Our Honeymoon in Albania: The Trip We Never Expected to Love So Much

David and I got married during the pandemic, a time when the world felt uncertain and travel plans seemed to change every week. Thankfully, we were lucky. We didn't have to move our wedding date or wear masks, and we were able to celebrate with our family and friends at St Nicholas Church in Laindon and Friern Manor in Dunton, Essex.

Like most newlyweds, we wanted a honeymoon to remember. The challenge was finding somewhere that would actually let us in. At the time, our options were fairly limited, and after hours of research I narrowed it down to Greece, Poland and Albania. Albania wasn't the obvious choice. In fact, it felt quite random, but the more I researched it, the more intrigued I became. There was something about it that kept pulling me back, so eventually we decided to take the chance and book it.

Choosing Durrës

October isn't exactly peak beach season, but I wasn't chasing guaranteed sunshine. What I wanted was somewhere interesting, somewhere different. I also knew I didn't want to stay in Tirana. We eventually settled on Durrës, mainly because it was only a short drive from the airport, which suited us perfectly.

As I don't drive, David takes care of the driving while I handle the planning and navigation. It's a system that's worked well for us over the years. I also hate wasting time waiting for transfer coaches, so being able to collect a car and get straight on with our holiday was ideal.

Before we'd even boarded the plane, I'd already researched restaurants, cafés and street food spots. I had lists, maps and saved locations ready to go. David can sometimes be a little indecisive when it comes to choosing where to eat, so I knew that if I didn't plan ahead we'd spend half the holiday standing in the street scrolling through Google trying to make a decision.

Discovering Albania

One of the things that surprised me most about Albania was how much history, culture and natural beauty was packed into such a small country. Durrës turned out to be the perfect base for exploring, with fascinating towns and beautiful scenery all within easy driving distance.

Every day seemed to take us somewhere completely different. One day we were exploring ancient castles and historic streets, and the next we were relaxing by the sea or discovering a new local restaurant. It quickly became one of those trips where every day brought a new surprise.

Exploring Krujë

One of our first day trips was to Krujë, a town famous for its connection to Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg. The castle was one of the highlights, not only because of its history but because of the incredible views across the surrounding mountains and countryside.

We spent hours wandering around the castle grounds before heading into the old bazaar. The narrow streets were lined with handmade crafts, jewellery, souvenirs and local products. It felt authentic rather than touristy, which made it all the more enjoyable.

Falling in Love with Berat

If I had to choose a favourite place from the trip, it would probably be Berat. Known as the Town of a Thousand Windows, it is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. The white Ottoman houses seem to spill down the hillside beneath the castle, creating a view that looks like something from a painting.

We spent hours exploring the old streets, taking photographs and simply enjoying the atmosphere. One of the highlights of the entire honeymoon was having breakfast inside Berat Castle. Sitting high above the town, surrounded by mountains and centuries of history, was an experience neither of us will ever forget.

The food was fantastic, the setting was unforgettable and the views alone were worth the journey.

A Day in Vlore

No honeymoon would be complete without a visit to the beach, so we spent a day in Vlore, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. The coastline was stunning and far quieter than we expected.

What stood out most was how peaceful it felt. There were no huge crowds, no rush and none of the chaos often found in more established tourist destinations. Instead, we found crystal-clear water, beautiful scenery and a chance to slow down and enjoy the moment.

The Food

The food deserves a section of its own because Albania completely exceeded our expectations. Everywhere we went seemed to offer a different combination of Mediterranean, Balkan, Turkish and Italian influences, creating meals that felt both familiar and completely new.

One of our favourite discoveries was byrek, a savoury pastry that seemed to be available on every corner. Simple, affordable and absolutely delicious. We also enjoyed fresh seafood, grilled meats and a variety of traditional dishes that we would never have discovered if we'd stuck to the tourist hotspots.

Some of the best meals came from tiny family-run cafés, local bakeries and street food stalls. Those are often the places that create the strongest memories, and Albania was full of them.

Churches, Mosques and Culture

What I loved most about Albania was the way different cultures and influences seemed to blend together so naturally. Throughout the trip we saw churches and mosques standing side by side, reflecting the country's unique history and cultural identity.

European and Ottoman influences were visible everywhere, from the architecture and food to the towns and landscapes we explored. It felt like a country shaped by many different stories, yet with a strong identity of its own.

Our Albanian Tattoos

Before we travelled, I'd already decided I wanted us to get tattoos to remember the trip. David wasn't particularly surprised. By that point he was used to my planning and my tendency to turn travel experiences into lifelong memories.

We found a brilliant tattoo artist in Durrës and booked ourselves in before the end of the holiday. The designs weren't huge, but they were meaningful. Even now, years later, they remind us of a honeymoon that turned out to be far more memorable than either of us expected.

Looking Back

When people think about honeymoon destinations, Albania probably isn't the first country that comes to mind. It certainly wasn't ours. Yet sometimes the places you know the least about end up surprising you the most.

What started as a practical choice during a global pandemic became one of our favourite travel experiences. We discovered castles, beaches, mountain views, incredible food and a culture that welcomed us warmly wherever we went.

Most importantly, we started married life doing something we both love, exploring somewhere completely new together. Years later, Albania is still one of the trips we talk about most, not because it was luxurious or famous, but because it completely exceeded every expectation we had. Sometimes the most unexpected journeys become the most memorable, and our honeymoon in Albania was exactly that.