Albania

The small yet stunning country of Albania has so much to offer. This up-and-coming country has a long coastline, which is regarded as one of the most ruggedly beautiful in the world. The country has some of the best examples of Ottoman architecture and astonishingly beautiful beaches. Albania is slowly becoming popular with tourists, yet it still remains mainly undiscovered and unspoilt.

Tirana, the capital of Albania, is home to many tourist attractions, including the 18th Century Et’hem Bey Mosque and Skanderbeg Square, where the National Historical Museum is located. At the heart of Skanderbeg Square is the statue of the historic Albanian national hero Skanderbeg. You will find this city to be extremely friendly, with great restaurants and bars.

With its unique Ottoman architecture, the UNESCO City of Gjirokastra is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Albania. Here you will find houses designed like small castles, a military museum and an art gallery; however, it is the awesome castle that dominates the skyline. Gjirokastra is also the birthplace of world-renowned author Ismail Kadare and the former Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha, and today both of their homes are museums.

The port city of Durres is famous for being home to the biggest amphitheatre in the Balkans, as well as the unspoilt northern coastal stretch of Lalzit Bay. No stay is complete without visiting the Durres Archaeological Museum, the Royal Villa of Durres and the Aleksander Moisiu Theatre.

The popular coastal resort of Vlorë has long been known for its olive production. It also has many important historic sites, including the most famous of them, the Albanian Independence Proclamation Building, which is where Albania declared independence a little over 100 years ago. Today, there is a monument dedicated to this defining moment in Albania’s history.

Located in the middle of the Llogara National Park, the Llogara Pass offers a drive so spectacular that you will be hard-pressed to find a better one anywhere in the world. The road travels to over 1,000 metres above sea level, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. The national park is also home to animals such as the European wildcat, golden eagle and fallow deer. At the top of the pass, you will find a range of restaurants where you can sit and enjoy some of the most gorgeous sights.

The seaside town of Himarë is known as a tourist mecca on the Albanian Riviera. Some of the best white-sand beaches include Llamani Beach, Porto Palermo Beach, Filikuri Beach and Drymades Beach. The Riviera has a growing reputation as an important music location, with many international music festivals and some great nightclubs.

Saranda is definitely on the list of trendy tourist destinations and is located just a short trip across the water from the Greek island of Corfu. The town has undergone major development in the last 20 years and is now home to some of the most stunning beaches. Situated nearby are the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint and Lekursi Castle, another great place to visit while staying in Saranda, where tourists flock to experience the stunning sunsets.

The stunning Albanian Riviera is capped off by the Ksamil Islands, three small, remote islands situated just off the coastline and only accessible by boat. The area is part of the Butrint National Park and is unspoilt and untouched. A visit to the Blue Eye Spring is a must while exploring the local area.

Considered the cultural capital of Albania, Shkodra hosts many events throughout the year, including Lake Day, Carnival, Shkodra Jazz Fest and the Children’s Festival. It is also home to the historic castle, notable for its important role during the First Balkan War. Shkodra has a stunning lake, the medieval Citadel of Drishti, the famous Migjeni Theatre and a local market well worth a visit. The local Malazeze cuisine is perhaps among Albania’s best.

In the centre of Albania, you will find the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Berat, believed to be one of the country’s oldest towns. Berat is often known by the nickname ‘The City of a Thousand Windows’ due to its mix of Albanian and Ottoman architecture. The 14th-century Castle of Kalaja, home to hundreds of people, is a major tourist site. Berat was formerly amongst the most important Albanian cities of the Ottoman Empire. The Church of St. Mary of Blachernae is a must-see for anyone visiting Berat, as is the Mangalem Quarter.

For some of the most breathtaking scenery, a visit to Lake Koman must be on your bucket list. Described as one of the world’s best boat trips, the journey takes visitors from the hydro-electric dam at Koman to Fierza Port, passing jaw-dropping scenery and the rugged Albanian mountains. Another surprising place to visit is Pogradec, on the shores of Lake Ohrid. While the Macedonian side of the lake is far more popular, the Albanian side gives it a run for its money. Pogradec is famous for its rich folklore, while its Puppet Theatre Festival is one of the most interesting events on the tourism calendar. Nearby, you will find the exquisite Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park and the Drilon Springs.