Albanians are quite friendly. Because of their age, elder men in the Balkans expect to be treated with respect more than the rest of the population. Men, in particular, must be respected in the home. Avoid talking about religion or politics by shaking hands with them. Certain topics are strictly prohibited, even if they are legal in the United States or other countries.
Albanians are quite friendly. Because of their age, elder men in the Balkans expect to be treated with respect more than the rest of the population. Men, in particular, must be respected in the home. Avoid talking about religion or politics by shaking hands with them. Certain topics are strictly prohibited, even if they are legal in the United States or other countries.
Homosexuality is a perfect example. Never, ever, ever bring up the issue of gay rights. Just remember that the situation fluctuates a lot depending on where you are (village or city) and who you are chatting with. Of course, stay away from topics that are beyond local grasp in the hidden north, but be assured that the people of Tirana are just as cosmopolitan and open to new ideas as those in Western Europe. There is no need to be anxious; all you need to remember is to treat the locals with the same respect as you would at home.
Don’t be surprised if you see a gigantic, ancient AK-47 Kalashnikov hanging on the wall if you stay at someone’s house for a night or two. Albanians are quite likely to have weapons in their homes.
Traditions
Even if it’s your first time meeting someone, it’s usual in Albania to kiss the cheeks of males your age or younger (if you’re a man). Fier, Tepelena, Vlora, and Gjirokastra are significantly affected. Instead of kissing each other’s lips, people in Northern Albania just kiss each other’s cheeks. Women kiss each other, sometimes from the minute they meet, while men and women do not kiss on the cheek until they have known each other for a long time. Kissing cheeks is, nevertheless, highly common among 15–20-year-olds.
If the family has a baby, always ask to see him or her and remember to compliment him or her (usually “qenka I shendetshem, me jete te gjate” or “what a sweet baby” works best). If you’re a male or a woman in a group of guys, compliment women only if they’re under the age of 10–12. If you don’t speak English but do speak a language where the single and plural forms of “you” are not the same (e.g., Italian, Greek, German), be aware that some Albanians do not use the plural form. If the journalist is a close friend of the prime minister, “ti” may be used to address him (you in singular, “tu” in Italian, “Du” in German, or “Esi” in Greek).
When meeting someone for the first time, however, it is best to address them in plural, even though they will shortly insist on being addressed in singular. Albanian police personnel are often polite. They virtually seldom stop foreign automobiles, although they could if you rent a car. They will, however, immediately urge you to continue if they see you are a foreign guest (usually with a “ec, ec, rruge te mbare” which can be translated in “go on, have a nice trip”). When this happens, responding with a “faleminderit” is highly courteous (thank you in Albanian).
Albanians like dancing, especially during weddings. If you’re going to a party, don’t be afraid to dance! Even if you aren’t acquainted with the traditional dances, try to learn them.
Albania will definitely stimulate all of your senses with its idyllic beaches, magnificent castles, and the excitement of visiting a nation that just opened its doors to the rest of the globe. From the historical sites you may visit to the
Albania is still one of the most undervalued vacation spots in Europe, but each year more tourists discover the country's beauty, particularly its beaches.
