You've seen the pictures: water so turquoise it looks fake, dramatic mountains plunging into the sea, and ancient stone cities that look like a Game of Thrones set. This is Albania, Europe's best-kept secret, and you're ready to capture it all.
But as you start planning your photo trip, you have two big questions: "How do I get in?" and "Where do I find those exact spots?"
You've got questions, and this guide has the direct answers. This isn't a theoretical post; it's a practical, no-fluff guide to help you get the visa (if you even need one) and find the most stunning locations for your camera.
First Things First: Do I Even Need a Visa for Albania?
This is the most important question, and the answer is a wonderful "Probably not!"
Albania has a very welcoming visa policy. You can enter Albania VISA-FREE for 90 days if you are a citizen of:
Any EU country
United States
United Kingdom
United Arab Emirates
Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, etc.
(And many, many others)
The "Schengen Hack": Even if your passport does require a Albania eVisa (like China or India), you can still enter Albania visa-free if you have a valid, multiple-entry Schengen, US, or UK visa that you have used at least once to enter that respective country.
So, Who Does Need to Apply for an Albania eVisa?
You will need to apply for an Albanian eVisa if you are not from a visa-exempt country (like the ones listed above) AND you do not hold a valid, used multi-entry Schengen/US/UK visa.
For example, a citizen of China traveling from the mainland without one of those other visas would need to apply for an eVisa.
Seasonal Exception: Albania often grants seasonal visa-free access (e.g., from April to December) to citizens of countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. Always check the official website for the latest seasonal rules!
Albania eVisa Application Process
If you've determined you need one, the Albania E-Visa Online process is straightforward.
Fill Out the Application: You'll enter your personal details, passport information, and the purpose of your trip (choose "Tourism").
Upload Your Documents: This is the key part. You will generally need:
A clear scan of your passport (valid for at least 3 months after your trip).
A passport-style digital photo.
Proof of your travel: A round-trip flight ticket reservation.
Proof of accommodation: A hotel booking for your entire stay.
Proof of funds: A bank statement to show you can support yourself.
Pay the Fee: You'll pay the non-refundable visa fee online.
Wait for Approval: After submitting, you'll wait for the application to be processed.
PRINT YOUR EVISA: Once approved, you will receive the eVisa document (a PDF) by email. You MUST print this paper and bring it with you.
How Long Does It Take an Albania Visa?
The processing time for Albania visa depends on the type of service you choose when applying:
What If My Flight is Cancelled After My eVisa is Approved?
This is a great, practical question. Don't panic. Your eVisa is not tied to a specific flight number. It is an authorization for you to enter Albania within a certain validity period (e.g., valid for entry anytime in the next 90 days).
As long as your new flight arrives within that validity window, your eVisa is still valid. The most important thing is to print your new flight itinerary and any updated hotel bookings and bring them with you. The border officer just wants to see that you have a confirmed plan and a ticket to leave the country.
Some Problems Travelers Face in Albania
Let's get genuine. Albania is amazing, but it's not Switzerland. Here are the real-world problems you might face:
Cash is King: You cannot rely on credit cards. Outside of high-end hotels and big supermarkets in Tirana, almost everywhere is cash-only.
"Adventurous" Driving: This is the #1 stressor. Local driving is aggressive, with lots of tailgating and creative overtaking. Rural roads can be in very poor condition.
Summer Crowds: Places like Ksamil are not a "hidden gem" in July and August. They are extremely crowded, and finding a spot on the beach is difficult. This can ruin your photos.
ATMs: They are easy to find in cities, but almost all of them charge very high withdrawal fees (€5-€8 per transaction).
Wi-Fi in the Mountains: Don't expect to stream videos in Theth. Wi-Fi in remote guesthouses can be slow or non-existent. Get a local SIM card from Vodafone or ONE in Tirana (they are cheap and have good 4G).
Cash or Card? What Do I Actually Need?
You 100% need cash. Bring more Albanian Lek (ALL) than you think you need.
You will almost always need cash (Lek) for:
Guesthouses (especially in Theth, Valbona, or Himarë)
The Lake Koman Ferry
Taxis and local buses (furgons)
The Old Bazaars in Gjirokastër or Krujë
Most local restaurants and cafes
Small souvenir shops
Entry fees for some small historical sites
You can use your card at big supermarkets, modern hotels in Tirana or Sarandë, and some gas stations. But for 90% of your daily spending, cash is the only way.
Renting a Car: Is It Really Necessary?
For a photographer? Yes, 100%.
You cannot get to 9/10 of the spots on this list without your own car. The local buses (furgons) are slow, infrequent, and don't go to places like The Blue Eye, Gjipe Beach, or Lëkurësi Castle.
One final, crucial tip: Get the full-coverage insurance (zero-deductible). With the "adventurous" driving style in Albania, it is the best money you will ever spend for peace of mind.
Do I Need a 4x4 to Get to Theth?
Not anymore! As of recently, the main road from Shkodër to Theth is fully paved. A normal 2WD rental car can make the journey.
