The Best Things to See and Do in Gay Albania
Albania. One of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Though something tells us this is about to change…
With a landscape filled with white sand beaches, fairytale-like castles, and a history that is as fiery as a Real Housewives reunion, is it any wonder gay Albania is fast becoming a must-visit for LGBTQ+ travelers? It’s a wonderful mix of the modern world, with a super chic capital city full of hip bars and clubs, as well as a natural landscape that rivals the French Riviera.
Albanian society may not be as liberal as their neighbors in Greece, but it’s by no means as rigid as places like Serbia or Russia (although that ain’t a tall order…).
Tirana, the capital, hosts an annual Pride event featuring activities throughout the city and a massive parade. However, there are no official gay bars or clubs in Tirana. That being said, there have been major strides toward acceptance in recent years, especially after the country overthrew communist rule in the early 1990s. We found most Albanians we met to be very friendly, and eager to make us feel welcome as a queer couple, particularly the younger generations.