Traveling to Albania with a Baby or Toddler – Tips, Useful Information & Our Experience

Albania is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination – and for good reason: this small country in Southern Europe impresses with its unspoiled nature, warm hospitality, and beautiful beaches. It's also gaining attention as a great option for families traveling with babies or toddlers.
With relatively easy access from many European cities and a relaxed atmosphere, Albania is a wonderful place for a stress-free family vacation.

But how family-friendly is Albania really? What should you keep in mind when planning your trip? And how easy is it to travel around the country with a baby or toddler?

In this post, we want to share our personal experiences, offer helpful tips, and show you that traveling to Albania with a young child is not only possible but truly enjoyable.
We also aim to answer common questions and ease any concerns you might have about planning a trip like this.

BEFORE THE TRIP

1. ADDITIONAL VACCINATIONS FOR ALBANIA

The decision whether to give your baby additional vaccinations is, of course, entirely up to you. No specific vaccinations are required for entry into Albania.
However, it is recommended that babies and toddlers have complete routine immunizations according to the standard vaccination schedule – such as measles, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.

Depending on your travel route and the regions you plan to visit, additional vaccinations like hepatitis A, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), hepatitis B, or rabies may also be advisable – especially for longer stays or close contact with animals. A travel health consultation with your pediatrician is strongly recommended, ideally a few weeks before your departure.

In our case, after speaking with our pediatrician, we decided not to get any additional vaccinations beyond those recommended by the standard vaccination schedule in Germany.

2. ROUTINE HEALTH CHECK-UPS FOR BABIES

If you're planning to travel with a baby or toddler, it’s a good idea to check whether any routine health check-ups are due during your trip.
These regular pediatric visits are important for monitoring your child’s development and should ideally be scheduled within the recommended time frame.

If a check-up is expected during your travel period, speak with your pediatrician ahead of time.
In many cases, it’s possible to move the appointment slightly forward or postpone it until after your trip – depending on what works best for your family.

Tip: In case of a medical emergency abroad, we recommend saving digital copies of your child’s health records and vaccination card – for example, on a USB stick, your phone, or in cloud storage. This way, you'll always have access to important health information, and a local doctor can quickly understand your child’s medical history if needed.

3. BOOKING THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION

When traveling with a baby or toddler, it’s a smart idea to book at least the first few nights in advance – especially during peak season.
This helps you avoid the stress of finding a place to stay after arrival and ensures that your accommodation meets your family's needs.

Since becoming parents, we’ve learned to look for flexible booking options, preferably with free cancellation.
That way, if our child gets sick, if we decide to stay longer in one place, or if plans change unexpectedly, we’re not tied to a rigid itinerary.

When it comes to amenities, we always appreciate accommodations with a balcony or outdoor seating area – in addition to a private bathroom, air conditioning, and enough space to move around. This allows us to enjoy the evening while our child sleeps. With a baby monitor, we can always keep an eye on her and respond quickly if she wakes up.
We also try to stay in places that are centrally located and close to the activities or sights we plan to visit.
Avoiding long drives makes things much more relaxed when traveling with a young child.

During our trip, we usually alternate between hotels and apartments. Having access to a kitchen or laundry facilities is especially helpful on longer journeys with a toddler.

In Albania, there’s a wide range of accommodations to choose from – budget-friendly hotels, modern apartments, and even all-inclusive resorts.
Especially along the coast, tourism is growing rapidly and the infrastructure is visibly improving.
We personally use booking.com for most of our stays because it offers a wide selection and great filtering options to find family-friendly places easily.

Here’s a quick overview of the accommodations we personally enjoyed the most during our family trip through Albania:

• ‍Durres Vintage Apartment – Durres
• Green Terrace Apartments Tirana – Tirana
• Seaside Residence – Vlore
• Blue Eye Hotel – Ksamil
• Vilma Apartment – Berat
• Hotel Ikona – Shkodra

Good to know: When searching and booking accommodations, we always entered just two adults, since our two-year-old daughter still prefers to share the bed with us.
In many places, children up to 2 years old – and sometimes even up to 3 – stay for free, as long as no extra bed is required.

