You will have seen the glowing waters of the Albanian Riviera, or the traditional metropolis of Gjirokaster, pop up in your feed just lately. This hidden gem has been making a little bit of a social media splash.
If you happen to’re like most vacationers, you in all probability know little or no about Albania. Nonetheless, this missed Balkan nation will not be solely some of the budget-friendly in Europe, however it’s chock-full of secluded seashores, historical ruins, and UNESCO World Heritage cities.
On this weblog put up, I’ve collected all my favourite points of interest, journey ideas, and recommendation on the place to remain in Albania. We’ll hit the very best seashores, dive into the unbelievable historic websites, and hook you up with all the information you should go to Albania with confidence!
Why Is Albania Turning into So In style
I need to admit, I am conflicted concerning the new fame of the Albanian Riviera. I used to be type of hoping to maintain this Mediterranean gem to myself. My first journey to Albania was in 2021, and it was a whole accident.
Rejected entry to Egypt and stranded on the airport, I remembered seeing an inexpensive flight to Tirana. I booked it, planning to transit by means of to someplace extra fascinating. I ended up staying in Albania for the following two months.
The untouched allure of this Ionian Pearl is solely mesmerizing. Whereas the vacationer infrastructure is underdeveloped, and sure elements of the nation might do with a couple of extra trash cans, I discovered myself entranced by it. Here is what drew me in:
1. Superior Folks
The folks have been genuinely gracious, inviting hosts. Each particular person we met invited us in for do-it-yourself rakia or native moonshine (all insisting theirs was the very best)! We have been pulled off the road to affix a birthday celebration and had a beautiful time. The Albanians are tremendous enjoyable!
2. Gorgeous Landscapes
The panorama is simply as intoxicating! The mixture of the Dinaric Alps Mountains tumbling proper down into crystal clear waters is perfection. Northern Albania stuns with glowing lakes and snowy peaks. Southern Albania options “The Blue Eye”, unbelievable nationwide parks, and beautiful seashores.
3. The Meals
The meals is a mixture of Mediterranean and Center Japanese which is scrumptious. The espresso tradition is powerful, which I like. My favourite restaurant on the earth is in Berat (extra on that later)!
4. Unbelievable Historical past
Albanians can date their heritage and language again at the least 6,000 years, making it one of many oldest Indo-European languages nonetheless in use. Exploring Albania entreats you to Illyrian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman historical websites, in addition to distinctive, purely Albanian heritage spots.
The place to Keep in Albania: Final Information to Albania’s High Spots
When you might probe for months and never see all of it, that is not a risk for many vacationers, so I’ve lined up a couple of of the must-see spots for first-timers. Most guests will arrive on the Tirana Worldwide Airport. Tirana is Albania’s capital and whereas it is not a wonderful metropolis, it is quirky and price spending a day or two.
The historic cities of Berat and Gjirokaster are cultural hubs of Albanian historical past. Ksamil lies on the Greek border and is a well-liked vacation spot for seashore lovers. Theth Nationwide Park is a wonderland of breathtaking views and enjoyable mountaineering trails in Northern Albania.
Resort Observe: For all of the lodging listed on this weblog put up, I quoted a excessive season value. If you happen to’re not touring in the summertime months, it’s possible you’ll get a significantly better deal!
1. The place to Keep in Albania for Assembly Locals: Tirana
Tirana is the capital and most populated metropolis, however it’s small in comparison with the opposite capitals of Europe. After WWII, Albania was closed off to the world by The Folks’s Socialist Republic of Albania, a separatist communist regime. Like a lot of the Balkan International locations, Albania was liberated in 1991. Tirana is altering shortly, however it nonetheless appears like a world other than the remainder of Europe.
Albanians have been dealt a tough hand. They’re survivors, and so they’re obsessed with their legacy and the way forward for their nation. Tirana is the spot to listen to heated conversations concerning the economic system and politics over a robust espresso and get to know the minds of locals.
