Albania, the Land of Eagles
-Thousands years of historical journeys-
Albania is as unique as her language, a stand-alone branch of the Indo-European language tree which relates to no other in the world. A small Mediterranean country but full of ancient history that dates back 3000-5000 years ago. The country has national wonders to rival the highlights of every place in the region – the tallest and most rugged peaks of the Dinaric Alps, extensive coastline that is wild and relatively untouched, 14 national parks, lush forests and robust wildlife, many castles, archaeological sites. From beautiful nature to the more modern urban attractions, there’s so much to discover.
ABOUT ALBANIA
Albania, on Southeastern Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, is a small country with Adriatic and Ionian breathtaking coastlines and an interior crossed by the Albanian Alps. The country has many castles and archaeological sites. Capital Tirana centers on sprawling Skanderbeg Square, site of the National History Museum, with exhibits spanning antiquity to post-communism, and frescoed Et’hem Bey Mosque.
Albania proudly boasts multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the well-preserved Ottoman towns of Gjirokastër and Berat, known for their imposing castles, mosques and Byzantine churches.
Butrint, near the Greek border, features Greek and Roman ruins as well as Bronze Age artifacts. Along the southern coast, the Albanian Riviera is known for its traditional Mediterranean villages, beach resorts and vibrant nightlife. The country’s many hiking destinations range from Mount Korab, also popular for skiing, to Llogara National Park, with trails through coastal pine forest. Other Albanian sites currently in the UNESCO candidacy stages include the Durres Amphitheater, Lake Ohrid, and Apollonia, all of which are now undergoing repairs, promotions, or renovations.
WHY VISIT ALBANIA?
-ALBANIA HAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN EUROPE.
The country stretches along the seashores of the Adriatik and Ionian seas. A rich span of coastline known as the Albanian Riviera boasts numerous quiet, undiscovered beaches all along the south of the country such as Butrint, Gjipe Beach, Dhërmi, Himara Beach, Drymades, Llogara Pass National Park, Sazan Island, Jal.
On the other hand we have the Adriatic beaches which tend to be sandy with shallow waters, making them suitable for family holidays.
The main beaches are those of Velipoja, Shën Gjin, Durrës, Golem, Spilleja, Divjaka, Vlora, etc. Besides the beaches, the Adriatic coast is rich in lagoons and other natural ecosystems providing wonderful opportunities for those passionate about the study and observation of birds, as well as those interested in eco-tourism.
-THE ALBANIAN ALPS ARE JUST MAGNIFICENT AND SPECTACULAR
The Albanian Alps, the name of which translates to the “Accursed Mountains” (Bjeshkët e Namuna) due to their rocky, untamed terrain, offer breathtaking views in one of the most remote areas of Europe. Jagged peaks, snow-capped mountains, and unbelievably crystal clear waters all reward the intrepid traveler who ventures into the north of Albania.
You can find there deep green valleys, thick forests where wolves prowl, icy-grey rock pinnacles and quaint stone villages where old traditions hold strong. Indeed, this is where shepherds still take their flocks to high summer pastures and where blood feuds continue to hold sway, and it feels as if you’re far, far away from 21st-century Europe.
Most people come here to do the popular hike between Valbona and Theth, which takes between five and seven hours depending on your fitness and where in either village you start or end.
One of Albania’s undisputed highlights is this superb three-hour ferry ride across vast Lake Koman, connecting the towns of Koman and Fierzë.
-ALBANIA HAS MANY BEAUTIFUL CASTLES AND ANCIENT CITIES
Having been occupied since pre-history, Albania has artifacts from thousands of years of some of the world’s greatest empires. Wandering through any town here, you might just stumble across ancient ruins from the Romans, Greeks, Byzantines, Venetians, Illyrians, Ottomans, and more! History buffs will definitely love the rich width and depth of historical sites and cultural influences found in this region of the world.
There are plenty of amazing places to be explored in Albania such as:
Berat
Berat’s life began in the 6th-5th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement. The three major neighborhoods of the old city are Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala, where the castle is located. Across the Osum River lies the Gorica neighborhood, whose houses face those of Mangalemi. The arched bridge of Gorica, built in 1780, is a beautiful architectural monument constructed to link Gorica with Mangalemi.
You also can visit the Monastery of Shën Spiridhoni (Saint Spyridon) in Gorica. Other sites worth visiting are the Ethnographic Museum, situated inside an 18th century çardak building, and the Edward Lear Gallery of Art, a well-known English painter who painted much of Berat and Albania. Is suggested also to visit the Saint Mountain of Tomorr .
Gjirokastra
Gjirokastra is and one of most attractive city for tourists. The old town of Gjirokaster is famous for being a well-preserved Ottoman style town, with its fortress overlooking the entire city, the old houses lean against the slopes of the hills with their beautiful old wooden facades. The main characteristic of Gjirokastra is the intensive use of stone in building the houses, which look like small fortresses, the streets of cobblestone, which all lead to Bazaar. For this the city is known as the ‘city of stone’.
Shkodra and the legendary castle of Rozafa
From its ancient Illyrian walls and the medieval ruins of the Balshaj, to the Towers of the Bushatllinj, Rozafa Castle is a monumental testament to the beauty of an everlasting fortress.
Built during Antiquity, enduring the Roman and Ottoman empires, and remaining intact up to the present day, Rozafa Castle has witnessed the dramatic changes of tide over the course Albania’s fascinating history.
