Is wild camping allowed in Albania?

No Tolerated! Yes

Yes, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is officially allowed in Albania. There are only a few restrictions and rules that you need to consider.

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Phil
Written by: Phil
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Last researched: 2023

Wild camping is allowed in Albania, and there are only a few restrictions that should be observed. Before you set up camp, you should bear in mind that camping in the following areas is only possible to a limited extent

  • National parks and nature reserves
  • Near state buildings
  • On private properties

In these areas, you should inform yourself in advance, since there are no uniform regulations here. If you are not sure whether it is private property, you can simply ask the nearest houses. Often the property owners allow you to camp there for one or two nights.

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Tips and tricks for wild camping in Albania

Wild camping and free standing in Albania is allowed everywhere with a few exceptions. So you can set up your tent in the high mountains or on the wide coasts without worrying about what will happen if someone sees you. We would like to give you some general travel tips so that you can fully enjoy the experience and get an idea of what to look out for.

Keeping an eye on the road surface
The road surface is often marked by quiet large potholes, which can be a problem for you and your camper. So watch out for the road and avoid unnecessary night rides, as potholes are harder to spot and a puncture could spoil your stay in this beautiful country.

Safety
The safety of travelers and tourists is no problem at all in Albania. As few people are living outside the cities, you are often on your own, which is perfect for wild camping. In the cities, the same safety instructions apply, as in any other country, and your car should be locked.

 

Communication
Without knowledge of Albanian, communication becomes a little more complicated, because, unfortunately, the majority of the population speaks only Albanian. However, communication with hands and feet is possible without any problems, as Albanians are generally very friendly. A simple dictionary makes communication easier.

Road traffic regulations
In Albania, you have to drive with your headlights on during the day, and the legal alcohol limit is 0.1. Since the police are very present nationwide, and police checks are common, you should strictly follow the rules, including the speed limit. In case of offenses, your driving license will be withdrawn and the vehicle will be immobilized if there is no replacement driver.

10 interesting, bizarre and funny facts about Albania

Albania is a relatively small country in Southeastern Europe and has enjoyed growing popularity among travelers and campers in recent years. But what do you know about Albania? Why it is good to have fat in Albania and why a nod of the head can lead to misunderstandings can be explained here and give you more interesting facts about the country on the way.

Fact #1 - Lake Ohrid
Ohrid is the oldest lake in Europe and is located on the border between Albania and Northern Macedonia. It takes its name from the city of Ohrid.

Fact #2 - Biodiversity
Albania is home to 91 animal species that are considered endangered worldwide. You can find here, for example, the Pygmy Cormorant or the Dalmatian Pelican.

Fact #3 - Mountains
Almost 70 percent of the Albanian country consists of mountain landscapes and highland regions. A Mecca for all mountain lovers.

Fact #4 - The wrong world
In Albania, you shake your head for "yes" and nod for a "no". Good to know when you have to communicate with your hands and feet.

Fact #5 - Age
The average age of Albania is around 29, making it one of the youngest countries in Europe.

Fact #6 - Bunker
Out of fear of an invasion by the Soviet Union, a total of around 200,000 bunkers were built in Albania between 1972 and 1984.

Fact #7 - Fast Food
The typical American food can be found almost everywhere in the world, but not so in Albania. There is no McDonalds here.

Fact #8 - Fat is luck
Other countries other word meanings, or something like that. Fat does not mean fat in Albania, but luck.

Fact #9 - Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa is the heroine of the country. She is also the only Albanian person to have received a Nobel Prize.

Fact #10 - Atheism
Albania was proclaimed the first atheist state in the world in 1967. Religion was forbidden and could be punished with a prison sentence.

Travelogue Albania

Picture by cool-camping-wohnmobil.de
Picture by cool-camping-wohnmobil.de

Fish with a view - A travelogue from cool-camping-wohnmobil.de about Lake Ohrid in eastern Albania. Click here for the full blog article.

 

First published 14 May 2019

Everything you need to know for your trip

Equipment

  • Warning triangle Yes
  • Safety vest No
  • First aid kit Yes
  • Replacement lamp set Yes, except Xenon / LED
  • Spare tyre / repair set Yes
  • Fire extinguisher No
  • Tow rope Yes
  • Tear rope for all trailers No

Driving

  • Do I need a vignette, or are there tolls? No
  • Right hand trafficTo avoid dazzling other road users, you need to readjust or mask your headlights if they have asymmetrical light and are right-hand drive
  • Is it compulsory to drive with lights on during the day? No

Information

  • Is the tap water potable? No
  • Socket type: C + F
  • Energency numbers: 112
  • Currency: ALL
  • Official Languages: Albanian
  • Country licence plate code: AL

Average prices, in €

  • Price coffee rounded: 0.75
  • Price beer rounded: 1.25

Entry conditions for animals

  • You need a valid EU pet passport in which your animal is clearly identified (microchip or tattoo), as well as a rabies vaccination valid on entry. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old, but not older than 6 months. Yes
  • If your entry is from a non-EU country with a reduced rabies status, you must have a rabies antibody test carried out approximately four weeks before you enter the country and have it entered on your EU pet passport. No
  • Your dog must be treated for tapeworms 24 to 120 hours before entry. No
  • In addition to a valid EU pet passport with all the required entries, you also need an official veterinary health certificate (max. 10 days old). No
  • The import of fighting dogs or breeds classified as dangerous is not permitted. No
We try our best to keep the information up to date. Even so, we can always make mistakes. Have you found an error? Send us an email to moc.aynavarac@ofnullni!

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