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10 REASONS TO VISIT ALBANIA
1. Some of the best beaches in Europe
The first reason why everyone should visit Albania, is for the pristine beaches of the south coast. Like its famous neighbors Greece, Italy and Montenegro, Albania is home to terrific beaches that suit everyone: no matter if you prefer sandy or pebble bays, Albania has them all. The best coastal part of the country is called Albanian Riviera and starts after the Llogara pass, a mountain pass near the city of Vlora, and ends in Ksamil, a small town near the Greek border.
2. The Albanian Alps
One of the most beautiful and yet least-visited parts of the country is the north. Almost everyone who visits Albania prefers to spend some time in the capital and then head south. But if you have extra time—and we suggest you to find it—don’t miss the chance to spend few days in the north. The mountains offer spectacular trails, breathtaking panoramas, and beautiful nature.
3. Archaeological and UNESCO wonders
Wandering through UNESCO sites and ancient archaeological parks without crowds: do you think it is impossible? Well, not in Albania! As if the cheap prices, beautiful beaches and gorgeous mountains were not enough, Albania is also home to terrific archaeological towns, such as Butrint and Apollonia, and enchanting hamlets, such as Berat, Gijrokaster, and Korça, which looks like it’s come straight out of a fairy tale.
4. Ever-changing capital
Tirana is an exciting city where things are just starting to grow after years of being closed to the world during the communist era. Apart from the foreign investment everywhere, younger Albanians are also returning to Tirana after years abroad, in turn, infusing the city with a fresh energy of entrepreneurship. Now with more bars and clubs opening up across the capital, Tirana has never felt so youthful.
5. Cities stood still in Time
Albania is full of history, including the beautiful UNESCO towns of Berat and Gjirokaster, which have some of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman-era architecture. Another important site is Butrint, an ancient Greek and later Roman city.
6. There are many beautiful hidden Religious Sites
On your way through Albania, you’ll constantly see signs for historic monasteries and churches, and they are all quite lovely and set in remote areas. Make sure to visit some of these churches during your visit.
7. The food is fresh and delicious
With such a strong rural culture where everyone grows their own food, you can only imagine how fresh everything is. The seafood in Albania is also excellent, and with a distinct Italian influence, you’ll probably end up eating one of the best seafood linguines of your life.
8. Unspoilt Beauty
One of the best things about Albania at the moment is the lack of tourists. Yes, you’ll come across people while hiking or relaxing on the beach, but it will never be too much to become overwhelming—especially in the off-season months and in areas away from major cities.
9. Travelling in Albania is an adventure
A trip to Albania is a real adventure. If you don’t like travelling off the beaten path, change your plans and go elsewhere. If you rent a car here, you’ll understand. People tend to cross the road when they want, drivers do whatever they want and animals love to relax and sleep in the middle of the streets. Needless to say, driving in the country can be quite a challenge.
The other option, if you don’t want to rent a car, is to travel through the country by bus. Albanian travel can be a challenge – there are no official bus timetables, so be prepared to be patient and ask locals where the stops are. We strongly suggest renting a car, because buses will not necessarily get you where you want to go.
10. You’ll encounter generous, friendly locals
While known for their fiery debates and boisterous personalities, Albanians are actually very welcoming to tourists. They are genuinely excited to share their unique lands and traditions, and appreciate when folks visit, especially if you enjoy a spirited conversation over food, drink, and coffee.
Like other countries in the Balkans and around the Mediterranean, Albanians are a social people: they are known to linger to chat with shopkeeps and are fans of an evening stroll, sometimes just to see who they might run into. Even if you don’t speak Albanian, a smile and a wave will get you a long way, and you might just get invited to the table.
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