Sarandë

Sarandë Earth : Europe : Balkans : Albania : Coastal Albania : Sarandë Sarandë Sarandë Banner.jpg UnderstandGet inGet aroundSeeDoBuyEatSleepStay safe Sarandë, the gateway to the southern Albania, is a small town of about 33.000 inhabitants, situated on a beautiful horseshoe bay between the mountains and the Ionian Sea. The name Saranda derives from an early Christian monastery dedicated to Agioi Saranta (Forty Saints). In antiquity, Saranda was known as Onchesmus. Located opposite the Greek island of Corfu, Saranda is characterized by a Mediterranean climate and warm sea waters. Saranda typically has over 300 sunny days a year. Due to its location and warm weather Saranda is one of the most attractive tourist towns on the Albanian Riviera, where honeymooners traditionally spend their holidays. Fronting the sea and along the main promenade there are some hotels and restaurants which offer you catering facilities and accommodation. Visitor information Saranda Tourist Info Center (Glass sphere building), Shetitorja Naim Frasheri (Near the Molo by the beach), [1]. edit Understand Get in Saranda can be reached by land or by sea. It is connected with Greece by three routes: (i) To the nearby Greek island of Corfu (New Port). The daily ferryboats are at 10:30; 13:00 and 16:30 (fewer out of season - check with the ticket office at the port). The 10:30 passage is a hydrofoil which takes about 45 minutes, as is the 13.00. The 16:30 is a car ferry. Corfu is one hour ahead of Albania. (ii) By the border of Qafe Bota with Gumenitsa; (iii) By the border of Kakavi with Ioannina It is reached from other parts of Albania by two important routes: 1. From Vlore it goes through Riviera or "Bregu" (a line of picturesque, gorgeous Mediterranean beaches and villages; Bregu is the summer hostel of the country Prime Minister and President) 2. From Gjrokaster to Tepelene, Fier and Tirana From Tirana to Saranda can be travelled with the bus lines, taxi vans or taxies. The are two itineraries: Tirana-Durres-Fieri-Vlora-Dhermi-Saranda or Tirana-Durresi-Fieri-Mallakastra-Tepelena-Gjirokastra-Saranda. If you travel through Riviera (the first) you should pay more attention as the way is narrow. Albanians from Kosovo and Macedonia follow this itinerary to reach Saranda: Strufe-Qafe Thana-Librazhd-Elbasani-Rrogozhina-Fier and so on. From 2016 there is a new bus line Tirana-Saranda-Tirana launched - RivieraBus. New bus route connecting all main Albanian resorts such as Durres, Vlore, Dhermi, Jale, Himara, Borsh, Saranda. As of 05/2016, the bus station in Tirana with buses to Sarande is near roundabout with eagle (intersection of Rruga Teodor Keo and Rruga 29 Nentori - highway to Durres). It takes now just 5 hours via inland route thanks to new roads. Price 1300 lek. The tourists, who come here from Greece, reach the border of Kakavi in two ways: from Ioannina and Gumenitsa. You can fly from Athine to Ioannina, and then the roadway from Janina to Kakavi takes around 40 minutes by bus or taxi. When you reach Kakavi, you follow this itinerary: Kakavi-Gjirokaster-Jergucat-Qafe e Muzines-Sarande. Though Qafe-Bota, the itinerary is Igoumenitsa-Qafe Bote-Sarande, but the roadway is narrower. The idea of an airport in the village of Vrion is of great interest, because it is only 5 km far from Saranda. A facility is the urban service offered nowdays. Get around Saranda has a boulevard called "Shëtitorja Naim Frashëri" where during the evening everyone goes to walk around. It stretches for about 1 kilometer and is by the seaside (only 5 meters away from coast). On the other side of of the promenade, lay bars, restaurants and many souvenir shops. Many car rentals around port - e.g. Scandinavian Tourist Center (Mitsubishi Colt 35 euro/day,100 euro cash deposit) See Beautiful and quiet beach at Ksamili Synagogue Ethnographic Museum Ksamili The village of Ksamili is near Sarande. It has a beautiful beach with several small islands you could swim to. The bus from Sarande serves both Ksamili and Butrint. Ksamili is now heavily developed, with a large number of part-completed properties. An extraordinary sight is that some of these new buildings are toppling over; this is believed to be where buildings have gone up without permission, and the police have sabotaged the building by pulling out a couple of upright pillars, leaving the owner to clear up the damage. Butrint[5] Just outside of Ksamili, lies Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site and national park. Butrint was an ancient city throughout Greek, Roman, bishopric and Byzantine periods. The city was finally abandoned during the Middle Ages perhaps due to the marsh surrounding and subsequent malaria epidemic. Despite being one of the greatest classical cities of the Mediterranean, Butrint remains largely unknown. The current archaeological site includes an impressive Roman amphitheater, a Byzantine Basilica (the largest in the world after Hagia Sophia in Istanbul), a Roman temple with mosaic floor, a beautifully carved lion's gate as well numerous constructions built throughout the periods. Furthermore, what you see is just 15 per cent of what lies beneath. As of summer of 2005, there is an international archaeological team performing excavations at Butrint which can be observed inside the park. 700 lek entry fee (€5) The amphitheater is used as a performance venue by world amateur theater troops at the annual: Butrinti 2000 International Festival of Theater[6] Picture of the Roman temple at Butrinti Do Above Saranda is the old Castle of Lekures at "Qafa e Gjashtes" (The Pass of Six), also known as Lekursi Castle (Lëkurësi Castle). There is a nice outdoor restaurant within the castle from which you have panoramic views of Saranda Bay below, the inland mountains, the Butrint Lagoon and the island of Corfu on the Ionian Sea. After visiting Butrint and the Ali Pasha Tepelena Castle, you could go to the Pulbardha Beach and enjoy some great food and relax on the sandy beach. Syri i Kalter is just 25 min away past the city of Saranda. This is a great place to visit and relax. Attractive Travel, rr"Bardhok Biba"(Behind Hotel Tirana International), Fax: 00 355(0)42 244 347 Tel:00 355(0) 682020013 Email:attractivetravel@yahoo.com, . daily. This organization of scholars, professors, and specialists in such fields as architecture, archaeology, art history, and theology organize walking and bus tours for groups and individuals. In the afternoon, when the sun is setting, you should go to Lekures, and watch the sun set, or you could go to the beach and relax with your friends or family while enjoying the beautiful sunset. Something else that you can do, when it’s not a really hot day is to go camping. If it’s not a hot day, camping would be a really good experience, and it would be a change from going to the beach because it could get a bit boring and tiresome to just go to the beach. So for a change you could go camping because not only will you have a good time looking at the stars at night, but you would be trying something different. Something else you should do is visit a new beach each day, such as one day “pllakat” the next day “manastiri” and so on. You should also take a ferry to visit Corfu, for it is only a hour or two away from the coast of Saranda. During peak season there are a lot of people at Lekursi Castle during sunset which can kind of spoil the atmosphere. A of good, up to date information on Lekursi Castle: http://www.sarandaweb.com/food-dining/lekursi-castle-lekuresi/ Buy Skenderbeu Cognac Miniature bunker from alabaster Albanische Mythologie book Souvenirs made from sea shells in Ksamil LLogara honey is a local speciality - it is sold by various merchants on the road. Eat Sarandë is bustling with restaurants, cafes and bars. Fast food places offer a surprisingly cheap and tasty variety of options: 1 euro will usually get you a good souvlaki (usually pork) or a very nice crepe. Look out for yoghurt flavoured ice cream on the boardwalk, near the tourist info office. In Ksamil, there are a few places you can eat at. At least 4 restaurants in Ksamil are open year-round, but in the summer there are a lot more options and many are just seconds from the beach. If you go to Sarandë, you must try the fish, since Sarandë is next to the sea, restaurants that are located next to water would be the best because those are the places that usually have fresh fish. You should also try the squid, mussel, and shrimp. You should try them in different cooking styles, not just fried. The best time to eat sea products is after a nice long day of swimming. Klironomi - next to the sea, nice host and seafood, good wine - 5-10 euros per dinner with wine Byrektore Turi - probably the best burek in town Drink Albanian Raki, the local firewater. Sleep Hostels Dolphin Hostel, 168 Lefter Talo Street, Saranda (From the bus station, go uphill a little and turn right onto Lefter Talo street. The hostel is 30 m on the left, no.168, opposite the athens bus office. Enter the garden and veer right up the steps to the first floor. From the Port, turn right and go downhill to the big tree roundabout. Take a right, and take the first left onto Adem Sheme street. Continue uphill 3 blocks until lefter Talo Street. Turn right and continue past the first junction. The hostel is the left no.168, opposite the athens bus office. Enter the garden and veer right up the steps to the first floor.), ☎ +355693502207, [2]. This villa is in the center of Sarande, it has a huge balcony to enjoy peaceful Albanian night, and the Dolphin hostel offers good dorms with breakfast and free laundry in price from 8 to 10 euros per person. every room and every corner in the hostel can connect with the free strong wifi. the staff is fantastic you can always negotiate. 8 to 10euro. edit SR Backpackers, Rruga Mithat Hoxha Num 10, Lagja 4 Sarande, 7500 (*Directions from Bus - From the bus stop, walk downhill towards the sea and then right right on Rruga Abedin Dino (the ruins will be on your right). Pass the first intersection and continue on the road until it ends. You will see Raiffaisen Bank on your left and a big eucalyptus tree in the middle of the road. Bear to the right of the tree and 50 meters in front of you, there will be a yellow and grey building No. 10. Pass the Krepi Star shop and at the next dark brown door, ring the bell named 'SR Backpackers.' (6 minute walk) *Directions from the Corfu ferry - Exit the customer area, walk up the ramp, turn right and 50 meters in front you should see a yellow and grey building with an internet cafe on the ground floor. Look for the dark brown door to the left of the crepe shop. Ring the bell named 'SR Backpackers.' (One minute walk)), ☎ 00355694345426, [3]. Centrally located in the heart of town, close to everything Saranda has to offer. Bus route (6 minute walk), Corfu ferry (1 minute), bus street to Ksamil beaches and the ruins of Butrint (1 minute), bus street to Greece (3 minutes), the beach and the famous promenade (xhiro) on the doorstep (20 meters), the farmers market, fresh fruits & vegetables (1 minute). Open year-round. 14 dorm beds in a new building. Free breakfast. Free wifi. Kitchen. Free Security lockers. Free linen & bedsheets. Free coffee and tea. Roof terrace. Beach BBQ dinners in front of the hostel in the summer. Run by Tomi, a local resident, who is such a nice and helpful guy. He will make you feel right at home by going out of his way to help you out. Knows lots of information about day trips to Butrint and the Blue eye. 10 euro. edit The Hairy Lemon, ☎ +355 69 355 9317. checkout: ""lat="". A small 18 bed hostel run by a great Irish lady. Has hot shower, laundry, free breafast, 24 hour tea and coffee, internet, comfy bunks, large balcony with awesome view of the beach and Corfu. Just a hop skip and a jump from a nice beach with beach chairs and beach umbrellas free after 4 PM! Directions: A taxi from the port costs 3 euros. Otherwise, with your back to the Port turn left and continue on this coastal road (part tarmac and part dirt track) 1 km till you see a sign on the right: 'Pharmacy' and on the left 'Kasandro Restaurant' at the 'Apollonia Hotel' junction. Ask anyone along the coastal road for 'Apollonia Hotel'. From the map 'Andon Lapa Hotel' to 'Apollonia Hotel' is a 2/3 min walk. Above the 'Pharmacy' in the 10 storey lemon and orange building, look up to the 8th floor to see an Albanian flag hanging from their balcony. Go to the opposite side of this building to find the entrance. You can get a key to the building from the shop near the building entrance. Take the lift to the 8th floor. From the lift go left, and the 'Hairy Lemon' awaits you, behind the last door on the left! edit Bunkies Hostel, Rruga Butrinti KM 1(next to Vila Duraku hotel), Saranda, ☎ +355693719316. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. Bunkies is a new hostel and is located in the city center in front of the beach, next to many restaurants, food corners and bars. It has 14 dorm comfortable beds and includes free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free linen, laundry service, book exchange. car rental and tour options and a very friendly staff. The hostel have a communal kitchen area, two lounge rooms and two balconies that looks over Saranda neighborhood and Corfu islands. Directions: Getting to the hostel is very easy: from the bus station or port, walk towards the tourist information that's on the beach. the hostel is located in the first white and blue building at the end of the main promenade, next to Vila Duraku hotel. walk up the stairs and enter the building from your right side. go up the elevator to the 6th floor (there's also signing inside the building). edit Apartments Holiday Apartments from locals, everywhere in and around Sarande. checkin: 080714; checkout: 22.07.14. There are plenty of private houses, apartments offered by locals especially during the high season period. The accomodation offered ranges from low-budget to highly exclusive locations both for low and reasonably high prices. However, if you are traveling in a group of more than 2 people, it is worth a consideration. The apartments can usually accomodate up to 10 people and are much cheaper than a hotel. Furthermore, you can usually cook in the apartment and save some money for the outstanding night life of Sarande. But make sure to book your accomodation in advance, since most of the apartments get booked out very fast. edit Hotels Jolly Hotel, Dhermi (on the boardwalk), ☎ 068-224-0334, [4]. This small beach village before reaching Sarande has a beautiful beach, and the Jolly Hotel has 4 person rooms for 20 to 25 euros per room (not person!). You can negotiate. The staff, food, room, and location are all great. 20euro. edit The luxury five star Hotel Butrint in Saranda is prohibitively expensive but very pretty. Another luxury hotel is "Hotel Duraku". The rooms are very comfortable and clean, and the staff is very qualified. It costs around 90euro/night for a family. The simple yet nice Porto Eda Hotel. Hotel ‘Dea’ tel 00355692724043 e-mail; hoteldea@gmail.com .Probably the best out there in Saranda,with 20 rooms all rooms view on the sea, 3 large suites,big swimming pool,bar restaurant reception 24h/24 private parking,it is only 1 km from the city center so you can just have a nice walk along the road Sarand-Butrinti and you are there Stay safe As everywhere in Albania, some areas suffer from waste disposal issues, and illegal construction, while others from excessive noise pollution by beach clubs. Bottled water is recommended instead of tap water for drinking. Get out Borsh Corfu (Kerkyra) in Greece is the island of grace and politeness. It lies opposite the coast of Epirus mainland and it is separated from Albania in the north part of it by a narrow Strait of 1.5 sea miles. Corfu is the capital of the seven Ionian Islands with an area of 592 square kilometres it is the second largest Island of the Ionian Islands, with a beautiful coastline of 217 km. Corfu is also the greenest island of all Greece. The impressive vegetation of the island consist mainly of olive and cypress trees One way: 19€/Return: 38€. Voyage duration: 25 min. Dhermi Albanian Riviera Vuno Berat There are two buses a day to Berat at 8am and 2:30pm from the main bus stop up from the waterfront (5-6 hours, 1200 lek). WikiPedia:Sarandë Create category De cand am ajuns prima oara in Albania, in Tirana, nu a fost albanez care sa nu-mi spuna ca cel mai frumos oras al lor este Gjirokaster. Nu neaparat pentru ca doi dintre cei mai faimosi fii ai orasului, fostul dictator comunist Enver Hodja si scriitorul Ismail Kadaré, ci pentru ca pare sa fie cel mai bine pastrat oras clasic al Albaniei, unde arhitectura traditionala albano-otomana este prezervata cam in tot orasul vechi. Cum Gjirokaster e destul de departe de Tirana, nu am ajuns de oricate ori am fost la Tirana (si am fost de trei ori), dar din Corfu era destul de aproape… jumatate de ora cu feribotul din Corfu la Sarande si mai departe vreo ora cu furgonul. Evident, mai stateai ici si colo, nu mergea totul snur, oricum, imi propusesem sa dorm o noapte in Gjirokaster. Asa ca am decis sa vizitez si Sarande cu ocazia asta, unde am avut parte de o mare surpriza. Dar sa nu anticipam. Ca sa prind feribotul de la ora 9:00, trebuia sa iau autobuzul din Paleokastrita la 7:15. Am coborat