I am Canadian and am Jewish. Is Albania a safe place for me to visit? Thank you for responding to my post - I really appreciate it. Do you recall the sources that you read? If so, please indicate. Also, if possible, please elaborate on what makes the area unsafe for me to visit. My girlfriend really wants me to meet her parents, so this decision is complex.
Again, I really appreciate any information you can provide. Albania is just fine, been there several times. No major issues in the main cities Tirana , Durres , Vlore , petty crime involving pick pocketing if travelling on a bus. Avoid north Albania areas starting from Kukes and Tropoje. A moderate travel risk, nothing to keep you awake at night. Enjoy Tirana at night, lots of clubs. You are more than safe. Albania is pretty chill but stay in the main cities. I don't think i have ever heard of any antisemitic violence there so if anything were to happen to you, you'd be the first one - a pioneer.
Don't try to pick up any girls because they might be out with friends or family and in that case you might be in trouble because albanians are very protective of their women. Albania still has warnings , however it looks like it's improved over the last few years. There is no mention of anti semitism. I stayed with my son and his daughter who are volunteer Bible teachers. Albanians have a tolerant attitude to all religions.
I felt safe in Tirane in spite of its crazy traffic - the pedestrians are worse than the drivers - no one looks where they're going - they just go! The pipping of horns is not a reflection of anger, it's just to let you know they're coming and to warn you to give way. Tirane has a lot of uncollected rubbish and loads of new building, so everywhere's a mess. The further south in Albania you go, the cleaner it gets.
Saranda is beautiful, especially Ksamil. My daughter in law prepared all our food. Local fruit and veg is wonderful - tastier than anything I've ever had. But it has to be thoroughly washed and peeled before consumption. You will not believe the airport - ultra-modern here and there and ancient at the same time. I saw a very old horse and cart overtake an air-conditioned bus!
