In the south-east of Europe, Albania is a small country with an ancient history and a rich culture. It is not the best known country of the Old Continent, but its natural spaces, its towns of character and the warm welcome of its inhabitants are worth a visit! In Albania, you can hike in the heart of picturesque mountains as much as you can laze on the magnificent beaches located along the Adriatic and Ionian seas. In its capital Tirana, as well as in its other towns and villages, one can be interested in its architecture, in its eventful history and in getting in touch with all those who make this fascinating territory live.
Moreover, as tourism in the country continues to grow, local hosts now offer car and apartment rentals through the RentFromLocals.al platform. In this article, we take a look at the growth of tourism in Albania, the good reasons to visit this country and the advantages of using a platform to connect travelers and locals to rent a car or accommodation.
Why go on vacation in Albania?
In recent years, Albania has experienced a real tourism boom, from 1.2 million visitors in 2012 to 6.8 million in 2022! Nothing surprising considering the beauty of its natural landscapes, the richness of its cultural heritage and its prices which remain affordable. Albania attracts primarily those who wish to enjoy the beauty of its coastline, with lively seaside resorts and villages bursting with sunshine from May to October. The beaches of Dhermi, Saranda, Ksamil, Gjipe and Qeparo are located on a crystal clear sea. Many of these stretches of sand are known for their clean water and idyllic location, in a pristine and preserved environment.
But Albania has much more to satisfy the curious traveler, including important historical sites such as the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Berat, "the city of a thousand windows", is also included in the precious list. It offers a remarkable journey back in time with its castle and its traditional Ottoman white houses that wonderfully fit the shape of the green hills. In Gjirokastër, a village that is one of the must-see places in Albania, it is a pure pleasure to walk through the cobbled streets of the old town, to immerse yourself in Albanian culture by wandering through the bazaar, before going to see its castle, the second largest in the Balkans. And then there is the sparkling and original Tirana, the capital with its colorful buildings, captivating museums, lively markets and the inevitable Skanderbeg Square.
Albania is also a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Osum Canyon, the Llogara and Valbonë national parks, the shores of Lake Ohrid - one of the oldest lakes in the world - and the coves, bays and secret beaches of the Albanian Riviera are all places to commune with nature.
Albania has a lot to offer, for sure. But it is also an affordable destination. Numbeo reports that the cost of living in the country is about 50% lower than in the United States. Travelers save a lot of money, compared to other European destinations, on accommodation, food and transportation.
What is the best way to visit Albania?
Albania is known for the warmth and generosity of its people. The best way to stay there is to stay with the locals. You will be in direct contact with the people who live in the country on a daily basis, in a more authentic and friendly atmosphere. Albanians are the best ambassadors of their territory. They are the most able to inform travelers on the places not to be missed and those that are off the beaten track. By renting a room in a local's house, one can also share a meal around local flavors.
Today, several platforms offer to put travelers in touch with local hosts to rent accommodation. For the locals, it is a way to diversify their income, but also to meet visitors from all over the world. For travelers, these websites offer a more authentic and personalized travel experience. It is for example the opportunity to stay in a typical old house, as in Gjirokastër, and the best way to enter into the local culture, contrary to hotels, more standardized.
There is no need to worry about booking on a platform that allows you to get in touch with the local hosts. Measures have been taken to guarantee the safety of the accommodations and the respect of local standards and regulations.
Why use RentFromLocals for your next vacation?
Want to visit this hidden gem of the Adriatic , Albania, soon? RentFromLocals is the platform to connect with local hosts to easily rent an accommodation or a car. You can rent a room, an apartment or a house in several localities in Albania.
The site also offers to rent a car from a private individual. Options allow you to refine your search to find the vehicle you want. You can find small city cars as well as SUVs, 4x4s, minivans and luxury cars. Thermal engine, hybrid or electric, to each one to choose according to its requirements.
RentFromLocals, a platform founded in 2020, is very easy to use. You select the accommodation or car rental, you enter the desired town, the dates, you select the options, you pay and that's it.
The platform offers a more authentic travel experience. It makes it easy to communicate with local hosts to arrange arrival in the accommodation or collection of the car. The hosts, who have been selected for their seriousness, are always open to recommendations to guide travelers and help them get the best out of their stay in Albania.
Finally, in both areas of accommodation and car rental in Albania, RentFromLocals offers competitive prices compared to the big hotel chains and car rental companies. It is possible to compare between hosts to find the best possible offer.
A good idea to explore Albania on a budget, while discovering the local culture and attractions.
