Albania is a misunderstood nation with tons of misconceptions from the skin world. Whereas many individuals suppose Albania is a backward, repressive, and chaotic nation, that couldn’t be farther from actuality. Sure, Albania was a Communist nation for over 4 many years and remoted itself like modern-day North Korea. Nevertheless, occasions have modified, and Albania is open for tourism.
And for Individuals, Albania is amongst Europe’s most pro-America nations. Should you don’t consider me, go round telling locals you’re from America and depend what number of occasions you communicate to a relative in the US on the telephone or get provided free raki. Albanians are heat, hospitable individuals, and so they made us really feel proper at house throughout our 2.5 weeks there.
This lovely, underrated Balkan gem will quickly explode on the tourism market. With untouched nature, historic historical past, and wonderful espresso tradition, Albania will spotlight any European tour. Listed here are my 7 greatest locations to go to in Albania for an thrilling trip.
Sarandë Blue Eye
Only a 30-minute drive from Sarandë, the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a water spring set inside a verdant forest. The crystal-clear water and shades of turquoise amongst the dense foliage kind a fairy-tale setting. Descending to over 50 meters, the Blue Eye pumps recent water to the floor with unbelievable power. An underwater cave sits beneath the blue water and resembles the pupil of an eye fixed, therefore the nickname. When you can rent a taxi or lease a automobile, a minibus from Sarandë is the most cost effective approach to get there.
The Blue Eye is the supply of the Bistricë River, and its crystalline waters movement into the Ionian Sea. Whereas indicators say no swimming, guests typically dive from a platform into the spring. Diving is harmful for the reason that water is freezing chilly, and the extraordinary water stress can carry you downstream. The fast-flowing stream pulled one woman from the spring, and a buddy rescued her.
Eating places, cabins, and present retailers sit alongside the paths and boardwalks for respite on this pure paradise. Discover a secluded place to relax, and you might spot some wildlife amongst the oak and sycamore bushes. Whereas I sat beside the aquamarine water, a snake began swimming instantly at me. The unbelievable readability of the water helped me spot the slithering serpent from far-off, and I discovered one other hangout spot.
Ksamil
Positioned 14 km south of Sarandë on the Albanian Riviera, Ksamil is one in all Europe’s most underrated seashore locations. With small, white-sand seashores, turquoise bays, and forested islands offshore, Ksamil is my favourite spot on the Albanian Rivera. The Greek island of Corfu sits reverse alongside a slender channel, so your Ksamil seashore vacation will mimic a Greek trip. Nevertheless, your cash will go additional lounging on the gentle sands of its idyllic coves.
Every cove may have a restaurant or bar that lays out lounge chairs for its patrons. And should you don’t pack a lunch, seize some fresh-caught fish straight from the Ionian Sea. Many coves have platforms the place beachgoers can dive straight into the chilliness waters and swim again to shore. You may as well lease a kayak and paddle across the Ksamil Islands. Whereas excessive season (July-August) can get busy, shoulder season affords a calmer vibe to search out secluded spots across the village.
Butrint Nationwide Park
Simply 4 km past Ksamil lies Butrint Nationwide Park, house to an historic Greek and Roman metropolis. Maybe probably the most well-known archaeological web site in Albania, Butrint resembles historic ruins present in Greece and Italy. Previously known as Buthrotum, the Epirote Greek tribe of the Chaonians had been the unique inhabitants of the realm. In accordance with legend, Helenus, son of King Priam of Troy, based Buthrotum after the autumn of Troy.
Buthrotum later grew to become a Roman colony in 44 B.C., the place it was house to veteran troopers. Buthrotum vastly expanded throughout Roman rule, and lots of constructions from this era stand right this moment. All through its historical past, Buthrotum witnessed durations of Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman.
A few of the most preserved monuments of Butrint embody the Roman theatre, the Nice Basilica, Venetian Citadel, Lion’s Gate, and baptistery. An archaeological museum beside the Venetian Citadel tells Butrint’s unbelievable historical past and has artifacts discovered throughout previous excavations. The pure surroundings of Butrint Nationwide Park is wealthy with marshlands, freshwater lakes, grasslands, coastal islands, and verdant forests. Butrint’s numerous ecosystem homes bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, otters, crimson foxes, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, aesculapian snakes, and extra.
Llogara Move
Albania’s SH8 is among the many greatest coastal drives wherever on the earth. Stretching alongside the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, the drive showcases the beautiful fantastic thing about Albania’s shoreline. The star attraction and highest level of this highway journey is the Llogara Move at 1,043 meters. As you drive the serpentine freeway, you rise into the clouds and face the Ceraunian Mountains.
