Albania is an unknown destination for so many people but it needn’t be. It’s a beautiful country with a fascinating history and culture dating back thousands of years. It’s a safe and affordable destination and with more airlines planning to offer cheap flights it’s about to become much more accessible.
People often ask me what I like about the country and it’s simple. It’s natural beauty, stunning landscapes, Mediterranean weather and welcoming people. Not to mention it’s dirt cheap compared to almost everywhere else in Europe. Even for city loving people like myself , Albania’s scenery will blow your mind. Massive mountain ranges, pristine lakes and springs and some of the best beaches in southeastern Europe , Albania is an incredible destination which deserves more attention.
If you don’t know much about this small Balkan nation, here are a few of the highlights I’ve experienced after multiple trips and more than 6 months in the country.
Albania is the World’s cheapest 2017 Destination .
U.S. based Forbes magazine has rated Albania as the number 1 cheapest destination to travel to globally for 2017 .
“ This forgotten corner of Europe is wonderfully off the beaten track , with accommodations as low as 10 $ a person . This forgotten corner of Europe os a wonderfully off-thebeaten-track budget destination in an otherwise very touristy and expensive continent . With fantastic beaches along its coastline . Albania gives visitors the chance to enjoy the Mediterranean waters for a fraction of the low prices “
Earlier this year , U.S. based Travel + Leisure magazine rated Albania as the top u-and-coming destination around the world , suggesting it as the number one destination to be considered for this year .
Albania was rated as one of the top seventeen global destinations to visit in 2017 by the prestigious CNN news portal .
The country boasts dozens of sandy and rocky beaches along its 476 km coastline stretching through the Adriatic and Ionian , the most famous of which are found on the Albanian Riviera south of the country .
Three UNESCO World Heritages , the Butrint archeological park and the historic town of Gjirokastra and Berat , in southern Albania , also unveil the rich cultural heritage in Albania , a gateway to the Mediterranean boasting a mix of Illyrian , Roman , Greek and Ottoman civilizations .
Places to be visited :
Llogara Pass
Driving in Albania can be a little challenging at times but the drive from Vlora through the Llogara Pass towards Saranda is one of the most spectacular drives I’ve ever experienced. The mountains, the valleys, the views over the sea, countless beaches and remarkable scenery, the entire coastline is outstanding. I can’t speak highly enough of this drive. The drive from Tirana to Saranda should have only taken 5 hours but it took us 9 as we couldn’t resist stopping to take photos. If you only do one thing in Albania, take this road trip through the pass down to the coast.
Travel tip: Drive carefully along the coast as many areas lack safety railings and there are numerous spots where the road has fallen away due to earthquakes. Goats crossing the road is a common sight along the coast. Be prepared to stop quickly!
Berat
A city of a thousand windows is the tagline for Berat, its Ottoman stone houses with endless windows looking down over the rest of the city. It’s an ancient city with heritage listed buildings on both sides of the Osumi River as well as in the city’s citadel, Berat Castle.
Driving towards the city you can’t miss the formidable Mt Tomorr in the background, Berat’s 2,416 metre high mountain which dominates the skyline at every turn. You can drive up parts of the mountain at certain times of the year but from what I hear it’s not the safest road. I think it’s one mountain best admired from the safety of the city.
Berat may be a little remote as it’s not on the way to anywhere but it’s worth visiting for its history, architecture and stunning scenery. Berat is definitely on my must see destinations in Albania even if only for a quick visit.
-Butrint
Butrint National Park and UNESCO listing covers the white sandy beaches at Ksamil, the wetlands and its precious wildlife as well as the ancient ruins of the old Illyrian city. Mussels are farmed in the pristine waters and you’ll see some locals fishing but otherwise the park remains untouched. Even the low tech car crossing has little impact on the environment.
Travel tip: Try to organise your trip to Butrint in time to watch the sunset over the Greek island of Corfu.
Walking through the ancient city, it reminded me of Rome and parts of Athens which isn’t surprising as much of the Butrint you see today was built by the Romans and Greeks. The theatre provided entertainment for the residents who shopped in the market place and socialised at the great basilica. They were protected from invaders by massive city walls and an acropolis on the hill.
Gjirokastra
They grey slate Gjirokastra Castle with its captured US spy plane and unrestricted views over the valley is a must as is wandering the winding back streets. Albania’s former dictator Enver Hoxha and acclaimed writer Ismail Kadare both left their mark on their hometown, one of the most interesting cities in the country roofs of Gjirokastra’s Ottoman houses give the city a muted look not seen in the rest of the country. It’s an historic UNESCO listed town surrounded on all sides by stunning mountain ranges.
