Discovering the intriguing Albania, the unknown of the Adriatic coast

Completely closed during the second half of the twentieth century, Albania opened itself to the outside world. With sumptuous landscapes, tourism development is one of the country’s flagship projects.

Created the most enigmatic of the Balkans, Albania has no good reputation. Repeated and too shared ideas make the Aigles a hostile country. Yet, Albania ( Shqipëria in Albanian) is a quiet, welcoming, diverse and beautiful land. In the face of mass tourism, Albania is a wonderful discovery.

Albania is a unique and unique state on many points. For example, his language, Albanian, is not officially attached to any family. No linguist can say with certainty its origin, even if we assume today that it belongs to the group of Paleo-Balkan languages whose Albanian would be the only language still spoken today.

A country with a rich and diverse history, Albania is going through history, passing from one empire to another, with short independences. Of all the occupations, it is the Ottoman period (1479-1912) that permanently marks the country. The Albanians mainly converted to Islam, the Albanian language was repressed and even banned in 1779, and Turkish architecture became dominant. During the twentieth century, after a brief republican and monarchical period, the Second World War changed everything.

In 1946, the worst post-war European dictatorship was established. Until 1991, Albania was a Stalinist regime, which was closed down on the world, where any disputed and religious practice was repressed. This period is marked by the personality of Enver Hoxha, who died in 1985, founder of Autarcic Albania.

In 1991, Albania was the poorest country in Europe, its inhabitants fled by mass and reconstruction was difficult. Today, the country has risen and its wealth can now be opened before you.

Want to discover Albania? Let's fly for a journey through this unknown region of the Balkans. In the preamble, note that cities and places said may have two different endings with a "a" or a "e". Thus, Tirana can write Tiranë. The article alternates one and the other but you can always write it in both ways.

Tirana, capital of Albania and symbol of renewal

Founded in the 17th century, Tirana is one of the youngest capitals in Europe. And the city’s growth seems to have never stopped! Tirana is indeed a capital in permanent construction. We build, demolish and renovate every day, constantly. Even the iconic places are likely to be renovated or disappear!

If you land by plane, Tirana will be your first trip to Albania. The capital is a city that moves and in which one feels well. We like to stroll around to discover the riches preserved or renovated. The city has changed dramatically since the fall of the dictatorship. Symbol of the latter, Tirana was a decaying and very poor city. On the main square, Skanderbeg Square, there were Hoxha’s effigies and one of the few preserved mosques.

At the death of Hoxha, a hideous mausoleum is built, the famous pyramid, a few meters from Skanderbeg Square. At the fall of the regime, the pyramid becomes a weird furnace between a radio station, a cultural centre, a small bus station and a parking lot!

Besides this symbol, Tirana is marked by its place Skanderbeg. Recently renovated, the equestrian statue of the national hero, Skanderbeg, sits in its centre. There is the famous preserved mosque, Et’hem Bey, the National Museum of Albania, the national opera, and many ministries.

It is a pleasant place to discover and to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. And we imagine the pain experienced by the population for decades...

Of course, Tirana is not a city where our eyes are amazed at every corner of the street. The main attractions are concentrated in a hundred meters, from Skanderbeg Square to Mother Teresa Square, the football stadium. There is nevertheless a particular atmosphere and we like to discover it.

To finish your day, don’t hesitate to take a drink at the Sky Tower Bar, a panoramic place where the terrace turns on itself! The speed is so slow that we don’t even realize it.

The Albanian Riviera, dreamy and fierce beaches

Close to the Greek border, what is commonly called the Albanian Riviera is a set of beaches of dreams and seaside resorts. We also find historic places to be discussed in another paragraph.

From Dhermi to Ksamil, the Albanian Riviera is the unknown treasure of the Balkan region, a magical place where rest takes all its meaning. It’s also a great idea of road trip!

Saranda

Sarandë is the largest and most frequented city of the Riviera. It is also the central city, ideal for those who like to stay in urbanized areas. From the beach to the bars, to some ruins, the city is pleasant and not only in summer.

The villages and beaches north of Saranda: Dhërmi, Gjipe, Himarë, beach of Livadhi, Porto Palermo

In the north of Saranda, we discover small friendly villages. First, Dhërmi, a perched village facing the sea. An ideal place for lovers of sea-mountain mix! It is quite possible to hike and swim during the same day.

Nearby is Gjipe, a creek lost in the middle of nowhere, facing a canyon. Just that! The most adventurous can stay at the campsite facing it. If you can access it in a vehicle, nothing is worth discovering the creek at the top of the hill after a long walk!

A few kilometers further are Himarë and the beach of Livadhi. Himarë is a small village with an exceptional beach, including Livadhi, the wildest beach. From the Albanian Riviera, Himarë and Livadhi are the least interesting but still deserve a small stop if you wish.