The twisting highway has a number of pullouts to admire the epic surroundings the place the mountains meet the ocean. Llogara Nationwide Park sits beside the move and has thrilling paragliding departure factors. The crisp mountain air, pine forests, and Ionian Coast vistas make Llogara a spotlight of your Albania highway journey. Llogara Move has a number of eating places that mix conventional Albanian delicacies with spectacular views.
Sarandë
Positioned on a horseshoe-shaped bay on the Ionian Sea, Sarandë is the tourism epicentre of the Albanian Riviera. The resort city involves life throughout summer season and hosts sun-worshippers looking for their seashore paradise. Whereas Sarandë options luxurious condos, pristine seashores, and fabulous seafood eating places, it has sights for any traveler.
Rolling inexperienced hills adorned with olive groves distinction in opposition to the turquoise Ionian waters lapping in opposition to pebbled shores. For the perfect panoramic views of Sarandë, head to the hilltop Lëkurësi Citadel that overlooks the seaside city. The medieval fort that after helped guard the strategic harbor now homes a restaurant. Wander the grounds fort grounds to search out concrete bunkers courting to the Communist interval.
Doubling as a bus cease, the Sarandë Synagogue ruins date to the fifth century A.D. and embody elaborate Jewish mosaics. Additionally a part of Sarandë’s historic historical past is the Monastery of 40 Saints that overlooks the Ionian Sea. The Jap Orthodox monastery was a serious pilgrimage web site of the area for hundreds of years. And for wine connoisseurs, Shesh i Bardhë white wine from the close by Delvinë District is a wonderful selection.
Krujë
Simply 30 km from the Albanian capital of Tirana, Krujë is pricey to the hearts of Albanians. Krujë is Albania’s medieval capital and the place nationwide hero Skanderbeg defended the nation from the invading Ottoman Turks. Through the fifteenth century, the extremely expert army commander fended off a number of Ottoman sieges till his demise in 1468. Krujë Citadel is the place Skanderbeg led the riot, and the medieval fortress stays a supply of Albanian satisfaction.
Krujë sits on the base of Mount Krujë at roughly 600 meters above sea stage. From the fort, admire the wonderful vistas overlooking Tirana, Durrës, and the Adriatic Sea. For genuine Albanian souvenirs, wander the cobblestone streets of the Outdated Bazaar. The colourful market options boutiques that promote silver jewellery, ceramics, leather-based items, handcrafted materials, copper decorations, and nationwide costumes.
Inside Krujë Citadel, the Skanderbeg Nationwide Museum is regarded by many as Albania’s most essential museum. Displays current the proudest moments of Albanian historical past and showcase the chronicles of their nationwide hero. The museum additionally features a duplicate of Skanderbeg’s sword and horned goat’s head helmet. Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum holds the genuine objects as a consequence of Skanderbeg’s spouse taking them to Italy upon his demise and their passing to quite a few noblemen.
Throughout our keep in Krujë, we slept beside the fort on the base of Mount Krujë. The host household ready a sundown dinner for us with a picturesque setting overlooking the attractive panorama. And with views of rocky peaks from the bed room, it was a romantic keep for {couples}.
Theth
I have to admit one thing earlier than I start. Throughout our journey, we didn’t get the chance to enterprise to Theth. Snow blocked the highway resulting in the magical alpine village in Might. Theth was the highest vacation spot on my Balkan bucket checklist, and the information disenchanted me. Each time we return to Albania, Theth is cease #1 for our subsequent journey.
Positioned within the Albanian Alps, Theth is a mountain lover’s fantasy with rugged landscapes and epic hikes. To succeed in the village, you’ll be able to lease a 4×4 car or take a 3-hour minibus trip from Shkodër. City life fades into oblivion because the highway winds deep into the Accursed Mountains. Whereas exploring the northern reaches of Albania, it’s simple to confuse them with the Swiss Alps. The highlights of the distant village embody the Nineteenth-century church, Kulla “blood feud” Tower, and Theth Waterfall.
However should you’re an avid hiker like myself, the spotlight is the adjoining Theth Nationwide Park. The park options the Shala Valley, granite peaks, karst formations, verdant forests, and crystal-clear rivers. No hiker ought to miss the breathtaking Theth to Valbona hike that programs by the 1,795-meter Valbona Move. Throughout your time in Theth, don’t miss the attractive trek to the Theth Blue Eye. And for an additional must-do exercise in Northern Albania, trip the two.5-hour Komani Lake Ferry that connects Koman and Fierze.
