GETTING THERE & AROUND

Direct flights run to Tirana International Airport from UK hubs including Bristol, Heathrow and Manchester with British Airways, Ryanair and Wizz Air. For southern Albania, travellers can also fly to the Greek island of Corfu and take the 30-minute ferry to the Albanian port of Saranda. ba.com ryanair.com wizzair.com directferries.co.uk Average flight time: 3h.

Buses and furgons (unlicensed minivans) are the main mode of public transport; timetables vary in reliability from region to region. As with most things in Albania, taxis are good value. A hire car, however, pre-ordered and picked up from a major city, ensures the most flexibility and independence. A 4WD will be required for some country back roads. sixt.co.uk

The Albanian lek is a closed currency that can only be exchanged or withdrawn within Albania. Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas.

WHEN TO GO

Albania has warm, dry summers that peak in August with average temperatures of 24C, and mild, wet winters, averaging 8C in December.

WHERE TO STAY

Castle Park Hotel & Restaurant, Berat. From €80 (£69). castle-park.com Guest House Qafë Dardhë, Mount Tomorr National Park. From €35 (£30). booking.com

MORE INFO albania.al vjosanationalpark.al

HOW TO DO IT

Active outdoor specialists and certified B-corp company Much Better Adventures offers the five-night ‘Raft, Kayak and Hike in Albania’ tour from £912, including guides, equipment, accommodation, airport pick-up and most meals, but excluding international flights. muchbetteradventures.com