DURING THE TRIP

1. FLYING WITH A BABY OR TODDLER

If it’s your first time flying with a baby or toddler and you’re feeling a bit nervous, we can reassure you: it’s usually much more relaxed than you might expect.

One advantage of flying to Albania is that it’s relatively close to many European cities, with direct flights from major hubs.
Short- to medium-haul flights are generally easier for small children to handle, and the time often passes surprisingly quickly.

Our tip: Try to stay relaxed. Children often pick up on their parents’ mood, so if you’re calm and positive, your child is likely to follow your lead.
Look at the flight not as a stressful obstacle, but as the beginning of your family adventure.

Babies and toddlers under 2 years old typically don’t require their own seat and can sit on a parent’s lap during the flight.
That said, some parents choose to book a separate seat to have more space or to use an FAA- or airline-approved infant car seat.

When our daughter was under 18 months, we didn’t book her a separate seat, even for long-haul flights.
She sat on our lap, and we secured her using the infant belt provided by the airline during takeoff and landing. That setup worked well for us.

After your child turns 2, a separate seat is required, and they must use a standard seatbelt during the flight.

Many airlines also allow you to bring a certified car seat or infant carrier on board if your child has their own seat, but it’s worth checking in advance, as policies vary.

Good to know: Most airlines allow two baby items to be checked free of charge per child, such as a stroller, travel crib, or car seat.
These items usually don’t count toward your regular baggage allowance.

Important: Be sure to register any baby gear at the check-in counter, even if you’ve already checked in online or are using self-service baggage drop-off.
Each airline may have different rules, so it’s best to review the specific policy before your trip.

When it comes to toys, we prefer not to give specific recommendations, as every child develops individually.
You know best what your child enjoys and what they need to stay entertained while on the go.

We can only share what worked well for our daughter while traveling – at least for a while: She especially enjoyed books, a cuddly toy, a spinner toy, colorful stacking cubes, stickers, and – as so often – whatever Mom or Dad happened to have in their hands.

When it came to food, we brought a bit more than a liter of water for bottle feeding, as well as two jars or pouches of baby food for the journey.

Good to know: Water is usually only allowed in your hand luggage if it’s clearly meant for preparing baby formula.
Just carrying a bottle of water without explanation can lead to issues at security.
In our case, the water was checked and opened during screening, but once the staff saw we were traveling with a baby, everything went smoothly.
On the return flight from Tirana, things were a bit stricter.
At first, we were told that one liter of water was too much.
But after I explained that it was for our baby’s bottle and that she wasn’t feeling well that day, it was no longer a problem.
The security officer was friendly and simply said, “Please keep it inside the backpack, not visibly outside.”
We were allowed to bring everything on board without further issues.

The cabin crew on the flight was incredibly helpful. We were offered several times to have bottles or baby food warmed up.
Overall, we had the feeling that young children were truly welcome on board and that the staff went out of their way to make the flight as pleasant as possible for parents.

2. MEDICAL CARE IN ALBANIA

Medical care in Albania is still developing, especially outside of the major cities.
In Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë and Shkodër, there are private clinics and pediatricians that offer a decent level of care.
However, it might not always match the standards you're familiar with from more developed countries.

In rural areas, it can be more difficult to access medical help quickly, particularly for babies and toddlers. Facilities are often more basic, and English is not always spoken by medical staff.

Still, this should not discourage you from visiting Albania.
It's simply something to keep in mind when planning your trip.
Families with small children live in Albania too, and of course, they receive medical care when needed.

