Things You Should Know Before Visiting Albania

Situated to the east of the Balkan Peninsula, Albania is a country that is perfect for outdoor activities and adventure travel. Here's what you should know before visiting Albania for the first time.

Facts About Albania

Geography

Map of Albania / depositphotos (pavalena)

Albania borders Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, Greece to the southeast and south, and the Adriatic and Ionian Seas to the west and southwest, respectively.

Albania's terrain is mountainous. Mountains and hills more than 200 meters above sea level cover almost three-quarters of the country. The flat, fertile plains of western Albania stretch for about 200 km along the Adriatic coast and penetrate 50 km into the country. It is the country's most important agricultural and industrial area and also the most densely populated.

Population

Albania has a population of nearly 3 million people. Albania's population is one of Europe's most homogenous, with non-Albanians accounting for less than a tenth of the total. The Gegs (Ghegs) in the north and the Tosks in the south are the two main subgroups of Albanians. Vlachs, Greeks, who live mostly in the southeast, and Macedonians, who live near the eastern border, are the greatest minorities.

Language

Linguists are interested in the Albanian language, which is termed shqip or shqipe by Albanians and is a descendant of the defunct Illyrian tongue. It is the sole surviving member of its branch of the Indo-European language family. Geg, which is spoken north of the Shkumbin River, and Tosk, which is spoken south of it, are the two main dialects. Geg dialects are also spoken in Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, and Tosk dialects are widely spoken in Albanian populations in Greece and Italy, although being rather archaic due to decades of absence from their homeland in Albania.

Economy and Currency

Albania's economic transformation hit a snag in 1997 when individual investors became victims of a pyramid finance fraud that wreaked havoc on the country's economy and sparked weeks of chaos. This disarray, which was exacerbated by the Kosovo conflict at the end of the decade, resulted in acrimonious political division, which hindered the Albanian economy's progress for several years. Nonetheless, economic reform proceeded, and by the beginning of the 21st century, Albania was seeing a moderate yearly increase in GDP.

In the early years of the 21st century, Albania experienced an increasing trade imbalance. Italy, Greece, Turkey, Germany, and China are among its significant commercial partners.

The currency of Albania is the LEK, which is divided into 100 qindarka. The Albanian currency is named after the Albanian prince Lekë Dukagjini, who lived in the 15th century.

Best Time to Visit Albania

Annual climate table of max and min daily temperatures and precipitation for Tirana.

April-June and September-October are the best periods to go to Albania — you’ll escape blazing coastal summer heat and brutal winter alpine cold, making them excellent for walking, cycling, watersports, and flopping on the beach.

If you'll be traveling during the summer vacations, you don't have to worry - many beaches have only a fraction of the tourists compared to their Mediterranean counterparts, and some of them are even more beautiful.

The cold winter in the mountains is ideal for snowshoeing. The rest of the country is cold and wet, so it's best to avoid it this time of year.

*More about tourist season and weather in Albania you can read at Albania - Season and Weather

Best Places to Visit in Albania

Albania is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination every year due to its wonderful natural environment, intriguing ancient monuments and hospitable people.

Albanian cities and beautiful landscapes hide many magnificent ancient castles, mosques and architecture from the Ottoman era, a result of the country's long and interesting past, making it a fascinating place to visit.

9 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Albania:

1. Albanian Riviera

Jale beach - a hidden gem in the Albanian Riviera / depositphotos (lukaszimilena)

The Albanian Riviera is possibly the most popular tourist destination in the country. With several major music events, the Riviera is gaining a reputation as an essential music destination. Nightclubs attract young people from all around Europe to Albania's Riviera.

Due to its crystal-clean beachfront, Dhermi is undoubtedly the most well-known Albanian beach. Drymades beach is located just near Dhermi. A breathtaking harbor with a brilliant blue sea and one of Albania's top beaches. Gjipe is one of the nicest beaches to visit for the most daring and outgoing. This pristine, gorgeous bay is hidden among the mountains. Jale beach is a picturesque location where you may participate in a variety of exciting activities. You may also go to the beaches of Himara, Llamar, Livadhi, and Borsh (the longest).

