Albania has not been a popular tourist destination for a long time. Until recently, few people would have thought of going on holiday to this republic. But in recent years, tourism in Albania has been developing very rapidly. People are attracted by both the region’s rich history and warm beaches.
Features of tourism in Albania
Despite the rapidly growing popularity, the development of tourism has been slowed down by a number of negative factors, such as illegal garbage dumps and violations of construction rules, as well as the activity of poachers. The European Union spends a lot of money on the development of tourism in this region. And this will certainly pay off, because visitors can expect:
- monuments from the times of Ancient Greece, Rome and the Ottoman Empire — many buildings that will be of interest to lovers of ancient architecture;
- incredible views of nature — impressive mountain ranges, forests and vast expanses will greet all lovers of nature tourism;
- clean seas — the water in Albanian reservoirs is clean, which is a big plus for beach holiday lovers;
- medical tourism — Albanian resorts are popular places to improve your health. And the fact that this region has recently become popular ensures reasonable prices for medical services.
Official name
The full form of the state name is the Republic of Albania. The name of the country (and «Albania» in the native language is written as Shqipëria) goes back to the Albanian verb shqipoj, which means «to pronounce clearly». Another version of the origin of the name is the word shqiponjë («eagle»). This version is supported by the fact that this bird has long been a symbol of the republic.
Geographical location
Albania is located in the southeastern part of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. This state is washed by two seas: the Adriatic and the Ionian. The republic borders Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia and Greece. Most of the territory is covered by mountains and hills.
The capital of Albania is Tirana. The city has no outlet to the sea, but tourists will find real oriental flavor, architectural monuments, impressive modern buildings and many other attractions.
Official language
The official language is Albanian, which is spoken by the indigenous population of the country. It is an Indo-European language, but its origin is quite difficult to trace. It differs from other representatives of the group in that words are greatly abbreviated. The most common is the Tosk dialect, but the following languages and dialects are also used in the country:
- Gheg dialect of the Albanian language — it is spoken by almost three hundred thousand people;
- Greek;
- Macedonian;
- Romanian;
- Vlach;
- Serbian.
Currency
The national currency of Albania is called lek. 1 euro at the current rate can be exchanged for almost 130 Albanian lek. Such a low rate is due to the not-so-great economic situation in the country. As for currency transactions, the main thing is to use official exchange points. If you are going to change currency on the street, then there is a high risk of being deceived.
There is no particular point in coming to Albania with their national currency. It is much better to take euros, which you can then exchange at a good rate. The dollar can also be exchanged, but the rate will not be as favorable.
Religion
It is not easy to define the main faith of Albanians. Islam is more typical for Kosovo Albanians, who are a separate group. Because of this, the opinion has arisen that all Albanians profess Islam. This is not entirely true. Among the rest of the population, there are both Orthodox Christians and Catholics. Albania is one of the oldest strongholds of Christianity.
It is a common misconception that the majority of Albanians are Muslims, but this is not entirely true: there are many Christian temples and churches in the republic.
Time zone
All of Albania is in one time zone. The time on the territory of this republic is UTC+2. At the same time, there is a transition to summer time, which is worth considering when flying to this country: at the end of March, the time is moved forward one hour.
Tourist cities
There are many cities in Albania that have become popular with tourists. Here are the main ones.
Durres is the second largest city in Albania, which is very popular. It has many attractions that are attractive to travelers. People come here to see the ruins of ancient Roman buildings and study the rich heritage of this region. In addition, there are beautiful beaches, where various tour operators are ready to provide rest.
Durres is the second largest city in Albania.
Berat is located in the south of Albania. This city also attracts supporters of archaeological tourism. The fact is that there are many well-preserved buildings from the Ottoman Empire. The city is very beautiful, as it is located at the foot of the beautiful Mount Tomor.
The city of Berat attracts many supporters of archaeological tourism
Tirana is the capital of the republic. It will be interesting to visit for all lovers of city recreation, especially for those who want to immerse themselves in the culture and atmosphere of Albania. Many museums, monuments to national heroes and art galleries await visitors here. Those who want to walk through a real eastern railway station can get a completely authentic experience — as in ancient times, there are many pickpockets on duty, so you should watch your wallet. Hundreds of counters sell goods for every taste, here you can try local cuisine and buy souvenirs.
