How do you imagine paradise to be? With lots of sunshine, cleanliness, serenity, and incomparable beauty? Do we always think of Paradise as a place of green mountains and fields, sand, sea and so many flowers and butterflies? Well, Albania has all those I mentioned above and more.
This little place is blessed with 360 sunny days. The mountain and plain relief have self-painted landscapes so simple and beautiful that people only have to enjoy them. The beauty of the Albanian landscape remains in the eye of the beholder, we do not want to push you to think that Albania is for real a paradise because we think so.
Albania is an adorable Mediterranean country where virgin nature and its many cultural mysteries blend in with one another. It is a country that has a lot of history that you could actually get lost in the details. Why Albania? Because this country has it all, the people, the sea, the mountains, the rivers and lakes and “buk e kryp e zemer” which means it doesn’t matter if you are poor or rich as long as you have a good heart.
Albanian people are known worldwide for their hospitality and that’s what makes that country feel like a paradise. Welcome to Albania the country that treats its guests as kings/queens.
Do you prefer a mountain or the sea?
Here you find them all! And not to forget the many rivers and lakes.
Whether embarking on a journey from snow-capped mountains to winter and poppy fields in spring, Albania’s landscape is ever-changing, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy some warm summer vacation on the beach or a mountain trip in the fresh air in autumn.
But what more could you search for? I can tell you that Albania is a Paradise for many reasons. One of them is the way the land meets the sea and the sea touches the sky. This is done in such a harmonious way that you think it is hand made yet it is created billion years ago and today it has reached its perfect position.
Albania is known to be a place of fairies, myriads, and heroes that do not wear capes.
All the Albanian cities and towns and even the far far away villages have a legend to tell. We call Albania a fairytale country because no matter how many bunker’s Hoxha built and how many skyscrapers are being set up nowadays the history and myths go on in the corners where nobody has tried to ruin.
On the most hidden corners of this country, you will hear tales about fairies and their heroes, about people that turned into rivers and mountains, or people that were immured and not forgotten. In this little Mediterranean paradise called Albania, you will hear stories about strong women such as Rozafa and Shota. You will learn dances that will lift your spirit up, and hear songs that bring joy to your life. In this little Mediterranean paradise, you will drink your coffee and have a little chat with the person at the next table as you knew them for years.
Albania hospitality
Of course, hospitality makes every place a warm nest where you want to come back whenever you are given the opportunity.
I mentioned above about chatting with people at the table next to yours, but there is more. In this country, unlikely in any other country, you will see people get beyond themselves to help you. You will meet people who will invite you for a coffee or for lunch at their house. But you will also meet people who will fight you over who has to pay because in Albanian culture, the guest shouldn’t pay.
The warm hospitality of Albanians known worldwide makes every traveler feel good in this small country full of love. As part of the country’s rich cultural traditions and heritage, visitors to Albania are always guests of honor.
If you have the chance to come even once you will find it hard to forget this place. With its very clean and pristine coastline, spectacular mountains, fantastic river valleys, and many other natural surprises.
Many of the country’s major cities are located along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts. But many others might not have the sea as their armor and their jewel but they have their history.
I can mention some such as Gjirokastra with its beautiful castle and limestone streets. Gjirokastra is an open door to Albanian culture and history. There, you can find a little paradise of cultural events and places. The house of the Albanian dictator, which was born in Gjirokastra is nowadays the museum of the town where you can see parts of his life. But also how other people of the region lived. However, not only Hoxha’s house but the Babameto and Zekate house are also a great insight into the life of people 300 years ago. The beauty of these houses is outstanding. That and more Gjirokastra which is not a coastal town has to offer.
Albania and history
I mentioned Gjirokastra as a noncoastal town but there are more beautiful noncoastal towns that deserve a visit.
Shkodra, located by the biggest Albanian lake of Scutari is a historical and natural treasure. This town of beautiful myths about powerful women and men that changed its history forever is a must-see town. The streets filled with bikes, the cultural places all around, and people who speak in a beautiful Albanian dialect will leave you amazed.
Berat on the other hand with a castle and a great mythological tale will steal your heart in a heartbeat. And the 1000 windows seem almost as unbelievable when first seeing them. High mountains and a river in between are the jewelry of this town. But also the sunny coffee shops and the heartwarming people are there to support you on every step.
Korca is another Parisien fairytale in Albania. No, there is no Eiffel tower, there is however a coffee that is named the Little Paris. It is however called the little Paris because of its aristocracy and delicacy. The people of this town are very kind and observant of what you do. They have manners and a different dialect which makes Korca a unique place in its own style.
However, there are so many towns and villages that need one’s attention to detail to understand them. But once you do you will fall in love with this little Mediterranean paradise.
As an important gateway to the Balkans, Albania’s road enables connections with its neighbors to the south, north, east, and west.
Albania is so close to all major European capitals and we are sure that this small unexplored treasure awaits a bright tourist future from around the world.
A few days of relaxation can’t be easily forgotten in sunny weather and clear skies, in crystal clear seas and high mountains with fresh air where you breathe freely, and also near the Albanians who give you only smiles and warmth.
And inevitably when you leave this country, all that’s left to say is: “Albania, is a paradise on Earth”!
