Crossing borders with Unplugged Outdoor, dare you? Besides our trips in the Netherlands, we are going to offer more and more trips abroad. On this page you will find background information about Albania, one of the countries for which we offer a wonderful trip. Click here to read more about the 'Unplugged Balkan Trail'. During this trip we will trek through the 'Cursed Mountains' or also called the Albanian Alps. During this trip we will pass beautiful landscapes and views. Albania is a country with beautiful, often still wild nature where traditions of the past are kept in honor.

We also offer trips to the Belgian ArdennesFrance and Greece . And of course there is plenty to do in our own country too! Click here for our current travel agenda.

Background information on Albania

Albania is officially called the Republic of Albania and is located in southeastern Europe. The country borders Greece, northern Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro and the Adriatic Sea. Albania is considered a safe vacation country, without any security risks. The country has a very rich culture and beautiful nature with lots of greenery. The only official language is Albanian and the country has a population of 3 million.

The first Albanian state was founded by Albanians in the 12th century. After this, the Kingdom of Albania, the Principality of Albania, the Principality of Albania and an Albanian Alliance were also founded. Albania was annexed by the Ottoman Empire in 1479 after a long war against the dynasty. In 1912, the Albanian nation-state regained its independence after a violent uprising.

Albania is a member of the UN, NATO, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe and the World Trade Organization. In addition, Albania is also a candidate member of the European Union.

Travel information about Albania

Official name: Republic of Albania
Continent: Europe
Surface area: 28,748 km²
Capital: Tirana
Country code: AL, ALB
Population: 3,047,987 inhabitants (2017)
Form of government: Republic
Highest point: 2,764 m (Korab)
Distance (Amsterdam - Tirana): 1,665 km
Flight time: approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes

The Unplugged Balkan Trail in Albania

The capital of Albania is Tirana. This is also right where our journey in Albania begins! We take you to the "Accursed Mountains" also called the Accursed Mountains or Albanian Alps. The mountains are pristine and offer beautiful scenery and views. We will walk at an altitude of about 2200 meters. The Balkan Trail offers a challenge even for the adventurous hiker. In the green valleys, dense forests and with the ice gray rock peaks you will see the beauty of nature. On this trip, you will lose your sense of time and imagine yourself far away from your everyday life. Devices off, nature on! 

Albania's weather and climate

Albania's coastal climate is Mediterranean, with mild wet winters and hot dry summers. The mountainous interior, to which we will travel, has harsh winters and mild summers. Generally, summer temperatures are around 25 to 30 degrees and winter temperatures around 0 to 10 degrees.

The best time to travel to Albania is in May, June, July, August and September. This is because that is when we have the best chance of beautiful weather with little precipitation.

The nature, fauna & flora of Albania

In the north and south of Albania you will find high mountains. Mount Korab, with its height of 2764 meters, has the highest peak in the country. For both Mount Korab and the Albanian Ardennes have rocky soil of karst and limestone and a rich and varied nature that is home to many rare species. 

Albania contains a lot of untouched nature that has not yet been discovered by mass tourism. Thus, the perfect place to "unplug" and get back to nature. Besides beautiful mountain areas, Albania also has huge natural plains. On these plains you will encounter beautiful flowers but also cows, sheep and deer. In addition, Albania is located on the Ionian Sea and has beautiful sandy beaches. In short, Albania is a very versatile country with lots of aspects to discover!