Tirana is the capital of Albania, and a tourist can spend a lot of time there.
Korca is a city that can offer you a variety of leisure activities. On the one hand, it is located on a high plateau: there is beautiful nature, and the famous Lake Ohrid is nearby. On the other hand, it has a rich and interesting past, as the city was founded in the times of Ancient Greece. Besides that, there are many museums, but the city is truly famous for its carpets. Carpet weaving is more widespread in this region than anywhere else in Albania. For lovers of lazy relaxation, the resort of Pogradec is located nearby.
Korca is located on a high plateau, which offers a beautiful view.
Pogradec is a resort town located on the shore of Lake Ohrid. It was built not so long ago, but has already become one of the main places for medical or simply comfortable tourism. The clean water in the lake and wonderful views make the region unforgettable.
Pogradec is a resort area with clean water
Gjirokastra is a famous museum city, also known as the «city of a thousand steps». This is a very important site for Albania, as it has unique ancient architecture. The city is listed as a world cultural heritage, and its atmosphere reminds one of a journey to the real Middle Ages. All the houses together create a unique ensemble against the backdrop of the mountain, which attracts tourists from all over the world.
Gjirokastra attracts tourists with its impressive landscapes
Famous landmarks of Albania
When entire cities are cultural sites in themselves, it is not easy to single out individual landmarks. But in fact, there are many, and you just need to know where to look.
Skanderbeg Square
The center of Tirana is famous for its buildings in the style of Italian classicism. Here is the famous monument to Skanderbeg, the national hero of the republic. From here you can see the Hadji Ethem Bey Mosque, the Saat Kuda Clock Tower, and very close to the Opera and the National Museum. The square is an excellent starting point for sightseeing, but it is also an object of cultural value in itself.
The square is home to the famous monument to Skanderbeg, a national hero.
Mother Teresa Monument
The monument in the form of a nun with crossed arms is located in the city of Shkodra. This monument symbolizes service and devotion throughout life. For Albanians, it is valuable as an object that reminds us of the ability of each person to change the world for the better.
For Albanians, the monument to Mother Teresa is of great value
Mount Sara Saltiki
Mount Sara Saltiki is not only a wonderful viewpoint, but also a place where many other attractions are located. From the top of this hill near the town of Kruja, an unforgettable view opens up. From here, beautiful ancient cities are visible along the entire slope of the mountain. The lush vegetation and the ancient castle also attract the eye. The famous Skanderbeg Museum is located in the castle itself, and the Ethnographic Museum is located in the citadel, which is also visible from the mountain.
The mountain near the town of Kruja is a very beautiful place.
Gorica
Goritsa is a vast archaeological site where ancient fortifications have been discovered. Here you can enjoy both the view of the city citadel, which is surrounded by mighty walls, and the natural landscapes, because this site is located at the confluence of two rivers. Tourists come here to connect with the past and take wonderful photos.
In Gorica there are the mighty walls of the ancient citadel
Ancient ruins of the city of Butrint
The city of Butrint is located 160 km from Tirana and was supposedly built by the Trojans, although this is still not known for certain. Now the ruins of this city attract tourists. The acropolis, the remains of the theater, the temple of Aesculapius, the nymphaeum, the altar of Dionysus are well preserved. These and many other objects are very valuable for archaeologists. Well, if you suddenly get bored looking at the ruins, then not far from them there is a beautiful lake, as well as a seashore with equipped beaches.
The ruins of the city of Butrint are a good place to relax and study history
Albania at different times of the year
The Republic of Albania can seem very different depending on the time of year. Let’s take a closer look at the differences in vacations in different seasons.
Winter in Albania is quite mild. It lasts about two and a half months, and the temperature rarely drops below zero. This is a good time to visit the mountainous regions. Although there are no ski slopes in the mountains, their peaks are especially beautiful in winter. Thus, visiting the city of Peshkopi would be a good option, because there are many beautiful mountainous areas in its vicinity.