Issues to Do in Tirana
Begin in Skanderbeg Sq.. Right here, you will discover a beautiful clock tower, the Nationwide Historic Museum, and the Et’hem Bey Mosque. I extremely advocate visiting this museum as it’s the greatest place to get a grasp on the torrid historical past of Albania. It’ll enable you to perceive the folks and will provide you with large respect for the tradition.
Artwork lovers will wish to go to Bunkart! Some genius has turned one of many a whole lot of hundreds of bunkers constructed by dictator Hoxha right into a museum centered on the Chilly Struggle. Tirana has a stunning cafe tradition, so pop in for a robust brew much like Turkish espresso. If you should stretch your legs, take a stroll across the lake at Grand Park.
Tirana can be an excellent spot to strive the native meals! This tour takes you to the native market after which your host will train you to prepare dinner three conventional Albanian meals.
Finest Resorts in Tirana
($$$) Spa resort with central location: Xheko Imperial Luxurious Resort & SPA – US$160/evening
($$) Boutique resort with glorious facilities: Lot Boutique Resort – US$100/evening
($) Funds guesthouse with central location: La Voglia Resort Boutique – US$38/evening
2. The place to Keep in Albania for Sandy Seashores on the Albanian Riviera: Ksamil
Positioned in Southern Albania, Ksamil is a double whammy! Not solely do you get a couple of beautiful seashores, however you could have entry to some of the necessary nationwide parks within the nation—Butrint Nationwide Park. Plus, there’s simple public transport to the nightlife hub of Sarande and the Greek Island of Corfu!
If you happen to don’t love folks, go to Ksamil on a day journey! The seashore cities within the South of Albania are usually extra chill, however Ksamil is the exception, particularly throughout the summer time months. It has turn out to be a social media megastar, and from latest evaluations, the infrastructure and repair have suffered.
As with hottest vacationer spots, scammers are on the prowl, and costs listed here are considerably greater than in different elements of the Albanian Riviera.
All that mentioned, I nonetheless assume Ksamil is value a day journey, even when you do not make it your base. The little city options epic sunsets, nice day journeys, and good eating places with each native and worldwide delicacies. If you happen to don’t love a bustling seashore city, we’ll talk about a couple of quieter choices afterward.
Issues to Do in Ksamil
A go to to the UNESCO World Heritage Web site, Butrint Nationwide Park, is an absolute should! This place is like strolling by means of an historical timeline. Because of its strategic location on the Ionian Sea, this space was conquered by virtually each main empire in European historical past, and so they all left their footprint.
You may stroll from Illyrian to historical Greek temples, then by means of Roman baths, an Ottoman-era fort, and Venetian towers. Butrint Nationwide Park can be a pure wetland with an array of distinct wildlife.
Take a guided tour out to “The Blue Eye” a beautiful pure spring you can swim in. Take the ferry to Corfu for a global day journey, or go to Lekursi Fortress in neighboring Sarande.
There are some paddle boats for lease at Ksamil Seashore you can take to the three small islands within the bay.
Finest Resorts in Ksamil
($$$) 4-star resort with all of the facilities: Monel Resort – US$208
($$) Comfy guesthouse with seashore views: Marku Palace – US$98
($) Fundamental personal village with balcony: Villa Nertili – US$54
3. The place to Keep in Albania for Historical past and Tradition: Gjirokaster (Gjirokastra)
Positioned in Southern Central Albania, Gjirokastra is a UNESCO World Heritage Metropolis for its conventional structure and cultural charms.
One in all Albania’s smaller cities, it is graced with tower homes overlooking cobblestoned lanes, hugging the slopes of a number of lush hills. Gjirokaster is the perfect place to strive conventional meals, store for Albanian textiles and crafts, and drool over structure.
Issues to Do in Gjirokaster
Make the trudge to the highest of town to Gjirokaster Fortress, one of many largest castles within the Balkans. It is a hilltop fortress initially relationship from the twelfth century, although most of what you see at this time is from the Ottoman period and was accomplished within the early 1800s.
