A Taste of Albania: Sunshine, Style, and Seriously Good Food
Albania wasn’t originally at the top of my travel list—but after this trip, I can’t stop thinking about it. With gorgeous weather, a mix of modern energy and old-world charm, and some of the best food I’ve had in a while, it’s safe to say this country exceeded all expectations. From Tirana's upscale dining scene to Durrës’ breezy beach life, this journey was one for the books.
Tirana: Where Style Meets Flavor
Our adventure began in Tirana, Albania’s buzzing capital. It’s a city in motion—full of life, color, and creativity. But what really stood out to me? The food scene. And at the center of that was Tribe.
Dining at Tribe: A Culinary Experience with an Edge
Walking into Tribe, you’re immediately struck by the ambiance. It has a sleek, mysterious vibe—dark tones, modern lighting, and bold decor that feels somewhere between a high-end lounge and an art gallery. There’s something effortlessly cool about it, like a secret spot you’re lucky to stumble into.
We started with the tuna tartar and beef carpaccio, both absolute standouts. The tartar was silky and fresh, while the carpaccio had just the right balance of richness and acidity. These dishes were not just delicious—they were flawless.
Then came the main event: the steak. The cuts here are top-tier—think Fiorentina and Tomahawk—cooked to a perfect medium rare. Tender, flavorful, juicy. Just perfection on a plate. But, let’s talk price. A single slice of Fiorentina cost €150, and the Tomahawk came in at a jaw-dropping €350. This is luxury dining, even by European or American standards. That said, the portions were huge, the quality was undeniable, and for a once-in-a-while splurge, it was absolutely worth it.
The service matched the mood—relaxed yet attentive. We never felt rushed, but everything arrived just when it should. And the staff? Friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming.
From City to Coast: A Quick Trip to Durrës
After soaking up the cosmopolitan vibes of Tirana, we made our way to the coast and spent a day in Durrës, one of Albania’s oldest cities and a growing beach destination.
We headed to Cyti Beach and lounged at the Posh Lounge—an upscale beach club that matched its name with stylish seating, smooth beats, and refreshing cocktails. The beach itself was lively but not overwhelming, with warm waters and a relaxed atmosphere that made it easy to unwind.
Beachside Vibes and Beautiful Moments
Durrës was the perfect complement to Tirana—slower, breezier, and the ideal place to end our Albanian adventure. Watching the sun dip below the Adriatic while sipping something cold and laughing with friends... it was one of those simple, perfect moments you never want to end.
Final Thoughts: Albania Surprised Me—in the Best Way
I went in with curiosity and came away with memories I’ll never forget. Albania is a place of contrasts—urban energy and coastal calm, luxury dining and laid-back beaches. The weather was beautiful, the people were warm, and the food… the food was on another level.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. And next time, I might just bring more friends and stay a little longer.
#AlbaniaUncovered #Tirana #TribeTirana #DurresDays