Snow in Albania lies only high in the mountains
Spring in the republic lasts from mid-February to mid-April. At the beginning of the season it often rains, but then sunny weather sets in. And on March 14, Albanians celebrate Summer Day. A festival in honor of this event is held in the capital of Albania, the city of Tirana. This holiday is dedicated to the arrival of warmth and ends with a grand concert. It is worth visiting it to soak up the atmosphere of Albania and try national dishes. Well, from mid-spring the swimming season opens on all major beaches of Albania.
Already in mid-spring in Albania you can safely open the swimming season
Summer in Albania lasts for half a year, and by May the temperature is extremely high. There is almost no rain, and the air temperature can reach 40 degrees. It is best to relax on the beaches at this time, of course, observing all the precautions. The beaches of Durres are an excellent choice. In the summer, the nightlife of Albanian cities really comes alive. If you are not a fan of the heat, it is worth spending time in hotels until the sun disappears. The city of Dhermi is an example of a resort with a rich nightlife.
Summer in Albania lasts almost half a year
Autumn in Albania is very short: the sea becomes too cold for swimming, and it often rains. The temperature in September and October remains quite high, so the resorts of Berat, Vlora, Ksamil are still popular. By November it gets colder, but the air temperature does not fall below 15 degrees. This is a good time to see the sights of the cities. The capital city of Tirana or the outskirts of Saranda are suitable for tourism during this period.
Cold autumn in Albania lasts only a month
Ultimately, the best option would be to visit Albania either at the beginning or end of summer. At the beginning of summer (from April) it is not too hot, and you can combine rest and sightseeing. At the end of summer, the air temperature becomes comfortable, and the water is still very warm. A beach holiday would be preferable at this time.
Sample plan for a short visit
If you only have a few days, it is worth planning your vacation carefully. It is best to rent a car if you want to visit more interesting places. Here, for example, is what you can do in Albania, having not so much time in reserve:
Start your journey from the city of Shkodra. After crossing the border from Montenegro, head straight there. You are interested, however, not only in the city itself, but also in the fortress of Rozafa. Inside the fortress there are several surviving buildings and a museum dedicated to its history.
Shkoder would be a great starting point as it is very close to the border with Montenegro.
Not far from the fortress is the so-called Lead Mosque. Its unusual name is associated with the construction method. According to legend, the masonry of the walls of this mosque was fastened with molten lead. You can visit it without spending much time.
The Lead Mosque is located very close to the Rozafa Fortress
In the area you can see a beautiful bridge over the river Kir, which is an example of Ottoman architecture. Not far from it is the fortress in the city of Lezha. If you have only one day, then visiting this city will be the final point of your journey.
The view of the bridge over the river Kir is very impressive.
You can arrive in Tirana by nightfall. It is worth taking care of the hotel in advance. You can even have time to arrange an evening walk around the beautiful city.
In the late evening you can take a walk around the city
On the second day, it is worth visiting the city of Kruja. There is a museum of the national hero Skanderbeg, as well as the ruins of a fortress. In addition, you can find inexpensive restaurants there where you can have a tasty snack. The rest of the day is best spent exploring neighboring cities and the life of local residents.
The city of Kruja is recommended for visiting because of its attractions.
The entire third day can be dedicated to the city of Durres. It is not without reason that this city is considered very important in historical and aesthetic terms. There are many very beautiful places in it, and the spirit of the republic is felt at every step.
You can spend quite a bit of time in Durres, given how important it is for the republic.
If you have at least a week, it is worth staying longer in the capital and seeing the sights: visiting several museums and visiting memorable places. And, of course, having enough time in reserve, you can also devote attention to a beach holiday.
The main reasons why tourists visit Albania are obvious. These are relatively low prices for vacationers, a warm sea and a rich past of this region. It does not matter whether you came here for a quiet rest or to learn more about the historical past of Albania — you will certainly find what you are looking for. It is worth seizing the moment, because the popularity of Albania is growing every year and, accordingly, the prices for vacations and real estate in this region may soon increase.
Tourist map
Tourist map