pe la 7, sperand ca micul dejun incepe la 7, dar ghinion… incepea la 7:30. Eram totusi intr-un hotel de litoral, si turistul obisnuit se culca tarziu, se scoala tarziu. Asa ca m-am infiintat in statia de autobuz mai de dimineata. Sa nu credeti ca nu erau turisti care sa coboare la ora aceea, la o ora matinala. Se pare ca asta e ora de topless pe o insula in care de obicei turistele nu renunta la sutien :). Si tot laudasem eu KTEL-ul, autobuzul interurban din Corfu, ca taman in ziua in care trebuia sa vina la fix intarzia. Se facuse aproape 7:25 si nu-si facuse aparitia; taman cand ma apucasem sa tastez numarul de help line afisat in statia de autobuz, l-am vazut aparand in tromba dinspre Corfu City. Cinci minute mai tarziu eram la bordul lui. Spre deosebire de zilele precedente, cand l-am luat mult mai tarziu, autobuzul de 7:15 era plin cu oameni care se duceau la lucru. Colac peste pupaza, nici n-a mers direct spre oras, a mai facut o tura prin sate si pana la urma s-a decis s-o ia spre capitala insulei – Kerkyra sau Corfu City. Oricum, n-am avut emotii prea mari pentru ca pe la 8 eram deja in oras. Trecerea granitei a fost foarte rapida. Granicerul s-a uitat distrat pe pasaport si ne-a usuit intr-un mare tax free, de unde albanezii cumparau alcoale. Cred ca tigarile sunt mai ieftine la ei decat in tax free-ul grec. In fine… Vaporul, un hydrofoil rapid, destul de OK, in vreo jumatate de ora eram deja in portul Sarande… Ei bine, acum au inceput surprizele. Iar surpriza era cum arata Sarande… sa nu va inchipuiti blocuri comuniste decrepite si vopsite acum 100 de ani… cum ieseai din port, erau niste blocuri noi-noute, stralucind in soare, cu terase ample… aduceau cu blocurile din zona bogata a Mediteranei, Spania, ceva Franta, parca si Grecia, dar Grecia moderna, nu cea pe care o lasasem in urma, partial decrepita. Wow, se vede ca s-a investit masiv in Sarande, arata super tare. Am cumparat bilete de retur pentru Corfu, nu a fost nici o problema, locuri erau, fetele de la biroul lui Ionian Cruises vorbeau o engleza de-a dreptul oxfordiana si apoi am luat-o la picior. Nu stiu cum o fi fost Sarande pe vremea comunismului, ma astept sa fi fost un oras foarte strict si complet blocat pentru ca insula Corfu este exact in fata ei si daca esti cat de cat bun inotatator, poti ajunge linistit in Grecia, dar acum este o statiune marina in care totul straluceste. Dupa ce am trecut prin fata unei baterii de hoteluri micute si cochete, am ajuns la plaja. Impecabila. Organizare nemteasca, sezlonguri si umbrele puse la milimetru, marea problema (din punctul meu de vedere) era ca e o plaja de pietricele, nu de nisip. Dar exista destui care prefera acest tip de plaja, asa ca, pentru cine prefera pietricele, Sarande este o optiune excelenta. M-am plimbat pe promenada, paralel cu plaja. Totul impecabil – palmieri care iti intensifica sentimentul de exotic, taverne cu specific albanez, italian si grecesc, gelaterii, chiar si o mare sala de fitness unde benzile de alergat sunt practic afara si alergi cu fata la mare… am mai vazut o sala similara in Dubai, in Dubai Marina! Daca e sa te uiti in Wikipedia, o sa vezi ca vreo 60% din populatia Albaniei este musulmana, restul alte credinte (in general, crestine – ortodocsi si catolici), dar si o secta locala musulmana – Bektashi. Adevarul este ca probabil mai bine de 80% din populatia Albaniei e atee. Initial, albanezii erau catolici si ortodocsi (linia schismei a trecut prin mijlocul Albaniei), dar majoritatea au trecut la islam din interes, in perioada ocupatiei otomane, fara prea mult entuziasm. In 1967, statul comunism a interzis religia (singurul stat din lume din cate stiu care a luat o astfel de decizie), iar toate lacasurile de cult – ortodoxe, musulmane, catolice etc., au primit alte intrebuintari – magazine, cinematografe, case de cultura, locuinte etc. Evident, dupa 1991, a avut loc un comeback al religiei, dar din nou fara prea mare entuziasm. Asa ca sa nu fii uimit cand o sa vezi albaneze in bikini plimbandu-se prin fata moscheii in drum spre plaja! Si tot vorbeam de religie, la doi pasi de plaja am descoperit o mega-biserica ortodoxa noua-nouta, care stralucea in soare. La momentul caderii comunismului, comunitatea greaca din oras reprezenta cam 30–40% din locuitori. E drept, in 1990, date fiind restrictiile (orasul era mult prea aproape de capitalista Grecie), nu erau mai multi de 15.000 de locuitori. Acum, datorita boomului turistic si economic (datorita proximitatii cu Grecia si situarii la mare), sunt mai mult de 30.000 de locuitori, multi greci emigrand in Grecia unde, evident, se traieste mai bine. Dar biserica ortodoxa nu este numai pentru greci, ci si pentru albanezii si aromanii ortodocsi. Ma rog, spre deosebire de alte orase albaneze, Sarande este un oras dezvoltat din nimic. In 1913, cu ocazia declararii independentei, avea doar 100 de locuitori :). In fine, am intrat in ampla biserica ortodoxa, noua-nouta… nu pot spune ca singura persoana intalnita era o tanti care dadea cu mopul… credinciosii se inchinau zeului Soare pe plaja. Cu uimire, am descoperit si un … birou de informatii turistice! Nu stiu sa existe asa ceva la Mamaia sau la Constanta, daca exista, sunt extrem de bine camuflate, in Sarande era ditamai biroul aflat intr-o cladire care semana cu un mar. Ma rog, nu era doar birou de informatii, era si o librarie in cladire, dar avea toate atributiile – puteai sa rezervi prin ei absolut orice serviciu turistic voiai – inchirieri de masina, de ski jet-uri, de parapanta, tururi la Butrint, seara albaneza, cumparari de vederi, tot ce oferea industria turistica si evident ca oferea harti gratuite ale orasului. Mi-a explicat pe loc de unde sa iau furgonul spre Gjirokaster si, mai important decat orice, a povestit totul cu zambetul pe buze… zambet care cam lipseste prin industria turistica romaneasca. Si sa nu credeti ca era unicul birou de informatii turistice… am mai gasit unu in plin centru, dar doar la intoarcere. Dupa ce am terminat turul de litoral si am cascat gura larg la cum poate arata o statiune marina albaneza (nu spun multimea de blocuri care se latisera pe dealuri, majoritatea parand a fi un soi de apart-hoteluri sau apartamente ale unora care locuiesc in alt oras, dar si-au luat un apartament si la mare), m-am deplasat in centru, unde am dat peste un sit arheologic, impecabil organizat, cu muzeu, cu tot ce trebuie… departe era biserica bizantina din Kanoni, din Corfu, ferecata in spatele unui lacat ruginit… In Sarande a existat si o comunitate evreiasca la inceputul Evului Mediu si evident ca lucrul acesta era scos in fata, barem sa atraga si niscai turisti mozaici. Oaza de occident si civilizatie a fost un pic umbrita insa de plecarea spre Gjirokaster. Nu neaparat ca era murdar, pur si simplu, era un pic de haos. Am ajuns la locul indicat de tipa de la informatii turistice si am gasit intr-adevar cateva microbuze si miniautobuze (asa-numitele furgoane). M-am dus direct la furgonul pe care scria Gjirokaster, dar soferul mi-a indicat sa ma duc doua furgoane mai in spate, la furgonul care pleca spre Tirana. Acolo, ceva haos, mai intai au zis ca nu pleaca la Tirana prin Gjirokaster (mai exista o sosea de-a lungul litoralului), apoi ca da, pana la urma m-am inghesuit langa doi nemti care voiau sa se duca pana la un lac de pe drum, numit Blue Eye. Langa noi, un tip care parea cam aghesmuit, cand a aflat ca sunt nemti, a trecut in revista toti fotbalistii Germaniei de care isi aducea aminte de la Sepp Maier pana la Gotze ;). Si la fiecare nume dadea din cap a incuviintare si zicea ceva gen “super fotbalist”… Drumul spre Gjirokaster este un drum spectaculos, dar nu e pentru cei care au probleme cu inima. Calitatea asfaltului este foarte buna, in Corfu as fi zis ca e incredibila, dar viteza pe care o baga soferul si lipsa balustradelor de protectie spre prapastie ar speria pe multi… dar, ma rog, nu erau prea multe masini pe sosea, nu prea aveai pe cine sa depasesti sau cine sa te depaseasca, asa ca a fost doar o cursa de placere… din pacate, placerea nu era la fel de mare cand ma uitam spre cer… dupa cerul albastru superb de la Sarande; cum ne-am afundat in adancul Albaniei, au aparut nori grei, iar pana la Gjirokaster a inceput sa si ploua. Stiam ca furgonul ma va lasa undeva pe sosea, iar de acolo mai e vreun kilometru sau doi pana in orasul vechi, in urcare, deoarece orasul este cocotat pe un deal. Initial, aveam in plan sa merg pe jos, ma mai dezmorteam un pic, dar ploaia nu m-a inspirat la expeditii per pedes. Am coborat din furgon si nici nu am facut vreun pas ca a si aparut un tip cu fata de sofer de taxi “Kotoni, Kotoni, hotel Kotoni?”. De unde naiba o sti asta unde vreau eu sa stau ? Aveam rezervare facuta la Kotoni, asta o fi pensiunea pentru straini din Gjirokaster. Da, vreau la Kotoni, how much? 400 de leke vine raspunsul (2,80 euro). Ma rog, eu stiam ca ar trebui sa coste vreo 300 de leke, dar treaca de la mine, nu ma mai cert pentru 70 de centi ! Asa ca arunc rucsacul in portbagaj si ma protapesc confortabil in Mercedesul care parea sa fi facut razboiul cu geamul crapat de nadejde, tragand de el cu greu sa urce spre inaltul dealului unde e orasul vechi. Trecem pe langa un bazar care mi-a adus aminte de cel din Amman si apoi am nimerit pe niste strazi vechi, pavate superb cu pietre (cand Oprescu a asfaltat zona de la Sosea a spus ca habar n-are cum sa paveze o sosea, mai bine o asfalteaza. Putea sa ia niste baieti de la Gjirokaster, sunt sigur ca erau si mai harnici si mai ieftini. Si dupa vreo 10 minute eram depus in fata casei ca o cetate, a Kotoni Bed & Breakfast. Dar despre minunata Gjirokaster si Kotoni B&B, in episodul de maine :). Am vizitat Corfu la invitatia Prestige Tours, una dintre cele mai mari agentii tour-operatoare de chartere din Romania, operand chartere spre Grecia, Turcia, Spania, Maldive si alte destinatii. Introducing Saranda Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on Stumbleupon Send this Print Email Saranda is the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, and come the summer months it seems like half Tirana relocates here to enjoy the busy beach and busier nightlife along its crowd-filled seaside promenade. What was once a sleepy fishing village is now a thriving city, and while Saranda has lost much of its charm in the past two decades, it has retained much of its charisma. The town beaches are nothing special, but Saranda is a great base for exploring the beaches of the riviera if you have your own transport. The town's name comes from Ayii Saranda, an early monastery dedicated to 40 saints; its bombed remains (including some preserved frescos) are still high on the hill above the town. The town was called Porto Edda for a period in the 1940s, after Mussolini's daughter. 10 Best Things to Do in Saranda (Albania) Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Opposite the Greek island of Corfu, Saranda (Albania) is a quintessential Mediterranean destination, with five months of warm weather and a selection of dreamlike beaches up and down its coast. A typical scene around Saranda is a pebbly bay washed by clear turquoise waters and backed by limestone hills with aromatic scrub and olive trees. You can pick from tourist hotspots with family activities or secluded beaches in natural reserves. And if you need more than lazy days by the sea you can travel to quaint seaside villages, natural landmarks and, best of all, Butrint, a UNESCO-listed archaeological park. 1. The Town’s Bay Saranda Bay Source: flickr Saranda Bay Saranda’s main beach is a horseshoe bay with a mix of sand and pebbles next to calm blue Ionian waters. The beach is public and brings you all the facilities of a European seaside getaway. You can hire paddleboats by the shore, sunbeds are provided, and the beach is skirted by a promenade. This walkway is fringed with lush palm trees that shelter ice-cream carts and pop-up bars selling their wares in the summer. If hunger strikes you can cross the road behind the promenade for a sit-down lunch at Saranda’s choice of front row cafes and seafood restaurants. Next Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Related Posts Mohéli Travel Guides 10 Best Places to Visit in Comoros Clark County Heritage Museum Travel Guides 15 Best Things to Do in Henderson (NV) List of Image Sources 10 Best Things to Do in Saranda (Albania): Ksamili Beach Saranda Bay: flickr Ksamili Beach: flickr Lekuresi Castle: sarandaweb Saranda Synagogue Ruins: travelwithjan Monastery of Forty Saints: sarandaweb Syri Kalter: sarandaweb Dhermi, Albania: flickr Ksamil, Albania: flickr Butrint, Albania: flickr Borsh, Albania: flickr Sarandë, the gateway to the southern Albania, is a small town of about 33,000 inhabitants, situated on a beautiful horseshoe bay between the mountains and the Ionian Sea. The name Saranda derives from an early Christian monastery dedicated to Agioi Saranta (Forty Saints). In antiquity, Saranda was known as Onchesmus. Located opposite the Greek island of Corfu, Saranda is characterized by a Mediterranean climate and warm sea waters. Saranda typically has over 300 sunny days a year. Due to its location and warm weather Saranda is one of the most attractive tourist towns on the Albanian Riviera, where honeymooners traditionally spend their holidays. Fronting the sea and along the main promenade there are some hotels and restaurants which offer you catering facilities and accommodation. Nearby Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Understand 1 Saranda Tourist Info Center (Glass sphere building), Shetitorja Naim Frasheri (Near the Molo by the beach). There are two Tourist Info Centers (one yellow-domed building on the boardwalk, another more traditional office near the bus center). Both are excellent resources for bus timetables. An added bonus is that the employees speak good English edit Get in + - 500 m Wikimedia maps | Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors Map of Sarandë By boat 2 Ferry Port. edit To the nearby Greek island of Corfu (New Port). The daily ferryboats are at 10:30; 13:00 and 16:30 (fewer out of season - check with the ticket office at the port). The 10:30 passage is a hydrofoil which takes about 25-45 minutes. The 16:30 is a car ferry. Corfu is one hour ahead of Albania. One way: 19€/Return: 38€. By bus saranda. edit Buses to/from Tirana can be travelled with the bus lines, taxi vans or taxies. There are two itineraries: Tirana-Durres-Fieri-Vlora-Dhermi-Saranda or Tirana-Durresi-Fieri-Mallakastra-Tepelena-Gjirokastra-Saranda. If you travel through Riviera (the first) you should pay more attention as the way is narrow. From 2016 there is a new bus line Tirana-Saranda-Tirana launched - RivieraBus.com. New bus route connecting all main Albanian resorts such as Durres, Vlore, Dhermi, Jale, Himara, Borsh, Saranda. Also there are lines to/from Vlore it goes through Riviera or "Bregu" (a line of picturesque, gorgeous Mediterranean beaches and villages; Bregu is the summer hostel of the country Prime Minister and President). The line from Gjirokaster to Tepelene, Fier and Tirana also passed Sarandë. - From Ioannina to Kakavi takes around 40 minutes by bus or taxi. When you reach Kakavi, you follow this itinerary: Kakavi-Gjirokaster-Jergucat-Qafe e Muzines-Sarande. By car From Kosovo and Macedonia follow this itinerary to reach Saranda: Strufe-Qafe Thana-Librazhd-Elbasani-Rrogozhina-Fier and so on. It is connected with Greece by land: (i) By the border of Qafe Bota with Gumenitsa; (ii) By the border of Kakavi with Ioannina The tourists, who come here from Greece, reach the border of Kakavi in two ways: from Ioannina and Gumenitsa. From Ioannina to Kakavi takes around 40 min. When you reach Kakavi, you follow this itinerary: Kakavi-Gjirokaster-Jergucat-Qafe e Muzines-Sarande. Though Qafe-Bota, the itinerary is Igoumenitsa-Qafe Bote-Sarande, but the roadway is narrower. By air The idea of an airport in the village of Viron is of great interest, because it is only 5 km far from Saranda. A facility is the urban service offered nowadays. Get around See Beautiful and quiet beach at Ksamili 1 Ruins of a 5th Century Synagogue, Rruga Skënderbeu and Rruga Vangjel Pandi cnr.. edit Synagogue. edit Ethnographic Museum. edit Old Castle of Lekures at "Qafa e Gjashtes" (The Pass of Six) (above Saranda). There is a nice outdoor restaurant within the castle from which you have panoramic views of Saranda Bay below, the inland mountains, the Butrint Lagoon and the island of Corfu on the Ionian Sea. edit Further afield Dhermi a gem of the Albanian Riviera 2 Borsh (N 35 km). a maritime village edit Greco-Roman amphitheatre in Butrint 3 Butrint National Park and Archaeological Site, Butrint, Ksamil (Just outside of Ksamil). This is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Butrint was an ancient city throughout Greek, Roman, bishopric and Byzantine periods. The city was finally abandoned during the Middle Ages perhaps due to the marsh surrounding and subsequent malaria epidemic. - Despite being one of the greatest classical cities of the Mediterranean, Butrint remains largely unknown. The current archaeological site includes an impressive Roman amphitheater, a Byzantine Basilica (the largest in the world after Hagia Sophia in Istanbul), a Roman temple with mosaic floor, a beautifully carved lion's gate as well numerous constructions built throughout the periods. Furthermore, what