It boasts a small museum and completely unbelievable views of the encircling mountains and town beneath. There’s even an outdated folktale {that a} native princess threw herself and her youngster from the tower partitions to flee Ottoman assault. It is a kind of locations the place you want the partitions might speak!
Go to two glorious examples of Ottoman Period tower homes on the Skënduli Home and Zekate Home. Skënduli Home is extra of a museum and affords a walkthrough. Zekate is a self-guided tour with unbelievable views. Cease in to see an lovable chef and partake of the white cheese at Restaurant Gjoça Tradicional, and do some purchasing within the bazaar.
Finest Resorts in Gjirokaster
Tip: Guide a resort in Outdated City Gjirokaster, within the coronary heart of the motion. The realm has steep inclines, and the encircling metropolis is a Communist-era block metropolis with not a lot curiosity.
($$$) Hilltop resort with luxurious pool: Kerculla Resort – US$152
($$) Conventional villa with good location: Vila SS Kekezi – US$76
($) Dorm room within the metropolis heart: Pals’ Guesthouse & Hostel – US$13
4. The place to Keep in Albania for Meals and Structure: Berat
One other UNESCO spot on the listing, Berat is the very best metropolis to discover conventional structure. Referred to as the “Metropolis of a Thousand Home windows”, it’s got a really distinctive type with windowed properties stacked up the hillsides overlooking the Osum River.
It is residence to my favourite restaurant on the earth, and one of many coolest fort complexes I’ve ever visited!
Issues to Do in Berat
Begin your day at Berat Fortress. In contrast to virtually each different vacationer fort on the earth, Berat Fortress epitomizes how an actual medieval fort complicated would have operated. Throughout the outer partitions, retailers nonetheless promote their wares. Folks nonetheless dwell of their properties. It is a totally functioning metropolis between the maintain and the outer protecting partitions, full with mosques, church buildings, and sweeping views.
Be certain to seize a meal at Selfmade Meals Lili. It is run by an area household of their beautiful yard. All the pieces on the tiny menu is to die for! Don’t miss the Onufri Museum of Iconography and accompanying chapel, full with some of the gorgeous altars, a complete shock in a small mountain church. Historical past buffs may even wish to take a look at the Ethnographic Museum.
Finest Resorts in Berat
($$$) 5-star resort within the metropolis heart: Resort Colombo – US$73
($$) Cozy conventional visitor home: Berati Fortress Resort – US$44
($)Guesthouse with bunks and household rooms: Ana Relaxation Home Hostel Berat – US$18
5. The place to Keep in Albania for Tradition Vultures: Korca
A much less visited web site in Southeast Albania, Korca is called the nation’s unofficial capital of tradition. It incorporates a gorgeous Outdated Bazaar, and a handful of nice museums, and is without doubt one of the prettiest architectural cities within the nation. The one draw back is that it’s kind of distant from the opposite sights.
Take a look at the Prehistoric Museum or the Nationwide Museum of Medieval Artwork. Catch a efficiency at Çajupi Theatre or be serenaded by the romantic crooners within the streets. Go to the numerous attractive Byzantine church buildings, and benefit from the lovable taverns!
Finest Resorts in Korca
($$$) Newly transformed and regal: Life Gallery Resort – US$115
($$) Cute conventional inn: Vila Eden Boutique Resort – US$53
($) Cozy guesthouse with glorious location: Visitor Home Bujtina Leon-US$33
5. The place to Keep in Albania for Out of doors Journey: Shkodra
Shifting to Northern Albania, town of Shkodra is the gateway to Theth Nationwide Park and the epic mountaineering trails of the Accursed Mountains. Put aside a couple of days to discover the northern a part of Albanian.
It incorporates a completely totally different panorama and beautiful views round each bend. The town of Shkodra itself is good with some cute cafes and some historic spots, however most of your time will probably be spent tenting within the wild.
