Is Albania Safe? What Is a Holiday in Golem Like?

Is Albania safe? We are often asked this question by people planning their first trip to the country. Albania is still less familiar to many Czech tourists than Croatia, Italy or Greece, which can lead to unnecessary concerns before travelling.

From our own experience, we feel safe both in Albania and in Golem. Local people are friendly, families with children are welcome, and tourist areas have a pleasant holiday atmosphere.

How safe is Golem?

Golem is a popular seaside resort near Durrës. During the day, most activity centres around the sandy beach. In the evening, the promenade, restaurants, cafés and small shops come to life.

After dark, you will commonly see families with children, couples and groups of friends. People walk along the seafront, stop for ice cream, watch the sunset from the beach or enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants. An evening stroll along the promenade is certainly one of the most enjoyable parts of a holiday in Golem.

There is no need to be afraid of going out in the evening or feel that you must remain close to your accommodation. Golem is a lively resort where you can enjoy the sea and holiday atmosphere from morning until night.

How do local people treat tourists?

Albanians are known for their hospitality and willingness to help. If you are unsure where to find a bus stop, are looking for a particular shop or need directions, there is usually someone willing to assist you.

In restaurants and shops, you can generally communicate in English or Italian. If you do not share a common language, a translation app or simply pointing to a location on a map usually works well.

Albanians have a very positive attitude towards children. Families are a natural part of everyday life in restaurants, cafés and on the evening promenade, and nobody is surprised to see children outside later in the evening.

Is Golem suitable for families with children?

Golem is a very pleasant destination for a family holiday. It has a wide sandy beach and a gently sloping entrance into the sea. Restaurants, bakeries, cafés, supermarkets and smaller shops are all nearby, so most everyday needs can be taken care of locally.

Young children should, of course, be supervised by the sea just as they would be anywhere else. The beach can be busier during the main summer season, and lifeguards are not present on every section.

It is also a good idea to take extra care when crossing the road. Local traffic can be livelier, although drivers often stop and give way to pedestrians without being asked. Pedestrian crossings are not common everywhere, so local people often cross wherever it is most convenient. You may therefore see pedestrians even on busier roads. Always look carefully before stepping into the road, and when travelling with younger children, wait until you have enough time to cross safely.

Parents can find more information in our article Family holidays in Golem.

Is it safe to travel around Albania?

Yes. You can travel around Albania by car, use local buses, arrange a private transfer or join an organised tour with a guide. From Golem, you can easily visit Durrës, Tirana, Berat or Divjakë–Karavasta National Park.

The main roads are generally easy to drive on, although the local driving style can feel livelier than at home. Drivers use their horns more frequently, extra attention is needed at roundabouts, and traffic in towns and cities can sometimes appear chaotic. However, most drivers become accustomed to the local style after a few kilometres.

If you do not feel comfortable driving, you can use a transfer, taxi or organised trip with a driver. It is a good idea to agree on the price before the journey and check the insurance conditions carefully when hiring a car.

Do you need to watch your personal belongings in Albania?

There is no need to walk around Albania worrying about your phone or wallet. The same common-sense precautions apply as when travelling to any other holiday destination.

Do not leave your phone, documents or larger amounts of cash unattended on the beach if the whole family goes swimming. Lock your apartment when you leave and do not leave valuables visibly displayed inside a parked car.

This is not something specific to Albania. It is simply sensible behaviour in any tourist resort.

What about stray dogs?

In Golem and other parts of Albania, you may occasionally encounter dogs or cats roaming freely. They usually take little notice of people and calmly go about their way.

It is best not to pet or feed unfamiliar animals or allow young children to approach them. Even if they appear friendly, you do not know their behaviour or health condition, so it is better to leave them undisturbed. You can find more information in our article Stray dogs in Albania.

Do I need travel insurance?

We recommend travel insurance for every trip abroad, and Albania is no exception. This does not mean that the country is dangerous. Insurance can be useful in the event of a common illness, injury, problems with luggage or an unexpected change to your journey.

Before travelling, save the telephone number of your insurance provider's assistance service and bring a sufficient supply of any medication you take regularly.

What should you be careful about in Golem?

In practice, you only need to follow a few common-sense rules:

• Look carefully before crossing the road.

• Supervise children near the sea.

• Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach.

• Check the insurance conditions when hiring a car.

• Arrange suitable travel insurance.

No special precautions are necessary for an ordinary holiday in Golem.

Is it safe to walk around Golem in the evening?

Yes. Evening walks are a normal part of a holiday in Golem. The promenade comes alive after sunset, when the temperature becomes more comfortable and people head out for dinner, ice cream or a walk along the seafront.

In the evening, you will commonly see families with children as well as local residents. There is no reason to remain inside your apartment after dark. It would be a shame to miss the pleasant evening atmosphere that forms such an enjoyable part of a seaside holiday.

So, is Albania safe?

Based on our own experience, yes. Albania is a welcoming country where visitors can travel without unnecessary concerns. Golem is a pleasant resort for families, couples and groups of friends, and it feels just as safe as other popular seaside destinations.

For many visitors, the biggest surprise is not safety, but the friendliness of local people, the lively evening promenade and the relaxed atmosphere. Many guests arrive feeling slightly uncertain and leave knowing they would like to return to Albania.

If you are looking for comfortable accommodation for a family holiday, take a look at Rehati Apartment in Golem. It is located just 200 metres from the sandy beach and offers plenty of space for up to six guests.