you see is just 15 per cent of what lies beneath. As of summer of 2005, there is an international archaeological team performing excavations at Butrint which can be observed inside the park. - 700 lek entry fee (€5). As of September 2014, there are city buses that run to Butrint, via Ksamil, every even hour on the half hour, from 6:30 until 16:30 p.m. (06:30, 8:30, 10:30...16:30). The same bus line runs from Butrint to Saranda, via Ksamil, every odd hour on the half hour from 7:30 until 17:30 p.m. (07:30, 9:30, 11:30....17:30). Bus price is 100Lek per person and can be picked up at the main Saranda bus station or across the street from Hotel Buntrinti. Butrint visitors should allocate approximately 2 hours to enjoy the site; archaeology fans will probably want closer to 3 hours. edit 4 Dhërmi beach (N 65 km). — one of the finest of the many beaches along the coastal road, perfect for camping. edit 5 Ksamil beach (near Sarande. The bus from Sarande serves both Ksamili and Butrint.). This village has a beautiful beach with several small islands you could swim to. Ksamili is now heavily developed, with a large number of part-completed properties. An extraordinary sight is that some of these new buildings are toppling over; this is believed to be where buildings have gone up without permission, and the police have sabotaged the building by pulling out a couple of upright pillars, leaving the owner to clear up the damage. edit 6 Lukove beach (N 20 km). - part of the Albanian Riviera, here is Kakome, one of the most beautiful Albanian beaches edit 7 Syri i Kalter (The Blue Eye), Delvinë District (25 min away by driving). Water spring - a natural phenomenon. The clear blue water of the river bubbles forth from a stunning, more than fifty-metre-deep pool. A great place to visit and relax. edit Do 1 Central Park (Friendship Park, Parku Miqesia), Rruga Telat Noga & Rruga Onhezmi corner. edit Sunset at Lekures. In the afternoon, when the sun is setting, you should go to Lekures, and watch the sun set, or you could go to the beach and relax with your friends or family while enjoying the beautiful sunset. Something else that you can do, when it’s not a really hot day is to go camping. If it’s not a hot day, camping would be a really good experience and also allow you to have a good time looking at the stars at night, and it would be a change from going to the beach. Another idea is to visit a new beach each day, such as one day “pllakat” the next day “manastiri” and so on. edit After visiting Ali Pasha Tepelena Castle, you could go to the Pulbardha Beach and enjoy some great food and relax on the sandy beach. Buy 1 Myrtaj Shop (Market Vellezerit Myrtaj), Rruga Onhezmi. edit Skenderbeu Cognac Miniature bunker from alabaster Albanische Mythologie book Souvenirs made from sea shells in Ksamil LLogara honey is a local speciality - it is sold by various merchants on the road. Eat Sarandë is bustling with restaurants, cafes and bars. Fast food places offer a surprisingly cheap and tasty variety of options: 1 euro will usually get you a good souvlaki (usually pork) or a very nice crepe. Look out for yoghurt flavoured ice cream on the boardwalk, near the tourist info office. The Mare Nostrum Cuisine is a nice restaurant on the sea-front of Saranda, in the center. It has the reputation as one of the best places to eat in Saranda [1]. Great food and service but known to be a little more expensive than other restaurants. Fresh fish is abundant in Sarandë and available at most restaurants. Establishments next to the sea and fishing ports provide the freshest fish but generally speaking good seafood can be had all around. Ksamil There are a few places you can eat in Ksamil. At least 4 restaurants in Ksamil are open year-round, but in the summer there are a lot more options and many are just seconds from the beach. Drink Albanian Raki, the local firewater. Sleep Hostels 1 Backpackers SR, Rruga Mithat Hoxha Num 10, Lagja 4 Sarande, 7500 (*Directions from Bus - From the bus stop walk downhill towards the sea, when you reach the promenade turn right on to Ionianet street and walk to the eucalyptus in the center of the road and turn left and 50 metres on the right you will see a yellow and grey building No. 10. At the dark brown door, ring the bell (Tomi) six minute walk. *Directions from the Corfu ferry - Exit the customer area, walk up the ramp, turn right and 50 meters in front you should see a yellow and grey building with an internet cafe on the ground floor. Look for the dark brown door to the left of the creppe shop. Ring the bell named Tomi. One minute walk.), ☎ +355 694345426. Centrally located in the heart of town, close to everything Saranda has to offer. Bus route 6 min walk, Corfu ferry 1 min, Bus st. to Ksamil/Butrint 1 min, Bus st. to Greece 2 min, beach in front of the hostel, the famous promenade (xhiro) on our doorstep, the farmers market, fresh fruits & vegs 1 min. Open year-round. 14 dorm beds in a new building. Free breakfast. Free wifi. Kitchen. Free Security lockers. Free linen & bedsheets. Free coffee and tea. Roof terrace. Beach BBQ dinners in front of the hostel in the summer. Run by Tomi, a local resident, who is such a nice and helpful guy. He will make you feel right at home by going out of his way to help you out. Knows lots of information about day trips to Butrint and the Blue eye. €11. edit Bunkies Hostel, Rruga Butrinti KM 1 (next to vila duraku hotel) (Getting to the hostel is very easy: from the bus station or port, walk towards the tourist information that's on the beach. The hostel is located in the first white and blue building at the end of the main promenade, next to Vila Duraku hotel. Walk up the stairs and enter the building from your right side. Go up the elevator to the 6th floor (there's also a sign inside the building)), ☎ +355 69 371 9316, e-mail: info@bunkieshostel.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Bunkies is a new hostel (as of 2016) and is located in the city center in front of the beach. It has 14 comfortable dorm beds and includes free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free linen, free lockers, laundry service, book exchange, car rental and tour options. Also, the owner, Dani, is very nice and helpful. The hostel has a communal kitchen area, two lounge rooms, two shared bathrooms and two balconies that overlook the city and Corfu islands. 9-12 €. (updated Mar 2016 | edit) 2 The Hairy Lemon hostel, Rruga Mitat Hoxha, 8th floor (lemon logo on door), Koder (Directions: A taxi from the port costs €3. Otherwise, with your back to the Port turn left and continue on this coastal road (part tarmac and part dirt track) 1 km till you see a sign on the right: 'Pharmacy' and on the left 'Kasandro Restaurant' at the 'Apollonia Hotel' junction. Ask anyone along the coastal road for 'Apollonia Hotel'. From the map 'Andon Lapa Hotel' to 'Apollonia Hotel' is a 2/3 min walk. Above the 'Pharmacy' in the 10-storey lemon and orange building, look up to the 8th floor to see an Albanian flag hanging from their balcony. Go to the opposite side of this building to find the entrance. You can get a key to the building from the shop near the building entrance. Take the lift to the 8th floor. From the lift go left, and the 'Hairy Lemon' is behind the last door on the left), ☎ +355 69 3559317, e-mail: saranda@hairylemonhostel.com. A small 18-bed hostel run by a great Irish lady. Has hot shower, laundry, free breakfast, 24-hour tea and coffee, internet, comfy bunks and a large balcony with great views of the beach and Corfu. €12 (€14 jul-aug). edit Apartments Holiday Apartments from locals, everywhere in and around Sarandë. There are plenty of private houses, apartments offered by locals especially during the high season period. The accommodation offered ranges from low-budget to highly exclusive locations both for low and reasonably high prices. However, if you are traveling in a group of more than 2 people, it is worth considering. The apartments can usually accommodate up to 10 people and are much cheaper than a hotel. Furthermore, you can usually cook in the apartment and save some money. But make sure to book your accommodation in advance, since most of the apartments get booked out very fast. edit Hotels 3 Epirus Hotel, Mitat Hoxha 2. dbl €23 incl. breakfast. edit 4 Hotel Palma, Rruga Mitat Hoxha. sgl from €20. edit 5 Porto Eda Hotel, Rruga Jonianet, ☎ +355 69 2063480, fax: +355 85226696, e-mail: info@portoeda.com. The simple. Mobile: +355 69 7233180 dbl €45. edit 6 Hotel Aulona, Rruga Lefter Talo, nr.84. Wi-Fi dbl. from €25. edit Hotel Kaonia, Rruga Jonianet, 22? Tel.+355 85 222600 Hotel Ari, Rruga (street) Jonianet, 20, dbl from €40 Villa Kanina, At Rruga Studenti and Rruga Sali Ceka corner +355 69 558 4338, dbl from €25 7 Hotel New Heaven, Saranda Butrinti Road (1 km from port). Twenty rooms with a shower. Dbl €30. edit Hotel Butrint. This luxury five-star hotel is prohibitively expensive but very pretty. edit Hotel Duraku. Very comfortable and clean rooms, and the staff is very qualified. dbl €90. edit Hotel ‘Dea’ (1 km from the city center, walk along the road Sarand-Butrinti), ☎ +355 69 2724043, e-mail: hoteldea@gmail.com. 20 rooms, all with views on the sea, 3 large suites, a big swimming pool, bar, restaurant, reception and 24-hour private parking. edit Connect Go next Gjirokastër an UNESCO city Albanian Riviera Borsh (N 35 km) a maritime village Corfu in Greece is the island of grace and politeness. It lies opposite the coast of Epirus mainland and it is separated from Albania in the north part of it by a narrow Strait of 1.5 sea miles. Corfu is the capital of the seven Ionian Islands with an area of 592 sq. km it is the second largest Island of the Ionian Islands, with a beautiful coastline of 217 km. Corfu is also the greenest island of all Greece. The impressive vegetation of the island consist mainly of olive and cypress trees Dhërmi one of the finest of the many beaches along the coastal road, perfect for camping. Gjirokastër (N 55 km)— another UNESCO city, located in the south is known for its unique Ottoman period architecture. There is a large castle on the hill in the middle of the city. Korce (N 245 km via Tepelene several miles from the Greek border) — this city is full of life during the summer when you can find couples and families strolling through the city's main park, Parku Rinia. You can hike to the top of the beautiful mountain Moravia and view the city and its surrounding landscape. Ksamil — On the edge of the Butrint national park. An absolute gem Pёrmet Pёrmet (NE 110 km approximately 30 km from the Greek border.) — Nicknamed “The City of Roses,” Pёrmet is located in the Vjosa River Valley. The city is known for its clean environment and tradition of wine and raki making. Old Permet is worth a look. Around it: Benjё, and Leusё villages Pogradec (NE 280 km) — Overshadowed by its glitzy neighbors on the Macedonian side of the lake, the town of Pogradec has been experiencing a revival recently. Tepelene (N 80 km) there is a ruined citadel occupying a point 300 m above the Vjosë river Fir of Hotova National Park (NE 120 km and 15 km north of Permet) Lukove part of the Albanian Riviera, here is Kakome, one of the most beautiful Albanian beaches Vlorë (N 120 km) lively seaside city, nice beaches south of town. Passenger ferries to and from Italy dock here. Vuno (N 85 km) a small village a few kilometres north to the town of Himarë, feeling on the Albanian riviera The Ultimate Travel Guide to a Budget Beach Holiday in Albania July 19, 2015 73 Comments Want a budget beach holiday in Europe? Travel to Albanian Riviera with this guide and you’ll be all set, because Albanian beaches are amazing. I promise. Totally empty white beaches with crystal clear turquoise water, fresh seafood, baklava and local wine, and prices so low they make Thailand look expensive – isn’t southern Europe just wonderful? Gjipe Beach, Albania travel guide Gjipe Beach Wait. Europe? It doesn’t really seem possible that an undiscovered beach paradise could be found in Europe these days, much less that it would be so affordable. But that’s exactly what the Albanian Riviera is. Okay, maybe it’s not totally undiscovered, but while there in early June Dan and I had most of the beaches we visited pretty much to ourselves. After falling for the Albanian Riviera last year, I couldn’t wait to return again – this time with a car! After only spending time on Saranda, Ksamil, Himara and Vlora’s main beaches (and Lazarat, but that’s another story…), this time I was determined to explore every nook and cranny of the Riviera and find the best secret beach spots. And that’s exactly what we did! Car Rental in Albania To properly explore Albania’s best beaches, you’ll definitely need a car. Or at least, you will if you want to see all the best, hidden beaches in Albania! During my first trip to Albania I hitchhiked and took the bus everywhere, but this time I wanted to be able to stop at all the hidden spots I saw from the road, so we rented a car in Tirana for a week. Car rental in Albania isn’t too expensive, but it’s SO worth it. You can see so much more with a car, plus renting a car in Albania meant that we could get to totally deserted beaches instead of sticking to the more popular (and crowded) beach spots like Ksamil and Vlora. Report this ad Driving in Albania A lot of people have asked me about driving in Albania, and while Dan was actually the one doing the driving, I would say it really isn’t so bad. Most of the roads of little traffic, and for the most part the roads are very wide and nicely paved. And I felt like Albanian drivers were very reasonable – it certainly wasn’t a scary place to be driving. Well, it was fine aside from the time we drove down Albania’s Death Road – but that’s far away from the Albanian beaches, so you probably won’t be headed there. I would recommend renting a car through a global chain as their prices are lower and the companies are reliable – I usually use Sixt because it’s the cheapest, but also has good customer service. In fact you can save 10% on car rental in Albania with this link Travel to Saranda Saranda (Sarandë) is the main city along the Albanian Riviera, though with around 30,000 inhabitants it’s not exactly huge. While this is probably the main destination for tourists on the Riviera, it’s not actually the best for beaches – but it’s a fine base from which to explore some nearby beaches, as well as Butrint, the ruins of an ancient city nestled in a dense forest. While there are better beach spots along the coast, Saranda is well worth a stop to get a feel for Albania’s beach towns. You can buy cheap seafood and produce (try the cherries!!) at a local market, check out the shops and restaurants along the main beach promenade, and walk up to Lekursi Castle for some unreal views. Saranda, Albania travel guide Don’t forget to wave smugly at the throngs of tourists across the bay in Corfu, paying three times as much to swim in these same waters. I mean, if you’re the sort of person to do something like that, which of course you aren’t. Me neither. Saranda, Albania Sarande Beach Albanian Riviera travel guide Sarande Beach Albanian Riviera The Best Saranda Hotels and Hostels DEMI HOTEL // for those wanting a luxury hotel in Saranda This four star hotel is right on the beach, and it’s absolutely worth upgrading to a sea view room for a balcony overlooking the water! This is a family-run hotel so it has a lot more character than a big chain, and the staff are super sweet and helpful here. Report this ad Click here for current rates and availability at Demi Hotel BED & BREAKFAST AHMETI // for those looking for a mid-range hotel in Saranda This B&B is run by a very nice family and I love that it’s within easy walking distance of the city center while still being tucked away from the noise downtown (it’s about a 10 minute walk uphill from the center). They also have parking spaces available here, so you won’t need to stress over finding a spot on the street. Click here for current prices and availability at B&B Ahmeti DOLPHIN HOSTEL // for those traveling to Saranda on a budget Dan and I stayed at Dolphin Hostel while in Saranda, which I couldn’t recommend more highly! Even when we arrived exhausted from a harrowing drive from Tirana we somehow ended up staying up late into the night talking with the hostel’s manager. Breakfast is included (and amazing!) and on our second night he cooked everyone a delicious meal of fish and fresh clams, which mysteriously only cost us each 1 euro. The best! Click here for current prices and availability at Dolphin Hostel Dolphin Hostel Saranda, Albania travel guide Dolphin Hostel Saranda, Albania Ksamil – a favorite Albanian beach town A 15-minute car or bus ride away from Saranda, Ksamil is where everyone goes to see the nicest Albanian beaches. These are some of the only truly sandy beaches on the Albanian Riviera (most have smooth white stones). The only downside to Ksamil is that its beaches are fairly small and often privately owned, so you’ll have to pay a couple of dollars for a beach chair or drink/snack to use the beach, and there are more people here. I mean, by Albanian standards, which really just means you’ll see 4 or 5 other people on the beach. Ksamil is perfect if you want a pretty beach without traveling far from the