However, the road is very steep and has many sharp hairpin turns, so drive carefully. While you don't need a 4x4 for the main village, some guesthouses or trailheads for hikes might be on short gravel side-roads. A car with slightly higher clearance (like a small SUV) can be more comfortable, but it's no longer mandatory.
Okay, I'm In! Where Do I Get the Best Photos?
Now for the fun part. Here are 10 Photogenic Spots in Albania and how to find them.
1. Where can I photograph the "City of a Thousand Windows"?
That's Berat (UNESCO). This is one of the most stunning Ottoman towns in the world.
The Shot: The classic photo is from the Gorica Bridge or the Gorica neighborhood, looking across the river at the Mangalem Quarter, where white houses look like they are stacked on top of each other, climbing up the hill to the castle.
Pro Tip: Go to Berat Castle (the Kala) for sunset. The panoramic view of the valley and the city below as the lights turn on is magical.
2. What about the "Stone City" with the amazing castle?
You're thinking of Gjirokastër (UNESCO). This is Berat's sister city, with a different, grander, and more imposing stone architecture.
The Shot: Go to Gjirokastër Castle. The views from the ramparts over the unique, grey-slate roofs of the Old Town and the Drino Valley are breathtaking.
Pro Tip: Get lost in the Old Bazaar. The cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and textured stone walls make for incredible street photography.
3. Where are the "Albanian Alps" I see in photos?
That is Theth National Park. This is the heart of the "Accursed Mountains," and it looks more like the Swiss Alps than the Mediterranean.
The Shot: The single most iconic photo is of the tiny, charming Theth Church with the dramatic, rocky mountain peaks rising directly behind it.
Pro Tip: The hike from Theth to Valbona is one of the best in Europe. Also, don't miss the hike to the "Blue Eye of Theth" (a different Blue Eye!), a stunningly cold, turquoise waterfall and pool.
4. How do I get that "Thai Fjord" photo on a lake?
That's the Lake Koman Ferry. This isn't just transport; it's the destination. This 2.5-hour ferry ride between Koman and Fierza winds its way through a spectacular, narrow river gorge that looks just like a tropical fjord.
The Shot: Anywhere on the deck of the ferry. The entire journey is a photo-op.
Pro Tip: Get to the ferry landing early to get a good spot on the top deck. This is the main "highway" to the Albanian Alps (Theth/Valbona), so it's a key part of the adventure.
5. Where are the famous "Maldives of Europe" beaches?
That's Ksamil, the jewel of the Albanian Riviera.
The Shot: The beaches here have powdery white sand and unbelievably clear turquoise water. The classic shot is from the beach, looking out at the three small, green islands just offshore, which you can easily swim or rent a paddleboat to.
Pro Tip: This place is not a secret anymore. In July and August, it is packed. For the best photos, go in the shoulder season (May, June, or September) or get to the beach at sunrise.
6. What is that famous bright blue water spring?
That is the Syri i Kaltër (The Blue Eye), located near Sarandë. This is a natural freshwater spring that is so deep, its center bubbles up as a mesmerizing, dark-blue "pupil" surrounded by an electric-blue "iris."
The Shot: From the viewing platform directly over the spring. The colors are 100% real and look incredible with a polarizing filter.
Pro Tip: Go in the morning before the tour buses arrive.
7. Where is the best sunset spot on the Albanian Riviera?
This is Lëkurësi Castle in Sarandë. The castle itself is a simple ruin (with a restaurant), but it sits on a high hill with a commanding 360-degree view.
The Shot: The sun setting over the bay of Sarandë, with the Greek island of Corfu visible in the distance.
Pro Tip: Arrive an hour before sunset, grab a drink, and set up your tripod.
8. How about a "hidden gem" beach for photos?
Go to Gjipe Beach. This is arguably the most beautiful beach in Albania, precisely because it's hard to get to. It's a secluded cove at the end of the dramatic Gjipe Canyon.
The Shot: The view from the beach, looking back at the towering canyon walls, or the view from the trail as you hike down to the beach.
Pro Tip: You have two options: take a 4x4 down a rough track, hike for 20-30 minutes, or take a small boat taxi from nearby Himarë.
9. What's the best spot to photograph Tirana from above?
Take the Dajti Ekspres Cable Car. This 15-minute cable car ride (the longest in the Balkans) takes you from the city's outskirts to the top of Dajti Mountain.
The Shot: The sweeping panoramic view of the entire city of Tirana, which spreads out across the plain below.
Pro Tip: Go on a clear day, about an hour before sunset, to watch the golden light move across the city.
10. Where can I find that historic Ottoman Bazaar?
That's in Krujë. This historic town was the home of Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg.
The Shot: The Old Bazaar street, with its cobblestones, traditional wooden shops, and colorful textiles, all leading uphill toward the impressive Krujë Castle at the top.
Pro Tip: This is an easy day trip from Tirana.
Albania is a photographer's dream, still wild and wonderfully affordable. Get that eVisa application in (if you need it), pack your camera gear, and go capture it.