We recommend taking out reliable international health insurance for your family before you travel.
A well-known and trusted option, especially for travelers from many countries, is VisitorsCoverage.
They offer a wide range of travel medical insurance plans that you can compare and book online within minutes.
When choosing a policy, make sure it offers full coverage without any financial limits.
It should also include emergency medical transport to your home country if needed.

Another important tip: keep all receipts and invoices, whether for medical treatments or medications you pay for out of pocket.
These will be necessary if you need to make a claim with your insurance provider.

We also suggest packing a small travel pharmacy for your child. This can include items like:
– Fever medication (such as suppositories or syrup)
– Nasal drops or spray
– Oral rehydration salts
– Wound healing ointment
– Thermometer
– Any medications your child is already used to and tolerates well

With these essentials, you’ll be well prepared for minor illnesses or discomforts without having to rely on local pharmacies.
In some places, communication may be difficult, or the exact product you’re looking for might not be available.
Packing your own supplies also gives you peace of mind, since you know exactly what you’re giving your child and how they respond to it.

3. BABY FOOD AND FORMULA IN ALBANIA – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you're traveling with a baby, you might be wondering: Can I get everything my child needs while we're there?
Are familiar products available? And what about the quality?
These are perfectly valid concerns, especially when visiting a country outside your home region.
The good news is that in Albania, you usually don’t have to worry too much.

In most tourist areas, you’ll find a decent selection of baby essentials such as formula, baby cereals, snacks, and sometimes even ready-made baby food jars.
However, Pre formula (the type used for newborns and very young babies) is not widely available. Most formulas start at Stage 1, and options for newborns can be quite limited.

One thing that will likely come as a relief to many parents: In cities like Tirana, Vlorë, Sarandë and Shkodër, you’ll find Rossmann stores – a large German drugstore chain.
These branches offer a wide range of baby products, often including well-known international brands as well as high-quality European items, all clearly labeled and easy to navigate.

We generally recommend packing a small supply of baby essentials for the first few days or even the first week of your trip – especially if your baby relies on specific products.
This allows you to settle in without having to search for replacements right away.

If you prefer to prepare your baby's or toddler’s meals yourself instead of using jars or instant baby food, you’ll find everything you need in Albanian supermarkets.
There is a wide selection of oats, pasta, rice, potatoes, fresh meat, plain yogurt, fruits and vegetables.

Important note: Be sure to wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cooking.
For drinking and mixing baby formula, we used only still bottled water.
Tap water was not an option for us. We did rinse our daughter’s bottles with tap water but regularly disinfected them with boiling water.

4. DIAPERS AND BABY WIPES IN ALBANIA

You can find diapers and baby wipes just about everywhere in Albania – whether it’s a small corner shop or a large supermarket.
The selection is surprisingly good, ranging from well-known international brands like Pampers to local store brands.
At Rossmann, you’ll also find many of the same diaper brands commonly available across Europe.

The overall quality is good, and prices are usually similar to what you’d expect in Western Europe, sometimes slightly higher.
If your baby has very sensitive skin or needs a specific brand, it might be worth bringing a small supply from home.

One thing that’s hard to find, though, is swim diapers.
That’s why we recommend bringing a reusable swim diaper with you – it takes up little space and works great for beach or pool days.

Changing tables are rarely available outside of large shopping malls in Tirana or at the airport.
We often had to improvise and change our baby in a quiet corner of a restaurant, on a bench in a side street, or in the park.
In those moments, we were especially grateful for our wipeable changing mat, which turned out to be a real all-rounder and an absolute must-have when traveling.

5. DOING LAUNDRY WHILE TRAVELING WITH A BABY

All parents know it – traveling with a baby or toddler means a constant pile of laundry.
And with limited space in your luggage, you might wonder whether you’ll be able to wash clothes during your trip.

Based on our experience, having laundry done for you in Albania can get expensive rather quickly.
Our tip: Book a place with a washing machine, at least for part of your stay.
Luckily, many vacation rentals and apartments offer this option. Just use the filter when searching on platforms like Airbnb or booking.com.