center of things. You could even stay in a lovely apartment right by the beach there. The Best Hotels and Apartments in Ksamil HOTEL CASTLE // mid-range to luxury hotel accommodation in Ksamil Report this ad There actually isn’t really any true luxury hotel accommodation in Ksamil, but Hotel Castle is still quite luxurious, especially with its gorgeous views out over the Albanian Riviera. It’s right by the beach and near town and the design is sort of hilarious Albanian kitsch in a building meant to look like a castle! Check current rates and availability here VILLA MARKU SOANNA // mid-range apartment accommodation in Ksamil Villa Marku is run by a really lovely family who speak good English, and the apartments are right by the sea and near the town center. The owners will happily give you tips and advice for exploring the area, though you could also just relax near the hotel as it’s close by everything. Check current rates and availability here KSAMIL APARTMENTS // budget apartment accommodation in Ksamil The Ksamil Apartments are a short walk both to the beach and the town center, but still in a quiet area. The apartments are spacious with balconies and really for the price they are such a good bargain. Check current rates and availability here Ksamil beaches, Albania The Blue Eye (Syri Kalter) Okay, this is a spring, not an Albanian beach, but you might want to forget the seaside and just spend your entire Albanian holiday gazing into it. Water in The Blue Eye bubbles up from more than 50 meters deep at a sort of alarming rate. Seriously, where is it all coming from, and how can it be that blue? Is Albania’s tourism board secretly dumping dye into this thing each morning? The Blue Eye spring, Albania travel guide The Blue Eye spring, Albania The Blue Eye spring, Albania The Blue Eye spring is about a 25 minute drive inland from Saranda (on the way to Girokaster) and I’ve heard that it can get crowded in the summer with people swimming, but in early June it was empty – and freezing! And before heading back to Saranda drive farther up into the mountains for some pretty stunning views! Report this ad Albanian Riviera travel guide Drive the SH8 from Saranda to Himara The drive along the seaside from Saranda to Himara is stunning, and full of turn-offs into little abandoned beaches. We simply turned down every small road we passed that looked like it was heading towards the water, and not once were we disappointed. beaches Albanian Riviera travel guide beaches Albanian Riviera Albania beaches Albanian Riviera beaches Albanian Riviera beaches Albanian Riviera The only living souls we encountered on this Albanian beach:beaches Albanian Riviera beaches Albanian Riviera One of my favorite spots was a teeny tiny strip of beach right after Porto Palermo – the view of the little islands from the road wasn’t terrible either! Porto Palermo Beach Albania Travel to Himara Smaller and quieter than Saranda and Ksamil, Himara (Himarë) is simply perfect. Locals in Himarë are predominantly Greek, which definitely comes across in the feel of the place. I think I gained five pounds from all the delicious food here, while Dan gained at least five new Facebook friends. People in Himara are so friendly! Best Hotels and Apartments in Himara HIMARA RIVIERA ROOMS // mid-range to budget accommodation in Himara We stayed at Himara Riviera Rooms, where we had a lovely little apartment with a balcony overlooking the sea. The owners were SO lovely and this is really my #1 recommendation for a hotel in Himara. It really is just perfect. Check current prices and availability at Himara Riviera Rooms CAMPING KRANEA // budget accommodation in Himara Our first night we camped at Camping Kranea on a beach in the north of town, and it was so, so lovely to wake up right on the beach. If you’re on a very tight budget this is an excellent option. Report this ad Check current rates and availability RAPOS RESORT HOTEL // luxury hotel in Himara This is the only real resort in Himara, and it has amazing sea views from its rooms, a swimming pool, and a beach right in front of the hotel. The wonderful thing about a beach holiday in Albania is that a hotel like this isn’t even expensive – if you want to escape to a beach resort I would highly recommend heading here! Check current prices and availability at Rapos Resort Hotel The Best Albanian Beaches near Himara One of my favorite beaches in the area wasn’t actually in Himara, but 10 kilometers north in Jala. Jali Beach wasn’t as empty as other beaches we went to, but I enjoyed burning sunning myself with the locals and taking in the relaxing atmosphere of the small beachside village. Jali Beach Jala, Albania Travel to Dhermi Dhermi (Dhërmi) was my favorite place we stayed in Albania! Dhermi Beach is the longest I saw in Albania and seems to cater to more upscale tourists. The village itself lies up a hill from the water and has beautiful old stone houses built into the side of a mountain. If you want the best Albanian beach experience, I would definitely recommend heading to Dhermi (in fact I have recommended a beach holiday in Dhermi to so many of my friends!). Best Hotels in Dhermi GUEST HOUSE FOUR SEASONS // budget to mid-range hotel in Dhermi We stayed in a double room at Guest House Four Seasons, which had a balcony overlooking the sea and was surprisingly cheap. It felt like being on a luxury holiday, but on a backpacker’s budget. Click here for current prices and availability at the Guest House Four Seasons SARAJET E PASHAIT // mid-range to luxury hotel in Dhermi I had dinner here one night and it was SO nice. The food was amazing, the restaurant has a view over the water, and it’s really close to a sandy beach. If you want a luxury Albanian beach escape, I’d definitely come here! Click here for current rates and availability at Sarajet e Pashait Report this ad Dhermi, Albania Dhermi Beach, Albania sunset Dhermi Beach, Albania The Best Beaches near Dhermi Dhermi is also just 8 kilometers from what might be Albania’s most beautiful beach: Gjipe Beach. You’ll have to walk the last couple of kilometers, but I promise it’s worth it! This was definitely my happy place on the Albanian Riviera, and I plan on returning to Gjipe Beach again and again. Gjipe Beach Albania Gjipe Beach Albania Gjipe Beach Albania Gjipe Beach Albania No Photoshop necessary! Driving from Dhermi to Vlora and Tirana And, if you’re heading north from Dhermi you’re in for a serious treat – well, unless you’re prone to carsickness. The hairpin curves on the road climbing the mountain towards Vlora are brutal, but they’ll take you to a heavenly view of the coastline. A little too heavenly in our case though, as we drove right up into a cloud. At least I remember beautiful views from last year’s visit! And finally, when you’re planning your trip to Albania you definitely want to remember travel insurance. I never, ever travel without travel insurance (especially in a place like Albania where you’ll be swimming and in the mountains!) and it has saved me on multiple occasions – like that time I was bedridden in Beijing. My personal pick for travel insurance is World Nomads, and I have done a ton of research on different providers. World Nomads is incredibly affordable, and when I have had to use them I simply sent my hospital receipts and had a check in the mail within a couple of weeks. So easy, and totally worth it. You can get a quote here: Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible. Which countries or regions are you traveling to? What's your country of residence? Start date End date Enter Traveler's Age Get a Price Report this ad Shop my beach look: Pin it! Guide to Best Beaches in Albanian Riviera, Albania ­ About Destinations Adventure Culture Wellness Resources Tips Work With Me Eternal Arrival day trips from Saranda Albania Albania 75 Reasons You Must Travel to Albania ASAP Share9K Tweet Pin1K Stumble4 Share44 +112 Shares 11K Updated June 1st, 2017. For too long, Albania has been ignored as a tourist destination. I get it. The country has had to bounce back from a lot. For years, Albania was under one of the most repressive communist totalitarian regimes in history – even North Korea has more trade partners and diplomacy than Albania did thirty years ago. I’m about to drop some serious Albania facts on you, so if you’re into history, get excited. It emerged from the shackles of totalitarianism in 1991 with basically no GDP and virtually no economy. A countrywide pyramid scheme in which Albanians lost a total of 1.2 billion dollars (a fortune, considering how Albanians had only had six years of free market in order to actually obtain money to invest) in 1997 sent the country into chaos. But things are way, way different now, and while the country still has far to come to catch up with its neighbors in Europe, it’s making great strides towards lasting progress. Albania is a country with an unfathomably long history, almost 5,000 years, with influence from Greeks, Illyrians, Romans, Venetians, Byzantines, and Ottomans. To sum up Albania as just what’s happened in the last century is myopic. Yes, Albania has suffered, but it’s bouncing back with incredible fortitude and rightfully emerging as a tourist destination. Seeing as I’ve unofficially become an Albania travel guide, telling everyone who’ll listen about this beautiful place, I figured I’d put it in writing and save myself the trouble. Without further ado, here are 75 reasons why you should plan your holidays to Albania as soon as possible! 1. It’s off the beaten path. Can you imagine going to 2,000 year old Roman ruins and not having to wait for people to get out of your shot constantly? Well, visit Albania, and it’s not only possible – it’ll happen all the time. day trips from Saranda Albania Report this ad 2. It’s not just affordable – it’s cheap. Budget backpacking anywhere in Balkans, with the exception of Croatia, is inexpensive compared to Western Europe. But Albania is leaps and bounds cheaper than its neighbors, especially when it comes to transit and food costs. A six hour bus ride will set you back only $7 USD; a gyro, $1 USD; a 3-course meal with an espresso, $8 USD. 3. The beaches are the best in Europe. Sorry, Croatia, Italy, Greece, and Montenegro, I know you’ll disagree, but Albania has got the best beaches in all of Europe. The stony beaches make the water a gorgeous, crystal-clear turquoise that feels like your real life has been Photoshopped. Ksamil, Albania as well as the beaches of Himara and Dhermi are outstanding. The weather in Albania is comparable to the rest of Europe, so you’ll have hot sunny days all summer long. copyright Janet Newenham - drone over Albania Drone shot courtesy of Janet Newenham of Journalist on the Run / Your Irish Adventure 4. … And they’re not crowded. Unlike their more famous Northern and Southern neighbors, you’ll have plenty of space to yourself when you go to the beach in Albania. Albanian riviera gjipe There are also tons of hidden beaches that you can have basically to yourself with a little creativity (or a little guts!). Himara is an excellent hub close to the best Albanian beaches in the Riviera. Plus, accommodations in the Albanian Riviera are incredibly cheap! Check out hotels starting under $40/night! 5. Albanian people are insanely generous. I’ve never been offered more things in my life – whether it was cake on the side of a road from someone I asked directions, half of someone’s lunch who we hitchhiked with, an espresso at a cafe, or rakia (so much rakia), then when traveling in Albania. 6. The sunsets along the coast are incredible. The whole time you travel Albania, you’ll be treated to breathtaking sunsets, just as beautiful as Greece’s or Croatia’s — at a fraction of the price. travel Albania and discover the natural beauty of the coast line! Report this ad 7. You need to learn the love-hate relationship with rakia. Rakia is basically moonshine, distilled typically from grapes or plums, popular all throughout the Balkans, but especially loved in Albania. The best nights (and the worst mornings) usually are courtesy of rakia. 8. Besa, which is loosely translated as “faith” or “trust”, is extremely important to Albanians. For centuries, Albanians have abided by the code of “besa” which basically means it’s their duty to look after the people who visit Albania. That means that even if you’re traveling solo through Albania, you’ll never really be alone. Albania travel is tiring but amazing, worth every minute Besa means that my friend’s cousin – who I had never met before – took two days to show me around her hometown, beautiful Korca. 9. Albanians are keen to change their image. Albanians are aware that they’ve been associated with mobsters and gangsters, and more than a few Albanians bitterly remarked me that “we’re not all like Taken.” Which is true – I never once felt unsafe or unwelcome in my three weeks in Albania. Besides, as one local slyly remarked me to me, “All the Albanian mafia has left. Who would they make money off of here?” 10. Albanians are honest. I’m always on my guard for scams, having been ripped off and nearly pickpocketed within 12 hours in Hanoi. It turns out I didn’t have to worry at all. Meanwhile, in Albania, a man who changed money for a friend ran down the street to the bus station to find us, panicked that he hadn’t given us the right change (but he had). For Albania, tourism increasing holds huge potential to lift its citizens out of poverty, so Albanians will be sure you are well taken care of. 11. Albania is safe. While tourism in Albania is just beginning, traveling Albania is just as safe as going pretty much anywhere else in Europe. You’re less at risk for petty crime in Albania than you are in, say, Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, or Paris, and violent crime is extremely rare. My Albania travel buddies! Ok, this photo is of Albanians in Kosovo, but you get the idea. So threatening with their rainbow umbrella and bear phone. Definitely shouldn’t travel here. 12. Street harassment is extremely uncommon. As a women who travels alone, I’m often subjected to street harassment, which makes me feel uncomfortable, unsafe, and irritated. In my entire time in Albania, not one man bothered me on the streets, even when I walked home alone late at night to my hostel in Tirana. It was such a breath of fresh air to be around such polite, respectful men. Report this ad 13. Albanians give the best directions. Which is to say they’re either extremely detailed if they speak English, or oftentimes they’ll just walk with you to your destination because they’re afraid of you getting lost. After a flurry of hand gestures did nothing, I once had an old lady in a robe and house shoes pull me by the sweater tied around my waist, leading me up on a ledge, in order to show me how to get to the Berat Castle via the back way. You can’t say Albanian people don’t try! 14.There are countless fortresses and castles that you can explore. Most are have little infrastructure such as informational plaques or warning signs, so you get to feel a bit like Indiana Jones as you explore castles totally on your own. If you’re more the tour kind of person, you’re in luck: lack of tourism in Albania has made tours insanely cheap. Check out castle tours for under $45 see beautiful castles like this when you travel in Albania 15. Albanians love Americans. Okay, so this is maybe only exciting for me and my fellow countrymen, but we’re a bit of an unpopular lot in some parts of Europe. And I get it, I really do – I definitely cringe whenever I see the telltale shorts-and-fanny-pack of a clueless American tourist speaking loudly and slowly at someone who speaks perfect English like they’re an idiot. But when traveling in Albania, I discovered that Americans are actually quite well-liked – so much so that they’ve even named a street after George W. Bush in Tirana (cool your jets, guys, even we don’t like him!). The town of Fushe Kruje which he visited even has a statue of him! You’ll also find a Hillary Clinton statue in Saranda, Albania, close to SR Backpackers, where I stayed while in Saranda. Fingers crossed we never need to find out if they’d erect a Trump statue. (edited to add: UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH) 16. But really, Albanians just love all foreigners. You’ll never feel more special as a tourist than when you visit Albania. I was traveling around with a lot of Australians and you should have seen the look on locals’ faces when they found out people from Australia were visiting their country. It was the most delightful mix of confusion, excitement, and pride. 17. Forget buses and planes – Albania is all about the furgon. Furgons are minibuses, which are often Mercedes vans converted to fit the most human life possible inside them. They’re democratic institutions – first come first served, they’ll pick you up and drop you off anywhere along the route, and they’ll charge you based on the distance you travel. Sure, some of the seats aren’t that comfortable, especially the ones above the wheels, but I actually quite love the humble furgon. It’s the most authentic way to travel in Albania. The closest thing to a bus station I encountered when traveling Albania 18. Honestly, the public transit is actually quite reliable – it’s just different. Furgons will get you basically everywhere you need to go, although you do sometimes have to make a transfer rather than going direct. Occasionally, on less popular routes, a minibus won’t run every day, and as the season winds down, minibuses are less frequent. Still, I visited in mid-October as the summer season was done and gone, and even some less popular routes were still roaring. I traveled from Korça to Berat and Berat to Vlora no problems, perfectly on time – in fact, often early, so be sure to get there at least 15 minutes before your bus is due to leave. 