Issues to Do in Shkodra
Cease in Rozafa Fortress, a mountaintop complicated with greater than 2,500 years of historical past. Take a ship journey on Albania’s largest lake, and manage your two-day journey into Theth Nationwide Park for a number of the most stunning waterfalls, lakes, canyons, and cliffs you’ve got ever laid eyes on. If you happen to’re feeling peppy, tackle the 12km hike from Valbona Valley to Theth.
Finest Resorts in Shkodra
($$$) Trendy 5-star resort: Grand Resort Europa – US$89
($$) House with balcony and mountain views: All Seasons Residences – US$53
($) Effectively-located dorm: North Star Hostel – US$16
Fast Information to Albanian Seashore Hubs: Borsh, Himare, Dhermi, Vlorë, and Durres
You may possible go to Ksamil, however with so many good seashores stretched alongside the Albanian Riviera, you will wish to do some seashore hopping too!
Starting from hidden coves to bustling coastal cities, Albania has a seashore city for each type of traveler!
I am unable to go into element on all of them, however listed here are the fundamentals that can assist you select a vibe that matches you.
Borsh
Borsh is an area favourite and the least visited on the listing. To me, of all the gorgeous seashores in Albania, Borsh stands out as an absolute paradise. It is within the South, simply up the coast from the get together city and unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera-Sarande.
A sleepy boardwalk options a couple of beachside eating places and guesthouses alongside the white pebble seashore, and also you would possibly share the stretch with a herd of goats within the morning.
You may stroll down the shoreline to fashionable Buneci Seashore and hike as much as the fort which overlooks an unbelievable mountain go. Cease by for a espresso on the waterfall restaurant, Ujvara.
Himare
This little seashore city is a stunning place to land. It is simply north of Borsh, and you may pop into Porto Palermo Fortress on the best way. The city sits on the base of the Llogara Move, which is a shocking drive.
It is also near a number of the greatest seashores alongside the Albanian Riviera. There are a number of eating places and small bars for a chill evening out. It is gotten extra fashionable lately, however nonetheless feels laid-back compared to Ksamil.
Dhermi Seashore
Additionally spelled Dhërmi Seashore, this is without doubt one of the most stunning locations on the Albanian Riviera, and each native will insist that you just see it. A stretch of golden coast fronted by crystal clear waters and backed by mountains, it is a actually beautiful place.
In case you are in Dhermi, I additionally advocate a day journey to close by Gjipe Seashore, claimed by many as some of the stunning seashores in Albania.
Vlorë
Shifting from sleepy seashore cities to a full-fledged coastal metropolis (Albania’s third-largest), Vlore is an historical port metropolis, just some hours from Tirana, with ferry transits to each Greece and Italy.
It is a fashionable jumping-off spot for European vacationers and has a really resort really feel. The seashore is truthfully nothing particular, however if you need a metropolis/seashore break, it may be an excellent possibility.
Durres
The final on our listing is the beachside metropolis of Durres. It is an interesting historical port with a big Roman amphitheater, an fascinating archaeological museum, and a enjoyable central plaza. Durrësi Seashore is lengthy with a bustling promenade. It is Albania’s second-largest metropolis and a preferred seashore escape from Tirana.
Know Earlier than You Go: Reality of Albanian Journey
As talked about, elements of Albania have soared to social media fame as an inexpensive different to Greece, Croatia, and Italy. Like all locations which can be topic to a sudden journey growth, the infrastructure wasn’t fairly prepared for the hoards.
Whereas I like Albania, the prudent traveler ought to know that this is not going to be a typical European seashore trip. Albania, in my view, continues to be one for the extra intrepid vacationers. Here is what I imply:
1. Transit Is a Problem
The general public transit is purposeful however barely complicated. Many cities do not have a central bus station. It’s possible you’ll stroll a number of blocks to a random facet road to get in your subsequent van.
There aren’t many indicators or on-line assist, so you will need to depend on pleasant locals generally. One of the simplest ways to get round is to sit down down together with your host the evening earlier than and plot your pick-up factors. The locals know the place they’re.