Also go to the meeting of Porto Palermo, a castle located on an island close to the farmland and Himarë. Ottoman fortresses, the castle is one of the best preserved military buildings in Albania. This cultural visit offers a splendid view below.

After leaving the island, what better than a swim to relax?

Ksamil, a Caribbean dream south of Saranda

Finally, face to face Corfu is Ksamil, a place worthy of the Caribbean from which one loves to be preceded. Small village between Butrint Lake and the sea, Ksamil is the ideal resort, where the farniente is at its paroxysm. A place that we love and advise any traveller in Albania.

It is objectively one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania. Subjectively, many will say that it is one of the most magical of the Balkan region...

Historical Albania, discovering architectural treasures

As we have seen, the Aigles country is responsible for history and multiple occupations. This singularity means that Albania is full of important, diverse and varied historical places and vestiges. Three of them are classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Butrint, Berat, Gjirokastër.

Butrint is an ancient ancient city close to Ksamil. Ideally located on the mouth of Butrint Lake, the ruins of the city are among the best preserved in the region, outside Greece. We like to walk in the alleys of a city that once was sparkling, in a majestic natural setting.

Very different from Butrint, Berat is a village, alive this one, famous for its houses identical to the unique style. The walk in the alleys is a real escape and you can enjoy a little more by taking a coffee on the terrace. If you lift your eyes to the top of the hill, you can see the Berat Castle and its St.Théodore Church, remarkably preserved and offering breathtaking views.

Then there is Gjirokastër, which is no less than the birthplace of Enver Hoxha. It is a beautiful perched village surmounted by the ruins of its castle. An authentic mountain village that has lost nothing of its splendor. It is also the starting point for many hikes, some located in national parks.

Other historical sites: Apollonia, castles of Krujë and Rozafa, Durrës, Finiq

Apart from the classified places, Albania has so many historical vestiges that it is not possible to mention them all. Apollonia is an ancient ancient city with many old stones, including a remarkablely preserved Byzantine church. Located between Dürres and Saranda, close to the coast, the place is very accessible despite its distance from the major cities.

There are also more than twenty castles! We have selected for you the castles of Krujë and Rozafa. The first of them is the most important of Albanian history because it is the starting point of the Skanderbeg rebellion against the Ottomans in the 15th century. Today, Skanderbeg is the central figure in Albania’s history. As for the castle of Rozafa, located on the heights of Shkodër, it is famous for the many atrocious legends surrounding it. These are also the most preserved ruins of the country. From above, the view is splendid.

At the same time seaside resort and historic city, Durrës is a city enjoying beautiful beaches and many vestiges, including superb mosaics. Ideally located in the centre of the country, it is an ideal place to stay one or more nights. As for the ruins of Apollonia, they are quite far away from the attractions of the country but are clearly worth it if you pass through it.

These are indeed the best preserved ancient vestiges with Butrint. Finally, those who especially love historical vestiges can go to Finiq archaeological park, near Saranda.

Nature Albania and dream landscapes of national parks

With 14 national parks, Albania is also a destination for hikers and nature lovers. For this paragraph, we have selected five national parks, including a marine park, but others have already been presented (Butrint, Apollonia) and will be later as those in the mountains.

The parks selected for this paragraph are rather by the sea or do not need to climb summits. Finally, the blue eye is a natural wonder not classified as a national park but that deserves a small ticket.

Mont Dajti

The first of them is that of Mount Dajti, which is surnamed the balcony of Tirana. It must be said that it is close to the capital and that you can even reach it by cable car! From above, the view of the small lake and the capital is sublime.

Lagoon of Karavasta

Also close to Tirana and on the Adriatic coast, Karavasta Park is one of the largest lagoons in Europe. Famous for its fried pelicans, the park offers beautiful and preserved landscapes, a natural blend between sea, pond and farmland.

Bredhi Hotoves

Close to the Greek border and the village of Gjirokastër, is Bredhi Hotoves Park. Large by size, it is one of the most beautiful natural places in Albania, a shallow or dried canyon in summer. Convenient to stroll around when you are in Gjirokastër.

Parc de Lurë

Lost in the Albanian pampa north of Tirana, Lurë Park offers absolutely fantastic landscapes and it is a true paradise for hikers. Less temeraires can also taste the joys of the 4X4!

Karaburun-Sazan Park

Last selected national park, Albania’s only marine park, Karaburun-Sazan Park. Located near Vlorë and on Sazan Island, the National Park covers an area on land and on sea. Despite a small area, the park offers a wide range of terrestrial and marine animals including dolphins, caves, coves and other superb views.

