What to see in Albania?
Albania is a country that has so far been known only to a small share of travellers... Despite its idyllic situation at the edge of the Adriatic Sea, north of Greece and in front of Italy, Albania still has the image of a corrupt and dangerous country like most other Balkan countries. Yet, the eagles countries presents many attractions. For example, it is much cheaper and much less visited than the most popular European countries. Those who love wild nature, history, charm and Mediterranean air should certainly try a trip to Albania . However, it is necessary to do quickly: for the moment very quiet, few people know the real treasures of this country. But he's not going to be moved for a long time. Here are some of the best places to visit in Albania .
1. Berat
Flickr – MatHelium
The town of Berat is located by the river Osum in the heart of Albania. In the past, it was built as a fortress on a hill. The latter, called Kalaja, is still visible. The castle houses many churches and mosques and is truly worth a visit. Berat is known as the "city with a thousand windows" for its typical houses that have large windows in frontiers. Thanks to them, the city is recognizable immediately. The old town was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2008 and the traditional houses, monuments and castle were gathered in an area called "Museum of the City"
The surroundings of Berat offer nice small villages and a typical countryside, if you have time to enjoy the surroundings...
2. The Albanian Riviera
Flickr – MatHelium
In the southwest of the country, there is a steep coastline that can be compared to the Italian Riviera, but which is much quieter and much less populated. Small beaches invite you to swim or tan. Tourism develops gradually to seduce tourists more and promise beautiful holidays.
The countryside is overall virgin of all amenities and behind the beaches there are mountains in which many small romantic villages hide, perfect for small stays.
3. Apollonie d’Illyrie (Apollonia)
Flickr – Michał Kowalski
Near the city of Fier, there are the ruins of an ancient Greek city, named after the god Apollo. Apollonia was the largest and most important of all cities bearing the same name in Antiquity. The ruins are still impressive and testify to the original splendor. The remains of the largest archaeological park in Albania can be visited.
The historic site is very impressive and the view from the hills around the city is worth a visit.
4. Durrës
Flickr – Marco Fieber
The great city of Durrës located on the coast of Albania is the largest port city in the country. And not only from an economic point of view; cultural too. Cultural events and festivals are taking place all year round. Thanks to its amphitheatre, which is one of the most important attractions of the city, the second Albanian city can organize many events. The impressive old building could accommodate up to 20,000 people in the past and this is one of the best things to do here.
Durrës is one of the country’s tourist centres and in addition to culture and history, the city has beaches and ensures a lively stay.
5. Gjirokastër (or Gjirokastra)
Flickr – em_diesus
This town in southern Albania was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. And this thanks to the unique architectural style of most ancient buildings. The local architecture is Balkan style with stone houses that seem to be part of a mini-fortress (Turkish houses) and are of Turkish origin. These houses are designed to live there according to the seasons with a room to live winter and another to live summer. Gjirokastra is called the "city of stone".
It is very pleasant to stroll around the alleys of this small town by stopping to visit religious buildings, museums, theatres and other cultural attractions.
6. Krujë (or Kruja)
Flickr – elisabetta2005
Kruja is a city located about 20 kilometers northeast of the capital. The most important building in the city is the Kruja Castle, which is a national "hospitable" for the Albanian people. It houses the Skanderberg Museum, which evokes the war in this region. At the edge of the city you can also see the tomb of Sari Saltik and Qafë Shtama National Park. The town of Krujë has an important historical baggage and can easily be discovered from the capital Tirana in one day.
7. Tirana
Musée de l’Histoire de Tirana – Flickr – David Dufresne
Tirana is the capital of Albania and is also the economic and political epicentre of the country. Many important institutions are here like the Government or Parliament. But Tirana is much more than that. Built by several rivers, it is located 30 km from the coast and enjoys a beautiful view. When she was appointed capital of Albania in 1920, she was not very important, but since then she has become a true cultural and modern centre, with charming architectures. Don’t miss the Skanderbeg Square and its equestrian statue, museums, the Palace of Culture, the Mosque Et’Hem Bey... The visit of Tirana is immanquable if you travel to Albania.
8. Shkodër (or Shkodra)
Flickr -
Shkodra is a town in northern Albania and the fifth largest city in the country. It is located on the shore of Skadar Lake on the border of Montenegro. Shkodra was affected by many battles and conquests and we can visit the citadel of Rozafa. Perched at 133 m of altitude, at the top of Tepe hill, Rozafa citadel is one of the best preserved in the country. On site, don't miss the theatre.
Go to Albania and stay
You can go to Albania with flights from several French cities to Tirana. The companies Adria, Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines, among others, offer flights to the capital. For more information, see the comparison Skyscanner .
To sleep on site, do not hesitate to trust the premises and to take a vacation rental for example. Otherwise, stay in the classic by booking a hotel in Albania .
Have you ever been to Albania? What did you visit?
Loading comments ...