19. Infrastructure is improving. I had heard that the roads in Albania were awful – I was happy to find that it really wasn’t the case. Of all the routes I took, I only really encountered one road that was pretty rough and tumble, and it was only because they were working on the main road and re-routed us another way. Report this ad If you travel Albania in the more rural parts, you’ll encounter some rough roads I’m sure, but the main roads connecting the coastal cities, Tirana, Shkodra, and some of the southern Albanian cities like Berat, Gjirokastra, and Korca were all fine. That said, there are still some flaws hampering this otherwise beautiful country. There is no national recycling program and litter continues to be a major issue. Tirana and other Albanian cities have an admirable program to neuter and vaccinate the stray dogs in the cities, but it’s a slow process. Still, considering the country’s economy started from basically nothing in 1991, I think they’ve made tremendous strides. 20. You can even drink the tap water now in many parts of the country. I had heard that Albania’s tap water was totally undrinkable. This was far from true! I drank the tap water without incident in Saranda, Tirana, Shkodra, Berat, and Korca – always after asking a local first just to double check. I recommend bringing a Life Straw water bottle, which removes over 99.9% of waterborne bacteria and parasites, to cut back on your plastic use (there is no recycling program in Albania, sadly). day trips from Saranda Albania 21. They make excellent Italian food. Albania is so close to Italy, and they’ve absorbed a lot of their culture. Pizza in Albania is top-notch, probably the next best thing to Italian pizza itself. 22. The coast has amazing seafood. You can eat delicious fresh prawns, mussels, fish, calamari… all for bargain prices and fresh as can be. Up north near Lake Shkodra, the lake trout is also incredibly delicious – so make sure you try that if you’re visiting Shkodra (which I highly recommend — stay at the Wanderers!) or other cities up north. try the seafood when traveling through Albania! 23. Local dishes are delightful. Traditional Albanian food like tavë kosi (baked lamb with yogurt) and patëllxhanët mbushur (stuffed eggplant) are unique and delicious, always cooked with local ingredients and fresh produce. 24. A lot of the cuisine is vegetarian. Many of their dishes incorporate veggies in a way that other countries in the Balkans don’t. Their stuffed peppers and grape leaves are almost always vegetarian and filling, they offer a wide variety of salads, and grilled vegetables are available everywhere. love the food in albania - a reason alone to travel to albania 25. But they also make a mean grilled meat plate. Enough said. Ahh, a well-balanced meal... Ahh, a well-balanced meal… look, there’s even lettuce! 26. They make excellent coffee. Albanians love their coffee, especially espresso, and you can get an espresso for as little as 50 lek – about 40 euro cents. I will say that sometimes their definition of a cappuccino would make Italians shudder, as they sometimes come topped with whipped cream, but there are worse things than free whipped cream, right? 27. The produce is fresh, delicious, and often organic. Of course, it won’t be labeled as such, but most produce in Albania comes from small, local farmers who frankly probably don’t have enough money to spend on pesticides. For that reason, the tomatoes and cucumbers are some of the best I’ve had in the world. Perfect for… 28. Amazing Greek salads and gyros thanks to its Greek minority population. Yup, in addition to rocking Italian food and traditional Albanian food, you can get delicious Greek food like grape leaves, tzatziki, gyros, and Greek salad. The two cuisines share a lot in common and the line between what’s Greek and what’s Albanian vary on where you are and who you ask (as many things do in the Balkans…) Report this ad food in Albania, one more reason to travel there! 29. The mountains are absolutely beautiful. My biggest regret about Albania is that I didn’t get to do the hike from Valbona to Thethi that I had planned on. Crazy storms were raging when I was in Shkodra, making the hike I was planning to do the next day impossible, so I rerouted to Kosovo and traveled through the rest of the Balkans. By the time I returned to Albania, it was mid-October and reaching below freezing at night, so a hike didn’t feel like the best idea. But seeing the same mountain range in Montenegro and Kosovo, I can only imagine how beautiful it is in that part of Albania. But you don’t need to travel to Valbona to see mountains – they’re everywhere, even leading right down to the beaches in some cases. Another Janet Drone shot courtesy of Janet Newenham of Journalist on the Run 30. The Albanian language is unlike any other. Albanian (called Shqip, which is pronounced “shchip”, which gives you a little preview of the beautiful chaos that is the Albanian language) is one of the oldest living languages. Some consider it a language isolate, some think it’s related to Illyrian or Armenian… let’s leave it to the linguists and just say it’s incredibly difficult – though beautiful to hear – and, to my totally untrained eyes and ears, reminds me of Dothraki on GoT. (nerd alert) 31. That being said, locals will love you if you try to speak Albanian. Albanians know how difficult their language is, and they really appreciate it when you take the time to learn a few words of Albanian. Mirëdita (meer-deeta) – good day, faleminderit (fah-le-min-DER-it) – thank you, diten e mirë (deet-en ay meer) – Have a good day, and of course, gëzuar (guh-zoo-ar) – cheers: master these four and people will be delighted. 32. The rural parts of the country are stunning. I haven’t seen many Albanian villages or rural life, which I’ve been told is where the real heart of the country is. But my method is to always leave a stone unturned, so I know I’ll come back. What I’ve seen of rural Albania from the furgons is incredible, and I’d love to discover it more deeply. The calm before the storm in Shkodra, Albania 33. The Albanian flag is so dope. A double-headed eagle… god, could a flag get any cooler? Albanians are obsessed with their flag, and honestly, so am I. So epic. 34. On a similar note, Albanians are really patriotic. While sometimes this patriotism can border on nationalism (which is not unique to Albanians, of course), what this means in practical terms for the traveler is that Albanians will do anything to make sure you love their country just as much as they do. If you tell them you love their country, most will beam with pride. 35. Hitchhiking is incredibly easy and safe throughout Albania. The combination of a lack of a centralized public transit system, the Albanian hospitality and belief in besa, and an outsized love for their cars all merge to make it probably one of the easiest places to hitchhike in the world and definitely in Europe. It’s also quite safe, which you wouldn’t expect if you take your travel advice from Liam Neeson, but it’s true! hitching in albania 36. In fact, hitchhiking is an amazing experience there and I recommend it to all who travel Albania. During my hitching experience, I was picked up by a trucker who didn’t speak a word of English but was all smiles, two young college students who brought us all the way to Kosovo even though they weren’t planning on crossing the border, and more than a couple Mercedes Benzes. Report this ad 37. Mercedes Benzes are the national car. OK, not really, but it’s kind of ironic that one of Europe’s poorest countries has more Mercedes Benzes than anywhere else I’ve been – including NYC and California. For a more detailed explanation, read on here. 38. It’s easy to travel to and from other countries in the region. There are frequent public buses from Montenegro via Ulcinj and Shkodra as well as direct buses run by hostel companies from hotspots like Kotor to Tirana. Going from Tirana to Prizren or Prishtina in Kosovo is also quite easy. If you’re thinking of going onto Macedonia, there are Tirana to Skopje buses and in peak season direct buses between Ohrid as well, which can also be accessed via Berat, Elbasan, or Korca. Greece is close to Saranda and Korca, and you can take a ferry to Corfu in about thirty minutes. nearby Prizren, Kosovo - easy to travel to Albania from here Nearby Prizren, Kosovo – just a few hours away from Tirana by bus 39. Oh, and Italy is only a short boat ride away, too! If you’re in Italy and want to make your way over to travel Albania, it’s actually really quick and affordable to catch a ferry to Albania. A bonus? The views are beautiful. Vlora, one of the prettiest places to travel in Albania 40. Tirana, Albania’s capital, is unlike any other capital city I’ve seen. It’s chaotic and exhilarating, unique and intriguing, improvised and improving. There’s a sense that it’s stuck in the past at the same time that it’s accelerating towards the future, and it’s fascinating to be right there with it. The best way to get a sense of Tirana is by walking or biking through it. Check out bike tours starting at $24 41. Tirana was more influenced by communism than other cities in Albania, making it ideal for history and communist architecture geeks. There are some absolutely strange pieces of architecture in Tirana, in particular, Piramida, the abandoned memorial to deceased dictator Enver Hoxha that is now a TV station/slide/tourist oddity. The quirky communist art and architecture is a great part of traveling Albania 42. The nightlife in Tirana is really fun. I loved going out in the Blloku neighborhood, the old heart of the communist party loyalists. This has turned into a hipster/upscale neighborhood of sorts, where a draft beer goes for (*gasp*) 2 euros. If you’re traveling solo and but want to experience the best of Albanian nightlife, you can do a cocktail and communism tour through trendy Blloku accompanied by a local! Check out communism & cocktail tour prices! Getting my hipster on at Radio in Blloku (I promise these glasses are medically necessary.) 43. The bunkers offer a fascinating, if unsightly, look into the past. I enjoyed visiting Bunkart in Tirana, which used to be the former dictator Enver Hoxha’s bunker in case of attack. It’s a fascinating insight into the psyche of a sick, paranoid man. An estimated 700,000 smaller bunkers dot the countryside, in places you’d never think would be at risk of attack. If you’ve got bunker fever, you can even do a full day bunkers and beaches tour! Only when you travel Albania, guys. bunkart quirky things to do in tirana 44. In fact, there’s no country quite comparable to 20th century Albania. Under Enver Hoxha, even Tito’s Yugoslavia, Mao’s China, and Khruschev’s USSR were all just too liberal and not purely communist enough. As a result, Albania had no external ties with other countries from 1978 until 1991. When the dictatorship finally fell, things like bananas and blue jeans were totally brand-new phenomena. Even today’s North Korea has a more open economy than pre-1990s Albania. Luckily, Albania has been quite quick to take to modernization. 45. But there’s so much more than just the Communist past. I understand (and share!) the fascination with Albania’s insane communist past. But before that, Albania has almost 5,000 years of history, with influence from Greeks, Illyrians, Romans, Venetians, Byzantines, and Ottomans. That all has shaped the country so much more than its Communist era, even though those have the most obvious visual influence. day trips from Saranda Albania - a great thing to do when traveling Albania Albania is home to some of the best-preserved Christian mosaics in the world, like Butrint 46. The 400-year occupation of the Ottoman Empire forever changed Albania in unique ways. As a result of the occupation, Albania became a majority Muslim country — approximately 60% — although most Albanians follow a very loose interpretation of Islam – if they follow anything at all. Most Albanians, even if they’re of Muslim origin, eat pork and drink alcohol (in fact, I think your Albanian citizenship is revoked if you don’t drink rakia. I kid, I kid), and very few women wear headscarves, regardless of origin (although those who do don’t get any odd looks). Report this ad 47. Yet for years, Albania was the only country in the world to have an outright ban on religion. That’s right. In 1967, the practice of religion was completely banned within the country of Albania. As a result, unfortunately, many churches and mosques throughout the country were destroyed. Albanians have been working hard to rebuild these places of worship throughout the country. Precious few remain of the pre-Communist era – only those that party leaders deemed worthy of cultural preservation, such Et’hem Bey mosque in Tirana, pictured above. 48. Albania is a true cultural mixing pot. Throughout time, Albania has had the influence of Greeks and Romans, Slavs and Italians, Muslims and Christians. These divisions don’t really seem to faze Albanians, and the unifying fact of language, tradition, and above all — patriotism — seem to be more important than ethnicity or religion. 49. Albanians are incredibly tolerant of other religions. Interfaith marriages are quite common in Albania, and friend groups are typically well-integrated and have little to do with religion. Religion appears to be more of a cultural or hereditary signifier than any deeply held convictions. Unlike countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, where ethnic strife was in large part exacerbated by religious differences, Albanians really don’t seem to care that much about religion. In fact, Albania is the only country in which the population of Jews increased during WWII, as average citizens took in thousands of Jewish refugees at great risk to themselves, despite having virtually no ties to Judaism. travel to Albania and see the Korca caethedral The Orthodox cathedral in Korça was only built in 1992, replacing the church that communists had destroyed in the late 1960s. 50. In fact, for many, “the only religion of Albania is Albanianism.” This quote was co-opted by Enver Hoxha to justify his religious ban; however, it originally appeared in Shkodra’s beloved poet Pashko Vasa’s nationalist poem “O moj Shqiperi”. Basically, that is to say, Albanians are much more concerned with sharing an ethnic and cultural legacy based on the concept of being Albanian, rather than being concerned with any religious ties. 51. Albania is a UNESCO darling, with three major sites having UNESCO Status. day trips from Saranda Albania 52. One of them, Butrint, is a 2,000 old set of Roman ruins. It has alternately been ruled by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. It’s set on a beautiful lake near the border with Greece, and it’s almost always completely deserted, making it a beautiful place to wander, snap photos, and imagine a simpler world taking place exactly where you stood over two millennia ago. Definitely one of the best points of interest in Albania. 53. Gjirokastra is another UNESCO site, just as breathtaking as Butrint. It is an Ottoman era “museum city” complete with a gorgeous ruined castle perched atop a massive hill surrounded by houses with layered flat stone roofs. (Note: I just did a day trip to Gjirokastra, but friends raved about Stone City Hostel, open seasonally) gjirokaster awesome day trip from saranda 54. In fact, Gjirokastra is also home to iso-polyphony folk music, which is a uniquely Albanian tradition honored by UNESCO’s intangible heritage designation. Every year, performances are held in the castle, keeping the tradition alive. To be honest, the music isn’t my cup of tea, but it’s incredible what they are able to do with their voices, creating unique, haunting sounds without the use of a single instrument. 55. Berat is twinned with Gjirokastra, though it’s worth visiting totally aside from Gjirokastra. It is the more famous twin, and equally gorgeous in my opinion, yet quite different. Berat is marked with only white paint and large square windows that look almost like eyes, giving it the nickname “City of a Thousand Windows.” Honestly, I think UNESCO made a mistake by twinning these cities together, which suggests that you can see one of the two and “get the idea.” They’re both incredibly unique places, and each warrants its own visit. It’s definitely worth visiting for a few days, but you can also visit Berat as a day trip from Tirana as well. When in Berat, I can’t say I recommend staying at Berat Backpackers. Everyone there was incredibly kind and the rooms were clean and comfy… but the wifi was practically nonexistent, but the shower pressure was the worst I’ve ever experienced in 10 years of traveling. You can get a cheap hotel for as little as $10-15 a night, so treat yourself! Check out cheapest hotel prices 56. There are many other places on UNESCO’s tentative list that are also worth a visit. The Durrës Amphitheatre, Apollonia, and Ohrid, among others, are all on the list for consideration. Report this ad 57. But historic cities aren’t all Albania has to offer – it has incredible lakes. Lake Komani is the gem of Albania, followed closely by Lake Shkodra (which it shares with Montenegro), Lake Ohrid (which it shares with Macedonia), and Lake Butrint. All so different, yet so beautiful. Check out the video below to get an idea. Thanks to Dan Flying Solo for letting me use his epic video of Lake Komani. 