It’s not only budget-friendly, but also helps reduce how much you need to pack.

6. SUN PROTECTION & MOSQUITO PROTECTION IN ALBANIA

When it comes to sun and mosquito protection for toddlers, the discussion is usually pretty straightforward: you simply apply sunscreen or insect repellent.
With babies, however, opinions tend to differ. Some parents rely exclusively on physical protection like proper clothing, sun hats, and mosquito nets, while others use additional or even only chemical products like sunscreen and insect spray.

Physical protection might be sufficient in milder climates.
But during a beach holiday that lasts several days, things can be very different.
We experienced this during our parental leave trip through Southeast Asia, when our daughter was still a baby, and again now with a toddler: the sun was out almost all day, from morning to evening, often without a break.
Of course, we made use of every shady spot we could find and avoided the midday sun.
But in reality, it wasn’t always possible. Especially when splashing in the sea, playing in the pool, or building sandcastles, kids are directly exposed to the sun.

The same was true while we were out and about. Whether in the stroller or in the baby carrier, our daughter was exposed to sunlight, even though we tried to cover her with a light cloth. That’s why we started applying sunscreen even when she was a baby, whenever we felt it was necessary. Long-sleeved clothing only worked for us in the evenings.
During the day, even we found light clothing too warm – and we didn’t want to put her through that either.

In the water, she wore longer UV-protective swimwear, which we now consider a must-have.
Something we don’t want to travel without anymore is her baby sunglasses, which still fit perfectly now that she’s a toddler.
At first, we were unsure if she’d actually wear them.
But apparently, just like us, she found the bright summer light too harsh – and ended up happily keeping the sunglasses on. The adjustable strap helped keep them in place.

During our round trip in June, we didn’t need any mosquito protection at all – not a single bite. So we can’t really share any personal experiences or recommendations on that topic.

7. STROLLER AND/OR BABY CARRIER IN ALBANIA

We brought both a lightweight, compact travel stroller and a baby carrier – and this combination worked perfectly for us.

We had purchased the stroller specifically for our travels. When choosing one, we made sure it had all the features that mattered to us: a recline position, a sun canopy, and a spacious storage basket. It also needed to be affordable, easy to handle, and most importantly, lightweight.
The Hauck sport stroller met all of these criteria and turned out to be a reliable all-rounder on the road.
In places where no high chair was available – which actually happened quite often in Albania – the stroller worked great as a substitute.
Our daughter could sit comfortably and safely while eating. Afterwards, we could keep her entertained there with some toys, giving us a few quiet moments to enjoy our own meal.

The stroller also proved to be very helpful at the beach.
When you’re carrying lots of things like towels, snacks, spare clothes, and toys, the storage space underneath becomes a real lifesaver.

Most airlines allow you to check in up to two baby-related items for free, so we had no problem taking the stroller all the way to the aircraft door.

The streets and sidewalks in Albania are very stroller-friendly. We honestly can’t remember a single place – unless you're planning to go hiking – where we couldn’t use it.

Even though we had the stroller, our baby carrier still came in handy from time to time.
Whether or not you want to bring a carrier depends entirely on you and your child.
What we can say is this: a stroller works really well in Albania. You know best what your child needs.

Especially for young babies, unfamiliar surroundings with lots of new sounds and impressions can be overwhelming.
Being close to a parent provides comfort and security – and a carrier is perfect for that.
From day one, our daughter felt safe and settled in the carrier. Whenever it all became too much for her, she could snuggle in and take a nap.

Since carriers are usually lightweight and compact, they take up hardly any space in your luggage. Another bonus: having both hands free is incredibly useful when traveling.

8. DRIVING AND CHILD CAR SEATS IN ALBANIA

Although child seats and seat belts are legally required in Albania, the reality on the road often looks different.
Many locals are quite relaxed about car safety – it’s not unusual to see children or grandchildren riding on someone’s lap.

