Country
Italy
Rome, Venice and Florence, or the overnight ferry from Durrës — Italy remains Albania's closest European neighbour.
Regions and cities
Rome remains the essential stop for many travellers, with the Colosseum, the Vatican and St Peter's Basilica, and the Trastevere district for quieter evenings. Venice draws visitors with its canals, St Mark's Square and the islands of Murano and Burano for glass and painted textiles. Florence opens the door to Tuscany, with the Duomo's dome and the Uffizi Gallery, while Milan blends fashion and business around its Gothic cathedral. Further south, Naples leads to the Amalfi Coast — Positano, Sorrento and the island of Capri — one of the Mediterranean's most photogenic stretches of coastline. Bari and Puglia hold particular familiarity for Albanians, as the arrival point for the ferry from Durrës.
When to go
Spring and autumn remain the strongest windows for the big cities, with mild weather and thinner crowds than July and August. August itself is an odd month in Italy — many local shops and restaurants close as Italians themselves head off on holiday. The Amalfi Coast reads best from May to September, while winter leaves Rome and Florence with noticeably shorter museum queues, alongside ski season in the Dolomites for those who prefer mountains to cities.
Food
The food changes region by region: Rome has cacio e pepe and carbonara, Naples claims the authentic origin of pizza, Tuscany takes pride in bistecca alla fiorentina and its wines, while the north puts risotto at the centre of the table. Gelato turns up on every corner, espresso is drunk standing at the counter, and the evening aperitivo — a drink paired with light snacks — remains a social ritual before dinner.
Getting around
High-speed rail (Frecciarossa, Italo) connects Milan, Rome and Naples within a few hours, far more practical than driving between cities. The overnight ferry from Durrës to Bari or Ancona offers a relaxed alternative to flying, particularly for anyone travelling with a car. Within historic centres like Rome or Florence, driving is restricted by ZTL limited-traffic zones — worth knowing before renting a car.
Visa and practical notes
Italy is part of the Schengen area, so biometric Albanian passports enter visa-free for short stays — it's still worth checking current conditions before you travel. For the large Albanian community living in Italy, this is often a family trip rather than a purely touristic one. Travellers often ask whether the ferry or the flight is better (it depends on whether you're bringing a car) and how to combine several cities without wearing themselves out on transport.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ferry or the flight better for Italy?
The ferry from Durrës to Bari or Ancona suits travellers bringing a car or who prefer a relaxed overnight crossing. The flight remains faster if the goal is simply reaching a specific city as quickly as possible.
Do Albanian citizens need a visa for Italy?
Not for short tourist stays — Italy is part of the Schengen area and biometric Albanian passports enter visa-free. We still recommend checking current conditions before you plan your trip.
Can I combine several Italian cities in one trip?
Yes, thanks to high-speed trains linking Milan, Rome, Florence and Naples within a few hours of each other. That makes it very practical to see multiple cities without needing a car.
How do you get to the Amalfi Coast?
The usual starting point is Naples, from where the coast is reached by car, by train followed by a local ferry, or directly by sea toward Sorrento or Positano. The coastal roads are narrow and winding, so many travellers prefer local transport over a rental car.
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