Albania is a small country in the west of the Balkans peninsula, sharing borders with Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Greece. You might have heard of Albania as a country with a strong communist dictatorship that lasted about half a century, or you might have heard of Albanian places making their way up to top destination lists year after year in prestigious magazines or websites. Either way, with the tours in Albania you can understand that it still remains one of the least discovered countries in Europe, hiding behind that Mediterranean coastline it’s jewels.
If you are a summer person, then the Mediterranean is the right area for you, and the Albanian coastline might just be the perfect pick for your summer vacations. Virgin unspoiled beaches, either small pebbles or white/golden sand is there to give life to your dreams of a beach paradise. The beauty of the land, combined with the clarity of the crystal clear blue waters of the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, accompanied with a climate of more than 280 sunny days a year, will make you come to Albania every summer.
But maybe you are a mountain person? Then the rugged Albanian mountainous area is your choice. The stunning view of the Albanian Alps makes everyone feel free and embraced by nature. And speaking of nature, gorgeous view you can also get in the Easter Albanian Mountains, where the thick forests make you wonder if you are lost in its mids. Or either you would prefer mountains that go directly to the sea? Maybe kayaking in the rushing waters surrounded by the Canyon of Osum? All you have to do is to choose.
And if you would prefer to check out some history spots on our tours in Albania, then you will have a harder time making your pick. The history of Albania goes quite far back, with the first settlements around 500 BC from the Illyrian tribes. From history, Albania has inherited a vast number of castles, historical and archaeological sites, all waiting for you to discover.
So, from which part of Albania do you choose to be amazed?
Facts
Population: 2.9 million | Capital: Tirana | Language: Albanian | Surface: 28,748km2
When you think of a European capital, on your mind crosses Paris, Berlin, Vienna, and other special cities like these. But, if you haven’t heard of Tirana before these lines, then this is your lucky day. Besides that the Albanian capital is located in the same time zone as the above capitals, the city has been taking a more and more European appearance in the past years but still, it has it’s own distinctive elements of the Albanian culture and from it’s communist period.
Berat, with ancient history from 2400 years ago, is located along the stream of river Osum and in the middle of the great mountains of Tomorr and Shpirag. Berat has always been one of the most preferred cities for foreigners during their tours in Albania. It is located on the side of a rocky hill and in the same place was settled the ancient town from the Illyrian tribes. It has been conquered many times but its castle has always been famous of being very difficult to invade as it was situated in a hilltop overlooking the whole area. Today it has the nickname of the city of a thousand and one windows, coming from the panoramic view of the houses on the hill. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. In tours in Albania, in berat you will notice all the well-preserved houses of original Ottoman architecture. Besides the warm atmosphere that the city itself offers to you, you will also get a glimpse of the Albanian tradition here, starting with the cheerful welcoming.
Gjirokastra, the stone city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated in the southern part of Albania, on the slope of the hills of (Mali I Gjere), overlooking river Drino. The first traces are to be found in the 1st century A.D. It became an urban center by the 13th century. Gjirokastra is mentioned for the first time in a document of 1336, under the name Argyropolihne (the township of Argyro). Later the town became known as Argysokastro. Gjirokaster had been under the Byzantine dominion till the late 14th century when it passed under the control of the Albanian feudal Prince Zanebisha. Gjirokaster was captured in 1432 by the Ottoman Turks, who called it Erigeri. In 1811, the Great Ali Pashe Tepelena, after bombarding the fortress with artillery, forced the town to capitulate. Later Gjirokastra played an important role as the cradle of the patriotic movement of the Albanians for freedom and independence. Nowadays Gjirokastra is one of the most attractive towns in Albania. Gjirokastra or so-called “the town of one thousand steps” or “the stone town” is of particular interest for its native architecture.
The ancient city of Butrint is much preferable to be visited as an archaeological center, where antiquity and beauty intertwine. The archaeological excavations show that Butrint has been an important center of the Kaonian Illyrians, one of the big tribes of southern Illyria. According to discoveries made in the area, it has been proved that the site was inhabited as early as the Paleolithic period. In the 6-th century, BC Greeks from Corfu settled here, alongside with Illyrians and the new colony prospered as the result of the trade. By the fifth century BC, Buthroton was an Illyrian fortified city. In the fourth century, BC Butrint had fallen to Epirus, and in 167 BC it was taken by Rome. It was a seat of a Byzantine bishop in the 10-th century. Butrint was captured by the Normans in the eleventh century and passed to Venice from 1690 to 1797 when Ali Pasha Tepelena captured it. With the fall of the Pashallek of Janina, in 1822, Butrint passed under Ottoman rule until 1913. Several excavations dating from the 1-st and 4-th centuries AD can now be visited, among them the Old Amphitheatre, the temple of Asclepiads or Aesculapius, the Baptistery, Nymphaeum and the ancient city walls. Do not miss the Baptistery, with a floor of colorful mosaics. An old fortress housing a small museum watches over the whole site.
The Karavasta Lagoon is the largest lagoon in Albania and one of the largest in the Mediterranean Sea. The Karavasta lagoon has many pine trees and small sandy islands. The lagoon is famous for the rare Dalmatian Pelican which nests there: In fact, 5% of the world’s population of this type of pelican is found in this lagoon.
Albania is strategically positioned on the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea inside the Mediterranean Sea, with a coastline of about 476 km (296 mi). All the coast has some amazing and crystal clear beaches which attract a big number of tourists, especially during summertime. That is the main reason why the Albanian Riviera has always been included in the itinerary of all the tours in Albania. The coast between Velipojë and Shëngjin in the north is characterized by curative sand beaches, and a few lagoons near Lezhë, perfect for bird-watching. Between Durrës and Vlora in Central Albania, the coast is characterized by long stretches of sandy beaches and several lagoons. Along the Albanian Riviera in the south, the coast is mostly rocky but it also has sandy beaches, with the presence of several islands like Sazan, Zvernec, Ksamil, and Tongo. Albanian Riviera is one of the most preferred destinations in Europe by tourists because of the unexplored beaches. Delicious food, amazing beaches, friendly people, that’s what makes tours in Albania attractive for everybody.