58. Aside from its lakes, Albania has deep-flowing natural springs. These springs are called “Blue Eyes,” and while there is an incredibly famous one in the south (called Syri I Kalter in Albanian), there is an equally beautiful though lesser known one in Thethi as well. blue eye syri i kalter day trip from Saranda 59. It has gorgeous waterfalls as well that locals love to swim in. The waterfalls in Begova near Berat are a favorite of locals when the summers get hot — with rakia, of course! It’s too bad I was in Berat in mid-October so I didn’t go to these waterfalls. 60. It even has a wine region with surprisingly delicious wine. I did, however, sample the surprisingly excellent local wines in Berat, made by Cobo Wineries. Wine tasting tours are available as well! 61. It’s yet to be Westernized with American fast food chains… well, except the one. I love the fact that the country’s first international chain, KFC, is opening literally across the road from Enver Hoxha’s old mansion. I believe that’s what we call “throwing shade”, Albania. Nicely done. kfc-tirana 62. You’ll meet a lot of like-minded travelers in Albania. I guess because not many people travel to Albania, the tourists who do go there are really interesting, easy-going, and open-minded. I never met more interesting and fun people than I did when traveling in Albania! The hostels in Albania are fabulous as well – I know it may sound scary to uninitiated but it’s the best way to travel Albania if solo. Check out prices for top-rated hostels 63. Sometimes, it seems as if parts of Albania are stuck in a time capsule. You’ll be driving along a surprisingly smooth highway when suddenly, hey! There are goats and cows wandering the roads. goats-in-berat 64. Albania is squarely outside the Schengen zone, making it perfect if you’re staying in Europe for over 90 days. Many countries in the Balkans, including Montenegro, Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, and Bosnia are also outside Schengen, so it’s easy to plan a little detour to travel in Albania if you’ve used up the 90 days on your Schengen visa. 65. It’s quite easy for foreigners to get visas. 77 countries and territories, plus every EU country, can visit Albania visa-free for 90 days. But even if you’re not one of those countries, if you’ve had and used a valid UK, US, or EU visa, you get the same 90 day visa policy as all other qualifying countries. 66. Though hostels are new the country, they are surprisingly excellent. Literally every single hostel I stayed at in Albania was great (with the minor exception of Berat Backpackers), and far better and cheaper than a lot of hostels I’ve stayed at in Western Europe, including cities like Rome and Barcelona. In fact, Trip’N Hostel in Tirana is probably the best hostel I’ve stayed at, period. They even brew their own beer! Be sure to book in advance if you go during the high season. I was so lucky as a walk-in to get the last bunk — everyone after me had to find another place. Check availability at Trip’N Hostel The best hostel I've ever stayed at for $12 a night, with this delicious omelette and Albanian coffee included. The best hostel I’ve ever stayed at for $12 a night, with this delicious omelette and Albanian coffee included. 67. Albania is a delightful mix of discovered and undiscovered. You can really choose your own adventure here… whether you want to stick to the slightly-well-trodden path of Tirana and Saranda, or if you want to get a little more off the path and visit the quaint smaller cities of Shkodra and Korca, there are tons of options, all within furgon distance. Report this ad 68. Albanian wedding parties are the best parties. I stumbled across one happening in the street next to the gyro restaurant in downtown Himara. It was just a giant circle dance that got bigger and bigger, more and more intricate throughout the night. 69. Albania will teach you patience. I will admit that travel in Albania is not the most straightforward, though I don’t think it necessarily makes it difficult. Sometimes, your bus will be late, or it will be unclear where you’re supposed to go. However, things always have a way of working out here. Give yourself some extra time and enjoy the ride. But patience is easy when your surroundings are this gorgeous. Photo courtesy of Janet Newenham yet again 70. Albania will also teach you trust. Because Albania isn’t the easiest place to travel, especially since the public transportation system is run mostly by word of mouth and there’s no online timetable, you’ll have to learn to trust strangers. But that is actually a blessing in disguise, because it’ll show you just how kind and caring most people in the world are. And even moreso in this special little corner of the world. 71. English is actually fairly widely spoken – followed closely by Italian. The second language of Albanians tends to fall on strictly generational lines. Those who grew up under communism likely stole television and radio signals from Italy as the only way of having contact with the outside world; therefore, the older generation by and large speaks Italian to some extent. Younger people, and anyone who works in hospitality, has a fairly good understanding of English. 72. But what Albanians may lack in language skills, they’ll make up for in doggedness, body language, and effort. It’s not like an Albanian to shrug their shoulders and ignore you – they will do their damnedest to either answer your question through dramatic gesturing, dragging you down the street to finding someone who can help you, calling a friend on their phone and having you speak to them, or walking you right to your destination. 73. In short, Albanians are resilient and resourceful. They survived the most oppressive communist regime in history, saw the other end, and are now welcoming to outsiders from around the world. It’s astounding to me, a one-time New Yorker who hasn’t suffered anything more than the indignity of being trapped on a sweaty train car with five breakdancing teenage boys shouting “Showtime,” how people who have dealt with so much can be so welcoming, but they are. 74. Albania is changing… fast. With foreign investments coming in and the slow march of tourism coming down from the Croatian coast through Montenegro, it won’t be long until Albania changes. When cruise ships start regularly stopping at Albania… I must admit, I’ll be a little worried about what’ll happen to the precious beaches of Himara and Dhermi. 75. Albania is never boring. No matter where you go in the country, I can guarantee you, you’ll have never seen any place quite like it. Like this post? Pin it or share it! Travel Albania and be astounded by the food, history, picture opportunities, beaches, and culture. From the capital of Tirana to the Albanian Riviera, there’s so much history and wonderful people to be found. Need convincing? I’ve got 75 reasons why this is literally my favorite country I’ve ever been to. Note: This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you purchase something using one of these links, I will receive a small commission at no added cost to you. No BS – I only recommend accommodations, services, and products I truly believe in. WANT TO TAKE BETTER PHOTOS? e08ef378154a1502499397-TAKE-BETTERTRAVEL-PHOTOS.jpg Get the FREE 15-page eBook on how to take better travel photos by subscribing to the weekly newsletter! No SPAM! Pinky Promise! On June 1, 2017 • By Allison Green 128 About Allison Green Allison is a full-time freelancer and travel blogger, exploring the world solo in pursuit of new and exciting adventures. She's happiest when climbing things, snuggling any animal who will let her, and eating improbably large amounts of food. You Might Also Like... That Time I Ended Up Hitchhiking from Albania to Kosovo October 22, 2016 day trips from Saranda Albania Ksamil Saranda and Beyond: Butrint and Ksamil Beach September 20, 2016 Albanian riviera gjipe Your Complete Budget Guide to the Beaches of the Albanian Riviera October 7, 2016 Previous Post Glamping in a Yurt in Utah Underneath the Milky Way Next Post The Valley of Fire and Grand Canyon by Helicopter in Vegas 128 Comments Reply Emily October 25, 2016 at 7:55 pm Thanks for shedding light on places less traveled that are worthy of tourists exploring and falling in love with! Kudos to you for coming up with such a comprehensive list, now Albania is on my map! 🙂 Reply Allison Green October 25, 2016 at 8:15 pm Thank you for reading! I do hope this post encourages at least one person who never would have considered traveling to Albania to go there. I hope you get a chance to go soon! Reply Ciara Gunn October 25, 2016 at 9:13 pm I’m not going lie, Albania, has not somewhere I had considered however between yourself and Janet, my mind had very changed Reply Allison Green October 25, 2016 at 9:36 pm That’s so great to hear! I hope you go soon! <3 Reply Sophie Mitchell October 25, 2016 at 9:30 pm Great post, I didn’t know much about Albania till now, lots of info here! Reply Allison Green October 25, 2016 at 9:37 pm I tried to cram in everything I remembered – such a fascinating country 🙂 Reply Lisa October 25, 2016 at 9:32 pm This is amazing, Albania has never entered my head as a place to visit and after reading this I really want to go there. Thanks for literally broadening my horizons! Reply Allison Green October 25, 2016 at 9:39 pm That is such wonderful news to hear Lisa!! I really do hope you go! It can be quite cheap get there if you fly to Corfu & take the ferry, that’s what I did 🙂 Reply Laura October 26, 2016 at 9:54 am Well you had me sold by point 4 and planning a trip by point 35 😀 Albania looks insanely amazing!!!! Reply Allison Green October 26, 2016 at 1:05 pm So glad to hear it! — though now my fingers are cursing me that I kept going past 35 haha 😉 Reply Christina October 26, 2016 at 11:44 am Oh this neverending growing bucket list, damnit. Thank you for this absolutely wonderful post! I adore your writing and view on things, really. Keep up the good work! Great to see, what fellow eager bloggers achieve in just a one week’s challenge <3 Reply Allison Green October 26, 2016 at 1:08 pm I feel the same about that bucket list — the more I read, the more I want to go everywhere! Thank you so much for your incredibly kind comment and encouragement. I’m off to give your Epic 100 in NZ list a read now — I’m going to be there for two months starting next June! Reply Elena October 26, 2016 at 1:44 pm Great articol Allison Green. Thankyou for promoting our country better then we do. Great job Reply Allison Green October 26, 2016 at 1:52 pm Thank you Elena – to be honest, your country promotes itself if you give it a chance. Great website btw! Reply Irina Leti October 26, 2016 at 9:00 pm I am from Albania and I moved to USA 2 years ago. I’m glad that people like you bring out the best of Albania because it really is a beautiful place( not trying to be biased) This got me homesick. Thank you for this beautiful post. Reply Allison Green October 26, 2016 at 9:41 pm Thank you Irina for your lovely comment. It is a stunning place, full of natural beauty. I get why people move to the USA for more opportunity (many of my Albanian coworkers in NY have done the same), but it is truly a beautiful place to be from and you’re right to be proud of it 🙂 I hope you get to go back and visit soon <3 Reply Klajdi Fejzullau October 26, 2016 at 9:31 pm Thank you to everyone who is not in dilema anymore about our safety nature culture and all oportunities . No because is our country but the summer in Albania is much better than the majority of places in Europe outside Spain. Once you come here you all understand what we are talking about. 🙂 Reply Allison Green October 26, 2016 at 9:39 pm I definitely felt very safe the entire time I was in Albania – I think fears are about two decades behind the times 😛 And yes, I actually think the beaches in Albania are way better than the beaches in mainland Spain (haven’t been to any of the Spanish islands, which I’m sure are incredible). Glad you enjoyed the article! Reply Frida Hasani October 27, 2016 at 8:57 am Thankyou Allison for seeing (and writting) the best of my country. It is funny to read the way other people see the things, you probably not like. I am very happy that you had a good time (and Food) in Albania (even without seeing Valbona and Theth) Hope you come again soon during Summer time so you can enjoy swimming on the great beaches of Drymades, Gjipe, Dhermi, Livadh, Jala. After doing this, you will write some other 75 reasons Thankyou again for this amazing article, Huge hug (I am albanian, I dont need to know you to do that ) Reply Allison Green October 27, 2016 at 10:34 am Hi Frida, I really hope to come again soon in the summer and enjoy all the beautiful beaches you named. Gjipe especially is one of the best beaches I’ve ever been to. And also to finally succeed in seeing Valbona and Theth! So glad you enjoyed the article and thank you for the virtual hug 😉 Sending one back! Reply Lorela October 27, 2016 at 3:36 pm The most wonderful post about the reasons to visit Albania !! thankyou 🙂 Reply Allison Green October 27, 2016 at 5:41 pm Thank you so much for taking the time to comment 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed reading! Reply Xhuliano October 27, 2016 at 5:28 pm Great read! You wrote about a lot and it seems you have seen a lot of places, but there is still so much more to see! If you haven’t been to Kruja, you must. Also, if you go to Lezha, they have this huge sand dune at their beach, it is called Rana e Hedhun. Amazing scenery from there too. Elbasan also being a nice city to visit with their interesting castle in the middle of the city. Anyways, how did you like the music, newer and traditional music if you heard any? Reply Allison Green October 27, 2016 at 5:47 pm I absolutely agree with you that there’s so much to see! I would love to see Kruja, Lezha, and Elbasan – my Albanian friends did recommend these all to me but even with three weeks in the country I didn’t get a chance to see these all 🙁 On the plus side, that means I need to return! The sand dune at Rana e Hedhun sounds amazing and now it’s jumped to the top of my list for a return trip 🙂 Thanks for all the suggestions, they are duly noted!! As for the music – the newer music was fun and really catchy! When I was there “Shake it” and “Like Rihanna” were really big (don’t know if those are their actual titles or just the catchy parts). I heard the traditional music on the buses as well, and I thought it was quite nice – it actually reminded me a lot of Turkish traditional music, which I suppose would make sense given the Ottoman occupation? Do you have any music recommendations for me? Thank you again for your comment! Reply Xhuliano October 28, 2016 at 1:26 am Yes, Rana e Hedhun is actually amazing, I wish I could post a picture I took to show you! And yes, Alban Skënderaj is one of the best Albanian artists in my opinion and you can definitely search him on YouTube. I’m sure you would enjoy his music, especially if you love actual singing in songs. And a few traditional songs that is most popularly known are Shota and Valle Kosovare. I’m sure you’ll like both those too. And actually, yes “Shake It” and “Like Rihanna” are the actual names. Reply Allison Green October 28, 2016 at 11:27 am Email it to me! allison at eternalarrival.com. I will definitely check out Alban Skënderaj and those traditional songs you recommended – I’m sure they’re better than the silly pop stuff on the radio and TV 🙂 Xhuliano October 28, 2016 at 3:17 pm I have sent an email. Don’t hesitate to use them if you want to for anything! Allison Green October 28, 2016 at 5:55 pm Wow, it’s really stunning! I’d love to include it in my post – with credit to you, of course. I’ll add it soon, thank you so much! Reply Fitim October 28, 2016 at 11:45 am For really unique “jazz albanian” try song “i dehun” from Zig zag Orchestra….you will love it. i did show this bad and kind of music to my american friends from Neshwille ad they loved it. Thanks for the post. Reply Allison Green October 28, 2016 at 1:47 pm Awesome! I will definitely check it out – thank you for the recommendation 🙂 I love jazz! Reply Saimir October 27, 2016 at 5:35 pm So pleased you enjoyed your stay in my country and of doing a much better job at describing it than I could have ever done, perhaps because guests notice things that we take for granted and indeed at times fail to appreciate. So here’s another grateful Albanian wishing to thank you, and since I read in one of your other posts that you are thinking of going to Cyprus, and I happen to have been posted here, feel free to email me if you fancy a