This text was initially printed in February 2018.
Already travelled to Greece or not eager on the crowds in Italy? It’s time to look subsequent door to Albania.
Albania has lengthy flown beneath the radar – however issues are altering. This attractive nook of the Balkans is full of untouched seashores, mountains, historic citadels and a number of the warmest hospitality in Europe.
Right here’s why Albania needs to be your subsequent journey – and what to anticipate if you get there.
Legendary hospitality
One of many first stuff you’ll discover in Albania is that you simply’ll be made to really feel proper at house. That’s largely as a result of hospitality is without doubt one of the 4 pillars of the Kanun – a centuries-old code of honour that originated in northern Albania within the Center Ages and continues to form day by day life.
There’s even a proverb within the Kanun that claims: ‘Earlier than the home belongs to the proprietor, it first belongs to God and the visitor.’ Travellers are sometimes handled like household – whether or not it’s being invited in for espresso or provided seemingly infinite photographs of raki. In Albania, you’re by no means removed from a pleasant face to level you in the correct course.
Learn extra: An expedition by means of the hearts and houses of Albania
A layered tradition
Like byrek, the nationwide pie, Albanian tradition is wealthy and layered. Its roots hint again to the traditional Illyrians, however you may as well see the influences of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans in every little thing from structure to delicacies and music. Folks traditions are additionally robust, particularly Albanian iso-polyphonic singing – a fancy vocal method featured on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage checklist.
Albanians even have some great cultural quirks. You may discover that folks nod for ‘no’ and shake their head for ‘sure’, making for some amusing makes an attempt to interrupt by means of the language barrier!
Public minibuses (furgons), the primary technique of transport, don’t have timetables – they have an inclination to depart when full. And within the evenings, some cities grind to a halt for xhiro, a day by day ritual the place locals take to the streets for recent air and a chat. Maintain a watch out for scarecrows connected to homes too – they’re not leftover Halloween decorations, however an age-old superstition to beat back envy.
Scrumptious meals
All that strolling and reverse-nodding will little question depart you hungry, however fortunately you’re in the correct a part of the world for a feast. Albanian delicacies is a mix of Balkan heartiness, Turkish spice and Greek freshness. Sharing meze (small dishes) is an enormous a part of the tradition, normally involving hours spent on the desk, savouring meals slowly with a glass of raki – a powerful fruit brandy and Albania’s nationwide drink. Be warned: raki magically seems on the desk whether or not you ordered it or not!
If robust spirits aren’t your factor, Albania additionally produces a formidable array of wines, particularly from areas like Berat and Korça.
Don’t miss native favourites like tavë kosi (baked lamb with egg and yogurt), byrek (savoury pastries) and fëgesë (slow-cooked tomatoes, peppers and cottage cheese). Seafood is recent and ample alongside the coast, and with Italy simply throughout the Adriatic, good pizza is straightforward to search out.
And at all times depart room for dessert. Anticipate honey-drenched baklava, revani (sponge cake soaked in syrup) and sheqerpare (butter cookies).
Nature
In order for you nature, Albania delivers. It’s wealthy in biodiversity, with hundreds of plant species unfold throughout the nation’s 15 nationwide parks. Within the north, you’ve acquired the Albanian Alps, aka the Accursed Mountains, which supply a number of the finest climbing trails within the Balkans. And simply wait till you see the electrical blue water of the Shala River.
Over within the east, Lake Ohrid – straddling Albania and North Macedonia – is claimed to be one of many oldest lakes on the planet, with loads of alternatives for swimming and watersports, whereas Karavasta Lagoon alongside the coast is a primary spot for birding with over 230 species.
Alongside the southwestern coast lies the Albanian Riviera, the place you’ll discover turquoise water and soft-sand seashores that aren’t half as swamped as Greece or Croatia. There’s additionally some nice diving right here, with underwater caves, reefs and even Roman-era shipwrecks.
And don’t be shocked if you find yourself sharing the street with a flock of sheep and a shepherd or two – even on the outskirts of Tirana. Herding sheep and goats continues to be a powerful custom all through the nation.
Cities
Tirana
The Albanian capital is splashed with color, inexperienced areas and a mighty persona. Begin by exploring its Chilly Warfare bunkers – eerie remnants of Enver Hoxha’s communist dictatorship. It’s thought there are as many as 750,000 of them! The biggest, Bunk’Artwork, has turn into a up to date artwork area, whereas others have been was nightclubs, museums, cafes and even houses.
Within the centre of city, you’ll discover the Pyramid of Tirana – constructed in 1988 by Hoxha’s daughter as a monument to him and now a cultural hub. Different highlights embody the Ottoman-era Et’hem Bey Mosque and the New Bazaar the place you’ll discover every little thing from spices to handicrafts. Or simply sit down with a chilly Tirana beer in one of many metropolis’s many cosy pubs.
Kruja
Simply north of Tirana, on the foot of Mt Kruja, lies the medieval city of Kruja – a former capital and the birthplace of Albania’s nationwide hero, Skanderbeg, who is widely known for main a profitable resistance towards the Ottomans within the fifteenth century. Discover the partitions of the previous fortress, chat to distributors promoting rugs, homewares and antiques in one of many nation’s oldest bazaars, and take a look at the Ethnographic Museum housed in an Ottoman-era residence.
Berat
Often called the ‘city of a thousand home windows’, UNESCO-listed Berat is filled with well-preserved Ottoman-era homes that line the cobbled streets. The Thirteenth-century Berat Fortress overlooks the town and will simply cross as a filming location for Recreation of Thrones. Alongside the Osumi River, you’ll be able to go rafting or take a scenic stroll by means of the encompassing canyons.
Shkoder
The laidback lakeside metropolis of Shkoder within the north is usually dubbed Albania’s cultural coronary heart. It’s a gateway to the Alps and near the Montenegro border. As one among Europe’s oldest cities, you’ll discover many architectural kinds as you wander the Outdated City. A go to to the 14th-century Rozafa Fortress is a should.
Useful journey data
- Visas: Many nationalities can enter Albania with out a visa for brief stays. Be sure you examine the most recent entry necessities.
- Language: Albanian is the official language in Albania, with two predominant dialects – Tosk within the south and Gheg within the north. English is broadly spoken amongst youthful folks and in touristy areas.
- Finest time to go to: Albania shines from late spring to early autumn, when the climate is heat, dry and ideally suited for hitting the seaside, exploring the Alps or sightseeing within the cities. Although quieter than a few of its neighbours, summer season (June to August) is peak season, so intention for Could or October if you wish to dodge the crowds.
Prepared for a Balkan journey? Discover Intrepid’s small group adventures in Albania.
