Every year Albania welcomes thousands of visitors who fall in love with the country and its people. If you are thinking about visiting this beautiful country, consider these 10 reasons to visit Albania!
1) Tirana
Tirana is the capital of Albania and is full of history, culture, and pride. The city has undergone many transitions over the years and so its personality can change as you walk through it. My favorite place in Tirana is Park Rinia, which is at the center of town. There are flowers everywhere and it's easy to find a place where you can have a picnic.
2) Vlora
Located on the Ionian Sea, Vlora is a coastal town that features nature reserves with birdwatching and eco-tourism opportunities. The town has 2 long promenades with places to picnic or swim. Vlora is within a short distance of Gjirokastra, one of the most famous medieval towns in Europe, with Venetian and Byzantine architectural influences. Many nearby waterfalls are worth visiting as well for their natural beauty.
3) Saranda
Few places in Europe have retained such a traditional culture and way of life as Albania. Most tourists who visit the country come to Saranda and travel through the Albanian Riviera, making this city one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Visitors here will find great beaches, bars, restaurants, and hotels from which they can enjoy their stay in this colorful coastal town.
4) Shkodra
Albania is one of the least visited European countries and one of the most untouched by modernization. Found in the Balkans, it's a scenic country with deep valleys, rolling hills, and quaint villages. Shkodra is where you'll find some of the region's oldest architecture: it's home to thirteen mosques and ten Ottoman bridges that are still intact today. If you're looking for a quieter place to explore in this region, Shkodra would be a great choice!
5) Durres
Durres, also known as Durrës, is the third largest city in Albania. With a population of around 160,000 people, it is the capital of the surrounding county and forms a major economic center for this area of Eastern Europe. It is bordered by a natural deep harbour and has been important for trade and culture for centuries due to its strategic placement on the coast.
6) Gjirokastra
Gjirokastra is a sleepy little town that sits atop a steep cliff on the banks of the river Osum. Not only is it one of the most picturesque villages in Albania, but its location has made it an important defensive stronghold for over three thousand years. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Gjirokastra has been used as an observation post and military base by both civilizations such as Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans.
7) Berat
Berat is a town of about 20,000 people and one of the largest settlements in the southern part of Albania. It has been inhabited since as early as 10,000 BC and holds a wealth of cultural heritage from various civilizations. Home to many iconic sites like the Kapllan Pasha Mosque, Berat Castle and Kulla e Manastirit, a fortress dating back all the way to 1300 BC. Its historical Albanian Muslim architecture is worth admiring too.
8) Valbona Valley, Dukat, & Skrapar
Valbona Valley, Dukat, and Skrapar are three of the most popular mountain destinations in Albania. Once they're on your list you should also add to your itinerary the breathtaking vistas at Gjirokastra, the castle and fortified town at Kruja, and other nearby sites in Northern Albanian like Rrëshen and Tepelena. You'll quickly learn why these places are now part of this underrated country's modern identity.
9) Ohrid
Ohrid is the second largest city in Macedonia, and a lovely place to visit. There are also popular tourism sites in Ohrid that everyone should visit at least once during their lifetime. The historical sights of the Ottoman Empire are accessible, as well as its archaeological sites and beautiful old homes built on a hillside with wonderful views of the town below. Definitely make a stop in Ohrid on your next European vacation!
10) Apollonia
A port city in southwest Albania, Apollonia became a Roman colony in 168 BC. It is one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in the country, thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Perched on a hill overlooking the water and surrounded by impressive stone walls, it is difficult not to be in awe of this architectural achievement. Tourists can explore inside Apollonia as there are plenty of ruins from different periods still visible today.
0 Comments