Travel tip: I visited Gjirokastra on a day trip from Saranda but I regretted not having more time to visit. It’s worth basing yourself in Gjirokastra for a few days to explore the region and try a few of the local restaurants.
Blue Eye Spring
Hidden away deep in the forest, the Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter) is a natural spring where crystal clear water bubbles up from 50 metres below the surface. The frigid water gently passes over the white sand producing a stunning turquoise colour which turns into a pretty green as it travels around the mountains.
Travel tip: An unexpected oasis in the middle of nowhere, don’t miss the sign for the turnoff on the highway half way between Gjirokastra and Saranda. Be prepared to pay a small fee to enter the national park.
Ksamil
South of Saranda, the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, and within striking distance of the Greek border, Ksamil has an excellent location. The three small islands in its turquoise bay are an easy swim or boat ride away, and there are always fewer people here than on the busier town beach. This is a big tourism centre for locals, and it can get very crowded in summer, but even then the islands offer some respite. Corfu looms across the channel in the distance (this is Albania’s closest point to the Greek island), and the ancient city of Butrint, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is just beyond Saranda, which makes it very easy to combine beach time with some cultural pursuits.
Rocks at pebbly Jal beach in the south of Albania
Tirana
Tirana is unlike any European capital I’ve visited. The city is bustling at all times of the day and night, traffic is crazy and the architecture unique to say the least. Highlights of a visit to Tirana, include climbing the abandoned concrete Pyramid (if you dare), admiring the massive Communist era mosaic on Skanderbeg Square and drinking up in Blloku. Tirana isn’t the prettiest of cities and there aren’t many sights so most visitors should be able to see all there is to see in a day or two.
OUTDOOR (ACTIVITIES) RAFTING
Rivers crisscross this land and offer both the beauty of the canyons they have carved and the opportunity to traverse them via raft, kayak, or canoe. Here you will find a rich cultural history woven into the very fabric of everyday life – from cuisine to music.
The topographical surface of Albania is mostly mountainous. The highest peak is Mount Korab (Dibra district), which towers 2,751 m above sea level. Mountains offer travelers a variety of opportunities, from spelunking to skiing. Some of the areas where mountain activities can be found are: Dajt, Llogara, Dardha, Bozdoveci, Voskopoja, Valbona, and Theth.
SHKODRA
Shkodra is one of the most important cities of Albania and is also known to be the center of Albanian Catholicism , Culture and Harmony between different religions . Shkodra is very rich in cultural heritage , the city itself as well as the people bear pride in the large number of artists.Shkodra’s main tourist attraction is Rozafa Castle. Within the castle walls is a museum where a discerning lover of antiquities could spend a comfortable afternoon reading more about its history, and a restaurant has been added to showcase local food and traditional dresses.
THETHI
Thethi, a national park, is named after it's largest settlement. It is a spectacular area for the Albanian visitor and most likely Europe's last, "untouched" Alpine village. Once inside the village of Thethi its surrounding beauty overtakes most visitor. Fields of tall green grass dotted with stone houses, people farming by hand, fresh water streaming in all directions, and mountain life give the visitor a feeling of remote splendor . Thethi is a unique experience.
KRUJA
The town of Kruja rises 560 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Sari -Salltiku mountain. It provides to the visitors the great view of majestic landscape and a rich collection of historical and cultural objects. The most important is the castle of Kruja, which was built during the 5th and 6th centuries and has an elliptical shape with a total area of 2,25 hectars. The surrounding walls are reinforced by nine towers, which served as an observation and signaling post during times of war. Within the walls of the castle there can still be found the remains of a few houses.
DHERMI
Dhërmi is located a little further south and is one of the most frequented and important tourist places along the Albanian coast. The crystal-clear waters, isolated beaches, water sports and diving make this the preferred beach of younger generation. The different beaches that are part of Dhërmi are Jaliksari, Shkambo and Gjipea.
BUTRINT
Butrint is one of Albania's major archaeological centers and is protected under UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The ancient town has been built on Ksamil Peninsula, on the shores of Lake Butrint, south of Saranda (15km) and close to the Greek border. Cross the sea (Straits of Corfu), less then 10km is Greeks Corfu Island . Architectural pieces of Butrint that exist today include the Greek theatre,monuments, three public baths, a gymnasium decorated with mosaics.
SARANDA
The city of Saranda is the most populous urban area on the Albanian Riviera and a very big tourist destination, especially enjoyed by newly married couples on their honeymoon. The city and surrounding areas offer a range of hotels catering to five-star travelers as well as the more budget conscious, while home rentals also remain an option. The city is well-located on the coast only 9 km away from the Greek island of Corfu. Daily ferries offer connections between Saranda and Corfu making this southern Albanian city a good base for European and international tourists.