Kruja the medieval capital of Albania National Hero Skanderbeg
The name and the importance of the city are closely related to the 25 years of activity of our national hero, Skanderbeg, who in the fifteenth century made Kruja a bastion of uncompromising resistance against the Ottoman. The Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg Museum is situated inside the castle walls, which date back to the fifth and sixth centuries A.D. Within the walls of the castle are also the Ethnographic Museum and the Dollma Tekke. Near the castle’s entrance is a traditional market, which dates back to the period of Skanderbeg. Here, tourists can find Albanian craft products such as embroidered items, carpeting, silver objects, copper, alabaster, filigree, traditional clothing, antiques at the traditional Old Baazar of Kruja.
Korca the beautiful city of serenades
Korça is one of the largest and most important cultural and economic centers of Albania, located in the southeastern part of the country. The city of Korça has a range of museums such as the Education Museum, the renewed National Museum of Medieval Art, the Prehistoric Museum etc.
Must see sites are also the Clock Tower of Korça which is a historic Ottoman Turkish clock tower dating from the 18th century and recently reconstructed. It is situated in the Old Bazaar of Korçë. Nearby the clock tower is the Iljaz Bey Mirahori Mosque, which was built in 1494 by Iljaz Hoxha (also known as Iljaz Bey Mirahori), who was a veteran of the Istanbul Conquest and the city-founder of Korça. With its minaret being torn down during the Communist dictatorship, the Iliaz Mirahori mosque was declared a religious Cultural Monument of Albania.
Apart from the museums and monuments, Korça is the city where the largest carnival in Albania is organized, taking place before Orthodox Easter.
Korça is a very good base for exploring many tourist points located in the nearby mountains such as Voskopoja, Dardha, Vithkuqi and Boboshtica. These villages are well known for offering the possibility to practice many outdoor sports and activities. Close to Korça you can visit Prespa Lake (which is the country’s largest National Park), Drenova National Park, the Illyrian tummulus of Kamenica, etc.
Tirana, the heart and capital of Albania
Like all other European metropolises has never-ending movement and energy. With its clubs, bars, cafes, and taverns, Tirana is worth discovering by both day and night. The hospitality shown towards tourists is something that will mark your journey not only in Tirana but also all over the country. Your own journey might begin by visiting the museums and the key spots such as Sheshi Skënderbej, where you will be able to see the Mosque of Et’hem Bey (built between 1798 and 1812) and the 35 m high Kulla e Sahatit (the Watch Tower), built in 1822 with a San Marco style cupola. Next, you can visit the famous mosaic uncovered on the floor of an old Roman lodge. Its center configures the walls of the castle of the Roman emperor Justinian (A.D. 520). The monumental Tomb of Kapllan Pasha and the Ura e Tabakëve (a bridge constructed in the beginning of the 19th century, located on Bulevardi Zhan D’Ark) are also worth visiting. As a capital, Tirana has the country’s finest museums, theatres, and galleries representing the national arts.
In the Tirana region you may also visit the castles of Petrela and Preza, as well as some natural attractions, such as Pëllumbas Cave, Shkalla e Tujanit, and more.
-ALBANIA IS A VERY TOLERANT COUNTRY
One of the most beautiful things about Albania is that it is a religiously tolerant nation. Christians, Muslims and Jews feel safe and welcome here. In every town, you’ll see an Orthodox church and a Catholic church within a few meters of a mosque.
Surrounded by countries divided across ethnic and religious lines, Albania has enjoyed good relations between its main religious communities. These are the Albanian Muslim Community (KMSH), the Orthodox Church, the Bektashi Community, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Evangelical Brotherhood.
– THE PEOPLE ARE INCREDIBLY FRIENDLY
The Albanian people are really helpful and have great hospitality too. Trust is extremely important to Albanians so you can count on them if you ever need something. They are also very generous!
Wherever you go, from the capital city to the Riviera, from the mountains to the historical towns, you are going to be welcomed by the locals. Albania is one of the friendliest countries you’ll visit in your life. So, if you are travelling to Albania, don’t be afraid to ask for assistance, there will always be someone that will help you find what you are looking for, accommodation, a place to eat, or anything else.
-IT IS A SAFE COUNTRY
One of the first things you need to know before booking a trip to Albania is that the country is a very safe place to travel in. You can travel with children, with a loved one or by yourself (women included) without worrying about your safety like you might in other countries. Health concerns, crime and threats of terrorism are low, even in the big cities. As we said, locals are super hospitable and they will make sure you feel like you are home.
-ALBANIA IS VERY AFFORDABLE
Compared to its neighboring nations, Albania is a very cheap destination. You can spend a phenomenal week travelling through the country without breaking the bank. A double room in a 4-star hotel is about 50€ ($62/£44) per night with breakfast included. Tirana is the most expensive town in the country, but you still won’t spend too much compared to other eastern European cities. When it comes to activities, parks are free, while museums require tickets to enter, but the fees are very low. Taking the bus or taxi as well is very affordable.
-ALBANIAN FOOD IS DELICIOUS
Albanian cuisine is fantastic! The best dishes are tasty and affordable. Make sure to try as many dishes as you can while you’re here, but start your culinary experience with Fërgesë (a slow cooked stew made of peppers, onions, spices, tomatoes and cottage cheese), Tavë Kosi (lamb and rice baked with yogurt and eggs), Byrek (flaky phyllo dough stuffed with savory fillings), Speca me Gjize (peppers in cottage cheese), Baklava (a sweet layered pastry covered in syrup) and Trilece (three milk cake) and much much more!
If you plan to visit Albania, contact us!