free pic-up from the airport or any other help whilst over here. On the downside, you would have to settle for a boring car rather than a “furgon”. Best of luck and keep enjoying your travels! Reply Allison Green October 27, 2016 at 5:55 pm I definitely agree with you – it’s much easier to describe a place as a guest. I used to live in NYC and when people ask me what it’s like living there, it’s so hard to give them a good answer… I mostly go with “sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad” — not super informative or interesting haha. Thank you so much for your kind offer regarding Cyprus! My travel plans don’t have me going there soon, but that’s always subject to change 🙂 If I’m ever planning on going to Cyprus I’ll get in touch – even if it means settling for a boring car ride (as long as it’s a vintage Mercedes :P) Thanks for your well wishes and taking the time to comment! Reply Memli October 28, 2016 at 3:01 pm Spot on summary, whether socially or geographically. I feel bad you did not get the chance to see Theth, Valbona, the forest is breathtaking. A few tips, info and trivia i’d like to share for any traveler. Do not get fooled by the “Accursed Mountains”, they are called so due to their high inaccessibility, the place is completely safe, if you manage to spot any small village, you’ll most probably be treated with a meal :). Mount Tomorr is incredible as well, with ancient tales (all friendly ones) and stunning form, it has been even reported to help people with various illnesses such as asthma. Sea wise, head for the Ionian, which is the southern part of Albania. The “Karaburun Peninsula” (known as The Finger, just in front of Vlora, next to Sazan Island) is a newly opened up from the military zone with untouched beaches, although only accessible through long walks or expensive boat trips. Any beach that resides next to a mountain has unprecedented water quality, that is all due to the washed down Calcium. The beaches are deep right after 10m distance, are slightly more salty and barely have creatures. This ensures for perfect visibility, so good that your own shadow may scare you. Not to forget, the pebble beaches are very hygienic, and lovely for back problems. Top Beaches: All the ones in the Karaburun Peninsula, Sazan Island*, Gjipe Very good ones: Dhermi, Palasa, Drimadh, Borsh, Bunec, Kakome Very good ones but more family oriented: Ksamil, Qeparo. None of the above locations are big cities, so houses around should be cheap to rent. All Brown Traffic signs indicate historical sights, and there are quite a lot of them. If you are camping, although there are camp sites, nobody will bother you whether you camp in near forests or even on the beach, not even the police. There are no animal dangers, the Balkans fauna is very peaceful, and i bet you wont even encounter any. People wise, as the article says, every 3rd can speak a second language, every 5th is fluid at it. Helping is part of our culture so don’t hesitate to ask if you need it. Reply Allison Green October 28, 2016 at 6:05 pm I’m glad you agree with my summary! It’s quite a challenge to capture a place like Albania in so many words so it’s an honor to hear I did it justice. Thank you so much for all the additional information. It’s my big regret that I didn’t get to see the Accursed Mountains. I did get to see parts of the Dinaric Alps in Montenegro and Kosovo and they were truly stunning; I can only imagine how beautiful they are near Valbona and Theth. And thanks for all your wonderful beach recommendations. I went to Gjipe beach and it was truly stunning. Ksamil was lovely but as you say quite family oriented and very crowded. I had never heard of the Karaburun peninsula or Sazan island before so those have moved right up to the top of my must-see list! You are right that the visibility is stunning and the seas are lovely and salty – it’s so calm and easy to float, perfect for a lazy swimmer like me. Aah, what I wouldn’t give for a sunny summer day in Albania right now! Reply Alberto October 29, 2016 at 7:16 pm Complimenti Allison. Bellissimo articolo. I am Italian thath says he has known for many years Albania, and that having a tour operator fatigue a lot to make it known and to bring tourists in this beautiful country. I do everything conferences in Italy, internet, news letter, fairs ect. also tourists … Brava continua così and if you come in Durres, I offer you a coffee. Ciao Alberto. Reply Allison Green October 29, 2016 at 7:34 pm Grazie mille per i tuoi complimenti 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the article. I went to Italy right after Albania, and many Italians I met hadn’t even been to Albania, which I think is funny because the countries are so close. Even my Airbnb host in Brindisi hasn’t been, and the ferry to Vlora is right there! Thank you for your offer for a coffee – I hope to come back to Albania one day soon to take you up on it! Ciao! Reply Eva November 4, 2016 at 11:44 am I have been to Albania before and this post just brings back so many lovely memories. I hope the country gets more tourist so they can develop their tourism infrastructure. Reply Allison Green November 4, 2016 at 8:01 pm I’m so glad you enjoyed Albania! I agree, I hope they get more tourists and further develop their economy, while still staying true to their roots. Reply Rian November 5, 2016 at 11:52 am I really appreciate your writing and can’t thank you enough. Being an Albanian makes me proud that you enjoyed your stay and took the initiative to write about it. We as Albanians have never been into writing and although our language is one of the oldest it’s been always a spoken language. To the point that my granny is 92 and can’t read or write. My aunt is in her late 60s and can’t read or write. So again thank you for your post and I am glad you enjoyed your stay and hope you do come back to experience the rural Albania. It’s in the rural Albania that you get to see the real tradition, besa, the most kindness and a taste of dishes with ingredients taken straight from the garden. Reply Allison Green November 5, 2016 at 1:02 pm Interesting point about reading and writing… I didn’t know that! I definitely plan to return to Albania soon and I’m hoping to get more off the beaten path and visit rural Albania, it seems absolutely magical. And thanks for posting that awesome video! So nice to now the science behind what gave me all those rough mornings 😛 Reply Rian November 5, 2016 at 12:19 pm I forgot to add a link to how Rakia for those curious to know. This is made by almost every house in villages. http://youtu.be/xD7UP-TVMhM Reply Sui Thanasi November 7, 2016 at 10:18 pm wow, 75 is a lot. But so much needed especially for us Albanians. We are often blinded by the negativity of media so we forget where we live and what we have. We love Albania too though, as you rightly say, we are patriotic, and sometimes nationalists – but we often get mad at each other and especially to those who lead/serve. We often get mad at ourselves too but that’s a longer story :D. Rrofsh! Faleminderit! Reply Allison Green November 9, 2016 at 4:47 pm I think that all comes from a love of your country, though, and a desire to make it better 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the read! Faleminderit to you as well Reply Greta Bolani November 19, 2016 at 11:44 am Wow!!! Now i get why foreigners love Albania! You made me have another understanding of my country love it in its best and in its worst! I am very glad you enjoyed it but even more promoting it, in the best way possible. It happens to me as I have a consider number of international friend who think yet Albania is in its1997′, civil war, unsafety… We need more people like you, out true ambassadors all over the world. You and every one is more than welcomed in our Albania! Reply Allison Green November 19, 2016 at 10:41 pm Thank you so much for your kind comment Greta, I’m really glad you enjoyed reading and feel that I was able to represent your beautiful country fairly and accurately. It really is a special place in this world, I can truly say I’ve never been anywhere else like it and I’ve traveled to 38 countries so far 🙂 I hope to come back next year and write more! Reply Liljana November 30, 2016 at 11:49 pm GREAT POST ALLISON! Can’t believe that for only 3 weeks you have captured the spirit of Albania so nicely. BIG WOW! And you are right. You are not considered an Albanian if you don’t drink raki ( alcohol). I agree with you about the beaches. I have been in Croatia, Montenegro and I genuinely think our beaches are way better, even though we do have our problems with rubbish and illegal buildings. I wish you could have seen communism Albanian beaches. They were a real heaven on earth,super clean, toilets, showers, not a single building, pure nature. I had the privilege to go on most of those beaches at those timing, but we never thought we had to appreciate them. Now when I see them I feel like crying. The magic has gone, human greed is too much for nature to survive. As for the beaches,Memli and Xhuliano are right. For the moment Karaburun and Sazan Island are yet the untouched beaches. Fingers crossed they stay that way longer. As for the North of Albania, Shengjin area at Rana e Hedhun is just the best for me at the moment. Small little bays with curative sand for children and family and crystal clear waters due to the proximity of the stony mountain covered in dense pine forest. I still have one or two secret beaches under my sleeve which only us locals know, but I think I’ll keep it to myself. As for the mountains I can assure you wherever you go,you’ll see majestic views, even though some of the most beautiful parts are known only on local terms. Albania may have many flaws but is never boring. PERFECT IS BORING. About safety I feel much safer in Albania than in London where I live. When I was in Rome someone tried to snatch my bag in the middle of the city, but nobody say that Rome is dangerous. Thanks Allison for promoting my country, even though my selfish side sometimes makes me happy that tourists stay away from it due to our bad reputation. selfish I’m glad tourists stay o t Reply Allison Green December 3, 2016 at 11:05 pm Thanks so much for your sweet comment Liljana! I’m so happy that you think I was able to capture the spirit well 🙂 I’m really hoping to come back next summer… I’m inspired by your comment and everyone else who has commented with great suggestions on what else to see. I’ve raved about it so much to my aunt and uncle that they may even join me too! I can’t say I blame you for keeping some of the best secrets to yourself. Unchecked tourism can be devastating, especially on developing economies. It’s hard because I want to see the country succeed and tourism dollars can really help, but I also don’t want it to change too much. I absolutely agree that I felt much safer in Albania than in many Western cities. The way people perceive risk and travel is really odd to me… but hey, maybe it keeps the boring travelers out. Reply Witoff March 20, 2017 at 5:03 pm Anyone that has good sense of life admire Albania! Why do you think numerous foreigners do harbour here buying properties? But times are going to change soon, as everybody wants to be here at least once. Once they taste albanian honey, they ll do land in horryfying idea of modernisation. No! Let Albanians do their job step by step, any rush like in Saranda will only demolish the beauty of this land! Reply Allison Green March 20, 2017 at 10:32 pm I hope that modernization doesn’t change Albania too much! Reply Liljana December 4, 2016 at 9:22 pm Hello Allison! A big thank you for taking your time responding to our comments. Last time I touched the button by mistake and the message got sent without finishing my comment,but I have to finish it now. Allison for the way you have been writing about Albania with an open mind , I would make a recommendation to all Albanians in Albania to give you PERMANENTLY FREE HOLIDAYS whenever you come to my country. YOU DESERVE IT.. I wish you all the best in your travels and in your daily life.!!! Take care Liljana xox Reply Allison Green December 4, 2016 at 11:57 pm Of course! It’s the least I can do to thank people who take the time out of their day to read my writing and have something to say 🙂 And hey, I certainly won’t say no to permanently free holidays in Albania 😉 Sounds like a dream come true! Thanks for all the well wishes, I wish you all the same!! <3 Reply Jean December 18, 2016 at 1:21 am I try not to take my travel advie from Liam Neson. I’m crazy I know. Great photos of Albania. Can’t wait until I’m back in that part of the world Reply Allison Green December 19, 2016 at 7:02 am Totally crazy, I usually make him approve all my itineraries first ;D I can’t wait either! As soon as winter blows over, I’m hoping to head back to Eastern Europe and that part of the world again <3 Reply ADAM DOOLITTLE December 18, 2016 at 2:43 am I gotta say, I never thought of Albania much of a tourist destination. I’m glad you did this write up as it definitely shows one of those hidden gems worth going to. Thanks! Reply Allison Green December 19, 2016 at 7:01 am I’m so happy to hear that! It really is a wonderful destination, very friendly and welcoming to tourists. I hope you get a chance to visit one day! Reply Davide uTravelShare.com December 18, 2016 at 8:39 am Allison you have an incredible post about this lovely country! Never though it was stunning as you described it! I read every single point you mentioned here! I am nature lovers and my passion is History, so I focused my attention to some of those points you wrote above!! Like you said Albania has been ignored for long time but I am sure they are making everything possible to becoming quickly a hot travel destination! Just one note, I am absolutely disagree to your point n°3! I have been in Greece, Spain and along Adriatic Sea, my home is Sardinia, take a look some pics on google 😀 thanks for sharing, great post and have a wonderful Christimas Reply Allison Green December 19, 2016 at 6:47 am Thank you so much, I’m so glad you liked the post and even happier that it kept your interest all the way through! I too love nature and history, which is why I feel so compelled to go back to Albania.. there’s so much I missed even in 3 weeks there. I am actually planning to return next year 🙂 Fair enough – in all honestly, I’ve never been to Sardinia (which is huge on my travel wishlist!) or the islands of Spain, so I’m comparing to my experiences in mainland coastal Italy/Spain and Corfu. Albania beat them out for me – but now I have to go visit Sardinia just to investigate for myself 😀 y’know, for research purposes. Reply Jen Morrow December 18, 2016 at 2:20 pm So informative! I had no idea about the cuisine, safety, beaches, and well most of these! I knew it was pretty inexpensive and close to Italy, but that was the extent of my Albanian travel knowledge. Reply Allison Green December 19, 2016 at 6:44 am I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! It’s really a wonderful place and I hope you get a chance to visit and see for yourself one day soon 🙂 Reply Katie December 18, 2016 at 6:14 pm Albania looks like an incredible place to visit and there is so many reasons to visit! thanks for sharing 🙂 Reply Allison Green December 19, 2016 at 6:42 am Glad you enjoyed, I really hope you get a chance to visit one day! Reply Taylor Fuller December 18, 2016 at 6:34 pm i had no idea that albania was cheap to travel! good to know for this summer! Reply Allison Green December 19, 2016 at 6:42 am It’s so cheap 🙂 You can live like a queen there on a budget. Hope you get a chance to visit! Reply The Travel Ninjas December 19, 2016 at 1:13 am You make Albania sounds so irresistible. Love how off the beaten path it is in so many ways. Those sheep eating the tree are so cute. Reply Allison Green December 19, 2016 at 6:41 am Aren’t they adorable? I couldn’t resist snapping a pic! Reply LJ LEGEND December 19, 2016 at 1:47 am I really enjoyed this post and have recently watched a documentary with Eliza Dushku exploring her routes in Albania and it sparked my interest to visit, but your post as confirmed that I want to visit there, it so beautiful. I loved the passion you have written this with and your photo’s are fab as well. Reply Allison Green December 19, 2016 at 6:41 am Ooh I will have to look into this documentary! I had heard she was Albanian but I didn’t know she had done a documentary about it. Amazing, thanks so much for the heads up 🙂 I hope you get a chance to visit soon! Reply Kathy (from walkaboutwanderer.com) December 19, 2016 at 5:57 am Albania was completely off my radar but with so many reasons to visit, it is now completely on it. Thanks for such a great post 🙂 Reply Allison Green December 19, 2016 at 6:39 am So glad to hear that! You won’t regret it 🙂 Reply Lucy January 3, 2017 at 3:40 pm Super useful for planning our spring/summer holiday to Albania – thank you! How long would you say we ideally need to spend in Albania to get a good enough taste of coast/mountains/cities? (Bearing in mind we can’t take too long off work but want to do it “properly”!) Thanks! Reply Allison Green January 3, 2017 at 10:11 pm Hi Lucy! I think that you probably need a minimum of one week. I would spend 2-3 days in Saranda or Himara, then take a bus to Tirana for 2 days (6 hours from Himara), then take a bus to Berat (3 hours) or Lake Komani (not sure exactly on the time, but I would guess 3-4 hours?), also for 2 days. I’d minimize time in Tirana in favor of time other places, though, to be totally honest – it’s interesting to be sure, and I happily spent 4 days there, but if you’re pressed for time I think there are far more beautiful things to do and see in Albania 😀 You’ll have to figure out bus times once you arrive as there’s no online or central bus system. Hope that helps! Reply Lucy May 20, 2017 at 9:16 am 5 months later….we’re off on Monday for 2 weeks! Taking your advice but doing it backwards – flying into Pristina and then doing Valbona, Lake Komani, Shkodra, Berat, and down to Himara, with a couple of days in Tirana before we fly home. So excited! I really can’t tell you how many times I’ve come back to this page to reread your blog over the past 5 months so thank you!!!! Now just fingers crossed for the weather…;) Reply Allison Green May 22, 2017 at 4:23 pm You have no idea how happy this comment made me!! That sounds like a perfect schedule, you will see all the best of Albania this way! I’m glad this has been a great resource for you and hope Albania lives up to your expectations (though I’m sure it will!) Keeping my fingers crossed for good weather for you as well, especially once you get down to Himara — those beaches are INSANE! Enjoy your trip <3 Reply Armando Boni January 11, 2017 at 11:55 am As an Albanian I cann’t agree more wtih your points. Most of them made me smile. 