Backpacking through Albania on a tight budget — totally doable

Did Albania on a shoestring for 20 days and it was absolutely manageable. Based in cheap guesthouses near Shkodër centre and ate mostly at local spots — fërgesë from street stalls cost almost nothing and was better than anything in a tourist restaurant.

Gjirokastër Citadel has an entry fee but worth every penny. incredibly cheap was a free discovery that ended up being one of my favourite moments of the trip. Budget travellers: Albania is worth your time and money, just avoid the tourist-priced restaurants.