2. Kasmil

The Ksamil Islands are a collection of three small islands lying just off the coast and accessible only by boat from the town of Ksamil. The islands are one of the main symbols of the Albanian Riviera. Ksamil Islands are a perfect example of Albanian landscapes in their purest and unspoiled version. Visiting the Blue Eye spring is an essential part of a vacation in Ksamil.

3. Butrint National Park

Ruins of Amphitheatre in Butrint National Park / depositphotos (master2)

Butrint National Park encompasses a peninsula that borders the huge Lake Butrint on one side and the Vivari Channel on the other.

Over 1,200 different types of animals and plants reside amongst its scenic wetlands, hills, and islands. The main attraction is the amazing archaeological site which covers over 2,500 years of history; this includes ancient city walls, remnants of a Roman theater, a Byzantine Basilica, and two castles.

4. Saranda

Aerial view of Sarande / depositphotos (Dudlajzov)

Saranda is blessed with year-round mild weather, lovely seas, and a leisurely way of life due to its wonderful location on the Ionian Sea. While the seashore is a little overdeveloped, with its line of identity-less residential towers, there are plenty of beautiful areas to roam about in Saranda, as well as plenty of pubs, restaurants, and souvenir stores.

5. Tirana

Skanderberg Square, Tirana / depositphotos (YAYImages)

Tirana's vibrantly colorful sidewalks hide magnificent buildings from the Ottoman era, as well as Italian architecture that showcases the country's diverse history.

Several excellent museums and art galleries are worth a visit. Of particular interest is BUNK'ART, which used to be a huge government bunker and now houses art installations.

Also worth a visit is Dajti Mountain, which can be reached by cable car. It's a picturesque place to spend an afternoon taking in the fantastic views of the city and the lush nature all around.

Tirana is lively at night and the trendy Blloku district has many pubs, cafes and restaurants.

6. Kruje

Kruje is a must-see for anyone visiting Albania for the first time. Kruje is home to the Skanderbeg Museum. Housed in Kruje Castle, the museum is one of Albania's most important and popular tourist attractions. The castle offers a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea. Kruje is also adjacent to the Qafe Shtama National Park and the Sari Saltik Mausoleum.

7. Berat

Landscape of Berat with Gorica Bridge / depositphotos (Dudlajzov)

Berat, often known as "the Town of a Thousand Windows," is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the Balkans. Many Ottoman-era mosques and Byzantine churches are spread around the town, which is built on a hill. One of the best places to see Berat is from the banks of the Osumi River, which runs through it. While merely meandering about Berat is a pleasant way to spend time, the town also includes a beautiful 13th-century hilltop castle worth visiting for the spectacular views.

8. Gjirokastra

Historic city center of Gjirokastra / depositphotos (Darkdriver)

Gjirokastra, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is without a doubt one of the greatest sites to visit in Albania. Unique Ottoman-era architecture can be seen all across Gjirokastra, which features a military museum and an art gallery in its spectacular castle that dominates the skyline.

Gjirokastra is well-known for being the birthplace of world-renowned novelist Ismail Kadare and Albania's former dictator Enver Hoxha, whose former residences are now museums.

9. Llogara Pass

The Llogara Pass is one of Albania's most well-known landmarks, with the route delivering one of the most breathtaking drives in the world. The route, which is located in the heart of the Llogara National Park, ascends to nearly 1,000 meters above sea level and provides breathtaking views. There is a good selection of restaurants at the top of the pass, which are great places to enjoy some of Albania's most amazing views.

*For a list of all the amazing places, as well as a map of the attractions Albania has to offer, follow this link Most Beautiful Places in Albania

Written by: Tim Smith Tags: Albania, Europe