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Italian Media Names Albania Among Europe’s Top Budget Holiday Destinations for 2026

Italian media outlet Quotidian Post.it has ranked Albania among Europe’s top 10 destinations for affordable summer holidays in 2026. Travel experts selected the destinations for their combination of natural beauty, quality experiences and reasonable prices. The report says travelers can still enjoy memorable holidays on a limited budget by choosing …

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Over 34,000 Tourists Explore Kukës Protected Areas from Valbona to Korab-Koritnik

More than 34,000 domestic and international tourists visited the protected areas of Kukës during the first half of 2026, exploring alpine landscapes, mountain trails, biodiversity and natural attractions. The protected areas offer visitors a unique experience through forests, lakes, natural springs and cultural heritage sites, combining adventure with nature exploration. …

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Rama Highlights “N’Kanu” Agrotourism in Mirditë as a Model of Investing in the Homeland

Agrotourism is becoming an important driver of economic and social development in Albania’s rural areas, creating jobs and strengthening local economies. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the “N’Kanu” agrotourism centre in Perlat, Mirditë, describing it as an example of returning migrants investing in their hometowns and promoting rural …

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Seman Beach Attracts Visitors with Therapeutic Sand and Warm Waters

Seman Beach, located 18 kilometres from Fier, is attracting visitors with its wide coastline, fine therapeutic sand and warm waters. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the popular summer destination on social media, highlighting its appeal among holidaymakers. In recent years, Seman and Darzezë beaches have become increasingly popular …

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Begaj welcomes representatives of European Interfaith Councils

President Begaj praised the forum as a valuable platform that strengthens interfaith dialogue and promotes peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation across Europe. He said Albania stands as a model of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and hospitality. He added that these values define the country’s identity and encouraged the delegates to …

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Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans for environmental performance

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today. In a video message, Rama said the global index places Albania 46th among 177 countries. He added that the country has achieved …

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Tropoja’s artisan workshop preserves heritage and empowers women

An artisan workshop in the heart of Tropoja has become a model for preserving cultural heritage and strengthening women’s economic independence. With support from the European Union through the EU4Innovation programme, local women artisans are keeping traditional crafts alive while creating new job opportunities for the community. At the workshop, …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 20, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Gjirokastër Castle draws record number of visitors

Gjirokastër Castle remains the most popular tourist attraction in southern Albania. More Albanian and international visitors have explored the landmark this summer, highlighting the growing appeal of the UNESCO-listed museum city and its rich cultural heritage. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage reports that about 130,000 people have visited the …

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Albania’s exports rise sharply in June

Albania recorded strong growth in foreign trade in June 2026. According to the latest report from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), merchandise exports reached 35.4 billion lek, up 13.6 percent from a year earlier. Exports also increased 8.3 percent from May. Imports climbed to 83.5 billion lek, marking a 9.1 …

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Albania’s Defence Minister Ermal Nufi meets Italy’s Guido Crosetto to strengthen security cooperation

TIRANA, August 5 – Albania’s Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met with Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Rome to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security. The two ministers discussed deeper cooperation between Albania and Italy, focusing on increasing the interoperability of the Armed Forces and exploring new opportunities …

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Hot weather across Albania, temperatures expected to reach 41°C

TIRANA, August 5 – Albania will experience stable and hot weather conditions on Wednesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain clear across the country, with occasional light clouds expected in mountainous areas from midday to afternoon hours. Winds will blow from the southeast to southwest at …

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Islands highlights Albania as Europe’s hidden gem of wild nature, stunning coasts and ancient history

TIRANA, August 5 – The American travel magazine “Islands” has presented Albania as a rising destination where wild landscapes, breathtaking coastlines and thousands of years of history come together. Writing for “Islands”, Rebecca High described Albania as a lesser-known Balkan country that is increasingly attracting visitors from North America. She …

News
Traffic on Tirana-Durrës road to close overnight for Kashar overpass works

TIRANA, August 5 – The Albanian Road Authority announced a temporary traffic closure on the Tirana-Durrës road during the nights of August 6 and 7, 2026, as part of the second phase of expansion works on the main road corridor. The closure will be in force from 00:00 to 04:30, …

News
Tourism and agro-tourism among sectors with highest growth potential

TIRANA, August 5 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said the national program “Double Your Business” aims to improve access to financing for businesses and farmers. The scheme supports investments that increase productivity, modernization, innovation and competitiveness. Gonxhja highlighted tourism and agro-tourism as sectors with major potential …

News
Dinamo loses 1-0 to Auda, qualification decided in Elbasan

TIRANA, August 5 – Dinamo lost 1-0 to Latvian side Auda in the first match of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The narrow defeat keeps the qualification battle open ahead of the return leg. The match in Latvia remained balanced, while the Albanian team created the …