Most buses and the prepare system are of nominal high quality, so do not count on luxurious. Taxis can be found, however they’re costly!
2. Air pollution Is an Difficulty
There are another areas the place public infrastructure is less than par with the remainder of Europe. Sadly, Albania has a significant air pollution drawback. Locals dump trash within the mountain passes and simply toss their snack papers on the bottom.
The seashores and lakes are sometimes filled with plastic, and the views on private accountability for public areas are a bit archaic. This is not helped by the large inflow of vacationers on a system that already lacked environment friendly trash disposal.
3. Service Requirements Are Nonetheless Evolving
A part of the allure of Albania is that it’s not polished! Nonetheless, when you’re used to a sure normal of buyer care, you is perhaps in for a shock. Hoteliers and restauranteurs right here are usually not skilled in the identical means as in typical resorts alongside the French or Italian Riviera, so do not count on overly pampered service.
Moreover, guided excursions at the moment are accessible on Viator of GetYourGuide, however high quality varies. Your tour is perhaps wonderful, or it is perhaps bordering on sketchy. Museums could not have audioguides or solely be written in Albanian. Even well-known websites are usually not at all times labeled effectively in English, and there are few vacationer shuttles or cable automobiles to get you up the steep hills. You are on foot people!
4. Communication Is a Problem
Whereas some blogs declare that communication is unimaginable, that is not the case. You may want Google Translate a couple of occasions, however you will largely get by in English. Most younger Albanians converse at the least primary English and plenty of coastal Albanians converse Greek or Italian as a second language.
Once you discover somebody you possibly can talk with, ask tons of questions. Most Albanians love to indicate off their stunning nation and can assist get you to the very best spots!
5. Watch out for Names
All the pieces in Albania has at the least three names! Critically, your resort could have three variations on Reserving, Google, and Google Maps. For example, the city of Shkodra is labeled Skadar, Shkodër, Scutari, and Skutari. This goes for every part. At all times test the precise handle and do not attempt to navigate by resort or restaurant title.
6. Guard Your Phrases
The intricacies of Albanian geopolitical historical past are one thing that you’ll by no means perceive as a vacationer. The overwhelming majority of ethnic Albanians dwell exterior the nation, and opinions on the state of the nation are extremely assorted. Watch out when discussing historical past, structure, or tradition. Keep away from speaking about how low cost every part is, and chorus from comparisons to different nations.
Do not be shocked when you see heated arguments on the bus. Albanians are type of feisty.
The place to Keep in Albania – Regularly Requested Questions
⭐ Is Albania value visiting?
Albania is an interesting journey vacation spot for many who do not thoughts placing in slightly work. The South options unbelievable historic websites and a number of the greatest seashores alongside the Albanian Riviera. Northern Albania is understood for its gorgeous mountains and mountaineering adventures.
🏝️ Which a part of Albania has the very best seashores?
Albania is loaded with attractive seashores. Vacationers flock to Ksamil, often called the Ionian Pearl, however my private favorites are in Southern Albania, on the stretch from Borsch to Dhermi. These are usually extra distant and fewer crowded.
🏙️ Which metropolis ought to I keep in Albania?
Albania has some great cities. Vlora is nice for an city seashore break. Tirana is the capital and is of cultural significance. Spend at the least 1-2 days there. Berat is a good metropolis for exploring the inside and experiencing conventional Albanian meals and structure.
The place to Keep in Albania – Remaining Phrases
If you happen to’re searching for a totally totally different facet of Europe, you need to go to Albania. Whereas it may be tough across the edges, and lack a number of the social graces it’s possible you’ll be accustomed to in Europe, Albania is without doubt one of the most stunning locations on Earth.
The tradition is fascinating, and the individuals are charming. The coast is dotted with a seashore for each type of traveler, and it is simply untouched sufficient to nonetheless really feel intriguing. If you happen to’re as much as the problem, make Albania your subsequent journey!
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