Preview
Key Safety Takeaways:
- Statistics show Albania is as safe for tourists as popular European destinations.
- Local culture values hospitality and the protection of visitors.
- Many tourists praise Albanians’ warmth and kindness from personal experiences.
Myth vs Reality
Albania often encounters the assumption of danger for visitors. However, looking closer reveals a European country filled with welcoming people and scenic sights. Let’s learn the facts.
Myth: Albania’s unsafe.
Reality: Albania competes with top European destinations for tourist safety.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Data shows Albania’s safety measures up to places like Greece, Spain, and Italy. Fears over crime are moderate, and walking solo during daylight meets high safety criteria.
| Safety Aspects | Albania | Greece | Spain | Italy | France | UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crime Index | 45.04 | 46.81 | 36.01 | 47.21 | 54.90 | 47.13 |
| Safety Index | 54.96 | 53.19 | 63.99 | 52.79 | 45.10 | 52.87 |
| Level of Crime | 47.58 (Moderate) | 46.69 (Moderate) | 34.36 (Low) | 49.38 (Moderate) | 57.89 (Moderate) | 52.02 (Moderate) |
| Crime Increase in the Past 3 Years | 52.13 (Moderate) | 71.11 (High) | 59.69 (Moderate) | 65.39 (High) | 71.89 (High) | 64.42 (High) |
| Worries about Home Being Broken Into and Things Stolen | 41.80 (Moderate) | 49.75 (Moderate) | 33.88 (Low) | 47.84 (Moderate) | 49.92 (Moderate) | 43.27 (Moderate) |
| Worries about Being Mugged or Robbed | 40.32 (Moderate) | 44.58 (Moderate) | 36.98 (Low) | 44.12 (Moderate) | 56.06 (Moderate) | 44.35 (Moderate) |
| Worries about Car Being Stolen | 40.69 (Moderate) | 38.61 (Low) | 26.42 (Low) | 40.31 (Moderate) | 46.19 (Moderate) | 36.89 (Low) |
| Worries about Things from Car Being Stolen | 45.51 (Moderate) | 49.30 (Moderate) | 38.30 (Low) | 50.53 (Moderate) | 54.73 (Moderate) | 43.75 (Moderate) |
| Worries about Being Attacked | 37.62 (Low) | 39.81 (Low) | 31.49 (Low) | 41.03 (Moderate) | 55.58 (Moderate) | 45.72 (Moderate) |
| Worries about Being Insulted | 38.93 (Low) | 38.74 (Low) | 31.79 (Low) | 40.64 (Moderate) | 60.14 (High) | 49.90 (Moderate) |
| Worries about Physical Attack due to Skin Color, etc. | 25.45 (Low) | 31.09 (Low) | 20.25 (Low) | 26.82 (Low) | 43.18 (Moderate) | 33.36 (Low) |
| Problem with People Using or Dealing Drugs | 51.97 (Moderate) | 53.28 (Moderate) | 46.37 (Moderate) | 57.63 (Moderate) | 62.99 (High) | 62.46 (High) |
| Problem with Property Crimes | 47.03 (Moderate) | 53.72 (Moderate) | 43.41 (Moderate) | 56.70 (Moderate) | 62.44 (High) | 53.74 (Moderate) |
| Problem with Violent Crimes | 43.40 (Moderate) | 39.50 (Low) | 29.84 (Low) | 39.20 (Low) | 52.65 (Moderate) | 45.13 (Moderate) |
| Problem with Corruption and Bribery | 79.48 (High) | 67.76 (High) | 49.11 (Moderate) | 60.16 (High) | 42.97 (Moderate) | 33.23 (Low) |
| Safety Walking Alone During Daylight | 68.66 (High) | 72.54 (High) | 79.44 (High) | 71.51 (High) | 63.23 (High) | 68.32 (High) |
| Safety Walking Alone During Night | 52.81 (Moderate) | 48.94 (Moderate) | 59.03 (Moderate) | 44.39 (Moderate) | 35.93 (Low) | 42.82 (Moderate) |
Myth: Albanians are hostile.
Reality: Welcoming visitors is ingrained in the culture.
Beyond inaccurate stereotypes, Albania’s Besa ethic calls for sheltering visitors. And first-hand accounts confirm locals embrace tourists warmly – ask the many solo travelers who’ve seen Albanians’ goodwill.
Myth: Albania seems threatening.
Fact: Turbulence in the 1990s contrasts today’s reality.
In the early 1990s, political instability rattled Albania. However, the country redeveloped itself around ideals of community and independence. Both data and tourist reviews validate that Albania now succeeds alongside top European destinations.
Albania’s Stand During World War II
When Jewish refugees escaped persecution in WWII, occupied Albania sheltered them – a courageous act. This Besa spirit persists now.
My Account
As a travel writer, I’ve explored many lands, but none compare to Albania’s authentic charm. I assure first-time visitors, families, and solo wanderers that Albanians will reward you with deep respect and belonging through our culture of hospitality.
See Albania For Yourself
Look beyond outdated stigma and see why so many tourists – like you someday – come to know Albania’s open and welcoming spirit. Begin your adventure today: explore Albania.
