I wasn’t sure what “on a budget†in Albania would actually mean. Would my daily lunch be a raw cucumber from the market? Would I have to skip bus fares just to save a few bucks? Would I be sleeping in grimy dungeons, sharing a single bathroom with 10 strangers?
Luckily, none of that came true—especially not the dungeon part.
In fact, I stayed in a few memorable and great-value places across Albania that I’ve been recommending to fellow travellers ever since. So why not share them here, too?
Cabin in the woods:Â Rilindja, Valbona
One of the reasons my stay in the Albanian Alps was so mind-blowing? Without a doubt, Rilindja Guesthouse.
I was sold the moment I laid eyes on the quaint chalet nestled in the woods.
What’s so awesome about it:
A balconied room surrounded by forest, with views of towering mountains and a fast-flowing river. A crackling fire warming the reception and restaurant area after a strenuous hike. And that restaurant? It’s located just below your room and serves up a menu full of delicious Northern Albanian specialties—I tried almost every dish, and they were all excellent.
Bonus points:
– the most beautiful hiking trails start near the guesthouse (maps available)
– they serve an excellent home brewed red, which comes in very copious amounts
– the restaurant/reception is a fantastic place to meet and socialise with other travellers.
Extra info: keep in mind that the rooms are small and their walls are paper thin. But in such a beautiful environment, you’ll be out and about all day, using your room only to crash exhaustedly at night.
Rates start at €30 for a double including a hearty breakfast. Share the room with a travel mate and you’ve got yourself a great budget deal! Prices are lower during the winter. Camping spots are available for €2. Do make a reservation through their website, especially during the weekend as the place can get packed with local tourists.
A home amongst the orchards: Florian’s guesthouse, Shkodër
If you’re heading to Valbona the scenic way, chances are you’ll overnight in Shkodër. While the town itself has a few charms worth exploring, it was Florian’s Guesthouse that made my stay unforgettable.
What’s so awesome about it:
Set just outside of town, you get to borrow a bicycle (for free!) to ride into the centre. That short 5–6 minute ride through the chaos of Albanian streets? An adventure in itself.
The food is entirely organic and backyard-grown—you can even pick some veggies yourself. It’s the perfect place to experience authentic Albanian family life, with communal dinners, homemade wine and rakia while sharing travel tales, listening to stories about Albania’s past and present from the ever-warm and welcoming Florian.
Bonus points:
– fun loving, warm and welcoming host Florian
– free use of bicycles
– full board option for €4 extra. Including home-brewed wine
Extra info: The dorm isn’t anything special, but the atmosphere and simplicity of rural Albania are what make this place shine.
Rates start at €11 including breakfast. Add €4 for lunch, dinner, and wine. Seriously.
Historical house of relaxation: Berat Backpackers, Berat
I loved Berat so much it brought tears to my eyes. After spending hours sweating my way up and down cobbled lanes, I was more than happy to end each day at Berat Backpackers Hostel, beer in hand and surrounded by good conversation.
What’s so awesome about it:
It’s a beautifully restored historical Berat house that lets you live the town, not just visit it. The atmosphere is relaxed and social—you can chat with other travellers in the colourful common room or retreat to the peaceful courtyard, where ripe pomegranates fall from the trees as you read your book.
Bonus points:
– Perfect location in one of Berat’s historical quarters
– Option to join communal dinners
– come the right time and you might help turn grapes and fruit into wine or jam…the traditional way.
Extra info: I visited during low season, so it was quiet and calm. In summer, things get lively. Note that they close for winter (Dec 1–Mar 15).
Rates start at €6 for camping,  €10 for a dorm bed in low season (€12 in high season) and € 12 per person for a private double.
All three of these places added that little bit of extra magic to my Albania travels.
If you’re heading that way, I can’t recommend them enough.
Which one would have your fancy? What kind of accommodation do you prefer? Hotels or guesthouses/hostels?
The post “3 Awesome Budget Accommodations in Albania†first appeared on Travel Cake.
Dutch 
English (United States)