🙂 Reply Allison Green January 17, 2017 at 12:06 am Aww so glad to hear that! I’m glad you enjoyed the read and it was able to make you smile!! Reply Viss Shuli January 19, 2017 at 1:29 am Firstly as an Albanian i want to say that It is one of the best posts that i have read about my country. It is a pleasure for us when we read and hear such nice words for our country. Secondly as i read you have been around only for three weeks. What i like is that you have lived , seen , touched and felt it all the time …I want you to beliave that you have learn a lot (but you still got to learn ) To end it I have to much to say but I thing you have to much to discover P.s one of rules never take the first or the last cigarette from somebody who has the packet.. 2) when the packet is in the table you don’t ask to take cigarette , just take them If you wanna smoke. but not the first or the last. Reply Allison Green January 20, 2017 at 3:04 am Oh, it warms my heart to hear that! I’m so glad that you feel I was able to understand your country well after only three weeks. I definitely intend to visit again next summer – in fact, I talked about Albania so much my aunt and uncle want to join. I’ll keep the cigarette rules in mind (I’m actually not much a smoker but something about being in the Balkans brings it out of me). Thanks for the lesson!! Reply Donika Gashi-Silver January 27, 2017 at 1:23 am I am so glad I found this site. I am now planning to go to Albania to visit the homeland of my father. I’ve wanted to go for my entire life! Now, I plan to take my 11 year old son, and my husband to discover my heritage. I can’t wait. Beautiful post. I wish my father could see what it is like today. Reply Allison Green January 27, 2017 at 2:29 pm Oh you will love it so much Donika! It’s a beautiful country and your special connection to it will only make your experience all the more special. I wish he could have seen it too – the country seems to be looking forward 🙂 Reply Jamie January 27, 2017 at 3:28 pm Hi Allison, great article. My wife and I are planning a trip there at the end of May/early June and we were wondering about renting a car from Sarande to Tirana. What are your thoughts? We plan on driving the coast for 4 days and then heading up to Tirana and Theth (at this point we would return the car). Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Reply Allison Green January 27, 2017 at 3:54 pm Oh you will love it! I think you have a good plan! Renting a car is definitely a great way to experience the Albanian coast and gives you more freedom. The road from Saranda to Tirana is in good condition, though often narrow and windy. Albanian drivers are a bit… speedy shall we say 😛 so you do have to take caution when driving. It’s good to return the car in Tirana and take public transit to Theth as the roads there are not so good, I’ve heard. I wouldn’t miss Lake Komani if you can help it! You can take a minibus from Shkodra (another city worth seeing) to Koman, take the ferry across the lake, and then go to Valbona and hike to Theth from there. But I don’t know how much time you have 🙂 Reply Mirel Meta February 10, 2017 at 11:19 am God what a surprising description of my country! it looks like you have been raised in Albania. I enjoyed it a lot and sometimes laughed because it was so vivid and realistic! I am proud of being an Albanian! Reply Allison Green February 10, 2017 at 4:15 pm Aw Mirel that is so good to hear and I’m really honored that in my short time visiting I was able to paint such a vivid picture 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed and laughed a bit! Reply Teuta Dautaj February 26, 2017 at 1:58 pm Thank you Allison for this great post! This is the best promotion ever of my beautiful country, Albania 🙂 Reply Allison Green March 1, 2017 at 10:52 pm Thank you Teuta 😀 I’m so glad to hear it! Reply Edvin Xhaferi February 27, 2017 at 1:38 pm Allison Thank you!! You are always welcomed in the land and home of the eagles!! Thank you!! Reply Allison Green March 1, 2017 at 10:52 pm Thanks so much Edvin! Reply Lucia March 6, 2017 at 9:30 am Thank you so much Allison! This is beautiful! You expresses everything I feel home and so eloquently, you made my day! This is a great help also :D, I will fw this to my friends bcs I don’t this I can give a better introduction to my country. Thank you! Reply Allison Green March 6, 2017 at 3:53 pm Thank you so much Lucia! It’s really great to hear you think I’ve managed to capture your country properly 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed reading and thanks so much for sharing! Reply edy March 22, 2017 at 12:49 am I suggest u open a travel agency. I like to be a critic but in what read I can’t. You might think you are good well no hell nooo cause you in fact are brilliant. Everything u said Is accurate. This is what I call a real tourist journalist. Reply Allison Green March 23, 2017 at 4:54 am That’s really sweet of you, thanks so much!! I’m really glad you enjoyed the article 🙂 Reply Ishfer Hasib March 26, 2017 at 2:17 pm The last twenty minutes that I’ve been reading this article has been simply magical. I’m a Bangladeshi in love with an Albanian, and I can surely say that this vividly describes her! . In fact, this article has made me realize that I have become quite patriotic towards Albania because of the love of my life. Thank you so much for the wonderful post! Reply Allison Green March 27, 2017 at 12:50 am Ishfer, that is such a high compliment – I am so glad you enjoyed the article and feel like I was able to describe someone I’ve never even met. I’m really flattered 🙂 Albania is such a lovely country, I hope you get a chance to visit soon and experience ‘besa’ for yourself 🙂 Reply ENDI DEDJA March 29, 2017 at 11:52 am Allison you wrote this article like you were an Albanian. I am really proud to hear such good words for my country and the people of my country. Reading these sentences from an American means a lot to us. I hope years later you will come back and see how much we have changed. Thank you! Reply Allison Green March 29, 2017 at 9:05 pm Endi, thanks so much!! It’s an honor to hear that, and I hope to come back soon and see more! Reply Klorida May 2, 2017 at 2:47 pm This was refreshing to read. It brought back so many childhood memories. Thank you for the beautiful pictures and detailed summary of your sightseeings.. I am from Lezha and Rana e Hedhun is a “must see”. When you go back to Albania, let me know. My parents still live there and they would love to host you (if they aren’t traveling themselves as they are now retired). Big hugs! Reply Allison Green May 2, 2017 at 9:08 pm Hi Klorida! Thanks so much for your kind comment and the invite! Now I’m kicking myself for never visiting Lezha and Rana e Hedun! I will definitely let you know when I go back to Albania, hopefully it will be soon… fingers crossed for this summer 🙂 Will let you know when I return! Reply Syam June 5, 2017 at 4:01 am Amazing sky in the first photograph. Love the reading. Reply Allison Green June 5, 2017 at 7:48 pm Thanks so much! Reply Gerti June 9, 2017 at 10:49 am Actually, the communists built the country from nothing… I’d like to say from the destruction of 2 WWs, but there wasn’t much to be destroyed after Albania broke from the Ottoman Empire little more than a century ago, and a period when the ancestors of these so called democrats turned it into a colony of Italy. Before the 90′, 1 $ was worth 7 Lek, and a few years later it was worth 140 Lek, which means that the economy of Albania shrank 20 times, with about 95% of infrastructure looted and destroyed, hydro centrals being among the few things that were spared. Even today, 27 years later, Albania is several times poorer than what it was before the 90′. If Italy and Greece would expel all Albanian emigrants, without their remittances and with 1 million extra mouths to feed, some good part of Albanians literally would have to die of starvation, and this, despite the money from illegal drugs and tourism, that before the 90′ didn’t exist. Reply Allison Green June 9, 2017 at 7:43 pm I’m sorry you feel so negatively about what’s happening in Albania. I didn’t get this sense from anyone I spoke to there, nor from any of my Albanian friends living in the U.S. While there are certainly economic problems, I don’t feel the situation is quite as dire as you paint it, and I believe there’s good reason to be hopeful for the country’s future. But thanks for contributing your two cents and taking the time to leave a comment here. Reply Mike - Travel and Destinations June 13, 2017 at 9:17 am It’s safe to safe you definitely make me want to visit! I may even look at going this summer! Thanks for sharing your reasons! 🙂 Reply Allison Green June 14, 2017 at 11:07 pm that’s so great to hear! I hope you do go this summer 😀 Reply Abby June 19, 2017 at 8:09 pm Beautiful post! I’ve been to Albania and it is truly wonderful! All your 75 points reminded me of how unique it is compared to the mainstream European destinations. Thank you for supporting an underestimated vacation spot! Reply Allison Green June 20, 2017 at 5:48 am It really is a special destination, isn’t it? There is really no place like it in all of Europe, or all the world really. I’m so glad you enjoyed the read and that it brought back lovely memories! Reply Vivian June 29, 2017 at 9:34 pm Thank you for this great article!! I have a trip to Albania planned in August – well, just booked the flights, nothing else planned yet. Reading this got me even more excited! 🙂 Reply Allison Green July 3, 2017 at 7:43 am Oh you will absolutely love it – August is a perfect time to go, in fact, that’s where I was in August last year 🙂 Be sure to make it to the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, and read some of the comments in this section from Albanians who popped in with some extra tips for awesome beaches I’ve never been to! Reply Vivian Heijnen July 6, 2017 at 6:32 pm Thanks!! I definitely will! Reply Yan July 7, 2017 at 12:31 pm Dear Alison, Thanks for your thoroughly and beautifully written blog on Albania, i totally enjoyed reading it. i live in the UK and my family goes to Albania every year for summer holiday. To me, Albania is Europe’s hidden treasure, one would love the raw, peaceful, friendly and back in time nature of Albania. The Albanian people’s hospitality and respect for foreigners and friends are something i have never seen. I treasure that place, for it is somewhere your inner pace can be reached and life can go back to simplicity again. Best. Yan Reply Allison Green July 8, 2017 at 6:49 am Hi Yan, thanks so much for your thoughtful comment and for reading it all the way through – no small feat considering how long it is! That’s amazing that your family goes back every year. I was hoping to go back this summer but it looks like I have too many other commitments to make it there this year, but I may try to shuffle things around to at least get a week back in Albania… It definitely is Europe’s hidden treasure, and I agree with you so much about the people… Dang, now I really really want to go back! Reply Anne July 17, 2017 at 11:53 am Amazing post! So much info and positivity! I’m going to Albania in September as a solo female traveler. Very much looking forward to experience it all! Reply Allison Green July 24, 2017 at 4:07 pm Oh you will love it!! It’s one of the places I’ve felt safest as a solo female traveler anywhere in the world. You’ll absolutely love it, I’m so excited for you! Reply Robert Mackie July 27, 2017 at 3:10 pm Hi I stayed in North Corfu, woke up in the morning and after seeing those mountains of Albania I knew I had to visit. It was only a day trip but what an amazing place! The day will stay with me! Robert Reply Allison Green July 27, 2017 at 3:22 pm I’m so glad you went! Definitely worth more than a day trip in the future, hope you can return soon!! Reply Lelio Vieira Carneiro Junior July 30, 2017 at 5:53 pm Hello! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this page to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing! Reply Allison Green August 17, 2017 at 11:55 pm So glad you enjoyed the read– I hope your roommate enjoys as well! Reply Dave from Go live and Travel August 1, 2017 at 12:58 am Great in-depth article, I’m putting together a couple of interesting blogs about my passion for Albania. Reply Allison Green August 3, 2017 at 12:23 pm That’s awesome! It’s such a lovely country 🙂 Reply Kim August 3, 2017 at 12:27 pm This is a great list — thanks so much! We read it as we headed down through Albania in July, as the rest of the coastal Balkans were getting way more expensive. I loved it there, too! Just in case you’re ever back in Berat, I loved Hostel Mangalem. It was more like a guesthouse than a hostel — Bertie and his mom Kalliope were totally lovely. She kept slipping us little extra things — sour plum juice, or a bit of her secret stash of homemade cherry jam — and it was nice to be the recipients of a little mom-fussing after so long on the road. I’d totally recommend it. Reply Allison Green August 3, 2017 at 1:10 pm Stories like this are exactly why Albania is one of my favorite countries in the world! I definitely hope to go back to Berat because it was cold when I went, so I didn’t get to see the Bogove Waterfalls 🙁 I’ll definitely add Hostel Mangalem to my list for when I return, thanks so much for the tip 😀 I love that kind of treatment when on the road. Reminds me of one of my casa owners in Cuba. Homemade muffins, rum cocktails, knocking on our door every 30 minutes to check on us…. so sweet. Reply griselda August 11, 2017 at 1:11 pm Thank you for promoting our country. Albania is really a beatiful place to visit. Albanians love USA. Reply Allison Green August 11, 2017 at 6:38 pm And we love you right back 😀 Reply Robbie August 24, 2017 at 7:14 pm My girlfriend and I are want to go to Albania, Croatia, and Slovenia on our next trip to Europe. I’m researching Albania and I’m really looking forward to visiting! This article really paints a beautiful picture of Albania. I can’t wait to visit. Reply Allison Green August 25, 2017 at 11:07 am Oh, I hope you have so much fun! That sounds like an amazing trip – you should visit Montenegro too as it’s just down the coast between Albania and Croatia. I haven’t spent much time in Croatia or been to Slovenia yet, those are two places I’m really hoping to visit in the future 🙂 Reply Monic August 28, 2017 at 7:52 pm Is Albania safe for women? Reply Allison Green August 29, 2017 at 9:58 am Absolutely, I spent 3 weeks there solo, not one problem at all. Reply Grace August 29, 2017 at 1:57 am What an awesome post 🙂 I traveled to Albania this summer and absolutely loved it – but you have me wanting to return for the beaches (didn’t get to visit). Love all your pictures too 🙂 Reply Allison Green August 29, 2017 at 9:59 am Thank you, and I’m so glad you loved Albania as much as I did! Such a shame you didn’t get to see the beaches, I’m wanting to return too because I didn’t get to see the mountains (storms came in just as I was planning to leave for my Valbona-Theth trek!). Hopefully next year I’ll be back 🙂 Leave a Reply Name * Email * Website Sign me up for the monthly newsletter - no spam, promise! About Allison About Allison Hi! I'm Allison, and this is my travel blog where you can join me as I amble around the world - to 40 countries on 6 continents so far! I focus on storytelling with a special interest in understanding the culture, exploring the outdoors, and promoting mental and physical wellness. Report this ad LIKE FREE STUFF? MOST LOVED POSTS: PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED IN Follow for fun posts & travel deals! 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