Albania Travel Guide

What to do in Albania

Now, first things first; Albania is not your average European destination, it surely is not a resort in the true sense of the term. In fact, one would find most of the European destinations here missing. Rather than the crowded and overtouristed centres of resorts, one finds unspoiled beaches, charming hilltop towns, with a vibrant blend of ancient and modern culture. Best of all, there are very few tourists.

Visiting Lively Tirana

There is no bus station to speak of, the roads are full of holes, the main square is in chaos, the buildings are painted in bright colors, and there is the huge, utterly useless pyramid right on its center. Yet, despite all this, Tirana is so very charming.

All of this architectural engagement, from Italian to Communist to postmodern, seems to clash together in the beige successive waves of high-rise and mansion blocks that now delineate central Blloku, once off-limits to all but Party members during Communist times. Today, and with the rampant espresso sippers and chic bar openings, it's easy to get a sense that this city is en route to normality, at least in the sense that other European capitals are.

Ascent of Mountain Dajti

One can see the dark, huge shape of Mount Dajti from Tirana; its wooded slopes invited the city residents on sunny weekends. Regardless of the relative closeness to the capital, the mountain trails provide the illusion of quite a distant network. The base of the cable car is a bit beyond the end of the public transport line, though, but the final leg of the journey can be completed by taxi, and taking a cab is even more common on the way down. A number of restaurants on the hill offer even more reason to linger. It's worth combining this with a visit to Bunk'Art, near the cable-car station in Tirana.

Discovering Kruja

Kruja town, at 35 km from Tirana, was the epicenter of national hero Skanderbeg's resistance to the Ottoman invasions in the 15th century, with his likeness seen all over town. Most people head straight to the castle, inhabited by a number of restaurants and an excellent History Museum with a fascinating collection of weaponry and icons inside a modern interior.

Also inside the ramparts is the Ethnographic Museum, a beautiful building with a quiet open-air courtyard. There are souvenirs to buy all over town, but the most picturesque place to buy your Albania-flag T-shirt, Skanderbeg statuette or Mother Teresa lighter is the restored Ottoman bazaar just below the road up to the castle.

Trekking in Valbona Countryside

The picturesque Valbona Valley follows a river of the same name, embedded between towering peaks of karst limestone, which reach up to 2690m and boasts some of the most picturesque homesteads in all Albania: there is no better way to get a true taste of country living. There are well-marked trails, well-suited for any kind of abilities, while maps can be got from Rilindja restaurant, which is also an unofficial information and trekking hub.

Soaking Up the Atmosphere of Berat

Few places in Albania are as enchanting as the footbridge in Berat. There you stand, abreast of a surging river, faced with clusters of Ottoman houses, their dark rectangular windows staring from whitewashed walls like a thousand eyes. The Gorica district lies to the south of the bridge, cast in the shadow of a rugged rock backdrop; to the north is the sun-drenched Mangalemi district. Both are presided over by hills that are ringed with ancient fortifications and topped by the citadel's great bulk. The interior of this citadel houses the remarkable Krasta, one of the best old towns in the Balkans.

A Look at Gjirokastra's Streets

Overlooking the sparsely inhabited Drinos Valley, Gjirokastra is one of the most beautiful towns, and home to some of the most friendly people in Albania. An important Ottoman trading hub, the city had and still has running features of houses from that time. It is also known as the birthplace of the former dictator Enver Hoxha and the world-renowned author Ismail Kadare.

Cheer at the Beaches of Saranda

Looking towards Corfu, Saranda is probably Albania's most enticing point of entry. In recent years, building booms have slightly altered the original atmosphere of the town, but it remains a fine place to kick back, stroll along the promenade, and plow into some cocktails over the sunset. The best beaches fringe the town about 20km south, at Ksamil.

When is the Best Time to Travel to Albania?

June-August—Summertime in Albania. Warm and fine weather—with a very good chance for you to visit one of its great beaches on the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, of course, and also its picturesque mountain villages. Summer is also the most preferred period for cultural festivals throughout Albania, in which traditional people's typical music, dances, and food are served for the public.

Visit in late spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October) for a quieter experience with fewer tourists. The weather remains mainly temperate here, maintaining the comfort of not getting the really hot temperatures but allowing you to take in all the natural beauty and historical features of the country without feeling hemmed in.

Winter sports enthusiasts willing to admire the Albanian charm beneath winter attire should come between December and February. Since the mountainous areas are literally lined with skiing and snowboarding areas, towns like Korçë will be hosts to you with great festive spirits and a feel of Albanian winter traditions.