Unique Souvenirs You Can Only Buy in Albania

A glass of cognac, one of the most famous beverages of Albania
A glass of cognac, one of the most famous beverages of Albania | © skitterphoto/Pixabay
Francesca Masotti

Buying souvenirs to bring back for family or friends and to have as a reminder of the trip is one of the best parts of traveling. Albania has many touristy gifts, such as the typical magnets, postcards and t-shirts, but the land of the eagles also has plenty of unique souvenirs that you can only find here.

Qilim

A qilim is a traditional Albanian rug and is one of the best souvenirs. For handmade rugs, visit the old bazaar of Kruja, the most important historical town in the country, which is about an hour from Tirana. Here you will find many carpets created by local artisans with different patterns, textiles, and colors.

Carpets with typical Albanian patterns

Bunker-shaped ashtrays

Bunkers in the Albanian Riviera

Çifteli

Çifteli is a traditional Albanian musical instrument with only two strings. It originated in northern Albania and Kosovo. Visitors will find çiftelis of various sizes available to purchase in local markets. Some are so small, they serve as beautiful ornaments to display at home.

An Albanian man playing a Çifteli

Cool paintings

Art lovers will delight in the works of the many new contemporary artists and painters who display their works in the beautiful art galleries in the capital city Tirana. For original artworks, be sure to visit the studio of Eljan Tanini, a young painter who has exhibited his own works in several spots, including the beautiful Galeria Fab of Tirana.

Works of Eljan Tanini at Galeria Fab, Tirana

Knit wares

Fans of knit apparel and other wares should be sure to peruse the many Albanian markets with beautiful traditional handmade knits. Throughout Albania—but mostly in the traditional bazaars of Kruja, Korça, Gjirokaster, and Tirana—visitors will find various small bags, blankets, socks, and more.

A pair of colorful knitted socks

Raki in a wooden bottle

Albania is known to produce excellent raki, the traditional grappa found throughout the Balkan Peninsula. Customers can purchase the liquor in beautiful wooden bottles that are sold everywhere from traditional markets to department stores. The bottles only cost a few Euros, and they often have carvings of various traditional motifs, such as the Albanian flag.

Raki is the most famous liquor of Albania and the Balkan Peninsula

Skënderbeu Cognac

Skënderbeu Cognac is one of the most famous alcoholic beverages in the country. The brand is known worldwide, and the liquor is available in various bottle sizes, so pick up the one that is right for you, but don’t leave without it.

A glass of cognac, one of the most famous beverages of Albania

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