With its glowing crystal waters, spectacular mountains and affordability for every type of vacationers, Albania is taking its place as a real jewel of the Balkans. Should you arrive with an open thoughts and a tough plan, you’ll encounter a wealthy tradition like no different in Europe.
Whether or not you’re visiting for the primary time or are making a return go to, you’ll wish to take into account our roundup of the Albania’s most intriguing locations.
1. Theth
Greatest for climbing and journey lovers
A small village nestled within the Albanian Alps, Theth would possibly simply be essentially the most peaceable place to go to in Albania. Should you’re in search of superior climbing and dramatic landscapes to get pleasure from, don’t miss it.
When you get to Theth, two hikes are important. The primary results in the Blue Eye, by a forest, over rivers and eventually to a vibrant blue pure spring. This hike is simple to average, and really doable for less-experienced hikers.
The second is one in every of Albania’s hottest – and most lovely: the Theth-to Valbona-hike. This path begins from the highest of Theth village, close to Visitor Home Gjelaj, and leads by the mountains to breathtaking views on the high. It’s not for the faint-hearted, as it can take roughly 6 to eight hours to finish – however the effort can be effectively price it.
Planning tip: Ensure you convey money with you, as ATMs are few and much between, and playing cards are barely accepted.
2. Saranda
Greatest for summer time enjoyable
Saranda is the southern gateway to the Albanian Riviera and one in every of its greatest cities to go to, not least as a result of it’s near one of many area’s greatest seashores, Ksamil. Ebook a resort in Saranda, the place you’ll be near among the greatest eating places and nightlife within the nation. Then discover the close by seashores by day.
The most effective issues to do from Saranda is to hop on one of many day journey boat excursions that depart from the boulevard and go to the seashores of Kakomë and Krorëz. Tickets begin at €30.
Planning tip: The perfect time to go to Saranda is in Could, June or September when the crowds should not loopy however the seashore bars and eating places are open. As it is a summer time vacation spot, most companies shut in the course of the offseason.
3. Korça
Greatest for historic attraction
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If you go to Korça in Central Albania, be certain to walk by the Pazari i Vjetër, the town’s previous bazaar. Cobblestone streets and Ottoman-style structure testify to the location’s historical past, which stretches again to the thirteenth century.
If you go to this space, make sure to go to one of many many espresso homes within the Outdated Bazaar. Strive the favored, conventional alcoholic drink referred to as raki, produced from distilled grapes. You would possibly even catch somebody chasing a glass of raki with their morning espresso.
4. Gjirokastra
Greatest for Albanian traditions
Generally known as the Metropolis of Stone, UNESCO-listed Gjirokastra within the south of Albania gives a glimpse of a pre-modern previous. (It’s additionally the birthplace former Communist dictator Enver Hoxha.) After you’ve wandered by the city’s bazaar and brought in its spectacular citadel, make sure to take a wander round Zekate Home. Constructed between 1811 and 1812, this conventional household dwelling lovely brings to life Albanian home traditions. If you go to, one of many relations will present you round and clarify the totally different rooms and their functions.
Should you love wine as a lot as you do hearty meals, then you have to make a journey to Te Fuçitë (The Barrels), a household restaurant and vineyard. Right here, you’ll pattern the reds and whites alongside platters of native delicacies – and views of the vineyards and surrounding mountains.
Planning tip: Strive the dish referred to as pasha qofte, basically a cream soup produced from milk with small meatballs. It’s a scrumptious dish you’ll discover solely in Gjirokastër.
5. Dhërmi
Greatest for seashores
Should you’re craving much less tradition and extra mendacity about, getting a suntan and having fun with a dip within the sea, then you have to go to Dhërmi. One of many pearls of the Albanian Riviera, the city has idyllic seashores, fashionable seashore bars and views which may make you by no means wish to depart.
Dhërmi additionally hosts a number of summer time music festivals, together with the Kala Competition and ION Competition, making it a sizzling spot for youthful generations in search of totally different summer time vibes on the Mediterranean. Strive Restaurant Luciano for scrumptious meals overlooking the water, or head to Alevra restaurant and seashore bar to attempt super-fresh seafood with a twist.
Planning tip: Ensure you guide effectively prematurely in case you’re visiting in July and August, as inns could be booked out in the course of the festivals talked about above.
6. Shkodra
Greatest for exploring by bike
The town of Shkodra is a not like some other in Albania. If you arrive, you’ll discover many of the inhabitants peddling across the metropolis by bike – and it’s best to be a part of them by renting a cycle for the day. Begin by pedaling right down to Liqeni i Shkodrës to benefit from the lovely lake views.
When you’re within the space, be sure to go to Rozafa Fortress and ask one of many guides concerning the legend of Rozafa, a neighborhood girl reputed to have sacrificed herself throughout its building. If you attain the highest, you possibly can absorb a powerful 360-degree view.
Planning tip: Should you plan to deal with the Theth-to-Valbona hike and don’t fancy taking your baggage with you, ask about leaving your baggage at your lodging in Shkodra. It’s straightforward to get from the town onward to the mountain villages.
7. Lin
Greatest for a peaceable village vibe
Positioned on Lake Ohrid, Lin is a quiet village the place fishing is a major exercise, and life is in any other case sluggish and blissfully tranquil. At a hilltop archaeological website, you’ll discover the well-preserved mosaics of a Paleo-Christian church constructed within the sixth century. Should you go to within the summertime, the mosaics can be uncovered, and there must be a information who can let you know all about their historical past. From this vantage level, you can too admire the village from above – and even look over to North Macedonia within the distance.
8. Përmet
Greatest for white-water rafting and mountain biking
On a bend within the fast-flowing, turquoise Vjosa River – about 32km (20 miles) from Greece, from the place the river springs – the city Përmet is a hub for journey. From right here, you possibly can arrange actions from white-water rafting to tenting, climbing and mountain-bike driving on this mountainous area. As soon as an Ottoman-era business heart, Përmet is as we speak the middle of one in every of Albania’s greenest and most pristine areas. Certainly, the Vjosa was lately designated as a wild river nationwide park, Europe’s first.
Detour: A 29km (18-mile) taxi or bus trip away, the Bënjë Thermal Baths lie subsequent to an Ottoman-era bridge on the Lengarica River (a tributary of the Vjosa). In summer time, you possibly can choose up provides from small distributors right here; within the offseason, convey your individual meals and drinks.
9. Porto Palermo
Greatest for a crowd-free Riviera expertise
The triangle-shaped citadel is a superb purpose to cease at Porto Palermo, as are the gorgeous, unspoiled and peaceable seashores you may discover right here. Crammed with historical past and spectacular swimming bays, this under-visited Riviera city is a superb place for tenting. You may also lease a kayak and paddle alongside the seashores and quiet bays. As you kayak, you’ll see the previous navy submarine bunker located on the hill not removed from the primary seashores.
