Albania, the region in Europe that offers something or the other to each type of visitor, is a country famous as frequently visited tourist destination. This is because if you visit the place once, you mind will captivate the most touching attractions that include friendly, open-minded people, the mesmerizing Ottoman cities, more historical locations, and splendid panorama of the mountain along with appealing villages.
Edged by Montenegro and Kosovo on its north, the region is surrounded by the Republic of Macedonia on its east, Greece to its southeast, and Italy on the west of the Mediterranean at the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. In fact, Italy is only at a distance of 75 km from Albania.
Inviting its each visitor to stun him/her with its natural beauty, Albania ensures that none of its tourists leaves without taking the ever-lasting memories. Archaeologists can scrutinize the intricate locations of Butrint and Byllis for days, while history-lovers can spend time in visiting the old castles, Ottoman citadels, and the museums of Berati and Gjirokastra. For art experts, Albania offers the medieval churches adorned with charming frescoes – hardly anything is known about these religious places and the iron items in Tirana – the capital, Korça, and Berati. In addition, hikers can practice to become an expert on the Albanian Alps or the Tomorri massif, while cyclists will love the current ancient tracks. Lastly, remembering the gourmets, this place is just perfect for the delicious cuisine, organic fruit, and vegetables.
The formal language being Albanian, Greek is widely understood. In addition, Italian, French, and English are also well known.
History
- March 1991:
Albania was remembered as the last country to host multi-party elections in Europe. - March 1992:
The first democratic year been unstabled, the elections at this time brought political stability in the country. - Early 1997:
The country had to witness unfortunately the advent of the civil war due to the disintegration of pyramid-banking plans. After this, the country went through the stage of political stability and economic opulence. - 2005:
This time marked as the first nonviolent delegation of the political power to another government as a result of the parliamentary elections.
Etiquettes
Holding a tremendous secular population, 70% of people here are Muslims and the remaining percentage form the Orthodox (autocephalous Albanian church) and Catholics. Despite this, people live in peace and harmony and follow some common etiquettes.
People greet each other by shaking hands when they meet each other and when are setting apart. Usually, the ‘yes’ gesture is indicated by nodding the head horizontally; while ‘No’ is signifed by elevating the eyebrows a little, sometimes along with a tender hit of the tongue.
Further, all Albanians take out their shoes in their houses. This is etiquette is also followed while visiting other people’s homes. To a visitor while being within the home, an Albanian will provide a pair of slippers or plastic sandals signifying that no one is allowed to walk bare foot while in indoors.
Tourists’ Attractions
Listed below are the captivating offerings of Albania.
- Butrint:
If you love history and are interesting in excavations, this is just the place for you! It is a historical city that offers archaeological relics dated back prior to 2,500 years. Here, you can even get yourself to try among the recommended walks or can explore the park with a boat trip.
- Apollonia:
This is another city holding archaeological sites, but is abandoned. - Durresi:
This is the famous Roman amphitheatre. - Byllis:
Yet another site of excavation, the journey to this city is bit tough but it is worth to get here. - Rozafa Castle:
Located in Shkodra, this marks as the last citadel of the country to be seized by the Ottomans in 1479. It was constructed prior to the Roman invasion. In 1913, it was utilized for military reasons after which no such remarkable use is noticed. - Kruja:
Just an hour of journey from Tirana, this is the abode of the lead, Skanderbeg who used to live here with his family in 15th century. The worth visiting attractions are the medieval fortress within whose walls are the two appealing museums and the reinstated Ottoman bazaar in the castle’s exterior. Also accredited with the best shopping place in Albania for traditional crafts and souvenirs, the bazaar here offers felt-makers, rug-weavers, and antique dealers. Among the souvenirs, Albanian flags, copper plates, and ashtrays that are bunker-shaped are sold in many small shops here. The shopping options leaving Kruja are Tirana hosting some souvenir shops, Gjirokastra offering an artisans’ co-operative, and Butrint holding a souvenir stall. - Gjirokastra and Berati:
These two are the Ottoman cities that offer their distinct native architecture and impressive castles existing atop the surrounding hills. - National Collections:
These refer to the set of religious art at Tirana, Korca, and Berati exhibiting breathtaking icon paintings belonging to the 16th century artist Onufri and his descendants in the 18th and 19th centuries. - Voskopoja:
Located near Korca and known as the biggest city in the Balkans, Voskopoja is worth visiting due to its churches and cathedrals with lively charm of frescoes. However, not much is known about these churches even today. It also hosts an academy where once coaching was held for the performers.
- Mount Jezerca:
This is peak point of Albania located at an altitude of 2693 m or 8835 feet towards distant north in Dinaric Alps. - Lake Shkodra:
Known as the largest lake in the Balkans in the southwest, this water pool spans the boundary between Albania and Montenegro. - Lake Komani:
Offering you a ferry ride that is the only internal boat journey, the lake is edged with tall cliffs on its both the sides. During the ride, seek for cormorants, herons, and golden eagles. - Trekking:
Offering superb mountains and top accommodation with guides, you can opt to hike at the two areas namely, the Albanian Alps in the distant north and the Tomorri massif in the southeast. In addition, outdoor Albania offers you hiking, skiing, and mountain-biking tours in any part of the country. - Tirana’s Communist Structures:
These include the frescoes and statues in the middle area, the abode of Enver Hoxha, and its mausoleum in shape of a pyramid. In addition, do not forget to visit the Martyrs’ (partisans) cemetery holding a statue of Mother Albania. This place is approachable via a bus or taxi. - Beaches:
Sloping gently and becoming rougher further, you can opt to sunbathe or swim in one of the charming beaches. You can also find beaches at the lakes, but these ones are dirty and populated in the peak season. - White-water Rafting:
Select this adventurous sport in the stunning ravines of the Osumi River along with the guides provided by the Outdoor Albania (www.outdooralbania.com). - Cycling:
Take up this activity to take the pleasure of the scenic Gramoz Mountains right from Korca to Permeti. The best way to enjoy cycling here is to enjoy the spectacular views and eating food collected from the restaurants on the journey. - Birdwatching:
If you are a nature lover, go to the coastal marshlands of Karavastaja, which is the home of the Dalmatian pelican (Kune-Vaini), eagles, spoonbills, and herons. - Classical Music Concert:
Including Opera, ballet, and concert performances can be seen in Tirana at a large scale anytime during the year.
Passports and Visa
A visitor of any nationalism must have a valid passport. However, visa is not required for British, Australian, Canadian, USA, and other EU countries. For other nationals, enquiry is a must. However, a return ticket is mandatory. Except for the nationals of the Czech Republic and Poland, all others have to pay €10 at the airport.
Reaching Albania
- By Air:
Tirana International Airport (TIA) is the closest airport at 25 km from the capital. An hourly bus takes you to the city that runs from 0700 and 1900. The national airline is Albanian Airlines (LV) that provides flights to London during the period of July to September from where you can get flights to reach Tirana in 3 hours. - By Water:
Durresi is a port that can take you to/from Bari (9 hours), Ancona (18 hours), and Trieste (a day) in Italy. Next, comes Vlora that provides ferries to reach Brindisi (6-8 hours). - By Road:
Tirana is well connected with Ulcinj (Ulqini); Podgorica in Montenegro; Prizreni in Kosova; Debar, Struga, and Ohrid in Macedonia; and Kastoria (Kosturi), Athens, and Ioannina in Greece.
In the country, a good network of railway from Durressi can take you to Tirana, Shkodra, Vlora, and Pogradeci. Further, bus services are good enough to take you to any city or town.
