side of packed beaches, chaotic transport, and some of the most fun, social, and sun-soaked weeks we’ve had anywhere.

In this guide, we’ll share what it’s really like to visit Albania in August. From the heat and hiking conditions to buses, beaches, and what to actually do when it’s too hot to move.

Weather in Albania in August

August in Albania is hot. Which may sound like stating the obvious, but you can expect a proper lovely hot summer.

Temperatures are likely to linger around 30°C, with cooler evenings. This temperature can feel quite pleasant on the coast, but cities like Tirana will feel more stifling.

The sea temperature is also glorious – expect a nice 24°C (approximately.)

If you want cool temperatures, head out in the morning or head to the mountains.

If you’re someone who struggles with heat, Albania in August is probably not the one for you!

Accommodation in August

August is peak season in Albania, especially along the coast.

That means prices are higher than at any other time of year, and the best places get booked up well in advance. If you want somewhere decent in places like Ksamil, Dhermi, Himarë, or Sarandë, you really do need to book ahead.

Trust us, we came unstuck and ended up sleeping in an over-priced tent (and I wouldn’t recommend that in August!) This is not the month for turning up and hoping for a bargain last minute.

Most accommodation does have air-conditioning, which in August is completely non-negotiable. But it’s best to check in the more rural areas – we did have a few experiences with just a fan in the room.

Compared to spring or autumn, August is easily the most expensive time to visit Albania. It’s still cheaper than much of Western Europe, but it doesn’t feel like the ultra-budget destination people sometimes imagine.

Getting around in August

I have never sweated as much as I did on a bus from Tirana to Dhermi.

We were crammed into the back of a minibus so tightly that I couldn’t even put my shoulders back. Sweat was dripping down my back and pooling everywhere. There was no point trying to wipe my face, this was beyond saving.

And the worst part? There was no air-conditioning.

Most buses and minibuses in Albania don’t have air-con, especially the smaller ones that run along the coast and between towns. The cooling system is usually the age-old technique of opening the door while driving and hoping for the best.

The only real exception are the larger intercity buses, like Sarandë to Tirana, which sometimes feel almost luxurious by comparison.

If your budget allows, hiring a car is far more comfortable, especially if you’re moving between coastal towns.

For more info on getting around Albania by public transport, you can find our guide here.

Hiking in Albania in August

Hiking in the mountains in August is possible. Just about.

Routes like Theth to Valbona or sections of the Peaks of the Balkans are still doable, especially at higher altitudes. The air is much cooler in the mountains than on the coast. Evenings actually get pretty chilly – I recall wearing a coat and woollen hat in the mountains on an August evening.

But timing for hiking is important. You need early starts and lots of water.

Coastal hiking in August, on the other hand, is a terrible idea (trust me, we tried it.)

Save coastal walks for spring or autumn. In August, the coast is for swimming, not walking.

Beaches & swimming in Albania in August

This is what Albania in August does best.

The sea is warm. The weather is perfect. And if a proper European beach vacation is what you’re after, then Albania is ideal.

Beaches are busy, especially in the south. Ksamil in particular is chaotic in August (and we would recommend avoiding at this time of year to be honest.)

If you want something a little calmer, Himarë feels more spread out and relaxed, and even Durrës, with its huge stretch of sand, makes it easier to find space.

What to pack to visit Albania in August

Packing for Albania in August is simple: bring as little as possible, and make sure it’s all light.

You’ll live in summer clothes. Shorts, t-shirts, sandals, summer dresses and swimwear.

Unless you’re going to the mountains, you don’t need layers or jackets.

Things to do in Albania in August

Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Albania in August.

1/ Look out for festivals

August is full of local festivals, music events, and town celebrations. Especially along the coast and in Tirana, there always seems to be something happening in the evenings. We ended up spending two nights in a row at a pumping electronic dance festival in Sarande.

2/ Laze on the beach

This is peak beach season, and Albania’s coast is an absolute dream. You need do nothing more than swim, read a book, grab a bite to eat or enjoy a gelato.

You can find our guide to the best beaches on the Albanian coast here.

3/ Camp

Warm nights, clear skies, and no rain make August ideal for camping, especially in the mountains or near lakes.

Find our guide to camping in Albania here.

4/ Dine outside in Tirana

Tirana in summer evenings is brilliant (although the days are a little hot for sightseeing). The area around Bloku is our favourite for alfresco dining spots.

You can find our guide to exploring Tirana here.

5/ Hike in the mountains

The north of Albania is still one of the best places in the Balkans for summer hiking. Just head out early in the morning and pack plenty of water.

You can find our guide to hiking in the Albanian Alps here.

6/ Visit vineyards

Wine regions around Berat and Përmet are beautiful in August. Vineyard visits are the perfect low-effort activity when it’s too hot for anything demanding.

7/ Passegiata

Much like many European countries, in Albania locals head out for a stroll in early evening. We loved spending our summer evenings just joining the crowds, maybe stopping for ice cream and seeing what’s what, without any need to go anywhere specific.

Written by Emma

Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.

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Albania Travel Guide

If you’re looking for a more detailed travel guide for Albania, you can now purchase our Short Guide to Albania. A 119 page ebook, detailing the best experiences in Albania, vital information to help you travel and suggested itineraries. Buy it now in our online shop.

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