News
Egnatia loses 3-1 away to Shamrock Rovers in Europa League qualifier

TIRANA, August 5 – Egnatia lost 3-1 to Irish side Shamrock Rovers in the first match of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. The result leaves the qualification battle open ahead of the return leg. The hosts took the lead in the 29th minute when Burke converted …

News
Over 2 million passengers travelled through Albania’s airport and ports in July

TIRANA, August 5 – Albania recorded another strong tourism month in July. Passenger flows increased during the peak summer season. More than 2.05 million passengers used Tirana International Airport “Mother Teresa” and the country’s main ports. Meanwhile, data from the Media and Information Agency (MIA) shows that Tirana International Airport …

News
Gjuhadol, Shkodër’s historic district turned into a major tourist attraction

TIRANA, August 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today images from Gjuhadol, one of the most characteristic areas in the centre of Shkodër. The historic district remains one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Its architecture and atmosphere continue to attract visitors. Meanwhile, several private homes have turned into …

News
Health Minister Sala: New public model strengthens support services for patients

TIRANA, August 5 – Albania is expanding its public management model for healthcare support services, Health Minister Evis Sala said after inspecting the facilities of the Integrated Sterilisation Services Operator (OSHIS). Meanwhile, OSHIS has already taken over the integrated sterilisation service. It will also manage the National Basic Medical Check-Up …

News

Albania’s Defence Minister Ermal Nufi meets Italy’s Guido Crosetto to strengthen security cooperation

TIRANA, August 5 – Albania’s Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met with Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Rome to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security. The two ministers discussed deeper cooperation between Albania and Italy, focusing on increasing the interoperability of the Armed Forces and exploring new opportunities …

News

Hot weather across Albania, temperatures expected to reach 41°C

TIRANA, August 5 – Albania will experience stable and hot weather conditions on Wednesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain clear across the country, with occasional light clouds expected in mountainous areas from midday to afternoon hours. Winds will blow from the southeast to southwest at …

News

Islands highlights Albania as Europe’s hidden gem of wild nature, stunning coasts and ancient history

TIRANA, August 5 – The American travel magazine “Islands” has presented Albania as a rising destination where wild landscapes, breathtaking coastlines and thousands of years of history come together. Writing for “Islands”, Rebecca High described Albania as a lesser-known Balkan country that is increasingly attracting visitors from North America. She …

News

Traffic on Tirana-Durrës road to close overnight for Kashar overpass works

TIRANA, August 5 – The Albanian Road Authority announced a temporary traffic closure on the Tirana-Durrës road during the nights of August 6 and 7, 2026, as part of the second phase of expansion works on the main road corridor. The closure will be in force from 00:00 to 04:30, …

News

Tourism and agro-tourism among sectors with highest growth potential

TIRANA, August 5 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said the national program “Double Your Business” aims to improve access to financing for businesses and farmers. The scheme supports investments that increase productivity, modernization, innovation and competitiveness. Gonxhja highlighted tourism and agro-tourism as sectors with major potential …

News

Dinamo loses 1-0 to Auda, qualification decided in Elbasan

TIRANA, August 5 – Dinamo lost 1-0 to Latvian side Auda in the first match of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The narrow defeat keeps the qualification battle open ahead of the return leg. The match in Latvia remained balanced, while the Albanian team created the …

News

Egnatia loses 3-1 away to Shamrock Rovers in Europa League qualifier

TIRANA, August 5 – Egnatia lost 3-1 to Irish side Shamrock Rovers in the first match of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. The result leaves the qualification battle open ahead of the return leg. The hosts took the lead in the 29th minute when Burke converted …

News

Over 2 million passengers travelled through Albania’s airport and ports in July

TIRANA, August 5 – Albania recorded another strong tourism month in July. Passenger flows increased during the peak summer season. More than 2.05 million passengers used Tirana International Airport “Mother Teresa” and the country’s main ports. Meanwhile, data from the Media and Information Agency (MIA) shows that Tirana International Airport …

News

Gjuhadol, Shkodër’s historic district turned into a major tourist attraction

TIRANA, August 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today images from Gjuhadol, one of the most characteristic areas in the centre of Shkodër. The historic district remains one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Its architecture and atmosphere continue to attract visitors. Meanwhile, several private homes have turned into …

News

Health Minister Sala: New public model strengthens support services for patients

TIRANA, August 5 – Albania is expanding its public management model for healthcare support services, Health Minister Evis Sala said after inspecting the facilities of the Integrated Sterilisation Services Operator (OSHIS). Meanwhile, OSHIS has already taken over the integrated sterilisation service. It will also manage the National Basic Medical Check-Up …