It is also a paradise for divers, who cannot miss this exceptional place.

Syri i Kaltër (Blue eye)

It is not a national park probably because the area is far from reaching that of a park. This does not remove anything from the charm of the blue eye, a unique natural site of its kind.

A geological phenomenon allows you to see green and beautiful vegetation, as you can see little in your life and nowhere else in Albania. The water is regularly fresh and is surprised by the presence of bubbles of a natural swimming pool with a depth of 50 meters!

The Albanian Alps, the fresh air of the mountain

If Albania is not as mountainous as Montenegro, it benefits from the same mountain range as its neighbour through the shared border. The term Albanian Alps has become the common name of these mountains, which is also called Prokletije. The latter is also the name of an Montenegrin national park whose highest peak, the Zla Kolata, is the natural border between the two countries. In Albanian, we also find the name " Bjeshkët e Nemuna "that means the cursed mountains... So beware!

To simplify, the Albanian Alps consist of three distinct entities: Valbonë, Valbona National Park and Thethi National Park. To get there, you can go from Shköder and cross Koman Lake by boat. If it is not located in the mountains, it is a magnificent cruise where fabulous landscapes are available to you for six hours.

Know that the lake is not natural but a reservoir after the construction of the Koman dam.

Of course, to best appreciate mountain hikes, these must be done in high season, from May to October, to avoid snow. In the summer, the fresh and refreshing air of the mountain is undoubtedly one more!

If you arrive by Koman Lake, your mountain adventures start in Valbonë. Let's be honest, this village will not stay in your memory. Apart from its river banks, the charm does not work. Nevertheless, it is the ideal starting point for hiking and resting after a long walk.

Valbona National Park

The Valbona Valley is another great and wonderful national park in Albania. They're definitely many! It is also one of the two national parks comprising the Albanian Alps.

There are many hikes, simple or difficult, short or several dozen kilometres. Thus, there are for all levels and tastes. What is common is the magnificent landscapes, breathtaking views and a discovery of the country's most beautiful natural landscapes.

It is possible to take a few breaks, in the rare cafés or bushes on the trails. Hiking can be done alone or accompanied by a guide. When the difficulty is important, it is nevertheless advised or even mandatory to go with a guide.

Although located on the other side of the Valbona Valley, it is possible to climb the Zla Kolata (2534 meters), the highest point of Montenegro and the border between the two.

Thethi National Park

If it is possible to connect the two national parks on foot, it is impossible to do so during the same day. There are a few guest houses or hotels in the village of Theth, starting point of the hikes.

Yet so close, this national park offers different landscapes from the previous one. The trails are full of lakes, waterfalls and small bridges. By approaching the summits, we discover an exceptional mountainous landscape!

And if this park is worth a look, it is also because it houses the highest point of Albania, the Maja Jezercë (2694 meters).

Albanian treasures near the Macedonian border

A little while ago, Wanderlix has already made you discover the Northern Macedonia and his wonders. But you can pass the border, for this time discover other wonders, those in Albania.

Pogradec and Lake Ohrid

Let’s be honest from the start: the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid has no magic on the Macedonian side. However, there is no less a place also classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site and that is worth a look.

The centre of interest is located around the city of Pogradec. Ancient city, it houses vestiges dating from the Byzantine era, including beautiful mosaics. It is a pleasant city and starting point for a cruise on the lake. If you are vehiculated, the road from Pogradec to Lin runs along the lake and offers a beautiful road trip!

In the land, don’t hesitate to visit the village of Selcë e Poshtëme where there are Illyrian tombs dating over 2,200 years old!

Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park

Located north of Lake Ohrid, this national park is one of the least known in the country, making it one of the least frequented. Yet the natural beauty of the landscapes is not missing, winter as summer!

Hiking is difficult and rather reserved for aguerrilla. The beauty of the place is even more appreciated in winter.

Prespa National Park

This is a national park not like the others. Indeed, Prespa has the particularity of hosting a lake located in the territory of three different countries: Albania, Northern Macedonia, but also Greece.

The national park is small and can be visited in just a few hours. It offers beautiful landscapes, a diverse fauna and flora. The brown bear is the animal symbol of the park, which you are not advised to cross yet...

Small coastal villages in the lake are not really planned to accommodate tourists. However, they make it possible to venture into lands only frequented by locals.

We are already at the end of this Adriatic discovery that is Albania. A rich and intriguing land, with varied landscapes and natural beauties still preserved. If the country is not yet in many travel guides, it is the time to visit it and enjoy its riches.

The ideas received are tenacious and the Aigles country can scare. But the population is very welcoming and happy to show you their country of which they are so proud. So go on the adventure now and on the way to Tirana and Albania!