Most car rental companies offer baby car seats or child booster seats, but you never know what to expect in terms of quality or condition.

Our tip: If possible, bring your own child car seat from home. Most airlines allow two pieces of baby-related gear per child to be checked in for free – and that includes a car seat.
This way, you can be sure your child is traveling in a seat that fits properly and meets safety standards.

Good to know: Not every rental car in Albania is equipped with Isofix.
So make sure your seat can also be installed using a standard 3-point seatbelt.
Our rental car, which we booked through rentalcars.com, was brand new and had Isofix – but we wouldn’t count on that being the case every time.

If you're taking a taxi, you’ll usually have to assume that no child seat will be available, and your child may have to ride on your lap.
This also applies to private airport transfers, transportation between accommodations, or organized tours.
It’s best to ask in advance whether a seat can be provided – or bring your own just to be safe.

9. BEACHES IN ALBANIA: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

A large number of beaches in popular tourist areas are now privately operated.
This means bars, restaurants, or hotels manage certain sections and rent out sunbeds and umbrellas for a fee.
Prices can vary significantly depending on the location, beach, and season.
In places like Ksamil and Sarandë, a multi-day beach holiday during peak season can get quite expensive.

Despite the presence of restaurants and beach bars, changing facilities for babies are usually not available – even at places with full service.
Depending on the beach operator, it can also get noisy, as music is often played throughout the day, which isn’t always ideal for babies and toddlers.

The few remaining public beaches are usually marked – or you can recognize them by the lack of neatly arranged rows of umbrellas and loungers.
These beaches are quite popular, and especially in the summer months, it’s worth arriving early. Available spots are often taken by mid-morning.

To make the most of your beach day on the Albanian Riviera, it helps to keep a few things in mind:

• Bring sun protection or get it locally
  The sun can be very intense in summer, so good sun protection is absolutely essential.
  Whether you bring a lightweight pop-up tent from home or buy a beach umbrella locally – make sure to stay protected, especially if you're visiting a public beach.
  You can find umbrellas in supermarkets or from the many street vendors selling beach gear along the coast.
• Pack water shoes
  Albania's beaches are incredibly diverse – from soft sand to coarse pebbles and rocky stretches.
  Especially at urban beaches or rocky spots, sharp stones or even broken glass can pose a risk.
  Water shoes provide great protection and are highly recommended, especially for kids.
  You can find the link to the lightweight and practical water shoes we used here.
• Don’t forget towels
  One thing many travelers overlook: Most hotels don’t allow their bath towels to be taken to the beach, and vacation rentals usually don’t provide beach towels at all.
  We packed our lightweight microfiber towels from home – compact, quick-drying, and perfect for beach days.

10. PLAYGROUNDS IN ALBANIA

Playgrounds in Albania are mainly found in larger cities and more touristy areas.
In Berat, Vlorë, Tirana, and Durrës, we came across several nice playgrounds – simple, but perfectly fine for a short play break.
They might not be as well-equipped or modern as in some other countries, but our daughter still had a great time.
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One thing we didn’t love: many playgrounds had litter and cigarette butts on the ground, which unfortunately seems to be a common issue in the country.

11. OTHER FAMILIES WITH BABIES OR TODDLERS

Last but not least: You won’t be traveling alone! During our time in Albania, we met many other families with babies or toddlers.
Our daughter had plenty of little playmates – and we connected with some lovely parents, which gave us the chance to chat and share experiences.
It made our trip even more enjoyable and relaxed.

THIS POST WASN’T ENOUGH FOR YOU? LOOKING FOR MORE TIPS, INSPIRATION, AND MUST-SEES FOR YOUR TRIP TO ALBANIA? THEN MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR FOLLOWING POSTS:

• Albania Travel Guide: Planning Tips & Essential Information for Your Trip

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‍USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Discover the best accommodations
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• The best Travel Guides for Albania
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Albania

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