As is customary, precautions should be taken. The local crime scene does not often target foreigners, however pickpocketings do occur. Although bottled water is preferred, tap water is typically safe to use. Albanian cuisine is typically
Albanian history dates back to the 4th century BC, and there are early traces of Illyria in Greco-Roman historiography. The territory that is now Albania was under Roman (Byzantine) dominion until the Slavs began to overrun it in the 7th
Albanian art has a long and dramatic history. Albania, a country in southeastern Europe, has a culture that is unique from that of the rest of Europe. For over five centuries, Albania was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, which had a tremendous
Albanians are quite friendly. Because of their age, elder men in the Balkans expect to be treated with respect more than the rest of the population. Men, in particular, must be respected in the home. Avoid talking about religion or
In all Albanian cities, there are several shops selling a variety of things, including well-known brands, spectacles, ancient objects, and so on. Tourists go to Kruja, Korca, Shkodra, Gjirokastra, and Tirana's old bazaars, where they may
The cuisine of Albania, like the rest of the Balkans, is greatly inspired by Turkish cuisine. The region's 400-year Ottoman domination has had an influence. Following the fall of communism in the early 1990s, Italy and Western Europe in
Albania is hilly or mountainous for over two-thirds of its geographical area. These provide opportunities for outdoor recreation as well as off-road riding. Adventure tourism is gaining popularity in Albania's well-known destinations
With its gorgeous turquoise seas and several islands strewn along it, such as Saranda, Albania's southernmost coastal city, the shoreline is always a nice place to visit. It's worth mentioning that the Albanian Riviera to the south of
The bulk of the tourist industry is concentrated around the Adriatic and Ionian Sea beaches. The Albanian Riviera, as it is called, has the most beautiful and pristine beaches. The Albanian coastline, including the lagoon area, runs about
Nationals of the United States may enter Albania visa-free for up to one year. Nationals of all European Union and European Economic Area member states, plus Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the
Due to the scarcity of such experiences in Europe today, a train ride is a must-see. The fares are modest and the journeys are long, but the scenery and ambiance are often priceless. People working their land with primitive equipment
Flying to Corfu and then taking the hydrofoil to Saranda is another less costly and more pleasant way to see the Albanian Riviera in Southern Albania. Tirana can be reached by coach from: Istanbul, Turkey (20hr, €35 one-w
In traditional Albanian culture, the visitor's rank and person are cherished. In return for this position of honor, the guest is required to show respect. Albanians like taking long walks around the city streets, drinking coffee, and
Traditions & Customs in Albania
Traditions & Customs in Albania
Albanians are quite friendly. Because of their age, elder men in the Balkans expect to be treated with respect more than the rest of the population. Men, in particular, must be respected in the home. Avoid talking about religion or politics by shaking hands with them. Certain topics are strictly prohibited, even if they are legal in the United States or other countries.
Homosexuality is a perfect example. Never, ever, ever bring up the issue of gay rights. Just remember that the situation fluctuates a lot depending on where you are (village or city) and who you are chatting with. Of course, stay away from topics that are beyond local grasp in the hidden north, but be assured that the people of Tirana are just as cosmopolitan and open to new ideas as those in Western Europe. There is no need to be anxious; all you need to remember is to treat the locals with the same respect as you would at home.
Don’t be surprised if you see a gigantic, ancient AK-47 Kalashnikov hanging on the wall if you stay at someone’s house for a night or two. Albanians are quite likely to have weapons in their homes.
Traditions
Even if it’s your first time meeting someone, it’s usual in Albania to kiss the cheeks of males your age or younger (if you’re a man). Fier, Tepelena, Vlora, and Gjirokastra are significantly affected. Instead of kissing each other’s lips, people in Northern Albania just kiss each other’s cheeks. Women kiss each other, sometimes from the minute they meet, while men and women do not kiss on the cheek until they have known each other for a long time. Kissing cheeks is, nevertheless, highly common among 15–20-year-olds.
If the family has a baby, always ask to see him or her and remember to compliment him or her (usually “qenka I shendetshem, me jete te gjate” or “what a sweet baby” works best). If you’re a male or a woman in a group of guys, compliment women only if they’re under the age of 10–12. If you don’t speak English but do speak a language where the single and plural forms of “you” are not the same (e.g., Italian, Greek, German), be aware that some Albanians do not use the plural form. If the journalist is a close friend of the prime minister, “ti” may be used to address him (you in singular, “tu” in Italian, “Du” in German, or “Esi” in Greek).
When meeting someone for the first time, however, it is best to address them in plural, even though they will shortly insist on being addressed in singular. Albanian police personnel are often polite. They virtually seldom stop foreign automobiles, although they could if you rent a car. They will, however, immediately urge you to continue if they see you are a foreign guest (usually with a “ec, ec, rruge te mbare” which can be translated in “go on, have a nice trip”). When this happens, responding with a “faleminderit” is highly courteous (thank you in Albanian).
Albanians like dancing, especially during weddings. If you’re going to a party, don’t be afraid to dance! Even if you aren’t acquainted with the traditional dances, try to learn them.
Read next…
Nightlife In Albania
Beaches In Albania
Stay Safe & Healthy in Albania
History Of Albania
Culture Of Albania
Traditions & Customs in Albania
Festivals & Holidays in Albania
Money & Shopping in Albania
Food & Drinks in Albania
Things To Do in Albania
Things To See in Albania
Tourism in Albania
Visa & Passport for Albania
How To Travel Around Albania
How To Travel To Albania
Albania – Introduction
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