Locked between dramatic mountain faces and azure blue seas; it’s nothing
short of a miracle that Albania hasn’t made it onto the mainstream
tourist trail yet.
“
Shqipëria” to the locals, it’s known to its natives as the land of
the eagles, a moniker adopted from folklore tales passed down from
generation to generation. They tell of how a young Albanian saved an
eaglet from certain death at the fangs of a venomous snake. And it’s
that willingness to do things for others that sums up the spirit of
the country.
Albanians are known for their hospitality, kindness, and affinity for
knocking back glasses of homemade Raki. The days of communist
dictatorship are a distant memory for all but a few. Albania is looking
ahead to a brighter future.
There is no better time to visit than now.
The author of article, the blogger Tiny Rucksack suggest 5 places in Albania that everyone should visit. Here they are:
BERAT
Tucked between the Tomorr mountain (which locals claim to be the resting
body of a fallen giant) and the Osum river,
Berat is the jewel in the
crown of Albania. Home to 60,000 people, many of whom tell tales of
being forced to work in the munitions tunnels carved by the Communist
government into nearby hills. It’s a town of two halves – the winding
medieval white-washed streets cut a course on the right bank of the
river, while an altogether more modern settlement is the hub of the town
on the left bank.
High above the town lies its castle – a fortress built to protect the
town and her inhabitants from Byzantine raiders. Once it was a front
line of wars between powerful empires vying for control. Now a slippery
marble paved road keeps all but the most determined flip-flop clad
tourists from reaching the top.Consecutive invasions of Berat have left the town with a mixture of
architecture. The Turks brought their influence, as did the Communists.
An interesting mish-mash of styles pleasing to the eye, and the camera.
Valbona National Park
Misty mountains and alpine streams dominate in this untouched corner
of europe’s unexplored country. The traditional way of life is slowly
changing in the steep-sided valleys. Farmers are turning their hand to
hosting trekkers looking for adventure.
The region borders Kosovo, territory fiercely claimed by both Serbs
and ethnic Albanians. It’s home to wild dog, wolves, and some say
bears. But don’t let this put you off. The mountains offer fantastic
trekking, climbing and camping.
Albania is becoming a stoic pinpoint on the map for travellers from
around the globe. New roads are being built, hotels are under
construction, and the country is planning to build a second airport, at
Kukës – development which’ll make getting to northern Albania much
easier, and visiting a more attractive prospect.
The “not to be missed” Lake Koman ferry
A ride along Lake Koman is only comparable to a trip on the Norwegian
fjords. Bottle green trees meet the waters edge along the breathtaking
route. The landlocked lake through the ‘accursed mountains’ is actually
a hydro-electric damn, but also forms part of an ancient route from
Kosovo to Albania. The rickety ferry stutters into life several times a
day, passing which scenery has to be seen to be believed.
photographers dream, the landscape could have been plucked from the
Lord of the Rings trilogy. Mountains tower above the lake as it weaves
its way to Fierza. It’s a route used by tourists and locals alike –
meaning it’s a great chance to practice pigeon Albanian (or sit back,
have a beer and take in the views).
Lake Koman is the most scenic route to travel to the Valbona National
Park from Shkodër. It has been described as “one of the world’s great
boat trips”.
Himarë
This sleepy fishing village on facing out toward the Ionian Sea
remains relatively untouched by Aussie backpackers flaunting flip-flops
and tales of far-flung lands. Sea food restaurants line the sea front
enjoying unspoilt views over the town’s beach.
Less than half an hour’s stroll away from the Xhiro is ‘Albania’s Ibiza’
– Jala. Toned men and bikini-clad women descend on the beach to drink
at its bars, swim in crystal clear waters and ‘be seen’ during the
summer month. It’s a world away from the serenity of the surrounding
villages.
Reminders of Albania’s communist dictatorship past are ever present. On
a clear day the Greek island of Corfu is visible – too visible for
those once in Tirana’s corridors of power awaiting an imminent invasion
which never came. The now defunct fortifications line the roads leading
between the coastal towns and villages.
Tirana – the capital city
Probably Europe’s weirdest capital city. At first glance Tirana
doesn’t have a huge amount to offer a wondering soul, but its quirkiness
makes it worth at least a day stop-off. The International Center of
Culture (or the Pyramid of Tirana) tops the Albania’s list of the weird
and wonderful. Opened in October 1988 was intended to be a museum to
Enver Hoxha – the leader of Albania’s communist cult. The pyramid new
sits empty and derelict. It’s an ad hoc climbing frame for plucky locals
and tourists hoping to get that “perfect selfie”.
Tirana of the centre of Albanian life. Smartly dressed men and women
weave their way between the chaotic traffic like in any other European
capital. It’s the home of the country’s night life, especially the
Blokku area, a section of town formerly reserved for the country’s
elite.
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