Why you should Visit Albania?
Albania has been under the radar for the most part. Most travelers often go to its more popular neighbors like Greece. However, those who have visited this beautiful country have marveled at its hidden beauty like no other.
If you’ve been intrigued to see just how beautiful this country is, here are a few things you can strike off your bucket list when you visit Albania. You can also find and book Airbnb vacation rentals in Shengjin, Albania for you to have a place to stay and relax after a day’s activities.
Spend a day at the beach
Facing the Adriatic and the Ionian seas, Albania offers some of the most stunning beaches in the Balkan peninsula. Here are some notable beaches to visit:
Gjipe Beach
This “secret” beach is perfect for those who want a gorgeous stretch of white sand beach all to their own. This gem is hidden among mountains is quite a feat to get to being far from any major roads and requiring a good 30 minutes of hiking. But all off it is worth it as the views are stunning and the beach isn’t filled with tourists.
Llamani
This is another quaint beach found just 4km away from Himara. Unlike Himara’s crowded beaches, This picturesque stone beach has crystal clear waters in a backdrop of rolling hills. The main beach in Himara is great if you want a beach with a bustling seaside town but if you want something less crowded without going too far from civilization, Llamani might be the one for you.
Porto Palermo
Who knew beautiful beaches and ancient castles were a perfect match? Just south of Llamani beach, this unique location combines clear blue waters and a majestic castle both equally stunning. If you want a little dose of history while you relax at the beach, Porto Palermos is a must-visit.
Explore ancient cities and visit Albania castle’s
Speaking of castles, Albania is peppered with these longstanding stone structures just about everywhere. These stoic buildings acting as silent witnesses to Albania’s long and colorful past. Here are some of a few notable ones to visit:
Gjirokaster Castle
This eye-catching hilltop castle in southern Albania. Also known as Argyrokastro, this citadel dates back to the 1100s. It overlooks a strategic river-valley pass and has since been renovated numerous times over its long history. Today, the citadel and the town around it—declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is one of the major tourist destinations in Albania
Rozafa Castle
This striking ancient fortress is built atop a rocky hill overlooking three rivers named the Kiri, Dini, and Buna. Because of this highly strategic position, the castle has been contested over the centuries from the Romans to the Ottomans. Located just outside of Shkodra in northwest Albania, this castle has become quite popular among travelers throughout the years.
Berat Castle
This impressive 2000-year-old stone fortress is a prominent site in Berat, Albania. Like the Rozafa Castle ( you can read here about the Legend of Rozafa ), Berat Castle has been renovated countless times over the years with most of its structure dating back to the 1200s. The expansive landmark features 5 watchtowers, a few Orthodox churches, and a Mosque. It is also one of the few castle complexes with people permanently living inside.
Visit the City of a Thousand Windows
Not far from Berat Castle is the city of Berat. This fusion of old and new is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Albania. This town got its nickname from the eye-catching houses of the Mangalemi Old Town. Built at the foothill of the castle, this was historically the Ottoman quarter and offers the best view of Berat. Most of the houses date back to Ottoman-era and has since been preserved to this day.
If you are looking for more pieces of history then Onufri Iconography Museum is the perfect place to visit. The museum houses hundreds of historical Orthodox Christian iconographic works as well as other religious works of art. The building itself is a remarkable historical landmark that dates back to 1797.
Enjoy art and bunker-spotting
Concrete bunkers are ubiquitous in Albania. These were a relic from the country’s communist past and has been part of the landscape ever since. Over 170,000 bunkers were built by Enver Hoxha between post-WWII up until the 1980s. Today, these round structures have been largely neglected but some were converted into cafes, homeless shelters, and even art galleries as with Bunk’Art.
This used to be one of the few nuclear fallout shelters of the former Albanian leader which now houses a collection of communist-era memorabilia and a few contemporary art pieces which are open to the public.
Go nature tripping
If you want to step away from the cities and wander into nature, Albania has got you covered. Up in the northern regions of the country is the Albanian Alps, mountains known for its canyons and snow-capped peaks. This is a popular hiking destination for nature trippers with the Theth-Valbona trail being the most popular. This breath-taking trail takes you through Valbona pass famous for its spectacular views of the alps and the valleys below. The best time to visit is between May and October when the weather is generally more favorable.
Visit Albania’s “Blue Eye”
One of Albania’s hidden beauties tucked away in a lush forest. This natural blue hole is known for its crystal-clear waters popular among locals and tourists alike. Found just 30 minutes away from the town of Saranda. You can either rent a car or ride a bus to the site. No designated bus stops are in the are however so you have to inform your driver to drop you off nearby.
Take a day trip to Korce
Finally, a trip to Albania would not be complete without a visit to the vibrant city of Korce. This lively city is one of Albania’s top visited places owing to its unique vibe, architecture, and its people. Visit the bazaar and its many coffee shops and restaurants in quaint rustic buildings and cobblestone streets. Then go see at Albania’s largest Orthodox church ever built. And finally, climb the Red Tower and watch the sunset wash over the city. It’s only a short drive from Tirana and is popular as a day tour destination.
